Consumer Guide Album

The Vibrators: Pure Mania [Columbia, 1978]
This has been raving without letup ever since it arrived at my house as an import in September of '77. Mixing raw vocals and relentless tempos with hooks that should strike familiar chords among over-twenties, it's a way into the punk style for seekers after pure musical rush. Those who listen to lyrics may regret, as I do, that they care so much about sex, since despite the distancing and pacing their s&m interests are clearly more than a flirtation with the absolute--they're narsty. Then again, so were the Velvets'. And this remains good new-fashioned rock and roll at its wildest. A