Artist: Angelic Upstarts Album: Blood on the Terraces

Year: 1987
Duration: 33:02

A of the Album: Blood on the Terraces by Angelic Upstarts

If you're a fan of punk music, then you've undoubtedly heard of Angelic Upstarts, the British band that rose to fame in the late '70s and early '80s. The band's 1983 album, Blood on the Terraces, is considered one of their most iconic releases to date, with its raw, politically charged lyrics and catchy beats. In this , we're going to take a closer look at the album and break down what makes it such a standout in the punk music scene.
To fully understand the significance of Blood on the Terraces, it's important to look at the history of Angelic Upstarts. The band formed in the late '70s in South Shields, England, and quickly gained a following for their hard-hitting punk sound and overtly political lyrics. The band's lead singer, Mensi, was a known anti-fascist and often incorporated his political beliefs into his music. This is particularly evident in Blood on the Terraces, which was released during a time of racial tension and hooliganism in the UK.
In terms of genre, Blood on the Terraces is considered a classic example of Oi!, a subgenre of punk that emerged in the late '70s and was often associated with working-class, football-supporting youth. The album combines elements of punk, ska, and reggae, resulting in a unique sound that was both energetic and melodic. Standout tracks on the album include Woman in Disguise, Machine Gun Kelly, and Solidarity.
What sets Blood on the Terraces apart from other punk albums of its time is its focus on the human toll of the UK's political and social climate. The album's lyrics tackle heavy themes such as poverty, racism, and violence, but do so in a way that's both poignant and relatable. For example, in Woman in Disguise, Mensi sings about the struggles of poverty and how they can lead to desperation and crime. Machine Gun Kelly tells the story of a man who's been pushed to the brink by societal injustice and is forced to resort to violence.
That being said, Blood on the Terraces isn't completely without its flaws. Some critics have argued that the lyrics can be heavy-handed at times and that the album lacks a certain subtlety. Others have criticized the production, which can sound somewhat dated by today's standards. Still, there's no denying that the album is an important piece of punk history and has had a lasting impact on the genre.
In conclusion, if you're a fan of punk music or just a fan of music with a message, then Blood on the Terraces by Angelic Upstarts is definitely worth a listen. The album's mix of punk, ska, and reggae influences, coupled with its politically charged lyrics, make for a unique and engaging listening experience. While the album may not be without its flaws, it's undoubtedly a seminal work in the punk music canon and a testament to the power of music to comment on the world around us.