Spizz Not Dead Shock!: 1978-88, A Decade of Spizz History is a 22-track retrospective CD compilation album by the British punk and new wave band Spizzenergi, released in 1996 by Cherry Red Records. The album chronicles the turbulent ten-year evolution of the band led by frontman Kenneth "Spizz" Spiers, who famously changed the group's name almost every year to match his changing musical directions. Collecting material recorded under various monikers—including Spizzoil, Athletico Spizz 80, The Spizzles, and Spizzenergi2—the release captures a unique blend of angular post-punk, minimalist electronics, and campy sci-fi themes that defined the UK alternative underground after the initial 1977 punk explosion.
The compilation features essential early singles, John Peel session recordings, and rare B-sides, anchored by their legendary signature anthem "Where's Captain Kirk?"—a track that famously secured the first-ever number-one spot on the UK Indie Singles Chart in January 1980. Other notable inclusions such as "Spock's Missing," "6000 Crazy," and "Soldier Soldier" highlight the band's transition from raw guitar punk to synth-driven new wave. Serving as both a historical document and an introduction to Spizz's chaotic discography, this comprehensive collection has become a sought-after collector's item for fans of classic British independent music.
Spizz Not Dead Shock!: 1978-88, A Decade of Spizz History is an essential, high-energy time capsule that perfectly documents the chaotic trajectory of post-punk’s most eccentric shape-shifters. Released by Cherry Red Records in 1996, this 22-track compilation acts as a definitive guide to frontman Kenneth "Spizz" Spiers and his uncanny tradition of renaming his band every single year to match his evolving sonic whims. From raw, minimalist garage punk to glittery, synth-driven science-fiction anthems, the album delivers a wild ride through the UK alternative underground, capturing a band that refused to stand still or take themselves too seriously in an era dominated by self-important art-rockers.
The undisputed centerpiece of the collection remains the timeless indie-punk masterpiece "Where's Captain Kirk?" alongside its cosmic companion "Spock's Missing." Originally charting as the historic first-ever number-one single on the UK Indie Chart, "Where's Captain Kirk?" perfectly encapsulates the band's brilliant formula: driving, hyperactive rhythms layered with campy Star Trek references and infectious pop hooks. Rather than coming off as a cheap gimmick, these sci-fi tracks sound incredibly vibrant alongside sharp, politically charged post-punk cuts like "Soldier Soldier" and "No Room," proving that the band possessed genuine musical muscle beneath their eccentric, theatrical outer layers.
What makes this compilation particularly rewarding for deep-cut collectors is how seamlessly it balances mainstream indie hits with rare, jagged obscurities. The inclusion of early, stripped-back Spizzoil tracks like "6000 Crazy" and "1989" provides a fascinating look at the group's raw origins, characterized by screeching guitars and a stark, lo-fi aesthetic. As the record progresses into later eras like Spizzenergi2, tracks like "Mega City 3" and "Jungle Fever" showcase a fascinating shift toward dense, bass-heavy alternative rock and frantic danceable rhythms that filled underground clubs in the early 1980s.
Ultimately, Spizz Not Dead Shock! is a highly entertaining, comprehensive retrospective that succeeds in cementing Spizz's legacy far beyond that of a mere one-hit wonder. While the relentless velocity and eccentric thematic shifts might feel overwhelming to casual listeners over its 73-minute runtime, it serves as an indispensable masterclass in late-70s and 80s independent music. For anyone looking to understand the bridge between the aggressive energy of 1977 punk and the quirky synth-pop wave that followed, this brilliant Cherry Red Records collection is an essential addition to your music library.
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1. No Room
2. Red & Black
3. Where's Captain Kirk?
4. Spock's Missing
5. Soldier Soldier
6. Mega City 3
7. Jungle Fever
8. Central Park
9. Work
10. Amnesia
11. The Meaning
12. Virginia Plain
13. 6000 Crazy
14. Cold City
15. 1989
16. Platform 3
17. Solarisation (Shun)
18. Pure Noise / Alien Language / P.F.H.
19. On My Own
20. Where's Captain Kirk?
21. Living Is Better With Freedom
22. Three Lions In the Sky
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