In the final months of the 70 s, two double albums were released that, true to the punk-torn music scene of the times, couldn’t have been more different. One of them was by a band that seemed to represent all that punk stood for: anger, anti-establishment attitude, and youth rebellion. The other was by a bunch of millionaire rock stars.
Both albums, it could be said, had apocalyptic themes. But while one was clearly about partying in the face of disaster – full of humour and good times – the other was caustic, unforgiving and nihilistic in its portrayal of post-war Britain and the education system, as well as a cynical critique of rock stardom itself. Amazingly, it was this angry double album that produced a new youth anthem, sung by kids everywhere – ‘Hey! Teacher! Leave those kids alone!’ – and immediately thrust to the No.1 spot.
