Released 45 years ago today
Boodle Boodle Boodle
The Clean · 1981
16 min · 5 tracks · indie rock
A lo-fi tapestry of jangly guitars and playful rhythms, echoing the DIY ethos of early indie rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Billy Two — This opening track showcases the band's signature sound with its catchy hooks and infectious energy, setting the tone for the rest of the album.
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Anything Could Happen — The song captures a sense of whimsy and spontaneity, reflecting the adventurous spirit of the early 80s indie scene.
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Point That Thing Somewhere Else — With its extended runtime, this track demonstrates The Clean's ability to blend experimental elements with accessible melodies, making it a standout piece on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases innovative songwriting within a distinct lo-fi sound, influencing early indie rock.
What we noticed
- The first track features a prominent jangly guitar riff that sets a playful tone, while the second track introduces a more driving rhythm.
- Each song varies in tempo and mood, with 'Sad Eyed Lady' slowing down significantly to create a contrast with the preceding tracks.
- The production is intentionally lo-fi, with raw vocal takes and minimalistic arrangements that emphasize the DIY aesthetic.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- quick bursts of playful energy
- whimsical charm in short tracks
- spontaneous moments of joy
- for casual gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy, immersive albums
- seek polished production values
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Boodle Boodle Boodle marked The Clean's debut album following their formation in 1978. At this point, they had already gained a reputation in New Zealand's burgeoning music scene with their unique sound blending punk energy with pop melodies.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bats· Pavement· Yo La Tengo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Billy Two 2:20
- 2 Thumbs Off 3:00
- 3 Anything Could Happen 2:38
- 4 Sad Eyed Lady 3:04
- 5 Point That Thing Somewhere Else 5:30
What to play next
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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