OK, we probably have other New Model Army albums that are favorites, that we like more than "Dog And Wolf." But what I am saying is that when the book is closed on NMA, "Between Dog And Wolf" will be seen as the band's high point.
Are there other albums that have a higher number of better songs? Yes. Are there other NMA albums that have better bass lines, better guitar work, better lyrics? Certainly.
But any fan who has been buying NMA records for thirty years knows that the boys got lazy. Some of the albums released in the 2000s were just a by the numbers routine. Lazy efforts. Yup, in the eighties NMA were definitely striving for greatness with their albums. 90s they took their foot off the gas a bit, and by the 2000s the band was just mailing it in. NMA albums were just a collection of songs. No cohesiveness, no direction, just a bit of vinyl to be released. NMA became like The Rolling Stones. Wait, you guys released a new album?!? Just play "Satisfaction"/"Green and Grey."
And who could blame the boys. Thirty long years and no nearer home. Be fine with everyone if they just rode off into the sunset quietly with simple album releases. But no, thirty years into their career they come up with their most significant release. Something that could legitimately called a project, a piece of artistic work. Just holding the CD in your hand you can see the work put into it. The album cover is the best in years, the booklet is stupendous (different artwork for each song)...whoa, this ain't no rush job album from the band this time.
And then when you play it......uhhhh, errrr, what the heck is this? And that's what makes it their most significant work. The high point of their career. It is challenging, it is mature, it is brave, it is a f***ing piece of work!
I don't think they'll ever top it in scope. I think the next albums will be back to being just a collection of songs, but who cares now. The band, thirty years into their career, gave us a masterwork. A real effort. A brilliant album. Good for them.