The Boys/Alternative Chartbusters (Dojo Loma CD 12)

Any self-respecting punk must have at least one of these albums in their collection. If you don't, then now's your chance to make up for it. The Boys weren't your typical punk band of the day. With songs full of hooks, catches, humour, harmonies, melodies and straight forward, 100 miles an hour punk rock, they were touted as the Beatles of the punk generation.

It was a guaranteed, sure fire, can't fail recipe for success. Except it wasn't. A record pressing strike meant their debut album stalled at number 50, and their wit and intelligence was by and large lost on the more politically inclined average British punk (does it all sound very similar to another band which we all know and love?) The Boys' self-titled debut album was simply one of the finest records ever released during the punk summer of 1977. A non-stop barrage of energy, attitude and great tunes, it captures the band in top form. Alternative Chartbusters, released in 1978, showed that The Boys had developed musically, but managed to keep all their humour and charm intact. From the salsa of "Sway" through to the beautifully constructed ballad, "Heroine", all musical styles are attempted and successfully achieved. This CD is essential for anyone's collection.

Phil Hanson (August 1998) Originally appeared in 'Ramones UK Fan Club Newsletter' No.18. For more information email Phil at brick@field99.freeserve.co.uk