irenzero

There is something about driving in the summer time that is perfect for listening to Oi! Music, and few are better than Cock sparrer. UK Pub Rockers turned punk (just like members of the Damned and the Clash) Cock sparrer for what ever reason slipped through the cracks and never made the big time.


Their album Shock Troops is simply on the finest punk records ever recorded. Its got loads of energy, drive, power and catchy tunes. The tunes, what they say is as relevant today as it was when the songs were first written, when they were recorded and every time that they had been played by anyone, anywhere, any time since.

Where are the Now kicks of the album, and questions the false, quick fame of pop stars, rock stars and various other also rans. How many times have we heard that story. Buck Cherry anyone. I am sure that several others will fall into that truckload of nothing bargain bin they sing of.

Riot Squad, Workin, Take em all, Watch your Back, and I got your Number are all about keeping your eyes open, looking out for your best interests, and not trusting the authorities. England Belongs to Me might be the best thing that Cock Sparrer has ever written (its not Running Riot or Trouble on the Terraces are) , it talks about pride, and belonging, and all of those things that are an important part of identity.

Out on an Island is my personal favorite from the album. Its a slower tempo tune, with a military march base. Its got something at its core that reaches out and screams I am a Person and it just resonated with me.

To me Shock Troops is the lost classic punk album.

Notes:

1: Cock Sparrer had several solid singles that do not appear on Shock Troops, and they are available several Cock Sparrer collections.

2: anyone that reads this journal or any of my posts in the groups, or on the boards is welcome to reply to anything I have said, even if its critical, as long is the comments are not condescending, insulting, racist, sexist or a personal attacks.

3: Oi! Music has often been mischaracterized as racist skin head noise, If you are interested in learning more about Oi! Music I suggest checking out: Cock Sparrer (duh), Sham 69 (their singles collection), and the comp Trouble on the Terraces (which contains Oi! Songs about Fotball, soccer to all you Americans out there).