D-I-Y: DO-IT-YOURSELF a Punk, Post Punk, Punk Funk & Beyond (BLUE

Our review of this 2024 reissue of D-I-Y: DO-IT-YOURSELF finds a compelling package for listeners who want a curated snapshot of late 70s and early 80s UK independent music. The bottom line: collectors and curious listeners interested in the post-punk and punk funk era will appreciate the limited edition blue double vinyl pressing for its remastered audio, gatefold presentation and historical sleevenotes that document the rise of the independent music industry. This review focuses on sound quality, presentation and archival value rather than exhaustive track-by-track critique.

Key Features

• Limited edition coloured double vinyl: The blue pressing offers collectors a distinctive physical object that stands out on the shelf and signals this is a special reissue.
• Remastered audio: The record has been fully remastered, which helps older, obscure recordings sound clearer and more present on modern turntables.
• Deluxe gatefold sleeve: The packaging includes a large gatefold sleeve that protects the discs while providing room for photography and liner material.
• Two unique inner sleeves: These add visual interest and extra room for sleevenotes or artwork, improving the overall unboxing experience.
• Extensive sleevenotes and photography: The included notes and images document the scene and give historical context for the tracks and independent labels featured.
• Compilation of influential artists: The selection includes well-known groups like The Buzzcocks and A Certain Ratio alongside rarer tracks, broadening the historical snapshot.

Who It's For

This release is aimed at vinyl collectors, fans of post-punk and punk funk, and anyone researching the UK independent music scene of the late 70s and 80s. The remastering and presentation make it a good purchase for listeners who want both music and context in a physical format.

It is less suitable for casual listeners who prefer streaming convenience or those only seeking mainstream punk hits; this compilation leans into rarities and archival material rather than a greatest-hits playlist.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thoughtful remastering improves clarity across older, lo-fi recordings.
• Attractive limited edition blue double vinyl and deluxe gatefold that appeal to collectors.
• Informative sleevenotes and photography that contextualise the independent scene's growth.
• Varied track selection mixing familiar names and obscure gems for discovery.

Cons

• As a compilation of rarities and archival tracks, the sonic character varies and may not be uniformly high fidelity.
• Out-of-print status historically suggests limited availability, so buyers should expect a limited run.

Specifications

Title	D-I-Y: DO-IT-YOURSELF a Punk, Post Punk, Punk Funk & Beyond
Format	Double vinyl (coloured blue)
Edition	2024 limited edition reissue
Packaging	Deluxe gatefold sleeve with two unique inner sleeves
Audio	Fully remastered compilation
Content	Post-punk, punk, punk funk, electronic experimentation
Label	Soul Jazz Records

Our Verdict

For collectors and serious listeners interested in the UK independent scene that followed punk, this blue double vinyl reissue is well worth seeking out for its remastering, presentation and contextual sleevenotes. It represents good value as an archival compilation and a thoughtfully produced physical release, though buyers should expect a varied sonic palette across rarer tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remastered release?
Yes. The 2024 edition is fully remastered to improve clarity across the compilation.

What does the package include?
The set includes a limited edition blue double vinyl pressing, a deluxe gatefold sleeve, two unique inner sleeves and extensive sleevenotes and photography.

Are the tracks mainstream hits?
The compilation mixes classic groups with lesser known and obscure tracks, focusing on archival and independent material rather than only mainstream hits.