Crass - Love Songs

A passionate anthology of lyrics that (subversively) inspired millions.

Love Songs collects the lyrics and poems of anarchist band Crass; a band which, though largely bypassed by the mainstream music business, sold over a million records from its own staunchly independent label, and inspired a massive underground following from 1977 - 1984.

Crass began as a rural collective of diverse and eclectic individuals based in Essex in 1977, who used art, literature and film, as well as music, to share information and ideas. At the centre of their philosophy were themes of free thought, enthusiasm, creativity, ingenuity, peace, and yes, love - a radical standpoint for a band set within the generally nihilistic context of punk rock.

Their stance created a massive underground and autonomous movement, which has sustained itself since its hey-day, especially in the United States where they are considered the godfathers of politico rock. Bizarrely, celebrities such as David Beckham and Angelina Jolie have recently been seen sporting Crass logos on their shirts. Vinyl re-issues of their albums, re-mastered at Abbey Road, have recently been released and are very much in demand.

Love Songs, published in March 2004, is the definitive and official anthology of Crass, collecting the lyrics of every song they ever wrote (all 82), plus further shock slogans and mindless token tantrums of the collective. It includes a lengthy preface by band member Penny Rimbaud (author of Shibboleth and the Diamond Signature) who reflects on the effects of the collective's works.

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