THE MEDIA - Bright New Future 2020

Return of The Media: From Polaroids to Instagram, from vinyl singles to SoundCloud, from printing presses to the internet - a lot has changed with our media in the past fourty years. But, late 1970s Portsmouth band The Media are hoping that some things don't change; that a great tune is a great tune and that a band with an enviable live reputation still have the chops. Love Child Records certainly think The Media still have it!

In 2019 we set about tracking the band down and launched a double A-side 7" single Jump Down/How Could You Lie in April that year. Now, after some fantastic mastering work by North London Bombing, Love Child can finally release a whole album!! The Media were a Portsmouth band formed in 1978, influenced by the UK punk explosion of 1977 and consisted of Martin Jacks (vocals), Brian Lee (drums), Pete Rossie (guitar) and Michael 'Chello' Whichello (bass). In a short space of time back in the days of the punk rock explosion (and everything moved very quickly in the late 1970s) The Media played loads of shows, honed their 60s beat meets 70s street/seminal suburban songs, got a bit good, built a large following, released two singles and by 1980 were featured in an early Phil Redmond (the producer of Grange Hill, Brookside, Hollyoaks, etc.) youth TV series Going Out. What could possibly go wrong? Their debut No Darling I Love The Media EP appeared in 1978 on their own Tearaway Records (Cherry Red Records distributed it). It featured live favourites T.V. Kids, Don't Sit Back, Getting High and Rose and Crown. It was a bit good and sold out. A second single, Southcoast City Rockers came out the following year on the Portsmouth collective Brain Booster Records, again it sold out. A video was shot for Southcoast City Rockers, heady stuff at a time when very few bands recorded videos. The single showed the band moving on musically, taking in elements of the UK's emerging Ska scene (led by The Specials' Two Tone label) and the Mod revival inspired by The Jam (they secured support slots with The Vapors and Secret Affair). On the back of the money they were paid for the Going Out TV series (The Media's scene featured a packed gig, with a young Peter-Hugo Daly careering around causing mayhem) the band went in the studio with the aim of recording songs for an album, nine songs were completed.

But, trouble at one of their support slots (lets be honest, there was loads of bother at shows in the late 1970s/early 1980s) led to the cancellation of a series of gigs, including a prominent London show, and the band split in 1981. Fast forward thirty-seven years and the master tapes from that album session were found by a band member in their loft. 

On the advice of Acid Attack's Dave Clarke the tape is sent to Paul Orwell at Love Child Records, who in turn played it to Adam Cooper of parent company Heavy Soul Records, both of these uber music fans gave it a massive thumbs up. Love Child Records set about restoring the nine track tapes and transferring them to files. Talk immediately turned to releasing a single and album... and then a possible reunion show. The first 7" vinyl single from this session, Jump Down/How Could You Lie, was released in April 2019, fourty years after release of first Media EP! Bright New Future is available in 100 copies yellow vinyl, 150 copies black vinyl, so better be quick!

- Great Thx to Bristolboy -

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FUNERAL ORATION - s/t LP 1987

Here's an extreme pretty cool melodic punk album and I would like to quote lots of infos I've found on their MySpace site:

Funeral Oration was a melodic hardcore punk band from Amsterdam/Netherlands. They were active from 1983 until the end of the 1990s, putting out highly influential records on Dutch, German, British and American labels. They managed to create their own unique sound, mainly due to the unmistakable vocal style of the singer Peter Zirschky.

Funeral Oration was formed in early 1983 out of the ashes of singer Peter Zirschky's former band – Last Warning. The initial line-up was completed by drummer Ferry Fidom, bassist Mike who was soon replaced by William Steinhauser, and guitarist David. The latter quit just after the recording of their first demo, so Zirschky took over guitar duties. In the beginning of 1984 another demo tape was recorded, this time with better production which captured the raw energy of those early days of the band. It wasn't until the fall of 1984 that their music finally made it to vinyl when the self-produced 'Shadowland' 12'' was released. Four tracks of ripping hardcore on side A, backed with three of the darkest post-punk songs established their trademark sound. The next year brought a new guitarist, Tos Nieuwenhuizen (ex-Agent Orange), and a new release – their first and now legendary album 'Communion" (1985) on Diehard Records, which was ranked #3 best punk rock album of the year by Flipside magazine.

The unique guitar style of Tos Nieuwenhuizen and heartfelt lyrics of Peter Zirschky earned the album a classic status. In 1986 guitarist Tos left the band. He was replaced by Hayo Buunk and later that year a new 7inch EP was recorded – "Survival". Their second album, simply titled "Funeral Oration", saw the light in 1987 and the same year drummer Ferry Fidom left the band. With the new drummer Erik Jansen in, the band’s line-up didn’t change for a decade. Another EP 'The More We Know' was released in 1989 and in the end of the year material for a new album was recorded, but a hiatus in the band caused its late release – the "Say No To Life" record was finally put out in 1993 by WRF Records. This record gave a hint of what would become their definitive sound in the '90s – catchier melodies and better production, still keeping the edge of their previous albums.

After almost five years of silence, the four entered the studio to record their CD debut "Punk Rock Nation", which caught the ear of american Hopeless Records who eventually signed the band. Most of the tracks off "Punk Rock Nation" were included on their next release, predictably titled "Funeral Oration". A semi-professional video was shot for the song "Outside", which can be seen on the "Cinema Beer Goggles" video. Hopeless Records issued the band’s last two studio albums 'Believer' (1997) and 'Survival' (1998) – and a double-disc compilation with rare, unreleased and live material. In 1997 Vinny Tjoa joined as a second guitar since Hayo Buunk couldn't take part in the recording of "Survival". Funeral Oration did three american tours in three consecutive years – in 1996, '97 and '98 – promoting each of their Hopeless Records releases. By the end of the decade the band members went their separate ways.

Sad news in the end, on 17.April 2008 Erik Jansen former drummer for Funeral Oration passed away after a tragic accident. Fazit: excellent legacy from one of the finest dutch bands ever.

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WUT - Kapitalismus 1986

Awesome Killer Stuff now by this great band from Langenfeld. WUT were founded in 1983 by Schetty (vocals), Holger (bass), Oli (guitars) & Jörg (drums) and their first release came two years later in form of a split EP "Their Last Testament/Everything Ever Seen - Everything Ever Heard!" with Rotting Carcass on More Fun Records and also in 1985 their only album Kapitalismus via Double A, 1990 another split 12'' with Sons Of Sadism, also Double A Records. I quote the band from the insert:

"We are four individuals who've come together about 2½ years ago to express our attitude to life through music. However, we do not understand music as an end in itself, but as a step out of our own impotence, the powerlessness that we experience every day when we look at the state of this world.

Our system is based on the exploitation of the masses, the developing countries and nature. It relies on brainwashing in schools, psychiatry, factories, barracks, and in the media, where it sells consumer goods as a substitute for interpersonal relationships, living off alienation from one another. It educates people to selfish money-hungry intolerant dependent self-employed labor-bearing and consuming machines. This is the world of gross national product, the 5-year plan, the suicide rate ...

The music creates a free space, a medium through which we can express our thoughts and feelings. On the other hand, it's just fun for us, a fun that gives us more than the full of fun, aggression and walls of coolness marked 'fun' of the well-known 'jokers' at countless concerts, meetings and other places.

Through the band, we also got to know people we might never have met otherwise, people who make us rich with a lot of positive experiences and the confirmation to do something useful. The people we have known for some time, who have experienced our way and whom we love! And all those we do not know, but who may be on the same path as us, we dedicate this album! Love & Strength to those who resist.

There are days when people question all the beautiful ideals that they laboriously built up, because the feeling is quickly spreading that nothing will change anyway, especially when sees that unconditional adaptation to this power money-driven society is rewarded by a secure content (??) existence, as long as man does not come up with the idea to ask the meaning of such an existence. We can not let ourselves be lulled by the ignorance of the masses who are only interested in their beer supply, their new car and the length of their cocks. Keep your own head and live your life!"

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SUBURBAN STUDS - Slam 1978

Formed in 1976 and hailing from Birmingham, the Suburban Studs consisted of Eddy Zipps (vocals/guitar), Keith Owen (guitar), Paul Morton (bass), Steve Pool (drums) and with their already punky sounding name were one of the first bands to be signed to an independent, the equally punky sounding Pogo Records, and marketed through the major label WEA Records. In their time they released two 7Inches and even an album within a year, a feat not reached by many a Punk band of the time. Originally featuring the sax antics of Steve Heart the instrument was felt to be inappropriate to their sound and he left to start the Neon Hearts.

The Suburban Studs were active live throughout 1976 but were a different looking proposition then with a more glam look. Supports at the time included The Runaways. They played their first London gig at the 100 Club on the 31st August '76 supporting the Sex Pistols and The Clash. A quote from a Sounds review by John Ingham appears The Clash book "Last Gang In Town" where he describes their set as 'a laughable mixture of tacky jumpsuits, tacky make-up, tacky props and tacky music'. The Studs also headlined over the Clash on the 27th of October '76 at Barbarellas in Birmingham, this time complete with haircuts and a more Punk image, though still playing the same dated glam set as they did at the 100 Club. Gigs at the usual suspects like the Marquee, Vortex, Roxy Club and Barbarellas and tours even supporting the likes of AC/DC and The Runaways did nothing to break the band. Not even a John Peel session broadcast in December 1977 or appearing in a Punkrock special on ATV helped.

WEA supported with marketing and also helped land them on the double Live At The Hope And Anchor album with a live version of 'I Hate School' along with The Stranglers, 999, X-Ray Spex & The Saints among others. Their WEA Press release which accompanied their album Slam l is suitably hyperbolic and manages to sadly spell the bands name wrong in the first sentence! WEA Press Release Born in the slums of the Midlands and educated with street level certificates, the Surburban Studs are deeply involved with their music. "We're fed up with rock superstars", said lead vocalist Eddie Zipps. Their music has got fuck all to do with living on the street today. We live in a slum... You've got to play music, that's life, that creates a situation. Their debut album 'Slam' reflects the seamier side of life and focuses on Suburban Studs instinct. Unfortunately the music didn't live up to the hype. Mediocre album reviews in the music weeklies didn't help either. PR was reduced to occasional gossip including the singer being subject to random Punk violence which was prevalent at the time and the shenanigans of their fans when two girls at their Thames Poly gig flashed their breasts on stage, daubed graffiti & set off fire extinguishers. With no sales the band who were astute enough to jump on the Punk bandwagon couldn't progress further and just fell off the Punk map.

Having said that however, the single Questions/No Faith (1977 Pogo Records) is a peach as good as any. Classic driving overdriven punk at a frenetic and heart attack inducing pace. Steve Harrington (sax) who was later in the Neon Hearts played on the first version of Questions/No Faith (July 1977) which was withdrawn, both tracks were re-recorded when Harrington left to start the New Hearts and e-released in November 1977, this time with "No Faith" as the A-side. Slam their album feels like Punk by numbers. All the ingredients are there but there's something missing and that's a spark. For once I think the reviews of the time got it right. Like the art work on Slam below? They couldn't get straight jackets from anywhere and in the end had to have them tailor made. Their only other single was I Hate School/Young Power (1978 Pogo Records) pulled from their album and this time reusing the album over in monochrome. They are also on the Live at the Hope & Anchor Compilation (March 1978) again singing I Hate School in the company of The Stranglers, 999 and X Ray Spex. Ironic as one of them went on to become a teacher.

While bands like Eater and Menace never got a John Peel radio show, the Suburban Studs did which aired on 22.11.77 and which featured "Suburban Stud, I Hate School, Necro, No Faith" and that was it! (source: punk77)

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STENGTE DØRER - Hver Dag Er En Perfekt Dag 1989

In 1988 the band released their great debut album Sangen Om Vår Vidunderlige Verden on the German label Double A Records and then they went on tour in Germany and Belgium. After the so-called "Blitz-Route" the band recorded their second album "Every Day Is A Perfect Day" which was released again on Double A and includes a printed booklet with lyrics in Norwegian, English and German. I call it a good idea. Stengte Dører is Hardcore/Punk from Oslo, all fourteen songs, similar with their debut record, dominated by fat guitars with slightly metallic elements, an excellent and varied drummer, pretty bass-lines and a singer who express his feelings clearly with a rough and "drunken" voice. An absolute hammer platte and by the way; the production is a little more clearly than on their first vinyl. In 1992 Stengte Dører leave the stage with their last EP "Siste Reis". Farewell!!!

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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KICKS - The Secret 7'' 1981

I was asked for a compilation which I unfortunately do not own. So I wrote an email to my friends and got it finally. However, it still lasts a little up to the Shakedown! post but I will give you a small tidbit by this awesome Brisbane punkers. This 7inch was published original by Shake Records and re-released 2012 by 540 Records. So I wanna use an excellent review from GraveMistakeRecords which descripes the band/record perfect:

"Official reissue on 540 Records of this Australian "post punk" classic from 1981 that sounds so much like Bauhaus it's crazy! This is the 6th in the series of Shake/Savage records reissues of some of the best punk ever to come from Australia. After nearly three years (and nearly as many chords) The Young Identities decided to try something different if not entirely distant. They still get a buzz from fast and sinister music so they change their name to Kicks and release a very limited edition cassette singe titled 'Leather/Godzilla'. Sounding fresh, brash and furious but with more depth than previously heard, the boys continued to expand on the new noise with the 1981 vinyl double A side follow up 'Return of the Action Man/The Secret'. The single sold well locally and was an acknowledged influence on new and upcoming bands like Mystery of Sixes and Public Execution. Officially though, it was to be Kicks last recorded release, until now... where thanks to the good folk of 540 records it raises it ugly hydra-head again!"

I believe therefore everything is said and I can be even grateful to that people who dig out such brilliant classics. Two excellent songs from a very good band.

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ANGRY RED PLANET - Little Pigs, Little Pigs 1987

Weekend's near and we welcome it with Angry Red Planet, a three piece + formed in Detroit in 1982 and the first slab was the self-released a EP called Too Much Knowledge Can Be Dangerous in 1983. Gawker's Paradise was the followup four song EP which was released by Touch And Go Records in 1985. After that followed Little Pigs, Little Pigs on their own Angry Red Records in 1987 and their last album Give 'Em Enough Dope...., again on Angry Red Records in 1989. During the 80's they played regularly in the Detroit area, as well as touring throughout the rest of the country. During its existence might have gotten more attention in Europe than in the U.S.A. Not only was the first album licensed in Germany in 1987 (“Little Pigs, Little Pigs” – but without the elusive silk screened cover the original pressing has) – German label Double A Records also released a so-so live album with recordings of the bands highly enjoyable 1988 Euro Tour. Like so many bands, Angry Red Planet had developed a rather twisted, noisy sound by the end of the 80s, when rock music (seemed) dead and on the floor. Give this two or three listens and you will start singing along, guaranteed. It’s about time somebody does this band minimal justice and re-releases the discography. I'm not sure where I found these wonderful words but they take over my useless ones, I heard them first on the brilliant Going Nowhere Slow and 10 Meter Ohne Kopf compliations and their music is quirky, innovative, original hardcore-punk… Just listen!

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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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THE CURE - @ The Zenith/Paris October 1992

There is music that remains timeless, emotional and will never be forgotten, and especially when the sound for years accompanies you through your ups and downs. For me it's the Cure whose records I own all the way up to the Wild Mood Swings record, from then on they weren't the same. I'm not sure, in addition to the numerous bootlegs, the first official live records came out in the early nineties, this one and the fantastic Show double album. Yesterday evening after ripping vinyl I listened to these two records after a long time and thought: what great music and why not post it? And then the thought occurred to me what a blessing to grow up with such a brilliant band. Nowadays there is no comparison and I regret the music lovers who grow up with the short-lived artificial formations whose music always sounds the same and completely shitty is and doesn't have any character, compiled by the majors, only to earn money, without a heart or attitude to life. That's the modern musical world; radio compatible, dumb, uncritical, non-reflective, mass-produced and a waste of time. And that's why it is important to rediscover such classics like this album. Of course, I recommend all those who aren't yet familiar with Cure records, get them and enrich your musical horizon.

The Figurehead/One Hundred Years/At Night/Play For Today/Apart/In Your House/Lovesong/A Letter To Elise/Dressing Up/Charlotte Sometimes/Close To Me/A Night Like This/Trust/A Forest

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V/A - Attack Is Now Suicide 1988

A short appearance from me and in my mind is the next record, a fucking hot Compilation of the late Eighties and released in 1988 by the small but equally important German label Double A Records in collaboration with Americans from Phantom Records and is chock full of superb international Hardcore/Punk material with some exclusive highlights. US.Distress opens the musical ecstasy with an fucking energetic track and so it happens one after the other, short and intense songs (especially the Vatican Commandos & Dusk is a brilliant example with an unusual title and a rough sound and Dresden 45 contributes the longest track, which bears the band's name and creates a dark atmosphere). This beauty offers a diverse mix of aggressive and experimental sounds. Although not all tracks are equally strong, Attack Is Now Suicide is an interesting contemporary document of the Hardcore & Punk scene around the world of the late 1980s. The album also contains a folded insert with band photos and song lyrics which is not included within.

1.Who Possesses You? - U.S. DISTRESS

2.British Troops In Cyprus - SIC BOY FEDERATION

3.Housewives On Valium - VATICAN COMMANDOS & DUSK

4.Fjernsyn - O.H.M.

5.Bimbirimbirimbam - S.H. DRAUMUR

6.Werewolf's Life - FEAR ITSELF

7.Intolerance 2:24 - I DENY

8.When You've Got The Choice - DAWN OF LIBERTY

9.Dresden 45 - DRESDEN 45

10.Korruption - EXTREM

11.Don't Waste Your Time - COLLAPS

12.Paralized - RANCID DECAY

13.Nor & Far - RAPED TEENAGERS

14.Russia Nuked Themselves - STIKKY

15.Aggression - NO FRAUD

16.Koyhat Kyykuyn - TERVEYSKESKUS

17.Breakfast Of Champions - PROBLEM CHILDREN

18.Call For Freedom 3:14 - ASOCIAL

19.Ain't No Crime - DAMAGE

20.Gente - SUBTERRANEAN KIDS

21.Fuck S.A.C.E.M. - PIN PRICK

22.Master Of All - DEVIATED INSTINCT

23.Can't Reach Me Now - AFFLICT

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KNOTS - Heartbreaker EP 1980

First one today and it's a superb re-release by Knots only 7Inch with three tracks on RaveUp Records (500 copies). Info: "Back in the 1970s, Max’s Kansas City introduced many fine bands. Some of the best never got famous. Fuse, aka Knots, was one of the finest. Let’s start at the beginning: Joey Pinter (guitars) was looking to put a band together in the mid Seventies when he met ‘the loudest drummer I’ve ever heard in my life’: Niki Fuse! They recruited vocalist, Tommy Bell and began rehearsing with a parade of now forgotten bass players and began gigging at various dives in and around Manhattan. Soon, they scored gigs at CBGB and Max’s and began to attract a following that included Eric Dufaure, a former Island Records executive who asked them to record for his new label, Ideal Records. Unfortunately, band infighting had reduced Knots to Joey and Tommy, so they entered Neal Steingart’s Fly Studios in Brooklyn with replacement drummer, Jerry Ryan, and Pinter doing double duty on guitar & bass guitar! There, they recorded a few songs: the two that made it to the single, plus “Rock‘N’Roll,” “New York,” “Blinded By The Darkness", and “Glad To Be Alive“. When the finished record hit the streets in 1980, Knots became a hot commodity. I put the single on the Max’s jukebox, and Bleeker Bob’s sold out multiple copies. On Manhattan’s downtown club circuit, Knots shared bills with now-legendary outfits like the Heartbreakers, The Cramps and VON LMO, as well as headlining their own shows at Max’s. With Nick Fuse back in the drum seat and Big Tony Corio on bass, the Knots were on their way to fame and fortune! Knots also toured the nation with Johnny Thunders, but then in ‘81, Max’s Kansas City closed, CBGB went New Wave and Johnny took off for Europe. Knots broke up. Joey and Tony joined The Waldos, Fuse went on to play in a number of local groups, and Tommy disappeared. However, the Knots recordings have had a life of their own. They were covered by underground bands all over the world, used in a film soundtrack, and included on Punk Compis and so the legend has been kept alive. Through the years, only three of their recordings survived: “Action”, “Heartbreaker” & “Glad To Be Alive”, the latter released here for the first time!" (Peter Crowley)

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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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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SOLDIER DOLLS - What Do They Know? EP 1983 + A Taste Of Blood EP 1984

Next double pack with two rare goodies from the Soldier Dolls, a classic punk combo originally formed in Wales 1982 and on these two singles have Fester (vocals), David (guitar), Jamie (bass/piano), Morph (drums) decent solid mid-tempo songs recorded, which I like from the UK. They have a number of releases to their credit, a few self-released and on various labels with a musical style that mixes original eighties UK punk and U.S. hardcore. Info: Despite two very strong singles, the Soldier Dolls remain one of the more internationally obscure of the Welsh punk bands from the early eighties, probably because they only played outside of Wales once – and that was their final show! The Soldier Dolls formed in 1981 (after a short period under the unfortunate moniker of Animation), and played their first show in September of 1982 – a show they actually gatecrashed rather than were invited to play at.

This seemed something of a trademark for the band, seeing as decent gigs were few and far between at the time. The original line-up recorded two tapes, the ‘Ten Track Sampler’ and the ‘From The Cradle To The Grave’ demos, and it was apparent even from these earliest studio efforts that the Soldier Dolls had a lot of potential. Soon after the second tape was in the can, Evo and Bob left for musical pastures anew, taking with them much of the metallic edge enjoyed by the band’s first incarnation. They were replaced by – respectively – Matt ‘Morph’ Gray (who eventually ended up playing guitar in The Darling Buds!) and Jamie Richards. This line-up was the one that appeared on the band’s two subsequent EPs and at the majority of the shows they played. In 1983, the Soldier Dolls self-released their debut EP, ‘What Do They Know?’, on their very own Scream Records, the label being ran by guitarist DKA. A three-song affair, featuring the tracks ‘Gotham City Is Dead’ and ‘Be Like You’ alongside the anthemic title track, it showcased the band’s high-speed gruff-vocal approach to decent effect, but they weren’t particularly happy with how it turned out and only bothered with a bare minimum of promotion. Later that year, they recorded their second EP, which was unleashed by Scream late in ‘85. Partially funded this time around by Revolver/Cartel, who were handling distribution duties, ‘A Taste Of Blood’ was to be the band’s defining moment, and was pressed on an appropriately garish red wax. Their first release to be blessed with a solid, thick sound, all four tracks tore along with a vengeance, but it was on ‘Iron Curtain’ that the Soldier Dolls found an intensity so urgent it was breathtaking. After hitting such a peak, the only way was down, and the band slowly disintegrated. Puhhh.... enough?

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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SONS OF SADISM - Play Loud! EP 1985

Strange... but that's how it is written "S.O.S. were one of the first Skate-Punk influenced bands in Germany" and if this fits I don't know because I'm not a profi in terms Skate Punk and I can't open a drawer, so what the hell is skate punk? "I skate and listen to punk? I skate and wear skater clothes? I drink sprudel and I look shitty?" Fact is: Sons Of Sadism came from the Ruhr area and were damn cool Punx, active in the 80's and band members were: Jescho (vocals & drums), Helge (bass), Björn (guitar) & Tommy (vocals & drums). They released their olny EP "Play Loud!" on Double A Records in 1985, some in red & multicolored vinyl, and 1990 a split compilation with WUT (1000 copies) with all their studio recordings and a nice bandhistory (unfortunately, this album had to be sacrificed due to various money problems). Anyway, if you satisfied with this slab & you want them a-live, move over to tape attack and listen to a gig from 23.02.1985.

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UPRIGHT CITIZENS - Kiss Me Now 1986

💥 Extraordinary, fantastic music which always turns me on is the sound of the Upright Citizens from Bottrop (in the north-west of the Ruhr area), founded 1979, but it wasn't until 1982 that they started to attract attention - and they differed from many other German bands of those years through their (almost entirely) English lyrics and their clear orientation towards American hardcore. This was evident with their debut Make The Future Mine & Yours, which was released in 1983 and also made the band known internationally (Jello Biafra had noticed the band early on). Two songs securing them a spot on the legendary Keine Experimente! compilation on Weird System (1983), in 1984 they were featured on the We Don't Want Your Fucking Law slab on Mortarhate and on the hugely influential Peace/War double album on R-Radical Records, the label of Dave Dictor of MDC. So it happened, very unusual for a German band, that their second album Open Eyes, Open Ears, Brains To Think & A Mouth To Speak has been published in the USA via B.Y.O., the label operated by the Stern Brothers (Youth Brigade). With the Kiss Me Now (1986) and Farewell EP (1988) followed two more records of the "classic" side of the band, which had a few other releases until the mid-nineties and also played live - but the air was out, and in 2003 the band played their last concert, and a reunion, so the clear announcement, is ruled out. Well, this mini-album sounds a bit different from the previous records and is sometimes a bit too metallic for my taste, but I still like it and after hearing it several times, it penetrates well; they have long since earned this bonus from me. A fit short review: "Despite the uninspiring cover art and the Led Zeppelin-like intro to the title song, this new release has all the bands trademarks: tight, imaginative instrumental arrangements, plaintive lead vocals, memorable hooks, and generally on-target lyrics." (Jeff Bale, MMR #44, January 1987) - Always a pleasure the four, and I love Fridays 💥

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LOIKAEMIE - Wir Sind Die Skins 1999

One of the best German Oi! band is Loikaemie and I like all their records because in their lyrics they speak exactly of what I feel too, I can identify 100% with it. The band founded in October 1994 in Plauen, origin of the band were the two friends Ronny (guitar) and Micha (drums), who search in their circle of acquaintances musicians for a band. After repeatedly changes the band stands solid in form with Thomas (vox + guitar) and Ralf (bass) in the winter of 1994/1995. In 1995 the first demo tape comes out and a year later their first album 'Ihr Für Uns Und Wir Für Euch' as well, and two songs “Leichenschänder” and “Perverse Sau” ended up on the index because some idiots didn't understand the lyrics. (A re-release followed in 2000 without the two and without a new cover). After some line-up changes the 2nd album was released via Knock Out Records and again here convince the four with decent street punk and excellent words. 2002 was time for a double album, side-a with new stuff and the b-side with live material from a gig in Conne Island in Leipzig 2000. Five Years later a kind of Best Of record, again as a double album and finally in 2007 their last one. In 2014 the band broke up. Loikaemie were a skinhead band with a strongly anti-racist stand that had nothing to do with right/nazi shit and those people who stumble over because they u.a. cover an Onkelz song should be planting a new brain, morons!!! Vinyl-Rip with all scans, pick up!

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CLUB X - s/t EP 1983

Club X was a four piece punk band from Bielefeld and they released their only EP on Teldec Records. Probably some members have previously played in the most famous german punk band in this region, Notdurft, but I don't know for sure. Fact is this record is a brilliant one. Starts with a Rolling Stones cover 'Under My Thump', don't like the Stones but they have a few good songs and if's a band make a punk song so it will be interesting for me. The four have a nice dirty mid-tempo version conjured up here, very cool. Then, a nearly five minute long bit gloomy mood number, its about to find his own way in this life, very nice guitars - almost a ballad...but only almost. Side b offers two decent punk trashers in the typical KBD vein, nice ass-kickin'. In 2011 Überfall Records had the splendid idea to release a double CD called 'Wir Kommen Hier Wech!' and this gives a good overview what is happening in East Westphalia-Lippe aka Detmold in the early 80s. You can order this brilliant stuff on their home page (orange letters above) and I highly recommend it because it's full with tons of rare rare material. Club X made a good record and if you see a copy, get it!

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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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EASY ACTION - Honcho Bongo 7'' + Om Jag Vore Kung (Över Hela Världen) 7'' 1982

One more double feature in this theatre and we turn down two gears. Easy Action was a Swedish glam rock band from Stockholm which were formed 1981 by Pelle Almgren, Bosse Belsen & Björne Froberg. They managed to earn attentive from Stranded Records which released their debut 7'' Honcho Bongo which didn't sell well and they got another try with their second one “Om Jag Vore Kung (If I Were King)”. Shortly after the release, the band broke up. Easy Action was reorganized in 1983 by Greg Belsen (now called Zinny Zan) together with Kee Marcello and Peo Thyrén. They changed their style to glampunk rock and had a Sweet-influenced sound and the debut album was released in 1983 and they were no longer interesting for the punkz (I speak only for me).

Here we have their first two records and they're pretty well, more punk-oriented sound and certainly the metal aroma tastes a bit, and all the four tracks worth listen to, where the short songs rather meet my taste. The first 7Inch has two four minutes goodies while the second comes with two short smasher. Zinny released in 2002 a CD called City Boy Blues on Fastlane Fecords with eleven hard rock goodies and also the other members released records in other bands and continue to play music. US hair metal superstars Poison used the chorus of Easy Action's 1983 single "We Go Rocking" in their hit single "I Want Action" which led to the members of Easy Action suing the American band and winning a financial settlement in the case. They reunited for a gig at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2006. This was followed by several shows in late 2007, including opening for Twisted Sister. In April 2008, the band went in the studio with producer Chris Laney to record a new studio album. In 2011 bassist Michael Grimm died. On December 18, 2018 Easy Action was confirmed to play at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2019. The concert will include a live performance of the album That Makes One in its entirety, performed by the line-up that recorded it, including vocalist Tommy Nilsson and guitarists Kee Marcello and Chris Lind. - So give them high five!

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V/A - Life Is A Joke 1984

A collection of Punkrock, Hardcore and high energy noise from around this planet. Yeah, exactly and this is the first part of this mini serie, a total of three compilations exist, shot from the Hamburg label Weird System in the 80s into the orbit. I remember at that time I was interested in the publications of the label and bought a lot of records, together with AGR the most important in Germany for essential punkrock. While AGR put its focus on German bands gave the Hamburger international bands the chance to send their demos to them and connections were established, lots of plenty stuff roll in and so they created some damn cool records with awesome songs/bands which are, in my opinion, nowadays belong to the best ever. Life Is A Joke is full with rare tracks, partly nowhere else published, Volume 2 was released as a limited double LP, all records numbered and the first presses come in colorful vinyl, always in an elaborate artwork, made in Germany! 

1.Red Threat - FANG

2.Dogs Of War - SAVAGE CIRCLE

3.Miseria E Fome - INOCENTES

4.Oblivion - HYSTERIA

5.The Buck Stops Here - CIVIL DISSIDENT

6.Capital Investment - RIOT SQUAD S.A.

7.Der Söldner - RAZZIA

8.Sota (Endless Version) - TERVEET KÄDET

9.Fuckin' Shit - SHIT S.A.

10.Enorm In Form (Manchmal Träum' Ich Vom Holzbein) - RAZZIA

11.Silent Hate - HYSTERIA

12.Revive Tu Vida - SHIT S.A.

13.Fun With Acid (Ill Version) - FANG

14.Aprendi A Odiar - INOCENTES

15.Shark - SAVAGE CIRCLE

16.Message - TERVEET KÄDET

17.N.G.K. - RIOT SQUAD S.A.

18.Mirror Of Deception - CIVIL DISSIDENT

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