Although the Mekons' sound is recognizable, this is a departure from the last few albums. Sally Timms does all the lead vocals (there are no male characters), and the usual roots-rock base disappears while other styles they've dabbled in (reggae, techno, Celtic, cabaret) come up front -- along with theatrical ranting, ironic sweetness, and heavy Brecht/Weill overtones. It ends with a five-minute orgasm, as all albums should.

-- Brett Milano