Culture Vulture

OVERVIEW, VIDEO, LYRICS, COMPOSERS, AND REVIEWS

LYRICS

Have you reached the point of no return
when you slap yourself but feel no burn
Pinch yourself until your numb
Kick yourself into the back of beyond

I really can’t conceive that much enmity
planted in your minds
Here come the grim harvest Oh
I have got to see this for myself

Owww,owwww, owww, no no no no
Owww,owwww, owww, no no no no

There’s a loud halo belching past the houses of bonkers regurgitating their Hmmm.
Goose stepping out of touch & time
Filled with delusion the spine of confusion

Wasn’t I the one who taught you all I knew and in times of misguidedness
Wasn’t I the one that pulled you up through that cesspit of unkindliness Ahhh

The culture vulture displays its fading colours in the only way he knows how
The culture vulture displays its true colours in the only way he knows how Whoooow!
(And all that Jazz)

The culture vulture displays its fading colours, in the only way he knows how
The culture vulture reveals their true colours only way he know only way ah ah
The culture vulture displays its vulgarity wa hey, in the only way he knows how

Anglophilia’s all dressed up &…
nowhere to go wo wo wo wo wo

Wowoooooop……

OVERVIEW

ComposerRole
Mike Barson Music
Lee Thompson Words

EDITORS REVIEW

Okay, it’s been over 30 years in the making—well, not really. Though some might try to draw a strange connection to the song once heard in 1996 at Madstock, this is not that tune. The only common thread here is the title, 'Culture Vulture.' What remains consistent, however, is the unmistakable cockney crunch tones of Lee Thompson. Yet, for the umpteenth time, it feels like these tones do not belong in a Madness track.

The track is highly overproduced, bogged down by layers of unnecessary embellishments. What should have been a crisp, engaging melody turns into a slow, painful drag. Without the fancy tech—synths, guitar cuts, and even without the overused "Oohs"—the song would be a long, arduous journey through darkness. It’s a far cry from the simplicity and charm that once defined Madness; even "It’s OK, I’m A Policeman" felt more cohesive and genuine.

Unfortunately, first impressions are crucial; this track stumbles right out of the gate. It’s a grower, perhaps, but the initial impact leaves much to be desired. The overproduction drowns the essence of what could have been a solid addition to their repertoire. Ultimately, it scrapes a 5/10, with the faint hope that repeated listens might reveal its fading colours and depth, but don’t hold your breath.

TRACK RATING: 5/10

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RepresentationCompanyNotes
Record Label BMG Rights Management (UK)
Publisher CTUN LLP

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