Stiff Little Fingers: Jake Burns, Ali McMordie, Henry Cluney, Brian Faloon.
Includes liner notes by Gordon Ogilvie.
In their late '70s/early '80s heyday, Stiff Little Fingers were among the most clever and ferocious purveyors of melodic, message-oriented punk rock around. Combining teenage angst with a guttural rage at the British presence in Northern Ireland, they managed to put out several classically raw platters before their inevitable implosion (and eventual reunions with progressively fewer members, but that's another story).
ALL THE BEST is a two-disc set that captures the choicest material from their first three indispensable records, plus some rarities and live tracks to boot. For those fans so parochial as to think that Irish music is exclusively of the Clancy Brothers and Chieftains variety, "Suspect Device" and "Nobody's Hero" will be a pleasant wake-up call. Also included are essential gems such as "Alternative Ulster," "Just Go For It," and even a live version of "White Christmas." ALL THE BEST is an excellent introduction to one of the best political punk bands of all time.
