Tiko  |  Aichi  |  不明  |  11/August/2011

Inventory collects all of the Buzzcocks’ singles on EMI, including the debut EP, Spiral Scratch (which originally appeared on New Hormones). It’s a nice package, with all of the CD singles in vinyl replica sleeves. The box housing the singles is handsomely designed, reflecting the style of the group’s single and album artwork. For die-hard fans of the Buzzcocks, it is not entirely essential considering most will have everything here already; however, it’s nice to see the original artwork rather than all of the singles lumped together on a disc or two. Most of the compilations over the years (the best being Singles Going Steady and Operator’s Manual) omit b-sides and of course the indie debut EP. Most important is the music within. The foursome produced some of the finest singles of the punk era or otherwise. There is an addictive blend of pop and punk, and the band just wasn’t angry enough to do otherwise. Collectors can do know wrong in fetching this box set. which is still available. Those interested in an introduction to the Manchester band might best do well with either of the aforementioned collections. Finally, all of the tracks minus those on Spiral Scratch are available on the recently reissued 2 disc sets of the three EMI albums--which also include other goodies fans will enjoy.