The Ruts were formed in west London in 1977, but guitarist Paul Fox and vocalist Malcolm Owen were schoolfriends who had already been in several bands - meeting with drummer Dave Ruffy and bassist John 'Segs' Jenning - Tthe group played many Rock Against Racism benefit concerts and rose to prominence supporting The Damned in early 1979 - A contract with Virgin followed, and by June of that year, the group were in the UK Top 10 with Babylon's Burning. The Crack followed in September, benefitting a crystal-clear production from Mick Glossop. Reaching No 16 in the UK, it sounds as vibrant and pugnacious as it did on it's first release. Representing the very apex of politically conscious British punk, The Crack stands as a perfect snapshot of the inner-city temperature of the late 70s. This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1979 Virgin Records UK release and is pressed onto high quality 180gm vinyl.