The Members

1980 - The Choice Is Yours

A classic “nutty sound” opening instrumental gives way to simple early British punk. Punk without the modern trappings. Punk that isn’t going out with Nicole Ritchie. A couple of clichéd early eighties rock production values certainly date this album, a compo of twenty-five-odd-year-old material, yet this inspires more nostalgia than cringing embarrassment. A healthy dub influence is also a sign of the times, but is pulled off nicely.

This exactly the sort of shit I couldn’t get enough of as a twelve year old. Covers ground from the Clash to the Blockheads to the Vibrators with a fair degree of talent. I don’t think I’ve heard the Members, before, but they’re solid. I have to say I’m loving all the re-releases of the last decade, by Captain OI and the like. A chance to check out all sorts of stuff I missed first time ‘round. Anyway. This is straight up punk-rock as it was. No studded leather jackets or pretensions. Excellent.

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