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Protect & Serve

from Guitar And Drum by Stiff Little Fingers

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  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    "the best SLF in 20 years." - allmusic.com

    Since they reunited in 1990, Stiff Little Fingers have been releasing a new album every few years, and the discs seem to get lost in the constant glut of live reissues that pop up every six to 12 months. It's a shame, really, because the band is still very good and at times great. Signing to EMI in the U.K. was good for them, as it raised their profile a few notches. This, their second album on EMI, is actually better than their 1999 release, Hope Street, and should hopefully help the band reconnect with old fans while opening the doors for a whole new generation. Still as energetic as they've always been, Stiff Little Fingers remain true to their original sound, although the punk edge has been softened a bit (by age, perhaps?). Original SLF vocalist/guitarist Jake Burns still leads the pack, followed by former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton (a full-time SLF member for 15 years), guitarist/vocalist Ian McCallum, and drummer Steve Grantley. Burns handles most of the vocals and songwriting, but each of the members either has co-writing credit or sole writing credit on nearly half the album, adding a new dimension and depth to the band's sound. Burns shines with the harmony-laden "Dead Man Walking," the rocking yet still touching Joe Strummer tribute "Strummerville," the energetic "Best of Fools," and the anthemic title track. McCallum's two tracks, the soulful "Can't Get Away With That" and the reggae groove of "Be True to Yourself," are welcome additions to the SLF catalog. The distinctive guitar sound of the band fuels every song, with even more interplay than usual -- just listen to the first few bars of "Who Died and Made You Elvis" for proof. By the time the acoustic "Protect and Serve" finishes up the album, you'll be ready to hear it all again. They've released some fine albums over the last decade, but this is, hands down, the best SLF in 20 years.

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lyrics

Mama Papa It's cold in here
I'm hurt and I'm bleeding and I'm really scared
I don't wanna go back outside
Cause the bigboys are waiting and they'll get me one more time

And if we can't protect the weak
How can we call ourselves strong
Is the assurance that they seek
So beyond us all

Help me, someone, is anyone there?
This man asked directions and I said I'd help
Now I'm tied up and all alone
And I don't think he ever plans to let me
Go back home

And if we can't protect the young
How can we call ourselves grown
They place their trust in anyone
Only to lose it all

And when it happens we seem so surprised
Like we've not seen it all before
We wring our hands & cry
What do they do it for
What do they do it for
What do they do it for

Broken fingers & the phones too far
Can't even think now why I opened the door
Robbed and battered I've lost all pride
There was only enough cash to see that I got by

And if we can't protect the old
How can we call ourselves civilized?
And is the comfort they deserve
So difficult to provide?

credits

from Guitar And Drum, released May 20, 2014

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Kung Fu Records California

KUNG FU RECORDS was founded in 1996 by the bass player and guitarist for THE VANDALS The label soon grew to include releases by BLINK 182, THE ATARIS, TSUNAMI BOMB, BIGWIG, KENNETH KEITH KALLENBACH, AUDIO KARATE and THE VANDALS themselves.


Kung Fu Records, a Division Of Cleopatra Records, Inc.
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