Fear and Whiskey

Fear and Whiskey, released in 1985 by The Mekons, shifts the band from its punk roots toward a rootsy, country-tinged sound that combines punk energy with folk and country instrumentation. The record pairs raw, stripped production and literate, sometimes bleak lyrics with fiddle, acoustic guitar and other traditional textures, producing a tense, restless atmosphere. Its fusion of political and personal themes and its unorthodox arrangements make it a distinctive and frequently discussed entry in the band's catalogue.