THE EJECTORS - Hydrohead 2006

Yesterday I converted a lot of music and came across the following combo: The Ejectors, a five piece founded 1980 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and members were Scott (vocals), Ashley & Scott (guitars), Richard (bass), Fred (drums). In their short life-span they released only a 7Inch on VVV Records with two great tracks. One of them is 'Hydro-Head' and that beauty was covered by the Hamburg combo 3000 ¥ in 1994 and I never looked for the original and now I've come across it. The five also recorded tracks for an album, but somehow it never came to a release until 2006, when the essential label RaveUp Records made these treasures available for us as part of its American Lost Punk Rock Nuggets, after the master tapes were recovered from a band member's closet and carefully restored, and for good reason. Great Anthology!

here

CLOCK OF TIME - Pestilent Planet 12'' 2020

Time for something new and if you have Positive Energie #2, you know this band from Berlin, if not you should definitely catch up. Pestilent Planet is an extremely dark name for an album but take a look yourself, the record came out five years ago and nothing has changed and I think the band is more concerned with the stupid morons who are destroying our earth with their madness, profit thinking and useless ideas. You know exactly what I mean, look at Europe and the USA, what idiots are deciding there is no longer acceptable. But I don't want to get political, that's not what wdthtc is here for, you have surely your own opinion, I feel the album is very good and unfortunately it is their only album to date. A bit of info: Debut seven track 12Inch from Berlin’s Clock Of Time (Corey, Tobi, Nordberg, Seth & Kalo.) and it’s released a mere eight months (limited mailorder edition of 200 copies on translucent green vinyl) after they played their first gig. The band comes fully formed and up to speed but that is not surprising considering some of the members other projects such as Diät, Vexx and Useless Eaters. Pestilent Planet is a stunning statement of intent. The sound is a driving mix of PostPunk like Jeopardy era The Sound, and that classic 80's Death Rock that Vex and Arch Criminals perfected. It’s instant and urgent, for example just tracks like 'Rotten Master' which has a fuller Joy Division esque vibe especially in the skeletal guitar hook. It will be love on first listen." (Sean Forbes) - I'm tired, enough for today, it was a long day of music, enjoy!

here

LOU MIAMI & THE KOZMETIX - Fascist Lover 7'' 1982

Nice little one today and I quote the info from wiki: Lou Miami was a Punk musician based in Boston, Massachusetts. His group, the Kozmetix, was popular on the local scene but rarely toured and released two EPs. He combined a rough Punk sound with a glam-influenced choice of clothing. As was typical for many Punk bands at the time, the Kozmetix regularly played at The Rathskeller, the Channel, Jonathan Swifts, Cantones, and Spit as well as New York venues such as the Peppermint Lounge, and the old Living Room in Providence, Rhode Island. Lou Miami & the Kozmetix also regularly played the Inn-Square Men's Bar in Inman Square, Cambridge/Massachusetts. In The Kozmetix, Miami was the lead singer, Jack Rootoo played lead guitar, H.P. (aka Helen Privett) bass, Dolores Paradise organ, and Laural Blanchard on drums. During the band's touring years of 1979–1981 the Kozmetix line-up was Miami (vocals), Rootoo (guitars), Bill (bass) and Melody on drums. Norcott and Chisholm were previously members of Phobia (they made one 7Inch in 1979 called What Will You Do?). This line-up had a regular Monday night gig at Cantones for two years, as well as appearing at numerous clubs in the Boston area. The group was managed by Joan Martin. (Note: the band toured past 1981. They were regulars at the Living Room on Promenade St. in Providence, at least up until 1983.) Their first single Fascist Lover was sold in a white plastic cosmetics bag that mimicked a Lord & Taylor shopping bag. Their debut mini-album was produced by Ann Prim & Karen Kirby, both from the Boston based band November Group. On their last 12Inch, Rituals, the band consisted of Lou (vocals), Rootoo & Toby (guitars), H.P. (bass) and Laurel (drums). Additional musicians used were Chris Spedding and Kristi Rose. Lou Miami died of heart failure in Los Angeles in August 1995. Jack Rootoo (Richard J. Galvin) died of esophageal cancer in Massachusetts on June 13, 2008, at the age of 51. Excellent A-side with a lively forward pace, the flip is a bit hanging but just as bearable.

here

MYSTERY GIRLS - Rock'N'Roll With Helen & Jenny EP 1983

Now a record I know absolutely nothing about and by the looks of things it was never released. They were at home in Switzerland and never released an official record. Fact is, two girls on the microphone, Helen & Jenny, and they were supported by Brian (guitars) and Zmotron (bass/drums) and I give you the valuable information, from unknown source, that was included: "Back in 1983, Mr. Ratboy was Brian Blade, the guitarist for The Mystery Girls, a Shangri-Las/Dolls/Modern Lovers-influenced combo whose only recorded legacy is a very rare acetate 33 RPM single, limited to only five copies with a xeroxed cover. The four tracks featured here are the far-superior demos recorded in Switzerland with a full band that included not only the future World Famous Mr Ratboy, but also the enigmatic Zmotron, who went on to play in an early incarnation of the Dogs D’Amour under the name Mark Draxx." - Why this fantastic EP didn't make it to the public is a mystery, because all the four goodies are a solid mix of Punk, PowerPop, Indie and so on, deliciously played and as tasty as my meatballs yesterday, a bit more melodic and spicy enough, and the vocals are absolutely delicate. Fantastic record in every way and one that captivated me from the start, love is so diverse and always a beautiful topic. Forget all the stupid artificial pop crap when you’ve heard this.

 - Great Thx to Nolti -

here

Breakfast at MEZ Vol.2 ... are you hungry?

Last but not least, a culinary highlight. You all know meatballs and they are best made at home. My special ingredients for these are 500g minced ringer meat, an onion, a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, two cloves of garlic, minced meat seasoning, 4 eggs and salt & pepper. Then knead them thoroughly, cleaning the handles in between, of course, and then fry in olive oil... done! Why Volume 2? It's very simple, Volume 1 has already been celebrated. Have fun making it, it takes about an hour in total. And the best thing is to use the Halt! Compilation as a musical accompaniment, which is what I used today, but of course any other cool music will work too. Bon Appetit!!

- - - - - - -

V/A - A Traves De Los Barrotes EP 1993

Small benefiz Compilation from the Iberian peninsula and this was created with the intention of expanding the campaign for the freedom of Pablo Serrano and raising funds for this project and four bands that I know nothing about, but that doesn't mean much, were ultimately passionate about it. Well, that was yesterday and I don't know if the proceeds brought something positive for him... what I know, this is a fascinating contemporary document that captures the musical diversity and creative spirit of people there in the early 90s. This compilation offers a deep insight into the subcultural diversity and currents of social issues that were relevant in Spain at that time. The selection of bands and songs is both varied and representative, creating a dynamic soundscape that is both nostalgic and timeless. Many of the songs reflect the challenges and hopes of the always dull society and the backgrounds and emotions worth thinking about. The arrangements are carefully designed and offer a balanced mix of melody & rhythm and also aggressive hardcore and light metal sounds, the record invites you to sing along and dance. Overall, A Traves De Los Barrotes is an important cultural artifact and is a tribute to the creativity and expression of the Spanish underground scene, very inspiring.

1.Muros De Papel - EL CORAZON DEL SAPO

2.Rectas Y Curvas - ACME

3.Gente Demasiado Lista - BASTARDOS DEL METAL

4.Cada Uno Es Como Es - BASTARDOS DEL METAL

5.En La Prisón - K.B.K.S.

here

THE DYAKS - Gutter Kids 7'' 1977

Original released without a label, 1978 via Bonaparte Records with another B-side but all three goddies in this file. Info: The Dyaks were Chris (vocals/guitars), Groll (bass), Brian (drums) and Chris was also behind Jabberwock who produced the Majestic Proggy Glamster Sneakin’ Snaky around the same time. The Dyaks is a punky name and they had a punky sounding single title and a punky cover with a knife wielding kid on the front. But sorry to say, in all truth, an abysmal record that definitely isn’t Punk, PowerPop or NewWave. The single was Gutter Kids/It's A Game and it’s from the Punk school of The Who with its crashing open chords and melodic chorus but somehow fails to convince. A second single On The Run was recorded in February 1978 as a follow up but was never released (limited to 25 or less copies) which is more of the same. The earlier version of Gutter Kids (probably recorded at Pathway Studios in July 1977) is so much better than the released version. Here the guitar slash and crash in an updated 66 Who windmill fashion, while the song structure wins out by debuting the rousing chorus earlier than in the released version with the harmonies bringing a nice Powerpop sprinkling to Proceedings. The flip starts off in Clash mode before going nice and melodic, with an end betraying their pre-punk musicianship. The Dyaks/Jabberwock were really stuck in the middle of Year 0, unsure which bus to take, but as exemplified here; the superior chops and melodic core they possessed were in stark contrast to other more “credible” and run-of-the mill bandwagon Jumpers. Also featured on interesting Compilations, but only the title track of their first single was used for all, hmmmm..... well...at least. Remains to be mentioned that all the studio songs, only fucking four, are included in this delicious cocktail and you can decide for yourself which one is your favorite. It's time for a break, I'm done.

here

SCHOOL TIES - No Future 7'' 1980

Now a rare 7Inch by this five piece called School Ties, founded in Hitchin and they consisted of Lian (vocals), Kevin (guitars), Alan (bass), Patrick (drums) & Chris (keyboard), they released their debut without a sleeve via SCF Records and I can't give more infos about the bio or anything else. Fact is, they made two 7Inches, this ist their first one and the second, which also contains two songs, were used for the essential The Quest Tapes Compilation from 1982. But their contribution to the also rare England Belongs To Me #2 Compi proves that they are valued and not everyone gets this attention from the detectives (they aren't gods either). Well, the title track is a refreshing statement with heart that exactly reflects the attitude to life at that time in the UK, a nice mid-tempo number with subtle keyboards... very very nice. The flip, on the other hand, is a bit bumpy, it comes across as stomping but the clean production makes up for everything. Also nice, especially the short solo keyboard sounds kind of snippy. I would say it's exactly the perfect sound to start breakfast, with a cold beer on a cold winter's day, the weekend is safe, only my broken toe is starting to get on my nerves.

- Great Thx to Nolti -

here

ACTIVES - Wait & See 12'' 1984

Before I write any nonsense about the pseudo-love day Valentine, I first go to the Kiosk and get myself some poisonous stuff. Don't get me wrong but I don't like these 'self-made social days' at all and it is pathetic that people need such ready-made instructions, I think that if you love your partner, you definitely don't need these pre-arranged and coordinated events. Love comes from the heart, and even if it's empty, you know exactly what to do. And if anyone would like to take this as an opportunity, go ahead... it's never too late to express your love. I'm babbling nonsense again, let's get to the post damn it.... The Actives, hailing from Dunfermline and were formed in 1981 by friends & roadies of already established Anarcho-Punk band the Alternative. The inaugural line-up was Lewis (vocals), Budgie (bass) and Paul (drums). A number of temporary guitarists came & went until Graeme joined in 1982. They quickly recorded a couple of demos, the second of which impressed enough to see them secure a publishing deal with Strategy Music in London. A recording deal with Quiet Records, a subsidiary of the larger Illuminated Records, followed shortly after. In 1983 came then their debut album Kick It Down which is in my opinion an excellent Scottish Punkrock jewel. Four cool goodies on this and I'm sure you like them.

here

V/A - Wahrschauer CD #1 1995

Today we come to an interesting Compilation that was created by a Berlin fanzine called Wahrschauer in 1995. At that time, there was an increasing trend to include a free CD as a supplement in the Heftsche, see OX, ZAP or others, in order to introduce new bands/music to the valued readers and of course to give the respective protagonists a platform to become better known through the local scene and thus attract attention and thus enable concerts outside their radius. This didn't always meet with a positive response, some said it was only intended to increase their circulation to Punk fans, but I think it is an excellent idea, because it is the only way for the 'small' bands to have a chance of being heard. And the Berlin Wahrschauer fanzine stuck to this brilliantly, because most of the CDs featured Berlin bands and in some cases the quality was astonishing. The special thing about it is always the do-it-yourself booklet, you just have to cut out the stuff, the dimensions are excellently formatted on the jewel case and you have an excellent self-made copy, which is fun and saves money. I can't say whether that's still the case today, I bought my last fanzine around that time, in the late 90s. Today, with social networks and online reading, that's all a thing of the past, but that was innovation and you were always waiting for the new issue. Well, dear friends, that's how it is. You almost degenerate into a rotten vegetable. I still have a few of them in stock, not many, but they will come out eventually, enjoy the music. Cheers!

1.A Daily Event - GERM ATTACK

2.Voll Proll - 1.MAI 87

3.Ey, Aller - FISCHMOB

4.Time & Money - LAZY COWGIRLS

5.Shit Load Of Records - TWO SECOND MICKEY

6.2$ Haircut - STEAKKNIF

7.W.O.N.G - GUTER

8.American Revolution - LOVE 666

9.Untoten - UNTOTEN

10.H-Story - RAWSIDE

11.Neue Wege - FUCKIN' FACES

12.Die Erfinder - DIE STRAFE

13.00679 - YETI GIRLS

14.Sag Mir Nicht - HAMMERFALL

15.Lost In Mind - SHITYRI

16.Some People - THE HIPPRIESTS

17.HAF - H.A.F.

18.Tequilamond - FLUCHTWEG

19.Story Teller - KELLY

20.Lost - CUBAN REBEL GIRLS

21.Never Reached Marakesh - DREADCLUB

22.Full Of Kings - WHITE MANS BUFFALO

here