Singles Going Steady – Buzzcocks (1981)
There was no way I couldn’t include this ‘greatest hits’ compilation in the rundown. Buzzcocks were one of the very best singles bands of the post-punk/new wave era. Their first two albums weren’t too shabby either, but both had their moments when things went a little bit off-kilter or too far on the experimental side to make for a perfect listen. Singles Going Steady, no matter which side of the vinyl you play, can make a justified claim for 10/10.
A reminder of what we are looking at here.
The album was pulled together by IRS, the band’s American label, to coincide with a tour of the USA and Canada in 1979. It consisted of all eight singles that had been released in the UK between 1977 and 1979. Side One of the album had them in chronological order, beginning with Orgasm Addict and ending with Harmony In My Head, while Side Two had all the b-sides, opening with Whatever Happened To? and closing with Something’s Gone Wrong Again.
It wasn’t initially readily available in the UK except on import, and it was only given an official release over here, in November 1981, after the band first break-up.
I didn’t know this until doing a bit of background research for today’s post, and I certainly wouldn’t have believed anyone who told me, but Singles Going Steady failed to hit the Top 100 on the album charts back in 1981. Six of the singles had been Top 40 – the exceptions were Orgasm Addict and I Don’t Mind – while the two studio albums from the same period had both gone Top 20. But, for whatever reason, there was no appetite at all for the compilation. It may well have been that diehard fans had picked it up on import, or maybe having copies of all the singles felt there was nothing to be gained from picking them up again in album form, but it’s a bit of a head scratcher.
As I mentioned earlier, it doesn’t really matter if you choose to play Side Two of the album to begin with. Indeed, there’s something to be said from doing things that way, as it delivers a lengthy but magnificent overture prior to the main act. Songs such as Noise Annoys and Lipstick would surely have been hit singles if released as A-sides, while Oh Shit! is one of the greatest anthems of its time, ninety-six seconds of adrenalin-fuelled pop-punk that was totally incapable of being aired on any radio station.
mp3: Buzzcocks – Oh Shit!
Pete Shelley once told an interviewer in the early days that his hope for Buzzcocks songs was that they could stand the test of time. I’m not sure if he quite managed that with all the later material, but there can be no doubts about the tunes on Side A of Singles Going Steady. And it’s all done and dusted in not much more than 20 minutes.
I had also forgotten that, in keeping with the ethos of the time, very few of the singles were actually included on any contemporary albums – I Don’t Mind was on Another Music In A Different Kitchen, while Ever Fallen In Love was included on Love Bites. Buzzcocks believed in the joy and perfection of 7″ singles, including the artwork and design.
mp3: Buzzcocks – Everybody’s Happy Nowadays
Except for those of you whose favourite albums have been missed out in this rundown……
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
Among the B-sides, Autonomy was included on Another Music… and Just Lust featured on Love Bites as well as the A-sides you mention. Lipstick, it’s worth adding, features the same sublime rising guitar figure that Howard Devoto took for Magazine’s Shot By Both Sides, hence that song’s co-credit to Pete Shelley.
But yes, what a brilliant collection of songs. For three years Buzzcocks were just kings. Another Music was one of very first punk album purchases and I still treasure it. An absolute monument of a record.
Looking at the sleeve – my second-hand copy – bought a very long time ago, is in considerably worse condition. I wouldn’t replace it.
A stunning compilation.
The Buzzcocks were my favourite punk/new wave band in the early days (along with the Undertones). Forget the Pistols, Clash, Stranglers (for a bit anyway). ‘What do I get?’ was my first punk single as a 16 year old, and I then bought most of the singles plus all 3 albums. I never bought ‘Going Steady’ until much later on CD, though it hasn’t been played much. The early days were best – memories of Peel sessions being taped and the bootleg concert ‘Razor Cuts’ where it all kicked off, and waiting for each new single. I always loved the brevity of each single being c.2 minutes – like eating your favourite sweet – momentary enjoyment then it’s finished ……and you need another…and another
Here’s an entry for SWC’s Nearly Perfect Album series. 15 killer songs and…Noise Annoys. Genius.
@JTFL – or as part of a new series “albums spoilt by CD re-issues” when they added the final singles.
Without them, this is my go-to Buzzcicks album. I had the vinyl release and played it to unplayability. Was interested to see what could be above London Calling on JC’s list. THIS is probably worth the position.
My 1st Buzzcocks. Honestly as a prepubescent boy I bought it for Orgasm Addict but quickly became a Shelley fan, and love how he developed as a songwriter, to the point where that song kinda annoys me now.
Perfect
My copy of this came free with a bunch of tokens collected with beer bottles. A strange promotion from my pub job. It was this or three other far inferior albums. I still have the disc but not the promo wrap around sleeve it came in.
Great choice – I never bought it as I had all the singles in those stunning sleeves!