I got this CD out of the library on a whim in the 1990s, and bought it as soon as I saw it reasonably priced. Possibly something of a throwback to the UK ska revival fifteen years or so earlier, this slice of high energy, horn laden ska-punk really made an impression at the time, and the years haven't seen it grow stale.
This album, the band's fifth was their most successful worldwide, and the only one to chart in UK, and it's laden with some cracking songs, especially the fantastic early songs Noise Brigade, The Rascal King, and the hit single The Impression That I Get. Title track Let's Face It rocks along with some great horn work (which always reminds me of the Grandstand theme). Another Drinkin' Song slows things down, with a hint of dub about it, but the energy soon rises with a run of great songs, including the very growly Desensitized and the powerful album closer 1-2-8.
Twelve songs, the majority under three minutes, so nothing outstays its welcome. The brevity of the album has been criticised, but for me, the quality is maintained throughout, and I'm left wanting more, but feeling satisfied.
4* - a real breath of fresh air at the time, and none of the fun has diminished.
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