Various Artists - Happening, Alive & Nasty (EMI)
4/5
By: Gareth Roberts
This release celebrates the re-launching of the Zonophone label, now part of the EMI group, and does so by grouping together a bunch of, well, un-sung songs I suppose, which played a quiet but very important role in the rip-roaring phenomenon that was the emergence of punk in the 70s. Comprising of unheard and unearthed material, it really is a fascinating delve into the archives.
Generation X start the mayhem with Your Generation, a rousing number which sets the tone for a truly enjoyable journey through the forgotten gems of the punk era. Penetration keep the standards impeccably high with Dont Dictate, whilst the irrepressible Buzzcocks chip in with b-side Whatever Happened To? which is easily as good as any of their better known songs.
The Maniacs later scuttle through Aint no Legend before we get The Stranglers, whose irresistible Something Better Change is quite simply one of the best songs I'd never heard! And it's at this point that you cant help but wonder why, unless of course you are some sort of punk obsessive, you have never heard these songs before. This feeling only escalates with Wires 12XU, a wonderful quiet-loud number which makes it all the more understandable that they are one of the most quietly influential acts to emerge from the punk era.
Without wanting to display a distinct lack of journalistic talent by simply listing each band, it almost feels like a sin to leave anyone out. As such Ill try and give a brief mention to everyone, so, The Vibrators and The Skids excite and inspire in equal measure, whilst Leyton Buzzards b-side Through With You is yet another of those how can I not know this song already moments. Celia and the Mutations and 999 round up a splendid group of 11 bands, some you will of heard of, some not, who all deserve a place in your hearts.
Whilst compilations like Rip It Up provide a valuable insight into what was surely musics most exciting and unpredictable era, it merely scratched the surface. For anyone wanting to delve a little deeper and discover some genuinely excellent music, then this compilation is simply essential, in addition it goes to show that whilst there exists such a wealth of undiscovered music waiting to be unleashed, punk will never be dead.
Artists in this article: Various Artists
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