The Adicts

The Albums 1982-87

Habit-forming punks.

Formed in 1976, The Adicts are currently enjoying a gale-force second wind, their catchy songs, humour and Clockwork Orange theatrics winning them younger fans alongside the diehards.

Although debut Songs Of Praise is missing, it’s represented here on the unvarnished but effective Live And Loud (1987), as is the rare Lunch With The Adicts EP. The Sound Of Music (1982) crams Ramones-style guitar drive, offbeat arrangements and memorable hooks into a lucky baker’s dozen songs. Keith ‘Monkey’ Warren’s charismatic vocals land the right side of quirky, and the humour (Chinese Takeaway) never descends into novelty territory.

Smart Alex (1985) refines the formula with greater variety

(sax and keys on Troubadour, doo-wop on Runaway) as the songwriting sharpens.

Some fans baulked at the poppier sound and prominent keyboards of Fifth Overture (1986), but the band have since stood by it with a degree of pride, and despite some dated drum and synth sounds, the quality of tracks like Don’t Let Go and Two Timing Me endures.

Rarities boasts the Viva La Revolution single, their two Sire Records 45s, the Bar Room Bop EP, plus B-sides. An ideal Adicts catch-up or crash course.