Description
The Mekons – The Mekons Story – Compact Disc
The Mekons Story is a compilation album by the influential British post-punk band The Mekons, released in 1982. As a collection of early recordings, demos, and unreleased tracks, this album serves as a retrospective look at the band’s formative years and an exploration of their unconventional approach to music. By this point, The Mekons had established themselves as a genre-defying group that combined punk energy with experimentalism and a wry sense of humor. The Mekons Story captures the raw creativity and irreverence that defined their early days.
This compilation includes material recorded between 1977 and 1982, a period when the band was transitioning from their roots in punk to a broader, more eclectic sound. It features both studio recordings and raw, lo-fi tracks that highlight their DIY ethos and playful, experimental spirit.
The Mekons’ early work reflects the ethos of the late 1970s UK punk scene—rebellious, unpolished, and fiercely independent. At the same time, they were unafraid to experiment with structure, instrumentation, and lyrical themes, setting them apart from many of their contemporaries.
On The Mekons Story, you’ll find bursts of punk energy juxtaposed with off-kilter melodies, jangly guitars, and lyrics that are often humorous, satirical, or pointedly political. The band’s willingness to embrace imperfection and spontaneity gives the album a raw, authentic charm.
The songs cover a range of topics, from critiques of consumerism and authority to musings on everyday life and absurdity. The Mekons’ storytelling often comes with a wink, their tongue-in-cheek approach masking sharp social commentary.
Key Tracks
While The Mekons Story is not structured like a traditional album, several tracks stand out for their significance and quality:
‘Teeth’
One of their earliest songs, “Teeth” is a quintessential example of The Mekons’ punk roots, combining jagged guitar riffs with sardonic lyrics.
‘Chopper Squad’
This track captures the band’s playful side, with an infectious energy and offbeat humor.
‘Lonely and Wet’
A more introspective song that hints at the band’s future exploration of diverse styles and emotional depths.
‘Work All Week’
A biting commentary on labor and monotony, this track reflects the band’s political inclinations.
‘Never Been in a Riot’
A satirical response to The Clash’s “White Riot,” this song is one of the band’s defining early statements, subverting punk tropes with humor and wit.
The tracks on The Mekons Story are a mix of studio recordings, home demos, and live performances. This lo-fi production style aligns with the band’s ethos of accessibility and their rejection of mainstream music industry standards. The rawness of the recordings adds to the album’s authenticity, giving listeners a sense of being immersed in the band’s creative process.
When The Mekons Story was released, it was celebrated as a unique document of the band’s journey and their contributions to the punk and post-punk movements. Critics praised its honesty and creativity, though some noted its rough production and eclectic nature as potential barriers for more casual listeners. For fans of The Mekons, however, it became a treasured insight into their early years.
The album has gained recognition as an important piece of the band’s history and a reflection of the DIY ethos that defined their music. Its mix of humor, rebellion, and innovation continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate the spirit of punk.
The Mekons Story serves as both a celebration of The Mekons’ beginnings and a glimpse into the evolution of their sound. It’s a testament to their willingness to challenge conventions and embrace artistic freedom, even at the risk of alienating more mainstream listeners. For longtime fans, the album is a nostalgic trip through the band’s formative years, while for newcomers, it offers a raw and unfiltered introduction to one of the most idiosyncratic bands to emerge from the punk scene.
As The Mekons went on to explore genres like country, folk, and even dub, The Mekons Story remains a snapshot of a band in its early, anarchic glory—a reminder of their roots in the unbridled creativity and rebellious energy of punk.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal
Sin Release 1982/93
Track Listing
’20 great songs over 60 minutes of playing time’
