999 - High Energy Plan 1979

Like the highly influential Buzzcocks, 999 epitomized the pop side of British punk in the late '70s. High Energy Plan owes its snarling, bratty, in your face attitude to the Sex Pistols and the Clash, but unlike those bands, 999 doesn't bring a heavy political agenda to the table. This LP (which came out in the U.S. in 1979) is an exercise in wild, raucous fun, and hook-laden gems like "Homicide," "High Energy Plan," "Let's Face It," and "Rael Rean," which are the essence of pop-minded punk. If, in the late '70s, you thought that punk and power pop were mutually exclusive, 999 was among the bands that could set you straight (much like the Buzzcocks, the Ramones, and the zany Dickies). And High Energy Plan doesn't get all of its inspiration from punk or new wave; the 1960s British Invasion rock of the Kinks and the Rolling Stones certainly had an impact on 999. Produced by Martin Rushent, High Energy Plan is among the band's finest albums and is essential listening for lovers of early British punk. AMG.

listen here