The Pop Group - Y (1979, Radar Records)

The Pop Group was a post-punk band from Bristol, England whose dissonant sound spanned punk, free jazz, funk and dub reggae. Their lyrics were political in nature more often than not.

Formed in 1978 by Mark Stewart (lyrics, vocals), John Waddington (guitar), Gareth Sager (guitar), Simon Underwood (bass) and Bruce Smith (drums, percussion), they issued their debut single, "She is Beyond Good and Evil" on Radar Records the following year.

Their debut album "Y", was produced by reggae veteran Dennis Bovell to critical acclaim but low sales figures. With today's ears you hear severe political punk with some interesting jazz highlights or leanings. The "Y" LP was a new wave milestone, whose sound is still a smash in the face with its clanging guitars, great funky rhythm section ("Simon Underwood [bass] and Buce Smith [drums] were post-punk's "Sly & Robbie", according to Dennis Bowell), and Mark Stewart's political angst. Imagine a Gang of Four flirting with dub/ethnic experimentalisms and you might get what they sound like.

Although it did not chart, the album's success was sufficient to convince Rough Trade to sign the band, but not before more line-up changes, with Dan Katsis replacing Underwood on bass.

Line Up:

Gareth Sager
Mark Stewart
Bruce Smith
Simon Underwood
John Waddington


Tracklist:

1	She Is Beyond Good And Evil	3:23
2	Thief Of Fire	4:35
3	Snowgirl	3:21
4	Blood Money	2:57
5	We Are Time	6:29
6	Savage Sea	3:02
7	Words Disobey Me	3:26
8	Don't Call Me Pain	5:35
9	The Boys From Brazil	4:16
10	Don't Sell Your Dreams	6:42
11	3:38	3:38

Track 1  ('She Is Beyond Good And Evil') and track 11 ('3:38') are bonus tracks not available on the original album.

The Pop Group - Y (1979, Radar Records)
(320 kbps, cover art included))

By the way, the Mark Stewart docu film "On/Off" is definitly worth a look. Check it out if you have the chance.