Stiff Little Fingers – The Singles 1978-1983
Cherry Red Records
Release date: 09/05/2025
Running time: 30 tracks on 2 CDs, you work it out
Review by: Alun Jones
9/10
Welcome back to Platinum Al’s Punk Rock Corner, here at Ever Metal HQ! Where yet again, I’ll be taking a detour from our more traditional hard rock/metal path and into the wonderful world of Punk Rock! This time, a 2 CD collection of classics from Northern Ireland legendary rockers, the one and only Stiff Little Fingers. These guys should need no introduction, but if you need a place to start, this compendium from Cherry Red Records is a good enough place to begin.
All of the band’s singles – A side plus B side – between the years 1978 to 1983 are contained herein, and in chronological order, natch. Thus, we start with the original Rigid Digits recording of ‘Suspect Device’ c/w ‘Wasted Life’ – and what a way to start. Urgent, in-your-face and literally bounding from the speakers, both songs have a frantic yet melodic purpose with huge choruses.
Those tracks are followed by another bona fide classic (and possibly their best song?): ‘Alternative Ulster’. Jake Burns barks out the vocals to make this ode to boredom seem anything but boring. You’ve probably heard this track before, and if you haven’t you’re a.) in for a right old treat and b.) you’ll swear you HAVE heard it before after just one play, because it’s that flaming good.
Other blinding tracks on the first disc include ‘Gotta Getaway’, ‘Nobody’s Hero’, ‘At the Edge’ (I’ve got the 7” single of that one!) and of course the furious, growling ‘Straw Dogs’ – the first SLF song I ever heard, fact fans! The songs are a mighty combination of Punk Rock acidity and catchy choruses, with the odd reggae influence creeping in and adding some variety (such as on ‘Mr Fire Coal Man’). A couple of the B sides are more for completists – though I admit that the live cover of ‘White Christmas’ gets a habitual playing in my house every festive season.
Disc 2 blasts out more of the same, starting with ‘Just Fade Away’ with its brutally brilliant melody and rousing pace. ‘Go For It’ has been the instrumental live intro for SLF for absolute donkey’s years – and it’s another ear tickler that stays in the memory. Indeed, the second disc shows the Fingers stretching their musical muscles ever further: the reggae swing of ‘Doesn’t Make it Alright’ and ‘Safe As Houses’ are truly irresistible whilst ‘Silver Lining’ boasts a glittering brass section with joyous results.
Stiff Little Fingers manage to introduce some socio-political subject matter into their material – they did, after all, form at the height of the troubles – but this is only part of the story. With the usual Punk topics of teenage boredom and frustration, along with some tracks that are just plain old good fun, their songs aren’t preachy – but there is usually a message.
As Disc 2 progresses, the songs become more accomplished, but not necessarily more commercial. Certainly not in the vein of “selling out”. ‘Bits of Kids’ and ‘Touch and Go’ still retain that essential Punk Rock bite, even as the band develop. That early venom and energy is still discernible, but tempered with a greater grasp of songwriting craftsmanship.
This singles collection does a fine job of replacing my ancient vinyl copy of “All the Best”, the Stiff Little Fingers comp from the 80’s that covered the same material. It updates that old album very nicely, with a damn fine inner booklet covering info on all the releases. Ideal for the completist fans, covering all the essentials, it’s also a handy jumping on point for curious new listeners – though you’re gonna want the studio albums, too!
Check out Stiff Little Fingers on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.
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