Communists not so much in love

Hate would be too strong a word, but these guys weren't exactly giddy about the state of the Thatcherized world, with its itchy trigger fingers and rotted ideals. This is the sound of pure disgust, though they make some grudging concessions to the language of rock. But it's a neat trick they're pulling off, with their dour speak-singing, rusty wire guitars, and martial clanging adding up to something mighty human and compelling.

I recently gave Deceit a good listen and was floored all over again. I don't think you'll find a more far-ranging, fully-realized album in the post-punk era. It's ahead of its time alright. And given that the band seemed almost certain about the imminence of nuclear destruction, I'm glad their predictive powers were confined to the music.

This Heat - Cenotaph

Desolation nation

Hearing bits of dub in post-punk is never much of a surprise. But it's something else when they really get the expansiveness and textures without trying to cop all those dancehall moves. This track is just so visual. You can almost see the gray smoke and faded industry. And is that 7/8 time? Aww, you guys...

Swell Maps - Big Empty Field