Sex Pistols - 'Jubilee' (Virgin)
3/5
By: Toby L
Punk in the UK happened 25 years ago, the Sex Pistols naturally becoming the seminal figures of the time.
The scene back then focussed its ethos and message on creating an anti-establishment way of living, and music was one of its channels through which to deliver views and gain followers. Thus, since we've moved on quite considerably, how can its relevance really still pour out through to today's youth and stir any real emotion? Well, bang on a copy of 'Jubilee', the Sex Pistols' retrospective, and experience the effect of a group whose songs are as often timeless as the causes they backed. For, let's face it, the fact is that certain aspects which concern daily living are always going to be backwards, and why not have a musical-soundtrack to play alongside your criticisms?
Admittedly, a re-packaging of their music in a 'best of' format doesn't really spread the punk-message too successfully, possibly seen more as a cash-in as opposed to any spirited alternative campaign for changing the world, yet for those that haven't assembled a collection of the group's most major moments, 'Jubilee' is a handy compilation of the group's post-Rotten singles (despite their quality being hugely varying).
Impacting and thrilling as ever - when experienced at full volume at least - has got to be the opener, the recently re-released 'God Save The Queen', whose closing 'No future' chants are as strangely moving as when it was first heard back in '77. Following this are the further two classic singles, 'Anarchy In The UK' and 'Pretty Vacant', and it's fair to say that the album peaks rather too quickly. After these, for instance, you get the mildly comedic - but largely novelty - 'Friggin' In The Riggin'', and two perplexing Eddie Cochran covers, as snarled by Sid Vicious. Still, the heavy riffs of 'The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle', complete with guest-vocalist Tenpole Tudor, and manic closure on 'Never Mind The Bollocks' album-track, 'EMI', hint to more special moments in a career that was largely topped by their debut - and only - LP, the following singles merely shadows of a great, if limited, legacy up to that point.
Clearly, the Pistols will be a timely and very important part of the past, but - as proven with this release - sometimes, the past is a good place to visit.
Artists in this article: Sex Pistols
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