The Boomtown Rats

Never having achieved anything close to the massive success they had in the UK, the Irish quintet Boomtown Rats and their blend of New Wave, punk, and pop did manage to garner a cult following in the US. Lead singer Bob Geldof became a household name with his organization of Live Aid and Great Songs Of Indifference contains a handful of songs from his solo work, including the desperate plea of "This Is The World Calling" and the tongue-in-cheek, Celtic stomp of "The Great Song Of Indifference." The underground classic "I Don't Like Mondays" is the one track familiar to most music fans, but other noteworthy songs include the sax-driven "Rat Trap" and the sardonic "Diamond Smiles," which highlights Geldof's gift with lyrics. The packaging, while containing an interesting collage, is bereft of text and the solid collection is marred by the lack of chronological order. With most of their releases difficult (if not impossible) to find, Great Songs of Indifference is a missed opportunity to present one of the more underrated acts of the early New Wave period. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide