MAJOR ACCIDENT - Massacred Melodies 1982

Fourteen uncompromising melodic and fine-executed Oi! Punk tunes at a mid-tempo can be found on Major Accident's debut which was released via Step-Forward Records. Info: Formed in late 1977 in Darlington, legendary Punkers Major Accident were initially influenced by the Sex Pistols & the Clash. A very sad fate befell their early studio activities: both their first recording sessions in 1980, which was supposed to be their debut single (Terrorist Gang/War Boots) and the following one, which produced a completely mucked-up, unusable first edition of this LP, remained unreleased for years. It took until late 1982 for their first proper release to see the light of day: produced by Donkeys guitarist Neil Ferguson, their debut album Massacred Melodies finally came out on Step Forward, supported by a full UK tour with label-mates Chelsea. The distinctive 'Clockwork Orange' image (they were the first punk band to adopt the look from Kubrick's famous movie, which was banned in the UK at the time and impossible to see anywhere) and their song writing, by far more peculiar than the average UK82 Punk band, allowed them to grow a sizable following, and their classic sleeve artwork by Paul Dillon started appearing on the back of more than a few black leather jackets.

The band released their first single, "Mr Nobody", with Step-Forward Records before the release of their first studio LP. A UK tour supporting Chelsea helped promote the release of the record. They had UK Independent Chart hits with singles "Fight To Win" and "Leaders Of Tomorrow" (no. 19, featuring drummer Evo, formerly from the Angelic Upstarts and The Blood who went on to form Punk influenced thrash and speed metal NWOBHM band Warfare), followed by "Respectable" all released on the Flicknife Records label, as was the LP A Clockwork Legion, by which time the band's name had been shortened to "Accident". A live album, Tortured Tunes – the Official Bootleg, was released in 1984, reaching no. 24 on the Uk Independent Chart. Around this time the band appeared on BBC2 playing three songs live. American label Toxic Shock released a follow-up album ...Crazy! in 1985, just before the band split up.

Major Accident re-formed in 1996, once again using the full name rather than just "Accident". The re-formation was accompanied by a new studio album, The Ultimate High, released on We Bite Records, with a seven-inch single, Representation Not Reality, which was released in 1999 on Upstart Productions. The band's final release was a split album with Welsh street Punks Foreign Legion entitled Cry Of Legion. Live performances followed, including a night at New York's CBGB in 2001 with a "Clockwork Punk" theme. The band's activity was sharply curtailed when drummer Laze was involved in a motorcycle accident. They played their final gig around 2012.

2025-present Major Accident makes a return to the live performance scene playing a gig at the forum in Darlington.

Enough blah blah, check out the album and I'll get my ass into the kitchen and whip up a delicious meal.

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BUREAUCRATS - s/t LP 2000

Superb release, and I quote the liner notes from the insert: Formed in the summer of 1978 in Ottawa/Canada, the Bureaucrats featured Guz (vocals), Mitch (rhythm guitar), Joe (lead guitar), Grant (bass) and Wayne (drums). At the timeof the band's inception, very little was happening on the Canadian music scene. Bands that wrote and performed their own material could not get gigs in local clubs, as club owners systematically selected mainstream "cover" bands to fulfill their club's musical needs. Record companies also did not believe that original Canadian bands had anything to offer, and would rarely even venture outside of New York City to check out new talent. Eventually, Toronto was seen as a stepping stone to NYC but even that didn't occur until well into the 80's. But a band from Ottawa.. especially one that leaned heavily towards the "new wave".. wasn't then nor ever would be, a consideration in any self-respecting A&R man's eyes!

Burdened by these limitations, the Bureaucrats began their musical legacy by opening and closing the now infamous "Rotter's Club" and eventually did the same with it's successor, "The 80's Club". In the time between these two club's inceptions and eventual demise, the band changed the face of the 'live' music scene in Ottawa forever!

Starting from a point of having absolutely no musical venues to showcase their original and distinctive songwriting capabilities and performances (with the exception of Eugene Haslam's legendary "Gang Of Four" house parties), the growing appeal of the band ultimately led to the opening up of almost ALL clubs in the Ottawa area to the Bureaucrats, and eventually to the just then emerging "new music scene".

This about face the club owners could only be attributed to the popularity of the band, their intensly energetic yet melodic music, and their ever-growing fan base. Combine this with an almost iron-clad guarantee of a capacity crowd wherever and whenever they performed proved to be just too lucrative for most club owners to continue to ignore. And that, if anything, is the Bureaucrat's legacy to Ottawa: their ability to "open the doors" which enabled the 'live' new music scene to grow and prosper in Canada's capitol. Over the course of these early years, besides extensive touring, the Bureaucrats had been busy penning and recording original songs both at Double Helix Studios in Old Chelsea and at Passport Studios in Hull. In total they wrote about 20-30 songs but unfortunately only recorded aboult half that number.

This album combines the best of what could be found of both sessions, and as an added bonus, includes three 'live' versions of previously unrecorded Bureaucrats classics! Ironically, the three live songs were recorded at a concert in Ottawa in the final days of the original band's existence, while the final three songs on this album were recorded in late 1980 by the remaining Bureaucrats, following the band's break up. The "original" Bureaucrats went their separate ways in August 1980. However, the band continued on in various incarnations until late 1981 when eventually it disbanded for good. Great album from a great band!

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LA FEMME - Chelsea Kids 7'' 1979

Now the last damn highlight of coldy February and I have to say, this month was extremely full with beautiful and interesting records. But that only happened because of my broken toe, which left me immobile and locked up at home, good for the blog, good for you! Let’s beam ourselves 16.500 kilometers east and visit Melbourne and we meet this four piece called La Femme and they were formed 1978 and they made three 7Inches and one album in their relatively short active life-span. Their influences came from Punk/New Wave/Glam & Hardrock and this is their first vinyl output on Missing Link Records with two great tunes. Led by a charismatic frontman in Chane Chane, a flashy guitarist in Brett Walker, and supported by the thuggish rhythm section of Peter Kidd and Graham Schiavello, the band earned themselves a reputation for being confident, showy and popular in certain circles. Both goodies impress with their brilliant mid-tempo beat with sawing punky guitars and even though the length is well over three minutes, it isn't boring at all, it brings every sluggish mind out of the darkness and everyone who can feel is immediately infected, the flip is an interesting cover of a band I have never heard before. Very cool music and suitable for any warm togetherness, provided you are open to it! Just try it out. The band broke up at the end of 1983.

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CHELSEA - The Punk 7Inch Collection 1998

So friends, last day of this year and it was an interesting one for me with lots of new experiences, great music and ups & downs. Big hugs to everyone who supported me, left a comment, sometimes encouraged me and to everyone who visited and recommended my theater, thank you all! Without you, none of this would make any sense, Cheers!! In 2024 wdthtc will of course continue, and as often as I find time, new stuff and re-ups will find their way herein, so stay calm and look forward to the upcoming movie programm. The perfect ending 2023 belongs to the fantastic foursome Chelsea from London who are on the road since 1976 and this superb collection was released via Captain Oi! and features all their early 7Inches and kicks twenty-three times and doesn't need more words.

Have a Happy New Year, stay vertical and be yourself!

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MANIACS - Chelsea 77 7'' 1977

Nothing new but damn cool and I'm stealing a bit basics from discogs: "Alan Lee Shaw (guitar, vocals) and Rod Latter (drums) came at the end of 1976 from Cambridge to London and founded alongside John "Twink" Alder and Dennis Stow (bass) the group the Rings. Following a few live gigs and one 7Inch "I Wanna Be Free" the group parted ways. Alan and Rod found via an add in Melody Maker the new bass player Robert Crash and the Manicas were found. The first concert was in France (Mont De Marsan Punk Festival) with The Clash, The Damned, and The Police on the same bill. In September 1977 the band recorded five songs, two of them made it to be released as the "Chelsea '77/Ain’t No Legend" 7Inch. In January 1978 the band split. The Maniacs were one of 1977’s original first flush Punk Rock bands in London signing to United Artist Records." Immortalized on numerous compilations and always welcome, not ordinary for a short-lived band.

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8TH ROUTE ARMY - Think For Yourself EP 1982

Now a small package of three 7Inches (Think For Yourself '82, No Leaders '84 & Outside My Window '85) for you by the Eighth Route Army, a four piece from Northampton, formed in early Eighties and lasting until the end of the decade and the band consisted of Johnny (vocals), Mark (guitars/synth), Jim (bass/vocals), John (drums) and all were released via 1 Dimensional Records. While the first two are quite decent mid-tempo goodies, the third becomes extremely poppy and almost boring, really amazing what motives such a change entails. I can't explain myself with the best will in the world, especially the album Nihilist Olympics ('85) doesn't even come close to going in this direction. And a solid review confirms the debut EP as really strong: "This EP features an eclectic mix of material, Clash rock with horns and slick backing vocals; biting Punk with clever lyrics about future "Punk" politicians ("Vice Presidente"); and a scathing critique of military recruitment set on slower, Chelsea-style material ("Professional Killer"). Multidimensional and thoughtful." (Jeff Bale, MRR #7 • July/August 1983) You see, change is not always an advantage but still necessary, it just needs to be considered accordingly. Enough philosophizing, I want to look for a new desktop today, otherwise I'll turn off.

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V/A - Punk Rock Rarities Vol.2 1996

And immediately the second and final part of the Punkrock Rarities by Anagram and the spirit of this CD is the same as the previous one. It brings us again closer to rare 7inches by lesser known or short lived bands from the British Isles, and giving them the respect they deserve. Together with Vol.1 they form an absolute glimpse of what was happening on the fringes of the big bands and the scene was anything but tired. Music that does its deserved rounds and is a perfect introduction to the UK subculture for all newcomers and dirty old freaks like me. Enjoy!

1.Kicks In Style - THE USERS

2.Dead On Arrival - THE USERS

3.Chelsea '77 - THE MANIACS

4.I Ain't No Legend - THE MANIACS

5.I Am A Dalek - ART ATTACKS

6.Neutron Bomb - ART ATTACKS

7.New Wave Love - THE DOLE

8.You Make Me Sick - SATANS RATS

9.Louise - SATANS RATS

10.System - FRONT

11.Queen's Mafia - FRONT

12.Gutter Kids - THE DYAKS

13.It's A Game - THE DYAKS

14.£8-A-Week - SQUAD

15.Red Alert - SQUAD

16.Raise The Roof Tonite - THE SHOVE

17.Violence - THE SHOVE

18.Pigs - THE SHOVE

19.Nutters Of York - THE SHOVE

20.Vietnam - THE SATELLITES

21.Lucy Is A Prostitute - THE SATELLITES

22.I Fell In Love With A Lesbian - THE SATELLITES

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MARILLION - @ Rundsporthalle, Baunatal 01.10.1983

Now a really awesome bootleg by Marillion and this concert was broadcasted back then on a cold December winter evening at the HR3 radio station and you can't imagine how fitting & great this for me was during this dark times. I was unhappily in love again and was looking for solace in music, this year the band's debut album came out, which immediately appealed to me and then, to top it all off, this transmission comes, better than winning the lottery. Screw love when you experience a moment like this. The sound quality is excellent and Fish tries really hard to present his German which works brilliantly and as it was obviously their first visit in this country and I think he has it mastered brilliantly and it's a pleasure to listen to. Last week my mind got stuck on this tape and to be honest I don't know when I last played a cassette but I searched for it on the net and it was published as 'German Script' and of course I grabbed it immediately and for all of you Marillion fans out there, here it is! Now enjoy eighty minutes of a fantastic performance.

Intro/He Knows You Know/Garden Party/Script For A Jester's Tear/Three Boats Down From The Candy/Assassing/Chelsea Monday/Forgotten Sons/Market Square Heroes/Charting The Single

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HEARTBREAKERS - One Track Mind EP 1977

After a long working day, now a classic and certainly no strangers for the most of you. "The Heartbreakers are an influential 1970s New York punk act formed by Johnny Thunders (guitar/vocals and principal songwriter) and Jerry Nolan (drums) after they quit the New York Dolls, along with Richard Hell (vocals/bass) who had just left Television. Several months after intially forming the band, the trio added rhythm guitarist Walter Lure (vocals/guitar). The band quickly became one of the most popular and well-known underground bands in New York City, headlining shows at CBGB, Mother's (located across from the Chelsea Hotel), and Max's Kansas City." This three song EP came out via Track Record and was taken from their only studio album L.A.M.F. and kickin' very well, including a live piece and a famous cover version of an oldie. I like it, and it's good to hear the old stuff again.

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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CHRON GEN - Live @ The Old Waldorf San Francisco 1985

In 30 minutes is kick-off and I hope for the miracle of London, I'm already excited and therefore now a few words to this nice slab by Chron Gen, published by Hard Court/Picasso, whiche are not mine but fit: Chron Gen (short for Chronic Generation) are a British punk band formed in January 1978 in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. Chron Gen initially comprised former members of The Condemned and Optional Xtras. Band members included Glynn (Baxter) Barber (vocals/guitarist), Jon 'JJ' Johnson (drummer), Adam Warwicker (bass guitar), and Jon Thurlow (rhythm guitar), with Pete Dimmock replacing Warwicker after the band recorded their first demo. The band released their debut EP Puppets Of War in 1981 on their own Gargoyle label; It spent almost ten months in the UK Independent Chart, peaking at # 4. With the success of the EP, Chron Gen were invited to join The Exploited, Discharge, Anti-Pasti, and The Anti-Nowhere League on the now infamous Apocalypse tour in the UK in the summer of 1981. They released a single on the Step Forward label before moving to Secret Records, who issued the band's debut album, Chronic Generation, in March 1982. It reached # 53 on the UK Albums Chart, and was the last release to feature Thurlow, who was replaced by Mark 'Floyd' Alison. The band toured with Anti-Nowhere League on their 'So What' tour and toured the United States in support of the album. After a further single, Dimmock left to join Chelsea (and later Bandits at 4 O'Clock), and was replaced by Roy Horner. The band's final release was the 1984 mini-album Nowhere to Run, which was recorded before Horner joined and featured session musician Nigel Ross-Scott on bass. It didn't match their earlier success and the band split up in October 1984. The band have played occasional reunion shows since. Floyd later joined The Occasional Tables. He died on 31 October 1999 and Pete Dimmock died on 12 August 2011. - Enjoy!

Lies/Jet Boy, Jet Girl/Clouded Eyes/Reality/Fiasco/Hounds Of The Night/Behind Closed Doors/Misadventure (Nowhere To Run)/Wasted Love/Breakdown/Outlaw/Mindless Few/Subway Sadist/L.S.D./Abortion/Living Next Door To Alice

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GENERATION X - Untouchables (Live & Demos 1981)

"This group are important. They are something new, young and exciting. They're fuckin great!" Mark P.(Sniffin Glue 5.11.1976). This nice release was brought to us by A William Broadcasting Production and I don't know the exact release date but that doesn't matter, fifteen live recordings in a modest quality, plus three demos gather here for an hour to document the early days of Generation X, formed in London during the fall of 1976, Billy Idol (guitar), Tony James (bass & vocal) and John Towe (drums) perform a few gigs, under the name Chelsea with Gene October as frontman. Idol and James are also developing a song writing partnership, the results of which are not performed by Chelsea due to a lack of fit with the current group. Idol and James eventually decide to leave Chelsea so that they can create a group based upon their own vision and songs. John Towe comes along as well. On December 4th Billy finds the missing key to their new line up at the Fulham Arts Centre, when he sees seventeen year old Bob "Derwood" Andrews playing guitar in the band Paradox. Derwood is quickly recruited, given a hair cut, and within as little as three weeks after leaving Chelsea, Generation X play their first gig. In mid April 1977, Generation X decide that the weak link in their line-up is drummer John Towe, and he is asked to leave. After auditioning over twenty different drummers, they decide upon eighteen year old Mark Laff (a.k.a. Mark Laffoley). He was drumming for Subway Sect, and upon completion of their lengthy tour with the Clash, leaves to join up with Generation X. With Mark Laff now on-board, the "classic" line-up of Generation X is complete.In May 1979, Bob "Derwood" Andrews tells the other band members, that he is quitting the band. However, his departure is short lived and he soon comes back to finish the remaining live dates (including a tour of Japan) as well as recording sessions for the 3rd LP Sweet Revenge. On December 19th 1979, Derwood again announces to the band that he is leaving and this time sticks to his decision. On January 23rd 1980, Billy and Tony ask drummer Mark Laff to leave the band as well. Bob "Derwood" Andrews and Mark Laff go on to form the group Empire and release one LP Expensive Sound in 1981, before breaking up. Billy Idol and Tony James recruit former Chelsea guitarist James Stevenson and ex-Clash drummer Terry Chimes, re-christen the group Gen X, and go on to release one LP Kiss Me Deadly in 1981, before breaking up.(Source: Mark Gale & Mark Laff) I think you are well informed now so enjoy their sound at maximum volume!

Ready Steady Go/Trying For Kicks/Triumph/Anna Smiles/Valley Of The Dolls/Revenge/Day By Day/Rock'N'Roll/Shakin' All Over/Heavens Inside/Untouchables/Andy Warhol/Poison/Kiss Me Deadly/New Orders/Dancing With Myself/Taxidriver

- Great Thx again to Reinhard -

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THE DRONES - Further Temptations 1977

Back to classics with the Drones, started out in the Manchester area in 1974 as a Glam Rock outfit called Rockslide, releasing a lone single 'Jump Bump Boogaloo/Roller Coaster' in October 1975, before reinvented themselves as a punk rock band the following year. The Drones then relocated to London and became one of the pioneering punk bands that performed in the first few months of the now-legendary Roxy Club. They supported The Vibrators in January 1977, headlined in February, and supported X-Ray Spex and Chelsea in March. Later that year they supported the Stranglers on a full UK tour, and appeared on two influential early punk compilation albums Streets and Short Circuit: Live at the Electric Circus. Their debut single, 'Temptations Of A White Collar Worker' (1977), was described by one reviewer as "classic dole-queue punk." In October 1977, their second single, 'Just Wanna Be Myself' / 'Bone Idol', was released, and on 6th December they recorded a session at Maida Vale 4 studio for John Peel. Later that month, they released their debut album on Valer Records, Further Temptations, a shoddily produced document of a highly underrated band, armed with angry lyrics and a sharp sense of humour fuelling fiery originals like ‘Lift Off The Bans' and 'No More Time'. It's was a great record but its release marked the beginning of the end for the band.

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V/A - Live & Alive [Special] 2017

It's time again to torture you with one of my superfluous self-made compilations and since I'm a Live person, this Machwerk is full with sixteen Alive goodies from bands which I have seen live multiple times, whose records I love and being a constant companion in the past and present. Simply strong songs that impress and touch me or which I just only like. The artwork came on its own and I hope it appeals to you. Take this as a small gift and listen to it while cooking, in the train/plane, while cycling or body sport... made to play loud! 

1.Not Another Hit - DISCO ZOMBIES

2.The Traveller - A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS

3.Remember Tomorrow - IRON MAIDEN

4.Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment - RAMONES

5.Ruperts Grün - TURBOSTAAT

6.A Forest - THE CURE

7.Shot Down In Flames - AC/DC

8.In Shreds - THE CHAMELEONS

9.Chelsea Monday - MARILLION

10.Shadowplay - JOY DIVISION

11.Such A Shame - TALK TALK

12.Halleluja - RAMMSTEIN

13.Staub - MESSER

14.Walking On Both Sides - PINK TURNS BLUE

15.Very Ape - NIRVANA

16.Weiter - EA80

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CHELSEA - We Dare EP 1994

One of the 'oldest' UK punk bands are Chelsea from London and their story starts in 1976 and more than two decades after its release, "Right To Work", Chelsea's debut single, is included in Mojo Magazine's list of the best punk rock singles of all time. So you can search for more info about the band the web and for more music move over to the great F.P.F.T.P. blog and choose your favorite record from the generous offer. On this nice 7Inch, released via the German Weser Label, are three hymns. We Dare is sung in German with text translation while the flip comes with two live goodies, recorded at their German tour September/October 1994. A brilliant idea I find.

- Huge Thx to Fredrik -

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THE IGNERENTS - Radio Interference 7'' 1979

The Ignerents were formed in 1977 in Whitstable, Kent, by brothers Chris and Steve Harris, joined by neighbour Mark Leighton on guitar, vocalist Kevin Holmes (later replaced by Ben Challis) and drummer Stan 'Gretsch' Littlejohn. The band were an important part of the local punk scene in the late seventies in Kent alongside bands like Wild Billy Childish's Pop Rivets, Naughty Thoughts and the Rivals. Like others they identified with Punk if not actually playing Punk. Having demoed for Step Forward records with the excellent 'Uganda Calling' the band released their debut 7'' in 1979 (Radio Interference) on Ace Records and then re-released it on their own label. The band finally evolved into a new band, The Beekeepers, which featured Nick Appleton on guitar alongside Steve and with Chris, Ben and Stan, and then after Stan died, Russell Lax on drums. The Beekeepers released one 7'' called Platform 5 in 1981. On the live circuit the Ignerents were active from 1977-1981 with infrequent gigs that included the Marquee Club (with Chelsea) and the Vortex in London (with Wayne County & The Electric Chairs) and they supported bands like 999 and The Only Ones. So enjoy this little pearl of early UK punk stuff and give the band your full attention. (source: punk77)

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THE STAGGERS / SKEPTIC ELEPTIC - Split 12'' 2005

Today I'm comin' up with a split record and the follow up is an extreme rare copy (hand numbered to 500 copies) which was released Broken Heart Records. Let's start side a with the Incredible Staggers (formerly The Staggers) and they are an Austrian 60's-garage-trash-surf-rock & roll band from Graz. The band say about themselves: "The 2002 launched 60s garage punk and rock & roll band "The Staggers" from Graz/Vienna has both musically and visually quite prescribed the late 50s and early 60s, the sis freaks in tailor-made yarn and Chelsea boots are mainly related to one hit wonders various 'Back From The Grave' compilations or legends like Screamin Lord Sutch, but they are not free from surf influences. Alright you Nerds and Finks prepare for an onslaught of primitive beats, chainsaw guitars and the eerie farfisa sound. It's raw! It's frantic! It's horrifying! It's the Staggers!!!" And the band keeps its promises: you expect five terrific rock'n'roll surf numbers of the finest. The b-side is just as nice. Skeptic Eleptic from St. Pölten, founded in winter of 1999 by bassist Mots T. Sux, Thoms'n'Roll (drums), Tom Mohawk (guitars) and singer Sickboy Eleptic. The band describe their music simply as punk rock and they found in the early stages yet increasingly influences of hardcore and street punk, so in the meantime their music has developed into a mixture of punk/garage/surf/psychedelic/ trash/pop and rock'N'roll. The band insists that it will not be forced into a certain genre corner. In 2009 the band broke up. Both bands have numerous records out and if you like a decent rock'N'roll surf punk sound then get this ten blasts and Go Go Go!

- Special Thx to Reinhard -

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