The Crack

Limited 180gm vinyl LP pressing. The Ruts were formed in West London in 1977, with guitarist Paul Fox and vocalist Malcolm Owen, who were school friends that had already been in several bands, joining drummer Dave Ruffy and bassist John 'Segs' Jennings. The group performed at numerous Rock Against Racism benefit concerts and gained recognition by supporting The Damned in early 1979. Securing a contract with Virgin, by June of that year, the group had a UK Top 10 hit with 'Babylon's Burning'. The Crack, released in September, benefited from a crystal-clear production by Mick Glossop. Reaching No. 16 in the UK, the album sounds as vibrant and pugnacious as it did upon its initial release. Representing the pinnacle of politically conscious British punk, The Crack serves as a perfect snapshot of the urban atmosphere of the late 70s.