The Punk Singles Collection 1977-80 [Bonus Tracks] by Sham 69

Includes liner notes by Mark Brennan. Liner Note Author: Mark Brennan . Sham 69, one of the leading lights of Britain's late-'70s Oi movement, turned the anti-authoritarian punk of the Clash and Sex Pistols into a blunt instrument of savage grace and blue-collar sociopolitical power. Like many of the great Oi bands, Sham 69 preached an often-misunderstood message of peace and unity. The hooligan element of the bands' following mistook the football chant choruses and raucous power chords of such songs as "Hurry Up Harry" and "Borstal Breakout" as expressions of ignorant proletarian violence. A closer listen reveals the almost hippie-like message of Sham 69's music. "If the Kids Are United" may have a march-like cadence best suited to stomping jackboots, but the lyrics are a plea for old-fashioned peace and love; "understand him, he'll understand you, for you are him and he is you." This definitive collection compiles all the classic singles from the band's prime era, displaying Sham 69's knack for combini... Minimize