For this release, their second single, the lineup was...

Brian James - guitar 
Dave Vanian - vocals 
Rat Scabies - drums
Captain Sensible - bass



I've written about the UK issues of Neat Neat Neat on Stiff Records.

Part One.

So this won't take too long, the single was only issued in 4 other countries in 1977.
If I may say so these are all pretty hard to locate, and despite the fact that 3 of the 4
imports weren't released in a picture sleeve, they are still highly sought after records
that will bring high prices in great condition.

Australia and New Zealand are 1st on the list. No sleeves issued but since Stiff were
distributed through Festival Records it's not unusual to find them with their company sleeves.

Australia:


New Zealand:


Since both pressings are given the catalog number of K-6735 the most striking difference
on the different label layouts is that large A which is rounded on the New Zealand copies.
Same story, A vs. round A, with a lot of OZ/NZ labels... including notable Damned-related
singles by Eddie & The Hot Rods (on Island) and our pal Captain Sensible (on A&M).

As for the two NNN's they are far more scarce with the NZ press turning up less often.

The next one has been called the holy grail of Damned singles and while it is not the rarest one
(it's debatable what is) the Japanese pressing commands the most attention. The price keeps
climbing on this single, I've seen it sell for up to £1500.



Island Records ILR-20273

To add insult to injury, I know you saw it coming, there are technically two different ones
if you want to count promo & stock copies. Depends how dedicated you are if you want
to collect both... and good luck finding a "bargain!"

Stock labels:


Promo/sample labels:



While the Japanese version is quite famous in it's own right, there's one left that is
downright infamous. The virtually non-existent pressing from Ireland... while you'll
see Japanese NNN's for sale every so often, best luck trying to obtain an Irish one.



I'll say this: Consider yourself very lucky if your copy has this slightly different layout &
most important of all says "Made in the Rep. of Ire." on the labels. Now go on & check
every copy you come across! While I'd bet there aren't a hell of a lot of these damned
things in existence, there has to be a few hiding somewhere... I hope YOU find a box
of them & sell 'em on eBay!



The info here is correct to the best of my knowledge, I always try to confirm info
about these pressings. If you're interested in this kind of stuff please see my "about me"
page for a link to the Damned/Punk record collectors forum Curious Goods.

cheers,
"damned_disciple"