Showing posts with label U.K.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.K.. Show all posts

Thursday, February 27, 2025

V/A - Bullshit Detector 1980

An important series that was born in the early Eighties is called Bullshit Detector and it's a collection of Compilations featuring demos which sent to Crass by a variety of bands and were then released on Crass Records and I only know the first three and all came with a cool fold-out poster containing a collage of information, lyrics and artwork to all the bands, and all for a litte bunch of gravelThe sound quality was mixed and often basic, or even poor, as Crass would master the tapes directly to record without any additional production or enhancement. For Crass, the expectation of a polished performance was missing the point. But that's exactly what makes these songs/records worth listening to: Authentic, raw and unpolished, they convey the rebellious, anti-attitude of the Punk spirit and when I listen to these gems today, after more than forty years, I know I did a lot of things right and you won't be able to get rid of this feeling, it will always stay inside of you. Love passes, but Punk never. And the message is still the same as it was then, get off your ass and don't accept everything that stupid society or TV shows you. With this in mind, my friends, I wish you a nostalgic listening pleasure.

1.Jazz On A Summers Day - ANDY T
2.Don't Wanna Fight For You - COUNTER ATTACK
3.Change It - THE ALTERNATIVE
4.We Are You - CLOCKWORK CRIMINALS
5.Girls Love Popstars - REPUTATIONS IN JEOPARDY
6.Do They Owe Us A Living? - CRASS
7.University Challenged - AMEBIX
8.Local Chaos - SCEPTICS
9.Mark Of The Beast - THE SINYX
10.Thalidomide - FRENZY BATTALION
11.Cancer - ICON
12.Why? - THE SPEAKERS
13.Anarchist Attack - A.P.F. BRIGADE
14.Right Or Wrong - FUCK THE C.I.A.
15.Morning Star - CAINE MUTINY & THE KALLISTI APPLES OF NONSENSE
16.'3' - THE SUCKS
17.Khaki Doesn't Go With My Eyes - PORNO SQUAD
18.Soldiers - S.P.G. MURDERS
19.National Service - ERATICS
20.Who Needs Society? - RED ALERT
21.War Song - THE SNIPERS
22.Power - ARMCHAIR POWER
23.Napalm - DISRUPTERS
24.Nagasaki Mon Amour - ANDY T
25.Drumming Up Hope (Ferret Skank) - ACTION FROGS


Friday, February 21, 2025

ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Reason Why? 1983

Now a classic one and everyone who follows this blog knows that I am a huge Angelic Upstarts maniac and I am happy to have been able to experience them live. Friends of the band know that they screwed up extremely badly with the previous album, as their record company at the time demanded that they tame their roots and put a miserable pop producer in front of them and demanded an album that would increase sales and it turned out to be, of course, a huge disappointment (although the original demos were really usable). Any sensible Upstarts friend couldn't help but thoroughly dissect this fourth album in a negative way. They went quiet and the deal with Anagram Records finally ensured a furious 'comeback' with some of what are now classics and showed the team back in their usual guise. Further infos are included on the insert, although I only have the CD version and some of it is poorly documented. Anyway, Reason Why? is a strong relic and of immense importance in the band's extensive discography.


Saturday, February 15, 2025

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.


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 -


Sunday, January 26, 2025

RARE - Walking EP 1981

Three song EP on St. Rogers Records by this very unknown combo called Rare. No date on labels but this was apparently recorded in 1981 and we have three nice goodies. Two reggae-inspired tunes that are absolutely fine for me, fantastic slow tempo, very bass-heavy with a subtle organ that only the most Hardcore reggae bands can pull off, but the boys from the United Kingdom do it damn well. The third song is a real KBD smasher that I will definitely immortalize on my next Compilation. I think the EP was released without a proper cover, but I'm not sure and I can't imagine a large print run, so dear friends, this is a truly rare jewel with some damn cool stuff that you shouldn't miss! Now soccer ⚽


Thursday, January 23, 2025

GIRL GUIDED MISSILES - Desperate Men 7'' 1979

The evening is going to be long and I still have to write a lot of emails, but before I do that a little contribution to a rare 7Inch from a band that nobody knows anyway. That means it belongs exactly in this theater. Girl Guided Missiles was a short-lived four piece from Redditch and consisted of Martin & Steve (vocals/guitars), Adrian (bass), Nick (drums) and this is their only record via Seandee Records. 1000 copies of this goodie were pressed, most of them were sold locally and at gigs. It's extremely hard to find and sought-after nowdays but is unreservedly recommended, was re-released in 2021 by Breakout Records so that they wouldn't be forgotten, good idea. A review: This is a reissue of the Girl Guided Missiles’ only record, originally released in 1979. They have a catchy, amateurish sound that will be familiar to fans of late ’70s Post-Punk bands from the north of England. The songs are longer than most bands of the era, but they never lose steam. They keep on rockin’ out to the end. Two great songs. A great reissue. (Carolyn Keddy, MRR #457 • June 2021) There is nothing to add, a slightly different sound from the British Punk island.


Thursday, January 16, 2025

WHIZZ KIDS - Suspect No.1 7'' 1980

Okay, let me first say this isn't my vinyl rip, except for the B-side, which is from the East Compilation but since nobody is able to send me a solid copy and I'd like to work through the wanted list I looked for the single and it's really amazing that there isn't a good quality of this bloody sucker anywhere and to buy it, well, you can see for yourself how much money people want for this, hence this stolen A-side because I think this four piece deserves a bit of your attention as well. The Whizz Kids were a four piece from Lincoln and consisted of Lox (vocals/guitars), The Dodger (guitars), Dave (bass), Rob (drums) and this ist their second 7Inch which was released via Ovation Records. Otherwise, not much is known about the band itself and there is only less infos, they were active in the late Seventies, early Eighties and are mainly known for their contribution to the local music scene. Well, maybe an original rip will be welcome at some point, so it stays on the Wanted-List. The title track is an excellent PowerPop number while the flip is a bit quieter, cool stuff in any case. - My screams have been heard and forget the words above of a bad rip, now the excellent vinyl version:

- Great Thx to Bruce -


Thursday, January 09, 2025

THE DAMNED - Friday 13th EP 1981

Just the right time for an almost classic and it's difficult to say anything bad about the gents from London. At least I don't know of any bad albums, but I have to admit I haven't heard them all. I'm lazy today and will use a few lines from Wiki that sum up almost everything in a nutshell, here we go: This little four track beauty was issued by the Damned as the result of a one-off liaison with Nems Records and was released on 13.November 1981, which fell on a Friday. The lead-off track, "Disco Man", was featured on many Compilations, also becoming a live favourite. Two of the other three tracks, "Billy Bad Breaks" and "Limit Club", were composed by the band; the final track was a cover version of the Rolling Stones song "Citadel". Not tired at all and elegant sexy, who needs words when the music has everything? A very good phase of the band!


Tuesday, December 31, 2024

V/A - Electrocute Your Cock! Vol.2 2023

Welcome to the last day of 2024 and I want to end this year, which was mixed and had some highlights for me, in a worthy manner. Volume 1 was posted already three years ago and on the one hand, such Compilations are great, but on the other hand, the selection is rather modest, because many songs have already appeared on the relevant classics of the Nineties. So, the question is, why use this stuff again? Well, I think the old records are hard to find nowadays or are no longer available. Anyway, on the second installment we have seventeen rare obscure, snotty & moronic masterpieces from the US & UK, recorded 1979 to 1983 and it's a good release on MacDonald's Records, satisfaction guaranteed! Enjoy the little ecstasy of the good ole days and I wish you all a Happy New Year and take care of yourselves.

1.Slow Death - POLITICAL CRAP
2.Biplane - ANTI-BAND
3.The Russians Are Coming! - A.D. 1984
4.Uncircumcised Twin - PLASTIC IDOLS
5.GIGOLOS - This Generation - GIGOLOS
6.Fighting In The USA - THE SINS
7.Nothing - GROUND ZERO
8.In The Slot - ADAPTORS
9.Gypsy Lid - MEN IN BLACK
10.X Patriots - COUNT VERTIGO
11. Anti Vogue - SAIGON
12.TV Tantrum - SNOT PUPPIES
13.I Said Everybody - B PEOPLE
14.I'm A Square - ANOREXIA
15.Born Dead - LOST CAUSE
16.(Look So Easy) When Your Young - VICTIMS OF SOCIETY
17.Crazy Life - TERRORISTS


Tuesday, December 24, 2024

V/A - Avon Calling 2 2010

Well friends, it's that time again, Christmas Eve is here, families and loved ones come together for once a year to tell stories and eat and spend the evening in cozy harmony, just as society celebrates and television dictates. And many of you know what my position is on all this crap. These days mean nothing to me and in the past few years have only brought pain and misunderstanding. But I don't want to speak badly of these days, no no, of course there are happy people who look forward to them all year and others who remain alone and wish they would pass quickly, and for all those who have nothing planned for these days, this theater is also made. Let's see if I can cheer you up a bit with some old stuff that could light up your hearts. Already fourteen years old but filled with rare goodies is the following Compilation from Bristol Archive Records and is in my opinion a worthy continuation. A small intro: "This new album full of forgotten treasures and will sit perfectly along side the original Avon Calling release and go some way to completing the story of just what was happening in Bristol back in 1979/1980 and how the music sounds as relevant today as it did back then. If you like British Punk you'll like this, and one for collectors too." This not only sounds interesting, it is interesting! A wonderful mix of excellent tastings and in any case precious.

1.Self Confession - SOCIAL SECURITY
2.The Only One - EUROPEANS
3.Broken Glass  APARTMENT
4.You Got It - PRIVATE DICKS
5.People Of Today - THE X-CERTS
6.Audition Room - ESSENTIAL BOP
7.Retrospect - APARTMENT
8.Mr Magoo - SNEAK PREVIEW
9.Letters In My Desk - JOE PUBLIC
10.Train To Brighton - 48 HOURS
11.Showcase - THE DIRECTORS
12.Want Some Fun - PRIVATE DICKS
13.I Can't Get Out - SNEAK PREVIEW
14.Middle Of Nowhere - STEREO MODELS
15.Any Takers - THE PHONE
16.Suicide Man - SEAN RYAN
17.Faster - JOE PUBLIC
18.Dancer - TVI’S
19.Empty Promises - THE DIRECTORS
20.You Might As Well Enjoy Yourself - UNKNOWN ARTIST


Monday, December 23, 2024

RABID - The Bloody Road To Glory EP 1982

I did a little searching on my hard drive and found the following one. It's not my rip either, but it's worth posting this music. Back across the canal to meet Rabid, who weren't able to get off to a good start like others, a four piece from Leicester which were founded 1979 and they consisted on this fine debut EP of Nick (vocals), Dean(bass), Brute (guitars), Penny (drums) and initially active between till 1986. A new line-up of the band was reformed in 2013. After recording a 5-track demo in 1981, they released this debut EP on their own 'Blank Label' imprint. After the EP's distributor, Fresh, went out of business, owing money to Fall Out Records, Fall Out reissued the EP later in 1982. They released two 7Iinches in their early days and after the re-union they became more active in terms of albums. Three were made by 2016. Since then, it has been quiet around them. Enjoy the record!


Thursday, December 19, 2024

THE MENTAL - Extended Play EP 1979

Short lived four piece from the Melksham/Trowbridge area and the band consisted of Dick (vocals), Sikick (guitars), Steve (bass), Tony (drums) and this is their only record which was self-released on Kamikaze Pig Records, hand numbered out of 600 copies, with four garage-scratchy, chaotic numbers, with excellent tempo and simply played, just the way I like it. Shortly afterwards the band split and singer Dick went onto to form the Subhumans with members of another local band The Stupid Humans. It goes without saying that the original 7inch is now being traded at high prices, almost a bit too high for my taste, and its presence on Compilations is also rather rare, but the meticulous detectives have found them for the Bloodstains Across The UK 3 beauty. This means they are worthy, rightly so. That's it folks!


Tuesday, December 17, 2024

THE PACK - King Of Kings 7″ 1979

In early 1978, Londoner Kirk Brandon joined the Torbay Punk band The Cane as bassist, which had been founded in 1977 by guitarist and singer Chris Skornia & drummer Simon Wright. Johnny Suede joined the band as lead guitarist. They decided to move to London, recorded three songs as a demo tape for concert promoters in a small recording studio in Torquay and moved into a house near Heathrow. At this point, the band's name was changed to The Pack Of Lies and Simon Wright was replaced by Scottish drummer Rab Fae Beith. The band's original line-up played a single gig in Torbay, then Skornia and Suede left. Suede went to the USA for a while and became Culture Club's first guitarist in early 1981. Kirk and Rab brought the two Canadian brothers Jonathan and Simon into the band, and the band name was shortened to The Pack at Simon Werner's suggestion. Kirk took over the vocals. The new band went to London's Gooseberry Sound Studios on August 8, 1978, four songs were recorded as a demo, a second concert (the first with the new line-up) took place in the Camden Film Cooperative. The fourth concert in London's Nashville Rooms on October 7, 1978 was filmed on Super 8 from the audience. In April 1979, The Pack released their first single Heathen/Brave New Soldiers on the band's own label S.S. Records. Due to conflicts with Brandon, drummer Rab left the band. He worked briefly with Patrik Fitzgerald and then joined The Wall. The new drummer was Canadian Jim Walker, who had previously played in Johnny Rotten's band Public Image Ltd. His first concert with The Pack took place on August 18, 1979 at the Electric Ballroom in London, on September 9, 1979 The Pack played as the opening act for the Nina Hagen Band at the Lyceum in London. A final single, King Of Kings, followed in November 1979 on Rough Trade Records, and on November 7, 1979 they played their last concert in front of a sold-out crowd at the 101 Club in Clapham. Kirk disbanded the band and withdrew from the music industry for a while. (source: wiki)


Saturday, December 14, 2024

THE PRODUCERS - On The Beach 7'' 1980

British band the Producers emerged from Shooter and was formed in the late 1970s and is best known for their single "On The Beach", released in 1980 via Magic Moon Records. The band was part of the New Wave and Punk movement and had a distinctive sound and the 7inch became a minor hit and received attention in some countries, especially in the UK. The song is characterized by catchy melodies and the typical early Eighties sound. Despite the success of this single, the band failed to achieve the same level of popularity as other contemporary groups and eventually disbanded. There is not much comprehensive information about the band, because they were relatively short-lived and did not have a strong presence in the music scene after the release of its only single. But this two-song beauty is a nice one and also on Compilations they are hardly present. This was the first prank and the second may follow later, first have to run a few errands. Cheers!


Friday, December 06, 2024

THE CURE - Live @ Whiskey A Go Go 27.07.1981

Another interesting work on vinyl is the following two record set by Casino Records Entertainment, 350 hand numbered copies in yelloy splatter colors features a fine quality recording from the 1981 Picture tour with plenty of gloomy numbers. Has already been published several times and now again with rare photos and decent format. The sound is rich and full and extremely well recorded. I've heard a few bootlegs from the Cure, some of them extremely unfunny, but with this release everything is just right and if you like the band's early works, you've come to the right place. Eighteen Songs, Eighteen Nuggets! Dinner salmon is waiting. Cheers!

The Holy Hour/In Your House/The Drowning Man/10:15 Saturday Night/Accuracy/The Funeral Party/M/Primary/Other Voices/All Cats Are Grey/Three Imaginary Boys/At Night/Fire In Cairo/Play For Today/Grinding Halt/Splintered In My Head/A Forest/Faith


Saturday, November 16, 2024

V/A - Attrix Records (The Vaultage Punk Collection) 1997

Now a nice Compilation by Anagram Records and this is part of their legendary The Punk Collectors SeriesAttrix Records (Brighton based Punk label formed in 1978 by Rick Blair. The first release was by his own band, Attrix, who the label were named after) is a well-known label that was active in the late 1970s and early 1980s and specialises in Punk and PostPunk sounds. The "Vaultage Punk Collection" includes a selection of rare 7Inches that showcase both well-known and lesser-known bands, mainly from Brighton, that played a small role in the early days of UK Punk. This nice collection is a successful Compilation, a kind of journey through the history of those early days, as I like it. Have fun with it and since there is no Bundesliga today it will be a lazy evening.

1.Jilly - THE PIRANHAS
2.Virginity - THE PIRANHAS
3.Tension - THE PIRANHAS
4.Girls Get Nervous - NICKY & THE DOTS
5.Wrong Street - NICKY & THE DOTS
6.Lord Lucan Is Missing - THE DODGEMS
7.Elvis Is Dead - PETER & THE TEST TUBE BABIES
8.Bank Holiday - THE VANDELLS
9.Bloody - GOLINSKI BROTHERS
10.Nervous Wreck - THE LILLETTES
11.Hey Operator - THE LILLETTES
12.I Want You To Be My Girl - WOODY & THE SPLINTERS
13.Sweetie - THE CHEFS
14.Thrush - THE CHEFS
15.Happy Families - THE PIRANHAS
16.24 Hours - THE CHEFS
17.Let's Make Up - THE CHEFS
18.Sinking Gondola - THE EXCLUSIVES
19Extradition - THE REWARD SYSTEM


Thursday, November 07, 2024

XTRACT - Blame It On The Youth EP 1983

Four piece Xtract hails from Sheffield and has made a name for itself in the local undergound scene. Founded in the late Seventies by Harvey (vocals), Karl (guitar), Rod (bass), Kip (drums) and the bands only record on Pax Records offers heaviness and energetic in a solid way, captures the rebellious, youthful feeling that runs through the entire record (they were'n really enthusiastic about the Iron Lady government). They put all their anger into four powerful aggressive statements which shows how masterfully the band understand to combine raw energy with emotional depth. In addition to these recordings they made many CD-R's with demos etc... but I don't have it. Xtract is featured on numerous interesting Compilations and, as far as I know, are still active. Now enjoy these attractive little busy bees.


Monday, November 04, 2024

INTESTINES - Life In A Cardboard Box EP 1980

Formed in 1978 in Bournemouth by Harry (vocals), John (guitar), Sid (bass), Rob (drums) and they were the first Punk combo in this City and this is their classic EP on Alternative Capitalists. The band is known for their simple, amateurish sound that combines the aggressive energy of punk with a certain melodiousness. The four were part of the first wave of Punk in the UK and made a name for themselves through their energetic live performances and provocative lyrics. A few members played after the break in 1981 (reformed 2008) later in Butcher. The band's lyrics often addressed everyday life, social injustices and the frustrations of youth. They were part of the classic D.I.Y. ethic and often released their music independently. The Life In A Cardboard Box EP from 1980 is a striking example of the raw and unpolished sound of the British Punk of the time. The EP contains three tracks that reflect the essence of the Punk movement while highlighting the band's unique characteristics. Fantastic KBD record which the band captures both the anger and despair of the youth of the time with their haunting lyrics. The Intestines were certainly not the most famous band of their time, but their music leaves a lasting impression and shows how diverse and expressive Punkrock can be.


Sunday, October 27, 2024

COURT MARTIAL - No Solution EP 1982

Court Martial is a four-piece from Bristol and was formed in 1980 by Alex (vocals), Simon (guitars), Rich (bass) and Ian (drums) and this is their second EP on Riot City Records with three powerful goodies and captivates listeners for their unique mix of Punk, Hardcore and melodic elements, the band once again shows their talent for creating emotional and energetic music on this record. It starts with "No Solution", which immediately kicks in with a driving drum and aggressive guitar riffs. The singer's voice is full of passion and conveys a sense of urgency that runs through the entire EP. The lyrics are both personal and socially critical and thought-provoking, encouraging listeners to engage with the issues covered. Further with "Lost in the Noise", a piece that convinces with its catchy melodies and a powerful chorus. The combination of melodic passages and hard, fast sections shows the band's craftsmanship and their ability to combine different styles. The production of the EP is clear and precise, which underlines the band's intense sound. The mixture of raw energy and musical sophistication makes the this slab an experience worth listening to. Overall, Court Martial has succeeded in creating an impressive piece of music that will delight both old fans and new listeners. The band proves once again that they are one of the most promising acts on Eighties scene. Anyone looking for authentic and powerful music should definitely not miss this dittie.


Thursday, October 03, 2024

SATANS RATS - You Make Me Sick 7'' 1978

Third & final 7Inch by this great short-lived combo named Satans Rats on DJM Records, founded in January 1977 in Evesham, Worcestershire by Paul (vocals), Steve (guitar), Roy (bass) and Olly (drums). They existed for about a year but in this time they released three great singles, some tunes were later used on renowned Compilations and all three classics were re-released exactly ten years ago via Overground Records. In 2022 an interesting album was born, What A Bunch Of Rodents, which compiles all their recordings, most of it unreleased to date. Satans Rats = catchy rockin' Punk and you will like them, I know it. Cheerio!