For many, the music Gang of Four made during those years was the sound of post-punk — a searing, danceable form of aggression featuring a rhythm section informed by punk, pub rock, disco and dub, sliced and diced by “angular” guitars, with shout-along, socially conscious lyrics. The influence of tracks like “To Hell with Poverty,” “Damaged Goods,” “Anthrax,” “Not Great Men” and “What We All Want” is still being felt today. All those songs are on “Gang of Four 77-81” which features everything the original line-up released through Warner Brothers — 1979’s “Entertainment!” and 1981’s “Solid Gold”, as well as non-LP singles that ended up on the “Yellow” and “Another Day / Another Dollar” EPs — plus a fantastic live album from 1981 and a cassette of early demos.
“It’s really the balls, isn’t it?” Hugo Burnham is deservedly chuffed, talking about the fantastic new box set chronicling his band Gang of Four‘s ground breaking first four years that featured the original line-up of himself, guitarist Andy Gill, bassist Dave Allen and vocalist Jon King. “This was really a labour of love Jon. We, Jon, did such a great job.”
You can also feel Gang of Four’s influence in the box set’s 100-page handbound book, designed by Jon King, that features essays and recollections from the band (including Gill who died last year), as well as friends and fans including Flea, R.E.M., Sofia Coppola, Henry Rollins, Pylon, Mission of Burma, Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order), Mekons, writer Greil Marcus, and more, plus never-before-seen photos, show flyers and other memorabilia. It really is an amazing package, design-wise, and you can watch a video of Jon King unboxing it below.
“Gang of Four 77-81″ is out via Matador Records
The Fat Angel Sings 