Side A has just one track and probably their best-known: “Homicide,” performed with perfect tight and snotty precision. The B-side has other 999 power pop classics: “Feelin’ Alright With the Crew” and “Boys in the Gang.” “Emergency,” although slowish and chugging, has the boys sounding their most ‘punk’ – sneering, rough around the edges with heavy rhythm and minimal chord changes. The production and sound quality is surprisingly good on this live release, the vocals clear, guitars bright and just enough audience response to convey the excitement of a live show.

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999 “Separates” 1978, UK issue. Released in the US as “High Energy Plan.” United Artists/PVC Records. The two releases differ slightly: “Tulse Hill Night” and “Out of Reach,” which appear on the UK album, are replaced by “Waiting” and “Action” on “High Energy Plan.” Also different are the covers, of particular note are the back cover photos of the band: on “Separates” the band looks ridiculously clean-cut, all smiles, collared shirts and pastel sweaters while on “High Energy Plan” they are re-packaged, looking the punk-part with studded belts, animal print vests and scowls or sneery smirks.

Classic power-pop/punk tracks: “Homicide,” “Rael Rean,” “Let’s Face It,” “Feeling Alright with the Crew,” “Crime.” 60′s/classic rock-styled rhythm mixed with more snot than snarl and catchy, clever hooks – my favorite from “Crime”

X and Y were the best of friends (of friends)
They stuck together round the awkward bends
Since the killing Y tries to find (to find)
A way to pay the guilty back in time

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