593 The Slits - Cut (1979)

 593 The Slits - Cut (1979)

Studio Album - Dub



About the Act:

The Slits were a mostly, but not exclusively female punk, and then post-punk band from London. Although they started as a punk band in 1976, They didn't get to release any albums until 1979, by which time the punk thing had fizzled out. They had a second album  before breaking up in 1982. They had a revival from 2005-2010.

About the Album:

This was their debut album. Neneh Cherry sang backing vocals.

My History with this Album:

None

Review:

I was expecting a loud and raucous punk album, not having listened to The Slits before, but knowing a little of their reputation. It really is not. I think the closest description I can get that might be well-known is Two-Tone, the sort of reggae-like sound you would associate with Madness and The Specials, and others like that. Not all of the songs are musically like that, but most are, and definitely the best ones are. It's not as poppy as Madness, and there is definitely evidence of their Punk heritage, but mostly in the singing, and the lyrics. 

However, still on the music, I was impressed, it's musically intelligent, and infectious and well-played and conceived. It seamlessly switches beats, even time signatures, quite often and I enjoyed the dub bounciness.

Lyrically, it's kind of cheeky anarchy, with some rude words and swearing, and references to drugs, and a song about shoplifting. It's sung well, with a kind of female punk thing going on.

And I really enjoyed it. It was refreshing, and unexpected. surprisingly intelligent and inventive. Definite hit with me.

8.5/10


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0TfUvdJAj5ggwaLihQQ5qs

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yvwbxT80Bw

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cut_(The_Slits_album)



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