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The Only Ones: Even Serpents Shine (CBS)

Ian Birch, Melody Maker, 1979

SINGLES can often be deceptive signposts for forthcoming albums. When ‘You've Got To Pay’ slipped out a few weeks back, it didn't augur well for Serpents. The song sounded attractive but inconsequential, and vaguely suggested that the album might follow suit. Once again, however, it goes to prove how totally mistaken you can be. The Only Ones continue to fulfill their promise with this insidiously seductive piece of work.

Total word count of piece: 469


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