GANG OF FOUR - Damaged Goods EP 1978

Today I have a lot planned: first, I'll fill the blog with some important eavesdropping posts, then rip a compilation album, and afterwards whip up a delicious turkey stew, all while enjoying some Äppler. That sounds relaxing, and it's gray outside, but my place is nice and warm. Let's start with the first one: Released via the Scottish independent label Fast Product, this was the first release by Gang Of Four from Leeds. Founding members were Jon (vocals), Andy (guitars), Dave (bass) and Hugo (drums). The band play a stripped-down mix of Punkrock, funk & dub, with a lyrical emphasis on the social and political ills of society. Gang Of Four are widely considered one of the leading bands of the late 1970s/early 1980s PostPunk movement. This three track piece was a #1 indie chart hit and a John Peel favourite. I usually have a bit trouble with early so-called PostPunk because I usually find it boring, too ornate and experimental, but the four do a really brilliant job, and the songs are catchy and anything but stressful; yes, I like the record. Do yourself a favor and click the right button; you can find more infos about the band on your own.

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V/A - Powerpearls Vol.2 1998

It's been a long time since I presented a Powerpearls Compilation in this theater, and today I was just in the mood for some good music, and this excellent series with fantastic songs/bands is perfect. Volume two is packed with hit after hit, leaving hardly any time to breathe. It's ideal for clearing your mind, fitting your body, sipping a warm cup of tea, and writing some bullshit about an awesome record. From all corners of the brave new world, outcasts have unpacked their instruments and created sounds that make the everyday routine crap and dealing with the dumbed-down society easier and more pleasant for us. Eighteen Pearls wait for your ears, all as rare as snow in the Sahara and the record was also released on yellow vinyl... and remember: "You can't experience early enough how dispensable you are in the world." Now you know.

1.Got To Have Pop - THE MODERNS

2.Teen Line - THE SHIVVERS

3.Diamonds In The Rough - VERTEBRATS

4.Don't Take Her Away - THE GO

5.Ghost Of A Chance - THE BLADES

6.Kirjoituksia Kellarista - KOLLAA KESTÄÄ

7.Too Cool To Dance - THE NAMES

8.Show Her You Care - STRANGEWAYS

9.Dumb Blonde - THE JAGS

10.Pill Girl - VOGUE

11.Breakdown - THE TOYS

12.Just Want Your Attention - PROTEX

13.Rock Show - EXCEL

14.Killing Time - LEFTOVERS

15.The Original Mixed-Up Kid - VARIOUS ARTISTS

16.Chica Del Metro - TELEGRAMA

17.Ole Hyvä Nyt - RATSIA

18.Fun - LONGPORT BUZZ

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SOFA HEAD - Invitation To Dinner EP 1990

We stay in the UK for a while longer and fly to the north and visit Darlington where we meet Sofa Head (brilliant band-name), a great Nineties Punk band that composed largely of members of Dan with Claire (vocals), Ian (guitar/vocals), founder Ian (bass) and Andrew (drums). Tracks from the band's first first demo, "World" and "Ugly" appeared on the Meantime Records Compilation Spleurk!. Early performances featured a drum machine until they managed to lure drummer Laing from the audience. Andrew (ex-Dan) also recalled playing a handful of gigs as the band timekeeper. Drawing inspiration from the Punkrock pioneers of the 1970s, such as the Ramones & the Sex Pistols, Sofa Head infused their own unique style into the genre, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Their music was characterized by its raw intensity, blistering guitar riffs, and aggressive, high-octane performances. Their lyrics delved into themes of societal discontent, political disillusionment and the struggles faced by the working class.

Sofa Head made four albums. Pre Marital Yodelling (1127 Walnut Ave.), the title of which is an oblique reference to both Jehovah's Witnesses and Laurel & Hardy. Recorded in July 1989 it was released on Meantime in the UK, on the Double A label in Germany and on the Profane Existence label in the USA. This was followed by the four track EP Invitation To Dinner on the Rugger Bugger Discs label and a John Peel session. This 7Inch featured on the second album What A Predicament. The band released a 12", titled Twat!, featuring two studio tracks & live tracks on the flipside. Laing left the band and joined Leatherface, replaced by a drummer called Graham for the 3rd album Acres Of Geeses. However, Graham disappeared on the eve of the support tour and Laing filled in, finally being replaced by Matthew from the Cleveland band KITO. This line-up did two European tours and a live US 4th album (More Is Not A Word In Our Vocabulary). Sofa Head disbanded in 1994.

Sofa Head's music was characterized by its raw intensity, blistering guitar riffs, and aggressive, high-octane performances. Their lyrics delved into themes of societal discontent, political disillusionment, growing up and a shitty childhood, and all the shit we go through as young People, blah blah blah... the 1st & 2nd album have subsequently been released on a Boss Tuneage CD Compi "Pre Marital Predicament". Enough nonsense, now I'm going to the kitchen and see which delicious dinner I can prepare for myself. Take care!

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GORILLAS - It's My Life 7'' 1978

It's time for a little trip, and my pilot just informed me that the weather is perfect for a helicopter flight to London. So, off we go! Here we'll meet a band that started back in 1972 under their first band name, the Hammersmith Gorillas. More from wiki: Jesse Hector played in bands from the age of eleven, first the Sun Records influenced Rock & Roll Trio between 1959 and 1961, and then the R&B influenced band the Cravattes between 1962 and 1964. Cravattes bassist Adrian Stambach joined mod outfit the Clique in 1963. Jesse then reformed the Rock & Roll Trio (1966-1967) before starting two more short-lived bands, the Way of Life (1967) and the Mod Section (1968) and went on to form the proto-Punk band Crushed Butler in 1969 with drummer Darryl Read and bassist Allen Butler. After a brief flirtation with EMI Records, Dick James Music, and Decca Records the band was renamed Tiger in autumn 1970, until Darryl left to join the glam rock group Dizzy after Tiger disbanded, then Hector with the addition of new drummer Gary Anderson and bassist Vic Allen changed name again to Helter Skelter in 1971. With the addition of bassist Allen Butler (who also had been one of a number of different bass players that passed through the Crushed Butler various lineups) the band became the Hammersmith Gorillas in 1972 taking their name from London's pro-Castro activist group the Hammersmith Guerillas.

The band's debut release was a cover version of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" on the Penny Farthing label, produced by Larry Page, and timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the original release. They then signed to Chiswick Records and recording two singles for the label with session drummers Chris Townson playing on the first single and Matt McIntyre playing on the second single for the label. With Gary Anderson back on drums the band begin to build a loyal fanbase before moving on to Raw Records. In 1976, they played at the Mont-de-Marsan Punk Festival in the south of France along with the Damned and Eddie & The Hot Rods. After two more singles in 1978, the band's debut (and only) studio album was issued, Message to the World.

Hector was noted for his extravagant sideburns, and was a keen self-publicist, declaring the Gorillas to be "the future of rock music". He was influenced by several dead rock stars, and several tracks on the band's album were performed in the style of his heroes, including a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" and "Going Fishing" performed in the style of Marc Bolan. They returned to Chiswick in 1981 for the "Move It" single with Jimmy Knight appearing on bass, before splitting up after Alan Butler died from injuries sustained in a horse riding accident. Hector continued to regularly perform live around London, working with a new band, Jesse Hector & The Sound, in the early 1990s, with bassist Kevin White and drummer Gilles Baillarguet. The band issued a single in 1991, "Leavin' Town" on the Clawfist label. When the group split in 1993, Hector assembled a new band, the Gatecrashers, named after a Gorillas single, contributing to several retro-garage rock compilations and releasing an EP in 2000, Keep on Moving.

Later Hector worked as a cleaner at the Hackney Empire theatre and the Royal Horticultural Society, and was the subject of a documentary film in 2008, A Message To The World, directed by Caroline Catz, which was shown as part of the Raindance festival, and at the Barbican as part of its "Pop Mavericks" season.

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DISCO ZOMBIES - South London Stinks 2021

Let's kick off the gloomiest month of the year with a highlight, and I love this band; everything about them is just perfect: the vocals, the humor, the music, the band name, the clothes, hahaha... and the guys have recorded three fantastic 7Inches and, I don't know if I can say this, they started working with a drum machine quite early on, because it's already present on their third 7Inch. The band consisted of Dave (vocals), Mark & Andy (guitars), Geoff (bass), Andy (drums) and the Disco Zombies should rank high in the pantheon of legendary English DIY Punk bands, but a frustrating career of bad timing, record label mismanagement and three terrific singles slipping through the cracks have kept them in the shadows. In 1977 they were Leicester’s greatest Punk band but the single that might have shot them to the top of the UK heap, filled with pop gems like Top of the Pops and Punk A Go Go, was scrapped at the last possible minute due to a production company implosion. Still hopeful, they moved to London and prepared for stardom. They recorded and released the John Peel favorite Drums Over London themselves, a song whose satire may have been too subtle for the masses. Sung from the viewpoint of a xenophobic right-winger, many took it as racist and it found fans among the crowd they were trying to critique.

Peel had to explain to Rock Against Racism it actually supported their views! Due to the success of Drums Over London, their first single finally saw release as The Invisible EP. Unfortunately as it was a year late it was seen as being out of time and quickly sank without a trace. With hindsight we can hear it for what it really was, an EP of killer Pop-Punk. And had it come out on time, their Top of the Pops would’ve beaten the Rezillos to the charts by six months. One more single, an artier affair with a drum machine and DIY atmosphere, was released. Here Come The Buts backed by Mary Millington, their tribute to England’s most famous Porn star suicide, marry a more PostPunk atmosphere of repetitious drum machine programming with their usual infectious melodies and snarling guitars.

Three more aborted records followed and more songs, only ever played live, were heard by increasingly fewer people as the Punk dream gave way. But now, at long last, the Disco Zombies, a great pop band with catchy hooks, witty lyrics and infectious energy - can be appreciated by the rest of us. Available for the first time since their release, the Disco Zombies’ three classic, collectible singles, coupled with seven bonus unreleased tracks, are featured on the new Acute Records Compilation Drums Over London. In addition, the digital download contains a complete live set including five more songs not recorded or heard anywhere else, as well as some choice covers that will prove the Disco Zombies are more than another forgotten Punkrock hard-luck story. 

I'm grateful for all these words, and unfortunately I can't remember where they came from. When the double LP came out back then, I had to grab it immediately. With its colored vinyl and excellent band history, the release on Optic Nerve Recordings was an absolute must fro me, and I can only recommend that you buy it. It's worth every fucking penny. - Again in detail: The Invisible EP, Track 5 was recorded in Leicester sometime in 1978 and is an unreleased demo cut, the Drums Over London 7'', Here Come The Buts 7'', plus more stuff which was recorded @ Alvic Studios/London in 1980 and remained unreleased till now. Essential !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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JESSE. - s/t LP 1998

Now rare stuff by Jesse. which was a three piece from Sunderland who released one album, featuring Frankie (vocals/guitars), Leighton (bass), Peter (drums) and a number of singles on the infamous Rugger Bugger Label in the Nineties. "You know as a musician if you ever supported Wat Tyler you really should consider giving up. Luckily for you Jesse ignored that non-existent rule and despite a European Tour together, they ploughed ahead and recorded this LP. It never sold in massive numbers but that’s neither here nor there. it still holds a special place in my heart." The complete discography was released as a double album just over a year ago, which I unfortunately don't own. Fourteen melodic Gassenhauer with Frankie's distinctive voice will bring the best mood to your veins, just like your morning coffee. And to that, the insightful words accompanying make this record an essential hearing. I'm ready for the weekend!

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PURPLE HEARTS - Frustration 7'' 1979

A quick visit to my favorite city in Europe: London. Here we enjoy the company of a nice band that provides a bit of an emotional moment. And they deserve a bit info from wiki: The Purple Hearts are an mod revival band which were formed 1977 in Romford, eastern Greater London. They were often considered one of the best English mod revival groups, the NME calling them "one of the few mod bands to actually cut it on Rock'N'Roll terms". They started in 1977 when teenagers Jeff Shadbolt, Simon Stebbing, Bob Manton, and Nick Lake formed the band in Romford as The Sockets, before they even knew how to play their instruments. They formed for the purpose of getting a support slot at a Buzzcocks gig at the East London Polytechnic, to debut their tongue-in-cheek rock opera. In 1978, their drummer Nick Lake broke his leg. He was replaced by Gary Sparks. The band switched their name to Purple Hearts, after an amphetamine-barbiturate mixture popular with the mods of the 1960s. Accordingly, they changed their sound from the rough-edged Punkrock, to a more mod-influenced sound, which, thanks largely to The Jam, was beginning to capture public attention. In September 1979, the band scored a minor hit with their debut single, "Millions Like Us" which reached number 57 in the UK Singles Chart. The band then toured the UK with Secret Affair and Back To Zero on 'the march of the mods' tour in 1979. The band's second single, "Frustration" was released in November that year and a tour of the UK follows to promote the single.

In 1980 they released their debut album, Beat That! and was produced by Chris Parry of Fiction Records. The single 'Jimmy' is taken from and gave them another minor hit reaching number 60 in the UK chart in March 1980. After the commercial failure of Beat That!, the band parted company with Fiction Records, before signing a one-off single deal with Safari which produced the "My Life's A Jigsaw" single and the 7Inch did make the BBC Radio One playlist, but didn't make it to the national charts. A final single, "Plane Crash" was released in 1982, on the independent record label Roadrunner Records before the band split up in November of that year after a failed American trip. After the Hearts, Jeff Shadbolt joined The Rage, who included Brett Ascott from The Chords. Gary Sparks joined High Zierra with former members of Department S, Tony Lourdan, Mark Taylor and Michael Herbage. Simon Stebbing joined Hearts On Fire who recorded an album Dreams Of Leaving and two EPs for Midnite Records. Bob Manton joined Simon Stebbing and Peter Green in cosmic country rockers Owen & The Deacons. They resurfaced in 1984 to release a live album, Head On Collision Time (1985) recorded live at the 100 Club, and their second studio effort, Popish Frenzy (1986). A single "Friends Again" taken from this album was released on Unicorn Records. In 1986 the group toured West Germany, Austria and the Netherlands before once again calling it a day. They re-convened at the Mods Mayday '99 show, recorded for the Detour Records live compilation album. In 2003, Stebbing produced a rarities goodie, Smashing Time, also released on Detour Records. Two superb songs, and I'm sure each of us came across with the lyrics and can tell about such feelings, because we're not morons, to that the catchy sound and you're captivated.

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THE DARK - The Masque 7'' 1982

I think The Masque was the Dark's last 7Inch and features two fantastic tracks, released via Fresh Records. Well, what else can I say? They are well known in the UK Punk scene and you have probably come across them, especially they've been on a lot of Compilations which aren't always great records, and mostly with this title track. Why do people do this? Probably to make money, I guess. And whether the band gets anything out of it is equally questionable. Well, life stinks and later I'm on a short trip to Cologne, let's see what's going on there, invited to the company party.

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WARFARE - Mayhem, Fuckin' Mayhem 1986

I still remember the torn MetalHammer review from back then, and it said, and I quote: "This album is only for brewery owners and Tankard fans." I immediately thought, I like both and I have to buy the record, the reviewer is an idiot and no matter what he says, they've already made two great albums, so the next one can't be crap. I like it when those morons screw up an LP, then it gets interesting for me. So here we go.... Warfare brings back very good memories that are still etched in my mind and listening to them is always a joy and pleasure for me. Formed in the early Eighties by drummer and vocalist Evo, who was previously associated with the Blood. The band's sound is a blend of Punk and Metal, often categorized as speed or thrash metal, with a raw and aggressive edge. Warfare's debut album Pure Filth (still coming) was released in 1984 and produced by Lemmy  (R.I.P.), which helped to establish their presence in the Metal scene. Their second masterpiece "Metal Anarchy" followed in 1985 and this bloody bastard, the third one Mayhem Fuckin' Mayhem (Falken on bass left and was replaced by Zlaughter) came out in 1986, again on Neat Records, and continued to build on their reputation for high-energy music with a fine Punk attitude. Throughout their career, Warfare has been known for their uncompromising sound and have maintained a cult following among fans of the heavier subgenres of metal. For me this is the last good Warfare album, after this they sound a bit too weak and without ideas like a fucking grey day in November. Anyway, eleven gems that will brighten up your day and that's all that matters, must listen!!

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V/A - Earth Rapers & Hell Raisers 2x7'' 1989

We stay fast and loud and come to this double 7inch on Hippycore Records with mostly American bands that are rather unknown to me (except Samiam whose song is almost out of place I think) but somehow and where all of them made a 7inch or even a record. It's a Benefit release for Phoenix Earth First!, I can't say exactly what it is or was but it doesn't matter, the song selection is consistently cool and sharp. A healthy mix I would say, Hardcore with a bit of metal influence and solid like a good friend who won't let you down, a second release followed in the same year on green vinyl with different colored cover. That was the weekend on wdthtc and let's see what's coming up next week, apart from a dentist appointment at 7:00 in the morning, I'm already looking forward to that....

1.Technology (The Evil) - SINS OF THE FLESH

2.Intellectual Hypocrites - BENT!

3.Nuclear Delicacies - JESTERS OF CHAOS

4.Graveyard At Sea - PISSED HAPPY CHILDREN

5.Hold My Breath - REALITY CONTROL

6.Gender Slavery - CONSPIRACY OF EQUALS

7.Blind Man's Holiday - MACHINE

8.Insightful - SAMIAM

9.Fuck, Kill, Destroy - PLEASANT VALLEY CHILDREN

10.Kenny's Song - POLLUTION CIRCUS

11.Earth First! - SEEIN' RED

12.Christian Crack Diary - CHRIST ON A CRUTCH

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SUBCULTURE - Blood & Dust 7'' 2013

A nice 7Inch by Subculture, an Oi! combo from Cambridge, they started in early 1980 and original line-up were Bleeter (vocals), Dean (guitars), Phil (bass), Matt (drums), they split in 1983 and reunited in 2011 and this is one of their newer things, I think the second 7Inch, on Contra Records and 500 copies exist (200 on light marbled & 200 on dark marbled vinyl, the rest in black). The record is certainly not a sensation; their older stuff has more power and steam and appeals more to me but what the Fuck. They dared to write something new because people in this world are still full of crap, and in doing so they overcame their fears and stayed true into their hearts, which is something I can't say about everyone. Good Job!

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CHAOS U.K. - Total Chaos (The 7Inch Collection) 1991

We all know the great the Punk Collectors Series by Anagram Records which is always equipped with all rarities of the respective combos and today we enjoy the collection of Chaos U.K., a four piece formed 1979 in Portishead, near Bristol. They emerged as part of the Anarcho-Punk scene, developing a fast and aggressive HardcorePunk style, the original line-up consisted of Simon (vocals), Andy (guitar), Adrian (bass) and finally Richard (drums). The boys really kick with their three-chord, distorted guitars that almost always sound the same, and that's exactly the typical English speed sound I like to hear. You might think every song sounds the same and there's nothing new, but Chaos U.K. also has quiet moments and longer pieces. Not many, but they show that they have some instrumental mastery. The band recorded two EPs and a full album for Riot City Records and the debut was notable in the fact that the band's label claimed it was the "fastest, noisiest LP in the cosmos" in the short-lived "Punk Lives" magazine. Many records followed, their last one coming out in 2015. I guess they're still alive and touring the UK occasionally, and maybe something new will come out soon. I'm going to have breakfast now.

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BLITZ BOYS - Eddy's New Shoes EP 1980

Interestingly, I found some nice things on a USB stick, and this is one of them. Sometimes I really wonder where I have other treasures hidden. Well, my memory is patchy, and my brain is even worse... I was thinking about making a new Compliation, but yesterday I drank a little too much Äppler due to current events, hahahaha... well, fuck the bad thoughts away.. Welcome Blitz Boys, a British short lived combo from the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Formed in 1979 and they consisted of Jeremy (vocals), Jonathan & Barry (guitars), Andrew (bass), Howard (drums). This beauty was released in an edition of 500 copies on their own label Told You So Records, extremely rare and thankfully reissued by Sing Sing Records in 2012. Disbanded shortly after releasing their only 7Inch. Could be heard on Back To Front Vol.1 and Raw & Rare British Punk Vol.2. There are three decent numbers to hear that are at home in the PowerPopPunk heaven, no failures, all relaxed and heat-resistant.

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BEARS - On Me 7'' 1978

So welcome the Bears with their second and final 7Inch on Waldo's Records and they were one of the first bands on the emerging Watford Punk scene in the Christmas of 1976. Two fantastic pieces with distinctive riffs, the record was the Single of the Week in Sounds on June 3, 1978 (a rare success for an indie Punk band of this time). On Me is a delightful testament to the early Watford punk scene: minimalist, yet with a charming sense of absurdity. The flip is a longer, improvised piece with absurd everyday texts, simply delicious. This high acclaim demonstrates that the Bears briefly enjoyed significant regional recognition. Unfortunately, tragedies and frequent lineup changes prevented a longer-term presence in the Punk scene. Perfect three-chord sound to enjoy.

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TEA SET - Cups'N'Saucers EP 1978

Things continue at a lively pace with another interesting band that was also on the road with tinkling instruments, an decent improvement on yesterday. We're talking about the Tea Set, a Watford based PopPunk combo who were active between 1978-1982 and the band was formed 1978 at Watford College of Art by Nic (vocals), Stewart (guitars), Ron (bass, whose previous band the Bears had broken up after singer Mick North was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident along with Pete Dallymore singer of the Paper Doylies), Cally (drums), Mark (keyboard) and in their short lifetime they released four 7Inches, this piece is the debut on Waldo's Records. The EP sold out its initial run of 1500 copies extremely fast, partly due to the forty second track 'B52G', which was a crowd favourite. The second follow up, released in 1979 was the Sounds Magazine's record of the week and had great reviews throughout the Alternative Music Media. John Peel added the track to his pioneering BBC radio show (the band later recorded one of his famous Peel Sessions). This got the attention of the Stranglers front man, Hugh Cornwell, who was serving time in Brixton Prison for possession of Hashish. Hugh produced the bands third 7Inch (in the bands words "The most expensive 'B' side ever made"). Unfortunatey, due partly, to the media's dislike of The Stranglers (they once kidnapped a music journalist) the song was considered a huge disappointment. The Tea Set disbanded in 1982 after numerous performances that were reminiscent of concerts with rave reviews. Cleopatra Records released in 2019 a Compilation (Back In Time For Tea) with all single tracks plus two unreleased songs. Grab it!

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V/A - Punk Lives! Let's Slam 1986

Cool Compilation on Slam Records, a sub label from my favorite label Rot Records, and you know how great their releases are. Simple, informationless presentation and limited to 1000 copies but the selection is always quite good and mostly with bands of which not much vinyl exists, with a few exceptions of course, as is the case on this record. Healthy mix that will take you forty-five minutes of your valuable time but will never get boring. Check in!

1.Inferno - ANIHILATED

2.Suffer Children - STONE THE CROWZ

3.Naytelma - RATTUS

4.Cats Eyes - POLITICAL ASYLUM

5.Bloody Road To Glory - RABID

6.Rebellious City - POISEN JUSTICE

7.Flight Of Fancy - POLITICAL ASYLUM

8.Happy But Ignorent - THROBS

9.Life To It's End - POISEN JUSTICE

10.Black Cat - RABID

11.Friendship - STONE THE CROWZ

12.40 Dumb Animals - ANIHILATED

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SHAM 69 - Tell Us The Truth 1978

It's time for a classic and today we meet the debut album by Sham 69 from Hersham on Polydor and the a-side was recorded live in concert, while the other was recorded in the studio. Formed 1975 by Jimmy (vocals), Neil & Billy (guitars), Albie (bass) and Johnny (drums). They played at many of the famous Punk hotspots during this time and the band name is said to have derived from a piece of graffiti that Jimmy saw on a wall. They didn't have the art school background of many English Punk bands of the time, and brought in football chant backup vocals and an implicit political populism, they attracted a large skinhead following (left wing, right wing and non-political) and their gigs were plagued by violence. Anyway, some line-up changes were made and a deal with Step-Forward Records was landed and the first 7Inch (I Don't Wanna) was finally released at a suitable time. Then they switched to Polydor (four albums were released) and this remained their label until their first dissolution in 1980. What happened next you can read for yourself, the fact is, the debut is simply brilliant and they've been cited as a major influence on the Oi! musical subgenre of UK Punk in the late 1970s, and also on the working class street Punk musical subgenre of the Eighties.

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INSTIGATORS - @ Berlin/University 05.06.1987

Powerful sound from one of my favorite UK bands, and for me there's only one band, well, at least the one whose music always makes me vibrate: The Instigators from Dewsbury and this awesome live record was originally released as Wall Of Sound album by Meantime Records, this re-release came three years later on Mystic Records in purple marble vinyl. Sixteen classics in a very good quality of their hard melodic sound captured in Berlin and pushes the heartily refreshing joy of playing of the band directly into your veins, even a stone would dance, so lively is the performance of the four. There is a lot of live stuff from the Instigators and I don't know all of it, but this album is a good introduction for everyone who likes authentic sounds and wants to get to know the band; they apparently never really broke up, and no current activities or releases are known. Their last release was from 1989, so I guess they're not active anymore. Whatever, enjoy a short time in Berlin and beam yourself into the late Eighties. Cheers!

Eye To Eye/Dine Upon The Dead/Hedonism/Computer Age/The Fix/Doomsday Plus One/Rules/Old Is Sad/Situation Desperate/Dark & Lonely/Summer/Wrong Word/Free/The Blood Is On Your Hands/The Church Says/It's Got To Be Stopped

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THE SCABS - s/t EP 1979

Today's post is more of a mix-up, and I won't go into it in detail. Those who are informed know what I mean, and everyone else doesn't need to know. First of all, a bit of info from the brilliant Punk77 site since I'm feeling a bit lazy right now: The Scabs were five Exeter University students and consisted of James (vocals), John (guitar/organ), Steve (bass), Patrick (drums), Simon (saxophone) and their sole record was released via Clubland Records (their own label) and containing all the ingredients needed to make a minor Punk classic; tinny guitars, cheap keyboards and over the top sneering vocals. Recorded in nearly two hours the songs are fast and fun and have been constantly bootlegged over the years on various Killed By Death Compilations. Two pressings of a thousand each. The first in a blue sleeve, the second in red and they resorted to selling copies to their fellow students at the school cafe. After the Scabs split, a couple of members moved onto the more new wave orientated M5s. Drummer Patrick remained active on the Exeter Punk scene, promoting shows throughout the 80’s before becoming a partner in Exeter live venue The Cavern Club. More background about the band is waiting at JustSomePunkSongs in an interview with singer James. Cool Stuff!

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SNUFF - Not Listening EP 1989

Debut EP by this three piece from London which were founded 1986 and the original line-up consisted of Duncan (vocals/drums), Simon (guitar/vocals) and Andy (bass). Snuff signed to the Workers Playtime label and their first release was this great EP, which received regular airplay from BBC Radio 1 Disc Jockey John Peel, and reached number nine in the UK Independent Chart. They characterized by its catchy sound and humorous, often ironic satirical lyrics (mostly socially critical and address current social issues, but are also presented with a wink) and is known for its melodic Punkrock, combining fast, energetic rhythms with brilliant melodies and multi-part vocals, the band has evolved over the years, experimenting with new styles that aren't always well-received, but remain true to its roots. Snuff released their debut album in 1988 to critical acclaim. Numerous albums and singles have followed, making them one of the most prolific combos, blessed with energy & creativity, all of which underscore their distinctive style. They are also known for their energetic live performances and they toured various countries and is an integral part of the European underground scene. Their music has influenced many other bands, and they are considered "Pioneers" of melodic Punkrock. A distinctive feature of Snuff is the multi-part vocals that can be heard in many of their songs. This gives their sound a special dynamic and sets them apart from others. Snuff are still active, and their influence can be felt in the music of many contemporary Punkbands.. yeah, they leave a lasting mark with their distinctive style and energetic music and with a career spanning several decades, they remain a significant player in the music landscape and is cherished by fans/critics alike.

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