Artist: Fad Gadget Album: Gag

Year: 1984
Duration: 38:42

The Gag of Fad Gadget: A Critical Review of the Album That Shaped Music Genre

Debuting in the early 80s, Fad Gadget made waves in the experimental music scene with his unique style and innovative sound. One of his milestones was the release of his album, Gag, which showcased his signature style of combining electronic music and unconventional instrumentation. The album was not the most well-known release of its time but it definitely shook the genre to its core. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Gag by Fad Gadget, examining the history behind the artist and the album, the music genre, the best songs, and the most innovative parts.

Fad Gadget was the brainchild of Frank Tovey, an artist who found his voice through experimental music. His works were rooted in the new wave movement, deriving influences from post-punk, avant-garde, and industrial genres. In 1984, Fad Gadget released Gag, a follow-up to his successful debut album Under the Flag. Gag showcased a more refined and polished sound that was experimental yet accessible. It placed Fad Gadget in the same league as pioneers like David Bowie and Brian Eno.

The music genre of Gag is experimental, post-punk, new wave, and industrial. Fad Gadget incorporated analog synths, drum machines, distorted guitars, and unconventional instruments like a vacuum cleaner and a metal saw. Each song has its distinct style, and yet, they all fit together seamlessly. There is an element of unpredictability present in the music- one moment the songs are moody and somber, and then they become chaotic and explosive.

Gag has its share of standout tracks- Collapsing New People and One Man's Meat being the most popular. However, Gag makes its mark as a concept album that deals with societal malaise, personal angst, and political commentary. It is a cohesive work of art, with each song being a chapter that adds to the bigger story. Lady Shave is one song that is often overlooked and yet captures the essence of the album in its poignant lyrics and catchy melody. The intricacy of the album's lyrics, themes and instrumentals make it a top contender for some of the best post-punk and experimental albums ever released.

The most innovative thing about Gag is how it blends various genres while still staying true to its roots. Fad Gadget's ability to meld electronic music and post-punk cohesively is the main attraction of Gag. The album showcases his unique talent of using unconventional instruments in a way that reinvents the genre. It was influential in the development of industrial music, and the album is often referred to as a “precursor to Electronic Body Music (EBM)” genre.

With all the praise comes some criticism. Fad Gadget's voice is admittedly unique, but it could be polarizing to some. The subtleties of the album could be lost in his vocal styling. Also, the album's themes can get lost in its experimental sound, making it not the easiest album to access.

Gag by Fad Gadget is one of those albums that may go underrated but has a legacy that lives on in the annals of music history. The album has been described as a “ticking bomb about to explode in the mid-80s’’ for experimental music. It influenced several artists in the industrial and experimental music genres. The album has its share of flaws, but its strengths more than make up for them. It is a conceptually rich record that takes the listener on a journey through different moods and themes. This album is not for everyone, but for those willing to take a risk with their musical taste- Gag is surely a classic must-listen record.

Gag by Fad Gadget is one of those albums that may go underrated but has a legacy that lives on in the annals of music history. The album has been described as a “ticking bomb about to explode in the mid-80s’’ for experimental music. It influenced several artists in the industrial and experimental music genres. The album has its share of flaws, but its strengths more than make up for them. It is a conceptually rich record that takes the listener on a journey through different moods and themes. This album is not for everyone, but for those willing to take a risk with their musical taste- Gag is surely a classic must-listen record.