The Biggest Prize In Sport

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Sample Album
The Biggest Prize In Sport album cover
Album Information

Total Tracks: 15   Total Length: 44:31

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"Separates" is better

RobotWar

Personally the 999 formula wears a little thin on this album. If you have their first two, then you know what 999 has to offer. 999 were never as melodic or hooky as their peers like Buzzcocks. This is kind of like mid-tempo Chelsea. On TBPIS, 999 lean a little more into pure pop territory. There is nothing to suggest this album should be filed in the punk section. To me it sounds like they are limited by the individual talents of the band members. The singer has a thin, high, nasal voice and it hasn't changed a whit in three albums. The guitarist plays clean but simple riffs and the rest of the band is competent, but no one has any power. They pander with songs like "English Wipeout" (basically a roll-call of various regions) and "Hollywood", with a tepid tale of hanging out on the Strip. This is for 999 completists, I'd say.

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Still got the old energy

theonetruethingfish

By the time of this third album, 999 had discovered the US and were moving away from their punk roots. They still had the old energy and the Biggest Prize includes two of the best tracks 999 ever recorded - Found Out Too late and Lie, Lie, Lie.

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A really fun album!

SeriousPoo

One of my favorite bands from the early British punk scene. If you're looking for an upbeat, happy, and fun album then you can't go wrong with this one. Check out Inside Out, Fun Thing and Biggest Prize to get a feel for what 999's all about.

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They Say All Music Guide

After two terrific albums with United Artists, the boys in 999 signed a deal with Polydor and released what is now considered as their finest full length LP, “The Biggest Prize In Sport”. While still a ‘punk’ band, 999 were born during the pub scene and had more meat on their musical bones than most punks, and instead of turning away from their punk sound, they simply refined it. Upon first listening to this album, many folks were amazed to find out that 999 were a great rock n roll band, punk or no punk. The edges are still there, but they are more well-rounded this time out thanks to producer Vic Maile. The anthemic “Boys In The Gang” starts off the set in style (but 999 always knew how to kickstart an album). “Inside Out”, with Guy Days’ twisted guitar riff, picks up the pace. Although “Trouble” slows things down with it’s reggae groove, it’s such a great change of pace (Nick Cash’s wail sounds similar to the Specials’ Terry Hall on this track). “Fun Thing” has a great little hook and a powerful guitar solo that will grab you by the balls. “Hollywood”, about their first trip to California, received solid airplay in the U.S., and has remained a 999 classic ever since. “Stop! Stop!” is a bouncy little bubblegum punk nugget. Practically every track a classic, Anagram’s 1995 reissue adds three bonus trax, making this a must have for anyone interested in the punk and new wave scene of the late ’70s and early ’80s. – Steve “Spaz” Schnee

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