The Work, Live in Japan (side A)

Tim Hodgkinson's early-80s output feels like the closest the post-Henry Cow crowd got to rock music. The Work is noisier and less melodically accessible than the Momes album, but its aggressive energy places it squarely in the rock camp. Chris Cutler sounds particularly unlike himself, with far more propulsion and less texture than is common in his drumming. The music reminds me a bit of Blurt, in energy, structure, and weird/flat 80s production (and there's even some saxophone). Given that it was originally recorded to cassette (as indicated in more than one place in the liner notes), 1982's Live in Japan sounds surprisingly good, with very present/clear treble and enough bass impact for the kick drum to come through. There's also a nice fold-over cardstock insert.