Various Artists - They Only Come Out At Night

While often overshadowed by its heavy metal counterpart, the punk version of the 1985 compilation They Only Come Out At Night (CLAY LP 17M) serves as a gritty retrospective of Clay Records’ foundational role in the UK82 and hardcore punk movements. This variant highlights the label's "street" identity, featuring high-velocity tracks from icons like G.B.H. and The Lurkers, alongside the aggressive, crossover-leaning sounds of English Dogs and Abrasive Wheels. Unlike the label's metal releases that leaned into melodic polish, this collection captures the raw, political energy and abrasive waves of sound that defined the transitional period when British punk began evolving into more extreme subgenres. For collectors, it remains a vital artifact that documents the label's commitment to the D-beat and street-punk scenes before their focus shifted toward the burgeoning NWOBHM market.