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Stiff Records, the principle small independent label releasing new wave material, recently signed a worldwide licensing deal with Island Records. This meant deleting their entire previous catalogue, handing over "The Damned" to Island and starting phase two of how to be a successful recording company. This compilation reveals the success of phase one.
These recordings contain none of the high energy "Buzz saw" guitar sound of a lot of contemporary new wave groups. The songs are conventionally well-structured and delivered in a way vaguely reminiscent of the "Beat Boom" of the early sixties. A theme of realistic cynicism is the only clue to attach this music to the seventies.
The majority of the artists are commercially unknown which initiates a fresh originality and credibility. Elvis Costello's slow calypso rocker "Less Than Zero" is a prime example. Its release as a single could prove a success. Dave Edmunds, Sean Tyla and Motorhead, the three most recognizable acts, produce the most disappointing results — their heavy metal sound barely excuses lack of content and imagination.
The majority of the production credits fall on Nick Lowe. The sound he creates is basic — the raw enthusiasm of people with something to say.
"Reversing into Tomorrow" and "Undertakers to the Industry" are Stiff's slogans but with results as promising as these, their future looks very inviting.
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