The Slits 'In the Beginning' a live anthology 1977-81 2LP

The first time on vinyl for this complete 15-track live anthology album, covering their punk to dub eras.  It has three songs not recorded elsewhere, and guest vocals from Nina Hagen and Neneh Cherry. A gatefold sleeve with unseen photos and notes by Mick Mercer.  A limited edition in blue vinyl for RECORD STORE DAY

The Slits were known for their uncompromising attitude and confrontational music, first seen on their 1977 tour with The Clash.  To this day they are cited as being hugely inspiring to many female artists.  But even their seminal Island Records 1979 debut album ‘Cut’, with its infamous sleeve of the band members naked and caked in mud, does not capture the true energy and spontaneity as well as these live recordings do.

The album spans from an early, chaotic punk-era show which includes classics such as Shoplifting, Newtown and Love & Romance. It shows how they evolved into their dubby, reggae-influenced style with songs such as Typical Girls, and finishes with a track from their last ever performance in 1981.

Over its fifteen tracks it features three songs never otherwise recorded*, and guest vocals from Nina Hagen and Neneh Cherry. The gatefold sleeve includes updated notes from Mick Mercer and previously unseen live and at home photos. A limited edition in transparent blue vinyl.

1. Vindictive, 2. A Boring Life*, 3. Slime*, 4. New Town, 5. Love & Romance, 6. Shoplifting, 7. Number One Enemy, 8. Number One Enemy (acoustic) (guest vocal from Nina Hagen), 9. In The Beginning, 10. New Town, 11. Man Next Door, 12. I Heard It Through The Grapevine, 13. Typical Girls, 14. Fade Away**, 15. In The Beginning (guest vocal from Neneh Cherry) ** Fade Away was recorded by Ari with New Age Steppers and live with Tessa in her garden - look for the videos.

Tracks 1-7 live at Dingwalls, London 1977; 8 live rehearsal; 9-14 in Cincinnati & San Francisco 1980; 15 at Hammersmith Palais, Dec. 1981 (last ever show).

Record Store Day April 20 2024.  Limited edition blue vinyl: Cat.No FREUDLP057 UPC 5013145205716