Veteran of the punk movement and one of the most influential bands that shaped our culture. Their debut album is still the best for me and belongs in every well-stocked record collection. A few basics: The Clash were formed 1976 in London as a key player in the original wave of British punk rock. They also contributed to the post-punk and new wave movements that emerged in the wake of punk and employed elements of a variety of genres including reggae, dub, funk, ska, and rockabilly. For most of their recording career, the Clash consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, lead guitarist and vocalist Mick Jones, bassist Paul Simonon, and drummer Nicky "Topper" Headon. Headon left the group in 1982 and internal friction led to Jones' departure the following year. The group continued with new members, but finally disbanded in early 1986. You can read more about their records and career, etc.. in the net. I need a little refreshment and open now a cold Allgäuer, Cheers!
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Saturday, January 30, 2021
DIE PILGERVÄTER - Sind Im Garten... 1989
I would certainly haven't met this band and the Pilgerväter are certainly no amateurs and their only record proves that impressively. The story began circa thirty years ago; I did my community service in a shitty youth hostel in Lüneburg as a cheap work slave. I can tell ya, such an institution requires lots of fucking work. We were four hookers and one was on my wavelength and we became friends. Then he came up with this record and we listened to the sounds, at first I thought of funpunk or such uninteresting stuff, but the opposite is the case. Really powerful songs (including two well-known cover versions), perfect production, sexy cover and great lyrics, which the singer brings across with his distinctive voice. I asked him to tape the slab for me (JaJa, back then it was still a way to swap music). After this good time we lost sight of each other because he lives near Hamburg. Once we met again, my girlfriend at the time lived there and I spent almost three years in the hanseatic city. Somehow he was in movies as statist and was aiming for a film career, I don't know if that worked out, I had no ambitions, did retraining and scratched somehow the dough for the rent together. Today I haven't been to Hamburg for a long time, unfortunately. I had a lot of nice experiences there, now only memories. - A few facts: Die Pilgerväter were from Nienburg/Weser, Lower Saxony, and founded in Autumn 1985 by Germar (vocals/guitar), Norwin (guitar), Carsten (bass) and Andreas (drums). After some drummer changes Sven joins the band in 1987. They record their self produced album "Sind im Garten..." in 1989 at the Pepermint Park Studios in Hannover. The band split in 1990. Prost and kind regards to Jan 🍻
Friday, January 29, 2021
V/A - Kovimmat Takaiskut 1987
Before I go home, a small compilation from the Finnish Poko Rekords label, known of its releases with several different styles. And this record documents their philosophy. Personally, I like varied samplers, there is always something new to discover, sometimes fascinating, sometimes incredibly shit-awful or something inbetween. The Lizard track for example, is a hermaphrodite; has a brisk rhythm, woman on the microphone, sometimes two-part but the saxophone is annoying, that works okay in the good ole Rock'N'Roll days, and not always there either. Then rather Mekaaniset Kakut with their drum machine, short & concise. Their only 7Inch is cool as well. I would say 85% of the mix is worth listening to and that's enough for a positive overall impression. Feierabend für heute.
1.Thunderball - TRIES
2.Tähtien Rauha - KOLLAA KESTÄÄ
3.Kaljupäinen Gangsteri - KARANTEENI
4.Tarzan (Tarzan's Marsch) - ÖYSTILÄ
5.Cark Park Drama - ART POP COMBO
6.Body Building - LIZARDS
7.Loch Lomond Rock - JAMROCK BAND
8.Mä Voin Kertoa Sulle - MEKAANISET KAKUT
9.Yö Asematunnelin Keskitysleirissä - VAU!!
10.Tornion Kevät - TERVEET KÄDET
11.Tiina Ottaa Eron - MÄDS
12.Betonikolossit - VANDAALIT
13.Hamina On Kaupunki - DYNAMO
14.Peili - WRUM
15.Lasinen Elämä - JARI KULLERVO
WARFARE - Noise Noise Noise (Lost Demos) 2015
Powerful record of one of my favorite bands and I'm really happy that some lengthy relationships implement such an idea and make it possible. Raising money is really not the reason, but for us maniacs as a thank you for beeing loyal fans. Warfare were Heavyypunx from Newcastle, founded in 1982 and disbanded in 1993. Their first line-up was Evo (vocals / drums), Gunner (guitars), Falken (bass) and this formation recorded the first two albums, which in my opinion are damn great and nowadays put some so-called hardcore bands in the shade. For High Roller Records Evo has now opened his vast archive of rare and unreleased Warfare recordings. The first release in the “vaultage series” is called "Noise Noise Noise (The Lost Demos)", a compilation of thirteen “lost” Warfare demos. “The source of those demos are first generation analogue cassettes,” explains Evo and features alternative versions of numerous early Warfare classics such as Burn Down The Kings Road, New Age Of Total Warfare or the wild Two Tribes (originally by Frankie Goes To Hollywood) as well as a plethora of completely unreleased material." I can only recommend you to buy this slab and don't be satisfied with cheap mp3s... the Total Death EP and a little compilation are required as well. More infos on HHR and now enjoy the furious and passionate ecstasy of the three.
Thursday, January 28, 2021
L.S.K. - Rückkehr Zum Ort Des Geschehens 1998
Second long player by L.S.K. from Rathenow on their own label Moon Records which was recorded in just two days. The band consisted of Seve (vocals/bass), Kilian (guitars), E.S. (drums) and I'm a little late with the record. Coincidence would have it that I now come across it again because I want to transport their music to my phone and read in the comments that I should rip their second one. Said and done. Twelve dark nuggets are on it and was the debut rather populated with short, concise pieces, L.S.K. wrote more mature and melodic songs. Lyrically still personally and a little sadly desperate. In 2002 the band was buried and continued as Die Angst who publish pieces here and there. Currently, a strictly limited 10Inch (29 copies) by the singer is out under the name All Those Riots Are Gone on Sick Suck Records, which I can highly recommend, if you get one. For those who are late, all records are re-upped. Now I'll see what's next, endless raining outside, time for a long music day.
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
VORWÄRTS - A Trip Down Memory Lane 2002
Swiss punk veterans Vorwärts are from the area of Basel, founded by Udi (vocals), RR & Bibä (guitars), Nutty (bass), Roli (drums), and today the oldest Punk combo from Switzerland still playing live. In 1984, when singer Udi and his friends went into the studio for the first time and the result is the very much sought nameless five track 12'', 300 copies exist. Vorwärts already had several years of service under their belt: the band was formed 1979 and Udi remembers his first contact with the punk movement, which was only slowly making its way from London and New York to the Upper Basel area. "When punk was born in 1976/77 we had no idea," he says. It wasn't until two years later that he heard the first songs by the Ramones, The Damned, Clash and Sex Pistols and had pictures in the "Pop/Rocky”or “Musikexpress”. That "simply blown him and his friends away", as he told the bz: "Punk was so much better, more urgent and more important than anything we had heard before." The founding of his own band was "an outbreak, a departure, an undreamt-of freedom". Forward hit the Zeitgeist and were able to record their first successes: with their song TV Generation the quintet made it onto national radio and with a self-made clip (you can find it on YouTube under the title Boring Generation) even on Swiss television. But in their early years, Vorwärts not only met with approval. It belonged then that they were insulted as “Schwuli Söu”, “Gsindel” and “Soupack” because of their appearance - “bright green and black striped jeans, studded belts and bracelets, sprayed shirts, holes in clothes, a lot of leather and so on” the everyday life of the five young men. In 1988 the dissolution followed due to various individual follow-up projects and 1998 the reunion on the occasion of the wedding of a band member and since then they still active and their last record was released two years ago for their 40th year existence! (source: partly bzbasel)
MANIACS & ZYKLOME A - Split EP 2017
Two fantastic bands which were active in the 80s and significantly shaped the rough fast hardcore style. Two songs per combo, all four already published but here in different versions, I guess they are demos, at least they sound more raw and edgy. I like that scruffy sound and they are always welcome. I have re-upped all the records in the blog so that you can enjoy them to the full and I promise you, there are divine specimens among them. Maniacs were punx from Rotenburg an der Fulda, formed 1982 and disbanded in the early 1990's. They made three albums and two 7Inches. Zyklome A were punx from Bonheiden, active from 1980 to 1985. They made one album and 7Inch in the mid 80s. Solid release by Power It Up Records.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
THE OUTCASTS - Self Conscious Over You 1979
First record finished and I'm a little tired, now I think I'll have a hot tea next and then chill out a bit. But first, another great release: Belfast's Outcasts are most frequently invoked as one of the bands that flourished around the slipstream of Good Vibrations labelmates the Undertones. In fact, single for single (two clicks away), song for song, the Outcasts far outrank their better-known peers and "Self Conscious Over You" is the band's peerless debut album which was released, of course on Good Vibrations Records and has all the hallmarks of the classic Outcasts sound. Eleven nuggets, characterized by the heavy rhythms, prove this. (Words with a little help of Dave Thompson) - The band formed in early 1977, with an initial line up of Blair Hamilton (vocals), Greg Cowan (bass), Colin "Getty" Getgood (lead guitar), and Greg's brothers Colin Cowan (drums), and Martin Cowan (rhythm guitar). According to Greg Cowan, their name derived from the fact that they were banned from five clubs in one week. Hamilton left the band within a month of its formation, with Greg Cowan taking over vocals. More sound by the four on wdthtc is not hidden.
LES RATS - L'Oeil Qu'il Te Manque 7'' 1988
Third 7Inch on Gougnaf Mouvement by Les Rats from Montereau & Esmans (Seine-et-Marne) with two solid powerful numbers. This is the third time they appear on wdthtc and so I spare myself further words. You can find their famous Tequila album plus a small live legacy and the corresponding infos about the band and I'll see what slab I'm going to rip this morning, maybe a little nap inbetween. - I guess the idea with the winter pictures from all over the world hasn't worked, your feedback on this is shitty... let's leave that.
Monday, January 25, 2021
THE PSYCHOTIC YOUTH - Julie 7'' 1989
Punk'N'Roll of the finest by an already long-lived band that I wasn't even aware of. A short story to get to know: Psychotic Youth was formed 1985 in a small town called Kramfors by singer, songwriter & guitarist Jörgen under the name Ratfink-A-Boo Boo's. The other original members besides Jörgen were Nils (guitars), Anders (bass) and Sjöholm (drums). Gunnar who played keyboard joined later in the year. They began as a garage rock band, influenced among others by The Nomads and Wilmer X. Then later on incorporated various styles such as rockabilly, surf punk, metal, psychedelia and new wave/power-pop into their music. After two albums the band moved to Gothenburg in 1988 and continue as four piece. The band released their third full-length album Some Fun in 1989 and it became a breakthrough record for the band. The single "Julie" brought in further attention to the band's music, and I can confirm that! Two crackers on it crash like a truck through the wall of your house (especially the flip is the burner). Extensive tours followed, nine more albums as well and in 1999 Psychotic Youth broke up. Sixteen years later the band reunited with partly new members by request of US artist Kurt Baker and Norwegian Morten Henriksen (The Yum Yums) to accompany them on their Scandinavian tour in April 2015. And since then, the story continues...
- Great Thx to Fredrik -
Sunday, January 24, 2021
FRONT - Desorientierungspunkte 10'' 2008
This ingenious band is a piece of cream and alive damn brilliant and were a new highlight for me of new German punk bands back then. We are talking about Front from Wiesbaden, a five piece founded 2003 as a coverband of various old punk/wave combos like Abwärts, Male, etc... The experiment succeeded and soon the first own songs were written, which finally appeared 2007 on their debut Bitte Recht Freundlich. This is the second of finest punk quality, including a cover version of SYPH and comes as, my favorite format, 10Inch. German-language, minimalist songs, deeply rooted in the eighties, guarantee nothing for hi-fi fans, but just right for us old sacks. Trendy is something completely different and that's exactly no matter to Front: it goes originally to the thing, it is not whistled on modernity and fat sound, instead melodic punkrock with unusual lyrics with which nothing can go wrong. The record came as a limited edition in clear vinyl and cool artwork. A real masterpiece! Now the second Allgäuer und back to Backgammon. 🍸
Fuck Winter II
Well, you'll see two nice pics from the beautiful Wetterau, the place where I usually go on weekends, with my girlfriend. And I have to admit, the white splendor makes me happy and snow so early this winter is a long time ago, it will/is a cold one this fucking year. Currently one degree and the first beer is running. The idea is floating to me, send me your winter impressions of your hometown and I post them as 'Fuck Winter III', and if you wish, write it in the comments and you will find my email there. But apart from this idyllic fanzination, my opinion stays: Fuck Winter!
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Saturday, January 23, 2021
V/A - When Men Were Men... And Sheep Were Scared 1985
Saturday morning, two coffees intus and after a good night's sleep we come to the following musical highlight. It invite you eight bands, mostly hailing from the Long Beach area and each with two exclusive tracks, to share their emotions on this decent compilation from Bemisbrain Records with a outrageously funny cover and like a fresh beer after getting up, their fresh mid-tempo sound hisses into your veins and provides positive vibrations, ideal for an exciting day without stress. A short useless note: some copies had two stickers on the shrink that were actually placed over the center of Mad Marc Rude's cover art to preserve John Wayne's dignity.... If anyone is interested in the record, I have an auction on ebay. But now have fun with it at breakfast, Cheers!
1.Hurry Up And Waite - RHINO 39
2.Sleep Walking - RHINO 39
3.The Dachau Cabana - THE VANDALS
4.Frog Stomp - THE VANDALS
5.Look Behind - RED BERET
6.Roller Coaster Ride - RED BERET
7.Audubon Baby - THE CREWD
8.Lady Of The Night - THE CREWD
9.Defeat The Purpose - FALLING IDOLS
10.Cut It Out - FALLING IDOLS
11.Bomb Chic - SECRET HATE
12.Death In The Desert - SECRET HATE
13.Rio - NIP DRIVERS
14.E.Y.O.B. - NIP DRIVERS
15.Air Head - TARGET OF DEMAND
16.Target Of Demand - TARGET OF DEMAND
Friday, January 22, 2021
RAW NOISE - Sound Of Destruction EP 1990
Crust Maniacs Watch Out! A treat for you... but first a bit info for all the unknowing: Raw Noise were founded 1983 in Ipswich by Dean (vocals), Ali (guitars), Ade (bass), Pigkiller (drums) and were one of the first to play an aggressive style crust punk. They made three 7Inches and three albums. In January 1985 they became Extreme Noise Terror. I have to say, crustpunk is absolutely not my style, but I can easily get excited about the brutal furious hardcore sound because I have access to it. Little story: I remember, many many years ago, my love and I were invited to a friend's birthday party and there was also a guest who played in a "Screamcore" combo and had a gig that evening. I had to see that and I can only recommend to everyone visits such a gig, Pure Ecstasy! I don't have to describe to you how it feels, just listen to these four songs from the second EP, I promise: this stuff is going to erupt your weekend!
Thursday, January 21, 2021
V/A - No More Borders EP 2012
Spicy snacks of well-known bands with a faster pace are in the house and on this little motherfucker they turn their 45BPM again and again. Originated in co-operation of numerous small international labels and pressed in an edition of 500 copies (a few coloured); plus an elaborate full color double sided artwork, with full lyrics insert. What's inside?: ripping thrash, strong hooks, with a musical standard which is almost uniformly high. I don't know whether these are exclusive tracks, but all four songs can be used at any dance event. A good opportunity, for those who are not very familiar with them, to discover four hot bands. Entertaining, Chapeau!
1.2012 - The End Of Everything - MDC
2.Ciao Cavaliere - SÖM-HI NÖISE
3.Tired And Furious - RAW POWER
4.Fuck Shit Up - NAKED AGRESSION
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
RAFF - s/t EP 1984
And again some couple of french louts with their debut EP on Alpha Production with three decent kbd goodies. This four piece were founded in Limoges and the band consisted of Steff
(vocals/guitar), Pack (guitars), Karl (bass), Pascal (drums) and made music together from 1984 to early 1988. They released in their short lifespan two albums, Votez Raff & Six Balles... Pour Un Colt!, two 7Inches and a few compilation tracks and that's remarkable for a band from the province. And now I dedicate myself to the Bundesliga, today the last matchday of the first half of the season in Freiburg, hopefully three points.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
CHERRY POPPERS - She's In Love 7'' 1980
Obscure record by this nice band from somewhere in the UK and they put out this damn two-sided cracker on their own label Hiroshima Records. Very popular with collectors. The A-side shines with a fantastic punk'n'roll smasher which is about watching a bit of pornos (preferably with your girlfriend) while the flip is rather calm, with piano and classic swing elements, plus lots of money in the pocket but you can't get a woman who makes you happy (you should think about that), very funny. The title track is guest on the gifted England Belongs To Me #3 compilation. I don't know if it's urgently necessary to know more about this band. Who want, write a comment, until that happens, enjoy two sweet cherries plus a cool cover. That’s it.
Monday, January 18, 2021
TOXIC REASONS - Kill By Remote Control 1984
These damn re-upps are annoying but what am I not doing for the common mob? Right, I'll fix them and you will elect me to be your next president, hehe..... well, another fuckin' Monday needs meaning and I think, I have just the right thing at this advanced hour. So come with me to Ohio and meet Toxic Reasons with their second release on Sixth Int. and the first without the services of Ed Pittman on vocals. After Ed departed in 1983, they continued as four piece and have over forty recordings to date, including ten full length albums. A short review: "Kill by Remote Control, with a revised line-up, is great, a cogent punk onslaught with articulate protest lyrics and finely tuned dynamic guitar (Rob Lucjak & Bruce Stuckey) rock. Some of the numbers vamp into a tedious overdrive mode, but most of the record uses its full-tilt electricity in service of well-constructed (if not really melodic) songs." [Jim Green/Ira Robbins] - It can stay that way. The God Bless America EP and other compilation contributions, of which the gentlemen have enough, await your visit.
- Great Thx to Fredrik -
Sunday, January 17, 2021
THE PRODIGY - Breath 12'' 1996
Well, when I heard this song for the first time, I felt the same as I first met punkrock and was surprised at myself, because I'm not an enthusiastic fan of this electronic sounds, but somehow Breathe fascinates me and that's why I was drawn to it I take the slab ashore. Energy that gets my blood pumping, packed in hard, driving beats and that turns me on. But apart from this song, my interest in this movement/style was rather poor but because the song was important in my life, it deserves an appearance in this theatre. A few basics from wiki: "The Prodigy are an English electronic dance music band from Braintree, Essex, formed in 1990 by keyboardist and songwriter Liam Howlett. The band's line-up has included MC and vocalist Maxim, dancer and vocalist Keith Flint (until his death in March 2019), dancer and live keyboardist Leeroy Thornhill (who left to pursue a solo career in 1999), and dancer and vocalist Sharky (1990–1991). Along with the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, The Prodigy are credited as pioneers of the breakbeat-influenced genre big beat, which achieved mainstream popularity in the 1990s. Howlett's rock-inspired drum rhythms infused with electronic rave music eats/breaks were combined with Maxim's omnipresent mystique, Thornhill's shuffle dancing style and Flint's modern punk appearance. On 4 March 2019, Flint was found dead at his home in Essex, weeks after the band had toured Australia and New Zealand. The rest of the tour dates were cancelled. Howlett said that The Prodigy will continue and he confirmed that new music will be released at some point in 2021. Former member Leeroy Thornhill said that Howlett had been working on a new Prodigy album at the time of Flint's death, and wishes to complete it as a tribute to Flint." Now a little housework and then rip vinyl. Stay tuned!
Fuck Winter
Brrr, winter is long this year and icy weeks are ahead, I'm afraid. Snow in January was a long time ago. But it's not as brutal as in Madrid. I better stay at home and do pointless things... Fuck Winter!!!! ⛄⛄⛄
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Saturday, January 16, 2021
NIRVANA - Bleach 1989
I've heard a lot of Seattle stuff this week and when I talk about this city I mean the grungers who scolded themselves Nirvana. Many of you know the second album Nevermind, which was hyped, praised and revolutionary mentioned in all shitty media and I think, the damn journalists have penetrated turn-ons pushed the band to a level they never wanted to enter, at least that's what I guess. Bleach clearly proves the musical roots of the band and is rough and unfit for radio,TV, etc.... just music for the underground people who experience real life on the edge of the shitty society, and how greedy these morons are shows that after Kurt's death in April 1994, the album led to a resurgence of popularity, entering the Top Pop Catalog chart at number six in the week following his death, and eventually earning the top spot on May. Good for the label, Sub Pop's most-selling album release to date is the debut by Nirvana and this fuckin' stinky record is the best in my opinion what they made in their first line-up: Kurt (vocals/guitars), Chris (bass), Chad (drums), this is the CD version with two bonus cuts and you should enjoy it. Well, a long day with lots of music is coming to an end, I'm exhausted and allow myself to point out two more classics (listen) from this important and brilliant three piece from the States (and from there came so much incredible shit the last few weeks). Bundesliga is waiting, I'm gone.
Friday, January 15, 2021
KRAUT - Whetting The Scythe 1984
Second release on Cabbage Records by New York's Kraut with nine awkward mid-tempo cookies and the little brother of the slashing debut Adjustment To Society ('82). Well, this sucker is a bit different in my opinion and not as rough as number 1, it doesn't slash and bite me enormous and disappears fast in the dark streets of my nerve pathways, but every fan of Ami punk should take a little shit of time and listen to, while reading useless info: "Whetting The Scythe, a brief nine-song album, finds Kraut abandoning punk for tasteful demi-metal, using doubled guitar leads and charging, articulated power at more moderate tempos. It’s a partially successful variant, easier to follow than hyperdrive punk. Kraut has the chops, the intelligence and (occasionally) the songs to make something really unique. After doing some unfinished sessions, Holland left to become a Cro-Mag and was replaced by Chris Smith (ex-Battalion Of Saints). The new lineup completed three of those hard-rock items in ’85, but Smith drowned and Kraut threw in the towel. The Movie, a 27-track CD, combines the three previously unreleased tracks with both studio albums in their entirety." [Jim Green/Ira Robbins] - The cover is definitely a highlight and now ready for the fuckin' weekend, folks!
- Great Thx to Fredrik -
Thursday, January 14, 2021
O.T.H. - Réussite 1984
Now damn hot stuff by O.T. H. (On Tender Hooks), a five piece from Montpellier and formed 1977 by Spi (vocals), Dom & Gilbert (guitars), Phil (bass), Beubeu (drums) and stopped January 1992 and this is their great debut on Art Trafic. A bit info: "OTH is the flagship of FrenchRock, which has left an indelible mark in the community. They not really part of the punk movement, it is more of a very greasy rock and burned as it should be. Even the social lyrics retain a good dose of humor, without taking themselves seriously. It was not until 1984 that Réussite was released, a first opus full of ardor and exemplary maturity. It will forever be the bands best manifesto. They will quickly fall into a more commercial rock, but this is another debate. On Réussite, we take it all in the face from start to finish, with a lot of exceptional speed tracks: the awesome "On Est Tous Des Acculés", which sounds almost like US punk, "Le Sex Prime", not very far from Motörhead, are such intense. No doubt, guitarists have learned the lesson of rock greats, there are even a few well-sent rocker solos. No, frankly, if there is one flagship group that represents the best of FrenchRock at that time, it is (well, it was) OTH. But they will not meet the success they would have deserved, despite some attempts in this direction. And even their peers will agree that OTH was the locomotive for many French groups in the alternative punk/rock scene of the 80s." So enjoy twelve rockin' Hymns in thirty minutes and check more records of them, there are enough available.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
THE USERS - Now That It's Over 7'' 1979
One more raritiy from Love Child now and they are always welcome on wdthtc, 250 copies exist from this two sided killer and a few words: "We've got our own individual style. Most punk bands are the same as the Ramones... its pathetic. ..The basic ingredients of rock'n'roll are sex drugs and frustration, If we can getamps and get on stage, that's all. Its a big V sign from us to you." The Users - Chainsaw 5 March/April 1978. - "The Users were from Cambridge and formed in September 1976. Their sound was a mixture of The Stooges, New York Dolls, Rolling Stones and the Sex Pistols. Young and with attitude - plenty of it. Other songs included Russian Roulette, Heart To Heart, Bad Decision, Slow Death (Flaming Groovies) Louie Louie, Moving In A Fast Lane and Red Hot Rag. Cambridge was also home to Lee Wood and his record shop. "..members of The Users, who had been in the shop before, asked me if I could spare the time to come and hear them rehearse. I went along and they were a five piece. I can't remember the details but somehow we decided to make a record together." Lee Wood Punk77 Interview. More details on punk77 and more Kicks In Style are guaranteed.
- Great Thx to Bristolboy -
Friday, January 08, 2021
HONKAS - Lied Für Fritz EP 1982
In the city of Wolfsburg at home: Honkas, a four piece named after the
German serial killer Fritz Honka from Hamburg, and consisted of Max (vocals),
Christian (guitars), Dirk (bass) and André (drums). Their first sign of life was
a tape with six songs on the small Silberne Ritter Kassetten label, one year
later the only record Lied Für Fritz on Pogar Records with five brilliant
lullabies. I own the
re-release by Static Age (2019) and give you some product facts by the label plus and a short review: “Reissue of
this old German obscurity with great sound and full reproduction of the
original fold-out cover. While by 1982 the US had switched over to hardcore,
this EP from the Honkas reminds me more of tough, first-generation
European punk like the Rude Kids or PF Commando, though fans of better-known
bands like the Dead Boys will also see where Honkas is coming from. The mix is odd
and uneven (which, for me, adds to the charm of this era and style of punk),
giving this the outsider quality I associate with the best KBD punk. They even
speed things up for “Kunst,” which has a proto-hardcore sound a la Teen Idles
or even Upright Citizens. A deep cut for sure, but if you love ripping, obscure
punk this is well worth your time.”
“Honkas are a very raw German punk band and the production on this record only accentuates their primitivity.
Some of the songs here almost degenerate into an undefined mass of guitar
distortion, but others (like the title track) have more focus and drive. Pretty
sharp.” (Jeff Bale (MMRR #5, March/April 1983) - I say: splendid record and five nuggets from the depths of cold wet dirty cellars, pumped with intense passion; represent on various compilations as well. Kauft das Teil solange es verfügbar ist und gebt euch nicht mit billigen mp3's zufrieden.
Thursday, January 07, 2021
OUTRAGEOUS - s/t LP 1984
A Dutch band completely unknown to me, who made three albums in the 80s, everything on their own and the five-piece named Outrageous consisted of Eric (vocals), Ruud & Niall (guitars), Bardo (bass), Frank (drums) and more info is not available. What I found is this: "Eric quit the Nitwitz and joined this Amsterdam band. The band belonged (with the Boegies from 1982) to the pioneers in the field of playing fun punk. Their debut album was especially popular abroad. Jello Biafra hailed the album in the fanzine Maximum RockRoll." And this review: "Not a thrash album, but a good old-fashioned punk LP. Holland’s OUTRAGEOUS displays a fast, heavy, two-guitar punk attack with strong hooks on most of this record, but they also play occasional poppish ditties (like “Beziers”), rockabilly thangs (“British Bikes”), or thrashers (“Say Cheese”) to mix up the stew and keep things interesting. I found myself happily singing along with many of these tunes, which is as good a recommendation as most." (Jeff Bale, MRR #16, August 1984) - I think, they do their job very well and fourteen songs in just under thirty minutes provide relaxation.
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
SINIESTRO TOTAL - ¿Cuándo Se Come Aquí? 1982
A band that I've been focusing on for a long time but never managed to post, but thanks to Fredrik, now with their debut album. Siniestro Total (meaning literally 'total write-off' as in the insurance term for a vehicle that is beyond repair following a motor accident) is a Galician punk rock group from Vigo, Spain. Founded in 1981 during the cultural movement called Movida viguesa by Julián Hernández, Alberto Torrado and Miguel Costas. After many changes in personnel, current members are Julián Hernández, Javier Soto, Óscar G. Avendaño, Ángel González and Jorge Beltrán. Their first album, ¿Cuándo se come aquí? (When Do We Eat?), features fifteen short songs, with a marked punk style. Soon their first concert in Madrid arrives, at the Marquee, with borrowed equipment. They play two days in a row, thanks to the support of Ordovás and the great acceptance of his songs there is a huge stir. In this regard, Julián affirms in Ordovás's book “Apocalypse with Grelos” (Antonio de Miguel, 1994) that “there was a mess and there were some terrifying hosts. A poor hippie, with long hair and beards, who was jumping in the middle of the room, they put a hand of hosts when we sang 'Matar Jipis En Las Cíes'”. It is then when DRO enters the scene and Servando Carballar (Aviador Dro) that he decides to record their first EP for them. Everything was so amateurish at the time that they didn't even sign a contract. They just agreed and celebrated at the bar next door. More than 5000 copies of his debut, “Ayudando A Los Enfermos” (DRO, 1982) were released. A few months later the first album was released, ¿Cuándo se Come Aquí? (DRO, 1982), recorded in just three days with an eight track. The one that was put together was even bigger. The first edition sells out after a few days and DRO cannot keep up with the demand. The repercussion of the band is increasing, and everything increases with the presentation in the Rockola on 10. January 1983. Since then they have released countless singles & albums, compilation contributions and are still alive.
Monday, January 04, 2021
KIZZA PING - Demo Hösten 1980
Well, it almost seems as if the blog death is picking up speed again, first the crash on AJ's hard drive and now Doc Drunk, who is having an extra long drink... Eieiei. Well, I hope both find their way back and enjoy their break. Now let's talk about Kizza Ping, an interesting combo from Linköping and I'll let them say a few words about herself:
"So was the headline in an article in Östgöta Correspondenten January 1982. Even though we were pestered by some mates it did in fact have some truth. Most of us were breed by the punk but all started to become tired. The incredibly exciting punk scene of 1977-1980 had slowly ebbed away. The bands that took over after The Clash and Ebba Grön were The Exploited and Anti-Cimex and were not as fun. Instead bands like Simple Minds, U2 and Reeperbahn came and it was about here Kizza Ping started.
The first chords appeared 1980. Anders, Johan, Lars and me had performed in punk bands as RAS, ÅOBF, Spy and Zpamhead. During the summer I had made some appearances with the joke band Rabarbarna. Helene and Annette sang "Young & pimply", the only song we had. When it was time to establish a real band during the autumn, the girls were natural members. Helene and Annette, our own Annifrid & Agnetha, were of course a big asset. They used their voices in several different ways, sometimes they devoted their time to the undervalued singing exercise in canon. Johan's and Anders' tunes differed us to other bands in the town as well as Johan's especial bass playing. The fact, that we were on stage six times also contributed, punk was simply too far away.
To arrange stage sessions was no problem at the time in Linkoeping. Just call the youth recreation centers (yes, it existed at that time) and decide a date. The music association Rock d’Amour did of course also exist and people always came. In some way we managed to take the band one step further. We got performance stage sessions in neighbour-towns, wrote contract with local Dåvhjort Records and the single ”Männen”/”Lär I Tid” (Men/Learn In Time) (of course recorded at Bosse Sound) did get a good review in the customs of that time Music Bible "Schlager". We were interviewed by Radio Östergötland, were several weeks on the local chart and did small out on tours to Gävle, Västerås & Göteborg.
Maybe we could come even further. In March 1982, just a few months after the single, we made our last play. Today, almost twenty years later, I have no idea why we did end. I must call some of the others and ask if they remember. To listen to these old songs today feels strange. Sure it sounds dated but at the same time I like what I hear. Despite we were just between eighteen and twenty we managed to do something that didn't sound like all others. And the punk most of us did return to." Peter Kagerland/April 2001 (Source: b-sound)
Sunday, January 03, 2021
WRETCHED - In Nome Del Loro Potere Tutto E' Stato Fatto EP 1983
Wretched was a hardcore punk band from Milan. Along with other bands such as Indigesti, they formed the basis of the hardcore scene in Italy during the 1980s. Their music was usually fast-paced with violent and dark lyrics. The original line-up were Gianmario (vocals), Gigi (guitars), Fabio (bass) and Giancarlo (drums), these four debuted 1982 on the split EP with Indigesti. Although they originally sang in English but soon switched to their native Italian, finding it better suited to expressing their radical political message. The band took strong anti-war and pro-anarchist stands through their lyrics and imagery. They also self-released all of their records on a label that came to be known as Chaos Productions. The band lived at the infamous Milano squat Virus, which played host to many hardcore shows in the early-mid '80's. Wretched lived and breathed the DIY spirit of rebellion that they advocated in their music.
The band recorded their first EP before switching guitar players and drummers in 1984. Daniele (guitar) and Crema (drums) played on the third, Finira Mai?, and the full length. Appearances on BCT tapes comps and the international P.E.A.C.E. compilation spread the word of "Chaos Non Musica" to everywhere punk was being played. Zambo took over drums in 1985, and the band began its shift into more heavy metal territory. They recorded one more LP and a 7Inch before internal problems (including Mario's shredded vocal cords) and line-up changes forced them to call it quits. Before melting down, they played the last show at Virus with Antisect. Unfortunately, Wretched's strong commitment to doing it themselves meant that their records have always been hard to get outside of Italy. An official discography (mysteriously missing the first EP) came out some time in the mid 1990s, and the Furious Years of Italian Hardcore compilations fills in the hole. (source: killfromtheheart) - GREAT STUFF!
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