A-Side: Bits Of Kids
B-Side: Stands To Reason

Label: Chrysalis CHS 2637
Producer: Nick Tauber

Released: 03/09/82
Purchased: 09/10/82

Stiff Little Fingers | Bits Of Kids | (Chrysalis) 1982 | Dave Hepworth shrugged at the OGWT set behind him and sighed, “The man can’t sing to save himself!” He was right about Jake Burns, of course, but this pseudo-Springsteen rant, retrofitted to UK culture, almost convinces me otherwise. Even if I’m not a fan, shows me why SLF are not just an older Ejected . . . (Sounds, 28/08/82)

Oh, the horrors of social conscience . . . even though it has kept SLF going for more than a few years. ‘Bits Of Kids’ cranks up to the full barrage of slashing guitars and “marching” drums before you begin to realise just how bad it is.

“It’s always bits of kids” they moan; if only they realised they should be old enough to know better. (Record Mirror, 28/08/82)

Before the advent of punk, Stiff Little Fingers used to regale the good headbangers of Belfast with their stirring renditions of the greatest hits of Deep Purple, The Who & co.

Now that punk’s good and gone they’re trying to edge their way back into the “rock” field with big beefy choruses and chords that can probably only be played by an arm that revolves 180 degrees. Grating. (Smash Hits, Sept 1982)