Even Serpents Shine is the second studio album by English band the Only Ones, released in 1979 by Columbia Records.[2] It was produced by Peter Perrett and Alan Mair.
The album was re-released in the United Kingdom in 2009 on Sony Music Entertainment, featuring bonus content. The reissue was a CD which comprises 14-tracks. It includes the original album digitally remastered from the original 1/2" mix tapes; alongside three bonus tracks.
The album has consistently been praised by critics. In a retrospective review for AllMusic, critic Mark Deming wrote that "Even Serpents Shine doesn't boast an out-of-the-box classic tune along the lines of 'Another Girl, Another Planet' from the self-titled debut, but in many respects, this is the more consistent album, achieving a similar degree of thematic and melodic variety while generating a more coherent sound and feeling," adding that "they were one of the very few bands of their time and place who inarguably beat the sophomore slump."[1]
Reviewing the album for BBC Music, Chris Jones wrote, "Musically the band were always a step ahead of the pack. Mike Kellie and Alan Mair – both seasoned pros on drums and bass – never falter, allowing John Perry's guitar to fly; while John 'Rabbit' Bundrick's organ adds just the right dollop of Al Kooper-isms."[6]
All tracks are written by Peter Perrett