Description

The first wave of British punk was overrun with smart kids from upper-class backgrounds playacting at being working-class yobs. Sham 69 was different; every bit as thick-headed and provincial as the band sounded, Sham 69 took a perversely populist pride in its lack of musical or intellectual sophistication. Side one of Tell Us the Truth was recorded live, and it perfectly captured the Cockney vibe, complete with football chants and a spontaneous chorus of “Knees Up, Mother Brown.” Jimmy Pursey’s communication with his audience is inarguably impressive, and all the songs have a good head of straight-ahead live energy. The studio side sounds impressive as well; a tight performances all together.

TRACK LISTING

Side A (Live Side)
1. We Got A Fight
2. Rip Off
3. Ulster
4. George Davis Is Innocent
5. They Don’t Understand
6. Borstal Breakout
Side B (Studio Side)
1. Family Life
2. Hey Little Rich Boy
3. I’m A Man, I’m A Boy
4. What About The Lonely?
5. Tell Us The Truth
6. It’s Never Too Late
7. Whose Generation!