999

The Albums 1977-1980 CHERRY RED

Emergency services.

Considering that 999 dented the singles chart three times between 1977 and 1980 and are still going strong, they arguably deserve more recognition for their efforts, not to mention their longevity. Maybe it’s because they’ve tended to be seen as part of the fabric of punk rather than one of its glossy baubles.

This four-CD set bears that out. Their three albums all have their moments, although none of them are captivating. You’re better off starting with the fourth CD, which features single versions of their best songs, such as I’m Alive, Nasty Nasty, Me And My Desire and Homicide (their biggest hit), though not the excellent Emergency, which is confined to their first album.

There are also a couple of live tracks from their appearance at the seminal Front Row Festival at Islington’s Hope & Anchor in 1977, as well as a live EP from their 1980 US tour.