Mark Perry’s Step Forward label was responsible for unleashing some of the finest original punk acts on the world, and here the first 10 7” singles released by the Sniffin’ Glue fanzine founder are lovingly reproduced in chronological order to finally replace the everscratchier vinyl. From The Cortinas, Chelsea, Models, Lemon Kittens and Sham 69 through to two excellent early singles by The Fall (Psycho Mafia and It’s The New Thing), all are offered once more here, complete with B-sides. As such, it captures the excitement and DIY ethos of the era.
It’s a nice release in itself – especially when you consider that Perry has also produced a brandnew, one-off issue of Sniffin’ Glue for inclusion with the CD. Where this may prove irresistible, however, is the fact that this is also being released as a 7” box set. An indulgence, perhaps, but an entirely authentic one, with exact reproductions of the original vinyl releases a fitting marker to put down: if you’re going to celebrate spurious anniversaries, you may as well do it properly. Though the music may not always have aged all that well, the flame of independence still burns hot and bright.
