The Strange Idols Pattern and Other Short Stories is the third album by English alternative rock band Felt, released in 1984 and produced by John Leckie. The album marked a departure from the introspective, guitar-led sound of their first two albums, with Lawrence's vocals becoming much more dominant in the mix along with a greater emphasis on pop melodies. The album also introduced a traditional drum kit to the band's sound, having previously relied on tom drums in the past.
| The Strange Idols Pattern and Other Short Stories | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 26 October 1984 | |||
| Recorded | 1984 | |||
| Genre | Indie pop, jangle pop | |||
| Length | 27:53 | |||
| Label | Cherry Red | |||
| Producer | John Leckie | |||
| Felt chronology | ||||
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| Singles from The Strange Idols Pattern and Other Short Stories | ||||
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| Reissue | ||||
 2003 Reissue Cover | ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |  [1] |
| Q |  [2] |
| Record Collector | [3] |
Tracks 2, 4 and 7 are instrumental. "Sunlight Bathed the Golden Glow" is different from the single version. "Whirlpool Vision of Shame" is a re-recording of earlier single "My Face is on Fire", with new lyrics.
Track listing
editAll songs written by Lawrence and Maurice Deebank. "Crucifix Heaven" was omitted from some reissues of the album.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Roman Litter" | 3:31 |
| 2. | "Sempiternal Darkness" | 2:15 |
| 3. | "Spanish House" | 4:31 |
| 4. | "Imprint" | 1:46 |
| 5. | "Sunlight Bathed the Golden Glow" | 2:57 |
| 6. | "Vasco Da Gama" | 3:41 |
| 7. | "Crucifix Heaven" | 3:40 |
| 8. | "Dismantled King Is off the Throne" | 2:51 |
| 9. | "Crystal Ball" | 2:57 |
| 10. | "Whirlpool Vision of Shame" | 3:31 |
Personnel
edit- Felt
- Lawrence – vocals, rhythm guitar
- Maurice Deebank – lead guitar
- Mick Lloyd – bass guitar
- Gary Ainge – drums
- Production
- John Leckie – production
References
edit- ^ Sendra, Tim. "The Strange Idols Pattern and Other Short Stories – Felt". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
- ^ Paphides, Pete (April 2018). "Material Gains". Q (383): 118–19.
- ^ Rathbone, Oregano (February 2018). "Felt – Crumbling The Antiseptic Beauty, The Splendour Of Fear, The Strange Idols Pattern And Other Short Stories, Ignite The Seven Cannons, The Seventeenth Century". Record Collector (476). Retrieved 9 June 2018.