THE SLITS
Cut (Universal/Koch)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

---

Cut is a classic post-punk recording. First issued in 1979, it pointed in several directions for the future of music: punk-ska-dub-reggae fusion music, the Riot Grrrl movement, and DIY ethos-all were to some extent inspired by their groundbreaking efforts. In the late 70s all women bands, in any genre, were extremely rare. The Slits along with the Raincoats-whose original drummer Palmolive departed for the latter group-were the most important all-female punk bands. Actually, after the first drummer left, she was replaced by a man, Budgie, for this recording session, but otherwise the songs and words were created by Ari Up (vocals), Viv Albertine (guitar), Tessa Pollitt (bass) and shaped by reggae producer Dennis Bovell.

The record is a consistently good listen. Punk energy mixed with throbbing reggae bass lines and muted guitar riffs serve as the band's signature sound. The Slits musical abilities were rudimentary, but they pulled it off deftly with superior enthusiasm, creativity and group dynamics. "Instant Hit" exemplifies the group's sound: sing-song lyrics, dub bass grooves and muted guitar. The record quickly segues into "So Tough": rapid-fire rhythms are buttressed by punky call-response harmonies. "FM", once again showcases the band's skill with off kilter singing.

Bovell's savvy production is all over the record. He transforms good material into great music with reggae-style reverb, e.g. "Spend, Spend, Spend." But his most important contribution is presenting the guitar, bass and drums with the warmth and jubilation typically found on dub recordings.

The record's lyrics are a musical watershed. Instead of cliched kickass rockin' words, they poignantly address young women's issues "Typical Girls" attacks the mundane life of female/male gender roles in society, as does "Love und Romance." Also examined are daily issues such as consumerism ("Spend, Spend, Spend") and "Shoplifting."

The lyrical and musical territory explored on this record has been beaten to death by umpteen inferior acts; however, the Slits still sound fresh and scintillating today. This is their best record, and it's a great place to start for fans of post-punk and/or positive women's music.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick