RUTS

RUTS
THE CRACK (1979)
256 KBPS

The Ruts sound was a heavy brooding collision of blistering punk and heavy dub. With strong political convictions and explosive melodies the Ruts were the best of the 2nd wave of punk bands to emerge in 1978-79. 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 they're edgy, abrasive sound is captured perfectly on these recordings. The social ills of decaying 1970s Britain are attacked in the 15 tracks here. 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 got the rare 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.

1. Babylon's Burning 2:35
2. Dope for Guns 2:11
3. S.U.S. 3:49
4. Something That I Said 3:53
5. You're Just A... 2:55
6. It Was Cold 6:48
7. Savage Circle 3:05
8. Jah War 6:55
9. Criminal Mind 1:34
10. Backbiter 3:02
11. Out of Order 1:50
12. Human Punk 4:34
13. Give Youth a Chance 3:07
14. I Ain't Sofisticated 2:16
15. The Crack 5:49

password: NS78