GIRLSCHOOL - PLAY DIRTY 12" Vinyl LP Album

NWOBHM

1983's Play Dirty saw Girlschool, pioneers of NWOBHM, turn up the heat. Produced by Slade's Noddy Holder & Jim Lea, the album is a fist-pumping collection of heavy anthems & scorching riffs, a must-listen for any metal fan.

 

Group-photo of the Girlschool band on the albums front cover

"Play Dirty" Album Description:

In 1983, Britain's all-female heavy metal pioneers, Girlschool, unleashed their fourth studio album, "Play Dirty," on Bronze Records. This scorcher of an LP marked a significant turning point for the band, with two rock and roll legends taking the helm as producers: Noddy Holder and Jim Lea of Slade.

"Play Dirty" arrived amidst the thriving New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. Girlschool, already established as a force with their brand of high-octane metal, channeled the raw energy of the era into this potent offering.

Slade's Touch

The involvement of Holder and Lea, known for their hard-driving rock anthems, imbued "Play Dirty" with a newfound swagger. Their production expertise tightened the band's sound, resulting in a collection of sharp, riff-heavy tracks that wouldn't be out of place alongside contemporaries like Iron Maiden and Motörhead.

Classic Tracks

The album boasts a tracklist brimming with fierce anthems. The opening salvo, "Going Under," sets the tone with its pummeling drums and Kelly Johnson's searing vocals. "Play Dirty," the title track, is a fist-pumping declaration of rebellion, while "20th Century Boy" (a cover of T. Rex) injects a dose of glam-fueled punk energy. Tracks like "Burning in the Heat" and "Rock Me Shock Me" showcase the band's mastery of fast tempos and headbanging grooves.

Enduring Legacy

"Play Dirty" stands as a testament to Girlschool's unwavering commitment to heavy metal. It's an album that doesn't shy away from showcasing their musical prowess and infectious energy. While some later releases explored a more polished sound, "Play Dirty" captures the raw power and unadulterated spirit of this NWOBHM icon.

Music Genre:

NWOBHM New Wave Of British Heavy Metal 

Album Production information:

The album: "GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty" was produced by: Jim Lea & Noddy Holder (both ex-Slade).

Photography: Alan Ballars,

Design: Polly  

Record Label Information:

BRONZE 205 855  

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1983 Made in Germany  
Band Members and Musicians on: GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers Girlschool Band:
  • Kelly Johnson - Guitars, Vocals
  • Kim McAuliffe - Vocals, Guitars
  • Gil Weston-Jones - Bass
  • Denise Dufort - Drums
Track Listing of: "GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty"

The Songs/tracks on "GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty" are

    Side One:
  1. Going Under
  2. High & Dry
  3. Play Dirty
  4. 20th Century Boy
  5. Breaking all the rules
    Side Two:
  1. Burning in the Heat
  2. Surrender
  3. Rock Me Shock me
  4. Running for Covr
  5. Breakout (Knob in the Media)

 

Front Cover Photo Of GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty Female NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album

Group-photo of the Girlschool band on the albums front cover

Group-photo of the Girlschool band on the albums front cover

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty Female NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty Female NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album album back cover

Close up of record's label GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty Female NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

Record Label Details: Yellow Colour BRONZE 205 855, LC 2313 , GEMA, STEMRA ℗ 1983 Bronze Records Ltd. Sound Copyright

GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty Female NWOBHM 12" Vinyl LP Album enlarged record label
 
Index of GIRLSCHOOL Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery
GIRLSCHOOL - Demolition 12" Vinyl LP
GIRLSCHOOL - Demolition  album front cover vinyl record

BRONZE 202 426   , 1980 , Germany

"Demolition" Girlschool's 1980 debut, crashed into the male-dominated NWOBHM scene, proving women could rock just as hard. This scorcher of an album mixed punk energy with metal riffs,

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GIRLSCHOOL - Hit and Run 12" Vinyl LP
GIRLSCHOOL - Hit and Run  album front cover vinyl record

BRONZE 203 556 , 1981 , Germany

"Girls just wanna rock! Dive into the NWOBHM era with Girlschool's 'Hit and Run' LP. This album packs a punch with anthemic tracks and commercial success, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in heavy metal lore."

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GIRLSCHOOL - Nightmare at Maple Cross 12" Vinyl LP
Girlschool - Nightmare at Maple Cross  album front cover vinyl record

GWR Records RR 9671 , 1986 , Holland

Girlschool's 1986 album "Nightmare At Maple Cross" marked a return to their heavy metal roots after a brief detour. Produced by the legendary Vic Maile, it features classic Girlschool with driving anthems & a glam-tinged Mud cover. This LP cemented their place in NWOBHM history.

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GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty 12" Vinyl LP
GIRLSCHOOL - Play Dirty  album front cover vinyl record

BRONZE 205 855   , 1983 , Germany

1983's Play Dirty saw Girlschool, pioneers of NWOBHM, turn up the heat. Produced by Slade's Noddy Holder & Jim Lea, the album is a fist-pumping collection of heavy anthems & scorching riffs, a must-listen for any metal fan.

Learn more
GIRLSCHOOL - Screaming Blue Murder 12" Vinyl LP
GIRLSCHOOL - Screaming Blue Murder  album front cover vinyl record

 Bronze 204 757  , 1982 , Germany

In 1982, Girlschool released "Screaming Blue Murder," a defining moment for the band with a new bassist and Nigel Gray's production. This album solidified their place in heavy metal history with fierce riffs and anthemic tracks, challenging gender stereotypes in the genre.

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