V/A - Clay Records Punk Singles Collection 1996

Well, Christmas is just around the corner and you might know this is not my time and I'm just only enjoying the days off before going back to servitude on Tuesday. But first we relax and the freedom kicks off with Receiver Records, who released this little compilation by the Clay Records label and this Punk Singles Collection "captures some of the prime material released on one of the most important labels in Britain's transition from Punk to Hardcore. The collection is naturally dominated by Discharge, who have eight of the twenty-two songs here; there are also multiple selections from G.B.H, the Abrasive Wheels, and the Lurkers, plus one track apiece by the Killjoys and future goth mainstays the Sex Gang Children. While it might be better for some fans to simply pick up compilations by the individual artists for a more detailed look, this will serve those who simply want a more concise overview." (Steve Huey) - Now you know what to expect: rough, trashy, and urgent sound, that pleases even the innocent Christ Child. 💀

1.Reality Of Wars - DISCHARGE

2.Fight Back - DISCHARGE

3.Decontrol - DISCHARGE

4.Never Again - DISCHARGE

5.No Survivors - G.B.H.

6.Sick Boy - G.B.H.

7.This Dirty Town - THE LURKERS

8.State Violence State Control - DISCHARGE

9.Give Me Fire - G.B.H.

10.Drag You Out - THE LURKERS

11.This Is Not Love - THE KILLJOYS

12.Frankenstein Again - THE LURKERS

13.Catch 23 - G.B.H.

14.Jailhouse Rock - ABRASIVE WHEELS

15.Mauritia Mayer - SEX GANG CHILDREN

16.Banner Of Hope - ABRASIVE WHEELS

17.The Price Of Silence - DISCHARGE

18.Let's Dance Now - THE LURKERS

19.The Prisoner - ABRASIVE WHEELS

20.The More I See - DISCHARGE

21.Do What You Do - G.B.H.

22.Ignorance - DISCHARGE

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ENGLISH DOGS - Mad Punx & English Dogs 1983

We stay in 1983 and move to Grantham, the English Dogs founded there in the beginning of the 80s and were at the forefront of the first wave of English punkrock. After two demos they toured as support to fellow punk band G.B.H in Germany during early 1983 which was very successful for and Clay Records signed them and shortly thereafter their debut 12'' Mad Punx & English Dogs appeared and one year later followed Invasion Of The Porky Men, the first full length album. Personnel changes ensued after the release and they leave Clay to sign with Rot Records and release the decidedly metal tinged To The Ends Of The Earth EP in September 1984. This indicated the direction and their sound became more metallic and Forward Into Battle (1985) documented this change in my opinion excellent. I think, I had three slabs and all are sold (although I enjoyed such sounds back then) and Where Legend Began ('86) completed the transformation and I was out. I think they are very popular in the metal scene and that's okay. So enjoy once more the old hits and I have to go, Bundesliga is on.

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DEMON - The Plague 1983

Another fresh rip by a record which I grew up with, the third album by Demon from Leek, Staffordshire and this fantastic plague with eight brilliant rock goodies was recorded by Dave (vocals), Mal & Les (guitars), Chris (bass) and John (drums). Before I delight you with useless information from wiki, I will give you a short review: "The Plague" and its emotional and gripping songs are just one of many examples and if one or the other of you have actually overlooked it, now would be the perfect time to fill this "gap"...I can't express it better! - "The band were signed by Mike Stone's Clay Records in 1980 and licensed to Carrere Records to join their stable of metal bands. Their debut album, Night Of The Demon, was released in 1981. After their 1982 follow-up album, The Unexpected Guest, the band experimented beyond the NWOBHM sound and moved the band in a more melodic direction whilst still retaining the more traditional heavy metal black magic lyrical style. In 1983, Demon took a change in direction. The Plague marked a swing towards a more progressive sound, adding the keyboards of session musician Andy Richards to the album's sound. Lyrically the band also changed direction, switching to a more overtly political style that was to characterise their albums for the rest of their career. The following album, Pink Floyd influenced British Standard Approved (1984), released on the small independent Clay label, was not a huge commercial success, and with the death of Mal Spooner later that year, it appeared that the band would soon fold. At this point, the band had recruited a permanent keyboard player and co-songwriter in Steven Watts." A really good album with varied songs and critical lyrics that I always enjoy listening to and the plague is more topical than ever... and all in 320kBit/s

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G.B.H - Leather, Bristles, Studs & Acne 1981

I have long considered to post this classic because a) everyone has it and b) it's available with bonus tracks. But today, after more than two years sleepin' on my hard drive I'm now in G.B.H temper and that's good. Long time ago I've been listen to this classic and this is a must for anyone who calls himself a punk. Nine songs full of energy which were not recorded as before. G.B.H made an important step towards into an angry, fast and furious powerful hardore/punk sound and influenced a raft of young bands. Their debut 12'' is for me one of the best UK punk records. Issued as mini album by Clay Records in 1981 and spent thirteen weeks in the Indie Chart, eventually peaking at No.8. A little info for those who need it: G.B.H (Grevious Bodily Harm) are an English hardcore punk band, formed 1978 in Birmingham by vocalist Colin Abrahall, guitarist Colin "Jock" Blyth, bassist Sean McCarthy and Drummer Andy "Wilf" Williams. G.B.H were early pioneers of English street punk, along with Discharge, Broken Bones, Exploited, and The Varukers. They have gone on to influence several punk rock musicians. G.B.H the name was inspired by then-bassist Sean McCarthy's trial for grevious bodily harm. They have tons of 7inches and albums out and they're still active. This is G.B.H at their best and let's enter the weekend!

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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REBEL CHRISTENING - Tribal Eye 12'' 1985

About the next combo are unfortunately less infos to find and we're talkin' about Rebel Christening from the U.K., and it's a shame because their only 12Inch on Clay Records isn't a bad one at all. Members, as far as I could find out, were Conrad (vccals), Mick (guitars), Steve (bass), Dave (drums) and their style is rooted in the so-called Goth-Rock drawer and the three songs impressively underline this with melodic and typically sluggish rhythms. Especially the opener takes a while before the actual song starts. I like long intros when it really kicks off afterwards. The voice is appropriate, almost plaintive and pessimistic but never embarrassing. I guess at a Black Friday evening, the boys will be in the DJ's repertoire, as long as they know them. Further releases, tapes, 7Inches, records, Compilations, etc... are not known to me. Anyway, this record is really cool and the four use their instruments perfect, impulsive and thunderous. 👍

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V/A - They Only Come Out At Night 1985

Let's say Tschüß to gray January with classics from tried and true bands who have released some fine slabs on Clay Records and this compilation has four of them ready. Dynamic PowerPunk songs are convincing from beginning to end on this piece of plastic (albums by them are also represented in large numbers on wdthtc), and the constant high energy is sufficient to turn all this ditties into an amazingly cool and catchy record and I believe, not just my heart will be feel warmer. Definitely a cool one and still easy to get at affordable prices these days, so watch out!

1.Frankenstein Again - THE LURKERS

2.Maybe Tomorrow - ABRASIVE WHEELS

3.Hellhole - G.B.H.

4.Newsflash - ENGLISH DOGS

5.Sonic Omen - ABRASIVE WHEELS

6.Womb With A View - G.B.H.

7.World War 2 - ENGLISH DOGS

8.Sea Of Madness - ABRASIVE WHEELS

9.Faster Faster - G.B.H.

10.One Mans Meat - THE LURKERS

11.The Fall Of Max - ENGLISH DOGS

12.Christianne - ABRASIVE WHEELS

13.Pins And Needles - G.B.H.

14.Heroin It's All Over - THE LURKERS

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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DEMON - The Unexpected Guest 1982

A band that I like to dig up over and over again is the following one, today with their second album. Demon from Leek, Staffordshire, released via Carrere/Clay Records and despite of the evil imagery and band name, they does not really fit in the heavy metal category if you want to classify the band. The style they embraced was a mishmash of old school hard rock, bluesrock and (during live performances) shock rock, spiced up with some NWOBHM fervor. A short review: "The album is dominated by guitar and vocals; bass, drums and synths play a minor part. Guitar player Les Hunt is a thoroughbred blues adept and demonstrates his choice for a wailing, good old rocking style throughout the album. Singer Dave Hill is a very passionate vocalist. His raspy, hoarse and sometimes nasal voice matches the bluesy hard rock style of the album and sounds like a frantic version of Peter Criss (Kiss). At some points his fashion becomes annoying due to the lack of depth and range, but otherwise it is ok. It's his characteristic voice and the thick, smooth guitars that define Demon's sound." Solid rock album with highs and lows and I still prefer their third album The Plague, which is terrific. Step inside!

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THE LURKERS - This Dirty Town 7'' 1982

Not really new in Blogland but when the Lurkers invite me I don't say no, especially since the gentlemen from London will soon be celebrating their fiftieth anniversary and they are always welcome in my palace. This is another small 7Inch, released via Clay Records, from their large repertoire. On the A-side, a speedy number like I know and the flip comes with an excellent grooving and driving pisstake, wonderful! That says all and you don't need more details. Anyone who knows the band will appreciate them, anyone who has just discovered them will be thrilled.

- Great Thx to Nolti -

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G.B.H - City Baby's Revenge 1982

City Baby's Revenge is the second studio album on Clay Records by G.B.H from Birmingham. The title is a response to the band's 1982 debut album, City Baby Attacked By Rats. The change of style can already be heard here and the album is a bit more rockier than its predecessor, but still worth listening to and with some classics on it. A short review: "City Baby's Revenge followed two years later in 1984, by which time the band had become one of the leading punk metal bands of the era. G.B.H. continued recording and releasing albums throughout the '80s, though their influence progressively waned as a new wave of bands such as Slayer emerged and pushed punk metal toward what became known as speed metal and, in turn, thrash. Despite its waning influence, G.B.H. soldiered on, recording new albums throughout the '90s and into the next millennium. By this point the band was often cited by both metal and punk bands as a huge influence, and a renewed interest in G.B.H.'s early recordings resulted. Keeping its original punk rock roots since its formation, unlike many other former punk bands, especially hardcore bands who later formed the Post-Punk genre of the mid to late 80s, the band has experimented with, alongside many other hardcore punk bands."

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G.B.H - City Baby Attacked By Rats 1982

Oh Yeah, we come to fast aggressive straight up punk and heavy guitar riffs by Birmingham's finest: G.B.H with their first full length on Clay Records and after almost forty years still a highlight in punk history. What should I tell you more? Music that clears your mind, so full of energy and dynamic, a sound that shuts out all your worries and you get the feeling that everything is possible! I want to quote a final review which I can only underline and the rest info can be found on sputnikmusic. "G.B.H's debut album, City Baby Attacked By Rats is an important album for the hardcore punk genre. The album remains a standout and is essential in the band's big discography. Even though albums like these aren't known for their diversity; it is the really the only major con. I would recommend picking up or at least give a listen to this if you are a fan of classic punk music, hardcore, even metal or just punk in general. This would also be a good album to start if you are new to the band." Enough for today, WDM has to rest.

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CINECYDE - Tough Girls 7'' 1980

New year, new music and we will open 2020 with a nice litte one by Cinecyde from Detroit with their fourth 7Inch on Tremor Records. Most music enthusiasts aren’t aware that much of the Detroit punk movement of the late 1970s emerged from the suburbs rather than the city. Cinecyde came from The Oakland County city of Clawson. Much of the music of Cinecyde revolved around disgust for the current state of the music industry and their love for B movie horror films. Formed 1976 and on this record made music Gary (vocals), Jim (guitars), Clay (bass), Rodger (drums), four albums and five 7Inches were released. Both songs with great guitar riffs, crackin' garage sound and the flip is the winner for me. Go crazy folks!

- Great Thx to Nolti -

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YOUNG IDENTITIES - EP 1979

Great stuff from Brisbane's Young Identities which were formed 1978 by Clay (vocals), David (guitars), Gavin (bass), Paul (drums) and they made only two EP's but both are standouts among the Savage/Shake releases (the label released seven vinyl singles and two cassette compilations, of which they probably sold as many copies each and nowadays high sought by collectors). The band's line-up was mixed in with other band Brisbane bands who were, in turn, part of other groups. In other words, a history of the Young Identities is necessarily a history of a few other bands. I can certainly be counted among the "overseas overseers" who became interested in the early Brisbane punk scene several years ago. Without further ado, another history from the younger, snottier contingent of the no-scene Brisbane scene... (Ryan Richardson) - The band present "a lot of youthful energy, a martial spirit and all-important Punk attitude, or in short: primitive, snotty-nosed Punkrock". In the early 1980s, the band changed their name to Kicks, joining the emerging new wave sound and made one 7Inch and a couple of split cassette EPs before they too imploded in mid 1982. Both EP's were repressed in 2010/11 via 540 Records. Compilations featuring the band on At The Fuhrers Request and more essential well-known Nuggets from the Nineties. You can't pass!

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V/A - Bored Teenagers Vol.3 2003

By Request once again 16 tracks of pure and rare unadulterated British Punk Rock pearls from the golden years of ‘77 - ‘82. Volume three is a damn good one and you can read more info about the band/songs on Bored Teenagers. I'm too lazy to write more but I like this compilation serie and I have three records. Highly Recommended and the vinyl versions are fast sold out, no wonder. Should you want more of this stuff then found here yet Volume 2 + 4. I now need a little break because I'm still drunk of yesterday.

1.YT502951D - THE PERFECTORS

2.Mysterons - THE PERFECTORS

3.New Wave News - THE PERFECTORS

4.Frustration - THE INJECTORS

5.Welcome To Our Club - THE INJECTORS

6.All Dressed Up (No War To Go) - XPRESS

7.Whatever Happened To Fashion? - XPRESS

8.Personal Values - STREET PEOPLE

9.Sale Of The Century - QUALITY DRIVEL

10.Subliminal Cuts - QUALITY DRIVEL

11.Crazy Carol Carter - NO WAY

12.Destiny - NO WAY

13.Brain Damage - THE MYSTERIOUS FOOTSTEPS

14.No Pride Slow Suicide - MODEL MANIA

15.Carefree - THE MOST

16.Air Lakeland - CLAY FAV

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ABUSE - All I Wanna Do EP 2016

This little piece of Kansas Punk came original out in 1981 on Fresh Sounds in form as flexi and thirty-five years later the Italian label RaveUp Records made a re-press but add an unreleased track. The first 200 copies in pink, the rest in fuckin' black. A few words: Punk rock didn’t come to Topeka, Kansas until 1979, but when it did it hit like an atom bomb. Abuse (1979-1982) took their cue from the Stooges and the New York Dolls and then blended that into a sound all their own. Clay Galbraith’s sneering vocals and slinky bass lines, Willie McNeil’s pile-driver drums, and Chris Garner’s chainsaw guitar created a perfect storm of American rock and roll. Three of these tracks were originally released on Flexi-disc in Bill Rich’s legendary fanzine 'Talk Talk' in 1981, and a fourth unreleased track, 'All I Wanna Do', is included here for the first time ever. This is raw primal rock, the way it was meant to be played!!! - Well, all four songs kick ass and meet my taste.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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