Happy Mondays - Unkle Dysfunktional

by Jon Drake

Should you tell them or should I?

"This album was never likely to attract many new fans, even Ryder’s cameo with Gorrillaz couldn’t attract a generation more familiar with the early nineties side of rave culture"

Manchester, the 80s, Tony Wilson and Factory Records are putting out some of the best music this country has ever seen. The Hacienda (while making no money) is packed out every weekend and this is due in no small part to a gang of musicians calling themselves the Happy Mondays. Manchester, today, the Hacienda is now a swanky block of luxury flats, Tony Wilson is a shell of his former self, Factory Records is no more - but the Happy Mondays are back.

The press release denies that this reunion is merely to pay for Bez’s new teeth, or to help Shaun pay a hefty tax bill. Instead it would have us believe that it is the infamous front man’s new healthy lifestyle that is to blame for 'Unkle Dysfunktional'. Of course what better way is there to get on with a healthy lifestyle and put the drugs behind you, than to write an album which is nigh on totally about narcotics?

Musically, this album is not on a par with the Mondays' previous work (or even Black Grape for that matter), first listen will see you recoil with a distaste for the aural assault of Ryder’s vocals, clearly showing the damage from years of fags and abuse. However, opening track grows to become one of the more bearable tunes.

The main problem is the lack of originality with the lyrics, many of the songs depend on the repetition of single lines. It’s not as if he’s shouting “All of which are American dreams” or anything that shows some sort of feeling, instead we’re bombarded with lines like “who cut the cheese” over and over on ‘Angels And Whores’. Similar flair is shown on the cleverly titled ‘Cuntry Disco’ which details various means of tapping on a bedroom window and ‘Rush Rush’ which seems only to lazily list a number of euphemisms for cocaine (pining for something lads?).

This album was never likely to attract many new fans, even Ryder’s cameo with Gorillaz couldn’t attract a generation more familiar with the early 90s side of rave culture. It’s just that it's so uninspiring that it may put off the original faithful. Factory Records is gone, the Hacienda is gone, should someone have a quiet word with Shaun and co?
Jules said on July 13th 2007 [report abuse]

Wrong on every count.! This is actually the best thing Ryder has done. It is as bouncy and pop as Black grape but with darkness to it, it sounds bang up to date musically and is utterly original, also it has some insanely catchy tunes on it...

Billy said on July 19th 2007 [report abuse]

This is a great album, take no notice of the reviewer above. Ryder at his obtuse best and a dub bassline on Deviantz that could cut through solid steel.When everyone else is whinging, Ryder and co lead the way once again.

POWELL said on August 17th 2007 [report abuse]

Uncle dysfunctional is an amazing piece of art! Sounding like nothing else "original". May ryder and co rise high...again! Production is cleaver and interesting, howie b in control of those levels...fantastic!

POWELL said on August 17th 2007 [report abuse]

Uncle dysfunctional is an amazing piece of art! Sounding like nothing else "original". May ryder and co rise high...again! Production is cleaver and interesting, howie b in control of those levels...fantastic!

Sweet said on August 19th 2007 [report abuse]

Can't believe this ridiculous review! Its got some great tracks on it and its different. Thank god some one has got the nads to try something new. Top basslines and some really funny original lyrics "Its too hot for Speedos!" Everyone is talking about it - get it!!

unclebarry said on August 28th 2007 [report abuse]

hmm....easliy the most refreshing album i've heard in years!! Jon Drake just doesnt get it. Firstly, Ryder's vocal are on par with Dylan's (love it or hate it). Originality with lyrics???? what album was it you listened to jon??? Were you expecting originality along the lines of spelling Jon without an "h" - wrong album if that's the case. A "look at me" Gen. post-porno-pop masterpiece!

Dr.Dick said on September 20th 2007 [report abuse]

what alot of crap from the reviewer this album is brilliant and not only has it been brought to the naughtys but it also keeps with the original happy mondays rythm, the lyrics are funny ryders voice suits the songs perfectly being strong in parts (jellybean) and in other tunes perfectly out of tune (cuntry disco) Factory Records is gone, the Hacienda is gone and hopefully your reviewing career shall follow The Mondays live on

Whatever said on October 10th 2007 [report abuse]

Jon - think you'll find that "Rush Rush" is a cover of a Debbie Harry song. Impressive musical knowledge and research skills.

Derek Ryder said on November 1st 2007 [report abuse]

Jon, Do you get paid for this? Hope not. You missed the boat on this big time. Relevant and of the time. The Mondays can be proud to turn this out. Bit of advice, next time try and get into it.

jbl said on November 4th 2007 [report abuse]

just about tops Great When Your Straight - f'in bazzin

Northenrer said on January 6th 2008 [report abuse]

Ryder and co have done a great job of injecting some fucking humour into a dour music scene which needs to be slapped round the head every few years, and told to 'WAKE UP, ENJOY!!!' Good stuff lads!

alex firth said on September 17th 2008 [report abuse]

worst review i have ever heard.best album ive heard in ages

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