Germ Free Adolescents, X-Ray Spex, 1978, :36
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
A brilliant punk debut. Singer Poly Styrene, whose delivery reminds me of the Buzzcocks' Pete Shelley, rages against consumerist culture and conformity and exploitation with strident sincerity. Strong melodies and a buzzing saxophone make this stand out among early '70s punk albums. I'm just sorry I didn't tune into this three decades ago; what a chump I've been! Favorite tracks: "Art-I-Ficial," "Obsessed With You," "Germ Free Adolescents," "Warrior in Woolworth."
