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Retreat from Memphis is an album by English band the Mekons, released in 1994.[2][3] It followed a few years of label troubles that saw the band considering a breakup.[4][5]

Retreat from Memphis
Studio album by The Mekons
Released	1994
Label	Quarterstick[1]
Producer	Ducky
The Mekons chronology
Millionaire EP (1993) Retreat from Memphis (1994) Pussy, King of the Pirates (1996)

The band supported the album by touring with Man or Astroman?[5]

Production

The album was recorded in Chicago.[6] Some of its songs engaged with military motifs; many were recorded after the band had played them on a 1993 tour.[7][8] The Mekons brought in a new drummer for the recording sessions.[9] Susie Honeyman, the band's violinist, was on maternity leave during much of the production of Retreat from Memphis.[10]

"Our Bad Dream", about the Mekons' time with Warner Bros. Records, incorporated elements of rap music.[11][12] "Ice Rink in Berlin" was sung by Sally Timms.[13]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[14]
Chicago Tribune	[10]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[15]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide	[16]
(The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide	[12]
Spin Alternative Record Guide	4/10[17]
The Tampa Tribune	[13]

The Washington Post wrote that "the exuberant eclecticism of the late-'80s Mekons has settled into an almost classic-rock sound, and the band's attempts to vary the sound on its new Retreat From Memphis are not inspiring."[7] Entertainment Weekly thought that the album "finds them, as usual, gleefully musing in their wry, existential style on matters ranging from amorous entanglements to global upheaval."[18] The San Diego Union-Tribune noted that "the Mekons fall back to rocking out with a neurotic, decidedly '80s post-punk edge."[11]

Spin deemed Retreat from Memphis a "stronger, more classic-sounding [comeback]."[19] The Austin American-Statesman labeled it "another album of borderline brilliance from these overeducated sociopolitical gadflies, one in which the zest of the music belies the deadpan dread of the lyrics."[20] The Chicago Tribune considered it "one of the band's most spirited offerings of communal, life-affirming-here we go again-rock 'n' roll."[10]

AllMusic called the album "direct, straightforward, and angry in a way the Mekons had not been for quite a while."[14] The Rough Guide to Rock considered it "probably the weakest in The Mekons' catalogue."[21]

Track listing

References

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