Customer Reviews

Best Before

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you don't own their singles (long out-of-print, and collector's items), Best Before gives you a soaring survey or some of the band's best tracks. This anarcho-punk sounds quite different than your standard issue '77-style tracks (Clash, Pistols, Lurkers, etc.) in its martial rhythms and political content. At times (as with track like "Nagasaki Nightmare"), it even veers into challenging post-punk. But the level of power and invention is often mesmerizing.

Some time ago, I played their brilliant "Bloody Revolutions" on college radio. In the background, I heard two of the programmers whisper, "Oh, that's really awful," almost like disapproving parants. I realized quickly that casual listeners hearing snippets wouldn't be able to appreciate the radical nature of these songs. These tracks aren't alternative top ten fodder. Rather, each is an individual statement that requires active listening - and then everything opens up to the listener, and it's hard not to feel goosebunps. "Sheep Farming in the Falklands," released after Britain's Falkland's war, is an excoriating satire on territorial ambitions - maybe the toughest ever recorded - and their followup was nearly banned.

Most punk these days tries to be catchy. Crass's work here is certainly memorable, but also also powerful, and deeply human. It has those kinds of peak moments other bands only dream of.

this was one of the first cds i ever bought on the advice of a friend along time ago. crass are often underrated, because while they were very minimalist punk, the things they were doing in their brief career draw from musique concrete and foreshadow industrial music. many of their LPs do have weak moments and are probably not neccessary to anyone besides hardcore fans, this is an album anyone interested in political music should own.

"bloody revolution" critiques punk extremists hungry for violent uprisings, the infamous "do they owe..." comments on governments which allow unemployment and homelessness to co-exist with upper classes, "Smash the Mac" attacks American dominance. Buy it for the liner-notes and lyrics alone!

this cd isn't bad, makes a nice addition to a music collection already including some Crass. i would've liked other versions of some the songs....but hey!

man i bought this two months ago for twelve dollars now it is 50 thats crazy and they have stations on here for 5 bucks

This is a great recording a a must for any collector of early punk and anarchist's around the world. Can you dig it....

Its crass, either you love em or hate em.....i like the versions of these songs on their first LPs more, but it dosent dissapoint. Check title of this review.

crass is great. that's all i have to say. except i was wondering whether all of these cds come out in weird old style cd cases. a friend of mine picked this up for me used, and its in this crazy old case with a sticker on the front and a really thick booklet. its a huge case, made of black opaque plastic, about three times as thick as a usual case and about an inch wider and longer. i think it was actually released in 1986 or whenever in this form. but there are some wonderful tracks on this album, its definitely worth giving it a listen. even if you don't get it in an old style case

This album features a lot of crass's best work. Listen to this album with an open mind and you should be impressed. Personal Faves:Big A, Little A, Immortal Death, Don't Get Caught, and Smash The Mac.

One of the most important bands ever, i'll say that again, one of the most important bands ever ! Whether you're old and cynical {like me !}, or young and curious, this band will ALWAYS make you think, as well as delivering slice after slice of scathing, dissatisfied punk/ sound collage/ poetry and the best artwork since Jamie Reeves. If you haven't heard CRASS yet...why ??!!

It offers a good taste of music. The songs were well written and you enjoy the cd through the whole thing