The Outsiders - Count For Something: Albums, Demos, Live, Unreleased 1976-1978 (2021)

Formed whilst still at school in late 1974, The Outsiders charted their own unlikely path through the tumultuous punk era, releasing one of the very first independent ‘punk’ albums in the process and dividing opinion with their contribution to the new musical revolution. Aided and backed by front man Adrian Borland’s father, the band produced material in an adventurous range of styles (somehow becoming ‘post-punk’ during the original wave), recorded in their own private studio and released material on their own Raw Edge label. Borland and co-founder Adrian Janes, whilst tapping into punk’s energy, explored songwriting which dug deeper than much of whatever else was happening at the time, simultaneously youthful, reflective and knowing.

Produced in association with founder and co-writer Adrian Janes, ‘Count For Something’ charts a recording career lasting less than two years and which segued into Adrian Borland’s next project, The Sound. Janes’ remembrances, song-by-song recollections and in-depth recording information make for a unique insider’s view of The Outsiders’ experience, accompanied by a plethora of recently unearthed songs, demos and live material.

Long overdue reappraisal and acknowledgement, The Outsiders approached the punk boom with gusto. Adventurous, unrestrained and somewhat eccentric, this was a young band feeding off of the atmosphere around them and transforming it into their own suburban take on that place and time. A must for punk and alternative rock collectors, fans of Adrian Borland and those with an interest in home-recording and the independent spirit.