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The Clash - Live at Gateshead Station (1985)

Boy this one transports me back in time. I was sitting at home on a Saturday morning and a mate rings me saying that he's been told the Clash were seen at the monument, a local landmark, and they were busking.

How ludicrous the Clash don't busk!!!

However he persisted and I headed across to town to see if it was true. I met him at volume records, local punk hangout, and via word of mouth we headed down to the exhibition park and found the Clash with loads of punks following them.

We all ducked into a subway and they played a few songs. They'd already been moved on by the police and a conversation ensued where they asked if there was anywhere they could play. A couple of guys who were involved in the running of a local music collective were there and they offered a night at the Station as a venue. Me and my mate headed off home and he instructed me to grab my camera and to meet him later on.

I did this and we met....we headed over to Gateshead and into the Station. This was an old police station that was used by the local punks to run gigs from. I had some fun times there. What a night; the Clash playing an acoustic set in the Station with 100 or so people there...a chair, and floor, being used as a drum.

The gig was recorded, on a walkman, and I took photos, one of which you can see above on this bootleg album. This picture was reproduced in Marcus Gray's book on the band called Last Gang in Town ...I didn't get paid! I still have the negatives from that night somewhere - there's some quality shots among them.

A great, great night where everyone sang along and had one hell of a time. They went on to play at the Mayfair in Sunderland which was also recorded but it was too noisy and crap. I have a few pics from there as well. I think this album was reissued as a CD, probably by the same guy :) I'd love to relive this day.

RIP Joe.

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Melissa Auf Der Maur

Not Punk........

I like alsorts of music and I love MADM releases. It's a real pity she's such a slacker and only releases stuff periodically. I'm sure if you know her you'll know her history, if you don't, well she used to play bass in Hole and was in the Smashing Pumpkins for a while as well. She has two solo albums and I love them both.

..........this post is purely self indulgent.

Bullet LaVolta - The Gift (1989)

Their first album....for Ken! Enjoy mate.

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Black President

Far too new to post and not out of print so.....

Formed in 2005 by Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks, Red Cross, Bad Religion etc etc) and Carlie Paulson (Goldfinger) as a side project. After a few line up changes they settled on Dave Raun (Lagwagon) on Drums (although it's Roy Mayorga from Nausea who plays on the album), Jason Christopher (New Dead Radio) on Bass and Christian Martucci (Chelsea Smiles) on Vocals.

Hetson left the band in 2008, just prior to their album being recorded. I'd HIGHLY recommed it, there's not a bad track anywhere. You can find it here: - Buy me here

Here's a taste of what to expect if you decide to take the plunge and buy it.....you won't be sorry believe me; I've played the bloody thing to death.

• Black President - Short List Of Outspoken Suspects

• Black President - Last Fucking Hope

MFD - Music for the Deaf (1987)

Speaking of MFD.....here's their first album released in '87 on the great DSI label. They're more mid-tempo than Malefice, but equally as good.

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Malefice - Lotus Blossom (1984)

Don't let the crap cover fool you...this is excellent stuff. 

As I've said before, during my trading days you'd get ripped off (Eric Yee - cunt!), you'd also get discs you never asked for, like Beware the Savage Jaw. One I didn't ask for was Overboard 7'' by these guys, but I was immediately interested as the cover reminded me of the Rudimentary Peni drawings -  it didn't disapoint.

This full length release is equally as good.They're hard to describe, but  to say they're a less intense Void would give you an idea and be high praise in my book. This album was recorded before the 7'', so around 1984, but for some unknown reason must have sat on a shelf until it was released in '90. I love it. 

The early lineup consisted of: - 

Timothy Steffes - vocals
John Cobbett - guitar
Mike Clayberg - bass
Jim Richman - drums 

Mike Clayberg went on to MFD.

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Bullet LaVolta - ST 12'' (1988)

I got a copy of their demo tape the year before this 12'' came out and was hooked, it's much rawer than this release. I knew nothing about the band, but that didn't really matter as the music kicked arse. It was in the punk/metal crossover area, but more punk to me due to the aggression and speed. Once I found out that Ken Chambers from the Moving Targets had joined them I was even more interested.

This is easily their best release and towards the end they became a little generic with lots of metal noodling in the songs. They imploded in the early 90's.

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Shudder to Think - It Was Arson (1988)

So...... 1988 and Government Issue are playing my town. Myself and some friends troop down and bounce off the walls for a few hours having a great time. After the gig one of the guys who was involved in getting them to come this far North asked me if I knew anywhere they could stay, as the guy who was going to put them up had fucked off. So I said yes, and ended up putting GI and their support band up for the night.

After feeding them in the morning, I phoned in sick at work, and took the band around my towns second hand records shops. Tom Lyle had my address and promised to send me something as a thank you...true to his word he sent me some discs and tapes. Very nice guy he was....this was one of the releases he sent me.

I'd never heard of the band and I've been grateful every since as I got to experience some more great music. I also got to see them when they played Gateshead when about 40, maybe less, people showed up. I remember the support band was called Frogs of War and were pretty good. Shudder to Think were amazing..

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Tank - Blood & Honour (1984)

The mighty, mighty TANK......

This, their 4th album, is another firm favourite. This period saw the band at their peak, and it's such a fucking shame that the world remains oblivious to it. Algy Ward's voice is perfect for this music....enjoy.

This download comes with a free set of lyrics so all you need is a hair brush and you can pretend you're in a band.

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Disco Zombies - 3 7''

So...I'm spending an evening drinking red wine and trawling you tube for some entertainment and I come across a Disco Zombies entry which states that they reformed recently for a gig or two to celebrate 30 years. This prompted me to hunt around for their singles. I remember getting Drums over London so clearly and bouncing all over the house to it's catchy punkiness.

Formed in Leicester in 77, they released three 7''; all of which you can find here. It's a shame they never managed to release an album.

Link removed at the request of the reissue record label.

Code of Honor - Live North Hollywood 23-02-1984

I've been after live recordings of Code of Honor for years and I've failed miserably, so it was a pleasant surprise when I stumbled across this one. It's not mixing board quality, but for 1984 it's damn good and gives a nice idea what it must have been like to witness them live.

Have I mentioned I love this band?????

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The Slits - Ari Up - R.I.P.

Sad news time.....

Ari Up singer with the Slits passed away from a serious illness on the 20th October.  The nature of the illness isn't yet known.

Cut by the Slits has been one of my favourite albums since I first heard it and it never gets old. Any band that can incorporate the use of a shaking matchbox and the striking of a match as they do in Newtown shows a stroke of real genius imo.

Ari was a great and unigue singer who, at 48, was taken far too early.

RIP

Killing Joke

Their new album is released in a few days and it's the first album with the original line up since the early 80's. I've heard a couple of tracks off it and it's really good. I Can't wait....it's released on my birthday as well...nice pressie for me.

More info can be found here.

Alberto Y Lost Trios Paranoias - Self Titled (1976)

NOT PUNK WARNING.

No, really; it's not even remotely punk.

The Berts first album released in '76, three years after they were formed. This show cases their satirical nature better then most of their other albums. I have a real soft spot for the Berts, they always managed to sit just on the right side of original to not end up like the Barron Knights.

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Just in case....

PUNK WARNING

I remember a debate when I was young about whether we should buy this or not, as it was clearly taking the piss out of punk, a couple didn't buy it, but most, like me, did. Piss take or not, it's a classic. Released in '77.

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Fear - The Record (1982)

I know most people, with an ounce of taste, will have this already, but it's a tribute.

Derf Scratch, born Frederick Milner III on October 30th 1951, died on July 28th. Derf, who formed Fear with Lee Ving in 1977, played bass until '82 sadly passed away after suffering from a long term illness.

This album is one of the defining moments of my youth. I bought it, I hated it, I loved it, I still love it

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It's a total pisser when the bands/artists you grew up with start dying off, but thankfully they leave a legacy greater, and more enjoyable, than most of us could dream of. RIP Derf

DSI Records.

This label needs NO introduction to any hardcore fan...but did you know they have their own You Tube channel? No?...well you do now.  Check it out here: - DSI

Sluglords/Goofball

As you can see below Bruno DeSmartass left a comment on the original Sluglords post. It answers quite a few questions I had about the band........

Hello all. Bruno DeSmartass, Lord of the Slugs here. I was guitar player,singer of the Sluglords (as well as Bad Posture, Polkacide, Goofball,etc.) and bass and vox (with Flipper and Red Asphalt).

I started the Sluglords back in '83 with drummer John lieb ( who then went on to play with MDC, Morally Bankrupt on drums, Polkacide and the Extra Action Marching Band on trumpet) and Willy Lipat on bass and vox. He mostly just plays piano, and moved to Vegas.

An interesting mix of influences and great musicians. We would re-arrange songs at whim every rehearsal or gig just to amuse ourselves.

The Slugs were always my favorite of all my projects and I miss the mayhem and the music.

Just recently I released a CD; a re-issue of our EP, as well as a bunch of live tracks and some odd studio stuff. Available at cdbaby; http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/sluglords

I never lived with Ted Falconi, (shudder...:) though we are good friends. I went on tour with Flipper back in '84 and '85 when Will and/or Bruce were to sick to tour. I've played with them over the years on and off, culminating in 2006-7 where we did a lot of touring and playing at the Fillmore with the DKs and at CBGBs in NYC the last week before it closed. I'm a glorified Flipper bench-warmer.

John Lieb, our drummer, went on tour with MDC back in '84 and DH Peligro from the Dead Kennedys sat in with the Sluglords for a show at the Mab. We did some recording with him, also on the CD. John added some trumpet 26 years later! I speak to Steve DePace every week. He is in SF, Flipper taking some time off.

I flogged apower trio for a few years, Goofball. Lately I have been recording with and old band from 1980-82, Red Asphalt, we released 2 CDs of old stuff and 2 CDs of new stuff.

Enough with the recording!! I need to get back out playing!

So, as Bruno says, the cd is available HERE.

It has 22 tracks, including the remastered Trails of Slime 12'', plus unreleased and live tracks; at $9.99 to download it's unreal value for money. I can really recommened it, I've got my copy already and it adds to the original 12'' really well.

So, onto Goofball and ....to my eternal shame, I wasn't aware they existed. They are: -

Bruno DeSmartass - Guitar, lead vocal (Flipper, the Sluglords, Bad Posture, Red Asphalt)
Mike Ingram - Bass (Los Cerveceros, Koolie Cat, The Texas Manglers)
Jay Smith - Drums (Rhythm Pigs, Tragic Mulatto, the Cinnamon Girls)

After spending a morning listening to this on repeat, it's right up my street. Great stuff, wtih everything I loved about Bruno's previous bands evident here. Check them out for yourself Goofball.

You can download/buy their cd from here. I bought my copy this morning and, if you pardon my French, I fucking love it.

Thanks for the great music Bruno.

The sites below are a nice time travel through Bruno's career and all have something special to offer. I remember Red Asphalt from a million years ago, but what I don't remember is thinking "Fuck, these are good", which I did when I heard them this morning. There are a few MP3's to download two of which, Red Asphalt and Goodbye Sunshine are really good; quirky in a poppy Zappa sort of new wave way. Work that one out if you can.

A few sites that are well worth a look see: -

http://www.red-asphalt.com/
http://www.badposture.net/
http://www.myspace.com/sluglords
http://www.myspace.com/brunodesmartass
http://www.myspace.com/goofballsf

All pics shamelessly stolen from the MySpace sites :)

Mindfunk - People Who Fell From The Sky (1995)

Since their second album I linked here has a shedload of downloads, I thought I'd load up their third. If you need to know more about them look at the embedded link.

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Report Suspicious Activity - ST (2005)

I wouldn't normally post a, fairly, recent release, but this just begs to be heard. Any band comprising the following musicians can't go un-noticed, yet they remain a well kept secret. It would be nice if that were to stop: -

Vic Bondi (Articles of Faith, Alloy)
J. Robbins ( Government Issue, Jawbox etc)
Darren Zentek (Kerosene 454)

I have a huge soft spot for both Vic and J, so this punk "super group" is a wet dream. They've so far released three records, this is their first from 2005. It IS absolutely what you'd expect from a band with Vic and J in it, punchy, catchy, powerful punk/pop/hardcore. They've lost none of their passion or ability to play really hard hitting music with great lyrics and inspired musicianship. It's a shame that so many of their contemporaries settle for second best and are happy to go through the motions, this just sets them apart.

It's easy to pick out who wrote which songs with Vic Bondi still spitting out his thought provoking lyrics like a raging teenager. I really miss lyrics like this, but they're not done for show. The harmonies and dynamics they can throw into a song is staggering. Even when they slow down, which isn't often, they still manage to grab your attention and keep you hooked into the song. There isn't a bad track on this album and Vic is clearly still pissed off!

I think their third album is the best of the lot, but if you haven't heard them then this mini masterpiece is a great jumping off point. They added Erik Denno (Kerosene 454) for their 2nd and 3rd releases.

I'd strongly encourage people to go out and buy their albums as they really deserve to be supported. I've bought mine and happily play them to death. Alternative Tenticles

Under the Hill....

Get off your ass and start moving
Let's see you spit
Summer's here and the time is right
For throwing a brick

You're aware the world can't help you
You're gallons of piss
You're older than I was at your age
And I'm younger than this

I'm not over the hill, you're under it.

Vic Bondi

RSA My Space

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Double-o - ST (1983)

Collecting records way back when was a huge delight and also a huge disappointment as you unearthed a new gem/steaming pile of shit. This falls into the former category. It was also a steal as a mate was offered it before I got the chance, the idiot said no. I treasured this 7'' for years  and only played it once, to transfer it to tape, until I was forced to sell it a few years ago.

A band made up of D.C. royalty: -

- Eric Lagdameo "Eric L."
- Bert Queiroz
- Jason Carmer
- Richard Moore

Everything about this 7'' is perfect, from the great thick cardboard sleeve to the musicianship to the great songs. I'd have given my left nut to have seen these guys live.

I still can't understand HOW these guys were not on 20 years of dischord???? Mediafire

Chris Bald - Infinity (1991)

The Chrisbald 96 a band who comprised the following people at one time or another: -

Chris Kirschten  (Chris Bald)
Christina Billotte (Autoclave, Slant 6)
Jerry Busher (Fidelity Jones)
Jon Kirschten (Rain)

Chris cut his teeth as bass player in Faith before swapping one singing brother for another; Alec MacKaye for Ian, and effectively renaming Faith, Embrace. What a great album they produced; I clearly remember having their demo tape stuck to my head for over a year.

After Embrace called it a day, he moved onto Ignition and released some great material. This is nothing like those bands, but I like it none the less.

Music

Rain Like the Sound of Trains - ST (1994)

Back to these fellas and their self titled album from '94. If you like the 7'' this is better imho.... why don't they make music like this anymore?

Find out for yourself music

Scream - Live at Van Hall (1988)

Scream were a firm favourite of mine and really need no introduction...but here goes.

Formed in 1981 by Pete and Franz Stahl, singer and guitarist, together with Skeeter Thompson, bass and Kent Stax, drums. They would soon be recognised as one of the foremost hardcore bands and released the timeless "Still Screaming" album in 1983. With the addition of Robert "Harley" Davidson they realeased the equally, if not slightly better, "This Side Up" album in '84. A weak, in my opinion, 3rd album, Banging the Drum, followed just before Kent left the band.

He was replaced by Dave Grohl, previoulsy of Mission Impossible, who played on their 4th and 5th albums, No More Censorship and Fumble. The band called it a day in 1990 with Pete and Franz forming the excellent Wool and Dave going on to.......well we all know that right!

I had the good fortune to see these in around '88 with Generic and White Flag supporting. A mate videod the whole night and I still have a copy of the gig on tape......I'll have to get that transferred to dvd some day. It's a great watch as Scream put on a blinding performance.

This gig was recorded in Amsterdam in '88 and is long out of print. Mediafire

Black Market Baby

You would think it's impossible to document the punk/hardcore development of Washington DC without mentioning Black Market Baby. However, if you read American Hardcore - A Tribal History by Steven Blush, apparently it's not. This would then, obviously, also apply to the film of the same name....worth seeing all the same.

I've got to say that Blush has gone from an ill-informed buffoon to a complete moron in his lastest venture.,..I'd urge people not to buy his stuff. He doesn't deserve to make a living off the backs of others hard work.

Now if you read Dance of Days by Mark Andersen, a book of recollections made by people who were there at the time, you'll see this isn't quite right. Black Market Baby were a very important band in DC and are one of my all time favourites.This book is fantastic and if you like hardcore you should buy it, it's a great read.

This band just cannot be ignored. They're more in a punk tradition than hardcore, but have been slotted into either category by many....including me just then. :) They influenced and encouraged the younger punks who would later form the well known bands. They provided the inspiration for John Stabb to name his group Government Issue, from their World at War song.

Being that much older then many of the DC punks they didn't follow the straight edge ethos, but got pissed as farts and were rowdy as hell. Although this could probably apply to Boyd more then the rest of the band :) They were formed out of the ashes of some premium DC bands, D-Certs, Snitch, The Penetrators, Trenchmouth. The driving force behind getting the band together was Boyd, and thank god he did.

To be honest I didn't know who they were when I got my copy of Potential Suicide, but I sure as hell found out after I played it. I devoured any snippet of information about them in the fanzines I imported, but sadly nothing more appeared to be released. Then one day whilst working in a town 40 miles away I wandered into a local market and found a stall selling punk stuff. Here's an album called "senseless offerings" by Black Market Baby, I flip it round and it's the same band.  This album is an all time favourite and I played it into the ground. It's still a firm favourite and an absolute hardcore classic, in the true sense of the term.

Many, many years later I bumped into Boyd on a forum and he kindly supplied me with a couple of cd's.  One of his post BMB band, the Vile Geezers and one of his current bands demo Rustbuckit, both of which are great. I'd feel shitty if I was to load any complete album up here as Boyd and his band mates deserve the cash, so I've grouped together a few tracks to give you a taster.

If you spend some money this year buy "Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda" a compilation of their stuff...REALLY worth it ---> Here It's really cheap...BUY IT!! This is a retrospective compilation containing all thier recordings including senseless offerings.

Their website is here and it has some nice freebies and good stories on it.

This year's prophet is quite simply one of the best tracks ever recorded by any band anywhere. Music here.

Silly Killers - Knife Manul (1982)

I loved No Threes, such an awesum record label with so many classics. This is one of them. I really can't remember how I got the record all those years ago, but I'm really glad I did. Mediafire

Life in the old dog yet..........

Sooooooo real life sucks, full stop! :)

I'm not quite dead yet and will continue to drop the odd post or three on here over the next few months until my job decides to hoof the stuffing out of me agian.

Gism - Detestation (1984)

I know most people will have heard this album...but it's a dedication to a friend.

I first heard this band when a mate grabbed a copy from someone based in London...on the first listening I hated it, on the second it was alright, on the third I loved it. I then spent the next 26 years trying to buy the fucking thing off him, and I never managed it. He had a love for foreign punk/hardcore and this album was a real gem.

Sadly that friend died last weekend and he'll be missed by many. I'll never forget him as he was an inspiration for my love of American Hardcore.

RIP Hebby......zagwah!

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Normal service will be resumed soon...

Little real life interference at the moment. I will be back soon. Happy first Birthday Kenny...great first year mate.

Pure gold

Aces - One Way Street (1981)

While Menace were still together three of the band: -

Steve Tannett - Guitar
Charlie Casey - Bass
Noel Martin - Drums

....played as the backup band to Vermilion as Vermilion & the Aces, releasing two 7''. After that stint finished and during which time Morgan Webster had left Menace, they produced this single as the Aces. I, like most other punks, loved Menace, so when this was released I snapped it up from the wonderful small wonder mail order service.

I wasn't disappointed, this is a great new wave effort.  Bloody annoying that they left so few recordings as the Aces and Menace. Slackers!

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Alberto y Lost Trios Paranoias - Skite (1978)

Most people will know the berts from the Snuff Rock or Heads Down, No-Nonsense, Mindless Boogie 7'', but they also released three good albums, Skite is my favourite.

Formed in 1973 by CP Lee, Bob Harding and Jimmy Hibbert, with the sole intention of taking the piss out of other bands, a feat which they easily achieved. However, whilst taking the piss they also created some really interesting and catchy music, hence the success of Heads Down, a Status Quo piss take.

Between 1976 and 1982 the released three albums and a number of 7'', all worth grabbing if you like this sort of thing. I appreciate the comedy factor in their music, but I appreciate the music more. There's a couple of duff tracks on this album, but ones like Mother Superior, Juan Lopes, 23 easily make up for them and there's also the great doo wop version of Anarchy in the UK.

Sadly they called it a day in '82, two years after singer Les Prior died. His snotty "punk" vocals were great, as Snuff Rock testifies. A word of caution though, if all you know is Snuff Rock this might come as a shock, it's not punk in any way.

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CP Lee released a book a couple of years back that's really worth reading. Find it here.

Mastodon - Oblivion

One of my favourite tracks of 2009...their last album is a masterpiece.

Necros (D.C.) - Hit & Run Demo (1981)

Sorry, I can't tell you alot about this band except it's not the Necros many will know, the ones from Maumee, this is the Washington DC lot. They were right in there with the rest of the scene, but are pretty much unknown.

I have a few more songs by them somewhere that I'll post sometime. They aren't your typical hardcore band, they were more loose and as a result this tape was really enjoyable to listen to. I'll get my arse in gear sometime and dig out more info; pics, band lineup etc.  In the meantime, enjoy.

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P.S. The picture is copyrighted, please contact me if you with to use it :)

The Dickies - Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)

Speaking of the Dickies here's a superb release from the late 80's. The title track is one of their best songs ever imo....the film it's from is also a cult classic. If you haven't seen it, track the thing down.

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Slime - Controversial 7'' (1978)

Not the German band, but the UK one.

As I've said, I was a huge Damned fanatic and collected anything related to them until about 1985; I'm not a huge fan of the two Jugg albums. However, this release is a real classic and features Slimey Toad from Johnny Moped fame on guitar as well as the Captain.

Jock Sayers - vocals, bass
Slimey Toad - guitar, backing vocals
Captain Sensible - guitar
Jock Tate - drums, backing vocals

Jock Sayers warbley vocals do remind me of the Dickies at times...or is that the other way round? Bah, regardless this is a brilliant slice of 70's punk/new wave. Released in 1978 on toadstool records.

Any Damned fan will recognise the tune from b-side, Loony. It's credited to Slimey Toad....so perhaps a slice of plagiarism here? :) Again though...who cares, the shrill chorus of Loony is great.

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Fastbacks - ...And His Orchestra (1987)

The Fastbacks first album recorded between July 1985 - January 1986, and released in 1987. This is the same line up as the previous two and is equally as good.

Kim Warnick - Bass, Vocals
Lulu Gargiulo - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Kurt Bloch - Lead and Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Richard Stuverud - Drums

Mediafire and lyrics here

RF7 - Acts of Defiance 7'' (1980)

A sadly underrated band who continue to this day and have an extensive back catalogue, all of which is well worth exploring. This is their first 7'' released on the label started by the band, Smoke Seven records, who were responsible for some excellent records.

Comprised of: -

Felix Alanis - Vocals (& chainsaw)
Nick Danger (Lamagna) - Guitar
Randy Bio - Bass
Jim Hines - Drums

When I first got this record I really wasn't that keen on it and it sat in the back of a box of singles for about a year being unplayed. On a day much like today, 2 feet of snow and cold enough to freeze your dick off, I played records I'd ignored and this one hit me in a whole new way. Since that day I've been a true convert and own all their releases.

A great band, go buy their new release you won't be dissappointed.

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Fastbacks - Everyday is Saturday (1984)

For Kenny.

The last release on the No Threes label for the Fastbacks. Equally as good as their previous efforts, if you've heard them you know what to expect.

This is the same line up as "five favorites".

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Rain like the Sound of Trains (1993)

Sheesh...where to start.

This band epitomise the incestuous DC nature better than most. Started in the early 90's by: -

Bobby Sullivan - vocals
Pete Chramiec - Guitar
Doug Birdzell (aka Dug E. Bird)- Bass
Joshua LaRue (aka Josh Payne)- Drums

Between them they were in the following bands: -

Underground Soldier, Beefeater, Fidelity Jones, Sevens, Him, Verbal Assault, Lunchmeat, Soulside, Seven League Boots, Spontaneous Earth, The Sorts, Suture, Las Mordidas, All Scars, Jack O'Fire, The Boom and quite a few more besides.

Developing a quirky, rhythmic, funky sound they showed just how far the "post hardcore" sound could be taken. They gigged extensively, opened minds and entertained, but sadly lasted all too briefly and were defunct by '95.

Here you have their first two 7'' What I Want and Bad Man's Grave. They also released a great album and ep...which I'll upload some time.

Music

Fastbacks - Play Five of their Favorites (1982)

Another mightly No Threes release and another mighty release by the Fastbacks. This is their second and was subsidised by a friend of the band. By now Duff had moved on, maybe to the Fartz or the Veins...I can't remember at the moment and I'm too lazy to walk across the room and look at the vinyl.

Anyway Duff was replaced by Richard Stuverud, who'd stay with the band for quite a long time, in Fastbacks terms, but would be one of the million drummers they had. Richard was one of four primary drummers and you can tell the difference from a "real" drummer and a bassist playing drums from their first release.

With some backing In America from this release could have been a hit. It's a great song and all five tracks are superb.

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Pauline Murray & the Invisible Girls (1980)

There's certain artists who just grab you to the core, Pauline is one of these for me. I wish I was eloquent enough to verbalise just how much I love her voice, but i can't. If it was a person I'd marry it. So whilst having a trawl through my music I returned to this album, as I often do. It's a sublime piece of work.

Released in 1980 after Penetration died, Pauline and Robert Blamire (bass) formed the band with the assistance of a cast of thousands most notably: -

Martin Hannett - bass/keyboards/producer (s'fuck off over produced by Martin Hannett take 4)
John Maher - Drums (Buzzcocks)
Vini Reilly - Guitar (Durutti Column)
and more

How Dream Sequence wasn't a major hit for the band is a mystery. When you listen to the crap in the charts today and then listen to that song it's like chalk and cheese. Probably one of my favourite songs ever. Also if you've not heard the excellent 2008 Penetration 7'' 'Our World' pop across and give it a whirl here.

Music

Dead Good Records (1979)

Quite possibly my favourite English record label. I don't think they ever released a duff record, each one was a bit of a stunner. Dead Good were based in Lincoln and I've zipped three of my faves here, both XS-Energy 7'' and the Whizz Kids 7''. There's not a bad track amoungst them.


Whizz Kids reposted.

music

Tank - Filth Hounds of Hades (1982)

This is Tanks first album and the one that most people agree is their finest hour.  Whilst I dearly love this album, I think their 3rd or 4th albums are better, but this one is definitely the punkiest. Filth Hounds has short, sharp and aggressive songs, short and sharp like punk,but with the technical wizardry of metal layered on top. A true mix of punk and metal.

I saw Tank supporting Motorhead three nights in a row in '82 as their then tour manager had been involved in The Damneds '81 tour. I worked for The Damned in '81.  He invited me to three nights at Newcastle city hall and on the third night I got royally drunk with Algy and Lemmy. I drank approximately 10% of their consumption and was three times as pissed...fun times though.

At this stage Tank were a three piece: -

Angly Ward - Bass/Vocals
Mark Brabbs – drums
Pete Brabbs – Guitar

I'd recommend this download as the entry to Tank if you've not heard them before.  They are hugely overlooked in the NWOBHM field, but pissed on ALL of their contemporaries. Tank, with Algy Ward, were an amazing band.

They're still going now, but Algy is no longer with them and it really shows.

Music

Merry Xmas from X

Inspired by Kenny when reading Days of our Youth I trundled on over to purchase my very own copy of this release and can highly reccomened it to anyone who has a penchant for the mightly X. Rather than me ramble on about them pop over to Kenny's place and read his ramblings as I couldn't add anymore.

In the meantime if you have 2 minutes 24 seconds to spare go watch this youtube video of X doing Los Angeles. It's just the best version I've heard them do...and I have a lot of their live shows.....Billy's guitar is simply awesum. X - Los Angeles .....I watch this video too much and everytime end up saying to myself "god, I fucking love X!"

Or X - The New World

Honest to goodness the bars werent open this morning
They must have been voting for a new president of something
Do you have a quarter?
I said yes because i did
Honest to goodness the tears have been falling all over the countrys face

It was better before before they voted for whats his name
This is suppose to be the new world
It was better before before they voted for whats his name
This is suppose to be the new world

Flint ford, auto mobil alabama
Windshield wiper, buffalo new york
Gary indiana, don't forget the motor city
Baltimore and d.c.now all we need is

Don't forget the motor city
This was suppose to be the new world
Don't forget the motor city
This was suppose to be the new world

All we need is money, just give us what you can spare
Twenty or thirty pounds of potatoes or twenty of thirty beers
A turkey on thanks giving like alms for the poor
All we need are the necessities and more

It was better before before they voted for whats his name
This is suppose to be the new world
It was better before before they voted for whats his name
This is suppose to be the new world

Don't forget the motor city
This was suppose to be the new world
Don't forget the motor city
This was suppose to be the new world

Does anyone know if these videos come from an official release?  I really want a copy.

Target of Demand - Man's Ruin (1983)

A brutal slice of early 80's hardcore. If you like your music soft and gentle then avoid this like the plague, it'll make your ears bleed. A great band and a fantastic release from Happy Hermit records :) After they split some members formed Dissension.

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Second Wind - Security (1984)

A group formed out of the ashes of many others by: -

Bert Queiroz (Untouchables, Double-O, Rain, Manifesto, Youth Brigade)
Mike Brown (United Mutation)
Rich Moore (Untouchables, Double-O)
Steve Hansgen (Minor Threat, Governemt Issue, Weatherhead, Emmapeel)

Another one of those great incestuous DC bands.  This release was criticised for sounding too much like Minor Threat, but that was only a passing resemblance to MacKayes vocal style, they were more than that. It's a fine slab of DC punk and contains a great version of Mr Suit by Wire a song that really takes me back as a band I was in used to cover that....fun days.

I've added to the zip a copy of their demo recorded before they split up.  This is more in the Dag Nasty vein and shows a nice progression...shame they never managed to release it with some proper production as it's really good stuff.

Music

Code of Honor - Beware the Savage Jaw (1984)

If I could only listen to 5 albums for the rest of my life, this would be one of them.

Formed at the tail end of 81 when Sick Pleasure lost their singer, happily for the world, Johnathan Christ was able to step in as his previous band, Society Dog, had come to an end. The band released one 7'' "What are we Gonna Do" a split album with Sick Pleasure and this album.

Comprised of: -

Johnathin Christ - Vocals
Michael D Fox - Guitar
Dave Chavez  - Bass
Sal Paradise - Drums

Their first two releases show that hardcore didn't have to follow a standard path and could have it's horizons pushed. Both are excellent releases and are "must haves". However, Beware the Saveage Jaw is where they blew me away.

I was trading records with Americans in the 80's and received this one in a tatty form from a guy who, thought, he'd ripped me off.  He sent me a lot of stuff I hadn't asked for and took some very good stuff in return. I was pissed off at first, but would now thank him as he sent me this record in '84 and I've loved it ever since. This album is one of the pariahs of the punk world and is still dismissed by people who don't sit down and listen to it. This ISN'T an instant album, it takes a few listens, but if/when it clicks it's very rewarding.

All the band could really play their instruments and this release is where they got to show that in fine detail. There isn't a bad track on it and each one flows with intricate bass, guitar and drums, all tied together with Johnathins excellent lyrics and snotty voice. If you haven't heard it, I can't give a fair description of what it sounds like, but it's punk based, pushed beyond it's limits.

I've said previously that there's bands that leave you feeling robbed, Code of Honor are number one on my list. I can only dream of the music that they could have gone on to produce had they survived.

I could drone on about this album for years, but rather than do that can I suggest that you go buy their recently released discography CD from the mighty Subterranean records here Support the label and the band, they both deserve it and the CD's very nice.

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Lyrics here: - lyrics

Overkill - Discography

Not the New York trash metal band, but the LA band formed in 1980 by Ron Cordy & Kurt Markham. After a few false starts with various personnel the band settled upon: -

Merrill Ward -Vocals
Jeff Dimick - Guitar
Ron Cordy - Bass
Kurt Markham - Drums

Completed by Felice LoCoco on guitar they kicked off their own brand of punk mixed with heavy metal in anger.  This was before the crossover was fashionable and meant the band were greeted with mixed reactions from some. They never choose to follow the fashionable/easy route, either punk or metal, and maintained a mid paced sound throughout

Coupled here are their 7'' - Hell's Getting Hotter.  A great slab of punk, more in line with British punk than American hardcore in my opinion.  I base that purely on the mid-tempo pace, but it's still unmistakeably American.

Their album "Triumph of the Will", slated by many as being a second rate metal album, but this is a blinkered and ill-informed view. This IS Overkill, they weren't trying to follow a trend, this is the direction they were always travelling and it's a damn fine album. After a few listens you can't help but sing along as the songs are so catchy.

A demo, debatably from 84, with a stonking version of Blitzkrieg Bop.

They effectively split in 83 after Merril was kicked out and Ron quit to play in Bitch. Overkill are more than just a footnote in punk and hopefully after listening to this you'll agree. Incidentally, Merrill Ward was also in Nig Heist and sang in SWA with Chuck Dukowski.

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