Sunday, 19 December 2010
Black President
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.
Mediafire
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.
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.
Mediafire
Friday, 17 December 2010
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..
Mediafire
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.
Mediafire
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?????
Mediafire
Thursday, 21 October 2010
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







