WORMWOOD: CURIOUS STORIES FROM THE BIBLE

I travelled a dreary 350 miles to see the Residents perform this in '99 in London. I only remember a funny man with very long arms in a big fluffy suit screaming and bawling, but that may be because I was completely mashed at the time.

13 years later, I've a clearer head and can tell you that 'Wormwood' is a very good album indeed.

It's pretty much electronic throughout, combined with lots of unusual vocals, both male and female describing particularly bloody passages from the Bible. Some of it is brilliant , particularly the creepy 'God's Magic Finger'.

More importantly, this album has been well thought out carefully crafted. The fancy booklet with freakish illustrations and running commentary add a lot to the overall feel. Clearly a lot of time and effort went into this recording.

'Wormwood' is the only true concept album the Residents made and it ALMOST made me pick up a bible simply because the they made it seem so interesting. The lyrics are far more relevant than their usual malarky. It does seem a bit overlong in its one hour duration but each of the tracks actually punches home a story, each of which are truly queer and quite frankly disturbing.

My only gripe is the unnecessary and disappointing outro instrumental which kind of detracts from the intensity and weirdness of what has passed.

Probably their best album since ''Eskimo' in '79 But better still will follow in 2005.