Germfree Adolescents (X-ray Clear Vinyl)

Germfree Adolescents, one of the signature albums of the early (1978) British punk movement, in an “x-ray clear” vinyl edition that serves as an ideal prism through which to see the hypocrisy of consumerist culture. The one and only LP release from X Ray Spex and its irrepressible frontwoman Poly Styrene has been deemed by everybody from Greil Marcus to Robert Christgau to Spin to Mojo as one of the greatest punk albums ever made, and for this reissue, we’ve done it right; besides the clear vinyl (offering excellent sound), we’ve reproduced the inner lyric sheet, where you can read Poly’s brilliant observations about the plastic, corporate nature of modern society. All of which she sings in a passionate yowl all her own (with Lora Logic among others backing on saxophone); this is not only one of the most penetratingly observant punk records, it’s also one of the most passionate, and, surprisingly enough, catchy. Check out “The Day the World Turned Day-Glo” and “Germ Free Adolescents” if it’s hooks you’re after; if it’s righteous anger and a noisy racket you’re seeking, every track will do ya.