This album arguably rewrote the rock'n'roll rulebook. Nihilistic, visceral and utterly exhilarating, the impact this raw punk racket had on music continues to be felt even today
Top facts:
- Johnny Rotten aka John Lydon apparently wanted Never Mind The Bollocks... to sound even more raw than it does. "If the sessions had gone the way I wanted, it would have been unlistenable for most people", he once said.
- Before its release, a bootleg album charmingly titled Spunk came out containing older, demo versions of most of the album's songs recorded during 1976 and January 1977. Unlike most punk albums that followed, it wasn't recorded to sound like a live performance. Producer Chris Thomas achieved its huge sonic palette by multiple guitar overdubs. Anarchy In The UK is said to have around 12 guitars on it.
- It reached number one in the album charts and eventually reached platinum status. In 2006, the NME voted it the fourth greatest British album of all time. Virgin Records are releasing a 30th anniversary reissue of the album, along with the first four singles, all on vinyl and with Jamie Reid's iconic graphics.
Best tracks:
God Save The Queen
Anarchy In The UK
Bodies
If you like this, try:
Public Image Ltd: Metal Box
The Clash: The Clash
The Damned: Damned, Damned, Damned
X-Ray Spex: Germfree Adolescents
Wire: Pink Flag
Next classic album: Prince >
