First Issue, by Public Image Ltd.

First Issue

by Public Image Ltd.

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Eddie Spohn I cannot tell you how many times Mister Lydon and company have taken the words out of my mouth. The world is a better place with folks like him and the musicians who work with him. Pray their ilk do not disappear. May the road rise to meet you all and your enemies be at your back. Anger is an energy fuckers. Favorite track: Religion II.

A.K. Pearson While "Metal Box" takes the "Best Public Image Ltd. Album" cake, "First Issue" still contains the terrific tracks "Theme," "Annalisa" and "Public Image." The purchased album includes worthless throwaway B-side "The Cowboy Song," from the "Public Image" single, and a 55-minute interview with John Lydon. If either of those interests you, buy the record; if not, just get the three great songs. Favorite track: Public Image.

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1.	Theme 09:10	buy track
2.	Religion I 01:26	buy track
3.	Religion II 05:51	buy track
4.	Annalisa 06:04	buy track
5.	Public Image 03:01	buy track
6.	Low Life 03:37	buy track
7.	Attack 02:55	buy track
8.	Fodderstompf 07:47	buy track

about

In 1976 Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols set the agenda for punkâ€™s year zero with â€˜Anarchy In The UKâ€™, a song that summed up the spirit, sound and attitude of the band in one shocking package. Two years later, the Sex Pistols were in tatters, but Rotten was as unsentimental as youâ€™d hope. He reverted to his real name â€“ John Lydon â€“ and set about forming a band whose very identity kicked against press and media manipulation. Featuring bassist Jah Wobble, drummer Jim Walker and guitarist Keith Levene, his new group were Public Image Limited. The public image would be limited.

PiL were a very distinct prospect from the Pistols, founded with a greater thought for rhythm, and with a sound that turned the page from snarling punk to a more experimental sound fusing rock, dance, folk, ballet, pop and dub. But thatâ€™s not to say Lydonâ€™s new outfit lacked vitriol. â€˜Public Imageâ€™ hits out against the notorious British tabloid press, who never gave Lydon an easy ride, and against his own Sex Pistols public image â€“ â€œYou only saw me for the clothes I woreâ€.

The debut single (and the album that followed) operated as a theme song and a manifesto: â€œâ€¦my entrance/My own creation/My grand finale/My goodbye,â€ as the lyrics had it. It is, essentially, the sound of four people letting loose in a studio â€“ and not caring what anyone else thought.

The album was never officially released in the USA back in the day, its sound considered too un-commercial by major-labels for an American release.

First Issue has been lovingly reproduced from the original UK 1978 release and this expanded reissue also comes with a clutch of post-punk era treasures. The CD edition is an expanded, two-disc set with an almost hour-long (unedited) October 1978 BBC audio interview with John Lydon, plus rare B-side â€œThe Cowboy Songâ€ from the period, and two stickers. The LP release includes an archive replica fold-out poster, archive replica tabloid adverts, a set of stickers, and Download Card for the album, the archival BBC interview, and â€œThe Cowboy Songâ€. All of which were approved and coordinated with John Lydon and his personal management.

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released June 1, 2016

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Public Image Ltd. London, UK

Featuring bassist Jah Wobble, drummer Jim Walker and guitarist Keith Levene, John Lydon's post Sex Pistols group were Public Image Limited. The public image would be limited.

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