The Ruts are quite an interesting band. Coming from the 70's UK Punk scene, their sound was very weighted with Reggae but still possessing that driving punk attitude. Where the Clash dabbled in Ska & Reggae, the Ruts embraced it and not only incorporated it; but made straight out Reggae jams. From the bouncing pogo punk anthems like Savage Circle & Society to the middle ground of Babylon's Burning, SUS & Dope For Guns to the outright Reggae of Black Man's Pinch (Give Youth a Chance) & Love in Vain the Ruts hit a stride that is a punk blueprint for pissed and fast giving way to moments of serenity and a slower step.
This album is included because the Ruts seem to be left aside when bigger bands get mentioned (especially UK bands)& from my searching I only seem to find used copies for sale on sites like Amazon UK & UK Ebay. These tracks; while missing a few greats like "West One (Shine On Me)" & "H-Eyes"; are of amazing quality (as Peel Sessions usually are) and a great sampling of the band playing some of their best music at their peak.
Their only 2 proper Lp's as the Ruts ("The Crack" & "Grin & Bear It") are pretty easy to find on one nice reissued CD these days and well worth more than you'll ever have to pay for it. Sadly, the band was cut short with the death of their singer in 1980. They continued on as the Ruts DC, and while it wasn't horrible, it wasn't the Ruts.
The Ruts - The Complete Peel Sessions
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Now playing: The Ruts - Dope For Guns
via FoxyTunes
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