Welcome to the Real World

Although the Business had released their first single in the early '80s, Welcome to the Real World, their third proper studio album, didn't hit the shelves until 1989, long after the Oi! punk scene had its initial brush with success on the U.K. indie charts. Released at a time when industry support for real punk was at its lowest ebb, this is perhaps the Business' most consistent album to date. If you are looking for fist-pumping anthemic rock & roll with melody, wit, and guts, then this platter will fully satisfy. The Business are socially conscious punk rockers with a passionate mouthpiece named Micky Fitz. The songs, chiefly written by bassist Mark "Captain Oi!" Brennan and guitarists Steve Kent and Steve Whale, are snappy, catchy singalong pop-punk songs that may not be as manic as the band's earlier material but are equally effective. "Never Say Never," "Do a Runner," and "We'll Take 'Em On" may not say anything new and may appear on the surface to be contrived, but they are uplifting anthems that deliver a positive message. "Living in Daydreams," "Mouth an' Trousers," "Look at Him Now," and the title track wave the punk flag with simple hooks that will have the listener singing along within a chorus or two. Of the four bonus tracks on the Captain Oi! CD reissue, "Coventry" and "No Emotions" are catchy rockers, while "Tina Turner" is "Mouth an' Trousers" with different lyrics (and not very complementary to Turner) and "Welcome to the Real World" is the 12" single version. Not having sold as many records as the Clash, the Sex Pistols, et al., the Business are one of the most overlooked bands of the Oi! brigade. ~ Steve "Spaz" Schnee|