ALBUM REVIEW – THE CHORDS UK – ” BUT THEN AGAIN: THE BEST OF “

THE CHORDS UK

BUT THEN AGAIN : THE BEST OF

OUT 4TH APRIL

ON EPOP RECORDS

WORDS DESH KAPUR

---

I was a ‘70s Mod, and , along with Secret Affair, The Jam, and The Purple Hearts, were my bands. I still have Chords vinyl in my record collection, original releases from that era. Listening to this album was a pleasure and brought back so many beautiful memories. But Then Again: The Best of is not just a compilation; it’s a time machine, taking me back to the raw energy and passion of the Mod Revival scene.

The Chords UK’s But Then Again: The Best of is a vibrant compilation that serves as both a nostalgic tribute to the original movement and a testament to the enduring relevance of the band’s music. Fronted by Chris Pope, who carries the legacy of The Chords into the modern era, this collection bridges the gap between the band’s classic tracks from the late ’70/80’s and their more recent output..

From “Maybe Tomorrow,” one of their definitive tracks, to more contemporary offerings, But Then Again: The Best of captures the band’s sharp, rebellious energy that typified the Mod revival of the late ’70s and early ’80s. The album revisits the raw power of their early singles, which are filled with jangly guitars, powerful melodies, and infectious energy, blending elements of punk’s aggression and the melodic sophistication of ’60s Mod music.

Designed to truly tell the tale of The Chords UK, But Then Again: The Best of—is an ambitious and inventive collection. It features new and previously unreleased tracks, remastered/remixed/remade versions of fan favorites, unashamedly obscure B-sides, and even live recordings. The album boasts 44 tracks, with an amazing acoustic re-working of their Top 40 hit “Maybe Tomorrow.” This comprehensive approach ensures that the album not only satisfies longtime fans but also introduces new listeners.

For fans familiar with the original era of The Chords, the modern renditions included in this collection show how Chris Pope and The Chords UK have matured musically without losing the fiery attitude that initially defined them. The production on the newer tracks is more polished, but it doesn’t detract from the raw energy that remains the band’s trademark.

Songs like “The British Way of Life” stand out as high points. This tracks encapsulate the biting social commentary that made The Chords an important voice in the punk and Mod scenes. It reflects disillusionment with British society in the late ’70s, a theme that remains relevant in the modern age of social and political upheaval.

One of the album’s standout aspects is how the newer recordings sit comfortably alongside the old. While the vintage tracks echo with the urgency of youth, the more recent songs reflect a seasoned, more reflective tone without losing their edge. Tracks like “One More Minute” demonstrate how The Chords UK blend their roots with contemporary rock sensibilities, ensuring they remain relevant.

But Then Again: The Best of is more than just a greatest hits collection—it’s a bridge between the band’s past and present. It serves as a reminder of the band’s place in the pantheon of Mod revival acts, but it also reinforces that their music has continued to evolve. This compilation showcases how The Chords UK maintain a distinct voice while adapting their sound to modern contexts.

The inclusion of unreleased material and remixed tracks also adds layers of depth to the album, giving fans a glimpse into different facets of the band’s creative process. Whether through obscure B-sides or live recordings, this collection unearths treasures that might have otherwise been forgotten.

For fans of Mod, punk, and British rock in general, But Then Again: The Best of is essential listening. Designed to reflect the full journey of The Chords UK, it revisits classic tracks with a sense of urgency while introducing fresh material that proves The Chords UK are far from a nostalgia act. Chris Pope’s continuation of the band’s legacy feels both respectful of the past and boldly forward-thinking. This album serves as a love letter to the Mod revival scene but also reaffirms The Chords UK’s place as torchbearers for a new generation of Mod enthusiasts.

Rating: 5/5

TRACK LISTING

1/ British Way Of Life (Re-Recording)

2/ Brave New World (Re-Recording)

3/ Get Me To Saturday Night (Remastered 2025)

4/ Love’s Still Here (Re-Recording)

5/ White Van Man (Remastered 2025)

6/ Mutiny On The Thames (Remastered 2025)

7/ One Happy Man (Remastered 2025)

8/ Hipsters of London (Remastered 2025)

9/ Man On The Northern Line (Re-Recording)

10/ Gentrified The Elephant (Remastered 2025)

11/ Any Fool Knows (Re-Recording)

12/ Analogy Of Life (Remastered 2025)

13/ Hey Kids! Come The Revolution (Remastered 2025)

14/ Somewhere Beyond The Rainbow (Remastered 2025)

15/ Twenty First Century Girl (Remastered 2025)

16/ Another Thing Coming (New Recording)

17/ Nine to Five And Me (Remastered 2025)

18/ Dreams Of Yesterday (Remastered 2025)

19/ Leave It All Behind (New Recording)

20/ World Gone Crazy

21/ INDIE DISCO FRIDAY NIGHT

22/ EAT ..SLEEP ..WORK .. REPEAT

23/ Two Weeks In Heaven (New Recording)

24/ In The Land Of Milk And Honey (New Recording)

25/ But Then Again (New Recording)

26/ Maybe Tomorrow (New Acoustic Recording)

27/ Get On In Life (Remastered 2025)

28/ All I Ever Wanted (Was To Be Wanted By You)

29/ Bitter Sweet (New Recording)

30/ Heart Of The Matter (Remastered 2025)

31/ Veronica Jones (Remastered 2025)

32/ Take On Life (Remastered 2025)

33/ Three Minute Pop Song (Remastered 2025)

34/ One Horse Town (Remastered 2025)

35/ One More Minute (New Acoustic Recording)

36/ Turn Away Again (New Acoustic Recording)

37/ Twenty First Century Blues (Remastered 2025)

38/ Running On Dreams (Remastered 2025)

39/ Welcome To My World (Remastered 2025)

40/ Before Elvis (Remastered 2025)

41/ Always Quit While Your Still Ahead (Live)

42/ The Last Thing I Ever Do (Live)

43/ Making Mountains (Remastered 2025)

44/ Last Man Standing (Remastered 2025)