Search - Saints :: Wild About You: Complete 1976-1978

Absolutely vital punk rock

punkviper | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 03/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Saints get passed over a lot when it comes to the origins of punk rock. People either think of the 50's inspired rapid simplicity of the USA's Ramones, the sneering nihilism of the UK's Sex Pistols, or the thoughtful rebellion of The Clash. No one recalls the brilliant garage infused punk of Australia's Saints.Possibly because, while the Ramones and Pistols/Clash were all exploring relatively new territory, The Saints mixed a blend of classic bar blues and garage rock with the attitude, speed, and devil-may-care attitude of the late-70's punk scene. The results were an energy charged dose of classic punk. Though their lead singer Chris Bailey would assume the Saints mantle and go on to record several more introspective and soul-searching albums, you won't have to worry about them here. All of the material gathered here is from a time when The Saints were all punk and no dreary songs about Ghost Ships (Saints fans of subsequent albums will understand that reference!)Here, on this magnificent 2-disc set is EVERY track off of The Saints' first 3 albums: I'm Stranded, Prehistoric Sounds, and Eternally Yours. The former and the latter are guaranteed punk classics, and getting them both in one package deal along with the middle-child as well as a few singles and unreleased tracks makes this the ultimate no-brainer for anyone remotely interested in hearing what punk rock originally sounded like, beyond the buzz of the Ramones and the bile of the UK punk bands.I would encourage prospective buyers to snap this up while you can, because a top-rank collection like this WILL go out of print just when you get around to wanting it. And possibly the best thing about this material is that it WILL stand the test of time, not only because of its relevance to early punk, but merely because it is GOOD QUALITY MUSIC. You don't need to have a manic-panic dyed mohawk to enjoy this stuff. If you're a music fan, you are in for a treat (and I envy you greatly if you are hearing this stuff for the first time!)These tracks will outlive us all."

Saints Be Praised!

daibhidh | Chicago, IL USA | 04/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a cliche, but this is a must-have compilation, with all of the Saints' recorded studio material on it, arranged chronologically from their seminal debut LP "(I'm) Stranded" to their third and final album. These Australian punkers cranked out amazingly intense punk rock that will leave you slack-jawed. Their sound is similar to the Ramones, in terms of simple, fast chords and driving rhythms, but their subject matter and approach is entirely distinct and memorable.I have a lot of favorite tunes on this compilation, but am particularly fond of "Demolition Girl", "Nights in Venice" (a 5-minute+ punk apocalypse; had to be amazing to have seen this one played live; it builds and builds to atomic power), "Do The Robot" (instantly memorable riff that grabs you by the collar and doesn't let go), "Know Your Product" (insolent and mocking), "(I'm) Misunderstood", and "Every Day's a Holiday..." (with a catchy R&B horn riff that'll have you jumping up and down). These alone are worth buying this CD, because they're SO good, but I enjoy the majority of the songs on this compilation.The first CD has the real thumpers on it, while the second CD doesn't have nearly as many songs I liked (but if you like brassy R&B, you'll be happy with it). The alternate takes of songs are an added bonus, with both versions of "Untitled" being cool.What is really cool about them is that not only did they rock mightily, but their lyrics critiqued consumerist society (and advertising, particularly) in nifty, imaginative ways. They were a magnificently melodic band, with heaps of attitude and energy.Their sound really changed through their three albums, from straight-up Ramones-inspired punk (although the liner notes take pains to point out how they were not influenced by the Ramones, but judge for yourself; I think at their best, they were better, personally!) to this R&B retro sound that the Jam would ride to success, but it's all innovative and has stayed fresh, vital, and very necessary for the past 25+ years."

Perfect Anthology of Great Band

Randall E. Adams | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I won't add too much to what is already said here except to note that this set is what all reissue anthologies should be: comprehensive, well documented and affordable. Kudos to Raven for this great release.Do not let the "punk" label throw you off the Saints. They did indeed burst upon the world in the midst of that scene and using some of the musical lexicon of the time. Unlike most of the punk bands, however, they grew musically. And they did so fast, without any jarring loss of identity. It's amazing that the first album "(I'm)Stranded" went over so well commercially while the next two did not. The first album necessarily dates itself a bit but "Eternally Yours" and even more so "Prehistoric Sounds" are timeless. This a thirty well-spent bucks. Have fun."