Dawn Of The Rats: Demos, B Sides And Live 1975-1979 (RSD 25)

As the leader of The Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof led his band of Dublin new-wavers right to the very top of the UK charts. But before that perfect power-pop, there was something raw and very dirty. For the first time on vinyl, their live demo tapes from 1975-1979 are heard. It was the recording that finally found its way to the desks of Nigel Grainge and Chris Hill at Ensign Records when the group relocated to the UK in October the following year. The four tracks are complimented with a live performance at Moran’s Hotel, just off Dublin’s O’Connell Street; Robert Parker’s Barefootin’ is delivered with a raucous energy that nods to both the Stooges and Dr Feelgood. The collection is rounded out with a selection of B-sides, many of which have never appeared on CD or LP. These have been much sought-after by fans over the years.

On lurid sewer-like transparent green vinyl, hear The Boomtown Rats as they were first heard. Edgy, dangerous, spiky and fast. DAWN OF THE RATS: B-SIDES, DEMOS AND LIVE 1975-1979 is a perfect re-introduction to one of the most singular bands ever to originate from Eire, the greatest rock’n’roll band in the world (from Dun Laoghaire).