A classic of its era, released at the end of 1978. The Leeds-based Gang of Four were at the forefront of the 'post-punk' movement and this single was their debut. Again I must have heard it on the John Peel show. As the attraction of punk wore away - and as I got older I suppose - the Gang of Four offered a very attractive alternative, with political, left-wing lyrics and statements set to dance-able, rhythmic guitar music. If you want to know where Franz Ferdinand learnt their angular guitar licks then start here!
And just as the Rough Trade label in London offered a near-guarantee of quality, so did Fast Product - based in Edinburgh - north of the border. This was Fast 5 (the debut single by The Human League was Fast 4).
All three tracks are great but the A-side is the star, a slice of northern punk-funk, with a pulsating and looping bass, driving drums and a guitar that slices and slashes across it all. Top it all with lyrics that require listening and interpreting, you have all the ingredients this 16 year-old needed in the music he listened to.
Here are the three songs:
https://youtu.be/JFU_1h7io0Y
https://youtu.be/1Rws1YFS6sw
https://youtu.be/Akz2efTdJ-E
