9

Shedding Lu Edmonds from the lineup that recorded Happy?, the now once-again-quartet of Public Image Ltd., this time John Lydon, John McGeoch, Allan Dias and Bruce Smith, worked with producer Stephen Hague on what was the group’s, or maybe more accurately Lydon’s, most mainstream effort yet. Certainly Lydon’s distinct wail would always be something far from conventional polish, but the stirring and sad “Disappointed,” arguably a brilliant showcase for McGeoch’s guitar work in turn, was a notable hit in both the US and UK, while 9 was generally an enjoyable listen throughout.