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Penn's Picks: Adam & the Ants – Ants Invasion


Artist: Adam & the Ants
Song/Album: Ants Invasion / Kings of the Wild Frontier
Writer(s): Adam & the Ants
Year Released: 1980
Genre/Sub Genre: Rock / New Wave / Post Punk

 

Why it’s a “Penn’s Pick”:
Originally formed as a punk band in the late 1970’s, Adam and the Ants went on to become a major force in the New Wave/Post Punk explosion of the early 80’s. Led by charismatic front man Adam Ant (Stuart Leslie Goddard), the platinum selling Kings of the Wild Frontier album hit #1 in the UK and achieved gold status in the US.

One of the strongest cuts from the album was Ants Invasion, and this live version culled from the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1980 shows the band at the peak of their powers. The repetitive nature of the guitar and bass create an ominous backdrop for Adam’s unique and vivacious vocal delivery and together make for a very memorable, engaging and evocative song (that plus the live performance of the song is absolutely killer!)

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