- Anagram Records
"Angelic Upstarts" are an English punk rock/Oi! band formed in South Shields in 1977. The band espoused an anti-fascist and socialist working class philosophy, and have been associated with the skinhead subculture. This is a compilation album of songs which span the six year career
In the tumultuous landscape of late 1970s Britain, punk rock served as the raw, guttural voice of discontent. Among the throng of anarchic pioneers, Angelic Upstarts emerged with a fierce determination to channel the angst and struggles of the working class. Their compilation album, "Angel Dust: Collected Highs 1978-1983", stands as a testament to their fervent socio-political commentary and unrelenting energy.
Historical Context
The late '70s and early '80s in the UK were marked by economic hardship, widespread unemployment, and social unrest. The punk movement, fueled by these grim realities, became a cultural force that rejected the excesses of mainstream rock and embraced a DIY ethic. Angelic Upstarts, hailing from South Shields, were deeply embedded in this milieu, bringing a distinctly working-class perspective to their music.
Musical Exploration
"Angel Dust" encapsulates the band's exploration of punk rock's raw simplicity and directness. Tracks like "The Murder of Liddle Towers" and "Police Oppression" are visceral critiques of institutional corruption and police brutality, delivered with unpolished aggression and fervor. The band's sound is characterized by sharp guitar riffs, pounding drums, and the impassioned vocals of frontman Mensi, whose delivery is as much a rallying cry as it is a form of protest.
Their music is not just an auditory assault; it is imbued with the spirit of rebellion. Angelic Upstarts' songs often serve as sonic pamphlets, spreading messages of resistance and solidarity among the disenfranchised youth. The band's ability to blend potent political statements with the raw energy of punk makes this compilation a compelling artifact of its time.
Music Genre
Firmly rooted in punk rock, Angelic Upstarts' music often veers into Oi!, a subgenre that emerged in the late '70s and is characterized by its focus on working-class issues and its embrace of a more anthemic, sing-along style. Oi! provided a platform for bands like the Upstarts to connect more directly with their audience, who saw their own struggles and frustrations reflected in the music. This genre blend is evident in *Angel Dust*, where the unrefined, aggressive edge of punk meets the rousing, communal spirit of Oi!.
Controversies
Controversy has never been far from Angelic Upstarts. Their outspoken political stance and alignment with leftist ideologies frequently put them at odds with authorities and more conservative elements of society. The single "The Murder of Liddle Towers," which deals with the real-life death of an amateur boxer in police custody, drew significant attention and backlash, highlighting the band's fearless approach to tackling contentious issues.
Additionally, their association with political activism often led to clashes with both right-wing groups and more extreme elements within the punk scene itself. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the band remained resolute in their mission to give a voice to the voiceless, even if it meant courting controversy and confrontation.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The production of "Angel Dust" involved a collaborative effort among several key figures in the punk scene. Early recordings featured the work of Jimmy Pursey, the frontman of Sham 69, who produced their debut single and helped shape the band's early sound. Other notable producers include Peter Wilson, who worked on their debut album, *Teenage Warning*, bringing a polished yet still gritty aesthetic to the band's raw energy.
The recording sessions for many of the tracks included in this compilation took place in various studios across London, including the notable Polydor Studios. These sessions captured the immediacy and urgency of Angelic Upstarts' music, ensuring that the recordings retained the same visceral impact as their live performances.
Music Genre: English Punk Rock |
Album Production Information: Album cover artwork: Jim Phelan |
Record Label & Catalognr: Anagram GRAM 007 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1983 Made in France |
Complete Track-listing of the album "ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust The Collected Highs 1978-1983" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust The Collected Highs 1978-1983" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust The Collected Highs 1978-1983" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust The Collected Highs 1978-1983" |
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Close-up Photo of "ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust The Collected Highs 1978-1983" Record Label |
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