THE ADICTS – SMART ALEX LP

Smart Alex is the third studio album by punk band the Adicts. It was released in September 1985 by Razor Records. The Adicts were an influential and idiosyncratic British punk outfit formed in the late ’70s in Ipswich, Suffolk by lead singer Monkey (Keith Warren), guitarist Pete Davidson, bassist Mel Ellis, and drummer Kid Dee (Michael Davison). Originally operating under the moniker Afterbirth & the Pinz, the quartet began performing as the Adicts in 1979, and quickly became known for their wry lyrics, ferocious yet upbeat sonic attack, and distinctive image — the band affected the look of the black boots and bowler cap-adorned “droogs” from the film A Clockwork Orange, and peppered their live shows with streamers, confetti, playing cards, beach balls, joker hats, toy instruments, bubbles, and glitter. They released their debut EP, Lunch with the Adicts, in 1979 via the Dining Out label, and in 1981 they issued their inaugural full-length, Songs of Praise, independently on their own Dwed Wecords — the LP was reissued the following year on Fallout Records, and included the single “Viva la Revolution,” which would become one of the group’s best-loved tracks.