RUTS - Shine on Me: the Singles Collection 1979-1980

This pioneering English punk band from London - active in their original lineup from 1977 to 1980 - were known for an explosive blend of punk and reggae influences, strident anti-racism stance, energetic live shows... and a run of classics that included 'Babylon's Burning', 'Staring At The Rude Boys', and 'Something That I Said'. Following the untimely death of their charismatic lead singer Malcolm Owen, aged just 23, in the summer of 1980, they released what's considered to be their masterpiece single from which this collection takes it's name - the heroic 'West One (Shine On Me)'. 'Shine On Me' celebrates the band's visceral legacy via a chronological journey through all the singles released featuring Malcolm Owen - from their self-produced 1979 debut 'In A Rut' to the posthumous 'West One'. It's the first complete of Ruts classics on vinyl and it also includes the original releases' blistering B-sides, many of which could have been A's in their own right. The original Ruts may not have been around for long (although the surviving members continued as Ruts DC) but they burned brightly - at the time, their music defined the era in much the same way as, for example, The Jam, The Undertones, the Skids, or the Buzzcocks. Released with the full cooperation of the band, this LP collection, including song lyrics, is available on 'Emergency' Red vinyl, inside a sleeve that references the sharp graphics of the original 'Babylon's Burning' single bag.