The Farm's debut album Spartacus is one of the more ridiculous by-products of baggy, containing all of its rolling, neo-psychedelic grooves and blissfully colorful pop hooks, yet very little of its charm, character, or substance. Since baggy was never about substance, this is particularly damning. Still, the Farm manages to turn out a couple of goofily endearing singles with "Groovy Train" and "All Together Now," but the group shows no real feeling for dance-club rhythms, or even pop hooks. As an artifact, Spartacus is fascinating, since it demonstrates how far the over the top the entire Madchester phenomenon went, even if the record itself isn't necessarily good listening. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Professional Reviews
NME (Magazine) (2/23/91) - (9) - Excellent Plus - "...There is a formula here that basically goes: sparse guitar intro, then BAM! some chunky bass'n'drums to go, followed by a heartfelt chorus chant from [vocalist] Hooton....The Farm have altered externally over the past half-decade but their heart and mind has remained true."
