Staff Picks: Gang Of Four - 77-81

For fans of: Crucial Post Punk

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What they're saying: Kory Grow at Rolling Stone sums it up nicely:

”The collection presents a concentrated look at the genesis of one of England’s most vital post-punk bands. Although they’re best remembered for the acerbic sociopolitical commentary and aggressive disco musical sensibility of Entertainment! — the album where they improbably combined all the good times of Chic and all the no-fun of punk — the collection shows how, like any great band, they were a product of their environment.”

And Pitchfork bestowed the 77-81 box BEST NEW REISSUE with a 9.5 rating, along with this glowing endorsements of the rarities included: “the unearthed material on 77-81 reveals new evidence of the band’s magnetism. The demo cassette—one side taken from three different late-1970s recordings, the other from a 1981 session at Abbey Road—shows how their exhilarating mix of spare beats, clockwork riffs, and high-stakes singing emerged fully formed.”

What we say: Absolutely crucial Post Punk! Gang Of Four was one of the best to ever do it. Two classic records and tons of great extras including a very cool book. And for those that care about the business end of things, this is the first reissue campaign of Gang Of Four’s work since the band regained full rights to their music.