U.K.SUBS - Dance And Travel In The Robot Age 1980

We are slowly approaching spring and heating up once again on the penultimate day of March with the next record. Band: UK Subs Charlie (vocals), Nicky (guitars), Paul (bass), Pete (drums), label: Black & White, recorded live @ Milan Palalido, Italy on 16.02.1980. Seventeen rough classics and the recording was made by the late Tracy Crazy, from the Italian combo S.I.B., who also took the photographs used on the cover. Whilst not recorded with the most sophisticated equipment, but "Dance & Travel" captures the Subs at the height of their powers with a blistering set of what would become the classics that are the mainstay of their live performances to this day. The gig in Milan was part of a seven date European tour that the Subs played with the Ramones. Thus all is said, recommended for Punkrockers aged 12+.

You Can't Take It Anymore/Rat Race/I Couldn't Be You/I Live In A Car/Tomorrows Girls/Telephone Numbers/Kicks/Warhead/Public Servant/C.I.D./Rockers/Organised Crime/Brand New Age/Killer/Dirty Girls/Stranglehold/Emotional Blackmail

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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U.K.SUBS - She's Not There EP 1979

Best bands ever, and that definitely includes the UK Subs, who have been tirelessly celebrating their driving Punkrock since 1976. This is their third single for Gem and the band's first cover version (She's Not There was recorded by the Zombies in 1964) and reached No. 36 in the U.K. charts. To that, three more crackers, including two non-album tracks and "Kicks" which found its way onto the second album Brand New Age. As many acts on the UK Punk/New Wave scene were either breaking up or going through creative transitions the Subs proved there is still a lively audience for their catchy sound. Enough blah blah, perfect music that I can enjoy anytime.

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U.K.SUBS - Endangered Species 7'' 2018

Belfast based record label Punkerama released this UK Subs slab in a limited edition of 500 copies, spread over three different colours. Endangered Species is the title of the fourth Subs album which was released 1982 and to be honest, I don't know why this 7Inch came out, certainly interesting for collectors, but otherwise the reason remains unclear. But can you blame the boys for it? I don't think so. They have been in the music circus constantly since 1976, with ups and downs, and you can put on a record at anytime and the sound is definitely a worthy end of another virus year. Enjoy two catchy powerful moments!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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U.K.SUBS - Gross-Out USA 1984

Already the fourth live album of the UK Subs and this one was recorded @ Mc Greevys in Chicago whilst on tour in America during the spring of 1984, released via Fallout Records in two different sleeves; the more common pink on green colour scheme and a more rare green on pink. Line-up on this evening were: Charlie Harper (vocals), Captain Scarlet (guitars), Tezz Roberts (bass), Pete Davies (drums) and they throw seventeen classics among the American punx in an acceptable sound quality. A Subs slab is always a guarantee for a fantastic atmosphere, a good mood and always worth listening to, and the gents are still touring, and that for over forty years now... you shouldn't miss them.

Intro/Emotional Blackmail/New Barbarians/In The Wild/Veronique/Flood Of Lies/Warhead/Limo Life/Disease/Violent Revolution/Soldiers Of Fortune/Ice Age/Dress Code/Telephone Numbers/Stranglehold/You Don't Belong/Party In Paris

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V/A - Back-Stage Pass 1986

Back to some old stuff to what every punk out there already knows. Released by Rossil Records in Portugal originally in 1980 and I have here the Polish pressing on Pronit Records from 1986 and I don't know if there's a UK release. Anyway, on it the Créme of early UK Punkrock and I think the makers use the current singles from that time to put it together and bring them closer to the scene outside the UK. Maybe an unofficial release. There is sadly no info inside. Worth mentioning are the tracks by Manufactured Romance with a female singer and I have never heard anything before and do not known the band to date. Who takes a look at the tracklist will find out that only hits are represented and you have when listening a lot of fun & maybe many nice memories as I.

1.Where Have All The Boot Boys Gone? - SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS

2.Wanna Be A Star - COCKNEY REJECTS

3.Fireball - CYANIDE

4.Emotional Blackmail (Parts 1+2) - U.K.SUBS

5.You - MANUFACTURED ROMANCE

6.Murder Of Little Towers - ANGELIC UPSTARTS

7.Crashed Out - THE EXPLOITED

8.Closed Groove - STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

9.Police Car - COCKNEY REJECTS

10.Barbed Wire Love - STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

11.I'm Me - BOB DE VRIES

12.Police Oppression - ANGELIC UPSTARTS

13.Long Distance Love - MANUFACTURED ROMANCE

14.I'm Mad - SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS

15.No Government - ANTI-PASTI

16.Mess I'm In - CYANIDE

17.New York State Police - U.K.SUBS

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THE WALL - The Punk Collection 1998

CD's are not really my source but this one is a damn MUST! This fantastic compilation was released by Captain Oi! and contains all recordings of The Wall, originally formed in Sunderland early 1978, and their six year career may have seen them go through enough members to form their own football team but it also saw them release some outstanding records along the way. The first line-up of note featured Ian Lowery (vox & guitars), Andy 'Andzy' Griffits (bass & vox), John Hammond (guitars) & Bruce Archibald (drums) and it was this incarnation of the band that recorded the superb 'New Way' EP for Small Wonder Records. It's success (it sold over 10.000 copies and was heavily played by John Peel on his (then) important Radio 1 show) led to Lowery & Andzy relocating to London where they recruited guitarist Nick Ward and Drummer Rab Fae Beith (ex-The Pack/Patrick Fitzgerald Group) and they issued the 'Exchange' single for Small Wonder which reached No.26 in the very first published independent chart and was produced by the Sex Pistols Steve Jones (the first band to be produced by a member of the Pistols).

However, not long after this the band suffered the time honoured 'musical differences' which led to the depature of Lowery (he later released a solo album called "King Blank" on Beggars Banquet) who was replaced by one time Ruefrex member Ivan 'Kellz' Kelly and he made his debut with the Wall on a UK tour supporting the Angelic Upstarts and on their first single for Fresh Records, August 1980's 'Ghetto' EP which, produced by Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey, enjoyed a three month indie chart run peaking at the No.19 position. This line-up also recorded the debut LP "Personal Troubles & Public Issues" (which came out in December 1980 in two different sleeves and reached No.15 in the indie chart) which also saw the arrival of guitarist Andy 'Heed' Forbes, formally a member of The Strapps.

Shortly after the album's release, however, Ward & Kelly departed leaving Rab, Heed and Andzy to continue as a three piece with Andzy assuming vocal duties. This line-up was snapped up by Polydor and their debut for the major was the three track 'Remembrance' EP which they promoted by doing a UK tour with Stiff Little Fingers. They also issued one final single for Fresh, 'Hobby For A Day' before a second Polydor 45 'Epitaph' followed in November '81 and it also saw the first appearance of new bassist Claire Bidwell (ex-The Passions) which allowed Andzy to concentrate on the vocals. Their time with Polydor ended with early 1982's album "Dirges & Anthems" (which came with a free 7") and which saw guitar duties split between Heed (who left half way through recording) and Baz.

Rob & Andzy continued under The Wall name throughout 1982, their last release being the ten track 12'' EP "Day Tripper" for No Future (also issued as a four track 7'') which reached No.21 in the UK indie chart. The 'band' folded not long after with Rob later turning up in the UK SUBS and playing on the "Huntington Beach" and "In Action" albums. He also set up RFB Records and released albums by the likes of Condemned 84, UK SUBS and Broken Bones.(Mark Brennan)

In August 2007, the band reformed for a headline appearance at the Blackpool Rebellion with seven of the original members, Andy Griffiths (vocals), Nick Ward (guitars), Al Gregg (guitars & bass), Andrew Forbes (guitars), John Hammond (guitars), Claire Bidwell (bass) and Mark Dyvig (drums) with a warm-up gig the previous night @ The Thatched House in Stockport. This was followed by the release of a new live album in August 2009 on Captive Records (Opus Productions/Captive Records). The debut album "Personal Troubles & Public Issues" is getting a re-issue on CD for the first time, by Westworld Recordings on 13/05/2016.

This little sucker shines with twenty extraordinary nuggets and I love the Wall and you will do it too... 'In Nature'!

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U.K.SUBS - Endangered Species 1982

Fourth album by the UK Subs and few words are needed because the band around Charlie Harper is known to every Punkrocker in this universe. Lots of reviews you can find on the net and you can never do anything wrong with a Subs record, it's good at any time, every moment and I hardly know any other combo that can keep their level constantly high. It's a bit different compared to the first two albums, the songs are longer and contain less fast songs, but that's what I find interesting because another onetwothree action would be boring.

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URBAN DOGS - s/t LP 1983

Let's come to another fantastic record, the Urban Dogs debut on Fallout Records. Info: "Instead of moving forward, we retreated and after three consecutive nights at CBGB marking the end of our tour, we flew back to the UK where we had arrived in early 1983, exhausted, discouraged, and fearful for the future of the UK Subs back in London, Charlie and I, eager for a change of scenery, had put together a garage-style line-up with Knox (Vibrators) and Andy McCoy (Hanoi Rock) on guitars, plus Matthew Best (a friend of Captain Sensible) on drums. We toured England as the Urban Dogs, and released an album of boozy covers of old New York Dolls & Iggy Pop & The Stooges classics, in addition with own material. Despite this interesting side project, the question of the future of the UK Subs remained unanswered..." (Alvin Gibbs) - Those are the basics. You will find far more than twelve songs in this file, and that's a surprise and I know you will be thrilled... enjoy!

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U.K.SUBS - Europe Calling 1991

Weekend's knocking, let's see what it has in the luggage for us. Hmmm.... a small CD with twenty-seven catchy songs, five studio tracks, the rest live, born in the house of Released Emotions Records. The band is called U.K.SUBS and were formed 1976 in London and they combine the energy of punk and the rock & roll edge of the then thriving pub rock scene and is still present... hmmm, never heard of them but I can still remember a fantastic gig in cookies and I think this was 1998, you must know this location is more a disco where the Saturday Travoltas drove their mischief, and the four stood on the dance floor and brought the shed to a boil. That was really exceptional with all the mirrors there and the cozy ambiance. Well, time flies and the gentlemen don't get tired and I think they've fabricated over twenty five albums to date. OK, let us listen now to Charlie (vocals), Alan & Darrell (guitars), Flea (bass) and Matt (drums), I open one last jever and enjoy the balmy summer night.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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U.K.SUBS - Crash Course (Live) 1980

Another long-lived band are the U.K.SUBS from London who can already celebrate their 43th birthday and like the Mönchengladbacher, they don't get tired of spicing our stressful everyday life with great music & a heartwarming example is their first live slab which was recorded @ the Rainbow on 30th May 1980 (the first issue came with the free 12inch For Export Only) and it's amazing!, a look at the track list confirms that in my opinion and relevant reviews are enough available in the web. This ends a long blogging day and now out into the world.

C.I.D./I Couldn't Be You/I Live In A Car/Tomorrow's Girls/Left For Dead/Kicks/Rat Race/New York State Police/Warhead/Public Servant/Telephone Numbers/Organised Crime/Rockers/Brand New Age/Dirty Girls/The Same Thing/Crash Course/Teenage/Killer/Emotional Blackmail

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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U.K.SUBS - For Export Only 12'' 1980 + Party In Paris 7'' 1981

Always a good reason for Us to leave our home was a gig of the English punk legends U.K.SUBS.The last we enjoy was a concert in the Au and when I remember right this was in autumn 2011 and it was an amazing show as always (I never seen a lame one). So here are two rare records and the 12'' was included with both purple and black vinyl pressings of Crash Course and described as coming free with the initial release of the first 30.000 and was recorded live at the Lyceum on 15th July 1979. The Party In Paris 7inch was originally only available to fan club members and restricted to two copies each, this one sided release sold for 50p with only 500 being pressed. Of course I could also post a bootleg but there is enough in the web and I think with these two jewels I keep my memory of that time upright.

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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THE FITS - You Said We'd Never Make It!!! EP 1981

Debut EP of the Fits from Blackpool on Beat The System!! Records with three stamping Oi! Punk smasher and one thing first, I don't know where the third song went and who's got it, please send it to me. Info: The Fits formed in Blackpool in October 1979, with an initial line-up of Mick Crudge (vocals), Andy Baron (bass), Kev Halliday (drums), and "Big" Bill Hughes (guitar). They played their first gig only four days after forming, supporting Section 25 at Bispham Community Centre in Bispham. After four gigs, Big Bill was replaced by Steve Withers.The band's first release was a tape on Beat The System!! in 1980 called "You Named Us Tape" which was really a rehearsal recording with an interview with Bill Gumpy tagged on the end.

The band's first single, "You Said We'd Never Make It!!!" was recorded in June 1980. Local second-hand record shop owner Barry Lights sold it in his shop, and when the initial run of 1.500 had sold out, reissued it on his Beat The System label, the single eventually reaching #2 in the Sounds Punk Chart. Increasing exposure saw the band supporting moreestablished punk bands such as the UK Subs around the UK, and they were signed by the Rondelet label in November 1981. Rondelet issued their second single, "Think For Yourself" on New Year's Day 1982. In March 1982, the band entered the studio to record their album You're Nothing, You're Nowhere. The band were not happy with the album, and Halliday and Baron left the band shortly afterwards, to be replaced by Tez McDonald of One Way System and Ricky McGuire of Chaotic Youth. The new line-up had immediate success with the Last Laugh EP, which entered the UK Indie Chart in December 1982 and peaked at #44.

In 1985 the band broke up but in December 2011, they announced that they were re-forming for a one off gig at the Rebellion Festival in their hometown of Blackpool with a line-up of members through the years including Mick Crudge, Dave Broderick recently and over time a session drummer with various named bands, Ricky McGuire and new member Kerry Waite. Kerry Waite left in 2013 and has been replaced by Swedish guitarist and singer Calle Engelmarc (of The Members, Nigel Bennett Band, 96 Decibels, Feral Ghost and Nicolette Street & The Revs). The band released a 'comeback' record 'Offerings At The Altar' in 2015.

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ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE - This Is War 7'' 2011

During November 2011, the Anti-Nowhere League along with the UK Subs supported Motörhead on a number of UK dates and after this they came back with this brand new single. Great new song and unique version of 'Good As It Gets' on the backside. Released as limited edition of 500 copies on nice picture vinyl in paper cover with all lyrics and informations. I think, I must not tellin' you more about these UK punk veterans, every album proves their posture and energy heavy sound, so stop useless words and you have to move.

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THE STIFFS - Volume Control 7'' 1980

"From Blackburn in Lancashire the Stiffs started in 1977. Their first single 'Standard English' was released in early 1979 on their own Dork Records label. The much more impressive follow up "Inside Out"/"Kids on the street" was also released on Dork Records in December 1979 and both sides became instant favourites of BBC Radio One..s John Peel, who was quoted as saying on air that it was 'the finest record in the entire history of the universe'! EMI quickly snapped the band up and re-issued 'Inside Out' on their Zonophone subsidiary in early 1980. The single 'Volume Control' was released by Zonophone in November 1980 but it's lack of chart success prompted EMI to release the band from their contract and cancel plans for an  album. They signed to STIFF Records in January 1981 for a one-off single 'Goodbye My Love' (a cover of the 1975 UK hit by The Glitter Band), whilst the band went out on a UK tour with the U.K.SUBS. Several line-up changes ensued, but the Stiffs didn't release another record until 1985 with 'The Young Guitars' 12", once again on their own Dork Records. After incessant touring the band folded in 1988, leaving behind a fairly large legacy of unissued material." (source: Still Unbeatable Records) - Two great PowerPopPunk smasher which demand your attention!!!!

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BUTCHER - On The Ground 7'' 1982 + Stand & Fight 7'' 1983

First I wish two relaxing Easterdays and here is the weather once again extremely shit, gray, cold and rainy. That gives me time to post here in this theater, with a few beer, two small English nuggets. Frankly, I don't know this band so far although I can say that I am a UK punk beau and have heard quite a bit, but sometimes there is a rare piece that emerge from any hole and delight me: Butcher for example. Founded in Bournemouth/Dorset in the early eighties by Sid (Vox), Dave (Guitar), Col (Bass) and Rob (Drums) and they released in their short existance two 7Inches on Inept Products, a split with Riot Squad (1983) and two tapes, further represented on some compilations (worth mentioning

here the A Kick Up The Arse (1985), 77 Records Présente, Religious As Hell (1986) and Killed By Death # 1234 (2000) records). Musically I find they are not attributable to the typical UK sound ala Discharge or UK SUBS, no! - Butcher shine with perfect driving mid-tempo punkrock. On The Ground is for my taste a bit rougher as the Stand And Fight but with 'Killing Groups' they have a real catchy earwig recorded with excellent drums. Possible that the sound difference is due to the production but that I can't grasp. Well, scheißegal, both records are very good, four cool songs that cheer me up and I'm sure you as well. I think the band broke up in the late eighties or so and singer Sid is apparently sadly passed sometime, maybe you know more. A lot of text which is unusually for me.... enjoy!

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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SECTION 5 - The Way We Were 1990

An older rip: "Section 5 was founded 1981 in Stoke On Trent, England. Formed by Tosh & Sid the original bassist for many years and the first line-up consisted of Tosh (guitar), Sid (bass), Rat (drums) & Tony Boult (vocals). This line-up did around five shows when it came clear it was not going to work out. Tony was replaced by Dave Maskery aka Mask around 1983. This line-up then went on to do around twenty gigs and thirteen demo tracks. On hearing these tracks Roddy Moreno then signed the band in 1985 to his label Oi! Records. By this time Tosh had taken over on vocals and the band became a three piece when their debut album we wont change came out in 1985. By the time the second album came out on Link Records in 1987. Rat had been replaced on drums by Nik Drjuricic. By 1988 for the Street Rock'N'Roll album on Link they had been joined by Tezz Roberts ex Discharge/Broken Bones & UK Subs. This was the line up that paved the way for what is now Section 5's sound! After this as only Tezz knew how he settled in the states became Terry Bones and ended up with Minstry. By 1990 Tezz was replaced by Tony Sids mate on lead and Nik was replaced by Steve Walker. It was this year they released their last album on Link The Way Way We Were. But in true Tezz style he did return to the U.K.to guest on Bring The Wall Down/Too Many People & Final Fight on that album. He would later return to record 'They think its all over/Hammer In The Nails' and the Hard Life CD & play a big part in the bands comeback in 2003. But back to the early 90's the situation of the scene started choking the band and they called it a day. The right wing left wing fights and bullshit became too much and Tosh wanted no part of it. Many more line up changes later various splits and comebacks and more splits. All be it one of the laziest bands on the planet as far as doing gigs. But things are about to change in 2010. So watch this space." (source: myspace)

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V/A - For What It's Worth? [WDM Special] 2011

From my former Blog, here's a little selfmade compilation I've cobbled together in recent days and includes some known and unknown bands. Thirty-Two Killed By Death crackers from the glory years 1978 - 1987 and decorated with a few live recordings. With the artwork I'm not really happy and I feel not content but hey: Who Gives A Shit?, right... the title I chose for this compilation haunted for a long time in my head around and so now I spit it out here. I have an emotional weekend behind me and I will not use any other unnecessary words now because I'm feeling fuckin' good. At last: A big fat thanks to all the Bloggers and Friends out there who shared their rare punk stuff with me/us music-maniacs. I wish you all a Sunny Sunday.

1.True Detective - ACCIDENT

2.Compro - 7 SECONDS

3.Liikkeellä Eikka (Live) - TERVEET KÄDET

4.Crazy Paving - BILLY KARLOFF BAND

5.Punks Gotta Be United - ALLISON

6.Kick Me One More Time - TOO MUCH

7.Puta Cerda - MCD

8.Anti-Social Disease - SICK THINGS

9.Electric Brain (Live) - THE SICK

10.Future Life - PRLJAVO KAZALIŠTE

11.Olet Sokea - SENSUURI

12.She's Not There - U.K.SUBS

13.Hogar, Dulce Hogar (Demo) - ULTIMO RESORTE

14.Paint It Black - The MO-DETTES

15.Change In My Head - 7 SECONDS

16.I've Got A Right - F

17.Chemical Death - THE DEHUMANIZERS

18.Genau Wie Wir (Live) - TORPEDO MOSKAU

19.Flowers - STICKY FILTH

20.Weekend Love - THE STRIPES

21.Streetcorner Hero - WILLI WARMA

22.Les Troubadour Du Chaos - PANIK

23.Belinda - ARLO STENMIT & HIS HAMMERKIDS

24.Saturday Night - ADRENALIN O.D.

25.Anarchy In The U.K. - ADRENALIN O.D.

26.Someone Else's Room - THE FASTBACKS

27.Purple Heart - ASPHALT JUNGLE

28.Kaks Vihreää Polkupyöraa (Live) - TERVEET KÄDET

29.Kerb Crawler - AU PAIRS

30.Vild I Skogen - DR.ZEKE

31.World War 3 - THE SICK

32.Totally Useless - PSYKIK VOLTS

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THE BIPS - This Is Jurisdiction 7'' 1990

'77 punk-rock: that's The Bips from Nijmegen/Holland and they active since 1987. The music style is the old UK punk. TV, radio and a lot of stage experience. Played in major venues with major bands like UK Subs, Buzzcocks or The Briefs. Visit The Bips at home. Two songs found here and for me is the B-Side "The Fall Of The Perfect State" the winner. Cool platter! - Now it's Bundesliga time, must out :)

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THE EJECTED - A Touch Of Glass 1982

Two hours until the final in Russia and Belgium made it excellent yesterday and are deservedly third and I can't wait until the Final begins. Let's push the first album of the Ejected in between. A Touch Of Glass was released by Riot City Records and is a solid punkrock album with sixteen stomper. The band was formed by ex-Dawn Patrol members Big Jim Brooks (vocals, guitar), Gary Sandford (bass, vocals), and drummer Mick 'Sticks' Robinson. Signing to the Riot City label, their first release was a contribution to the various artists compilation Carry On Oi. 1982 saw the release of the band's debut EP Have You Got 10p?, a song which once saw the band answered by a shower of 10p coins throughout their set. The EP reached number eight in the UK Indie Chart, and saw the band receive a lot of press coverage, including an interview by Garry Bushell in Sounds. This was followed by the Noise For The Boys EP and debut album A Touch Of Class, with Paul Griffiths replacing Robinson on drums. Sandford then left the band for a short while, replaced by former 'D.I.R.T.' bassist Paul Quain for the Press The Button EP. When it came to recording the second album Spirit Of Rebellion in 1983, Quain went 'missing' for some months and so Sandford returned to the fold, with the band also acquiring a second guitarist, Kev 'Dynamow' Pallett. This album was produced by UK Subs' Nicky Garratt and achieved a much fuller sound. A further EP entitled 'Public Animals' remained unreleased due to the folding of Riot City Records, and the subsequent splitting up of the band. This is the CD Version with eight Bonus tracks. Enjoy!

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V/A - Captain Oi! Presents Hits 2002

This nice compilation from Captain Oi! Records came for free to an order I made twenty years ago and as you can see, here are only renowned bands present, who set high standards in the early English Punk/Oi! movement and released some numerous classics, which shouldn't be missing in any well-assorted record collection. Seven small treats were specially served to let us know that new stuff is available and that there is no lethargy on the island. A nice idea I think. Especially since you don't always know when new records from your favorite bands are coming out, at least that's how I feel.

1.Natural Born Loser - ARGY BARGY

2.Fragile - U.K. SUBS

3.Little Black Sheep - THE ADICTS

4.Safe Haven - ANGELIC UPSTARTS

5.Apathie In The U.K. - SPECIAL DUTIES

6.Rattle My Cage - GUITAR GANGSTERS

7.Hell To Pay - THE BUSINESS

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