Description
The self-titled debut album by the British rock band The Predators was released on Marshalls in 1982. (Marshalls was a label with historical connections to Pilgrim Records.) The album was produced by John Pantry. (At their beginning in the late ’70s, the band was first known as Thin Ice.)
The song “Plastic Surgeon” had previously been released on the multi-artist compilation Shots In The Dark.
In the early ’80s The Predators were brewing up quite a storm, particularly in the north of England on the Christian live circuit. Yes folks! Those were the days when there was a live circuit for gigs and The Preds (as their fans called them!) were quickly gaining a reputation for good solid music and theatrical live performances. In 1982 the band recorded their debut album and for some reason the record label thought it would be good for the King of MOR John Pantry to produce them. The resulting album works better when the band aren’t trying to rock since Pantry effectively rubbed smooth the rougher, rockier edges of their sound. However, there are places where that works to their advantage on the more delicate songs like «Maybe Tomorrow» and «Emotional Upset» which explore relationship issues. The band were always good at tackling difficult subjects and «Don’t Burn That Cross» which looks at racism is a highlight along with live favourite «Plastic Surgeon» which in its own way looks at the nature of the Devil. «Don’t Mess Around» and «Sunday Boy» are short, sharp, edgier songs and «Where You Going» and «Never Said A Word» are both cod reggae with more than a passing resemblance to The Police as singer Kev Smith does his best Sting impression. In many ways this is definitely a period piece but young bands could learn a lot from The Predators’ approach to songwriting and ministry. As for me, this brought back a few memories! [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, December 2008]
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Sunday Boy”
A2. “Man of the War”
A3. “Don’t Burn That Cross”
A4. “Don’t Mess Around”
A5. “Maybe Tomorrow”
A6. “Never Said A Word”
Side Two
B1. “Plastic Surgeon”
B2. “Emotional Upset”
B3. “Where You’re Going”
B4. “You Better Run”
B5. “Drift Away”
Note: http://www.thedeakin.net/predators/
CREDITS. Produced by John Pantry.
Members: Kevin Smith (Vocals), Kelvin Allwood (Lead Guitar), Chris Thompson (Bass, Vocals), Francis Johnson (Drums).
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