Another little Journey through Time
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Coming back
It seemed as it has been over shortly after it began. East London’s Cock Sparrer were formed in 1972, released their self-titled album a year later, and disbanded in 1978. So far, it sounds like the short story of myriads of hidden gems of the Punk Rock movement. But this is the story of Cock Sparrer, and its important second chapter was written forty yeas ago. As some of their early songs were featured in Punk and Oi! samplers, four original members and new second guitarist Chris Skepis decided to reform Cock Sparrer.
Conquering it all
The second phase of the band only lasted from 1982 to 1984, but it featured the album which made Cock Sparrer immortal: Shock Troops was published via Razor Records shortly after the legendary single England belongs to me was released on Carrere Records. Later issues of Shock Troops contain that song, too. Nevertheless, Shock Troops is crammed with huge bangers which sustainably coined not only the Cock Sparrer sound, but English Oi! in general. From Take ‚em all over I got your number to We’re coming back, the record is full of anthems for regaining the streets.
Droogs don’t rest
Until today, you will hear songs from the second Cock Sparrer phase and cover versions of them in every alternative bar or venue. Shock Troops may be one of the most important releases of the early Punk and Skinhead movement. More various than many of the typical 1-2-3-4-chaos bands, Cock Sparrer put party bangers, songs for political activism, and even thoughtful tunes on Shock Troops. The last two songs especially presented the band from a different perspective: the Clockwork Orange hommage Droogs don’t run is a gloomy anthem, and the final track Out on an Island fades out in a nightarish dystopia.
Line Up
Colin McFaul − vocals
Steve Burgess − bass
Steve Bruce − drums
Mickey Beaufoy − lead guitar
Chris Skepis − rhythm guitar
