Album Info Hide Show Artist: X-ray Spex Album: Conscious Consumer (Picture Disc) Released: April 20, 2024 Tracklist: 1 Cigarettes 2:48 2 Junk Food Junkie 3:22 3 Crystal Clear 4:31 4 India 3:21 5 Dog In Sweden 3:14 Backing Vocals [Japanese Backing Vocals And Dog Howl] – Peter-Paul Hartnett Written-By – Peter-Paul Hartnett, Poly Styrene 6 Hi Chaperone 2:58 7 Good Time Girl 2:58 8 Melancholy 3:53 9 Sophia 2:49 10 Peace Meal 2:31 11 Prayer For Peace 3:56 12 Party 2:48 Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir) We buy and sell new and used vinyl records – if you have a collection you’d like to sell please click here . We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post. Free Shipping for orders $125 and over. You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout. 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If the record arrives damaged or doesn’t arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record. If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store. You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at [email protected] Happy Listening! Description Hide Show “X-Ray Spex’s “Conscious Consumer,” released in 1995, is an album that arrived well after the band’s initial burst onto the punk scene in the late 1970s. Known for their energetic sound and socially conscious lyrics, X-Ray Spex, led by the iconic Poly Styrene, made a significant impact with their debut album “Germfree Adolescents.” “Conscious Consumer,” however, came out during a period of revival and renewed interest in punk, offering a blend of the band’s original ethos with the sensibilities of the ’90s punk scene. The album opens with tracks that immediately recall the band’s original sound, characterized by driving punk rhythms, Poly Styrene’s distinctive voice, and the band’s signature use of saxophone, adding a unique texture to their music. The lyrics continue to reflect Styrene’s concerns with consumerism, environmental issues, and the challenges of modern society, themes that were ahead of their time in the band’s early work and remained relevant in the ’90s. One of the standout tracks, “Crystal Clear,” showcases the band’s ability to combine catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics. The song’s energetic pace and memorable chorus make it an engaging listen, while the lyrics critique the superficiality and transparency of consumer culture. The production on “Conscious Consumer” reflects both the raw energy of punk and the advancements in recording technology since the band’s debut. The sound is polished yet retains the urgency and immediacy that is central to punk music. The use of saxophone, a hallmark of X-Ray Spex’s sound, is integrated seamlessly, providing a sonic link to the band’s past while feeling entirely contemporary. “Good Time Girl” is another highlight, with its riff-driven guitar work and Styrene’s powerful vocal delivery. The track exemplifies the album’s blend of punk rock energy and melodic accessibility, making it one of the more standout moments on the record. Lyrically, “Conscious Consumer” delves into themes of identity, society, and the individual’s place within it, with Poly Styrene’s writing as incisive and relevant as ever. Her ability to weave social commentary into punk’s musical framework remains one of the band’s strengths, offering listeners both a cathartic release and food for thought. In retrospect, “Conscious Consumer” is seen as a significant, if underrated, entry in X-Ray Spex’s discography. The album bridges the gap between the band’s seminal early work and the evolving punk scene of the ’90s, demonstrating their lasting influence and the enduring relevance of their message. Overall, “Conscious Consumer” stands as a testament to X-Ray Spex’s continued vitality and their commitment to challenging societal norms through music. The album’s combination of punk’s raw energy, memorable melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics showcases the band’s unique place in the genre and their ability to adapt and remain resonant across decades. Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review