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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THE NERVES - s/t EP 1976

I have one more and we shoot ourselves back almost fifty years and there is enough wiki info about the band and a little intro of it now: The Nerves were an American PowerPop trio, formed in San Francisco in 1974 and later based in Los Angeles, featuring Jack Lee (guitars), Peter Case (bass) and Paul Collins (drums). All three members composed songs and sang. They managed an international tour in the U.S. and Canada, including dates with the Ramones, and performances for the troops as part of the United Services Organization (USO). Their career was over by 1978, but they produced a great EP that featured the PowerPop classic "Hanging On The Telephone," which was later recorded (and brilliantly so) by Blondie. (John Dougan) In addition to being the drummer, Paul was also the trio's manager and did most of the bookings and promotion. The Nerves' EP was distributed by independent Bomp! Records and officially re-released on CD and vinyl by Alive Records in 2008. - All I can say about the EP itself is: four fantastic songs that are second to none, with beautiful melodies and excellent lyrics. Timeless and suitable for any romantic occasion, perfect for your sweetheart who doesn't understand that you love her, or anything along those lines. With these songs, you can declare yourself and win the heart of the person you want. And look at all the filth that is broadcast over the airwaves today. I mean, I don't follow any of it, but I am confronted with the new shit sound in the train, on the street or in the World Wide Web, and I am always disgusted by the stupid and simple-minded piss that is gloriously celebrated and yet has nothing honest or authentic about it. A real disgrace, and the masses buy their nonsense and make them rich. Stupid. Well, some say Musicblogs are ruining the music scene, I say: We make sure that really good and beautiful music stays alive. And in this spirit, let's continue and now have heavenly moments with this beautiful record!

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THE CHEATERS - Man As Hunter EP 1980

Nice litte record by this four piece - Scott (vocals), Kurt (guitars), Al (bass) & Dave (drums) - from Seattle and we enjoy three brilliant tracks, their only official record released on No Threes Records. In 2015 a Compilation, See You Next Year, Fuckbrains, was released, featuring additional recordings from 1978/1979, all previously unreleased. It came in a limited edition of 200 copies on blue vinyl and a four-page picture book. The info is used from this slab: "The Cheaters began in late 1977, like many other bands of their time, high school friends who wanted to “form a band” and finding their outlet in Punkrock music. Brothers Kurt & Al Bloch writing songs and practicing in their parents’ basement. With no money to record properly, they began a year of basement tapes, very crude to begin with, but as the playing improved, so did their “one-track” recordings. Saving up enough money to record and release a Single in late 1979, they promptly disintegrated live on stage in October of that year." - They are represented on a few Compis and all essential.

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TRANSISTORS - Telephone 7'' 1980

Lone 7Inch on Screwball Records by this Colorado PowerPop five piece and the Transistors consisted of Rikki (rhythm guitar/vocals), Keith (lead guitar/vocals), Karen (bass/vocals), "Flash" Gordon Kennedy (drums) and I find, it's a strong debut. They bring with their two songs a mixture of catchy melodies and rough charm to the table. The record starts with a driving drumbeat that immediately grabs your undivided attention. The guitar riffs are sharp and concise, the vocals are full of energy and emotion, which means that the record quickly sticks in your head, while the lyrics describe a critical examination of the communication culture of the time. They address the feeling of isolation in an increasingly interconnected world and the difficulties of making real human connections. This message is timeless and still speaks to many people today who feel lost in a world full of digital communication. It is a call for authenticity and a return to interpersonal relationships. The recordings are raw and unpolished and very authentic. There are no excessive effects or polish; instead, the focus is on the band's energy and performance. This helps to underline the raw emotion and urgency of the message. The Transistors made a name for themselves in this scene by challenging the typical clichés of Punk while developing their own unique style. They have also been guests on some Compilations. A fantastic slab that convinces both musically & lyrically.

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V/A - Oi! It's Party Time For... Working Class Kids! #3 EP 1997

Last chapter of this small mini-series called Oi! It's Party Time by the French label One By One Records with four bands, three from the States, one from France. The first act is Bovver 96 from Philadelphia, who released two 7Inches and an album in the Nineties and they give us a fast, snotty number as the opener. Next up is A.O.C. from the Moulins & Yzeure area in France who belt out a decent Oi! Smasher and the song is taken from their first tape Cuvée 1996. A single + a CD decorate their discography. The flip starts with the Suspects from Arlington, and the gents were present in the Nineties with two 7inches and albums, their song for this dittie is taken from the second album New Dawn In The 21st Century and will smash your house like an eclat in the White House. And as fourth in the league Riot Squad from Dallas, originally formed in late 1989 then reformed in 1993 after a break. They have released two albums plus a 7Inch and cassette and round off the EP with a fast, likeable and exclusive blast. Fabulous record!

1.Clockwork Chameleon - BOVVER 96

2.L'Apéro - A.O.C.

3.Ead Street Punks - THE SUSPECTS

4.Stand Up & Be Proud - RIOT SQUAD

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SAMIAM - Live Germany! EP 1992

Last but not least, a bit live stuff from one of my favorite bands from California. Samiam stand for fantastic songs with more personal lyrics, I won't call them Emopunk, this isn't true... No No No, they create great songs with an intense deep emotional feeling, you know what I mean, and I like this combination of personal lyrics paired with aggressive sound that is never over the top. The mix has to be right and in my opinion the Sunny California Boys celebrate that amazingly well. And this EP is a brilliant example how it sounds live. This goodie was released as part of the Your Choice Live Series and is not compatible with their album from the same series, these three songs were recorded live in the "Oberhaus" in Alzey on March 31, 1992 and the 7Inch is limited to 2000 copies. Three songs from their magnificent third album Billy can be heard and I can warmly recommend you to buy their records.

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THE GRAPPLERS - Live! 7'' 1980

 

Next rare piece is the sole 7Inch by the Grapplers and the band consisted of Steve & Brian (vocals/guitars), Paul (bass), Ed (drums) and this dittie was released via Sonic and it's called 'Live!' and was recorded Live In a Studio in New York. and that's all information I could get about these gentlemen. Both songs have a nice drive and the guitars sound decently dirty, the tempo is pleasant and the other instruments are carefully used, they can do something and that's all it takes to write an interesting piece, and with a length of two and a half minutes each, it fits excellently. A rare little entertaining listening pleasure and definitely worth to invite them on a Compilation.

- Great Thx to Nolti -

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THE EJECTORS - Hydrohead 2006

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

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

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

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KAMALA & THE KARNIVORES - Girl Band EP 1989

We stay cozy but now with a bit more punk factor with female power four piece Kamala & The Karnivores, a San Francisco Bay Area band which was active from 1987 until 1989 when they originally disbanded. They were one of the few female bands closely associated with the early days of 924 Gilman Street, a Berkeley institution that is the longest running all ages venue for underground music in the US. The band recently reformed in order to play the Lookouting Festival at 924 Gilman in January of 2017, a popular four-day event that drew well over six hundred attendeesworldwide. The Karnivores enjoyed themselves so much that they have opted to play a limited run of additional shows in 2017. The band consisted of Kamala (vocals), Todd (guitar/tambourine/vocals), Lynda (guitars/vocals), Ivy (bass) and Maracas (drums) and sounded a little indie-rock in their tempos and melodies but they pulled it off with a Punkish swagger. Definitive East Bay pop band and we have four sweet songs about being in love, killing boys, and black thumbs, this is their only 7Inch released via Lookout! Records and Compilations featured the band on the The Thing That Ate Floyd from 1988. In 2018 there was a final sign of life in form of a mini-CD with seven songs called Vanity Project.

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