Arguably nothing really changed from 101 Damnations to 30 Something -- the Carter formula was already well-established, so the duo just kept right at it. The difference lies in -- whisper it -- a growing sophistication that fleshed out both sound and lyrics. That may seem deeply bemusing to those who will note the typical Carter trappings still running rampant -- puns explode everywhere without restraint, musical and lyrical references creep in from the Clash and David Bowie to traditional football terrace chants, and so forth. More than once a lack of context can be a problem to anyone not born in the sceptr'd isle -- a 'Glasgow kiss' (as referred to in the title of "Sealed With A...," a harrowing picture of domestic abuse) is a fierce headbutting, not a smooch. But while there's that and the still cheap-and-cheery sound of the band's keyboards and drum machines and more, Carter as a band seem a little more comfortable with the studio here. The two are able to whip up their surging numbers to a higher level -- the group's stated fondness for Queen actually makes a little more sense here, while "Billy's Smart Circus" is flawless in its soaring, anthemic power. Meanwhile, their bluer moods get more gently evocative accompaniment, often addressing getting addicted to the bottle and the unfortunate results. Everything kicks off with a great one-two punch, the nutty instrumental "Surfin' USM," kicked off with a great snippet about what growing old really means, and "My Second to Last Will and Testament." This has Jim Bob settling affairs all around down to organ donation -- "They can take my lungs and kidneys/But my heart belongs to Daphne." Other strong cuts include the Gary Glitter-in-hell stomp of "Bloodsport for All," a bitter vivisection of Army racism, and the end-of-the-social-drama movie music and feel of "Falling On a Bruise." ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide
30 Something was Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine's second album and was released in 1991 on Rough Trade Records. It was recorded in 20 days on 8-track, costing only ₤4,000. The album is regarded by many to be the peak of the group, in terms of quality of music and popularity. The success of the album coincided with the renewed success of the Sheriff Fatman single, and so gained more sales in this way. It reached #8 in the UK charts on its original release, and number 21 when re-issued in early 1992.
One of the singles, Bloodsport For All, an attack on racism and bullying in the army, was released at the start of the Gulf War and consequently banned by the BBC.[1]
