At the risk of supplying too many superannuated early ’80s punk stars here at Friday Factory Tunes, we offer Gang of Four and “You’ll Never Pay for the Farm” off the latest release, “Content.” It’s a subtle yet sophisticated analysis of the failed model of Government Sponsored Enterprises to promote home ownership in the United States.


The band played Washington’s 9:30 Club on Wednesday and were exceptional. Their analysis of North Sea oil development and territorial claims in “Ether” was especially compelling: “There may be oil, under Rockall.”

Gang of Four invented (with PIL’s assistance) the aggressive punk/funk sound that inspired the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine and similar ilk. As for the politics, expect a further recrudescence of early ’80s British lefty bands with the release of the new Margaret Thatcher biopic starring Meryl Streep. Bet they use UB-40 in the soundtrack and Tom Robinson, too.