Gang Of Four – Entertainment!

This is the definitive post-punk masterpiece—sharp, socio-political, danceable, and angular. With that jagged funk on tracks like “Natural’s Not In It,” “Not Great Men,” and “Anthrax,” it still cuts deep and hits hard . Lyrically, it’s a demolition of capitalist conformity and romantic kitsch, delivered with witty detachment.

First pressing collector features:

Custom EMI “Gang Of 4” label on side A, with a full-band photo printed on side B

Red spine with blue-inked title and catalog number—very UK/EMI late-’70s styling

Inner sleeve with rounded corners, printed lyrics, credits, and artwork fully intact

Sound quality is top-tier:
This pressing offers a flat, quiet playback with sharp separation. Biggest win? The bass and drums form a punchy, almost tactile rhythm section—much like hearing it live in a compact club . Guitars remain shard-like without splintering, while vocals cut through precisely—nothing sounds muddy or over-processed.

Many argue even high-end reissues can’t capture this record’s original bite, atmosphere, and raw urgency . If you're holding a clean first-press UK copy with the custom labels and red-spine sleeve, you're practically holding the cultural axe that shaped early post-punk.

Only thing to mention on the notes and track B6, it appears on my version as Anthrax on the cover and side B label, but ANTHRAX on the inner sleeve.

The sound is good. And they fixed the intro to "I Found That Essence Rare." But I've had some shit luck with this pressing.

I've tried three copies, and they all came with scratches. Something about the printed inner sleeve, and the tightness of the record within, makes it easy for the record to come out scratched.

One of the other reviews even mentions surface noise. I think if that reviewer looked closely at their copy, they'd find that it has tiny scratches that are creating the noise.

A real shame because the mastering and sound is exquisite. But I can't do it anymore. I give up on this one.

This is one of the best sounding records I own. I also own the 2014 Parlophone reissue which sounds great to but this is definitely the better one.

The original mastering is wider, more dynamic and punchier. Absolutely love it. This is one of my treasured gems.

2014 Parlophone reissue is an amazing sounding reissue tho! It’s just a tad bit compressed.

This is an excellent sounding reissue.

1. Bass sounds like the bassist is playing from a bass amp in my room
2. The drum sounds realistic and very dynamic
3. Vocal could’ve been a bit higher in the mix (I feel like EQ in mastering affected this).

Now the thing I wish sounded more upfront is the guitar. It’s very present but the EQ choice made it a bit less vibrant. This probably helped to make it sound less harsh (but more sterile).

Otherwise good sounding record and worth every dollar.

Possibly my favourite pressing of this album. Audio levels, mix and tone spot on; no pops or background noise. Angular guitar comes through without being too splinteringly trebly. Fairly heavy vinyl, perfectly flat, and no skimping on the quality of sleeve and jacket.

Great, clean pressing blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

If anybody is interested I have this one with no matrix in the runout, Near Mint vinyl, excellent cover and a grey/white lyric insert.

My copy has the matrix runout, but minus the sticker or promo stamp.

Sounds awesome to these ears! Very loud, punchy, and full of energy in each song! Guitar sounds very good especially