Angelic Upstarts
Formed in South Shields, England in 1977, the Angelic Upstarts were one of the period's most politically charged and thought-provoking groups; though technically a skinhead band, their records attacked the racism and fascism so prevalent throughout the skinhead community, and while also technically a punk unit, their music quickly evolved beyond the movement's limited scope.
The Angelic Upstarts were led by the rather nasal vocalist Mensi (born Thomas Mensforth), whose impoverished childhood became a frequent lyrical touchstone. Along with a highly fluid lineup which initially comprised guitarist Mond, bassist Ronnie Wooden, and drummer Sticks, the group debuted with the 1979 single "Murder of Liddle Towers," a scabrous attack on police brutality. The record caught the attention of Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey, who produced their debut album, Teenage Warning, which, like its 1980 follow-up, We Gotta Get Out of This Place, roundly ridiculed the oppressive policies of Margaret Thatcher while offering an outpouring of sympathy for the working class.
As the Upstarts' popularity surged, so did the levels of violence at their live shows; they became mortal enemies of National Front fascist supporters, who railed against the band after first misinterpreting their leftist songs as supportive of their cause. At the same time, the band's music was becoming more complex and accomplished; by 1983's Reason Why?, the strongest Angelic Upstarts record, Mensi's songwriting skills had become tighter and more melodic, even branching out into reggae and folk, while the group's base broadened with the addition of keyboards and saxophones.
After issuing the inflammatory single "Brighton Bomb," a celebration of the IRA's attempt to assassinate the Conservative cabinet, the band released the LP The Power of the Press; lackluster sales triggered their breakup not long after. In 1988, the Angelic Upstarts briefly re-formed; in 1992, they reunited again, this time long enough to cut an album, Bombed Out. Mensi subsequently became a leader of the Anti-Fascist Action group. They managed to reunite occasionally, cutting a live album for Mordam Records (2001's Live from the Justice League), and even revisiting the United States for their first live show in almost 20 years. Mensi (born Thomas Mensforth) died on December 10, 2021 from complications of the COVID-19 virus; he was 65 years old.
© Jason Ankeny /TiVo
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The Murder of Liddle Towers
Alternative & Indie - Released by Overground Records on 4 Dec 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Never 'Ad Nothing
Punk / New Wave - Released by Cherry Red Records on 31 Dec 1999
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Never 'Ad Nothing
Punk / New Wave - Released by Cherry Red Records on 31 Dec 1999
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Last Tango in Moscow
Punk / New Wave - Released by Captain OI! on 1 Jan 1984
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Bullingdon Bastards
Punk / New Wave - Released by Boss Tuneage on 4 Dec 2015
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Blood on the Terraces
Punk / New Wave - Released by Captain OI! on 1 Oct 1987
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Bombed Out
Punk / New Wave - Released by Mad Butcher Classic on 1 Jan 1991
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Last Tango in Moscow
Rock - Released by Captain OI! on 1 Jan 1984
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Angelic Upstarts / The Prowlers - Split EP
The Prowlers, Angelic Upstarts
Punk / New Wave - Released by Insurgence Records on 1 May 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo