PUB PUNK / POST PUNK

Unfortunately, a cool little record shop nearby recently quit business. The blow was softened by the fact that the owners didn't have to quit business because they couldn't make a living at it anymore, but because they wanted to try something new. Regardless, Recycled Sounds is now gone. RIP.

As they were selling out the inventory, I grabbed up a double LP compilation called Live at The Hope & Anchor: Front Row Festival 1977. It's bands from the punk and post-punk scene playing live at a pub called Hope & Anchor in Islington, north of London, in late 1977. The set has The Stranglers, X-Ray Spex, 999, The Only Ones, XTC, The Saints, Dire Straits and many more. It was only released in the UK on Warner Bros. I don't know what the Hope & Anchor looks like on the inside, but I imagine it's somewhat small, so I was hoping for a real intimate sound on the recordings.

Excited by my find, especially since I was able to get it at 50% off, I rushed home to play it. Too bad the record didn't pan out. It's decent but not amazing. However there are 3 solid numbers on it. Check em out below on mp3 (Vinyl rip at 256 kbps)

The Stranglers - Hanging Around (live 1977)
The Saints - Demolition Girl (live 1977)
X-Ray Spex - Let's Submerge (live 1977)