Exploited - Let's Start A War 12" Vinyl album

In the bleak, industrial wasteland of 1983 Britain, punk rock was more than just music; it was a primal scream against the stifling conformity and political disillusionment of the era. Enter the Exploited, a band of working-class Scots led by the mohawked, snarling Wattie Buchan, whose third album, "Let's Start A War… (Said Maggie One Day)," became an anthem for a generation ready to tear down the establishment.

Recorded in the grimy, echo-laden caverns of Craighall Studio in Edinburgh, "Let's Start A War" was a sonic assault on the senses. Produced by the band themselves with engineer Barry Sage, the album's raw, unpolished sound perfectly mirrored the anger and frustration simmering beneath the surface of Thatcherite Britain.

The album's title track, a ferocious diatribe against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's decision to send British troops to the Falkland Islands, is a masterclass in punk rock fury. Buchan's sneering vocals, backed by the band's breakneck-speed instrumentation, paint a picture of a nation on the brink of chaos, fueled by political hubris and a lust for war.

But "Let's Start A War" is more than just a protest album. It's a snapshot of a society in turmoil, grappling with issues of class, poverty, and violence. Tracks like "Insanity" and "Safe Below" explore the psychological toll of living in a society that values conformity over individuality, while "Rival Leaders" and "God Saved The Queen" (a re-recording of the Sex Pistols' classic) take aim at the hypocrisy and corruption of the ruling class. The album also delves into themes of unemployment, hopelessness, and police brutality, resonating with a generation of disenfranchised youth.

Musically, "Let's Start A War" is a relentless barrage of distorted guitars, thunderous drums, and Buchan's guttural vocals. There's no room for subtlety or nuance here, just pure, unadulterated rage channeled into three-minute bursts of sonic fury. The album's production may be rough around the edges, but it only adds to its raw power and authenticity.

Of course, the Exploited's confrontational style and aggressive lyrics weren't without controversy. The band was often accused of promoting violence and hatred, and their concerts were frequently marred by brawls and riots. But for their fans, the Exploited were a voice for the voiceless, a band that dared to speak truth to power, even if it meant risking censorship or condemnation. The band's notoriety only added to their appeal, solidifying their place as one of the most controversial and influential punk bands of the era.

In the end, "Let's Start A War" is a testament to the power of punk rock to challenge the status quo and give voice to the marginalized and disaffected. It's a raw, visceral, and unapologetic album that captures the spirit of a generation that refused to be silenced or ignored. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying that "Let's Start A War" is a punk rock classic that continues to resonate with listeners today, serving as a time capsule of the social and political unrest of 1980s Britain.

In 1982, Margaret Thatcher, the "Iron Lady" of British politics, faced a defining moment when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands. This remote territory, a British overseas dependency, became the unlikely battleground for a war that would solidify Thatcher's reputation as a resolute leader.

Thatcher's response was swift and decisive. She dispatched a naval task force to reclaim the islands, a bold move that surprised many. The conflict lasted 74 days, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of British and Argentine soldiers.

The Falklands War was a turning point for Thatcher, boosting her popularity and securing her re-election. It also had a lasting impact on British foreign policy, demonstrating the nation's willingness to defend its interests abroad. However, the war remains a controversial topic, with critics questioning its necessity and the human cost involved.