Angelic Upstarts

A 44-track 2CD set covering every A and B-side issued by Punk legends Angelic Upstarts between 1978-85. Running in chronological order, it starts with the self released ‘The Murder Of Liddle Towers’ and is followed by the major label debut of ‘I’m An Upstart’ which hit No.31 in the UK charts. ‘Teenage Warning’ then hit No.29 and saw the band in the nation’s living rooms via their appearance on Top Of The Pops. A hat-trick of hits was completed when ‘Never ‘Ad Nothin’ hit No.52 in late 1979.

Formed in South Shields, England in 1977, the Angelic Upstarts was one of the period's most politically charged and thought-provoking groups; though technically a skinhead band, their records attacked the racism and fascism so prevalent throughout the skinhead community, and while also technically a punk unit, their music quickly evolved beyond the movement's limited scope. The Angelic Upstarts were led by the rather nasal vocalist Mensi (born Thomas Mensforth), whose impoverished childhood became a frequent lyrical touchstone. Along with a highly fluid lineup which initially comprised guitarist Mond, bassist Ronnie Wooden, and drummer Sticks, the group debuted with the 1979 single "Murder of Liddle Towers," a scabrous attack on police brutality. The record caught the attention of Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey, who produced their debut album Teenage Warning, which, like its 1980 follow-up, We Gotta Get Out of This Place, roundly ridiculed the oppressive policies of Margaret Thatcher while offering an outpouring of sympathy for the working class.

Years after its release, Teenage Warning still crackles with the punk energy that infused it. Gang-shouted choruses and references to A Clockwork Orange confirm that the Upstarts were forerunners of Oi! and harder edged street punk. However, alongside bar-room gems like "I'm an Upstart" and "Leave Me Alone," are socially conscious compositions that give the band their identity. The most notable of these is "Liddle Towers," which recounts the death of a young man at the hands of brutal police. Perhaps that is what makes Teenage Warning such an enduring punk classic: its balance between the fun and serious, all delivered with unapologetic sneer and enthusiasm.

This six-disc set of supposed punk rock classics, Shit Factory: Greatest Punk Swindle is indeed a swindle. While most of the bands that are featured are worthy of the tag "legendary" (Adicts, Exploited, Dead Kennedys, the Damned the Stranglers) the tracks that appear are poorly recorded live versions, re-recordings and demos. Do not be fooled by the bloody chests of Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten on the cover, as this is not a middle finger raised to the establishment; it's a middle finger aimed directly at the listener.

Includes ‘pioneers’ like Cock Sparrer, Slaughter & The Dogs and Menace via flag bearers like Angelic Upstarts and Cockney Rejects through to Oi! legends The Business, 4- Skins, Last Resort and Infa-Riot and not forgetting lesser known bands like Criminal Class, Subculture and Case. It’s all killer and no filler!

Three CD collection featuring 60 tracks that were the soundtrack to the terraces and back streets of 70s Britain. Featuring 'Lads Rock' legends The Faces, Mott The Hoople and Slade. Plus stalwarts from the heavier end of Glam, with the likes of Sweet, Geordie and Hector and a swathe of non art school Punk outfits like Cock Sparrer, Slaughter & The Dogs and Sham 69. And pre Oi! Pioneers like Menace, Angelic Upstarts and Cockney Rejects. Not to mention 'bovver rock' rarities from the likes of Scruff, Johnny Du Cann and Cyanide… 60 tracks that exude a 'who do you think you're shoving around' attitude… and not a ballad among them. With a fully illustrated booklet with notes on each track.

Monster 99 track seven CD clam shell box set that focuses on the Oi! compilation albums issued on legendary Street Punk label Link Records between 1987-1993.Features the biggest names associated with the scene – Cockney Rejects, Angelic Upstarts, The Business, Cock Sparrer, Slaughter And The Dogs, The 4 Skins, Blitz, Sham 69, The Crack, Menace, Judge Dread, The Oppressed, etc….Detailed liner notes by label boss Captain Oi! give the inside story behind each of the seven albums.

Gothic, Power Pop, Pathetique, Post Punk… Includes scene standard bearers like The Damned, Lords Of The New Church, Conflict, Southern Death Cult, The Exploited and U. K. Subs through to obscure not even known in their own household bands like Zanti Misfitz, Instant Agony, Genocides and Pressure. Each band and track is illustrated in the booklet and has a short informative bio. 1980-Brand New Age' and '1981-All Out Attack' have both been well received by critics and fans alike and '1982-Screaming At The Nation' is set to continue that trend.

In the wake of punk, musicians in the UK found themselves suddenly liberated artistically and free to think in new terms commercially. The outcome was the independent label boom, and beyond that a certain Do It Yourself aesthetic. Overnight, the possibility arose of recording your own music and releasing your own record, or, if you weren’t musical yourself, setting up your own label to release records by people who were.