The Boys – Boys Only (Color)

Despite strong followings in Holland and Norway, where keyboardist Casino Steel hailed from, London power-pop pioneers the Boys never achieved the British breakthrough they were due, and after three albums failed to chart, Steel quit, making more space for the twin-guitar attack of Matt Dangerfield and frontman Honest John Plain. Final album Boys Only held echoes of the Ronettes’ riveting harmonies, the rock excess of Johnny Thunders and punky pop of the Ramones, ‘Miss You’ a country punk salute to John Wayne and ‘Weekend’ belatedly acknowledged as an edgy pop master-piece. In short, a great Boys swansong!