SAMIAM - Underground 12'' 1990

Hello, I'm back and it's continuing brilliantly with one of my favorite bands from sunny California and I'm bringing you healthy vibes from Samiam, who re-recorded five songs from their 1989 demo on this cute little mini 12Inch, which didn't make it on the debut album. The band was formed 1988 with most of the combos founding members rising from the ashes of other Berkeley-area Punk bands and their first couple of albums being released on indie label New Red Archives. They say they're the inventors of EmoPunk, but I think that's nonsense. The lyrics are very personal, the music snotty and cheeky, and is that the reason for it? I don't like this kind of stereotyping, but people seem to need it when they're stuck for ideas. Anyway, I like the way they play together, and the guys were an impressive live experience too... It was a long time ago, and the T-Shirt I bought is already full of holes and worn out. Comes with new scans and a new bitrate, and the book of words closes with it. You can read for yourself how popular Samiam are and I recommend to buy their records, at least the early stuff is essential.

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DOMINOES - Lies EP 1982

Superb EP by this four piece from Milwaukee called the Dominoes, consisted of Clancy & Gerard (vocals/guitars), Bobby (bass), Mike (drums) and this is their lone 7Inch on New Deal Records. Info: "Clancy Carroll started playing music at age 13 and within a couple years formed his first band. His early influences included Jimi Hendrix, Alice Copper & David Bowie. He caught the Punk bug a couple years later after seeing the Ramones play live in a small club in June '77. His band at the time was called Ozone. Initially playing house parties and school dances, they eventually went on to win a huge battle of the bands competition. The group was rewarded with studio time and a short run 45. However, once the sessions began, they found out another band was called Ozone, so they changed their moniker to something a little more Punk sounding: The Ones. By mid-1980, Clancy wanted to move in a different direction. So he started rehearsing with Gerard LaValliere who had just left the Haskels. Marty Chittum and Mark Graves filled in for a short while, but things really came together for the band when Bobby Mitchell came on board. He had played in The Haskels as well, but left shortly after they released their stellar Taking The City By Storm EP. Bobby then suggested Mike Farrow, a drummer from Oshkosh, come in to solidify the Dominoes line-up. Mike started playing drums just a year earlier and the Dominoes would be his first band. This is just a short intro about the Dominoes by Mike from Cheaprewards Blog and read the full bio there, I wanna give you a press review from that time: "The Dominoes are a pretty attractive combo who adhere to a classicist version of Rock'N'Roll with their two guitars, bass and drums format. They're aiming for a clean sound approaching the purity of the Rockabilly Music, including in their repertoire mostly tune from the Sixties. It's a joy to hear, and on this base the band shows much potential." Well, it's not as bad as it sounds, three cool songs, the first cut is the winner for me.

Finally a little TV tip: if you're bored, watch Alice In Borderland. Great story, very good actors, excellent dialogue, and worth watching for the visuals.

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V/A - Bloodstains Across Texas 1992

Now it's fucking Monday again and pheww... I can tell you, it's a bit tiring jetting around the world, meeting people and always giving 100%... but the effort is worth it because these are always valuable friendships and they need to be nurtured. Having landed in Houston and with me this beautiful record with eighteen essential Punkrock blasts in my luggage (I think it's the last missing Bloodstains goodie in this damn blog) and the slab shines in all its glory like the area of ​​the second large state of the damn United States. Well, as I said, music from this contaminated state is straightforward and hits you hard in the ears and I guess it is one of the most successful Compis of this series. It starts superbly and ends magnificently; it's pure gold! Considering how much money these records cost these days, it's quite remarkable, especially since they're almost impossible to get anymore. It's a profoundly impactful record and highlights some of the important bands of the early years and is another great piece of American Punk history that you can't missed.

1.Rather See You Dead - LEGIONAIRES DISEASE

2.Cheap Rewards - THE NEXT

3.I.U.D. - PLASTIC IDOLS

4.Doctor's Wives - INSERTS

5.The Badge Means You Suck - AK-47

6.Earthquake Shake - SKUNKS

7.John Wayne Was A Nazi - STAINS

8.Scavenger Of Death - BOBBY SOXX

9.Learn To Hate In The '80s - BOBBY SOXX

10.Busy Kids - HUNS

11.Lost Causes - THE OFFENDERS

12.The New Ones - INANIMATE OBJECTS

13.She's In Love With The Rolling Stones - TELEFONES

14.Are You Into Destruction - BODYSNATCHERS

15.My Girlfriend Is A Rock - NERVEBREAKERS

16.Baby's Playing Games - VOMIT PIGS

17.I Was A Teenage Fuckup - REALLY RED

18.Hydrohead - THE EJECTORS

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INSERTS - s/t EP 1981

From Austin/Texas came the Inserts and the foursome consisted of Billy (vocals), Steve (guitar), Vic (bass), Fred (drums) and as their popularity grew, they rushed into the studio to record their debut EP which was released on the Classified label and we listen to three nice goodies. Musically, it's brilliantly driving and catchy, as if they've never done anything else. Texas Punk is, alongside California and New York, my absolute favorites. This record is very subtle and has a great bass line and Billy's voice fits brilliantly, exactly what a tired soul needs. The song "Doctor's Wives" is featured on the Bloodstains Across Texas Compilation. And I just noticed that this compi isn't on the blog... I thought everyone would be there, so I'll add it right away. Until then, enjoy the Inserts!

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PLASMATICS - Meet The Plasmatics 12'' 1979

Absolutely worth listening to and no less interesting is the following 12Inch by the Plasmatics. A Punkrock/Heavy Metal band which formed by Rod Swenson & Wendy O. Williams in New York City 1978. They were a controversial group known for chaotic, destructive live shows and outrageous theatrics. These included chainsawing guitars, destroying speaker cabinets, sledgehammering television sets and blowing up automobiles live on stage. This is, I think, their second vinyl on Vice Squad Records with three cool numbers (the flip lasts almost eleven minutes). They spanned five studio albums and multiple EPs. Aside from Williams and Rod, guitarist Wes Beech was the only other permanent member of the group. Guitarist Richie Stotts was a co-founder of the band and a mainstay of the pre-breakup core group (1978–1983). You should be able to find a few basics, a detailed bio and some information. I need some food now; yesterday is still weighing heavily in my bones. Check them for more records.

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DEPROGRAMMER - Discipline EP 1980

It's weekend, and I have some peace and no appointments, so I'll see what I can come up with today. A rare record that was original released without a sleeve will kick things off and this beauty came via At Last Records and it's the debut 7Inch from Deprogrammer, a short-lived combo from Texas but moved to Los Angeles, and here with female vocals by Nina, who unfortunately wasn't part of the subsequent recordings. Three catchy mid-tempo hymns which are already stinging because of their length and Nina with her passionate voice also raises the songs considerably to the upper level of smooth sounds. I can definitely say it's not a typical LA Punk record, just different and very interesting. Another single and an album followed - you know where to click for that - and unfortunately I can't provide any further information because there isn't any, and in 1980 I was at home. They weren't on any Compilations back then and the Bootlegs they're on have always the same song and that's a bit stupid. Now I treat myself to the fridge and look what's hidden there.

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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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7 SECONDS - Committed For Life EP 1983

I guess I don't have to tell everyone who the 7 Seconds are. They've released a lot of vinyl, and anyone who likes straightforward, fast Hardcore definitely couldn't ignore this band from Reno. This is their second EP on Squirtdown Records with seven blasts. A review by MMR describes the package in a few words: Another superb 7 Seconds release. This new EP highlights all of their traditional qualities - raging thrash music, great tunes, intelligent and inspirational lyrics (more personally-oriented this time around) - and adds more guitar power, some new musical twists, and improved production. There’s a very noticeable Minor Threat influence in the vocal phrasing, but this is still Skeeno hardcore at its finest. (Jeff Bale, MRR #7 • July/August 1983) I can't add anything to that, except one thing: if you need to clear your head or if some shit is bothering you, put this record on and your mood will improve immensely. And now I'll see what the day brings, the sun is shining and I need some fresh air.

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THE DARVOCETS - Do The Crop Circle EP 1996

We're continuing with a bit of not-too-serious music, and the theme here is the extraterrestrial and our veiled world, I'd say. But let me first say thx for all your kind comments on the previous sampler. It's not just only for me, but for you too, and I hope it helps and lets you move on. I've made my decision and I feel soooooo fucking good. Now to the post. From the Cleveland area came this quartet called the Darvocets and the band consisted of Larry (vocals), Paul (guitar), Chris (bass), Bobby (drums) and I have to say their first EP (Non-Commercial Records) is fucking cool. Damn, just got the message Circle Jerks playing tonight, I have to go.

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EYES - TAQN 7'' 1979

Eyes is a Los Angeles based combo, known for their early 1970s/80s sound, featuring members like Joe (vocals/guitar), Jimmy (bass), Joe (drums) and David (organ). They released two singles and tracks on Compilations, notably on Dangerhouse Records, and had a 10" EP released in 2009 featuring both previously released and unreleased material. The band also reunited for performances a couple of times. Joe, the leader of the Eyes, was a cerebral master of the unexpected lyric in front of the musical conventions of Punkrock. His musical concept fit into the Wire keep-'em-coming-too-fast-to-know groove, and the lyrics he wrote with John Richey were way over most people's heads. This two catchy Pop-Punk hymns with an incessant bleeping and blooping organ is a highly regarded piece of early L.A. Punk and is generally well received by critics and fans, including myself. The four are present on numerous Compis, so keep your eyes open.

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ADOLESCENTS - Complete Demos 1980-1986 [2005]

For die-hard fans and Punk archivists, the following album is a must-have; it complements the debut album with rare material and offers fascinating insights into the formative years of the Californian Hardcore scene. The first four tracks suffer somewhat in terms of sound quality, but while authentic at the time, frustrating at times today. Anyone seeking refinement should choose the debut. If you want raw energy, go for it. Special features: "Richard Hung Himself" is the raw original version, which later became more popular through D.I.; the two versions of "Wrecking Crew" provide creative insight; the 1986 reunion demos score with improved sound and more mature song structure. The Complete Demos 1980-1986 by the Adolescents was released via Frontier Records and includes the band's first three demo tapes, recorded between March and July 1980; one outtake from the recording sessions for their 1981 EP Welcome To Reality; and two songs recorded during their 1986 reunion as demos for their second album Brats In Battalions (1987). The first eight tracks are the only material recorded by the Adolescents' original line-up, which included guitarist John O'Donovan and drummer Peter Pan. The remaining tracks include their replacements Rikk Agnew & Casey Royer. What remains: this selection is a goldmine for all friends of the early Adolescents: full of vitality, occasional botched recordings, but with a lot of heart.

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THE DICKS - Kill From The Heart 1983

First full length by the Dicks and original released via SST Records, my copy is the Alternative Tentacles vinyl version and there are lots of Infos in the Blog and I like to quote here the one from AT, especially for you: "The Dicks, a Commie Faggot Band, emerged during the halcyon days of Austin, Texas Punk. The scene centered around the local dive bar Raul’s frequented by local freaks, artists, and soon-to-be Punkrockers. The band was the creation of Gary Floyd, a 26 year old from Palestine, Texas who had been a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War and was openly, flamboyantly gay. Although he was advertising the Dicks before they were even an actual band, Floyd soon joined forces with three “terrorist thugs” to complete the group: Glen Taylor (guitars), Buxf Parrot (bass) and Pat Deason (drums). They started writing burly, blues-drenched punk anthems and began playing raucous, shows with local heroes the Big Boys. Unlike that band’s funk-infused, high-production value drag show, the Dicks opted for a cruder but still spectacular approach. Gary Floyd would assault the audience with chocolate frosting pulled from his panties, inviting any rowdy audience members to suck his dick.

The band’s first single, the masterful Dicks Hate The Police was dropped onto the world in 1980 on MDC’s R Radical label. The title track to this EP is unlike anything else before or after a total powerhouse of a song. The B-side found the band playing faster and harder than most other US Punk bands at the time. Like most of their Texas peers, the Dicks had a sound that didn’t fit any one mold or genre. Sometimes Punk, Hardcore, Blues, or free-form ranting, they were always playing music on the edge of insanity. Their next record is one of the ultimate documents of Texas Punk, a split live record with the Big Boys recorded at Raul’s. While the Big Boys don’t sound as great as their studio material, the Dicks really explode off the vinyl with a ripping live set that captures both the great songwriting and amazing energy they brought to the table. Having caught the attention of Punk producer Spot, the Dicks recorded their first full length for SST. Kill From The Heart finds the Dicks’ blues Punk attacking conservatism and especially racism with unbridled fury. In 1982, before the album came out, Gary and the Dicks moved to San Francisco, followed by MDC and DRI who took up with them at a squatted beer plant known as the Vats. Along with their new neighbors Crucifix and Michigan’s the Crucifucks, they embarked on the 1983 Rock Against Reagan tour: an exhausting three month extravaganza organized by the Yippies. The tour took a lot out of the band, and after its completion only Gary returned to the city by the bay. There he reformed the band with three new musicians: Tim Caroll (guitars), Sebastian Fuchs (bass), Lynn Perko (drums).

This line-up recorded the Peace? 7Inch, a concept single attacking the injustices of war. While the record is powerful, especially the scorching “I Hope You Get Drafted,” it also demonstrated the cleaner, more rocking direction that the new band was taking. 1985’s These People album, released on Alternative Tentacles, showcased a Dicks who were severing ties with “Punk” sounds to play more straightforward, longer bluesy rock songs. Nonplused by the reaction from punk audiences (“play faster!”), Gary decided to end the Dicks in 1986. He and Lynn Perko started Sister Double Happiness, who recorded for SST. Gary later went solo and has a new project called Black Kali Ma on A.T. Glen Taylor, unfortunately, passed away. Alternative Tentacles has reissued a collection CD of Dicks material that is a good starting point, and bootlegs of the LP (good quality) and first 7″ (bad quality) aren’t too hard to come by. Go get them now!"

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GLENN DANZIG - Who Killed Marilyn? 7'' 1981

One of the most sought after collector's items in the entire Glenn Danzig discography, the notorious, non-album 7Inch Who Killed Marilyn? and was recorded during Danzig's tenure with horror Punk icons the Misfits, this song was released as a solo single, and with an unreleased Misfit's track, Spook City USA! Both songs also appeared on the Misfits collection Compilations and were originally recorded in 1979, so there's really no need to buy the original 7Inch again for a lot of money. But whatever, both songs are brilliant, and anyone who likes the band and its frontman will buy them and hear music that's still fantastic, I can't say that about every band.

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THE GOD MACHINE - Scenes From The Second Storey 1993

Now to a band that I came across through an acquaintance, there was an mp3 CD for me and these gentlemen were on it. And I owe them a lot, they are the namesake of this fucking blog and also a musical revelation. I'm talkin' about the God Machine, a three piece from San Diego and members were Robin (vocals/guitar), Jimmy (bass) and Ronald (drums) and they were active in the first half of the Nineties and they all lived and performed mainly in the UK and across Europe. They released an EP, Purity with the Eve record label, and were later given a recording contract with Fiction Records. They released two albums in their career, both with their trademark dark and industrial-sounding alternative rock, before Fernandez suddenly died May 23, 1994 from fucking brain hemorrhage. "This is their debut album with thirteen goodies and it's an elemental listening experience and is no easy listen. Some songs erupt from quieter phases, others settle into hypnotic, drone-like jams." - A really healthy mix of suffering, loss, anger and aggression that I love, many emotional worlds that each of us knows, some that you don't need but that keep coming into your life because people are blind and stupid, and this can be heard excellently by the God Machine. Must listen!

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BAD CHECKS - I'm Paranoid 7'' 1982

Debut 7Inch by this four piece called Bad Checks, founded 1980 in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina and they consisted of Hunter (vocals), Robin (guitars), Clifton (bass), Mike (drums) and this cracker was released on their own label Loretta Records. Info: the founders, brothers Robin and Clifton Mann, are the only two members who have lasted the entire time. Hunter of "Crash" Landen & the Kamikazes joined the band as frontman shortly thereafter and played his first show with the Bad Checks in 1984. A year later, the Bad Checks released "Graveyard Tramp" and went on tour. The band had more drummers than Spinal Tap and released numerous albums over the decades. Their last album, "High Dollar," was released in 1998 on Yep Roc Records and is pure garage punk with a touch of blues. (Megan Frye) - Two delicious numbers that have their own charm. I like both. Damn cool!

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C.O.C. - Eye For An Eye 1984

Corrosion Of Conformity (often abbreviated as C.O.C.) were founded in Raleigh/North Carolina in 1982 and the band has undergone multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with lead guitarist Woody as the sole constant member. They started with excellent Hardcore sounds, which their debut album (this) on No Core Records impressively demonstrates, but later moved towards a slower and bluesier heavy metal sound. On this fantastic album the line-up were Eric (vocals, the only album with him), Woody (guitars), Mike (bass/vocals), Reed (drums) and soon after, Eric left the band and C.O.C. continued as a three-piece and 1985's follow-up Animosity was released through Metal Blade Records. Although it was well-received and is now seen as an important album in the crossover thrash genre, Metal Blade did little to promote the album, prompting Mike to quit the band in 1987. What happened to the band after that can be read and I don't want to write any more, fact is: Eye For An Eye is the band's best work and an important contribution of American Hardcore blasts. 

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VAGRANTS - A Disappointment [Demo] 1989

Let's come to the Vagrants, a four-piece from the late Eighties and they were formed in El Cerrito, California/San Francisco and consisted of Brian (vocals), Nick (guitars), Craig [bass), Dave (drums) and they made three Tapes plus one 7Inch, and this band really has it and never got the attention they deserve. Even the toughest Punkrocker has a heart and goes through difficult times and that's exactly what these guys bring to the fore here, pure melancholic songs whose vocals combine excellently with the dark spirit and drive of Nick's guitar, even if it sounds pretty gruff and doesn't feel that way at all, the Vagrants are a must for every snotty person. The single is a lot more concise in this regard and I'm surprised that it's not on the blog, but that's coming soon because after they changed their name to Pot Valiant they released three singles and an album and a lot of Compilation stuff, and recently a double album was released with all that shit which I will be receiving shortly and then you get the full blast. The cover is also remarkable and reflects the fear & despair of various situations in life, especially as an adult when you know how all the shit in and around you starts to torment you and wants to rip your heart out. Must Listen!

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AGRESSION - Locals Only, Dick! 1986

I'll see if I can get more than one post out this long weekend. The last few days have been full of shit that I've encountered and that has occupied my heart and mind so much that I've had no inspiration for wdthtc. Sometimes it makes me sad and angry when I see young live wasted and I can't find a way to change it. I'm not talking about society here, it just screws me over anyway. Oh, and what am I even talking about here.... I'd rather keep swimming in the ocean of remarkable records and come across an interesting live CD by Agression, who were very active in the Eighties with their fantastic skate-slam Punk sound. This fucker was released via Mystic Records and features twenty-two songs that were all recorded live at different locations; the quality is, as befits Punkrock: modest! But still music with a lot of energy, dirty guitar, Mark's wild voice and power. Enjoy!

Money Machine/Watching You/Locals Only/No Mercy/Insomnia/The Keeper/Stop The Clock/Dear John Letter/I'm Alive/Voodoo Stew/Don't Be Mistaken/Body Count/Rich Kids/Rat Race/Go To War/Intense Energy/Slammin' At The Club/The Keeper/Body Count/It Can Happen/Don't Be Mistaken/Intense Energy

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WRECKING CREW - Balance Of Terror 1989

Wrecking Crew were Boston Hardcore’s that is often credited with putting Boston Hardcore back on the map and was part of the Straight Edge scene there. Founded 1987 during the Boston HardcorePunk era, when most of the older bands like SS Decontrol, DYS, and Jerry's Kids had disbanded, by members who had not yet made a musical impact and the initial line-up included Glenn (vocals), John & Ralph (guitars), Keith (bass), and E.K. (drums), who was quickly replaced by Taras. In contrast to the aforementioned bands, they chose a more metal-oriented style. Their inspirations included Agnostic Front, Discharge, Broken Bones, and Battalion Of Saints. The band's first performance was on May 27, 1987, opening for Corrosion Of Conformity. After further shows in Boston, they entered the studio in January 1988 and recorded a total of eight songs, four of which were released as 7Inch on Mark MacKaye's (Slapshot) label Vortex in an edition of 1000 copies. At one of the shows, the band met John Bello of Hawker Records, who offered them a recording contract, and their debut album, Balance Of Terror, was released shortly thereafter. The band recorded live tracks at CBGB’s for the Compilation Free For All and two additional songs for the Thrasher magazine Noise Forest - SR7 sampler. The band then embarked on their first (and only) US tour, which was not very successful. After the tour, Wrecking Crew attempted to record material for a new album but Hawker went bankrupt. The recordings at Synchro Studios were recorded as a demo in 1991 and later released on the 1987–1991 Compilation. They were able to negotiate a recording contract with Maze Records, but this label also ended their collaboration shortly thereafter. So in 1994, the band finally disbanded. Playing along side peers such as Agnostic Front, Sick Of It All, Cro-Mags, Slapshot and many more, Wrecking Crew was a Hardcore/Metal Crossover style band that collapsed upon themselves before breaking up. Most of the bands records are long out of print but a few were re-released and I’m sure if you search for you will get one and discover another chapter of Boston style riffs by checking out Wrecking Crew.

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DECRY - Symptoms Of Hate EP 1984

Today a small musical highlight from the west coast of the USA, more precisely from California and Decry have produced two albums and three 7Inches (the last from 2020) in the glorious Hardcore years. This one was recorded in November 1983 and the five song cracker was the debut piece for Decry, founded in the early eighties by Farrel (voice), Andrew (guitars), Tod (bass), Rodney (drums). First pressing. Issued in various color covers. Two different lyric insert sheets exist. First issue was the collage photo insert w/ lyrics on back (most issued). A second insert was created when the first ran out with a single live photo of Farel. Lyrics on reverse have a shadow from the cut and paste (least issued). A review: “A proficient debut EP from this LA band. The lyrics are thoughtful, the production is good, and the delivery is fast, but they tend to reduce the songs to a formula by throwing in similar breaks and changes of tempo that confuse me. Although they show potential, it needs to be developed. Not bad.” (Ruth Schwartz, MRR #12 • March 1984) The guys are obviously still active, touring here and there and still firing their peppy sound among the people.

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