Operators Manual (Buzzcocks Best) - Buzzcocks

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Loads of energetic and exciting songs
Disadvantages:	Possible lack of earlier recordings

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

In my opinion, this the definitive Buzzcocks CD, if you're a Buzzcocks fan.

25 hormone charged, angst-ridden tracks that would leave any teenager panting for breath certainly make this an instantly memorable album.

All the band's most popular songs are here, as well as a few lesser known (or lesser appreciated) gems.

With this CD, one can see how the band developed lyrical from hyper-active teenage punks, to contemplative and reflective poets.

My only complaint is that the CD doesn't include any of band's legendary material from the Spiral Scratch EP, with Howard Devoto on lead vocals. Having said that, I'm probably being just a tad picky.

Anyone who has a passing interest in the UK Pub scene of the late '70s should seriously consider buying this CD, as it is a very good piece of punkage. In fact, one could even say that the Buzzcocks are under-appreciated and even forgotten, as London based bands like the Clash and the Sex Pistols tend to be remembered most, as opposed to Northern based bands, such as the Buzzcocks.

High energy, 3 minute punk rock is certainly not everyone's cup of tea, but I'd suggest that anyone who's a fan of late 1990's American pop-punk acts like Blink 182 or Sum 41 should certainly invest in this album, in order to see what Pop punk really is, and where it originates.

Songs like "Ever Fallen in Love" remain popular today, even featuring in films like Shreck.. whether or not this is a good thing for "punk credibility", I'm not sure, but it's definitely proof that the Buzzcocks wrote some corking songs, some of which can appeal to most pop listeners.

The Buzzcocks are a part of Manchester's rich musical and cultural heritage. A band that has connections musically to Joy Division and even Oasis, this CD is worth buying purely for realising the importance of the Buzzcocks in this musical context.

All in all, this CD would make a great addition to any punk lover's collection. Memorable tunes from a memorable, yet sadly underrated and underappreciated band.

Furthermore, how can anyone's CD collection be truly complete without and album who's first track is entitled "Orgasm Addict"?