Sheep Farming in Barnet cover

Sheep Farming in Barnet

Toyah · 1979

47 min · 13 tracks · punk rock

A frenetic blend of punk energy and experimental sounds unfolds, showcasing Toyah's theatrical vocal prowess against chaotic instrumentals.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Neon Womb — This track opens the album with a compelling mix of urgency and introspection, establishing Toyah's distinctive sound while exploring complex themes of existence.
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    Indecision — With its punchy rhythm and sharp lyrics, this song encapsulates the angst of youth and uncertainty, serving as a quintessential example of Toyah's lyrical style.
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    Victims of the Riddle — This track stands out for its abstract lyrics and captivating chorus, illustrating Toyah's ability to weave intricate narratives within a punk framework.
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    Computer — By tackling themes of technology and alienation, this song showcases Toyah's forward-thinking approach, blending punk with socio-political commentary.

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 energetic punk elements with experimental touches, establishing Toyah's unique voice in the genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features rapid drumming and aggressive guitar riffs, setting a frenetic pace.
  • Toyah's vocal delivery ranges from melodic singing to spoken word, creating a theatrical dynamic across the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Waiting

    At a pivotal moment in the song, the lyrics shift from introspective contemplation to an urgent call for action.

    This transition creates a contrast that emphasizes the tension between passivity and desire for change, highlighting Toyah's thematic depth.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Neon Womb 4:22
  • 2 Indecision 2:47
  • 3 Waiting 3:17
  • 4 Computer 3:06
  • 5 Victims of the Riddle 3:38
  • 6 Elusive Stranger 4:55
  • 7 Our Movie 3:03
  • 8 Danced 5:14
  • 9 Last Goodbye 3:01
  • 10 Victims of the Riddle (Vivisection) 3:52
  • 11 Race Through Space 3:17
  • 12 Bird in Flight 3:56
  • 13 Tribal Look 3:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata