Artist: The Membranes

Title: The Gift of Life

Date: 1985

Label: Creation Records   CRELP 006

Sleeve Design: Simon Clegg

Photos: Ian 'T' Tilton 

Notes: When someone speaks of "screaming punk" this is the album that comes to mind. Lots of noise, aggression and DIY production qualities. A very busy cover drawing and candid member photos make for a fun find. Jon Langford (of Mekons infamy) is credited for guitar on one tune as well. Roommates bugging you with all their shoe-gazing pop? Toss this one on automatic replay, weld the volume knob at 10 and go out to catch a few brews. It'll be a different world when you return matey.

Line Up:

Coofy Sid: drums, cowbells, metal perc.
John Robb: guitar, lead vocals, harmonica
Stan: bass, vocals, metal perc., shelf bracket
Jon Langford: guitar on Gift of Life

Track Listing

Side 1

Shot By My Own Gun
I Am Fisheye
Dreadful Sound Engine
Green and Ghostly Land
More Skin and Bone

Side 2

Mr. Charisma Brain
Barbed Snake Fish Thing
Chewing the Fat
Typical Male Penis
Fireface
The Gift of Life