Search - Barmy Army :: English Disease

Put yourself into the minds of English soccer fanatics

Daddy Zero | Northern California, USA | 07/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've had a mild interest in the English soccer leagues over the years for two reasons: 1) my brother spent six months in London after college in the 90's and came back with tales of soccer fanatacism and glory that were unbelievably cool (he latched onto Arsenal, because that was the closest team to where he lived), and 2) I fell in love with "The English Disease" by The Barmy Army. How incredibly self-aware is that name? It's essentially dub music, but all of the "vocals" are recorded snippets from the world of British football. It's a sweet album. The recorded bits include sportscaster commentary of the games complete with crowd noises in the background, interviews with fans and coaches, and crowd chants and singing. I tell you, I learned a bunch of history about the league just by listening to it over the years (and finally deciphering most of what was being said, which wasn't always easy). The songs deal with embattled coaches ("Bobby Just Can't Win"), devotion of the local fans despite the monetary chasm between their team and the top teams ("Mind The Gap"), a recap of an apparently historical victory ("England 2, Yugoslavia 0"), and a tribute to standout players including a Lou Gehrig-type player from West Ham who was finally retiring after years and years in the game ("Billy Bonds"). Alternatingly subtle (discussing the moral implications of issuing fan ID cards to slow hooliganism) and bombastic (an entire stadium singing "Que Sera Sera"), it's an absolute treat to listen to over and over again. I'm still uncovering gems after 13 years. This album will definitely put you into the minds of the true fans. And the grooves are pretty sweet, too."