It’s pretty hard
to be objective about 999. Quite why they never achieved
huge chart success is a mystery to me, although bad
management played a part. What is on offer though is a
series of stunning and sparkling punk rock fireworks that
continue to explode into space with dazzling results. From
front man Nick Cash’s sleazy vocal hiss that builds to a
scream, the incandescent lead work of Guy Days (perhaps the
most adventurous and gifted of all the first wave axe men)
the solid and especially expressive bass runs of Jon Watson.
999 is a glorious celebration of all the finest elements of
early punk. From the seminal speed punk of ‘I’m Alive’ and
‘Hit Me’ the urgency of the aptly titled ‘Emergency’ ,the
menace and suspense of ‘Titanic (My Over) Reaction’ and my
favorite 'Homicide'. Nasty Tales is quite simply required
listening and pretty much an essential purchase.
