Free Noise #18

Artist: Blaggers I.T.A.
Title: Blaggamuffin
Source: Vinyl 12" mini-LP
Bitrate: V0 VBR
Running time (h:m:s): 00:23:05
Size (mb): 42.3
Label: Words Of Warning
Year: 1991

1. Pitbull Mentality
2. Ten Years On
3. Bastard Chilling
4. Emergency
5. The Gun Is Cocked
6. Brixton 91

Although Blaggers I.T.A. had already released some vinyl prior to this, 'Blaggamuffin' can probably be considered the record that defined the politics and sound that the band has become best known for. Samples and brass are layered with tight and creative punk rock noise and words to create an irresistibly catchy brew that stimulates both brain and body in equal measure. Unflinchingly prole in attitude, the lyrics aren't afraid to take things on head on, bare-knuckled, uncompromising and unfettered by liberal niceties.

The Blaggers proudly wear their working-class hearts on their sleeves, whether they're recounting toe-to-toes with fascists or remembering Irish freedom fighters. They earned a lot of respect as well as a lot of animosity for this, even from within the 'radical' punk community (where some puritanical sack-wearers denounced their decision to release a later record or two on EMI, despite the fact that it allowed them to take out full page ads in the mainstream music press in support of Anti-Fascist Action and channel much-needed funds to the cause). But they never backed down, and quite right too.

Blaggers I.T.A. went on hiatus for a while but are now back in action as Blaggers AKA, with Olaf from the Stage Bottles admirably filling the vocal void left by the untimely death of Matty Blag a few years back. I saw 'em a couple of years ago in this latest incarnation and they're still up for it in every sense. They were great to watch, great to hear and just as relevant now as they ever were.

OP's opinion: @@@@@

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