Gang of Four?

[Bassist159]

I was recently given a copy of A Brief History of the Twentieth Century, the Gang of Four best-of. I'm pretty impressed with it, all things considered, though I prefer the first tracks on the CD (which I'm assuming are from earlier in the band's history).

Can someone reccomend a good album to get by them? Maybe something that sounds like earlier Gang of Four? I'd appreciate any suggestions offered - I'm kind of in the dark when it comes to this sort of sound.

[TynansAnger]

Without a doubt you need to buy Entertainment!, Gang of Four's first album. It 's one of  the greatest of the post-punk albums, and sort of defined more arty british punk along with Joy Division and later Wire.  Not only were they immensely influential, but Franz Ferdinand has made quite a bit of money directing ripping off this album.

[Kai]

Yeah, definitely get Entertainment.


I love Gang of Four so much.

[E. Spaceman]

Get Entertainment

also, since they are often namedropped together, get some Wire, preferably Pink Flag or Chairs Missing

[TynansAnger]

Actually, get all of Wire's first 3 albums, Pink Flag, Chairs Missing an 154

and if you have cash to blow, buy them all in the 5 cd set that was recently released so you get rare live tracks.

Wire is freaking amazing.

[space_oddity]

I've always loved Solid Gold best, but Entertainment! is definitely a worthy choice.
A similarly-veined band is the Fall. Anyone who doesn't own This Nation's Saving Grace already should--it's worth it for "I Am Damo Suzuki" alone.

[Bassist159]

the really great era of the fall is 1979 - 82.

in particular, 'dragnet', 'grotesque (after the gramme)', 'slates' and 'hex enduction hour' are superb as well as a handful of great singles in this period of time.
as long as we are on the subject, it's worth checking our PiL and wire's first few albums.

I have the This is What You Want.... This is What You Get, Metal Box, and First Issue. I'm okay on PiL, I think. As for the other suggestions, I will definately look into those next time at my local music store. Thanks, everyone.