Rain - La Vache Qui Rit (1990)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.


Music

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)

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)

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)

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

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.