Strange Boutique
The Monochrome Set · 1980
35 min · 11 tracks · new wave
A vibrant blend of new wave and punk rock, filled with playful lyrics and eclectic instrumentation that captures the spirit of early 80s British music.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Monochrome Set (I Presume) — This opening track establishes the album's quirky tone through its catchy melody and witty lyrics, setting the stage for the band's distinctive aesthetic.
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The Puerto Rican Fence Climber — With its infectious rhythm and playful storytelling, this track exemplifies The Monochrome Set's ability to mix humor with social commentary.
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Espresso — This song showcases the band's clever wordplay and melodic sensibility, offering an upbeat yet introspective exploration of everyday life.
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Goodbye Joe — Blending melancholy with a lively tempo, this track captures the essence of fleeting relationships, highlighting the band's knack for juxtaposing themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic songwriting and playful lyrics but lacks some cohesion in its pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a playful, syncopated rhythm and layered guitar lines, setting a vibrant tone.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and unexpected instrumental breaks.
- The lyrics often employ humor and surreal imagery, which is evident in tracks like 'The Puerto Rican Fence Climber' and 'Love Goes Down the Drain'.
- The instrumentation varies widely across tracks, with the use of horns and synthesizers alongside traditional rock elements.
- 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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7/10
- 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
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
- playful energy for social gatherings
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- lighthearted themes and witty lyrics
- quirky charm on a sunny
Maybe skip if you
- prefer serious, introspective content
- seek lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 1980, Strange Boutique was The Monochrome Set's debut album. At this time, the band was emerging from the London punk scene and beginning to carve a niche within the new wave genre, showcasing their distinctive sound and lyrical wit.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Wire· The B-52's· XTC
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Monochrome Set (I Presume) 5:12
- 2 The Lighter Side of Dating 2:42
- 3 Espresso 3:11
- 4 The Puerto Rican Fence Climber 2:59
- 5 Tomorrow Will Be Too Long 2:59
- 6 Martians Go Home 2:01
- 7 Love Goes Down the Drain 2:27
- 8 Ici Les Enfants 3:06
- 9 The Etcetera Stroll 4:42
- 10 Goodbye Joe 2:42
- 11 The Strange Boutique 3:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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