Christ the Album

2 LP's on 1 CD.
CHRIST-THE ALBUM:
Crass: Steve Ignorant, Joy de Vivre (vocals); Phil Free (guitar, synthesizer); Sri Hari Nana B.A. (sitar); Paul Ellis (strings); Sybil Right (bass); Elvis Rimbaud (drums); G. Sus (tapes); Peeve Libido (background vocals).
Producer: Crass.
Engineer: John Loder.
Recorded at Southern Studios, London, England between July 1981 & February
1982.
WELL FORKED-BUT NOT DEAD:
Crass: Steve Ignorant, Peeve Libido (vocals); Phil Free (guitar, synthesizer); Steve Herman (guitar); Sri Hari Nana B.A. (sitar); Sybil Right (bass); Elvis Rimbaud (drums); G. Sus (tapes).
Principally recorded live at The 100 Club on June 9, 1981 & Action Space Drill Hall, London, England on November 16, 1977.
Originally released in 1982, the fourth Crass project is actually two separate records--the first titled CHRIST THE ALBUM, the second titled WELL FORKED BUT NOT DEAD. As was typical for Crass, the accompanying booklet (filled with lyrics and political sloganeering) is at least as important as the music on the disc. Crass was never a subtle band (either musically or lyrically). It often seems as though Crass is not playing these songs but just fighting to get through them. Shouted lyrics, hyperactive atonal guitars, and rhythmic drum pounding lend an air of authenticity to the material. Crass may not be the "best," but they are among the most sincere.
"Nineteen Eighty Bore," featuring feigned lyrical confusion regarding the difference between ongoing world military events and the petty concerns of such televised dramas as DALLAS, is one of the standout tracks. Also noteworthy is the searing "The Greatest Working Class Rip Off," which addresses the glorification of violence. WELL FORKED is a bristling collection of live and studio tracks and tape loops with which the band supplemented its live shows.