Customer Reviews

Voodoo Economics

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The Proletariat were way ahead of their time. Their melodic yet jarring sounds were cutting edge. The re-release of this disc by Taang shows off their pioneering efforts in the punk music genre, moving from many of the bands of that era which were pure noise, to a sound that was both hard-hitting yet attractive to a larger listening audience. They were Indie-trailblazers for political bands like Rage Against the Machine, and listening to their lyrics will clearly show this. It is a must buy for anyone that appreciates strong lyrics and a unique melodic punk sound.

I was really struck by this band back in about 1985 when I heard them through friends. Sure - the militant rhythms and minimal arrangements are enticing (and were quite rare even then except for bands like the Gang Of Four and The Fall), but the washes of metallic guitars were what really sold me on The Proletariat. The lyrical message is one of a harsh look in the mirror at capitalist society. The tone and feel of these songs is not uplifting, but the guitar tones of Frank Michaels are magnificent - a dense, brooding transcendence. Reminded me a bit of my favorite band Killing Joke at the time, and still does - except much more fierce and political. By their 2nd lp "Indifference" they had smoothed the rough edges for an even moodier (like the punkier early Christian Death) sound, particularly on those sung by female guest Laurel Bowman ("The Guns Are Winning" & "Homeland"). Too bad they disbanded before we could see what direction their sound was heading (but "Uneasy Peace" with Mission Of Burma's Roger Miller guesting on keyboard is probably a good hint).
I'm grateful to have their entire catalog on 2 discs that I can play over and over. This collection features 4 unreleased tracks as well, and some early gems from rare compilations. I'd agree that the track placement is sketchy (putting older, cruder songs at the beginning of each disc on an otherwise chronological collection). Some of the quality is poor on the "Indifference" tracks (obviously mastered from a chattering cassette - my vinyl sounds much better) but I still play it over and over, which is what I'm doing right now. The best tracks are not offered for sound samples, so just buy the thing. Trust me.

This 45 song manifesto is the only release I know of to fully capture the angst and rage that was American punk rock in the 80's. Pure,honest, angry calls for all of us to wake up and look around us--it sure ain't pretty. When your eyes are opened for the first time, as mine were when I first heard The Proletariat in 1983, it tends to sting. Bite the bullet, and stare that hellish reality in the eye--this band did. On some songs there is a Fall/Crass kind of feel, yet other tunes are not unlike the American hardcore scene at the time. My favorite songs are "Famine", "Events/Repeat", and "Uneasy Peace"-which features Mission of Burma's Roger Miller on piano. I highly recommend this album to anyone and everyone.

I started listening to the Proletariat in 1983. They sound as urgent now as they did then. Boston cornered the market with great unheard of bands who broke up too soon (Mission of Burma, for example). This is a fine retrospective of the band's work. There were a few errors in tracking ("Religion Is The Opium Of The Masses" should have been on disc one), but other than that, outstanding. To you youngsters who were not fortunate enough to be listening to music in the early 80's, buy this CD and through away your Blink 182 discs. You'll thank me for it later.

this title exemplifies the true meaning of 80's punk. it is political, loud, and represents what punk used to be. the re-release of this bands songs is a call to punks today to remember what punk is and where it should go.

I grew up in the 80s punk scene, Western Massachusetts, so the Proletariat were a well known addition to albums on my shelf. "This is Boston, Not L.A." was the album that introduced them to me. There was no choice but to purchase "Soma Holiday" as soon as I could. The strong bass and powerful lyrics keep you listening. Songs like "Piecework" and "Pictures" give you a good indication of what this band is capable of. In the midst of the cold war their songs drive you to think, and the music just draws you right in. I can't say enough good things about this band. This album is a must have for punk enthusiasts. $14 for 45 songs? You do the math.

~ Proletariat are my favorite 80's punk band,i have all of these songs on records i bought as an early teen. i was so happy to find it on CD.i have strange taste in music it's not for everyone but if you're familiar with them it's a must. if you're not and you like odd music with balls take a chance. if you like what is popular it ain't for you!

easily the best and most unique american punk band. this discography stands the test of time and is a must for any "punk" fan.

I saw the Proletariat in 1982, at the Gallery East Club in Boston MA, playing with Minor Threat, Negative FX, and Society System DeControl (SSD). All bands were amazing that night. The Proletariat will always be one of my favorites. They were really unique at the time, infusing punk music with a little bit of art leanings and political urgency. Their songs were easy to listen to and very thought provoking.