Electro Hippies The Peel Sessions 12″
One of the best in this series, nine raving punk and thrash cuts that sound hot! Highly recommended, a treat.
MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL
One of the best in this series, nine raving punk and thrash cuts that sound hot! Highly recommended, a treat.
This influential band is captured here at their peak in early 79, and the classic “I Found That Essence Rare” and “At Home He’s A Tourist” are given an aggressive, raw treatment on this EP, along with two other numbers. Very good versions, and recommended.
Previously only available on costly bootlegs, these four tracks may not have the production crispness of “official” releases, but there’s still a brace of alternative versions that will please JD fans. “She’s Lost Control” is just as good as always. Recommended.
A disappointment. MADNESS was the very best of the English ska bands, but this effort comes across as limp and unenergetic despite some pretty good material. “Bed and Breakfast” is the catchiest number here, but better versions of the songs are to be had elsewhere.
The RUTS were one of the early, and best, of the English punk bands. These five tracks, although recorded in a bland studio atmosphere, still have the bite and punch of that era. Nice little document of punk from 1979.
These mid-’79 tracks, five in all, show a fair diversity of punk styles and some rockin’ power, especially on “Society.” The RUTS were never a major force in British music, at least in my opinion; fans will find this an interesting document, nonetheless.
Fans of The Scream period SIOUXSIE will find favor with this excellent four-track release recorded in late 77. “Love in a Void” is as great as always, but “Mirage” and “Metal Postcard” also connect with a vengeance. Rawer than other versions of the same songs, and a real treat.
These early recordings with one of the greatest UK punk outfits contain four songs, all finely recorded and performed. While lacking in the immediacy and power of their first LP, these slower alternate versions have their own charm. “Barbed Wire Love” is especially good.
One of the UK’s ’77 crew turn up with 5 tunes here, and while not as trashy as the originals (very clean production here), they’re still fun. “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” is still a classic.
Aside from the excellent version of “Release the Bats,” the BIRTHDAY PARTY is not captured to their best advantage on this release. First rate production bolsters the mid-period output of this band moderately, but the material mostly doesn’t stand out.
This is the DAMNED’s second release in this series (the first being from ’77), and this was recorded in ’76. Needless to say, all five tunes here are very energetic, classic punk rock, and for those who don’t already have their early material, here’s your shot.
Four ripping early blasts by the DAMNED are featured here, versions formerly only available on bootleg tapes and records. Several of the tracks, like “Sick of Being Sick,” are actually superior to the previously released versions. A must for fans of ’77 punk.
Finally, a MESSIAHS record which isn’t on a major label which means I’ll finally add this trio’s powerful rock’n’roll blues to my collection. Psychedelic guitar, singalong lyrics, and a raging rhythm section in four of their old hits.
The special appeal of this record is in the fact that it’s the first real taste most people have had (aside from a pathetic bootleg) of the early, punk SLITS. Some familiar, and some unfamiliar material — all of it very raw and quite interesting. Recommended.
This well-known English ska outfit fares quite well indeed on this selection of early cuts. Terrific tunes and energetic performances make this record special — in particular the bouncy version of “Monkey Man.” One of the better Peel session releases.
One of the greatest of all UK bands is given another long-shot chance to become the next BEATLES on this 12″, which contains disciplined but enjoyable versions of four of their terrific songs. UNDERTONES fans (and I know there are lots of them) should snap this one up, and fast.
Four tunes from early ’78, in well-done (but a bit toned-down versions) from their studio releases. Still, this material (especially “I Am the Fly” and “106 Beats That”) is mandatory for those who can’t find their first three 12” releases.
