This pioneering English punk band from London – active in their original lineup from 1977 to 1980 – were known for an explosive blend of punk and reggae influences, strident anti-racism stance, energetic live shows … and a run of classics that included ‘Babylon’s Burning’, ‘Staring At The Rude Boys’, and ‘Something That I Said’.

Following the untimely death of their charismatic lead singer Malcolm Owen aged just 23 in the summer of 1980, they released what’s considered to be their masterpiece single from which this collection takes its name – the heroic ‘West One (Shine On Me)’.

The band also released two landmark albums during their short tenure as holders of the zeitgeist – their debut ‘The Crack’ and the collection of singles, B-sides and live recordings ‘Grin + Bear It’.

This new 2CD collection celebrates the band’s visceral legacy by bringing together the bulk of these two albums with the inclusion of early recordings supplied by the band, plus single edits of some of the original 7” releases.

The original Ruts may not have been around for long (the surviving members continued as Ruts DC) but at the time their classic sound defined the times in the same way as landmark records by artists like The Jam, the Skids, the Buzzcocks and The Undertones.

‘Shine On Me’, released with the full cooperation of the band, will be available in 2CD deluxe packaging with a sleeve that references the sharp graphics of the original ‘Babylon’s Burning’ single release.

Also available: ‘Shine On Me: The Singles Collection 1979-1980’ ‘Emergency’ Red vinyl LP.

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