The image of punk as portrayed in the media was a very negative one of foul-mouth yobs, spitting and getting drunk. in fact it was a very creative time, politically aware and expressive. The negative aspects overwhelmed it and the movement burned out quite quickly because it was so intense. But the positive elements go underground and resurface in other ways... I haven't changed my attitude at all. There's no point if you're going to sell out. You might as well stop even pretending to be creative.
- T.V. (Tim) Smith (Adverts vocalist)

...bassist Gaye Advert (a bulimic Joan Jett with mascara-black eyes) and drummer Laurie Driver exhibit the cheerful ineptitude of two drunks barging into a music shop and clattering away, oblivious to the racket they're producing.
- Jonathan Bernstein (Spin Alternative Record Guide 1995)