- RoadrunneR / Secret Records
"Punk's Not Dead" is the debut album by the punk band The Exploited. It was released in 1981 by Secret Records. The album became the #1 independent album of 1981 in the United Kingdom. The album was a reaction to critics who said the punk genre was dead, and in response to industry trends toward New Wave music and other genres.
In the bleak landscape of early 1980s Britain, The Exploited emerged as one of the most ferocious voices of the punk movement. Their debut album, "Punk's Not Dead," released in 1981 on Secret Records, became an instant classic and continues to resonate with listeners drawn to the genre's unfiltered power.
Historical Context
The Exploited's music was born out of a time of deep social and political unrest in the United Kingdom. High unemployment, economic decline, and a sense of disillusionment with the ruling class fueled a generation of angry youth. Punk rock provided the perfect soundtrack for this angst, and The Exploited were among the most uncompromising bands of the era.
Musical Exploration
"Punk's Not Dead" is a relentless assault of fast tempos, buzzsaw guitars, and the snarling vocals of frontman Wattie Buchan. The album's lyrics are filled with anti-establishment fury, tackling themes of police brutality ("Cop Cars"), war ("Army Life"), and social injustice ("Sex & Violence"). Despite the lack of traditional musical sophistication, the sheer aggression and energy of the band captured the spirit of the era perfectly.
Controversies
The Exploited's raw sound and confrontational lyrics inevitably sparked controversy. They were accused of promoting violence and anarchy, concerns that often followed punk rock bands of the time. However, the band maintained that their music was simply a reflection of the harsh realities they and their audience faced.
The Band and Venue
The classic lineup of The Exploited featured Wattie Buchanon vocals, Big John Duncan on guitar, Gary McCormack on bass, and Dru Stix on drums. The album "Punk's Not Dead" was recorded at a small studio in Edinburgh, Scotland. This DIY environment further exemplifies the punk ethos the band embodied.
Frontman Wattie Buchan
Wattie Buchan was the undisputed leader and focal point of The Exploited. His distinctive mohawk hairstyle, studded leather jacket, and ferocious stage presence made him an icon of the punk scene. His lyrics, delivered in a thick Scottish accent, were filled with raw emotion and political outrage.
Music Genre: |
UK Punk |
Album Production Information: |
The album: "The Exploited - Punk's not Dead" was produced by: Dave Leaper and The Exploited Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Neil (REL) |
Record Label & Catalognr: |
SECRET RR 9995 |
Media Format: |
12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: |
1981 Made in EU/EEC |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: The Exploited - Punk's not Dead |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "The Exploited - Punk's not Dead" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "The Exploited - Punk's not Dead" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "The Exploited - Punk's not Dead" |
High Resolution Photo Album Back Cover
Enlarged High Resolution Photo of the Record's Label
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. 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 ). |
Rough Justice JUST 6 , 1987 , Made in England
The Exploited's "Death Before Dishonour": a sonic Molotov cocktail hurled into the heart of a complacent society. This ain't no polite punk rock protest, folks; it's a full-throated, boot-stomping declaration of war. Wattie Buchan's vocals are a guttural howl from the depths of working-class rage
Death Before Dishonour 12" Vinyl Album
ROUGH JUSTICE 12 KORE 102 , 1986 , UK
The Exploited's "Jesus Is Dead": a blasphemous middle finger to organized religion and societal hypocrisy. Wattie Buchan's sneering vocals are a razor blade to the throat of complacency, the guitars a buzzsaw to the brain, and the drums a relentless march toward damnation. This ain't no Sunday school
Jesus Is Dead 12" EP Album
PAX 18 , 1983 , UK
The Exploited's "Let's Start A War": a sonic bomb detonated in the face of Thatcher's warmongering. This ain't no polite protest song, folks; it's a full-throated, spit-in-your-eye rebellion against the powers that be. Wattie Buchan's vocals are a guttural howl against political hypocrisy
Let's Start A War 12" Vinyl Album
Castle Communications / Nine Mile DO JO LP 9 , 1985 , England
The Exploited's "On Stage": A sonic blitzkrieg captured live in all its raw, visceral glory. Forget studio polish and overdubs, folks; this is punk rock in the flesh, warts and all. Wattie Buchan's voice is a rabid dog's bark, the guitars are razor wire cutting through the night, and the drums
On Stage Live 12" Vinyl Album
SUCK SDLP2 , 1985 , England
The Exploited's "Live at the Whitehouse": Not in Washington, mind you, but a sonic declaration of war nonetheless. This ain't no polite dinner party chatter, folks; it's a raucous, sweat-drenched explosion of punk fury captured on vinyl. Wattie Buchan's voice is a battle cry, the guitars a sonic blitzkrieg,
Live At The Whitehouse 12" Vinyl Album
Rough Justice JUST 15 , 1990 , France
The Exploited's "The Massacre": a sonic bloodbath splattered across the vinyl battlefield. This ain't no polite punk rock singalong, folks; it's a full-on assault on your eardrums, a relentless barrage of razor-sharp guitars, thunderous drums, and Wattie Buchan's throat-shredding vocals.
The Massacre 12" Vinyl Album
The Exploited's "On Stage" (Red Vinyl): A crimson-splattered sonic time capsule, capturing the raw fury of a band and an audience united in rebellion. This ain't no polished studio performance, folks; it's a sweat-drenched, beer-soaked riot on wax. Wattie Buchan's vocals are a guttural war cry
On Stage Red Coloured Vinyl 12" Vinyl Album
LINK LP 065 , 1988 , England
"Punks Not Dead", The Exploited's iconic debut album, is a raw and unapologetic blast of British punk. Released in 1981 on Secret Records, it quickly gained notoriety for its rebellious spirit and aggressive sound. This rare Link Records pressing captures the essence of the era, with anthems like the title track
Punks Not Dead - LINK Records 12" Vinyl Album
SECRET RR 9995 , 1981 , Europe
Released in 1981, "Punks Not Dead" by The Exploited became an instant classic and fueled the UK82 punk movement. This Roadrunner Records pressing of the debut album delivers the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined the era. Tracks like "Army Life" and "Exploited Barmy Army" resonate with anger and frustration
Punks Not Dead - RoadrunneR Records 12" Vinyl Album
Blashadabee DOJOLP 1 , 1984 , England
"Totally Exploited," the debut album by Scottish punk band The Exploited, released in 1981, is a raw and aggressive masterpiece. This 12-inch vinyl album captures the band's rebellious spirit and raw energy, featuring iconic tracks like "Punk's Not Dead" and "Army Life."
Totally Exploited 12" Vinyl Album
SECRET SEC 8 , 1982 , UK
"Troops of Tomorrow," The Exploited's 1982 album, marks a significant shift in their sound, incorporating elements of heavy metal while maintaining their punk roots. The 12-inch vinyl album features iconic tracks like "Jimmy Boyle" and "U.S.A.," tackling political issues and social unrest.
Troops of Tomorrow 12" Vinyl Album
