Who Killed…… The Zutons?

When The Zutons first emerged from Merseyside many commentators remarked on the variety of influences they detected in their grooves. References to the obvious scouse rock lineage – The Coral, Shack, The La’s, The Beatles – abounded of course, alongside mentions for Stax Records, Johnny Cash, Dire Straits, The Kinks, The Beta Band and others. The group’s own press release offered even more (Talking Heads, Devo, Dr John, Sly Stone, Madness) and their debut album certainly covers a lot of ground.

Charting at number six in the UK and now certified double platinum, Who Killed…. was nominated for the 2004 Mercury Prize, further evidence that it was one of the more diverting releases of the year. Highlights include opening track ‘Zuton Fever’, a brash, self-referential mix of guitar diddles and sax honks; Pressure Point (which featured in a Levi’s commercial), a playful and slightly deranged romp packed with cowbell, handclaps and seasoned with disco sauce; the plaintive strings and twang of ‘Not A Lot To Do’; and the jangly ‘Havana Gang Brawl’, with its urgent “Where will you sleep tonight?” enquiry.

An impressive start from a band with dynamic songwriting and a penchant for wry, inventive throwdowns, Who Killed…. was pressed on vinyl in small quantities upon original release and has long since become something of a collector’s item. This first reissue (on orange wax) has been a ‘Long Time Coming’ and ought to delight the faithful.