Basement 5, 1965 — 1980 (side A)

For a band as heavily informed by dub as the Basement 5, it's surprising how bright their album sounds.  The prominent instrument on 1965 — 1980 is clearly the chiming rhythm guitar, with the bass playing a secondary role.  The bass also sounds surprisingly thin and clear.  Martin Hannett and Chris Nagle brought some of their Joy Division sonic formula here — the sound emphasizes the punk energy of the group but diminishes the reggae roots that distinguish the group.  While the vocals follow the album's bright sound, the accented English (and song with lyrics about immigration) help to clarify the Basement 5's identity.  Accompanying the three members pictured on the back is established punk session drummer Richard Dudanski, who sounds consistently great here.  1965 —1980 has an iconic logo embossed on the cover, a nice printed inner sleeve, and, enclosed, a primitive but glossy collage-image poster.