'No Lovey-Dovey Shit!' is what we got here; a taut and visceral version of Wire's mantra-like 'Heartbeat'.
As I've previously stated, Big Black covers are right up my street; they invariably assault new wave/post-punk stuff, which usually sounds great when given the scathing guitar and brutal pounding treatment of Albini & co. 'Heartbeat' retains the groove, but comes off dark and cranky and pissy. The subtlety of the original goes out the window - for better or for worse - in place of a chugging and muscular in-your-face interpretation that culminates in screamed vocals and a thuggish repeated group chant.
The B-side features two Big Black non-album originals. 'Things to Do Today' is the typically noisy and angular sound that the band purveyed, but seems more memorable to me than a lot of Big Black's material. This era was pretty much the group's peak, so it should be no surprise that these B-sides are well worth a listen. This track in particular is especially unpleasant (always to be appreciated in Big Black's repertoire) with the lyrics seemingly concerning a home invasion or hit; "shoot him once; remember gloves; scan apartment" followed by the unecessary and cruel "kill the dog" moaned over and over as the chorus.
'I Can't Believe' is a speedy little instrumental, clocking in at just over one minute. It's mostly all tinny drum machine but with a memorable, almost jaunty guitar hook. Ladies and Gents, it's the danceable Big Black!
Anyway, you probably need to get going for that romantic dinner date. We hope your heart turns black and poisons your liver.
