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Anti-Nowhere League
Anthology
CD

By: Black Angel

Let me start out by saying.... PUNK'S NOT FUCKIN' DEAD! Thanks to bands like The Exploited and Anti-Nowhere League, the spirit of Punk has carried on in our hearts and souls for many years . Although at times we've seemed battered, beaten and down for the count, we still trod on because we're fucking Punks and that's what we do! Today, I share my thoughts on Anti-Nowhere League's "Anthology" which was released via Spitfire Records a few years back.

First off, it took long enough to get this cd. Anti, was due a greatest hits/B-sides album sometime ago, nevertheless the cd is out, Aww HELL YEAH!!! "Anthology" has not one but two cd's, one of studio tracks and one of rare live tracks. With this set, you get all the best in one fatal swoop. The first track was their very first debut single, "Streets Of London", which was a cover of an old '74 hit by Ralph McTell. You can bet your Punk ass they jakked the tempo and the volume up! The tune does seem a bit Poppy at times, but how can you not love the Brit voice of Animal?! I'd also like to make mention that the flipside of this single contained the Anti's most popular tune to date, "So What". In which the band proudly boasted about such matters as bestiality, tossing off and catching the clap. For those of you who have been living under a rock, Metallica brought "So What" back into the minds of the public when they covered it on the '98 release of "Garage Days". Although their version was weak, it still woke the kids of today up, turning them on to the Anti-Nowhere League. "Anthology" also features the notorious wedding song, "Woman", which has always been a winner with the women...hahaha! There are also several other classics such as "Animal", "Rocker" and "I Hate People", found within this set. This release would never be complete without the "League's" theme song, "We're The League", which has always been a favorite of mine. I am also glad to see that they've added "Ballad Of JJ Decay" which is my favorite track by the "League". This song has always embodied what Punk Rock and determination mean to me. The lyrics are phenomenal.

Disc two of this set is nothing more than a glorious bootleg with the best sound quality ever! On this cd you'll find quite a few songs, with different takes/versions that have been buried in the vaults for years, Among the sickness you will find "Johannesburg", "Branded", "Snow Man" and "Fuck Around The Clock". There are plenty more pleasant surprises on this disc, but you'll have to show your true Punk colors and pick the set up yourself.

It may be true that the Anti-Nowhere League was little late coming in on the tail end of the Punk Revolution in late '79. However the "League", in my opinion made more of a lasting impression than most of the older Punk bands that are being praised today. And by that statement, I mean The Ramones. Let's put it like this-You want real Punk Rock music with real lyrics about rising above a shitty life, and sticking it to the man then The Anti-Nowhere League, Black Flag, FEAR and The Exploited are right up your alley! Now that's real Punk Rock music, we don't fucking cry, we slam-dance, get pissed and stomp mudholes in cry-babies and walk'em dry. Now, who's going to get this cd? Go do it now! Put an end to this Pop Punk bullshit, get back to when the shit was real and it mattered. The Anti-Nowhere League rules and I don't give a toss what you say!

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c.2004-2005 Black Angel Promotions