Saf Records
Released: 10.17.06
What d'ya mean your not gonna buy the new Slits record? You like Kathleen Hanna, don't ya?
It's fair to say that the modern musical landscape would be quite different without Ari Up and the Slits. These three songs, recorded with Paul Cook (of Sex Pistols fame) and Marco Pirroni (a bit less famous, but on some fine recordings with Adam Ant, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Sinead O'Connor), represent the range and history of the band. Sure, it's totally unfocused, but these are great songs.
"Slits Tradition", the opening track, offers the first Hanna reference. Reggae and dub (along with most of the world, for that matter) hadn't gone digital yet, so those early Slits recordings were more of a Lee Perry production than a Taxi-era Sly and Robbie. This is their update, and there couldn't have been a more natural progression. And, coincidentally, it sounds a helluva a lot like Le Tigre's first record.
Hanna reference #2 (there are only 3 songs, so it had to come soon): "Number One Enemy" is pulled from the pre-Cut vaults. The Slits started in 1976, before they could play their instruments (famously asking Mick Jones to tune their guitars on a '77 Clash tour they were on). The only recordings from this period are some John Peel appearances. By 1979 (when Cut was recorded), they had progressed into their trademark sound. This is pure punk, proto-riot grrrl. Bikini Kill would've worshiped on this altar. And Ari Upp's voice holds its own after all these years, particularly on the call to arms and shriek that opens the track: "'76! The Slits! Number One Enemy! YAAAHHH!!!" All beautifully drenched in dirty spring reverb.
The final song, "Kill Them with Love", is back to basics. It sports some more digital production, but even with this, it could easily fit in on Cut.
This'll be on my regular play-list for some time.
- Dave Wolkensperg
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