NEW MODEL ARMY / Raw Melody Men (1991)

There are dozens of NMA bootlegs around; the band doesn't seem to mind, but Raw Melody Men is the first of the official live releases. The reason you want to get it above all the others is because of the excellent sound quality. For years I suspected some overdubs, but in the end I conceded they probably really are that good live. They deliver their own brand of folk-punk rock with conviction and passion, the kind that puts lesser acts to shame. The disc includes some of their finest songs, played in an environment that invigorated them.

Songs of Note: White Coats; Get Me Out *

5 it's an anagram out of 5

*Studio versions. The Raw Melody Men version wasn't available.