| HOME
MEGAPAGES MUSIC PLACES TRAVEL MOVIES NEWS ABOUT ACID STINGS APOSTLES
|
Ruts Peel Sessions **** The Crack ***
|
|
Their sound was a heavy brooding collision of blistering punk and heavy dub with strong political convictions and explosive melodies.When they were still an unknown band their first single was released by local Southall(London) reggae band Misty In Roots record label People Unite.The violent street campaigns of the National Front and its recruitment of young people inflamed The Ruts political stance and led to a strong association with the Rock Against Racism campaign. Unlike the overproduced studio albums their edgy,abrasive sound is captured perfectly on these recordings which reference the then social ills of 1970s Britain.Standout songs are the swirling paranoid 'S.U.S',pounding Dope For Guns/Babylons Burning, incendiary 'It Was Cold' and the oppressive Secret Soldiers which are all superior to the official versions.In fact every song on here sounds as fresh and vital as it did back then.The Ruts were among the very few punk bands who seemed to have the perfect mix of fury,intelligence and great melodies.A unique band with a unique sound.Sadly singer Malcolm Owen died from a heroin overdose when The Ruts were at their creative peak - but for punk music which is not afraid to do the unexpected and still sound great this album is essential. |
|
This is a good album but lacks the rawness of the superior Peel Sessions CD.Where the Ruts were edgy and aggressive too much of The Crack sounds like tame pop punk.Despite that it does still sound fresh and definitely worth checking out.For more exciting versions of these same songs get the the Ruts Peel Sessions |
Reviewed by Rob Basak