Punk Classic 45s/Mod Classic 45s: 7″ vinyl box sets

Title: Classic 45s

Label: Demon

The first is a series of box sets from Demon concentrates upon the classic 7” single and then themes them into slip cover-type box sets that pack in 10 singles per box. Each single is present as a dinked disc (i.e. with no centre spindle, like a jukebox single) and in a coloured paper sleeve. The contents are very interesting and made more so because each disc is a split single which is a brilliant idea and offers more varied content and more value for money. That is, each side features a different song from a different group. So, let’s take the punk box as an example. The first disc offers The Damned’s New Rose on Side A with The Mekons’ Where Were You on the flip. The second disc offers X Ray Spex’ Indentify on Side A with the Au Pairs’ It’s Obvious on the flip. And so on. Other groups include The Only Ones, Jonathan Richman, Ian Dury, The Exploited, Anti-Nowhere League, The Vibrators, The Fall, Suicide and The Lurkers.

The Mod Box is present in the same form and design with similarly split singles. Examples include The Small Faces’ Tin Soldier on Side A its The Downliners Sect’s All Night Worker on the flip and The Yardbirds’ Heart Full Of Soul on Side A with The Pretty Things’ Midnight to Six Man on the flip. Other bands included are Lee Dorsey, The Birds, Chris Farlowe, Bob and Earl, Billy Nicholls and PP Arnold.

In terms of sound quality, there are inherently physical restrictions on a 7” single which demands that, in audiophile terms, it will not be able to reach the sonic heights of a 12″ disc. That said, Demon have done very well within the constrictions of the format. A great idea, well implemented and designed. I look forward to seeing more box sets in this series.