The Sound of Oi 1980s UK Punk BBC Archives

The Sound of Oi! (Subtitle on front cover: “The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Oi!”)

Label

Link Records – One of the key labels promoting Oi! and UK punk in the 1980s.

Catalog Number

LINK LP 011 • Side A: LINK LP 011A • Side B: LINK LP 011B

Year of Release

1987 • Printed at the bottom of the back cover: © Link Records 1987.

Pressing Details • Country: UK • Format: 12” LP, 33⅓ RPM, Stereo • Label Color: Aqua blue with black text. • BBC Gramophone Library Stamp: Present on both labels and sleeve, confirming provenance from BBC archive. • Stickers: BBC Gramophone Library asset tags and “Please Return Promptly” sticker, which adds historical and collector appeal.

Track Listing

Side 1 1. The Business – “Coventry” 2. Vicious Rumours – “Surfin’ in Newquay” 3. Skin Deep – “My Life’s Fine” 4. Burial – “Sheila” 5. Renegade – “Fictional Kicks” 6. Condemned 84 – “Battle” 7. Cock Sparrer – “Old”

Side 2 1. The 4 Skins – “Norman” 2. Section 5 – “Headcase” 3. The Magnificent – “Coming on Strong” 4. Five O – “The Best” 5. Van Del & The Hooligans – “Confusion” 6. Close Shave – “The Law” 7. The Cockney Rejects – “Beginning of the End”

Genre & Context • Genre: Oi! / Punk Rock • Historical Note: This is a classic UK punk/Oi! compilation album. It features iconic bands like Cock Sparrer, The Business, The 4 Skins, and Cockney Rejects—key names in the second wave of British punk. Released during the late-1980s resurgence of skinhead and street-punk culture.

BBC Gramophone Library Provenance • The record has BBC library stickers and stamps, which significantly enhances its collectible value for two reasons: 1. Broadcast History: Likely used for BBC radio programming, making it part of UK music history. 2. Scarcity: Most BBC copies were either destroyed or heavily worn; surviving examples are rare.

Condition Assessment (from photos) • Cover: Appears VG (Very Good): • BBC stickers present • Some edge wear and label residue • Vinyl: Appears VG+ (Very Good Plus): • No major scratches visible, light sleeve marks • Labels clean with BBC stamp

Special Notes for Collectors • Early Link Records compilations are foundational in the Oi! subculture and highly collectible.