The common thread between British pub rock, punk, new wave and post-punk in the 1970s was the artists' DIY ethic and anti-establishment attitude. But, listening to this mix of concert performances, you can also hear the musical similarities in the concise, riff-based songwriting reminiscent of early rock and R-and-B.
We start with Ian Dury playing a song from his Kilburn and the High Roads repertoire, followed by Dr. Feelgood, another mainstay of the pub rock scene. Hits from Ace (represented here by their lead singer Paul Carrack) and Sniff N' The Tears also appear on this playlist but, for continuity's sake, those less aggressive tunes are presented towards the end.
The Sex Pistols and the Clash were the two biggest British punk bands, as they helped contribute to an international cultural phenomenon with their edgy style and anti-authoritarian stance. Next on the scene were the angry young men categorized under new wave like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe (playing here as part of Rockpile, his touring band with Dave Edmunds), Graham Parker, and Joe Jackson. These artists - all of whom had roots in the pub rock movement - were able to write catchy songs that found mainstream success while simultaneously poking fun at the music industry and socio-political establishment.
Post-punk artists, on the other hand, rose from the ashes of punk by dressing up their themes of estrangement and discontent in darker musical arrangements, resulting in less radio-friendly material that enjoyed great cult success. That branch is represented here by The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, and The Psychedelic Furs.
Finally, we wrap up the mix with the aforementioned hits from Ace and Sniff N' the Tears, along with a tune by the Style Council which acts as a fitting conclusion to this pre-punk to post-punk playlist.