Clash of Post-Punk Titans: Public Image Ltd. "First Issue" 1978 vs. Gang of Four "Entertainment" 1979

'Entertainment', easily.

I don't get this poll. First Issue isn't even all that good.

vs

"Public Image" is probably my favorite song off of either album, but Entertainment! wins it for sure. Entertainment! vs Metal Box, however...

I like First Issue, but it's kind of spotty. Entertainment is solid all the way through.

Entertainment! vs Metal Box, however...

^^^^^ this

"Public Image" is probably my favorite song off of either album, but Entertainment! wins it for sure

^^^^

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"Public Image" is probably my favorite song off of either album, but Entertainment! wins it for sure. Entertainment! vs Metal Box, however...

― (Z S) (Z S), Friday, December 19, 2008 5:28 PM

^^^OTM^^^

"Entertainment".

"The Correct Use Of Soap", "Real Life", "Systems Of Romance", "Black And White", "The Raven", "Chairs Missing" and "154" are all better than both though. Not to mention "17 Seconds" and "Faith" of course.

This isn't even a thing

srsly

This is tough. Both are excellent. Gang of Four has been pretty played out though... whereas I never hear those P.I.L. songs unless I'm spinning them.

I'd say objectively that the Gang of Four record is better, but I'd much rather hear First Issue at this very moment.

I think the first PIL album is a good EP that was stretched out by a couple of long and repetitive tracks that seemingly go nowhere. PIL picked up on some of these experiments on Metal Box/Second Edition and it worked out much better, as some of those tracks grooved. I definitely agree that their second album would hold it's own much better in this contest, it is quite good. I like Metal Box/Second Edition better than anything Lydon ever did.

Entertainment is one of my favorites, I don't think there is a weak track in the bunch and the whole thing comes together really perfect. There are a few ace songs on their second record and on the EPs, but they got it right the first time. It is similar to Television and Marquee Moon in that way.

Yeah, I don't get this poll. Are those the only two post-punk records you've heard or something?

wtf, first issue is an awesome record! analisa, religion, public image, fodderstompf, theme.. so great.

Yeah, I don't get this poll. Are those the only two post-punk records you've heard or something?

That's a pretty funny question to direct towards Bimble!

Yeah, really!

Geir, you can't possibly believe the Stranglers made better albums than either of these. Guess you can.

hahahahhah

I have to say, I've really warmed up to the Stranglers. I wouldn't consider Black + White some defining post-punk canon type thing, but as a ROCK album I think it's as good as anything else mentioned here.

Dan Selzer!!! Have you heard this song Time Zone "Wild Style"? This record is fucking killing me.

sent you an email, soz. Look for it.

I like both these albums just fine, but I think an Entertainment! vs. Metal Box/Second Edition poll would have been a more interesting poll, given that each carried its own distinct climate, so to speak. Whereas, while First Issue is great, it's not this beacon that Entertainment! is, IMHO. However, Metal Box is a purely distinct beacon.

but hey, we makes the polls the way we makes the polls. all you need = love.

The way I see the PiL albums:

First issue = GUITAR
Second edition = BASS
Flowers of romance = DRUMS

Yes, but have you heard Time Zone's "Wild Style"? Honestly, Mackro, I just want to know.

Bimble you have been called upon to explain why these are pitted one against the other.

Yeah, I have that 5-track Time Zone "World Destruction" CD-single on Restless. "Wild Style" is on there. I like that whole CD-single.

xpost to John D.

hahhahahhaha let me get back to you later, Gang of Four worshipping cunts. ????

Yeah Mackro we already know that World Destruction is CLASSIXXXX no need to point it out, but good on you for having Wild Style on your Cd thing! I feel so happy

Even as I worship the second Sheena Easton LP.

no I'm sorry, I think it's the THIRD Sheena Easton LP. sorry

xpost to John D.

hahhahahhaha let me get back to you later, Gang of Four worshipping cunts. ????

I think this is the answer

Geir Hongro, maybe Chairs Missing, but none of those other albums comes close to Entertainment.

Entertainment doesn't have any pun-filled sub-Crass slam poetry about athiesim

Yes Bimble, I have heard (and own) Time Zone's The Wildstyle. First heard it on the Classic Electro Mastercuts CD that I recommended in the thread about the Jon Savage electro comp you started. As mentioned there, I think, it's part of Laswell/Futura series of 12"s all worth checking out. Phase II's The Roxy, Fab Five Freddie/B-Side's Change le Beat, etc.

In defense of BImb (not that he needs it)...

I refer to the "Sleeper vs Public Enemy" discourse..

One act is clearly the greater, but the other was one that had more resonance personally, for personal reasons, etc.

I would add that First Issue was the 'beacon', but GOF has more latterday resonance.

But, I vote for PIL. I do.

PIL.

also PIL

Today I'm feeling First Issue. "Public Image" has a transcendant guitar hook that spirals around a killer bass line and "Fodderstompf" is one of the most wicked disco-not-disco tracks ever, absolute madness.

That cheeky deadpan irony thing Gang of Four does just doesn't do it for me anymore.

...well not today at least.

I liked Gang of Four way better before Dave Allen moved to Portland and started championing all the worst bands in town.

Automatic thread bump. This poll is closing tomorrow.

I want to say First Issue, I really do, but "Theme" just bores me so, even when I pretend it's on Side Two and play it at 45rpms. And on CD I haven't got that luxury. For that reason alone, Entertainment! it is.

I was asked before why I put these two records in a poll. I replied frivolously, but the serious answer is I happen to see them both as truly landmark post-punk albums, on par with one another. I had momentarily forgotten the unpleasant truth that of course Gang of Four is the usual kneejerk response and that people were bound to be "omg why did you even put these in a poll together?"

lol @ "Bat Penatar"

Haha thanks.

Entertainment! is more consistent but First Issue has "Public Image" AND "Fodderstompf"!

Both are quite patchy although PIL more so.

Gonna go with Gang of 4 as that's the one I'm most likely to play.

Automatic thread bump. This poll's results are now in.