The first wave of British punk was overrun with smart kids from upperclass backgrounds playacting at beingworkingclass yobs. Sham 69 was different every bit as thickheaded and provincial as the band sounded,Sham 69 took a perversely populist pride in its lack of musical or intellectual sophistication.Side one of Tell Us the Truth was recorded live, and it perfectly captured the Cockney vibe, complete with football chants and a spontaneouschorus of 34Knees Up, Mother Brown.34 Jimmy Pursey039s communication with his audience is inarguably impressive, and all the songshave a good head of straightahead live energy. The studio side sounds impressive as well a tight performances all together.
