Days in Europa is the second album by Scottish punk rock and new wave band Skids. It was released in 1979 by record label Virgin.
Writing
Track #3 on Side 1 is 'Dulce et Decorum Est (Pro Patria Mori)'. A rough translation is "It is a sweet and glorious thing (to die for one's country)". Dulce et Decorum Est is a poem by Wilfred Owen.
Track #3 on Side 2 is Thanatos, the Greek word for "death" and the name of the ancient Greek god of death. It is used in Freudian psychology to refer to the death wish/destructive urge, as opposed to Eros, the reproductive urge.
The album features lyrical references to both World War I and World War II.
Reception
Days in Europa has received a generally mixed response from critics. Ira Robbins of Trouser Press wrote: "In polishing and refining the band's sound even a little, [producer Bill Nelson] smoothed off the vital edge." The Globe and Mail noted that "the record is new wave in tone, with some heavy metal tendencies."
Track listing
1980 re-release
Personnel
; Skids
- Richard Jobson – vocals
- Stuart Adamson – guitar, vocals, keyboards
- William Simpson – bass guitar, vocals
; Additional personnel
- Rusty Egan – drums
- Bill Nelson – keyboards
- Thomas Kellichan – drums on "Masquerade" (second version only)