Description
The Business – Best Of – Compact Disc
The Best of The Business is a compilation album that highlights the career of The Business, one of the most influential bands in the Oi! and street punk scenes. Formed in 1979 in London, The Business helped define the Oi! sound, blending punk rock’s raw energy with working-class themes and anthemic sing-alongs. Their music typically focuses on themes of football (soccer), working-class struggles, and unity, making them one of the defining acts of the genre.
Oi! was a subgenre of punk rock that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK, characterized by its focus on the working-class experience, often associated with skinhead culture. The Business, alongside bands like Cock Sparrer, Sham 69, and The 4-Skins, became one of the most iconic Oi! bands, known for their rowdy live shows and connection with street-level punk culture.
A typical Best Of compilation from The Business would include some of the band’s most well-known tracks, many of which have become anthems in the Oi! and punk scenes.
‘Harry May’ – One of the band’s most famous songs, ‘Harry May’ is an energetic, street punk anthem that tells the story of a real-life East End criminal. Its infectious melody and chant-worthy chorus made it a favorite in the Oi! scene.
‘Drinking and Driving’ – A tongue-in-cheek yet cautionary track, this song became one of The Business’s most recognizable tracks, reflecting the rowdy lifestyle of youth while addressing the dangers of reckless behavior.
‘Suburban Rebels’ – This track is a classic example of Oi! with its direct lyrics and rallying cry against middle-class hypocrisy. It’s an anthem of rebellion and defiance, featuring a catchy, sing-along chorus that has made it a staple in the punk community.
‘The Real Enemy’ – A politically charged song that addresses issues like social inequality and government control, ‘The Real Enemy’ highlights the band’s more serious side, blending working-class angst with punk ethos.
‘Smash the Discos’ – A fast-paced punk rock track with a simple but memorable message, this song captures the anti-mainstream sentiment common in punk, critiquing the rise of disco music at the time.
‘Loud, Proud, and Punk’ – As the title suggests, this track celebrates the punk rock lifestyle, embodying the raw energy and attitude that defines both The Business and the Oi! movement.
‘Spirit of the Streets’ – Another anthemic song, ‘Spirit of the Streets’ focuses on themes of unity and pride in working-class roots, capturing the camaraderie often found in Oi! music.
‘Saturday’s Heroes’ – A tribute to football culture and the working-class heroes who support their local teams, this track connects the punk scene with the football terraces, reflecting The Business’s deep connection to football fandom.
The Business’s music is rooted in the values and struggles of the working class. Their lyrics often reflect daily life, working-class pride, and resistance to authority, with a focus on football culture, street life, and personal integrity. Musically, they combine the raw, aggressive energy of punk rock with catchy melodies and shout-along choruses, making their songs anthemic and ideal for live performances.
Their style is straightforward, with driving guitar riffs, punchy bass lines, and aggressive yet melodic vocals. The influence of bands like The Clash and Sham 69 is apparent, but The Business honed their own unique sound within the Oi! genre, characterized by its simplicity and energy.
Legacy:
The Business is widely regarded as one of the most influential bands in the Oi! movement, and their music continues to resonate with fans of punk rock and street culture. Their anthems have become classics in the punk community, often associated with unity, resistance, and working-class pride.
For fans of Oi!, street punk, or anyone interested in raw, politically charged punk rock, a Best Of compilation from The Business provides a perfect introduction to their sound and impact. Their music captures the spirit of rebellion and the voice of the streets, making them a lasting icon in the punk genre.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Original Masters Records
Track Listing
1. Out In The Cold
2. Streets Where You Live
3. Harry May
4. National Insurance Blacklist
5. Suburban Rebels
6. Product
7. Smash The Discos
8. Disco Girls
9. H-Bomb (Reality Kills)
10. Blind Justice
11. Get Out While You Can
12. Guttersnipe
13. Real Enemy
14. Loud Proud And Punk
15. Get Out Of My House
16. Outlaw
17. Saturday’s Heroes
18. Frontline
19. Spanish Jails
20. Freedom
21. Coventry
22. No Emotions
23. Do A Runner
24. Welcome To The Real World
25. Fear In Your Heart
26. Never Say Never
27. Look At Him Now
28. Drinking And Driving
