Search - Bonzo Dog Band :: Let's Make Up & Be Friendly

The Bonzos reunion is a disappointing farewell

M. Bromberg | Atlanta, GA United States | 05/14/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After the wicked pop brilliance of "Keynsham," this is a bit of a let-down. The Bonzos had effectively broken up in 1970 and gone separate ways, reuniting in 1972 for this final studio album (which explains the title). The lyrics are twisted and surrealist as ever, but somehow the result is not very cohesive nor very first rate. Viv and Neil sing about bodily functions, and there's a musical parody of the Beatles' break up ("...come on George, snap out of it" someone says, just before an intentionally awkward solo). Yes keyboardist Tony Kaye and "Legs" Larry have a spat on "Rusty," and Viv has a go at a western saga -- complete with gunshots -- on "Bad Blood." The most sustained moment is Stanshall's nine-minute soap opera "Rawlinson End," which introduces themes and characters Viv would rework for the remainder of his career (including a movie version with Trevor Howard!). It's a classic bit of Bonzo chaos. The liner notes are a laugh, as always, and acknowledge this is the end of the road, ending with "...dada for now." Fans will need this, of course, but those not in on the joke may be mystified by it all."