In their final major-label release before heading for a video-making career, these two veteran english music-makers tackle environmental degradation and nuclear annihilation.

After earlier releases full of detached sarcasm and sardonic wit, its refreshing to hear the pair actually care about something, although they sometimes hector. Musically, the songs are linked by the use of harmonicas on every track. This is one of their stronger albums because of thematic consistency and typically terrific production, including the usual gorgeous, multi-tracked harmonies.

In spite of the gloomy subject matter, the album-closing ;desperate times ends on an optimistic note. The opening track h.e.a.v.en. Is a piece with great vocal harmony by the writers kevin godley and lol creme and the back up singers, which quickly gets your attention. The next track, a little piecce of heaven, adds some exceptional harmonica by one of the two harmonica players, mark feltham and mitt gamon (my gues would be mark feltham...Always worth to check out).

And the good stuff does not stop here. This is simply a great album, one of my favourites, regardless of genre. Kevin godley and lol creme wrote all the songs. They also played all the instruments except for the harmonicas. And the backup singers jimmy chambers, jimmy helms, and george chandler did a superb job. Track after track, fine songs, great performances.