#273 Gang of Four, 'Entertainment!' (1979)

Previously #483

A seminal album in punk and post punk, ‘Entertainment!’ was the debut album by Gang Of Four. The album features elements of Dance, Reggae, Funk and Dub. In their lyrics, the band addressed many left-leaning political issues, with even the artwork making a statement. The album cover shows a Native American shaking hands with a cowboy.

I loved this album from the get-go. I’m not the only one. Kurt Cobain cited this record as one of his all-time favourite and Michael Hutchence, from INXS, considered Gang Of Four a major influencec on his band. Flea, from Red Hot Chili Peppers, said that when he first heard this record "It completely changed the way I looked at rock music and sent me on my trip as a bass player." Produced by guitarist/vocalist, Andy Gill, who would actually go on to produce Red Hot Chili Peppers’ debut eponymous album. Lead single from this record was ‘Damaged Goods,’ the song that got the band signed to EMI. This song is a great example of the influence they’d wield for years to come. Besides for the above mentioned, you can hear their influence on contemporary bands such as Shame, IDLES, Fontaines D.C. and Protomartyr.

#rs500albums