CARPETTES
The Early Years 1977-78 (Overground)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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This is a re-release of an identically titled CD that came out a couple of years ago with totally different artwork. If you missed it the first time around, and are a fan of British punk from this era, you should get this. Best known for their songs "Radio Wunderbar" and "Small Wonder," the Carpettes combined aggressive guitar and quite catchy hooks. They made a bunch of singles, and two LPs: Frustration Paradise (1979) and Fight Amongst Yourselves (1980), both for Beggars Banquet and since reissued on one CD by Capt. Oi! There's a also a great best-of CD on Cherry Red called The Punk Collection floating around out there. All the stuff on this CD was recorded either as demos or as BBC Radio sessions, and there are plenty of great songs: "Don't Mean It," "Twenty One," "Help I'm Trapped," and "Away From It All" all brim with melody, cool vocal harmonies and buzzsaw guitars.

© 2003 - Alan Wright