The First Three Years is a compilation album by singer-songwriter Frank Turner, released 1 December 2008 through Xtra Mile Recordings. The compilation is also included on the re-release of Love Ire & Song, released 26 January 2009. The album itself is only available directly from Xtra Mile.

The First Three Years
Compilation album by
Released1 December 2008
Recorded2005–2008
GenreFolk rock
Length60:18
LabelXtra Mile
ProducerMartin Price and George Elliott
Frank Turner chronology
Love Ire & Song
(2008)
The First Three Years
(2008)
Poetry of the Deed
(2009)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Kerrang!
Stereokill.net link

The album compiles material that does not appear on either of Turner's first two studio albums, including tracks from early EPs, split singles, covers and unreleased material. The collection also includes a cover of "Smiling at Strangers on Trains" – Turner's former band, Million Dead's, first single.

The title and cover artwork reference the Black Flag album The First Four Years, a similar compilation of early material.

Track listing

edit

All tracks are written by Frank Turner except where noted

No.TitleOriginally appeared onLength
1."The Real Damage"Xtra Mile Single Sessions Vol. #43:25
2."Nashville Tennessee"Campfire Punkrock3:42
3."Thatcher Fucked the Kids"Campfire Punkrock3:19
4."This Town Ain't Big Enough for the One of Me"Campfire Punkrock3:05
5."Casanova Lament"Campfire Punkrock2:12
6."I Really Don't Care What You Did On Your Gap Year"Campfire Punkrock5:05
7."The Outdoor Type" ((The Lemonheads/Smudge) cover)Jonah Matranga / Frank Turner Split2:18
8."You Are My Sunshine" (Jimmie Davis cover)Jonah Matranga / Frank Turner Split4:21
9."Sea Legs"The Real Damage3:36
10."Back to Sleep"The Real Damage3:44
11."Sunshine State"The Real Damage3:05
12."Heartless Bastard Motherfucker"The Real Damage2:57
13."Pay to Cum" (Bad Brains cover)The Softcore Tour CD2:05
14."Fix Me" (Black Flag cover)The Softcore Tour CD2:38
15."Hold Your Tongue"Love, Ire & Song 7digital bonus tracks3:33
16."Front Crawl"Love, Ire & Song 7digital bonus tracks2:47
17."Jet Lag" (rock version)Love, Ire & Song 7digital bonus tracks4:00
18."Photosynthesis"Truck Sessions (June 2008)4:04
19."Worse Things Happen at Sea"Truck Sessions (June 2008)4:01
20."Imperfect Tense"Truck Sessions (June 2008)3:52
21."The District Sleeps Alone Tonight" (The Postal Service cover)Previously unreleased2:51
22."Smiling at Strangers on Trains" (Million Dead cover)Previously unreleased4:05
23."Dancing Queen" (ABBA cover)Previously unreleased3:41
24."Longing for the Day"Frank Turner Demo; iTunes-only bonus track5:12