The first wave of British punk was overrun with smart kids from upper-class backgrounds playacting at being working-class yobs. Sham 69 was different; every bit as thick-headed and provincial as the band sounded, Sham 69 took a perversely populist pride in its lack of musical or intellectual sophistication. Like The Exploited and Anti- nowhere league o.a.

Side one of Tell Us the Truth was recorded live, and it perfectly captured the Cockney vibe, complete with football chants and a spontaneous chorus of "Knees Up, Mother Brown." Jimmy Pursey's communication with his audience is inarguably impressive, and all the songs have a good head of straight-ahead live energy. The studio side sounds impressive as well; a tight performances all together.

Tell Us The Truth is now available on 1000 individually numbered copies on red translucent coloured vinyl.