Cock Sparrer
"Forever"
Pirates Press
Released: April 2017
Everyone who loves Cock Sparrer already has this record (CD has 4 additional tracks).
No introduction needed, if you know Cock Sparrer, and know this was coming out, there was no doubt this was going to be an album you were going to get and love.
I pre-ordered the LP in the deluxe, faux leather embossed jacket on claret and blue vinyl.
Of course I did. I have loved Cock Sparrer's punkest tunes from their 45 year career as well as their more melodic material (like "The Sun Says" - probably the first song that REALLY got me into the band oddly enough). I was in a punk covers band (Nostalgia Crisis) for many years and my favorite song to play on guitar was (and still is) "Riot Squad".
Cock Sparrer tour poster on my wall
Now. The new, sixth full length studio LP (...that I have 14 LPs in my collection is some sort of tribute to how many times I've purchased the same songs in a different format) is a classic start to finish.
Check the video for the lead off track "One By One":
Old punk and oi bands can sound tired, tedious, dated and are quite often irrelevant... tarnishing their history like a ball player who is playing out their contract but should just quit embarrassing themselves and retire.
Cock Sparrer "Forever" is appropriately titled, as this band churns out classic punk every time. Energized and energizing. Entertaining and engaging. Relevant, timely and focused... and the songs stick in your head.
I've been putting off publishing anything on this record. I had the desire to make my write up somehow as great as the record. I can't do that. Believe me, I have rewritten this review dozens of times in my head since the release back in April. Then I saw a facebook post from Pirates Press that it was three months since the release of this record, and they were asking people what their favorite track was... That's when I got my focus, to try to convince people to get this record who haven't already done it. My favorite tracks are: "Gonna Be Alright", "Nothing Like You", "I've Had Enough" and "One By One" is one of the all-time great anthems.
There are bands like Business, Cock Sparrer and Buzzcocks who somehow are always with me. Not only do they create great songs, but they help me through this thing called life.
Cheers,
Frank FOE
Pirates Press Cock Sparrer
Cock Sparrer FB
This is a great album. I hope I can get to see them play live again one day. They are a great show. Like you, I have the CD, 2 LPs, and the 2 singles that were released at the same time. Just bought 2 live LPs in the Double Decker 50% off bin two weekends ago too.
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