ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Angel Dust Collected Highs 1978-1983 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Anagram Records

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.