The easiest aspect to crticise The Slits for would be lead singer Ari Up's lyrics of teenage rebellion which seem a little hard to digest considering she was a German newspaper heiress. Furthermore, on first listen, their one and only 1979 album 'Cut' seems to be typical punk music, played by amateurs and as for the cover of the band members topless and caked in mud.... However, on further examination the defence outweighs the prosecution when one realises that this record has quite a lot going for it. The guitar playing is ropey to say the least but when Ari Up's vocals and - future Siouxisie and The Banshees sticksman - Budgie's skilful drumming interplay perfectly as on 'Newtown', 'FM' (which stands for Frequent Mutilation apparently) and 'Ping Pong Affair' this is an off-kilter joy to listen to. Credit must also go to producer Dennis Bovell for adding his trademark dub/reggae sound which makes the whole affair seem quite timeless rather than the cute but naff period piece it could have been.