The Mob: May inspire revolutionary acts

Here is a review of a ‘new’ cd by The Mob which has just been released by Overground Records. I would have reviewed the disc myself, but since I wrote the “excellent sleeve notes” – see below – would not be an objective review.

If you buy this record, your life will be better… AL Puppy

THE MOB – May Inspire Revolutionary Acts (Overground) – Well I guess you have to put them in that place and time, those anarcho-punk/counter culture early 80’s and the running convoy battles with the forces of Thatcher, the air thick with the smell of oppression (and innocence joining angry precessions) The Mob were a big part of that anarcho punk/free festival squat-gig DIY culture – the lines were clearly drawn back then and you knew which side you were on. Part of the broad Crass family and the Brougham Road squats of Hackney. This is a collection of the material that didn’t find a place on the Let The Tribe Increase. Twenty tracks that really do push the edges of fractured DIY ’punk’. Is it a mess or was it defiance as art? Was it creative anarchy and a challenging to musical/political thinking or just a untalented mess of badly produced half formed badly played notes/ideas? The rejection of anything that didn’t quite fit? Raw passion and emotion or just a bunch of misfits? This isn’t easy listening, The Mob were of their place and time, that place and time led to a lot more though, bands like The Mob really did make a difference, they just may have helped inspire a revolutionary act or two (see you at the next reclaim the streets, or the next Meanwhile Gardens protest). A welcome collection, a fine document, excellent sleeve notes, check it out, it might just inspire.

From : http://www.organart.demon.co.uk/neworgan.htm

Album available from

http://www.overgroundrecords.co.uk/release.asp?Release=OVER115VPCD

8 comments

admin
December 4, 2007 at 4:29 am

See the NME review of the Mob’s album, written by Tony Puppy, now scanned in and available via the photos section. This is the final version…not the many, many re-writes then editor Neil Spencer ordered me to do.
Kara Gerrie (nee preston, Birth Townlsey)
April 13, 2008 at 5:19 pm

Hi, Can anyone tell me more about Brougham Road squat? I believe my father, Pete Townsley, lived there. I found out recently he died in 83 or 84 in prison.

Thanks Kara
Penguin
April 13, 2008 at 5:53 pm

Al or Val will probably recognise the name, for the time being there are some photos in photogallery plus if you search for Brougham Road, a few things come up. Perhaps Al could write a bit about the road at some point.
Jim V
April 13, 2008 at 6:13 pm

Was Brougham Road a squat or a housing co-op operated by the Peabody Trust?…Kara I will ask if a friend if any info on your dad.
alistairliv • Post Author •
April 13, 2008 at 10:32 pm

I don’t know enough about Brougham Road to write a history.
Jim V
April 15, 2008 at 11:08 pm

No info so far have tried someone else…..

Brougham Road must have changed many lives…

Any early claims for living there first ?
Penguin
April 15, 2008 at 11:24 pm

Working on it Jim…
Kara Gerrie (nee preston, Birth Townlsey)
April 16, 2008 at 4:34 pm

Thank you, I didn’t expect to get any response, I normally don’t!

Kara