Public Image: First Issue

“Okay, okay, hear me out. What if we took the mediocrity of the Sex Pistols… but made it longer?” - John Lydon, probably

Boy, John Lydon (formerly of Sex Pistols) wants you to work for this album. Track one is a 9-minute long, post-punk, noise-rock grind. Track two is a spoken word tirade against organized religion. Track three is that SAME tirade but put to music. It isn't until track four that it starts to feel like an actual album. This is often credited as the first true post-punk album and it really is that. Lydon takes the in-your-face, don't care about aesthetics approach of punk and the "I really have something to say about humanity/culture/you" ethos that he brought to Sex Pistols... but then strips out all of the nihilistic, anarchic, devil-may-care FUN of the genre. This really feels like Lydon's expression of discontent with the state of the scene and anger at the industry that supports music. Even with all that, I found it interesting and engaging as an album. Maybe that's because I actually really love punk so I can appreciate this album. Despite Lydon's rejection of punk, this album is still so very punk. Standout tracks are: "Public Image" for its strong ties to Sex Pistols and "Fodderstompf" for being the most experimental. Seriously, that track is WAY out there.

I can fast forward through any song and wherever I stop sounds exactly the same as where I started.

Male

Not my thing and the singer sounds like Carl Weezer from Jimmy Neutron on some songs

“Public Image: First Issue” by Public Image. Ltd. (1978) Kid atheists are so cute. I just want to kneel down, give them a hug, and tell them to go play outdoors, but don’t run in the street. They’re so sweet at that age. Actually, “atheist” is not quite the right term for these fellows, since it’s not THEIR belief or non-belief at issue here, but rather it’s the belief or non-belief of OTHERS that they’re singing about. And that’s a different matter. They’ve graduated from thoughtful consideration of metaphysical commitments to evangelistic iconoclasm (“Religion I” and “Religion II”). They could have learned a lot from John Lennon’s “God” on the album “Plastic Ono Band” (1970). They like to stand outside the Church throwing spit wads at stained glass because they see hypocrisy, blindness, avarice, absurdity, and (one could add) ephebophilia. Well, boys, you should see what it looks like from the INSIDE. Your critique would become more intelligent. Their self-proclaimed “Theme” is summarized: I wish I could die I wish I could die I wish I could die I just died Terminal boredom You see, they’ve traded their illusions for a nullity. These mental rug rats have grown ‘up’ to go beyond Sex Pistols (lyricist John Lyndon) to semiautomatic Nerf Knockoffs. It’s like watching reruns of Scooby-Do. John Lyndon characterizes his antagonists (and this album is all about antagonism) as egomaniacal anarchist bourgeois morons with shit for brains (his terms, not mine). These enemies are subject to his “Attack”. But his weapons are so weeny. I almost don’t care who wins. John, spend some time in the totalitarian universe of your antireligious compatriots and get back to me. We’ll talk. 1/5

The singer's gutteral vocals in certain songs would be really at home in early back metal or crust punk bands like Venom or Deviated Instinct...but sadly, they are over this boring music. Devoting an entire track to your very edgy anti-christianity spoken word poem (religion I) and following it up with literally the exact same poem set over a repetitive jam (religion II) is awful, and public image should feel bad about it. || Parts that were listenable when I dove into work and tried not to pay attention. I'm giving this a 2 because a 2 is more forgettable than a 1. I don't want to have to think about this trash again.

Juvenile.

This is an album for musicians, I can tell. It's also an album for pissed off people. Is this punk? If so, I might like punk! The instruments and vocals combine in absolutely punishing ways. First, they break down your religion, then trust in society, government, etc. The vocals are divine - visceral screams, howls, and shouts. It seems that he's actually railing against society here. Favorite songs are Fodderstompf, Theme, Religion I, and Attack. Low life is the worst song, but it's only because it is forgettable. My favorite point on the album is in fodderstompf when he says he is just doing this to get the album done in the easiest way to fulfill contractual obligations. God it is a smart song. Sarcastic, but a smart critique on the music industry.

Reminds me a lot of early Swans with a bit more punk than no-wave! Still retains a lot of no-wave elements (see: that high-class piano solo in Religion II, the vocals on Fodderstompf) without explicitly being a part of the scene. This is made all the better by the fact that the no-wave movement would've been at it's genesis around this time, so PIL is at the cutting edge around this time. The punk elements are also a huge part of the sound, lending itself extremely well to the sneering sarcastic tone of the album. This is so great. More modern post-punk bands should aspire for this level of raw vitriol. And coming off of the less-than-stellar Sex Pistols, I applaud John Lydon (formerly Rotten) for making this move in the music scene. If only his contemporary political views didn't make him a FUCKING TRUMP SUPPORTER, THEN MAYBE HE'D ACTUALLY BE A COOL AND ADMIRABLE FIGURE IN THE MUSIC WORLD, YOU FUCKHEAD. LISTEN TO YOUR OWN GODDAMN MUSIC FOR ONCE.

I really hated this, even more than Le Tigre. And honestly, looking back at my prior ratings, I think I'm supposed to have it like the bourgie scum I am. Surprising amount of preaching in post-punk, just preaching to a different choir.

Hated it. Shows Lydon up for the talent-free 14 year-old esque poet and agitator that he is.

How is this one of the lowest rated albums on here?! You people have no taste. This is one of the greatest post-punk albums ever made, thanks mostly to Mr Keith Levene with the incredible guitar, and Jah Wobble with the gorgeous dub-style bass. Lydon's lyrics give the album an extra kick. I've heard this album countless time and I love the sex pistols and a lot of other work Lydon has done so of course I'm very biased about my adoration of this album. On a first listen, I don't think I 'got' this album. So in all fairness, it will take time for someone to appreciate just how good it is. Fav tracks: Religion II. So angry. I love it. Annalisa and Theme are great. Theme in particular has a great opening bassline. And lydon's screaming on it must have disgusted so many listeners :)

Over-rated post punk purveyor. Probably had to be there. Best Tracks: Annalisa, Public Image, Low Life

Hair coiffed up, suited up, as if he were on the front cover of a prestigious magazine. John Lydon had no intentions on being rotten anymore. This was the new public image and he was going to use it to let the world know that he was more than what they thought he was. Of course he couldn't do it alone, for he had the best guitarist and bassist of the time right beside him and, together, they'll create the kind of fission that would split punk in two. To this day, this is an album that is ahead of its time in crafting a new noise and a new way forward for not only disillusioned punks but curious on-lookers and listeners as well. While their finest hour was yet to come, this First Issue is an exhilarating first step forward.

Post punk bands are still copying this homework

Garotte-wire guitar, dub-rumbling bass, frantic drumming and That Voice. Raw, bloody and wild. The good stuff, straight out of the vein.

This album is okay, I guess. The kind of music that sounds decent stone cold sober, but even better after a drink or two. It's as if the edgelords you knew in high school formed a band and actually turned out to be pretty good. Fave track: Religion II. Nice bass lines all the way through, solid drums. Worthwhile but I didn't adore any track.

Very boring, the kind of stuff that did not age well

Wow!!! I thought some of the past offerings by the sex pistols was bad, this has taken dirge to a whole new level. It’s absolute rubbish, I’ve heard white noise that has more appeal than this. I suppose that you have to listen to the really bad music to appreciate the mediocre and to love the good. I’m only giving this a one start because I have to award it something, if I could I would have given it a zero

My hangover got even worse from this.

Awful, terrible spoken word political punk, would prefer to give it 0 stars!

Jah Wobble is the king of the groove. I don't care what everyone else is doing and sometimes I wonder if they do, but it doesn't matter because he just drives every song.

Pretty chill and a lil Chaotic lol

johnny rotten is a bigoted, arrogant prick that can't even sing. the only track i enjoyed on the album was religion 1, but only because it has a message i agree with. rotten's voice is grating and all around bad compared to his work with the sex pistols, an era he's been trying to relive his entire life.

Sometimes, when an artistic output takes itself ultra seriously but also fucking sucks, it gains a kind of so-bad-it's-good charm. Sometimes it can even become outright fantastic. I'd say Burzum is a good example of how something that fucking sucks at face value can end up a masterpiece. But other times, something that fucking sucks on the surface fucking sucks all the way through. This album fucking sucks to the core. Musically it's utterly devoid of talent and the lyrics aren't even 10th grade quality. Yet it tries oh so hard to insist upon itself, but because it fucking sucks so much it ends up being downright embarrassing to sit through. Lydon clearly had two goals here: he wanted to be hated, because his personality is permanently set to awful anyway - just look at his fucking face - and he also wanted people to grudgingly respect him as a lyricist/artist/etc. He probably even fancies himself as a Real Poet; no one would record "religion" otherwise. Problem is, it's very obvious that he isn't a Real Artist. The lack of artistry really slaps you in the face. It's not worthy of respect. To be fair though, Lydon did achieve his other goal of being hated. And I guess sooner or later someone had to find out how loathsome and punchable you can make yourself look by dressing up like a fucking pedophile serial killer on your album cover. lol. So fucking clap clap, the only thing he has going for him is that he's wholly obnoxious. Seriously though, this fucking sucked so bad. 1/5.

Absolutely great album.

Discordant, pretentious, irritating, provocative, surly. Loved it

Not sure what you'd call this style, but it's great. Similar vibe to punk, but more chill so that I can actually understand the lyrics.

Me gustó bastante. Me puso de buen humor su sonido tropezado, se va cayendo por todos lados, pero es divertido. Creo que las que más me gustaron fueron Analisa y Religion con su intro. Mood: vomitando lyrics

cool

Fab! One of my favourite records!!

The song Public Image still gives me chills - so good!

First Issue Mixed feelings on Lydon, but I guess that’s kind of the point, he is an insufferable dickhead, but capable of producing some great music, some great ideas and some excellently pithy and provocative lines, among all the obvious contrarian and artless posturing. Obviously Sex Pistols had a big musical and cultural impact, but PiL are definitely a more interesting if more challenging listen. I’m not familiar with everything they have done, but I do like the bits I know. I do find myself attracted to their spiky conceptual auto didactic art school experimental ethos and I bought the re-issue of Metal Box on CD, mainly as the packaging is great, but it's a great listen, and I also like the album ‘album’, which has the brilliant ‘Rise’ on it. I love the cover on this album, the pastiche of the cover of a lifestyle magazine, with his neat hair and suit, poking at his image as the face of Sex Pistols/punk. I know the song Public Image, however I don’t think I’ve actually listened to this album in full before, or if I have I can’t remember it. Track 1 and 3 are a great indication of their approach - superb, prominent bass, abrasive guitar and hit and miss sloganeering. Annalisa is probably the first track that feels like a traditional song, it definitely has echoes of Sex Pistols, with its familiar sneering vocal, but with the bass, drums and wiry guitars it sounds much more modern and far more interesting. And then Public Image is a fantastic bit of agitated post punk, a superb track with its swirling and scratchy guitar and fantastic bass line. Love the Can/Neu style drums on Low Life and the bass as ever is excellen Attack is perhaps a little underpar, it doesn’t have the immediacy or sense of excitement or new ground that the other songs do. Fodderstompf is great though, superb dubby bass, minimal guitar, sprinkling of synth and some more nonsense from Lydon. This was released only one year after Never Mind the Bollocks, but it sounds worlds apart, like something from the future (of the early 80s), with its abrasive and wiry guitars, dubby bass and rhythmically interesting drums. You can really hear how influential this was; on where guitar music was going in the years after punk, as a conceptual art punk project, and then down the years on lots of great bands Conceptually I love it, I find it fascinating and musically I find it pretty addictive. Interesting albums don’t always intersect with good, but this one does. There’s some great ideas and some great music on here, feeling both futuristic and boundary pushing, but with a feeling that it could only be made at the end of the 70s in the immediate aftermath of punk. I love a MOR crafted pop album as much as anyone, but I also love this. You know what, I’m giving it 5. 💊💊💊💊💊 Playlist submission: Public Image

Amazing album. The copy that I downloaded had a 1 hour long interview with John Lydon tacked on to the end of the list; that was an unexpected treat!

This is unpleasant, talentless and offensive. I love it. I can't say I like John Lydon but he has always been outspoken and this is fairly enjoyable if you like Pistols and Punk/New wave but i'm more interested in how unpopular this is to reviewers. It's from 1978 riding on the back of Punk so it's what I would expect it to be but the reviewers seem to want to compare it with serious music.

I mean. It's noise and whingey complaining and repetitive long songs. Loud and weird is one of my favorite genres.

The most direct route from punk to post-punk. I actually enjoy this much more than The Sex Pistols. It has a nice balance of loose experimentation and sharp hypnotic focus. Fodderstompf is a bit of an obnoxious way to go out, but I suppose that was their point.

This is probably the perfect example of an anit-pop album. The songs here are just ugly, brash pieces that shouldn't have been pressed onto a record... however, it's done in a fashion which makes it impossible to look away from it, kinda like a slow moving car crash. It's basically the 70's version of Alice Cooper's debut Pretties for You (which originally inspired Johnny's musical styling in the first place) so it's quite a fitting comparrison.

This album lays the groundwork for the far more experimental Metal Box, and in turn, also has those moments of pure creative, destructive, funky punk, where John Lydon and co. (especially Jah Wobble's bass) deconstruct punk rock to its amateurish, raw roots and ironically make something a bit disco. Because of this, the album has a lot of great, heart-racing moments with an actual pulse behind them and a reason to keep listening to the end. I think what leaves this one a tad bit lesser than its follow-up is that this album feels less haunting, less demented, and instead, juvenile. Does that fit the punk aesthetic more? Yes, but after the first track you're going to get something "lighter" in tone, and while just as quality musically, it isn't quite as memorable. However, still a great new step in the punk landscape, and if that new era wants to end with a goofy ass song, so be it.

unforgiving, tough, stripped down punk music. Very enjoyable for what it is.

Though a lot of the creative decisions can probably be attributed to John Lydon wanting to troll the mainstream, the dub-influenced post-punk still shows strongly. The brighter tracks "Public Image" and "Low Life" are great too

7.5/10 sube a 8

Muy pank, pero ya menos crudo, más estilizado (¿por eso se llama post punk?). Es maravilloso lo que pasa muchas veces con los instrumentos, como que encuentran en distintas canciones y momentos una oportunidad para brillar. Todo cool, dan ganas de escuchar esto en vivo. "Theme" es un gran inicio y luego me gustaron mucho "Religion II", "Public Image" y esa maravilla chistosona "Fodderstompf" con su "We only wanted to be love" repetido demencialmente. John Lydon, mis respetos (?). 9/10

Stripped down punk, as Public Image Ltd really peel back all the pomp and circumstance, leaving only the anti-religious confessions and accusations of Johnny Rotten. Often times, his voice is used more as an attack instrument rather than a melodic one. Not my favourite art-punk/post-punk project, but definitely worth the listen (the drums alone are fantastic). Fav Tracks: Annalisa and Public Image Rating: 3.5/5

You’ll dance to anything by Public Image Limited

1001 Post-Punk Albums You Don't Really Need to Hear Before You Die, Or Ever, Really.

Other than the eponymous track, complete rubbish. If he hadn't been who he was, this would never have got published. Whining adolescent drivel. So bad it makes me cross.

I understand that late 70s punk rock was just as much about making a political statement as well as an artistic one, and that blurring the line between music and noise was an intentional way of expressing emotion, however it's quite possible that this is the worst album I've heard on this list so far. A substantial portion of this 40-minute album is made up of discordant and over-distorted guitar behind what can barely be described as singing. At some points, the lead vocalist will simply scream as hard as they can into the microphone without any rythym or melody to the point that just listening to this man damage his vocal chords became physically discomforting. The drums were solid throughout and the bassist was pretty much the sole reason this album had any semblance of a melody at all. The last track is particularly annoying. The vocalist just makes noises and adlibs high-pitched voices over a simple disco beat for nearly 8 minutes. It should be said that "Religion I" was an enjoyable spoken word interlude and "Low Life" was a decent tune. Other than that, I am genuinely surprised that I listened to this whole album and wish that I could somehow get those 40 minutes of my life back.

This sucked. I had to listen in lowest possible volume so I didn’t get kicked out of the house. Right off the bat I knew this would be a rough one.

Ooooh, edgy

Not one moment did I like this

Geen zin in deze weltschermz.

God, what a dreadful 39 minutes. I struggle to imagine the band listening back to this in the studio and saying "we nailed it boys". Also, how the instrumentalists in the band didn't want to punch Lydon's smug little face after hearing the shit he lays down here. What a fuckwit.

Wat een experimentele bagger. Kan hier echt helemaal niets mee

Monumentally bad. Narcissistic trash. Actually anger inducing having to listen through this.

as much as I'd like to enjoy listening to your college campus's hobo edgelord wail about religion, accompanied with barren waiting-room rock backing tracks, I just don't

England ought to be ashamed of itself. This was just as bad as their other album "Metal Box" that we had to endure. There's probably only about three other bands that have ever existed that I hate with as much passion as I do this sorry excuse for a band. Let's start with the songs. They're really, really bad. I don't care if they're supposed to be some sort of profound commentary on society and music and religion as an institution, they sound like crap. I mean just downright awful. Once again the only part of the songs that wasn't nails on chalkboard for me was the bass line. Everything else, the drums, guitar, and vocals, was just torture. If you wanted to drive me to insanity you would just need to play Public Image Ltd. and that would do it. Secondly, WHY WAS THERE A 56 MINUTE INTERVIEW WITH LYDON AT THE END??? Nobody cares what you have to say John, you're a terrible musician as well as being a bloated, conceited, arrogant wannabe philosopher who thinks he's the funniest thing the world has ever seen and the messiah of music. You're just not. You never have been and never will be. You are not and never will be "ten times better than anything else out there". I mean what an arrogant and pretentious statement to make?? How deluded and narcissistic can you be?? This was just a travesty and England ought to be ashamed that they produced such a band.

Doesn’t respect your time

Public image Ltd are great

What an odd yet somehow enthralling record. It totally sucks me in, and it's not what I expected Johnny Rotten to do after Sex Pistols. I quite liked both Religions and even the weird ending song is a fun listen. This is great

Never been a fan of the Pistols, so came into this not expecting much. Amateur move, as this is a delightful slab of post-punk indulgence. The whole thing sounds like it was recorded on your mate Colin's shitty 4 track in the garage, and it probably was, but the low-fi production totally suits this record down to the ground. Rotton's slurred ramblings are excellent. Favourite tracks: seems to me like a record that should just be played from start to finish, just like Grandma used to.

This was an incredible listen. I ended up really enjoying this.

If "Never Mind The Bollocks" was an intense close-up, this is a wide-shot, expanding the scope of Lydon's snarling lyrics into something more interesting and diverse.

This is heavy, I like it. There's a catharsis in the driving anger towards certain aspects of society. I'm connecting with it.

Metal Box and Flowers of Romans are both 5-stars. First Issue clearly has been influential, contains several 5-star tracks (PI, Low Life), and plays well at loud volume, but is rather uneven and has some boring moments like the spoken word part of Religion and the album closer, Fodderstomf (which I usually skip). 7/10 so 4/5stars.

Fucking great album, super ahead of its time.

Unusual, interesting, good, intriguing lyrics.

Às vezes gritado demais, mas som muito bom no geral

The cover of the album is a delightful counterpoint to the contents of the album. It's a lot to take but it works if you let it.

Powerful, weird stuff.

I can understand why people would hate this album, but I think its fantastic. John Lydon really came into his own, and the songs (particularly in the first half) build on Punks foundation in an incredibly influential way (I mean, Theme almost has a shoegaze sound to it). The last couple of songs are kind of forgettable though.

Better than expected. While the Sex Pistols were clearly more influential, this album is a lot more interesting. It's definitely not for everyone though.

Fucking weird but it's growing on me

Inga större fel på denna. Skulle kunna lyssna in mig så den finge toppbetyg men än så länge så blir det bara en fyra.

Who said Free style post punk, heh? Would I go to a PIL show? Definitely! Would I listen to this record on repeat? Don’t know. Not all the songs, I think!

This album is post-punk af. The low sound of the bass is amazing, and omg, those drums! Lydon’s vocals are great. Definitely going back to this album in the future. Favorite songs: Theme, Religion II, Public Image, Low Life, and Attack.

Очень модно

The first song is awesome. I know it's not for everyone.

good early punk

Angry, raw and noisy music for bad people. I wouldn't listen to this every day, but it surely scared some square people. Loved it.

Awesome record. Not quite a 5 but it's a really, really strong 4. Just great post-punk.

I've really found that I enjoy post-punk, and that remains true with this album. I think that PiL's work has aged better than that of the Sex Pistols, and there is certainly a lot more of it to appreciate. I like this album much better than Metal Box, which I got on this list a few months ago. 4/5

RIP Keith Levene. Until relatively recently, I'd only heard the title track, and the pop stuff in the mid 80s, Rise, and that. So I'd got very much the wrong idea about PiL. One listen to Metal Box put that right, and it fair scared me off to be honest, I need to return to it. Certainly helped me understand their standing as post-punk pioneers. This is equally not for the faint hearted it seems. I listened to Theme twice, pretty much hating the first 5 minutes then loving it for the second 15. Public Image is a classic. Clearly not an immediate album, but a lot to like on the first couple of listens all the same.

Love the sex pistols and the clash and even though this is so different from them I love it nonetheless. It's rough like the former bands, but it also adds a whole different dimension to their sound through the strong melodic instrumental feel.

Really in my chord. +++

Great post punk - 4 stars

You never listen to a word that I said You only seen me For the clothes that I wear Or did the interest go so much deeper It must have been The colour of my hair This is some solid punk, great album with good theme. Its not a top 10 thing, but thats not what its about AT ALL. 4/5

Interesting enough to keep me engaged the whole way through. Annalisa isy highlight.

Pretty abrasive. I liked this sound.

I know this album is weird. It's strange, noisy, and really doesn't have any pop sensibilities. But for some reason, I have always liked it a lot.

Really dug this, except the last song. 4/5

Ik was positief verrast door dit album! Sex Pistols heb ik helemaal niks mee, maar in deze band is het veel minder punk en veel meer rock. Op een paar wazige rommel-nummers na was het echt wel tof. Goede bassloopjes en gierende gitaren. Op een of andere manier viel dit voor mij helemaal goed 😁

I have always seen Lydon as a bonehead that made history by accident more than by talent. But I had to change my mind on him after I discovered PiL because you obviously need a strong artistic vision to come up with that sound. I guess you could classify this as post-punk, but its experimental nature and its blend of dub and repetitive pattern makes it unique. This one has to be the most accessible of the first three but it's still weird af, I love it.

...and post punk begins. John Lydon in all his irreverent, pissed off, indignant glory. And great songs to boot...Theme, Religion, Annalise, Public Image. A fine album that shows the way to the master piece to come (Metal Box). 4 🌟

Precursors to metal box. Angular new guitars.

Bought this when it came out in 1978 - it's still great. Much better than anything the Sex Pistols did.

La manera en què busquen la porta de sortida del punk. Podria haver acabat amb un bodri, però una de les grans virtuts de Lydon és saber envoltar-se d'una banda que porta les seves ambicions a un altre nivell, donant vida a un disc experimental però inspirador, tan transgressor com rellevant. No és una obra mestra, però s'apropa força

Johnny Rotten lives! This one certainly isn't as well known as the SP's only LP. After all the aggravation getting the SP's album done this must have seemed like a cakewalk. I quite like it.

Lydon's work in Public Image Ltd is as influential as his brief time with the Pistols, and far more interesting. This is by no means my favorite PiL work, and frankly, other artists did more with these ideas later (Killing Joke, Magazine, etc), but where would we be without First Issue?