As one of the morre intelligent punk bands around The Ruts' incorporation of dub and strong choruses have survived the passage of time rather well. They assembled a fine arsenal of incisive singles to begin with as 'In A Rut', 'Babylon's Burning', 'S.U.S', 'Dope For Guns' and 'Something That Said' all ably prove with excellent guitar work and singer Malcolm Owen's Joe Strummer-like vocals coming to the fore. Indicating a new, more considered direction The Ruts released 'It Was Cold' which is comparable to then contemporaries The Comsat Angels and U2. Tragically Owen died of a heroin overdose to add to the depressing list of rock casualties from that year. 'West One (Shine On Me)' - released posthumously - was full of the usual urgency and was a suitably anthemic farewell to Part One of their story. Strangely short shrift is given to the work of The Ruts DC when they made a radical move towards dub productions (only an unissued version of 'Denial' is featured) and the remainder of the otherwise excellent compilation consists of live material and alternative takes; full of the usual punk vigour but it's their studio work which remains most cherishable. Remember them for this and do not be deterred by the shoddy sleevework on 'Bustin' Out'.