Customer Reviews

Shock Troops / Running Riot in '84

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cock Sparrer has a good claim on being one of the world's first punk band's, playing together before the Sex Pistols were even formed. Unfortunately, they didn't make a big splash with their first appearence... They released some singles during punk's first wave in the late seventies, but where they really proved to be influential was with these two albums, loaded with song after song of catchy, anthemic songs.

Cock Sparrer writes simple songs... a few verses and a catchy chorus. However, each song is laden with subtlties, rewarding the closer listener. Sure, there is no musical genius or poetry on either of these albums, all there is, are songs like Argy Bargy, Riot Squad, Working and more, that address the problems of the youth in a pessemistic way, while the songs are anything but depressing. Each song is full of energy, thanks to Colin McFaull's rather unique vocals... Sure, the topics are bleak and seldom optimistic, but Colin's voice acts like a glimmer of hope in all the bad times.

It's not all punk songs either. We're Coming Back and Out on an Island are certainly not the standard punk thoroughfare, with nice little riffs holding the respective songs together. Yet, even these more serious songs are equally catchy. I can remember my brother always songing Out on an Island...

Overall, Cock Sparrer is better than the average OI band, by far. Their songs possess sufficient variety so that you probably won't get too bored with all 70+ minutes of this cd (which is a pretty good deal by the way). Listen to it with a pint of bitter.

What can I say that hasn't already been said about Shock Troops? The album is a classic. Not many bands have the passionate vocals Cock Sparrer have. The music is played clean, not raw like many punk bands of this time. Songs like "Where are They Now," "Take 'em All," and "England Belongs to Me" are infectious tunes guaranteed to make you seek out more music like this.
Runnin Riot is a different story. It took some time before I could appreciate the sound of that album. The music seems darker and dated. It is still worth a listen and since the disc is a 2-in-1 you don't really loose out on anything. This is a great value and I'm glad I was able to come across this disc.

This was one of my first cd's.

I'm only 18, and missed that generation by a few years, but i stumbled across this CD, and it launched me into the world of Punk music.

its so good. its catchy.
its nigh perfect.

Classic Punk-Oi! from back in the day. Lyrics are down to earth and music classic early punk. Sort of think of early Clash, Ruts and you get the idea.

Best thing about this is you get 2 albums on the one CD. You may want to check out bands like The Business if you like this one.

Cocksparrer are one of the best rock n roll bands to have recorded in England in the late seventies. And yes, that includes the Who, the Rolling Stones and the Clash. This CD gets you everything you will ever need to hear from the band, and what a set of songs it is!

This music is often labeled "Street punk". God knows why. Cocksparrer has also too often been hit with the claim that they were a skinhead band, which also isn't true. These guys were working class kids from London who knew how to put together a dozen great songs. This is aggressive but melodic rock and roll heavily influenced by punker bands that were also around at the same time. Check this one out, and if you aren't singing "Take 'Em All" to yourself the next day, you don't like rock n roll.

I can't stop listening to this album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Run with the blind, Riot squad, England belongs to me, Out on an island, Price to high to pay, & every song is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, do yourself a favor and buy this CD you won't be disappointed.

I may be committing some sort of social faux pas, but as a big a fan of the 'Sparrer ...I prefer a live album. Sure the two albums for the price of one is grand, but the energy and insanity of a Cocksparrer live show is unparalled. Spend the extra money and make it happen, scholar.

For all the new school oi'sters and ska kids that read the liner notes to Rancid and Bouncing Souls CD's so you can sing along at concerts, check out Cocksparrer, who (along with the Business) perfected the anthemic oi song with a collection of nearly flawless tunes.

This is a double CD, but Shock Troops is easily one of, if not the best, street punk/Oi! records ever. If you don't know the entire record by heart, buy this and learn. If I had to take 10 albums to a deserted island, blah blah, this would definitely go with me.