"Crocodiles," the debut album -- amazing to think it was recorded/released in 1980 -- is everything you loved about the Doors and Velvets but without the Mojo Risin or Uncle Lou hangover. Ian McCulloch's voice is a once-in-a-generation instrument and "Going Up," "Monkeys" and "Rescue" point the way to a bunch of indie-guitar overcoat rock that came later. "Heaven Up Here" followed in 1981 and is even darker and druggier, if possible - "A Promise" might be my favorite Echo-tune ever. "Light on the waves" -- somehow hopeful even amidst the shade of Thatcher-era Britain.
