The American group Pere Ubu has existed since 1975 and has gone through many revivals and musical phases over the years. Albums like the light-footed Cloudland (1989), the complex and transverse Ray Gun Suitcase (1995) and the 2009 release "Long Live Père Ubu!" (the musical adaptation of Alfred Jarry's play Ubu Roi, from which the group borrowed its name), the common thread is the pleasantly
… disturbed and expressive vocals of the only constant member David Thomas. On Lady From Shanghai he returns more than ever to the early days of the group with influential post-punk and industrial albums such as The Modern Dance (1978) and New Picnic Time (1979). Derailed rock and vintage grunting and throbbing electronics are once again the main sets for his obsessed orations and theatrical performances. Opener Thanks immediately kills the disco hit Ring My Bell, under the motto printed in large letters in the sleeve: 'Smash the hegemony of dance, stand still'. Pere Ubu may not be danceable in a traditional way, but lively music it certainly is. (MR)more
