I bought this one whilst on holiday in Canada a few years back. A bunch of us had been travelling around the East a bit and at the end I had a few days to kill in Toronto, so I did the usual and went out in search of record shops. I found a couple of good ones, this one came from Criminal Records (I just googled them and it turns out they've closed down. Sad news).
I got into Attack in Black after seeing them support Far in TJ's in Newport. The name is terrible, so we assumed they'd be shit. Luckily they were the exact opposite; fantastic songs played awesomely, and the singer had this cockiness that added to their charm. Hugh bought Marriage on vinyl at the show and I remain annoyed that I didn't/jealous of his copy. I got the cd from my sister at Christmas and I adore it. The thing that got me was that it was so different to my memories of their live show. But it turns out that is something Attack in Black seem to specialise in; every one of their records sounds totally different. The songs they play here sound more like the ones on Years, but it was around the same time so it makes sense I guess.
It's a split record in the way I always felt splits should be: two bands covering each other's songs. Attack in Black take on four songs by Baby Eagle, and vice versa. When I bought it I think I hadn't even heard of the Constantines, let alone known the singer also wrote songs as Baby Eagle, so we can safely say I bought it for Attack in Black. Their songs are good, but I really do prefer the heavier sound they used to have. The dual vocals on Let Wander Your Restless Hearts are lovely though.
I really enjoy the Baby Eagle side. Maybe its because I know the songs as their originals. I bought Years on the same trip so I didn't know Leather Jacket and Leaving Your Death... that well. However, I had listened to Inches and Ages and Marriage countless times and these covers are great. I think it's because they're punk songs originally (whereas the other two are basically country). When stripped down like these versions (Marriage is nearly spoken-word) are you can see them as much more.
It's a short record, but it's pretty nice. I'd fully recommend picking it up, although Marriage is the essential Attack in Black record as far as I'm concerned.
Format: 12"
Tracks: 8
Cost: £10.35 new
Bought: Criminal Records, Toronto
When: 13/05/09
Colour: Black
Etching: none
mp3s: download
