Love Bites (album)

Background and production

Love Bites was recorded and mixed by Buzzcocks with producer Martin Rushent over a two-and-a-half week period, less than six months after the release of début album Another Music in a Different Kitchen. "Late for the Train" was first played and recorded on John Peel's Radio One show, along with bass player Steve Garvey's instrumental "Walking Distance".

Co-writing credits for "Just Lust" were given to Alan Dial, a pen-name for Buzzcocks' then manager Richard Boon.

"Nostalgia" was also recorded by Newcastle band, Penetration, who in 1978 accompanied Buzzcocks on the "Entertaining Friends" tour of England.

Cover

The hand-drawn script on the sleeve is a conscious reference to a painting by René Magritte. The sleeve insert airbrush illustrations are by Robin Utracik, rhythm guitarist from The Worst.

Release

In March 1994, a CD version of the original album was released by EMI, containing four additional tracks.

Critical reception

Trouser Press wrote that the record "demonstrates both the Buzzcocks' perfection of their particular brand of pop and their disillusionment with its restrictions. Producer Martin Rushent clarifies the elements of the sound even further, and Shelley's songwriting continues to improve".

In a retrospective review, BBC Music described it as "an essential purchase for anyone remotely interested in punk's history." AllMusic wrote: "More musically accomplished, more obsessively self-questioning, and with equally energetic yet sometimes gloomy performances, Love Bites finds the Buzzcocks coming into their own."

Personnel