LOOK SHARP!

If you’ve read the article on Australia’s Sharpies youth cult in the new edition of Vive Le Rock you might be interested in a new compilation, When Sharpies Ruled.

This stylish set – subtitled A Vicious Selection – features 23 tracks from the likes of COLOURED BALLS and ROSE TATTOO – the bands most readily associated with the movement – plus BILLY THORPE & THE AZTECS, SKYHOOKS, SUPERNAUT, TED MULRY GANG, RABBIT, FINCH, LA FEMME, BUSTER BROWN and more. Its slipcase package includes a 28-page booklet and a 60-page book chronicling the movement, illustrated with dozens of rare photographs.

Mostly based around Melbourne, the Sharpies took their name from their sharp style sense and had a reputation for violence although unlike the skinheads in the UK, this was neither racially nor politically motivated and rarely extended beyond conficts between rival gangs.

Watch a video trailer.

When Sharpies Ruled is out next month on CD and double-vinyl on the reactivated Festival label in Australia, with a UK release expected in the Autumn via Republic of Music.