EXTERNAL MENACE - Youth Of Today EP 1982 & No Views EP 1983 & Seize The Day EP 1997

Triple pack for the weekend start by this awesome band from the suburbs of Glasgow. Their debut from 1982 Youth Of Today is a classic record and one year later it was followed by their second EP called No Views. Again four smash hits and you get what you're lookin' for. The band went through a few alter ego moments over the following years - playing External Menace songs at gigs but under different names. Beat The System!! had folded and the band released a few compilation tracks on Rot Records. In 1987 Wullie (vocals) was taking a short cut across the M8 when he was hit by a car and killed. A decade on, the band were revived when Captain Oi! records began to show an interest in releasing a compilation album of all the bands previous releases. The band continued to chop and change over the following two years. In 1997 the Seize The Day EP was released. They toured Europe three times, toured the UK, played countless festivals and recorded the Process Of Elimination LP. Again many line-up changes but the band is still active and with their good basic Britpunk sound always a pleasure guest in my house.

Details: External Menace formed from the same youthful energy that gave birth to many of the "second wave"of British punk bands. Put together by vocalist Wullie Hammill and John Sneddon in the summer of 1979, the band were typical of the 1979/1980 punk bands, faster and rougher than the class of 77, but not an all out UK82-style attack. The band played out as often as they could, evolving fully into the UK82 mold, and released two singles and also putting in an appearance on the Total Anarchy compilation (1982). Their sound was typical of the era, kinda speedy punk with gruff vocals and anarcho-inspired lyrics abour war, the evil governments and nonconformism. That was the side of External Menace that most people knew best, but towards the middle of the 80's they branched out in a more melodic (but still hardcore) direction, playing reggae inspired tunes like "Rude Awakening" and "Killing Me Asylum". While the band recorded two or three more demos, putting some of their new tracks down, they didn't manage to get any more vinyl out, and finally broke up in 1985. Fast forward to 1994 Ian Welsh of Swine Flu harassed John Sneddon to get External Menace back together, and start kicking some more punk rock ass. Sneddy agreed, but only if Welshy (what is it with Scots and diminutive names ending in Y?) joined the band as vocalist, since Wullie Hamill had died in 1987. Swine Flu disappeared shortly after their first single was released, and re-emerged with a new name and a new guitarist. External Menace was back.

Their first new release was Pure Punkrock on Captain Oi! in 1995, which featured all the band's Beat The System!! recordings, plus a handful of early demos, and re-recorded versions of some old songs, the release didn't attract the interest of anyone except the UK82 completists. The band were invited to play the first Holidays In The Sun festival in August of 1996, and accepted. The entire festival was recorded (very poorly) and released on video by Barn End, and selections were released on two CDs by Anagram records. The band were invited back for HITS 1997, and (again) accepted. Around the same time the first of the HITS compilations appeared (early to mid 1997), External Menace finally released their first new single, the Process Of Elimination EP. The five track single was a completely unexpected, it featured some serious punk rock/reggae fusion, in the shape of "Rude Awakening", and was a drastic step AWAY from their UK82 roots. Later that year they also released a split 7" with Rectify, and their first album. The songs were a mix of old and new Ex Menace songs, with a few hold-overs from Swine Flu. It was a refreshing blend of UK82 hardcore and more straightforward midtempo punk, with a healthy dose of reggae thrown in for good measure. The album really made people sit up and pay attention, these guys weren't just another 80's punk band back for a few quick bucks, they were talented musicians with something interesting to offer the punk community. Unfortunately they only managed to release on more 7" (a split w/Recharge) before breaking up again in 1999. Puhh, a lot of words again but good infos are part of it!

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THE SEIZE - Everybody Dies EP 1982

Second 7Inch by the Seize on Why Not? Records and here at work Colin (vocals/bass), Ross & Tim (guitars), Chewy (drums). Four catchy pieces and a short review: It's been a long time since their first single and the SEIZE haven't come out of the garage yet. In the great tradition of slam, crash, and slobber, this EP has a nasty edge and should be played at high volume. Four great ditties are included, but "In For Me" is the standout track. (Ruth Sschwartz, MMR #3, Nov. 1982) - More hearing orgasms of the four in the blog.

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V/A - Bad Teeth #3: U.K. Mod & Modpunk 1977-1982

Weekend is near and be ready for the next round Bad Teeth, the first Volume was largely positive received by you and now be grateful for #3 with twenty eight more rare pieces from the early days. I'm always pleased with such marvelous selfmade compilations, because there is a lot to discover on the one hand and on the other, I appreciate the hard work that goes into it and I know how much time it takes. The detectives of Hyped 2 Death have done again first-class work and, with a bit of luck, you'll get one of those rare releases and share them with us. A splendid start into Friday is guaranteed!

1.Murder Mystery - TEARJERKERS

2.Magic Roundabout - THE STIFFS

3.Money (That's Your Problem) - TONIGHT

4.Mistakes - THE SEIZE

5.I Don't Want My Heart To Rule My Head - SOCIAL SECURITY

6.Countdown - STINGRAYS

7.Ways & Means - SEVEN MINUTES

8.Out On The Town - THE SQUIBS

9.Amuse Yourself - STRANGE MOMENTS

10.Standard English - THE STIFFS

11.Against The World - THREE IMAGINARY BOYS

12.I'll Never Win - TEENBEATS

13.Party Clothes - SUBS

14.Yesterdays's Dream - THE VEKTORS

15.Steady With You - SALFORD JETS

16.I Believe - THE VIP's

17.Up To You - THE STOAT

18.Bad Connection - SQUARE PEG

19.Crazy Today - UXB

20.Office Girl - THE STOAT

21.Playing With Fire - TV 21

22.Friends - THE ZIPPS

23.Sunday's Mood - SHARP

24.Foreign Girls - TOURS

25.Right Way Home - X-DREAMISTS

26.Skateboarding In The U.K. - THE RIVALS

27.If I Could Stop Being A Boy - SQUARES

28.Debbie Jones - SQUIRE

- Big Thx to Mark -

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THE SEIZE - Cross Channel Buffoon 12'' 1989

After three very good singles, the Seize said farewell with this record, a mini-album from 1989, which came out via their own label Why Not? Records. Six (not so punky) pieces, more Powerpop I would say and it's almost a little too poppy for me but that's a matter of taste, are on it and 500 copies of this last testament were pressed and that's reason enough to post it. A few basics: The Seize was a four piece from the small town of Reading on the Kenneth River, and there isn't much infos about the guys. Main driving force was the singer and part-time bassist Colin, while the rest of the members changed regularly. The boys began their thorny musical path in late 1979, and after ten years they broke up. And tomorrow is Friday, Cheers!

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THE SEIZE - Dancing Like A Dervish EP 1984

Now a rare record from the Wanted-List and there's not much music in Blogland from The Seize (this is really a shame), a four piece from Reading/Berkshire and they have three 7Inches and a mini album, all via Why Not? Records released and it's fuckin' time to listen more from them because this band is simply delicious, more swingin' powerpop and I will not to say amateurish, rather somehow they give me the feeling there is no evil in the world, you know... Argh! anyway, four nice songs and maybe someone sent their 12''. The Seize can be found on Back To Front # 3 and Bloodstains Across The UK 4. Go for it... 

- Big Thx to trgec -

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V/A - Bloodstains Across The UK 4 1999

This morning I listen to a lot of old UK punk bands and I can't get enough from all these classics. So here's a great compilation of tracks taken from rare punk records and I'm sure you need no further details. The Bloodstains records are always limited to 500 copies and since 1992 at the start. The CD releases have mostly bonus tracks on it but who wants CD's? I prefer vinyl even if it needs more space, anyway. Here are eighteen essential punk rock blasts and the song selection is quite good, no failure, check other volumes on wdthtc - a must have! A small note at the end: song #2 is not 'Disco Veteran', it's 'I've Seen It, Vomit', if interested. 

1.Time Wall - FIRE EXIT

2.I've Seen It, Vomit - BOG UGLY

3.Look-Out - THE FAKES

4.Fallen Hero - NO SUPPORT

5.Sick At Heart - THE BUZZ

6.All After My Blood - X-FILMS

7.Urban Damnation - THE PANIK

8.Pocket Money - NOISE TOYS

9.The Real People - THE EXILE

10.Things Go Wrong - THE REDUCERS

11.Circa 2 - THE LIMPS

12.Why? - THE SEIZE

13.Gutter Kids - THE DYAKS

14.Attack - ARMED FORCE

15.Nine All Out - LOW NUMBERS

16.I Want To Be Somebody - THE SYNDICATE

17.The Man In The Street - DEBUTANTES

18.Paranoia - THE FREEZE

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V/A - Bad Teeth #1: U.K. & Irish Punk Bands 1977-1982

Last post today, and as you're used to in this theater, a great compilation created by Hyped To Death. A little introduction of the label from their page: "Rare, obscure, independent and undiscovered punk, post-punk, "D.I.Y." and Power Pop Groups from the US and UK 1977-1984. Hundreds and hundreds of bands dealing with compilations and dozens of releases of individual acts, all brilliantly restored on CD and custom CDRs. Plus tens of links and liner notes galore..." I think all their releases came out in limited editions and are not uninteresting for collectors. This one is my only copy, and try to find a disc by yourself is similar to finding the Holy Grail, almost impossible. The best way is to contact the label. Well, maybe more will follow or someone out there will send me some. Until then, enjoy it!

1.Capital City - SEMA 4

2.In For Me - THE SEIZE

3.Idle Rich - RAZAR

4.Both Sides - THE RIVALS

5.Sid Never Did It - THE SURGEONS

6.Anything She Wants - THE RUSSIANS

7.I Wanna Be A Cosmonaut - RIFF RAFF

8.Noises - THE REPTILES

9.Looking For Love - SHAG NASTY

10.I Wanna Be Free - THE RINGS

11.Two Steps Forward - THE SATELLITES

12.No Future - SCHOOL TIES

13.Ballistic Missile - ROSES ARE RED

14.I Don't Wanna Discuss That - SHOWBIZ KIDS

15.Good From The Bad - SKUNKS

16.Something To Give - RUBELLA BALLET

17.Red Alert - SQUAD

18.D-C Rip - THE STIFFS

19.Don't Panic - RUEFREX

20.Rubber Duck - THE SPELLING MISSTEAKS

21.Think For Yourself - SCHOOLGIRL BITCH

22.Rabies - THE SAMPLES

23.Mein Kampf - SPITFIRE BOYS

24.Suicide - SISTER RAY

25.Animal - THE SINYX

26.Camera - SIX MINUTE WAR

27.Nonces - STENCH

28.Nothing To Declare - SUSPECTS

29.Wot's For Lunch, Mum? - THE SHAPES

30.Getaway - KID ROGERS & THE HENCHMEN

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V/A - Electrocute Your Cock! Vol.1 2021

It's finally starting today, the 2022 World Cup, and I'm a little happy because I'm a big fan of this ball sport, even if it's going to be the most controversial. On the other hand, the following compilation, which you can now enjoy, is not controversial and there is a suitable description for it that sums it all up. "Taking its title from the legendary brainless anthem by Vom, it's not hard to imagine the contents of this compilation. On offer are eighteen tracks of pure, untamed, moronic, KBD-style-Punk in all its glorious rawness. Focusing mainly on the US - but also presenting bands from the UK, Denmark and the Philippines - and spanning the period between 1977 and 1984, this is an absolute must for all Killed By Death enthusiasts. Punkrock done the way it was meant to, shameless, raw and annoying. You know you need it!" That's the way it is folks, maybe there will be a second Volume coming and until then enjoy the frosty sunday with hot lost nuggets.

1.The Things That You Do - BOB

2.Electrocute Your Cock - VOM

3.Life Is Cheap - TEENAGE POPEYE

4.Do You Have A Job For A Girl Like Me? - THE DELINQUENTS

5.No End - ELECTRIC VOMIT

6.Testing - A.D.S.

7.Think Naturally - LOWLIFE

8.Seize The Middle East - HATED

9.City Streets - LAST FOUR DIGITS

10.USANRK - ART OBJECT

11.Unwritten Laws - MEDIA DISEASE

12.Insult Useless People - THIRD WORLD CHAOS

13.Primitive - THE TESTORS

14.Magnetic Heart - VS.

15.Too Late - 5.0.5.1

16.Dangerboy - ROUGH CUT

17.Don't Get Angry - THE ODDS

18.Spectator - GATECRASHERS

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V/A - Back To Front Vol.3 1993

So that you do not fall asleep after my Swiss post let's go back to front now with nineteen artillery shells from around the world, again released via Incognito Records, thousand hand numbered copies and as snappy as a Killed By Death compilation. Rare punkrock 1977-1982 and I recommend you to search for the original 7Inches here (especially worth the Godhead one) in this Blog or elsewhere. Excellent record, Volume 2 also essential. Did I forget something?

1.Treat Me Like A Doll - GOD'S HEART ATTACK

2.Day Doult - CHAOS

3.Out Of Order - THE SEIZE

4.Just Like Your Mom - VOX POP

5.Industriemädchen - S.Y.P.H.

6.Next Time I'll Beat Björn Borg - RUDE KIDS

7.Here Comes The Night - RIVALS

8.Nothin' To Lose - RED ROCKERS

9.Think For Yourself - SCHOOLGIRL BITCH

10.I Never Thought I'd Find Someone Who Could Be So Kind - MANIKINS

11.New Lottery - GODHEAD

12.Where Is The New Wave? - THE CYBERMEN

13.Profit - EBBA GRÖN

14.Pistol - FRICTION

15.Kill Me I'm Rotten - LUCHS BROTHERS

16.The Beat Is Back - THE FIRST STEPS

17.Going Out With The In-Crowd - MANIC DEPRESSIVES

18.Cigarettes & Alcohol - LEFTOVERS

19.Ono - WASTELAND

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V/A - Killed By Death #7 1993

Volume 7 scouring the globe to distant countrys and starts in the United States, a short visit to Canada and a longer stay in good old Europe. Eighteen bands, eighteen rare punk rock nuggets is called the baggage and it would be a significant loss to lose some on the road. So beware of luggage thieves and locker tricksters. Tickets are at a reasonable price just a click away (you have to be quick). And now, enjoy a pleasant journey and come back soon. Thanks for your attention. Ende!

1.Big Money - VILLAGE PISTOLS
2.Time Wall - FIRE EXIT
3.Tits On The Beach - RUDE NORTON
4.My Fly - CHAIN GANG
5.I Don't Wanna Be Rich - GUILTY RAZORS
6.I'm Gonna Be Everything - ED NASTY & THE DOPEDS
7.UFO Dictator - TAMPAX
8.Tryin' To Mess With Me - ABSENTEES
9.Armed Robbery - DOT VAETH GROUP
10.They're Back Again - THE CIGARETTES
11.Cola Freaks - LOST KIDS
12.The Source - FRESH COLOR
13.Seize The Middle East - HATED
14.Back To Bataan - THE MAIDS
15.I'm Walking Down The Psychopath - DDT
16.Bombs - SPERMA
17.Out Out Out - ICE 9
18.Manisch Depressiv - MD

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V/A - 4 Alternatives EP 1979

One more from the Wanted-List. A highly commendable compilation comes via Heartbeat Records with four Bristol punk bands. Rare record and all tunes are excellent. You can read more about bands/label on the great Bristol Archive Records site. This saves me more words - Tip: If you like Bristol sound then I suggest you to Avon Calling. Today again it is a hot summer day and the long bike ride yesterday was a good recreation. I think I'll do that again later. Seize the day. 

1.Alternative Suicide - THE NUMBERS

2.Blue Movies - X-CERTS

3.Hotel Rooms - JOE PUBLIC

4.Back To Ireland - 48 HOURS

- Special Thx to Nolti -

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TRAVOLTA KIDS - s/t LP 1980

Early in the morning and I put out this fantastic record and one more Swedish highlight, a lot of stress comin' my way last time but I have it under control, haha.... OK, about this band I won't write a lot because you can read more about Travolta Kids in the net and I recommend to listen at their 7inch Veckans Brott. Their one and only album is a damn good powerpop record, they leave the aggressive punk sound and turn into a melodic, partially 60s style. The result is simply brilliant. Released via Mistlur records and that's it. They also on a few compilations which you can find by search through this Blog - Seize the Day!

- Extra Thx to Fredrik -

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