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Hi Sorry State fam! What’s up? It’s that time of year again. It’s the calm before the storm known as Record Store Day. There are several records on this year’s list that are pretty on brand for me. I’m excited to see Poe (first time on vinyl!), The Donna’s, Hüsker Dü, and the Soul Jazz comps to name a few.
Anyway, my staff pick is not related to anything I just said in my introductory paragraph. I chose Blitz: Time Bomb, Early Singles and Demo’s Collection. It’s an import but if I’m not mistaken, it’s the same track listing as the Blitz Punk Singles and Rarities, which was a European Radiation reissue released in 2013. I think this is basically the same thing, but with a different cover. Don’t quote me on any of this. It’s not that serious. The main point is that it sounds good.
I was in the mood for some good old familiar classic oi! punk to get me going for the day, so I turned to Blitz. But I wanted all the Blitz, so this singles and demos compilation did the trick.
Consisting of demos and singles, including their first few EPs, their very first recording session from 1980, the Timebomb demos, and a few demos from Voice of a Generation. It also includes all four of their charted singles, like my personal favorite, New Age.
Blitz has such an infectious sound and I love that communal vocal style. Not communal like a shared toilet. More like “hey, we’re all in this together, so let’s swear and shout until we blow our vocals out.” Oh hey, that rhymed. It’s not that cool of a line but feel free to use it if you need a lyric. We’re all in this together, after all.
I love classic Blitz but I also love the more new wave/post-punk sound. Paired with their gruff, anthemic vocals, it just works. I think the darker riffs and boppy bass lines were a timely and refreshing fusion. The influence of Joy Division knows no bounds. Some people didn’t like the change in direction, and there is a whole history there with lineup changes and what not. People have their opinions, but I like pretty much everything the band put out. Their music always hits the spot, and this compilation is the perfect way to have all the Blitz in one place.
That’s all I got. Happy (upcoming) Record Store Day to those who celebrate. Thanks as always for reading!
-Angela