AMG Review of 20th Anniversary Album

Stewart Mason
All Music Guide

British psychobilly pioneers the Frantic Flintstones celebrate the two decades since the release of their first album with 20th Anniversary Album, a well-chosen compilation of fan favorites. Unlike many of their peers, the Frantic Flintstones are not genre purists, and they're willing to throw some surf, jazz and other influences into their punk and rockabilly stew: they even pay tribute to ska legend Prince Buster with "Frantic," which is simply Buster's "Madness" (the song covered by the group Madness on their first album) with their own band name inserted into the lyrics. Other covers include the Clash's reggae anthem "Bankrobber," the '50s novelty "Witch Doctor" and, improbably, a surprisingly straightforward and respectful take on Stealers Wheel's "Stuck in the Middle with You." The originals are perhaps a bit less memorable, but they showcase the group's instrumental strengths well. There's little here for completists or rarities hunters, but it's an excellent introduction for the uninitiated.