STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - INFLAMMABLE MATERIAL - 12" LP Vinyl Album

- ROUGH 1 UK Records

"Inflammable Material" is the 1979 debut album by the Northern Irish punk band "Stiff Little Fingers". Most of the album's tracks are about the "Troubles" and the grim reality of life in Northern Ireland with the songs containing themes of teenage boredom, sectarian violence, police oppression, etc, urging people to "grab it and change it, it's yours" in what became their signature song "Alternative Ulster". The song "Rough Trade" is about the band's view of the music business as being dishonest but have since claimed it is not about the record label which happens to have the same name.

 

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Stiff Little Fingers' "Inflammable Material": A Punk Rock Blast from the Troubles
Album Description:

Released in 1979, Stiff Little Fingers' debut album, "Inflammable Material," emerged as a raw and unapologetic voice from the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict, known as the Troubles. The album captured the frustration, anger, and resilience of a generation growing up amidst violence and political unrest.

Historical Context: Punk Rock Amidst the Troubles

"Inflammable Material" arrived at a time when punk rock was sweeping across the UK, providing a platform for social commentary and rebellion. The Troubles, a period of sectarian violence and political instability in Northern Ireland, served as a backdrop for the album's themes of social unrest, disillusionment, and the urgent need for change.

Musical Exploration: Raw Energy and Political Punk

The album's sound is characterized by its raw energy, driving guitar riffs, and Jake Burns' passionate vocals. Lyrically, the songs tackle head-on the realities of life in Northern Ireland, addressing issues like sectarian violence ("Alternative Ulster"), police brutality ("Suspect Device"), and the futility of war ("Wasted Life"). The band's punk ethos shines through in their uncompromising attitude and their refusal to shy away from difficult topics.

Controversies: A Voice for the Voiceless

While the album resonated with many who felt marginalized and disenfranchised, it also drew criticism for its bluntness and political message. Some accused the band of glorifying violence, while others praised them for their honesty and courage in addressing the difficult realities of their homeland.

Production Team and Studio: Capturing the Raw Essence

Produced by Jimmy Litherland, "Inflammable Material" was recorded at Spaceward Studios in Cambridge. The production team opted for a raw and unpolished sound that reflected the urgency and intensity of the band's message. The album's lo-fi aesthetic became a hallmark of the punk rock genre, capturing the raw energy and emotion of their live performances.

Music Genre:

 Irish Punk Rock 

Album Production Information:

 The album: "Inflammable Material" was produced by: Geoff Travis, Mayo Thomson

This album was recorded at: Spaceward Studios, Cambridge

 

Record Label & Catalognr:

Rough Trade in Association with Rigid Digits ROUGH 1
Album Packaging:This album "Inflammable Material" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs

Media Format:

 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

 1979 Made in England
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Jake Burns – vocals, guitar
  • Henry Cluney – guitar, vocals
  • Ali McMordie – bass, vocals
  • Brian Faloon - drums
Complete Track-listing of the album "STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material"

The detailed tracklist of this record "STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material" is:

    Track-listing :
  1. "Suspect Device" – 2:36
  2. "State of Emergency" (Burns) – 2:29
  3. "Here We Are Nowhere" (Henry Cluney) – 1:00
  4. "Wasted Life" (Burns) – 3:10
  5. "No More of That" (Cluney) – 2:04
  6. "Barbed Wire Love" – 3:33
  7. "White Noise" – 1:57
  8. "Breakout" (Burns) – 3:04
  9. "Law and Order" – 3:14
  10. "Rough Trade" – 2:41
  11. "Johnny Was" (Rita Marley) – 8:12
  12. "Alternative Ulster" – 2:45
  13. "Closed Groove" – 4:25

 

Front Cover Photo Of STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

 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 ).

Photo Of The Back Cover STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album back cover

First Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album custom inner sleeve

Second Photo Of Custom Inner Sleeve STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album

 

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album custom inner sleeve

Close up of Side One record's label STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material Rough 1 UK 12" LP Vinyl Album

"Inflammable Material" Orange/Red Colour ROUGH Record Label Details: Rough Trade in Association with Rigid Digits ROUGH 1 ℗ 1979 Rough Trade Sound Copyright

"Inflammable Material" Orange/Red Colour ROUGH Record Label Details: Rough Trade in Association with Rigid Digits ROUGH 1 ℗ 1979 Rough Trade Sound Copyright
 
Index of STIFF LITTLE FINGERS (Band) Album Cover Gallery & 12" Vinyl LP Discography Information
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Hanx! 12" Vinyl LP
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS  - Hanx!  album front cover vinyl record

n the throbbing heart of the punk revolution in 1980, Stiff Little Fingers etched their name into punk folklore with the release of "Hanx!" – a live 12" LP vinyl album that encapsulated the raw, unbridled energy of the band

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STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material 12" Vinyl LP
STIFF LITTLE FINGERS - Inflammable Material album front cover vinyl record

Released in 1979, Stiff Little Fingers' debut album, "Inflammable Material," emerged as a raw and unapologetic voice from the heart of the Northern Ireland conflict, known as the Troubles.

Learn more