24 September 2019

Leeds‘ post-punk legends GANG OF FOUR released their ingenious and influential debut album ENTERTAINMENT! on 25 September 1979, 40 years ago. Their raw and snappy fusion of punk intensity, crepitating funk rhythms and spiky dub and their, lyrically, social and political criticism made them one of the most important groups of the late 1970s/early 1980s post-punk movement. ‘Entertainment!’ was ranked as fifth-greatest punk album of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine.

AllMusic wrote: “Entertainment! is one of those records where germs of influence can be traced through many genres and countless bands, both favorably and unfavorably. From groups whose awareness of genealogy spreads wide enough to openly acknowledge Gang of Four’s influence (Fugazi, Rage Against the Machine), to those not in touch with their ancestry enough to realize it (rap-metal, some indie rock) — all have appropriated elements of their forefathers’ trailblazing contribution. Its vaguely funky rhythmic twitch, its pungent, pointillistic guitar stoccados, and its spoken/shouted vocals have all been picked up by many.”
Full review here. Score: 5/5

Key tracks tracks: Ether / Damaged Goods / I Found That Essence Rare /
At Home He’s A Tourist / Love Like Anthrax

Album in full…

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GANG OF FOUR: Biography – All Albums – Facebook

Back sleeve