What makes Fish Heads and Tails by Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie notable?

Fish Heads and Tails received critical acclaim, helping the band gain traction in the UK charts, particularly with singles like Amsterdam. The album's success contributed to the burgeoning alternative rock movement of the late '80s in Britain, influencing later acts that followed their stylistic lead. Released in January 1989, Fish Heads and Tails was Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie's second studio album, following their debut, Good Deeds and Dirty Rags. This album marked a significant moment in their career as they began to establish themselves within the UK alternative rock scene, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth.

Who is Fish Heads and Tails for?

Fish Heads and Tails works well if you're into short bursts of catchy energy, playful irreverence and wit and late-night sing-along potential.

How many songs are on Fish Heads and Tails?

Fish Heads and Tails has 10 tracks, running approximately 32 minutes.

Fish Heads and Tails

Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie · 1989

32 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of edgy alternative rock and sharp storytelling wrapped in catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Amsterdam — As the opening track, Amsterdam sets the tone for the album with its infectious energy and vivid imagery of urban life, encapsulating the band's knack for storytelling.
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Face to Face — This track showcases the band's ability to blend melodic hooks with introspective lyrics, making it a standout moment that resonates with listeners seeking deeper connections.
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Sick of You — With its biting lyrics and driving rhythm, Sick of You captures a sense of youthful rebellion, reflecting the frustrations of a generation disillusioned by conformity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong hooks and storytelling but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

Several songs feature layered guitar riffs and prominent vocal harmonies, creating a rich sound texture.
The last two tracks shift in tempo, with 'Mystery Train' introducing a slower pace before the live track 'Knockin’ on Joe' closes the album.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

short bursts of catchy energy
playful irreverence and wit
late-night sing-along potential
vibrant snapshots of youth
upbeat tracks for road trips

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, introspective pieces
seek serious, solemn themes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1989, Fish Heads and Tails was Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie's second studio album, following their debut, Good Deeds and Dirty Rags. This album marked a significant moment in their career as they began to establish themselves within the UK alternative rock scene, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors: The Wonder Stuff· The Mission· Ned's Atomic Dustbin

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Amsterdam 3:25
2 Somewhere in China 3:02
3 Calton Hill
4 Secrets
5 Face to Face 3:32
6 Sick of You 3:14
7 Green Turn Red 4:00
8 Pleasure Search 3:34
9 Mystery Train 3:42
10 Knockin’ on Joe (live) 7:44

What to play next

Listen next

Hammer and Tongs

1991

Go back to

Good Deeds and Dirty Rags

1989

Full Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie discography Artists like Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata