On the Record: The Saints – (I’m) Stranded (1976)

Few singles are as pivotal to the punk rock movement as The Saints' debut release, (I’m) Stranded. Released in 1976, this Australian gem not only ignited the local scene but also became one of the earliest examples of punk rock worldwide. Today, original pressings of this 7-inch single are among the most sought-after vinyl records for collectors.

The Single: Punk Rock’s First Flame in Australia

• Release Date: September 1976
• Label: Fatal Records (Independent)
• Lineup: Chris Bailey (vocals), Ed Kuepper (guitar), Kym Bradshaw (bass), Ivor Hay (drums)

A-Side: "(I’m) Stranded"
B-Side: "No Time"

What Makes This Record So Special?

1. A Landmark Punk Single:

   • The Saints’ (I’m) Stranded is widely recognized as one of the first punk rock singles, released independently before the genre took hold in the UK and the US. Often compared to The Ramones and The Sex Pistols, The Saints were among the pioneering bands defining the raw, fast-paced sound that would come to be known as punk.
   • It is regarded as a revolutionary release, especially considering it came from Australia, a country far removed from the emerging punk scenes in London and New York.

2. Limited Independent Release:

   • (I’m) Stranded was independently released on The Saints’ own label, Fatal Records, with a limited run of just a few hundred copies. This made the original pressing extremely rare, especially in mint condition.
   • At the time of its release, the band was virtually unknown, and the single received little attention in Australia. However, it gained critical acclaim in the UK, where it was hailed as a breakthrough punk release, eventually leading to The Saints signing with EMI.

3. Influence on the Punk Genre:

   • This single is often credited with being one of the earliest and most influential examples of punk rock. While bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols were developing their sound around the same time, The Saints were doing it independently on the other side of the world.
   • The title track, "(I’m) Stranded," with its relentless energy, distorted guitars, and anti-establishment lyrics, embodied the DIY ethos and rebellious spirit of punk rock. The B-side, "No Time," is equally raw, further cementing the band’s influence.

Why Collectors Crave This Record

• Scarcity: Due to its limited initial pressing on Fatal Records, finding an original copy of (I’m) Stranded is incredibly difficult. Later pressings exist under EMI, but it’s the first independent release that holds the most value and prestige among collectors.

• Punk History: As one of the earliest punk singles, this record holds immense historical significance. For fans of punk rock, owning this piece is like owning a part of the genre’s DNA.

• Global Impact: Though they hailed from Brisbane, Australia, The Saints' influence extended globally. Their sound and attitude resonated with the emerging punk scenes in both the UK and the US, contributing to the international rise of the genre. Having an original pressing of this single is akin to holding a piece of punk's international revolution.

The Value for Collectors

Mint-condition copies of the original Fatal Records pressing are rare and valuable. Due to the low number of records pressed and their age, these originals can fetch several thousand dollars on the secondary market, especially among collectors of punk rock memorabilia. Later pressings on EMI are also collectible, but it’s the original independent release that commands the highest prices.

The Saints’ Legacy

The Saints went on to release their debut album, I’m Stranded, in 1977 through EMI, which included the title track from this single. Their success helped solidify Australia’s place in the global punk rock movement, and the band continues to be celebrated as pioneers of the genre.

(I’m) Stranded wasn’t just a single—it was a statement. Its raw energy, rebellious attitude, and DIY approach captured the essence of punk before the world even had a name for it. For collectors, this record is more than just a valuable vinyl—it’s a symbol of punk’s global emergence and the uncompromising spirit of The Saints.

Conclusion

The Saints' (I’m) Stranded (1976) remains one of the most important and rarest vinyl records in punk history. As one of the first punk releases, its influence on the genre cannot be overstated, and its limited independent pressing makes it a true treasure for collectors. If you’re lucky enough to find an original copy, you’re holding a vital piece of rock history.

Have you come across an original pressing of (I’m) Stranded? Share your stories about finding rare punk records in the comments below!