Proper Records, in collaboration with Universal Music Recordings, are delighted to make again available The Crack, the debut album from the much-loved The Ruts. Originally released on Virgin in 1979, the album represents the very apex of politically conscious British post-punk. 

The Ruts were formed in west London in 1977, but guitarist Paul Fox and vocalist Malcolm Owen were school friends who had already been in several bands – meeting with drummer Dave Ruffy and bassist John ‘Segs’ Jennings, the group played many Rock Against Racism benefit concerts and rose to prominence supporting The Damned in early 1979. After their debut single, 'In A Rut', on Misty In Roots’ People Unite label, a contract with Virgin followed, and by June of that year, the group were in the UK Top 10 with Babylon’s Burning. The Crack followed in September, benefitting a crystal-clear production from Mick Glossop. Reaching No 16 in the UK, it sounds as vibrant and pugnacious as it did on its first release. The album stands as both a perfect snapshot of the inner-city temperature of the late 70s, and the dashed hopes of the future the band could have had, with Malcolm Owen passing away soon after release in the summer of 1980. Their second album, Grin & Bear It, served as a follow-up and compilation of some of material from The Crack. The surviving members went on to make music as Ruts DC and continue to this day. 

The iconic album artwork by John Howard shows the members of the group (from left to right: Malcolm Owen, Paul Fox, Dave Ruffy and Segs) seated on a large sofa, surrounded by their contemporaries like Rat Scabies and Captain Sensible of The Damned, Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, John Peel on the left, as Jimi Hendrix looks on from the right. Henry Rollins, a self-avowed fan of the band, purchased the original artwork in 2019. 

Bringing to life again a bona fide classic, this reissue is presented with scrupulous attention to the detail of the original UK first pressing and available in audiophile 180gm vinyl. Whether replacing a much-loved original, or adding to a collection afresh, this is a superior way to enjoy such enduring and influential music.

Purchase the vinyl reissue HERE

Tracklisting

Side A

1. Babylon's Burning

2. Dope For Guns

3. S U S

4. Something That I Said

5. You're Just A

6. It Was Cold

Side B

1. Savage Circle

2. Jah War

3. Criminal Mind

4. Back Biter

5. Out Of Order

Catch The Ruts on tour in the UK throughout May 2023 - Tickets available from www.rutsdc.com