Subhumans – Time Flies + Rats LP purple*

As the title suggests, this 1986 album compiled the eight-track ÔTime FliesÉ But Aeroplanes CrashÕ 12Ó, originally recorded and released in 1983, and the four-track EP, ÔRatsÕ, that had been recorded during the summer of 1984 and released in early Õ85. ÔRatsÕ might just be the bandÕs most powerful and compelling release, the title track inspired by the Stop The City protests of Õ84 that sought to highlight the undeniable links between first world capitalism and third world poverty. Whilst itÕs something of a mish-mash, with several rowdy live tracks and a few, very enjoyable re-recordings of old Stupid Humans songs (Stupid Humans being guitarist BruceÕs pre-Subhumans bandÉ), it contains two of the SubhumansÕ best-loved tracks, ÔWork Rest Play DieÕ and ÔSusanÕ, the latter something of an oddity as itÕs a stirring piano piece, with lyrics written by Steve Hamilton, an old friend of the band.