‘Bullshit Detector’ was the name of a series of compilation LPs put together by the anarcho-punk band Crass and released on their own label. Three editions were released between 1980 and 1984, consisting of demo tapes, rough recordings and artwork that had been sent to the band.
The sound quality of the ‘Bullshit Detector’ series was mixed and often basic, or even poor, as Crass would master the tapes directly to record without any additional production or enhancement. For Crass, the expectation of a polished performance was missing the point.
After punk had already been co-opted, re-packaged and sold back to us, ‘Bullshit Detector’ volumes 1-3 were, and still are, seen by many to capture the purest ethos of punk culture, an event that inspired hundreds to take to their bedrooms and garages and join the DIY revolution.
Crass believed in the power of community and that their movement was for everybody. These compilations are an admittedly harsh but important part of that story; when Crass gave punk back to the people.
TRACK LISTING
Andy T - Jazz On A Summers Day
Counter Attack - Don’t Wanna Fight For You
Alternative - Change It
Clockwork Criminals - We Are You
Reputations In Jeopardy - Girls Love Popstars
Crass - Do They Owe Us A Living
Amebix - University Challenged
Sceptics - Local Chaos
The Sinyx - Mark Of The Beast
Frenzy Battalion - Thalidomide
Icon - Cancer
The Speakers - Why
A.P.F. Brigade - Anarchist Attack
Fuck The C.I.A. - Right Or Wrong
Caine Mutiny And The Kallisti Apples Of Nonsense - Morning Star
The Sucks - 3
Porno Squad - Khaki Doesn’t Go With My Eyes
S.P.G. Murders - Soldiers
Eratics - National Service
Red Alert 8 - Who Needs Society
The Snipers - War Song
Armchair Power - Power
Disrupters - Napalm
Andy T - Nagaski Mon Amour
Action Frogs - Drumming Up Hope (Ferret Skank)