13th Floor Vendetta

Moving Targets - Burning in Water (1986)

2012-02-12T07:26:00.003Z

Since it's been named dropped a couple of time I thought I'd post the album.

Formed in late '81 by Ken Chambers Moving Targets really are a sleeping giant, and sadly so. I'm lost as to why they aren't better known and decades later I'm still bemused as to why they didn't reach the lofty heights of the likes of Husker Du, Replacements, Lemonheads etc; perhaps they were just a little too rough? Who knows. To my ears they are a great blend of punk, pop and melody. I'm sure the world will catch on one day.

This album is by far their finest moment and was delivered by a power trio who could match any, in my opinion. Chambers was joined by Pat Leonard (bass) and Pat Brady (drums) for this release. They were touted as a phenomenal live act, sadly I never got the chance to witness this.

This lineup imploded all too soon and Chambers joined Bullet LaVolta, but continued to write and perform with Moving Targets. They released three more albums under the moniker, but none quite matched this release, although Brave Noise is pretty darn close.. They're all worth tracking down with the final album featuring two members of Jones Very.

I really can't praise this album highly enough it's simply stellar in its beauty....if only they made music like this these days. My Nephew thinks 30 Seconds to Mars and Paramore are punk; I should point him here and educate him, unfortunately I fear his ears aren't refined enough to appreciate it.

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Pat Brady passed away a couple of years ago aged just 43, way too young. He as one hell of a drummer.

Ken Chambers - Take this Ride 7'' (1992)

2012-02-05T08:44:00.003Z

Ken Chambers was a member of the mightly Moving Targets before he was a member of Bullet LaVolta. This is his second solo 7'' released in 1992. If you know the man, then you'll know what to expect; if you don't then this is a great introduction.

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I want to be a cowboy.....

2012-01-29T16:49:00.001Z

I always liked the early Vandals and they will forever remind me of Surburbia and the film below.

The Cuckoos Nest was a club made famous worldwide via the Vandals Peace thru Vandalism 12''. The film below is a documentary about how the place was shut down after cowboys started fights they couldn't finish and the Police, as always, picked on the young punks as the bad guys.

There's a very good quality version of the film on torrents btw.

Urban Struggle: The Battle of the Cuckoos Nest by YorkShackleton

Salad

2012-01-06T20:49:00.000Z

Marijne van der Vlugt <3

Scream - Walking by Myself 7'' (1986)

2012-01-03T18:15:00.002Z

Short and sweet......

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The Stranglers

2011-12-28T08:54:00.001Z

Where's my credit card.........

Magazine - Rhythm of Cruelty 7'' (1979)

2011-12-27T19:41:00.000Z

I guess since I'm talking about John McGeoch it's only fair to post one of his finest moments. Here it is.

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I must have worn out 50 record player needles on this one 7'' alone.

Punk Lives issues 1-11 (a long time ago)

2011-12-27T18:55:00.003Z

Seems like yesterday......as it says; Punk Lives issues 1-11.

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John McGeoch - 25/8/1955 - 4/3/2004

2011-12-27T08:41:00.003Z

I've said it a couple of time before that I get hooked on certain artists who I'll follow throughout their career; John McGeogh was one of the first I hooked onto as a teenager. From the first moments I heard Magazine I was drawn into the guitar and many, many years later I was still following that guitar.

John is one of the best kept secrets in music as far as I'm concerned and that is a tragedy; this guy should be lauded as a guitar hero, he's certainly one of mine. Look at the bands he was in and check out their best moments, he's there in all of them, sometimes not in their initial peak, but definitely within their resurgence. Some of the ones I love are: -

Magazine
Siouxsie & the Banshees
Generation X
The Armoury Show
PIL

Four of those bands are hugely influential, but mention his name to music fans and most will say "who?"; it's criminal. He had such a deft touch, but with a really strong distinctively melodic sound. I could listen to his work for years and not get bored. The link below is a radio broadcast made earlier this year as a tribute to John and is something that is long overdue.

This is a seriously good listen and is 60 minutes well spent if you download it; people from those bands take part.

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The Showbiz Kids - She Goes to Finos (1980)

2011-12-27T05:09:00.001Z

Before the Toy Dolls there was The Showbiz Kids, this is Olgas first band of note. They played around '78 - '80, but Olga had left sometime earlier. The band continued and relesed this 7'' in 1980; they called it a day soon after. Their drummer would later rejoin Olga in the Toy Dolls.

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Jam - Demos

2011-12-24T10:42:00.000Z

Sez it all really.

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Red Cross

2011-12-24T04:23:00.003Z

The same night and Off!

CH3 - Live (1982)

2011-12-23T18:30:00.001Z

Live in '82.

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MDC - Thanks for Giving Me What I didn't Want 7'' (1993)

2011-12-23T17:49:00.000Z

I travelled to Sheffield in '82 to see the Dead Kennedys play the Lead Mill with Peter & the Test Tube Babies and the UK Mau Maus.....luckily we got the see MDC who were also supporting. I remember standing outside in the cold waiting for the doors to open as we'd got there about 8 hours early. Sometime later Jello walked past and stopped dead in his tracks to see my mates bikers jacket with Minor Threat on it; he was shocked we knew who they were.

We'd also discovered MDC and their first album was a major hit with most of my friends, so to see them live was incredible. They, and the DK's, put the UK bands to shame; they looked so tame in comparison.

The merchandising stall was selling the fledgling Maximum Rock n Roll fanzine and I grabbed a copy of issue 1 and 2. I got Dave Dictator to sign issue one later in the night. I still have that somewhere. I'd give my left nut go travel back in time and witness that gig again.

Here's an out of print 7'' from '93.

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Tool

2011-12-22T17:58:00.001Z

As I've said by the early 90's I'd embraced a far wider range of new music due to many of the punk bands treading a formulaic path. Tool were one of the bands I was lucky enough to catch onto very early and was even luckier to see them a few times with 100 or so people the first time 200 the second and 400 the third. The next time was a crowd of a thousand and the last time was five thousand.

I clearly recall seeing them so close their sweat was splattering me and I was transfixed....they were incredible up close. This is a youtube find that has a link to download an earlyish live appearance. I was a huge Tool fan before they lost their edge, but I still love their early work.

There's another guy on youtube posting this but he's disabled embedding so the above film isn't his but the text below is: -

I uploaded this to megaupload for you all to download. It is the best quality version available and will look better than what you see here.
Download the two (2) files and join them with hjsplit.

Download both of the files:
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2P98A0W6
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YM48922E

Join the files with:
http://hjsplit.en.softonic.com/download

Lost Cause - Born Dead 7'' (1981)

2011-12-17T15:01:00.000Z

Lost Cause were formed in early 81' by five young punks and disbanded in mid '82 which was all too brief a period for a good band. Way back when my band used to cover this song....very badly I have to say. They were: -

Johnny Ernst - Vocals
Steve Young - Guitar/vocals
Scott Mitchell - Guitar
Helmut Zarth - Bass
Danny Oberbeck - Drums

They hailed out of California and went on to record an album in early 1982 before splitting up.

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The Crewd - Gather Round (1983)

2011-12-15T19:24:00.000Z

One of the reasons I love SoCal.
One of the reasons I love hardcore.
One of the reasons I loved 1983.
One sided etched 12''.
One you need to get.

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Genius

2011-10-25T16:54:00.000+01:00

Off! .....

2011-08-19T22:34:00.000+01:00

The 3rd one...

Off!

2011-08-13T10:36:00.000+01:00

One more new video to come on the 15th

Rebel Truth - st 7'' (1983)

2011-08-13T10:22:00.003+01:00

I'd never heard this 7'' before I received it, but threw it on my wants list after reading a review in some fanzine. My list was a little A5 booklet that I posted to anyone willing to trade records and some kind person sent me this pretty soon after it was added.

A Californian band whose sole legacy was this 7'' until a few years ago when a compilation cd was released with lots of extras; this is really worth tracking down. The 7'' came with a lyric sheet and a sticker of their logo; my copy had the outer circle coloured in red pen and it sat on my bass guitar for years.

For some people Rebel Truth aren't as instant as some bands, I loved them from day one. I still play this in my car today and I've never grown tired of it.

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Raw Power - Wop Hour 7'' (1985)

2011-08-13T09:42:00.001+01:00

I saw this lot supporting someone, but my failing memory isn't letting me recall who at the moment. I do remember how much they impressed. When these guys were taking off MMR was in full swing so word of them had reached people before their first release came out, 1983, but they never seemed to get the recognition they deserved.

An Italian hardcore punk band formed around the Codeluppi brothers, Mauro and Guiseppe; vocals and guitar respectively. The rest of the band was a pretty revolving door of personnel. They signed a deal with Toxic Shock in '85 and released a great album, Screams from the Gutter, and this 7'', which is fantastic. "I do what I like" is pure gold...the 7'' was produced by Paul Mahern of Zero Boys fame.

They still continue to this day, but with Mauro as the only surviving original member; his brother suffering a fatal heart attack in 2002.

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Big Boys - Fun, Fun, Fun 12'' (1982)

2011-08-11T19:54:00.004+01:00

What a year 1982 was for hardcore, so many classic releases came out that year; nearly 30 years later I'm still hooked on 90% of them. The Big Boys came out of Austin, Texas like a storm into my music world and, at first, I had no clue what to make of them. Should I like, or hate, them...I decided on the former and it didn't take many listens before I was chasing every Big Boys release on day one.

A band who mixed Funk, Punk, Soul and hardcore into one vibrant concoction were always going to impress. Reading about their gigs made me so envious; gigs where the entire crowd danced, not slam danced/moshed, etc, but danced and sang along to the songs. It seemed like a party atmosphere, I wanted in. I never made it.

I'd have loved to have seen this lot live and was hopeful of a reunion at some point, but a house fire took Biscuits life a few years ago.

They left behind a great back catalogue that should be grabbed with both hands and enjoyed for what they were; a truly extraodinary punk band the likes of which we'll never see again.

The band comprised : -

Randy (Biscuit) Turner - Vocals
Tim Kerr - Guitar
Chris Gates - Bass
Fred Schultz - Drums (although they had a number over the years)

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Bands website

Battalion of Saints - Fighting Boys 12'' (1982)

2011-08-11T19:51:00.001+01:00

It probably seems strange now, but one of the things that excited me about record collecting all those years ago were the differences between UK and US records. The UK albums/12'' were printed cardboard that was fairly flimsy, whilst the US was sturdy enough to use as roof tiles. The US also printed the cover art on paper and then stuck the paper onto thick cardboard on many of the early releases.

I remember getting this 12'' in the post and just being blown away by the entire package, the thick cardboard, the cover design (Mad Mark Rude), and then the songs....just wow! Being a sucker for a good guitar riff I was destined to adore this band; I did, and still do.

BoS have been compared to Spinal Tap over the years, rather cruelly as both bands, one real and one fictional, suffered by the deaths of various band members. Chris Smith was one of a number linked to BoS who died way too early.

There's not one release by the Battalion of Saints that isn't, like their name, great.

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Naked Raygun when they were young........

2011-08-04T13:39:00.002+01:00

Butthole Surfers

2011-07-27T18:49:00.002+01:00

Love this song.....

Ed Gein's Car - Brain Dead Baby (1984)

2011-07-23T08:38:00.002+01:00

In 1984 as hardcore was descending into metal, out of New York City came Ed Gein's Car to smash you in the face with a great slab of old style, sing-a-long punk. This was their first 7'' and was closely followed by their long player "Making Dick Dance". Both are as catchy as hell and are "must haves". They released a live album and then disappeared for years until '91 and a new 7'', Naked Man, appeared.

They still play shows to this date.

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Crucified Barbara

2011-07-23T08:09:00.004+01:00

Gotta thank John, again, for alerting me to this band.

Coming out of Stockholm, Sweden, Crucified Barbara Started as a punk band in the late 90's but morphed into a metal, and some say glam, band fairly quickly. Steer clear of this post Kenny; you'll hate them :)

They have two albums so far, both great, the first one being harder and more punky...ish. Comprising: -

Mia Coldheart (Karlsson) - Vocals, lead guitar
Klara Force (Ronnqvist Fors) - Guitar
Ida Evileye (Stenbacka) - Bass
Nicki Wicked (Jannicke Lindstrom) - Drums

I'm not a huge metal head, but I like some and these girls are right up my street, they play hard, uncheesy and catchy songs. Devil horns all round \o/

I could watch this one on repeat for days; Ida's bass playing is hypnotic, great tone.

Oh yeah, let's spend the night
We'll crucify you with no pain, yeah right
Four pieces of dirt and lust
Goddamn it, in distortion we trust

Run fast, you're going down
We are the superstars from Sheep Valley town
The noise will blow your speakers away
If you don't like the shit you don't have to stay

Wicked sounds on the gasoline drums
The Evil eye is watching you
Strings of steel Forces you down
The Crap is mad and it's shouting out loud

L-Seven - Insanity (1982)

2011-07-20T19:47:00.001+01:00

I've always loved this 7'', it's trashy, poppy punk. Released in '82 on touch and go records, although it was listed as touch and go special forces. This was a way of differentiating between the "normal" hardcore on T&G and the more poppy punk of L-Seven. The band comprised: -

Larissa Storlarchuk - Vocals
Dave Rice - Guitar
Scott Schuer - Guitar
Frank Callis - Bass
Kory Clark - Drums

This is the bands only release and they split in '83. Larissa would later play guitar in the Laughing Hyenas with ex members of Negative Approach and, later, the Necros. Sadly she died in 2006. Kory Clark went on to front Warrior Soul. Both these bands are ones I like; Warrior Soul especially.

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G.I.S.M.

2011-07-18T19:32:00.000+01:00

Defcon Zero

2011-07-16T07:47:00.000+01:00

Damn fine band imho.......

Their album's really good...brutally good.

Gastunk - st (1985)

2011-07-16T07:29:00.000+01:00

There's something about Japanese punk/hardcore that always grabbed me, they seem to be able to take many musical elements and totally fuck them up into something appealing. Gastunk were/are one of the premier league bands and this is their first 7'' from '85.

Formed after baby left Execute, they went on to influence a large number of Japanese bands. They've split and reformed a number of times over the years.

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Sub Second Rocket - Horsepower (2001)

2011-07-16T06:53:00.007+01:00

Not punk warning!

By the early 90's I'd kinda given up on a lot of punk as too much of it seemed to be very closely based on bands who'd gone earlier; especially the power pop bands who based themselves on Bad Religion via Green Day. I like Dookie and early Green Day, but there's only so much of them, and their copyists, I can take. So consequently there wasn't anywhere near the quantity of new punk being added to my list as the previous two decades.

Other routes became far more appealing for me to travel. Bands like Mother Love Bone, Janes Addiction, Tool, Dub War, Tad, Solice, Flaw, Earshot, Alice in Chains, K-line, Helmet, DAD, Manifesto Jukebox, Ministry, RATM, Masters of Reality etc etc were knocking spots off the bubblegum punk bands imo....Blink 182.....please!!!

Sub Second Rocket were part of the Stoner Rock scene and fucking good they were as well. Hailing out of Sweden and consisting of: -

Peter Magnusson - Vocals
Patric Ifverson - Guitar
Daniel Melkersson - Bass
Ola Sundström - Drums

They, sadly, didn't last too long, but managed to spit out some fine releases; this one being a 4 song promo for their long player.

They formed in 1998 and by 2004 they were gone, another band killed in the Napster cull. A real shame as they could kick some stonking riffage. I had the pleasure of chatting to Daniel some years ago and he sent me a few demos; nice guy.

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Alice in Chains

2011-07-16T06:32:00.002+01:00

A classic song from a great band.

Fudge Tunnel

2011-07-13T20:27:00.000+01:00

Twisted Nerve - Caught in Session (1982)

2011-07-13T18:48:00.002+01:00

A band who, around this time, were lumped in with the bourgeoning goth scene, UK Decay, Southern Death Cult etc....there was so many sub genres then. To me, and my mates, they were just another punk type band.....looking back they probably were goth.

Championed by the mighty John Peel they formed in Edinburgh in '78. They had a number of releases, this being their first 7'', however they had appeared on Mint Sauce for the Masses comp two years earlier. This was a peel session put to vinyl. I only had one more of their releases back then as I'd hit hardcore like a brick wall. I still like this release....takes me back :)

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Front Page - Qualified (1981)

2011-07-13T18:14:00.001+01:00

You won't believe how many years I've been searching for this album, well the release date will give you a clue; now I have it, I'm kinda disappointed. Their first 7'' is just staggeringly good, so naturally I wanted this album to be as good and, sadly, it's not.

It starts on a huge high note with the opening track called Summernight Sensation and raises hopes of a joyous trip down the early 80's punk/new wave avenue, but it quickly runs down a cul-de-sac and rarely returns.

Anyway, as I chased this for years and haven't seen it pop up anywhere, not that I'm a huge surfer, I thought I'd throw it out there. It's worth getting for the first track alone btw.

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The Go Go's

2011-07-08T19:59:00.000+01:00

The Stranglers ......

2011-07-07T19:19:00.000+01:00

Just noticed this on their official website...woot!!

"We finally felt ready to start the recording process.

Quite a few ideas had been rejected, others had been kept on the back boiler not quite complete but not totally disposable.

Are these lyrics naff or are they saying something? Is this just a fourth form rant or is it meaningful? Does this melody remind you of anything or anyone? What rhythm can we hang this melody on? Is this song at the right tempo? Does this piece sound like prog rock? Is there enough space in this one?

Well, the first four pieces are underway. Their titles are Freedom is Insane (which many of you wll have heard during the tour earlier this year), Giants , Time Was Once On My Side and Boom Boom (not the John Lee Hooker song).

Watch this space..."

Their last two albums were a REAL return to form and if you haven't seen them live since Paul left...do. They're a fantastic live band again as a four piece, with Baz doing a great job as the other frontman.

The Stranglers.

The Damned - Shadows of the Damned (2011)

2011-07-07T18:44:00.006+01:00

Can you believe it....35 years. It seems like two seconds since I was standing around the back of the school buying a second hand copy of Neat ,Neat, Neat.

The Damned remain my favourite band from then 'till now, yet I've not seen them live for years, 1986/87 I think.....that gig was a desperately poor event with Bryn and Roman trying to fill the boots of giants and not managing to do it. The atmosphere was dead, the banter with the crowd was gone and it almost looked professional...a bad, bad thing.

I now avoid them as I'm not a fan of the way Dave sings the old songs....I should cut them some slack and attend this years gig where they'll play Damned, Damned, Damned and the Black Album in their entirety.....hmmmm, I might just do that. God knows, no band has given me more pleasure than this lot.

Anyway...here's an MP3 of a recent song they did for the sound track of a computer game called shadows of the damned. I've no idea what the game's like, but the song's pretty damned good.....I did it again. :)

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Flatfoot 56 - Courage (video)

2011-06-30T19:02:00.000+01:00

Being lazy, so another vid....but it's a goody.

Bad Religion.

2011-06-26T15:53:00.002+01:00

1981

2011-06-25T08:12:00.004+01:00

I stumbled across this band last year and they're an instant hit with me. Hailing from Finland and often being described as anarcho punk or post punk and citing influences like Zounds and the Mob (UK). They've only had a few releases which you can find details of here.

I've managed to track down two of the releases which are on constant rotation. Have a listen to the songs on their Myspace page, "Alone" is so catchy.

True Sounds of Liberty (TSOL)

2011-06-23T19:01:00.008+01:00

TSOL swept across my circle of friends like wildfire in the early 80's. From the very first imported release it was obvious this band weren't a run-of-the-mill hardcore band, they had something extra.

For the first few years of their existence they took you on pretty much every ride possible, eventually running of out speed in a sad display that left a bitter taste in my mouth. True to TSOL standards they managed to erase that.....

Formed in the late 70's from the ashes of Vicious Circle their first release was a 12'', on Posh Boy records, which was the first release I got to hear via a taped copy; I was instantly a fan.

Released in 1981 this record was politically charged and stands up as well today as the day it was released.

The band comprised : -

Jack Grisham - Vocals
Ron Emory - Guitar
Mike Roche - Bass
Todd Barnes - Drums

This would be the consistent line-up for the first few years, and without a shadow of doubt, the best/classic line-up.

The band were all big lads and wouldn't take any shit from the audience, which they often got as they weren't afraid of challenging the stereotype, Jack would often wear makeup on stage.

They were also a band who didn't sit still and with their next release they kicked out a gothic classic, still with the drive of the first 12'', but introducing a much darker sound.

Dance with me was released in 1981, on Frontier records, and could lurch from fast hardcore to the astounding beauty of a song like Silent Scream. If there was any doubt this album made it abundantly clear that TSOL had real talent.

Their next release was the Weathered Statues ep released on Alternative Tentacles and was a good continuation from Dance with Me.

Their second long player is my favourite, and was at the time of release, but was the one that was slammed by fans. To parallel the UK's Punk scene a few years earlier, US bands tried to push the envelope and were dismissed by fans for doing so; The Damned and Adverts second albums were slated as were Bad Religions, Code of Honors and TSOLs.

Released in 1982 on Alternative Tentacles they added keyboards to their sound with Greg Keuhn providing the fingers.

This album is a huge departure from this previous releases and received, at best, lukewarm reviews; you can find some here.

They appeared in the wonderful Suburbia film around this time.

The band had a torrid time on the road with this album resulting in the sad departure of both Jack Grisham and Todd Barnes.

Ron and Mike recruited Joe Wood and Mitch Dean as replacements and they released the good "Change Today" album in 1984. The album was more rock and even though Ron was still there it didn't really sound like a TSOL album to me. They then released "Revenge" in 1986, I bought this, but must have played it 10 times since that day.

This is where things started to go very, very wrong for me as they released the terrible "Hit & Run" album, by which time Ron had quit the band. An equally horrible release of "Strange Love" followed in 1990 by which time they'd become a poor second rate hair metal band. Joe Wood did a good job on Change Today, but, to me, he dragged a great bands name through the dirt with sub standard formulaic blues/rock albums and I wouldn't give either of these releases shelf space.

In the 90's the original members of the band started to play some live dates, but the rights to the TSOL name were now owned by Joe Wood and Mitch Dean who prevented the originals from playing under that moniker, so they played as LOST......TSOL backwards. This didn't last long enough to produce anything in the studio, but did result in a live album. Drugs had always played a part of the band and this is why this reunion ended.

This could have been the epitaph for TSOL and it would have been a very unfitting and messy end for a very important band. Happily this isn't the case as in the late 90's the original members fought a legal case for the rights to the bands name and won. Unfortunatly around this time Todd Barnes passed away from a brain aneurysm and was replaced by Jay O'Brien.

The reunited original members then released a great 7','Anticop, followed closely by their first studio long player in nearly 20 years. Disappear was released in 2001 on Nitro records and was a great return to form and is a perfect fit with the first four releases.

In 2003 they released "Divided we Fall", again on Nitro and this has become my 2nd favourite TSOL album. The album is a tour de force that has all the elements of TSOL that I love so much, the swirling, atmospheric guitars of Ron, the melody, the pianos/keyboards, the drive, fiery lyrics, a great back beat of bass and drums, finished off with Jacks great voice. You could pick a number of songs from this album and drop them into the early releases and you wouldn't be able to spot them.

In 2006 it appeared the reformation was over as TSOL played some farewell shows, but in 2007 they played some more shows together and in 2009 they released another new album. "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of free Downloads" was available to download for a period of time in 2009. The title of this opens up a huge can of worms for me and something I'm struggling with atm...time will tell if it develops.

This is a very good album, if a little softer than DWF, but a fine addition to the TSOL legacy.

I'd be hard pushed to choose a favourite American HC singer, but Jack would be top five, if you throw in the charisma and wit then he'd be number one. I love some of his banter in this vid. It's not the best sound quality, but wtf it's TSOL. You can download a copy this video to your harddrive if you follow the "share" link.

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Government Issue

2011-06-20T18:33:00.000+01:00

Someone, somewhere has more of this.....

Love the guitar at 0.43 'till the end....

Strelnikoff

2011-06-17T21:00:00.000+01:00

Naked Raygun

2011-06-14T21:41:00.000+01:00

I hope Pierre hasn't left....

Toyah! Toyah! Toyah! - Toyah (1980)

2011-06-12T06:39:00.004+01:00

It's verging on a crime to admit that you were a fan of Toyah these days, or at least once admitted it's expected that you'll have the common decency to look embarrassed and remove yourself from the room. However, I was a fan and saw the band in concert a few times. I do have a limit though and it was pretty much reached soon after the release of this album.

The bands early career from 1979 - 1980 is where they had me hook, line and sinker; 5 singles and three albums, all still sounding great to my ears. This was recorded to coincide with an ATV television documentary on Toyah, also shown in '80. This album's panned by many as crap, I always liked it and still do.

It's easy to forget, and dismiss, the impact the band had in their early days, they really did stand out from the crowd and were still grouped into the punk category, despite what she says in the documentary. Without the punk crowd, gigs would have be spartan and they might not have achieved the commercial success that was just over the horizon from this release.

In early '81 the band released "four from Toyah" which included the song "It's a Mystery" and that was it, so ended my mini love affair with Toyah.

I saw the band for the last time in '81 and felt totally out of place, as gone were most of the punks being replaced with screaming kids. I saw the exact same thing with Adam & the Ants a month or so later.

The ATV television documentary

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Headstrong - st (2002)

2011-06-09T21:04:00.010+01:00

I have no doubt most people will hate this, personally, I love it.

They started in the early 90's as Bomb32, in Toronto, and were lumped in with 311, Helmet etc. They changed their name to Headstrong and were signed to RCA who jumped on them after a huge wave of public support and could no doubt could smell money.

They recorded this, their only album, in London, Ontario and it was quickly released. In a disgusting show of corporate greed RCA dropped the band 6 months after the albums release, due to poor sales. Disillusioned the band called it quits and split up. Joel Krass posted some of the demos they were working on prior to the split on youtube.

Consisting of:-

Matt Kinna - Vocals
Joel Krass - Guitar
Joe Cohen - Bass
Brian Matthews - Drums

These guys can really play thier instruments. I'd loved to have heard more from them and this album should be wider knwon. It's not punk, but it's as powerful as hell and has all the vitriol and angst of punk. Enjoy/hate - whatever. :)

The softest track, and single, from the album.

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I've loaded 5 of the 12 tracks so you can get a feeling for what they were like. The album is still available on amazon or iTunes, so if you like it pop over there and buy it; it's only £8 and the band deserve to get their cut.

One of the unreleased tracks.

H-Blockx

2011-06-09T19:47:00.000+01:00

I do like this band...even their newer stuff. Germany ftw......

Wool - Budspawn (1992)

2011-06-07T09:18:00.003+01:00

So as mentioned below, this band started life in the early 90's when Scream imploded. The Stahl brothers recruited ex Governent Issue drummer Pete Moffett and ex Concrete Blonde bassist Al Bloch (brother of Kurt from the Fastbacks).

They released their first 7'' , Little Darlin in 1992 on the Fuck You record label. This was followed by this brilliant release. Budspawn, self released, should be available today as it's so under rated and should be better known. Here they plough a more melodic rock/punk vein and there's not a duff track on it.

Pete Moffett exited the band after this release and was replaced by Chris Bratton ex Inside Out. The band signed to London Records and recorded the, also, excellent Box Set, but due to poor sales they were dropped. The band split in 1996, which is a damn shame imo.

Pete and Franz both went onto various other projects, but nothing matches this, or Scream; I think they're both at their best when working together.

Franz MySpace

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Scream - Mardi Gras (1990)

2011-06-07T08:46:00.002+01:00

The story of Scream should be well know, but just in case. A band started in 1981 in Virginia and inextricably linked to the Washington DC scene. The band consisted of the Stahl brothers, Pete (vocals) and Franz (guitar) Skeeter Thompson, (bass) and Kent Stax (drums). They were easily one of the scenes leading lights releasing their first album (Still Screaming), on Dischord, in 1983, which immediately became a classic of its genre.

Their second album (This Side Up) is also a classic in my opinion, by which time they'd added a second guitarist in Robert Lee (Harley) Davidson. A poor 3rd album (Banging the Drum) followed and Kent Stax left the band to be replaced by Dave Grohl.

Dave played on the 4th and 5th albums where the band played a more rock orientated sound.
Both of these albums are very good - No More Censorship/Fumble. Fumble was recorded in 1989, but wasn't released until 1993 when Dischord stepped in.

The band split up in 1990 after Skeeter stole the bands equipment to sell for drugs. Pete and Franz formed Wool and Dave went onto Nirvana.

They also released two 7'', Walking by Myself and this one. They were a great live band, full of power and energy, totally inspiring.

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Scream

2011-06-04T20:10:00.001+01:00

Can't wait (again)......lifted from the Dischord site: -

Scream will be releasing an EP of new material on SideOneDummy Records. The "Complete Control Session" was recorded live by Dave Grohl for the Complete Control Radio show and will be released on 10" vinyl and digitally on August 16th.

Manifesto (Michael Hampton, Bert Queiroz, Ivor Hanson)

2011-06-04T20:01:00.001+01:00

So back to these guys, I posted their album here a long time ago.

Burn was their first 7'' released in '89; the b side, Long Time, appeared on their album, but this version is slightly rougher. I've also lumped in their first 12'', History.

Michael Hampton would be in my top guitarists list, along with Tom Lyle. I still don't get why they stopped making music, but hey, I'm thankful for what they've given.

If anyone has a copy of their second 12'', Walking Backwards, please hook me up. :)

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Adolescents - Fastest kid Alive (2011) - hopefully

2011-06-04T08:18:00.005+01:00

According to rumours/reports this album is just about to be released.......can't wait as their last effort was the best since their first. There's more of the album on youtube btw

Abandoned - Killed by Faith (1985)

2011-06-04T08:06:00.004+01:00

A band formed by ex members of Modern Industry, who'd also play in the Flower Leperds. Whilst they were gathering these songs they asked Tony Cadena/Montana/Reflex etc (Adolescents) to write lyrics for the band. Their singer, Mark Marshall, left so Tony stepped in to sing and record this album; the only release from that period.

Released in 1985 on Savage Beat. I found this by pure chance as I'd no idea it was out, or even that it had been recorded. During one of my mammoth Volume records/Virgin record searches I saw this and flipping it around the record label caught my eye, and then Tony's name. I hadn't heard it, but based on Tony's name alone I bought it. Luckily I like a bit of metal as this is exactly what it is, a classy piece of punk/metal cross over.

Unlike some of the tacky attempts by others, SSD/DYS spring to mind, this is actually very good. The band was completed by : -

Jimi Huge - Guitar (Modern Industry/Flower Leperds)
Reid Campbell - Bass (Modern Industry)
Mark Banks - Drums (YNA)

A retrospective cd was released a good few years ago, but it appears that it wasn't sanctioned by all the members of the band, i.e. the ones listed here.

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Modern Industry released one 7'' on Toxic Shock in '83, it was made available on iTunes or here last year. Due to that I'll load one song as a taster

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Send in the troops.....

2011-06-03T10:41:00.001+01:00

Modern Warfare

Their first 7'' released in 1980 on the fabulous Bemisbrain record label. They consisted of: -

Jim Bemis - Guitar/Vocals
Steve Sinclair - Bass
Ron Goudie - Guitar
Tish Lucca - Keyboards
Randy Scott - Drums

They lasted until 1983 releasing a second 7'' and appearing on a few compilations. This 7'' was produced by Geza X.

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Vatican Commandos

Formed in 1980 and lasting until 1985 they released two 7'' and one 12''. Probably more famous now for the fact that Richard Hall was a member of the band, he's better known as Moby....yes that Moby. They produced snotty hardcore that sounds as good today as it did when it was released, which was 1983. They reformed for a few shows last year.

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Minutemen

A band most people either love or hate; there doesn't appear to be much middle ground with them. I've no idea how anyone could hate them. I love their jazzy, manic punk. Three guys who could all really play and meshed so well as a unit.

Formed out of the ashes of the Reactionaries by D Boon, Guitar/vocals and Mike Watt, Bass they recruited George Hurley on drums and began touring extensively. They lasted from 1980 until 1985 when the untimely death of D Boon brought things to a shuddering halt. They left behind a wealth of music to explore and all of it is great imho. This was released in 1981.

Mike Watt and George Hurley continued as fIREHOSE after some persuasion as they were obviously shattered by the death of their friend. fIREHOSE produced some great music also.

You can only wonder what the Minutemen would have gone on to produce had D Boon survived.

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Cheifs

OK so it's a tenuous "troop" link, but, hey, it's a good single.

Coming out of Hollywood CA, they played a great old style punk and are often cited as being a bridging band from the old punk to the new hardcore.

They released a cd a few years ago that is a must have as it gathered together their official releases, demos, unreleased tracks etc in one place. You can find it here. Hollywest Crisis is a classic song. This is their single from 1980.

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Suicide Commandos

I've had this record for soooooo many years and it never gets old. Cited as being a big influence on a young Bob Mould. Formed in 1975 and lasting until 1979 they had less than a handful of releases, this being their only studio long player from that period. ..... but, wow, what a long player. I'm still staggered that this was released in 1978, it just beggars belief; it's so good and hasn't dated at all.

They reformed a couple of years ago to do some gigs and there's some good footage on you tube from this time. myspace

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Salvation Army - Mind Gardens 7'' (1981)

2011-06-02T09:00:00.004+01:00

I first heard this 7'' 30 years ago, I feel old, and its sublime beauty just blew me away; 30 years later I'm still blown away.

Released in 1981 on the Minutemen's New Alliance label the band consisted of: -

Michael Quercio - Vocals/Bass
John Blazing - Guitar
Troy Howell - Drums

The band were teenagers at this time and were signed to Frontier soon after this 7'' where they released their first album.

For obvious reasons a forced name change ensued and they became The Three O'Clock who were leading lights of the Paisley Underground scene which exploded in the early 80's with bands such as Rain Parade, The Bangles, Green on Red etc. The Three O' Clock were a little too polished for me, but this single is stunning, still.

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Uk Subs

2011-06-02T07:44:00.002+01:00

The Damed - Live Birmingham Odeon '77

2011-06-01T19:56:00.000+01:00

Nothing more to say really.

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Penetration - The Feeling 7'' (2010)

2011-05-30T12:13:00.002+01:00

I've no idea how this one slipped past me, but better late than never I guess.

Penetration/Pauline Murray can do no wrong in my eyes so it's no surprise that I think this is great. It's on iTunes for £2.00 ish, three tracks, buy it and support the bands. The 3rd track is a live version of Come into the Open.

Auweia! - There's no freedom, there's nur Scheisse (2010)

2011-05-30T11:08:00.006+01:00

I've never really been a fan of non English speaking music, primarily as I want to be able to sing along and I find that very difficult when I've no clue what's being said. There are a few bands I listen to and I'm sure I'm missing out, but I've got more music than I can shake a stick at anyway so.....

.....a mail landed last night from a band asking me to link them....hmmm they sing in German, I'm not gonna like this. The mail, probably a mailshot, said: -

Hey we want to spread our first lp all over the world :D so maybe you like our sound. we play german punkrock in style of the good old 80ties like tin can army, toxoplasma, slime or razzia. so it would be an honour for us if you relink it on your page! Keep the spirit alive D.I.Y. until we die!

We also got some english translations in our lyricssheet!

It's all true, this is old style punk, great tunes and if it was in English I'm sure I'd be horse from singing along. The fact that this isn't in English doesn't detract,this is seriously good..

You really need to give this a listen, makes me miss the old days. I've no idea who they are, or their history, but I'm going to find out and if I can help spread the word of their stuff to one person it's job done as far as I'm concerned. Lebensqualität is my fave track so far.

Album here

Naked Raygun - Home 7'' (1990)

2011-05-30T08:53:00.006+01:00

Naked Raygun came like a bolt out of the blue to a guy sitting in England in the 80's. By the time Throb Throb hit my doorstep, 1985, hardcore had become fairly formulaic with the diversity of the early days being replaced with a sieved derivative of the major players. So to have a band who didn't follow anyone else's path and managed to mix power, speed and incredibly catchy hooks was manna from heaven.

Existing from 1980 - 1991 they released 5 ep's and 5 albums, all of which are excellent. This 7'', released in 1990, was an instant hit and has been a favourite of mine ever since.

If you don't know the band grab Home and then head over here and have a read. If you are a fan but don't have the two 7'' shown below head over to iTunes and grab them, they're both staggeringly good and extend a great back catalogue. I hope they release an album soon...oh and tour the UK again.

I was lucky enough to see them in Leeds many moons ago and was told off for stage diving, sorry Jeff! They're one of those hardcore bands who just get better with age.

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And I'm stumbling home

Tonight I feel alone

And the skies fire

I really feel the rain

And I just move along

Wild, not to belong

And the pain, God,

I really feel the pain

Chorus

I'm thinking on and on about it

I always dream and I don't like it

Feeling sad but I can't fight it

Home

In a fever I think I'm dead

Coloured acid webs in my head

Am I sane now?

I just don't feel the same

Dance a twisted scene

To melodies obscene

I think I'll drink now

It's my house anyhow

The Nerves - ep (1976)

2011-05-30T07:47:00.003+01:00

So whilst I'm talking about Blondie I may as well throw this one out there. Best known as a major hit by Blondie "Hanging on the Telephone" was actually a cover version of a Nerves song.

Released in 1976 as a self financed 7'', it promptly sank without a trace until it was picked up by Blondie who made it internationally known. I'd be hard pushed to choose which version of this song I prefer; they're both great. The group consisted of: -

Jack Lee - Guitar
Peter Case - Bass
Paul Collins - Drums

The Nerves lasted for a very brief period before they split. Case and Collins went on to form the Plimsouls in the late 70's.

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Blondie - Panic of Girls (2011)

2011-05-30T07:20:00.001+01:00

It's soooooo good to have a new album from Blondie to throw into the mix of their great back catalogue, and this one stands up very well against them all. It's the best album since they reformed and I'd highly recommend it. I got mine from amazon and, with a discount ticket, it only cost me £6.49, which is a stupidly low price.

Happy birthday to Debbie for the 1st July, 66 and still kicking arse.

This is available to digitally download now: -

amazon.co.uk -- iTunes -- HMV -- Tesco

Blondie - Mother 7'' (2011)

2011-05-28T13:42:00.002+01:00

I love this, 99 pence from iTunes = Bargin; can't wait for the album. ....and yes, I still would! :)

Void - Condensed Flesh ep (1992)

2011-04-27T17:02:00.001+01:00

A demo originally recorded in 1981 at Inner Ear and engineered/mixed by Don and Ian, but not released until 1992. I can't explain how much I love this band and just how revolutionary they were way back when, nothing like them existed. No wonder bands like the Business and Vice Squad lost their appeal pretty quickly when compared to this....poles apart.

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I managed to trade, beg, borrow & steal many a demo tape and I got a copy of this unreleased album and kinda quickly realised why it remained unreleased. It's just not up to the standard of their other stuff, but worth the odd spin nonetheless.

It follows the route taken by others at the time of trying to move beyond their roots and what they did best, but not quite managing to do so. Having said that I still like it. Recorded in '83 and still not officially released.

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Possibly the best album of 2011???

2011-04-27T15:48:00.000+01:00

So way back in the early 80's I was a fan of Hanoi Rocks, they weren't punk, but they certainly had an attitude and played some great tunes. Their first two albums are the best, but by album 4 they'd lost me altogether.

I've followed various members bands and solo careers ever since, with varying degrees of interest. Did you know that Sam Yaffa was a member of Murphy's Law...interesting music fact. I've got one Mike Monroe solo album and it's ok so, to be really honest, I wasn't that enthusiastic when a guy at work turned me on to his latest solo effort, but I gave it a listen...and wow it's great. Thanks again John.

His current band consists of two parts Hanoi Rocks: - Himself and Sam Yaffa on bass
One part Wildhearts - Ginger on Guitar
One part New York DOlls - Steve Conte on Guitar
and one part Danzig/Chelsea Smiles - Karl Rockfist on drums...what a rock n'roll name!

The whole album is great with not one filler track....this is the first single from the album.

His site is here.

Poly Styrene - RIP

2011-04-26T11:10:00.000+01:00

a lifted cut and paste.......

Former X-Ray Spex singer and punk legend Poly Styrene ( aka Marian Joan Elliott-Said) has died of cancer age 53, according to the NME.

A spokesperson for the singer confirmed the sad news with NME following hours of speculation by her fans on twitter.

Her death comes less than two months after Spex announced her battle with Breast Cancer and only weeks after the release of her highly anticipated solo album Generation Indigo which was described by the BBC as “…a pop dance album par excellence bristling with positivity, tunes and ideas.”

Captain Sensible radio interview

2011-04-18T19:14:00.001+01:00

A nice little listen - here.

If you click on Captains name he's uploaded some demos as well......

Whale.....

2011-04-15T20:18:00.000+01:00

...Hobo Humpin Slobo Babe...a song, and band, I'd almost forgotten about until I unearthed a dusty box of cd's.....glad I did.

Alloy - Untied 7'' (1992)

2011-04-14T18:58:00.002+01:00

Vic Bondi time again......

He formed Alloy with Roger Marbury - Bass (Dag Nasty, BMO), Patrick Mahoney- Guitar and Colin Sears - Drums (Dag Nasty, Minority of One). However by the time this record was released, in England, Colin had been replaced with Pete Hines (Murphy's Law, Cro Mags).

The A side is about the end of the cold war and is pretty much what you'd expect from Vic Bondi. This is a mid tempo release with a really nice hook, well I think so anyway, but I'm bias. They released two 7'' and three albums, all of them are well worth tracking down.

My Space

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Spastic Rats - Rodentia 7'' (1985)

2011-04-13T18:45:00.001+01:00

Don't be put off by the name, this is really good.

Another of the bands who ended up on my wants list after reading a review in MRR who kinda raved over it...and they mentioned that it was mixed at Inner Ear and produced by Don Zientara, a name that made me add any record to my list. When it arrived I was well happy.

I would go on to ramble on about the band, but if you like what you hear have a look at their website created last year here it has some nice history.

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Condemned to Death - Diary of a Love Monster (1984)

2011-04-11T19:10:00.000+01:00

C2D came out of the Vats, mentioned earlier in the post about the Sluglords. The Vats was an abandoned brewery where people squated and bands rehearsed/formed, along with the Sluglords/C2D it was also home to MDC and DRI....imagine getting to hear those bands each week for free!!

Condemned to Death formed in San Francisco in early '83 Keith Chatham (bass) completed the lineup of a bassless band rehearsing in the Vats. The other members were Eddie Morgan (vocals), Tim Nelson (guitar), Mike Chubka (drums). They released a demo, one 7'' and this excellent, uncompromising slab of hardcore.

Just as they were recording this album singer Eddie decided to leave the band and the album was completed with the addition of Scott Wilkins, as well as some songs being sung by the remaining members. This lineup wasn't destined to last a long time as Keith moved to Australia and joined Death Sentence/Vicious Circle, Mike and Scott joined fellow Vats band Verbal Abuse and Tim to the Serial Killers. All these bands releases are worth tracking down.

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Over hyped and rightly so......part 2

2011-04-03T09:17:00.000+01:00

If you like your punk slightly poppy with catchy as hell choruses, then look no further; these two are diamonds.

The Edge

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Detention

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Stiv Bators - Last Race (1996)

2011-04-02T09:37:00.001+01:00

After the Lords of the New Church disbanded in the late 80's Stiv was living in Paris and he'd started to record some songs for another solo record. He recruited a number of people to assist him, including: -

Dee Dee Ramone - Bass

Johnny Thunders - Guitar

Neal X - Guitar (Sigue Sigue Sputnik - incidentally one of the worst live gigs I've ever seen was these guys)

Tony James - Bass (Gen-X, SS Sputnik)

Kris Dollimore - Guitar (Godfathers)

Stephen Richie - Drums

So the story goes, on day one Dee Dee had an argument with Johnny and after a few teddies were thrown they both stormed off back to the states. Stiv continued with replacements and this cd was the result. It's not the finished article as not long into recording he was hit by a car, got up, dusted himself off and went home, dying later that night from internal injuries. Such a shame.

There are rumours that demos exist of the first day, but I'm not holding out. This is as close as we'll get I suppose. Stiv Bators was great, there's not a single release of his that I dislike.

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The Wards - The World Ain't Pretty & Neither are We 7'' (1983)

2011-04-02T07:24:00.001+01:00

Formed in the late 70's in Vermount by teen school friends: -

Tea Curley - Vocals
Beano Parker - Guitar
Eric Heisse - Bass
Seman Lincoln - Drums

The songs on this, their first 7'', were written between 79-81' but werent' recorded until '83 when they released them on thier own label. They had a few more releases, all very good, but this one blew me away and still does 28 years later. Back then I'd have a huge wants list A5 booklet that I'd post all over the shop to various people. I was alerted to these from reviews in MMR and Flipside which made it sound interesting, I wasn't disappointed when it arrived.

They manage to mix real lo-fi punk/hardcore with the right amount of garage to make an excellent snotty record. Reading about them live makes it sound like a right hoot as they'd play until they were forced to leave the satge, they'd order pizza mid gig and eat it, have fights and generally cause mayhem. Sounds like fun to watch.

If anyone has a good quality recording of their '84 tape "ripped off in Boston" please hook me up with a copy.

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New York Dolls - Dancing Backward in High Heels.

2011-04-01T18:07:00.018+01:00

I'm always a little dubious when a band reforms after a long break as it can sometimes just mean they want to make some cash and run the nostalgia circuit; Sex Pistols anyone? I'm not against that per se but I prefer it when a band reforms and continues to releases records, so the Dolls reforming was an "oh shit" moment as it could've been a disaster. Gladly, if you bought Coz I sez So, you'll know it wasn't as it's a bloody good record.

They just played my home town recently and I neglected to go, a move I might well regret, but thanks to a guy at work, hi John, I've now heard their latest album - Dancing backward in high heels. This wasn't as instant as the previous one, but it's still a good record and definitely worth investing a few quid in.

Here's a track from their previous album: -

Johnny Thunders - So Alone (1978)

2011-04-01T18:07:00.017+01:00

I like the early New York Dolls, but I wasn't a massive fan, they were just a decent band imo. On the other hand i was a huge fan of The Heartbreakers and Johnny Thunders; this is his first solo release and something he never managed to better, again imo. The line up who played on this record is just a who's who of artists I love: -

Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Pistols.
Paul Gray and Steve Nicol - Eddie and the Hot Rods
Chrissie Hynde - The Pretenders
Phil Lynott - Thin Lizzy (yep....I love them)
Steve Marriott -Small Faces
Patti Palladin - Snatch
Walter Lure and Billy Rath - The Heartbreakers
Peter Perrett and Mike Kellie - The Only Ones
Steve Lillywhite - producer extraordinaire

This was recorded after the Heartbreakers split due to pressures from recording LAMF. I'd be hard pushed to pick between the two albums; LAMF is straight ahead punk/rock album, while this is Thunders in a more relaxed mode. It's a great, great album.

I got to see Thunders quite a few times, and the Heartbreakers, and he was mostly good to great, but the last time I saw him playing has left a bad memory as he was completely wasted, missing chords, forgetting lyrics and playing for far too short a time. Sad really.

It's 20 years this month since he died/was murdered...who knows, I guess we never will.

RIP Mr Genzale and many thanks for the great music.

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Idols - You (1979)

2011-04-01T18:07:00.016+01:00

After the Heartbreakers disbanded Jerry started a band with a couple of ex early London scensters and an ex doll: -

Steve Dior - Guitar/Vocals
Barry Jones - Guitar
Arthur Kane - Bass
Jerry Nolan - Drums

This was their only release and it's really good, but sadly after a stint back in the states Jerry was refused re-entry to the UK due to his previous drugs infractions and it ended the band. Steve and Barry kept playing around and they eventually morphed into the London Cowboys with Glen Matlock.

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Jerry Nolan - Take a Chance with Me 7'' (1982)

2011-04-01T18:07:00.014+01:00

Jerry's solo single using an old Heartbreakers song as the A side, interesting if not destined to set the world on fire. The cover photo was taken by his wife Charoltte Nedeby; the A side featured Sylvain Slvain on keyboards.

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H-Blockx

2011-03-28T18:45:00.002+01:00

A nice little ditty from an old nu-metal/crossover/rap-metal....ah bollocks they're just a good band.....

Cult Maniax - Blitz (1982)

2011-03-23T19:26:00.000Z

It wasn't all American hardcore for me in the 80's there were some UK bands that blew me away, this is one of those bands and they had me for a good number of their releases. John Peel was another source of good music and you'd be glued to his nightly show from 10pm 'till 12 hoping to hear something new. The Black Horse ep was played by Peel and was a good introduction to the Cult Maniax, but this release was jaw droppingly good when I first heard it in a local record shop called Listen Ear.

They formed in the late 70's and released their first record in '81. They managed to release records on a regular basis until they split in '86. I never get tired of playing the A side of this 7''.

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The Chameleons - In Shreds (1982)

2011-03-23T18:54:00.003Z

In January it was a year since my mate died and I toyed with the idea of posting a few releases that he'd got me into back when, but thought it was perhaps a little twee so decided not to. However, there is one release that he got me into in '82 that immediately transports me back in time to his bedroom waiting for him to crimp and spike his hair; the tosser took years to do anything, prior to going out to get drunk....and this is it.

I should have started by saying this ISN'T punk, it was classed as post-punk....make of that what you will. The Chameloens weren't a band I knew much about back then as this was the only release by them I owned. I've recently bought their first two albums and can really recommend them if you're a music fan. They were formed in Manchester in 1981 and lasted until the late 80's releasing a number of albums and singles. They reformed for a brief period in 2000. The most stable line-up comprised: -

Mark Burges - Vocals/Bass
Reg Smithies - Guitar
Dave Fielding - Guitar
John Lever - Drums

The music is a melodic wall over which Mark Burges spits his dark and personal lyrics. You might not like this, but I suspect if you take the time to d/l and listen to whole thing you will. They were often placed along side the Cure and Echo & the Bunnyman at the time.

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Rain - La Vache Qui Rit (1990)

2011-03-21T18:15:00.006Z

I haven't mentioned Bert Queiroz for a while so here's a release from 1990 featuring him.

This album was recorded in 1986, but didn't hit the streets until it was released in 1990. Recorded at the tail end of the revolution summer in DC which should give you a clue as to what it sounds like: - Rites of Spring, Embrace, One Last Wish etc. Don't say this too loud, as it's almost a dirty word these days, but back then this was called emocore aka emo. Don't run off to slash your wrists, this is actually a really, really good record.

Another one of those insectious bands that I love so much: -

Bert Queiroz - Vocals
Jon Kirschten - Guitar and vocals
Scott McCloud - Guitar and vocals
Eli Janny - Drums

These guys have been in some great bands and Rain were no exception. They lasted the blink of an eye before dying. This is typical of that era for DC and each song is a mix of harmony and the passion that exemplified 1986. I really can't think of another scene that popped so many short lived bands onto the scene that made such good music. I was born in the wrong town and wrong country.

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Craig Wedren - Are We

2011-03-17T18:02:00.000Z

Christ, I've been slacking lately, but the job is currently mental....anyway....

Here's a link to the video of Craigs latest release. He was the singer in Shudder to Think, and as the comments from Kenny show on the "It was Arson" post earlier, his vocal style may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really like it. This song is just a beautiful, relaxing slice of music; it's really good.

It's a mad video that's interactive, have a look and grab the screen and then spin it...total madness....how the hell do they do that shit?? The director is Tim Nackashi who diredted the OK Go vidoes, which are also great to watch.

Video here

Sorry I'm not cleaver enough to know how to embed it...but to be honest it's better where it is and should be watched in full screen.

For more information please visit here.

Here's a few of my fave Shudder to think songs: -

Battalion of Saints - Second Coming 7'' (1983)

2011-03-05T06:57:00.009Z

I remember getting a delivery from the postman with about 15 records in it, Fighting Boys 12'' was one of them. I put in on the record player (old school) and was knocked out. From that day, to this, they've remained another firm favourite and everything they released until they split in '85 was priceless.

This is their 7'' version of Second Coming and 28 years later I still can't decide if I prefer this or the album version, but they're both great. This version is faster and rawer while the album version is far heavier and slightly more metal. I'd loved to have seen these live with Chris Smith.

I'm assuming everyone knows about this band so I won't do the history etc; if you don't, get this, and then visit Taang to buy their cd's.

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Governemt Issue - Beyond (1991)

2011-03-05T06:30:00.003Z

Obviously I'm on a bit of a GI kick at the moment, so to continue it, here's an album released in 1991 and looong since deleted. This was an album of outtakes etc and included a nice version of asshole with Ian Mackaye singing.

All the GI albums are currently being polished up and re-released as extended sessions. I bought a copy of the great Boycott Stabb a few weeks ago and strangely it doesn't have the MacKaye version of asshole, it marries Stabb and Ian together on one track. I have a bootleg copy of the demos for this album somewhere that I'll post one day.

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<3 GI

Flag of Democracy - Love Songs (1984)

2011-03-05T06:29:00.002Z

A mate got a copy of this when it was released after he played it to me I got my copy imported straight away. Hailing from Philly they weren't a band I'd heard that much about prior to getting the 7'', but based on this I followed them for years. They're still going today, which is pretty amazing for a hardcore band, and have released records on a consistant basis.

They managed to mix deranged full tilt hardcore with a good amount of melody that still excites 27 yeras later. Formed in 1982 and barr the odd line up change they have been: -

Jim McMongle - Guitar/Vocals
Dave Rochan - Bass/Vocals
Bob Walker - Drums

Although the drummer on this release was Mike Giannonele.

For more info check out their website here.

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Tom Lyle - Lyle (1991)

2011-03-05T05:22:00.009Z

Sooooo I know one person who might not like seeing this up here, but as the old saying goes "publish and be damned"!

This is Tom Lyle's first solo album and like his second, posted earlier, it travels down the rock path. I really like his solo records, to me, they're the right blend of rock and punk with an industrial twinge, a mix that really works for me. The bass and guitar sounds he gets on these are right down my street, I just love their tone.

At the risk of repeating myself he needs to stop slacking and get on the other side of the mixing desk in the studio.

Here's a link to a nice interview with Tom from scannerzine.

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HUGE thanks to Phil Swanson for hooking me up with this copy of this CD.

Also HUGE thanks to Milo for supplying the front and back images...cheers both. :)

Outcasts - Magnum Force (1981)

2011-02-26T08:45:00.002Z

You couldn't help to stumble across the Outcasts in the late 70's, early 80's as the quality of their releases just demanded to be heard; that and the fact that they were on Good Vibrations.

I stuck with band until the angel face release at which point I fell off my chair and they pretty much lost me for the rest of their career....7 deadly sins is just awful. None the less, between '78 and '81 they were unstoppable, releasing classic after classic.

This 7'' is their peak in my opinion, they really were a great band. Formed in '77 and lasting until their demise in '85, they released 8 7'', 2 12'' and 3 albums. The most stable line up consisted of : -

Greg Cowan - Vocals/Bass
Colin Getwood - Guitar
Martin Cowan - Guitar
Colin Cowen - Drums

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They were also an incredibly modest band as this video shows :)

Magic Michael - Millionaire (1979)

2011-02-26T06:43:00.001Z

Back to my Damned obsession and a release featuring

Captain Sensible - Guitar
Algy Ward - Bass
Rat Scabies - Drums

Michael (cousins) was well known on the hippy scene and he has other releases out there; I have no idea what any of them are like. I bought this at the time as I was a fully paid up member of the Damned Disciples and wanted anything to do with them. I miss those days.

Is this punk? I don't know, but I do know it's Damned good,did you see what I did there? :)

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Funeral - st 12'' (1981)

2011-02-26T06:27:00.000Z

A band featuring past, or future, members of the Rik L Rik band, Tex & the Horseheads and the Weirdos. With such great names you'd expect this band to be able to produce the goods...... and they do. Part of the So Cal sound they have a more poppy edge to their delivery as is the case with many Cali bands.

This 12 '' has five songs and each one is excellent, even when they slow it down on Darkness on your doorstep they still keep you fully engaged. This is a great release which was on my "wants list" for years and it never materialised for me, so I made do with taped copies.

Their only other release at the time was a 7'' that I might post later on. I believe they may have had a retrospective compilation released.

They were: -

Mike Marrt - Guitar/Voice
Matt Dorset - Guitar
John Neff - Bass
David Thum - Drums

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Government Issue benefit gig

2011-02-25T16:52:00.004Z

I wish I'd been able to see this...I swear if they do another show I'm getting on a plane and flying over.

Bullet LaVolta - The Gun didn't know I was Loaded.

2011-01-30T15:20:00.002Z

Their imfamous demo that was turned into a cd in 92' with a few extras. The guitar sound on this just kicks arse.

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Phil..... RIP

2011-01-26T14:21:00.000Z

25 years have passed so fast.

Rondos - Red Attack (1980)

2011-01-16T14:24:00.001Z

Formed in 1978, in Rotterdam, and ending in 1980 the Rondos all too short career left far too few releases. They're often grouped in the same model as Crass, which isn't a stretch from a political stand point, but musically they're more akin to Wire.

Consisting of: -

Johannes van der Weert - vocals
Maarten van Gent - guitar, vocals
Allie van Altena - guitar, vocals
Frank - bass
Willem ter Weele - drums

They were part of a music collective called Red Rock which also included Rode Wig, Sovjets and Tandstickorshocks. All the bands lived in an old bunker called, erm da bunker. The Rondos released music on their own label and this is their only album. It's really really good.

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Rain Like the Sound of Trains - Waiting for the Water ep (1996)

2011-01-16T07:13:00.003Z

For more information on the band, check out my first post here.

Waiting for the Water was the bands last release and is a straight continuation of their previous releases, but also happens to be my favourite release. Four tracks, and not a bad one between them.

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The link below is their demo recording released in 1992 with four tracks, one of whcih ended up on their first 7''.

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Tank ......

2011-01-15T11:03:00.000Z

Snuff

2011-01-09T10:00:00.002Z

Great band......should have been bigger!!

Dont take it from me
you know I'm just guessing
It wasnt a clue
I dont know the way
You've got a brain
maybe its time to use it

Fire it up, a little warm running
Chocs away, go & meet whats coming
You aint a fool, there aint a limit
Fire it up, find out whats in it

Caught between worlds
no there aint a warning
Dont take it from me
I dont know the way
You've got a brain
maybe its time to use it

Fire it up, a little warm running
Chocs away, go & meet whats coming
You aint a fool, there aint a limit
Fire it up, find out whats in it

Chocs away, a little warm running
Fire it up go & meet whats coming
You aint a fool, there aint a limit
Fire it up, find out whats in it