- 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.
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 & Catalognr: BRONZE 205 855 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1983 Made in Germany |
Band Members and Musicians on: GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty |
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Complete Track Listing of: "GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty" |
The Songs/tracks on "GIRLSCHOOL Play Dirty" are
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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 ).
Record Label Details: Yellow Colour BRONZE 205 855, LC 2313 , GEMA, STEMRA ℗ 1983 Bronze Records Ltd. Sound Copyright
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,
Demolition 12" Vinyl LP
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."
Hit and Run 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Nightmare at Maple Cross 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Play Dirty 12" Vinyl LP
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.
Screaming Blue Murder 12" Vinyl LP