Twenty years ago, mclusky released their third album, The Difference Between Me and You Is That I’m Not on Fire, which was initially seen as the band’s swan song. However, since then, the Welsh band has made a comeback, with a U.S. tour, a new EP, and plans for a new album in 2025.
Now, a remastered version of The Difference Between Me and You Is That I’m Not on Fire has been released via Beggars Arkive, with the remastering done by Bob Weston. Back when it first came out, the album didn’t receive the warmest reception. After the release of Do Dallas, mclusky had demonstrated just how sharp and unhinged rock could be.
But then things began to unravel. Founding drummer Matthew Harding left the band, leading to internal conflicts. Was The Difference Between Me and You Is That I’m Not on Fire a weak farewell? Listening again, it turns out the album is still great.
While perhaps not as sensational as Do Dallas, it has many highlights. Just consider the first three tracks: the jagged and crunchy “Without MSG I Am Nothing,” the anthemic “That Man Will Not Hang,” and the almost tender “She Will Only Bring You Happiness.” Mostly untouched by Steve Albini’s hand, these songs are like little masterpieces. The middle section gets a bit tricky, with sketches and experiments, but the final third brings it back to greatness.
“Forget About Him, I’m Mint” is a richly simple march, followed by the staggering noise piece “1956 and All That”—fantastic! In the remaster, the bass rumbles even more, and the treble is crisper. It remains a solid rock album, and hopefully, it will lead to an equally strong follow-up.
