THE FITS - LAST LAUGH ORIG RONDELET 7" EP 45RPM picture sleeve VINYL

"The Last Laugh" EP by The Fits sparks controversy with its 45RPM 7" vinyl featuring a provocative nude figure on the sleeve. European publications weigh in on the debate, exploring the balance between artistic freedom and societal responsibility. Fans applaud the band's audacity, while critics express concerns about the potential impact on younger audiences. The discussion highlights the ongoing tension between artistic expression and societal norms in the music industry.

 

Album cover of The Fits’ “The Last Laugh E.P.” featuring a black-and-white photo of a shirtless young man crouching with a rebellious expression, spiked hair, and punk accessories like bracelets and chains, set against a dark background. The band name “The Fits” and album title “The Last Laugh E.P.” are displayed in bold cut-out-style text on opposite sides.

"The Last Laugh" Album Description:

In the realm of music, album artwork has long served as a visual complement to the auditory experience, with the potential to spark conversations and stir emotions. The recent release of "The Last Laugh" EP by The Fits has ignited controversy not only for its musical content but also due to its provocative album sleeve featuring a nude figure engaging in an unusual gesture.

The 7" EP, spinning at 45RPM, has become a focal point of discussion within the music community, raising questions about artistic expression, censorship, and societal norms. The offending image on the picture sleeve portrays a nude individual poking a finger into their nose, challenging conventional expectations of album art decorum.

While some argue that the imagery is a form of artistic freedom, pushing boundaries and sparking dialogue, others find it offensive and inappropriate for public consumption. The debate over the balance between artistic expression and social responsibility is not new, but "The Last Laugh" EP brings these discussions to the forefront once again.

European publications, known for their nuanced and analytical approach, have taken varying stances on the matter. Some critics commend The Fits for their boldness, asserting that the provocative sleeve serves as a commentary on societal taboos and challenges preconceived notions of decency. Others, however, condemn the choice, emphasizing the potential impact on younger audiences and the need for responsible artistic expression.

In an era where visuals are shared instantaneously through social media, the controversial album art has sparked online discussions, garnering both support and criticism from diverse audiences. Fans of The Fits defend the band's right to artistic expression, praising the EP for its audacity and originality, while detractors argue for a more restrained approach, especially considering the potential impact on a broader audience.

The Fits' decision to include such provocative imagery prompts us to reflect on the intersection of art, music, and societal norms. As debates surrounding the EP continue, it remains to be seen whether "The Last Laugh" will be remembered for its musical prowess or become a symbol of the ongoing tension between artistic freedom and societal expectations.

Differences in The Fits - The Last Laugh EP Releases
Unique Aspects of Regional Pressings

Synopsis: The 1982 French pressing of "The Last Laugh EP" by The Fits stands out for its unique elements:

  • Country of Pressing: Produced in France under Rondelet Records ROUND 30, whereas other editions may originate from the UK or beyond.
  • Cover Art: Features the provocative artwork of a shirtless individual in a rebellious pose. Some regional variants modify or exclude this design.
  • Studio Recording: Recorded at Spaceward Studio, Cambridge, delivering a raw, unfiltered punk sound. Other editions may differ in mastering.
  • Track Listing: Includes "Last Laugh" (Side A) and "Different Way" and "Nothing to Prove" (Side B). Reissues might adjust the track configuration.
These differences make the French pressing highly collectible for punk vinyl enthusiasts.

Album Description & Collectors information:

 

"The Fits" were a punk rock band from Blackpool, Lancashire, England, who were active between 1979 and 1985

British 70s Punk 
The album: "THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP" was produced by: KNOX
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Joe Bull
This album was recorded at: Spaceward Studio, Cambridge, UK / England
Rondelet Music and Records ROUND 30
7" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record 
1982 Made in France
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Steve Withers - Guitars
  • Tez McDonald - Drums
  • Ricky McGuire - Bass
  • Mick Crudge - Vocals
Complete Track-listing of the album "THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP"

The detailed tracklist of this record "THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP" is:

    Side A:
  1. Last Laugh
    Side B:
  1. Different Way Nothing To Prove
High Quality Photo Sleeve of "THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP"
Album cover of The Fits’ “The Last Laugh E.P.” featuring a black-and-white photo of a shirtless young man crouching with a rebellious expression, spiked hair, and punk accessories like bracelets and chains, set against a dark background. The band name “The Fits” and album title “The Last Laugh E.P.” are displayed in bold cut-out-style text on opposite sides.

The front cover of The Fits’ “The Last Laugh E.P.” is a stark black-and-white design with a raw, punk aesthetic. The primary visual is a black-and-white photograph of a shirtless young man crouching down, giving the viewer an intense and rebellious glare. His spiked hairstyle, bracelets, and chains emphasize a defiant punk ethos. He holds his finger near his nose in a provocative, carefree gesture that complements the anti-establishment attitude commonly associated with punk music.

The band name, “The Fits,” is boldly displayed in a cut-out style at the top left corner, mimicking a collage effect often used in DIY punk zines. Similarly, the title “The Last Laugh E.P.” is arranged in block letters on the right side, creating a rough and unpolished look that aligns with the gritty, raw energy of the genre.

The high-contrast black background amplifies the striking, confrontational imagery, making this cover iconic in its underground punk appeal. It captures the essence of the late 1970s and early 1980s punk movement.

Album Back Cover  Photo of "THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP"
‘Back cover of The Fits’ “The Last Laugh E.P.” featuring a collage of black-and-white band photos with members in punk attire, including leather jackets and spiked hair. The chaotic layout includes handwritten-style text with track titles (“Last Laugh,” “Different Way,” “Nothing to Prove”), band member credits, production details, and a skull logo with a mohawk. The design reflects a raw DIY punk aesthetic, with recording and label information from Spaceward Studio and Rondelet Music and Records.’

The back cover of The Fits’ “The Last Laugh E.P.” is a collage-style design that mirrors the DIY punk aesthetic of the front. It features multiple black-and-white photographs of the band members in casual, rebellious poses. The images depict the group wearing punk attire, including leather jackets, studded accessories, and spiked hairstyles, set against a gritty urban background, enhancing their raw, anti-establishment vibe.

Text elements are scattered across the layout in a deliberately uneven and hand-cut style, contributing to the chaotic, edgy feel. The tracklist, including “Last Laugh,” “Different Way,” and “Nothing to Prove,” is prominently displayed in bold, mismatched fonts. Credits for the band members (Steve Withers on guitars, Tez McDonald on drums, Ricky McGuire on bass, and Mick Crudge on vocals) and production details (produced by Knox and engineered by Joe Bull) are included, along with a special thanks section to figures like Knox and Charlie Harper.

The Fits’ logo, featuring a skull with a mohawk, is displayed in one corner, adding to the punk imagery. The record label information (Rondelet Music and Records) and recording location (Spaceward Studio, Cambridge) are also present, tying the album to its production roots. This back cover encapsulates the unpolis

Photo of "THE FITS - The Last Laugh EP" 7" Side B

High Resolution Photo #12 THE FITS - The Last Laugh

High Resolution Photo of the Record's Label  

High Resolution Photo #13 THE FITS - The Last Laugh  

 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 ).

Index of THE-FITS Album Cover Gallery & Vinyl Discography Information
THE FITS - Last Laugh
THE FITS - Last Laugh album front cover vinyl record

‘The Last Laugh’ by The Fits is a jagged slice of early ’80s punk chaos wrapped in controversy. With its provocative cover—a sneering middle finger to societal norms—and snarling tracks like “Last Laugh” and “Different Way,” it’s raw, defiant, and unapologetic. This EP spits in the face of decency, throws sparks of rebellion, and reminds you punk was never meant to play nice. It’s dirty, loud, and glorious.

THE FITS - Last Laugh 7" Vinyl
THE FITS - Think For Yourself
THE FITS - Think For Yourself album front cover vinyl record

‘Think For Yourself Burial/Straps’ by The Fits is a blast of early ’80s British punk that snarls with raw, unrelenting energy. The A-side, ‘Think For Yourself Burial,’ punches through with sharp riffs and rebellious defiance, while the B-side, ‘Straps,’ brings a rhythm-driven anthem laced with punk swagger. Rondelet Records pressed this 7” single, immortalizing The Fits’ unpolished DIY attitude.

THE FITS - Think For Yourself 7" Vinyl