When you put all these early singles up in a line you realise what a great singles band 999 were. Why weren't they bigger? Who knows. They enjoyed a high profile and extensive promotion from UA - their high octane live act got them regular reviews and the singles and albums were given full page ad treatments in all the music weeklies promoted. Yet they couldn't break through. How do you describe the sound? Certainly not one dimensional. Emergency, Nasty Nasty, Feeling All Right With The Crew and Found Out Too Late all show the diversity. The boys could play and the dual guitars of Cash and Davies were the lynchpin for either frenetic romps or more intricate song constructions.

I'm Alive / Quite Disappointing
United Artists (Sep 77)

High octane romp and boy listening to this doesn't it just make you feel so good to be alive? No doom and gloom punk here. Tony Parsons called it 'heavy metal' in the NME. Like we ever paid any attention to him!

Nasty Nasty / No Pity
United Artists (Oct77)

A scathing attack on mindless violence and a 100 carat pure punk toon. The B side No Pity done in double time ain't no slouch either!

 Click to hear  clip of 'Nasty Nasty'

Emergency / My Street Stinks
United Artists (Jan 78)

Bona fide, 100% absolute pure punk rock classic.

"I'm back in full attack
Never give in until they crack
Emergency Emergency"

Me and My Desire / Crazy
United Artists (April 78)

Another mid tempo but slightly soulful toon from the boys backed up with the more pub rock style 'Crazy'

"Only push me so far!!"

Feelin' Alright With The Crew / Titanic (My Over) Reaction / You Can't Buy Me
United Artists (Aug 78)

I'm surprised someone hasn't tried to call this post punk. Its just so leftfield. Reggaeish lope over another picked guitar riff with mini bass solo and tortured treated vocals.

Homicide / Soldier
United Artists (Oct 78)

The lyrics may not win any prizes but there's something about that goddamn muted riff with ringing twin guitars that just makes you want to just sing along with Nick and shout 'HOMICIDE!'

Why wasn't this a smasheroonie?
 

Found Out Too Late / Lie Lie Lie
Radar (Sep 79)

999 had a fine line in song writing and melodies. First single for new label Radar and like Homicide its an insidiously catchy wee beauty that lodges in your brain.