I've mentioned elsewhere herein, that my vinyl LP collection, began in January 1975, with The Human Menagerie of Cockney Rebel (1973).
The Psychomodo, its follow up, wasn't purchased by me until the first half of 1982, whilst I was (working) at the store, so I bought a re-issue by Fame, distributed by EMI Records, Hayes, Middlesex:
FA 41 3135 1 5 099941 313510
Until today I thought (and have said somewhere else) that I'd bought this album before the end of the '70's, but I can't have done because of the Fame reissue. I can now remember where I was in the store, when I realised we were stocking it! The albums that I definitely bought contemporaneously were, 'The Best Years Of Our Lives' (1975), 'Love's A Prima Donna' (1976), 'Face To Face' (1977), 'Hobo With A Grin' (1978) and 'Poetic Justice' (1996).
My score (subjective) for this album, by my own 1st equal favourite band, Cockney Rebel, is: 7.73 out of 9 (86%)
SIDE ONE
Sweet Dreams........2 mins. 3 secs.
I've talked about this track within other threads, particularly 'Peer Group Recognition', page 2 of that thread (within the General Discussion Forum) and 'What else are you listening to at the moment?' Page 40 of that thread (No.58 alphabetically on my playlist refers). This is also in the General Discussion Forum. From all the songs I listen to regularly, this or 'Cavaliers', also on this album, is my current favourite.
Psychomodo.........4 mins. 2 secs.
As I write this, at the same time glancing at the rear cover and thinking of at least five of the songs - including this one, I am thinking, is this another concept album - to join 'The Human Menagerie...' and 'Love's A Prima Donna' (1976)?
Whatever, this track saw punk coming...
Mr Soft........3 mins. 17 secs.
This song peaked at No.8 in the UK singles chart, following release in July 1974. The album also reached No.8 in the UK charts. It was a bit circus, like Pablo Fanque - I've never been sure what to make of it - though I've had a go at interpretation in my nearby thread, 'Can a pop-rock spirit run in cycles'? - But there's no doubt at that time - along with 'Judy Teen', that it gave Cockney Rebel a firm foothold and connection with the record-buying public and helped establish their career(s).
Singular Band........3 mins.
I love the idea of the 'singular band', the Cockney Rebel brand per se. They were together. The track is catchy, perhaps the most fun. My third favourite track of the album.
Ritz........7 mins. 10 secs.
Epic, like 'Sebastian ' and 'Death Trip' on their debut album I've already written quite a lot about this track on the 'What else are you listening to at the moment'? thread, page 41 of that thread refers, in the General Discussion Forum.
SIDE TWO
Cavaliers........8 mins. 30 secs.
Also epic, and for me, fighting with 'Sweet Dreams' (rather than with Roundheads) for my favourite composition. I've said the most about this (herein) at 'Harley At His Most Unfettered'? In this same forum.
Harley said (in 'Beat Instrumental')
"It probably isn't my best song in the sense of being well structured but it says so much in a short space. It moves me when I hear it..."
Bed In The Corner........3 mins. 35 secs.
Charming. Steve taking a break from being a pop rock star to spend time with a woman he fancied. No, I'm wrong. This is from Steve's life pre-Cockney Rebel. Natural.. A main thing.
Great musical structure and lyrically too.
Sling It! .........2 mins. 35 secs.
Just not for me, this one. Still a great album, with or without it.
Tumbling Down........5 mins. 51 secs.
I like nearly three quarters of this song - just not the 'footy-style' chorus, towards the end. This might put me in a minority within the Cockney Rebel fanbase, but '...it's better than lying, anytime...'
I've said recently that (within the first four minutes) this song not only feels like the 20th Century, but there are parts of it that seem to me like the 17th (an obtuse association with 'Cavaliers', strengthening the idea of a concept - as well as imagining what it's like to be in a pop-rock band) and 18th (Steve's vocal phrasing, '...hee, hee my lady... and the piano solo).
all songs written by Steve Harley
drums and percussion....Stuart Elliott
fender bass...........................Paul Jeffreys
keyboards..............................Milton Reame-James
electric violin, guitars.......Jean-Paul Crocker
vocals.......................................Steve Harley
engineers........................Peter Flanagan (Morgan Studios)
....................................................Richard Dodd (Nova Sound)
...Geoff Emerick and John Middleton (A.I.R. London)
orchestral and brass arrangements....Andrew Powell
photography, sleeve design etc..........Mick Rock
produced by....Steve Harley and Alan Parsons, during February and March 1974
mastered at.....Abbey Road by Chris Blair
EMI Records Ltd. 1974
Cockney Rebel are Trigram Music Management Artists
"I've always known the impermanence and uncertainty of rock stars. I've thrived on that edge. [The] 'Psychomodo' was about that and I wrote the album before it happened to me. I was a nobody when I wrote all those what-it's-like-to-be-a-rock-star-songs".
Steve Harley ('Sounds') 1976.
Source: Wikipedia (at August 2026)
