UK Subs
Sub Mission: Best of UK Subs 1982-1998
Jungle Records/Fall Out Records
The United Kingdom Subversives, well-shortened to what we all know now as the UK Subs
are lead by the Godfather of Punk, Charlie Harper (how old is he, anyhow?).
Having slogged through 22 years, numerous lineup changes, a few bypass surgeries and
above all constant touring, the UK Subs have carried the true banner of Punk Rock
spreading it to all or anybody who will show up. Charlie's goal is to release an album
for every letter of the alphabet. With this release he has survived to letter "S."
Sub Mission is a "best of" collection of 20 tracks that Charlie has selected from
the albums F-R and a bonus live disc of unreleased Subs hits and live favorites from
a 1991 show in Bristol. The lineup for the live disc includes Charlie Harper on vocals,
Karl Morris on guitar, Brian Barnes on bass, and Mat McCoy on drums. Steve Harnett gives
us a track-by-track summary of each "best of" song. Liner notes also include pictures from
all the UK Subs members and a complete discography. The rumored "S" album was supposed to
be a continuation from the reunion of Harper/Gibbs/Garratt called Speed.
This reunion
cranked out 33 songs in three weeks, giving us the great Quintessentials and Riot albums.
Sub Mission is loaded with classics like "Police State," "Self Destruct," "Another Cuba,"
"Another Typical City." a Die Toten Hosen cover "Here Comes Alex," and the now classic
"DF 118." Charlie and Co. are probably in the studio right now working on the next
letter of the alphabet. If not, keep an eye out for them to stop by your city sometime soon.
If you are looking for an introduction to the "Subs" or just would like a disc to play all
the classics without having to flip the album over this is it!
This summer in America catch
the UK Subs on the "Chaos Tour."
-Steve Weatherholt