RODGAU MONOTONES & Gäste HOB GOBLIN, FLATSCH!, CRACKERS - Silberhochzeit Live 2003

Today's post is special due to a recent event and it is dedicated to the following fantastic person: Gerd Knebel, musician, comedian, and actor, sadly passed away in January 2026 from that damned cancer, and I was a bit shocked when I read the news. He was and will be a huge part of my life. As founding member and singer of the Hessian cult combo Flatsch!, I saw him perform live several times, and I even got to see him with Henni (when he formed the comedy and music duo Badesalz). And I can tell you, with his passing, the Hessian art scene has lost a vital part of it. How can I create a fitting memorial to him? So I came across this double CD. Firstly, because it's excellent, and secondly it also honors the late Lothar (singer of the Crackers), Jürgen (drummer of the Crackers), and Raimund (guitarist of the Monotones) and impressively demonstrates what great bands emerged in the Rhine-Main region in the early 1980s, may they all find peace! - Of course, you won't find any Punkrock here, but rather almost two and a half hours of excellent Rock with emotional and socially critical lyrics, a few in dialect. Should you ever want to visit this beautiful state, you'll discover what a fun-loving bunch we are, you know what I mean. So these recordings were made in March 2003, the Rodgau Monotones celebrated their 25th stage anniversary ("silver wedding") with two sold-out concerts in the Offenbach/Stadthalle together with their old companions Flatsch!, Hob Goblin, Crackers and 8000 fans. Enjoy the sound & the charm of the protagonists!

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V/A - Ei Gude Wie 2015

Back with a local compilation from the beautiful state of Hesse and this beauty features Hessian Cult Hits, that's says the cover but cult isn't the right word, what is cult? There are about 80% good songs on it, that's why I ordered the CD and the Bembel on the front fits our culture and we drink the delicious Äppelwoin out this. My version is called Bloodstains Across Hessen with more Punk material. For me, this thing is not a bad buy, good selection and ideal for tourists. Phew, I'm a bit irradiated and so I'll say goodbye quickly and see you tomorrow, enjoy the music!

1.Ei Gude Wie - RODGAU MONOTONES

2.Phonhaus - CRACKERS

3.Ich Wär So Gern Mal Michael Jackson - FLATSCH!

4.Du Lachst Immer Noch - HOB GOBLIN

5.Big Mäc - FEINBEIN

6.Ich Bin So Cool - ADAM & THE MICKY'S

7.Die Hesse Komme! - RODGAU MONOTONES 

8.Immer Das Gleiche - STRASSENJUNGS

9.Pornokino - CRACKERS

10.Zärtliche Gefühle - MÖLLER

11.Weniger Ist Mehr - SASCHA KRIEGER

12.Wurstwasser - MUNDSTUHL

13.Badekapp - FLATSCH!

14.Die Runkelreuweroppmaschin Fährt Tanzen - ADAM & THE MICKY'S

15.Gnadenlos Erotisch - HOB GOBLIN

16.Is Nur Kino (Live) - RODGAU MONOTONES

17.Klassenfahrt Zum Titisee - CRACKERS

18.Durchgemacht - STRASSENJUNGS

19.Ich Brauch' Meinen Suff - TANKARD

20.Bembel With Care - V8 WIXXXER

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EA80 - Schweinegott 1998

One of the longest running Punk bands in the German underground world and "with their eighth album, the guys have proven that EA80 is far from out of breath. The band has managed to produce twelve varied songs in a very innovative way, some of which leave well-trodden paths. Sometimes dark and melancholic, sometimes noisy and dissonant, the band furiously fires their entire complex sound spectrum into the ether." Comes on request and normally I don't start an EA80 record with a review, but here I like to because I agree. The sound is more dirtier and more aggressive, not untypical I'd like to say because they're a Punk band and the Four are able to write such pleasant crackers, and the production is similar to Grüner Apfel but a bit more powerful and energetic, that kicks and shoots the band into the new century, I'd like to mean. Driving and manic hymns meet twelve soulful and dynamic ass kickers like no other band in this country can do, unique and uncopyable. They underline impressively why they rightly have an absolutely exceptional status in our music scene, a real obstacle for everyone who doesn't understand the lyrics but if you really want to, you can translate their words and you see what's going on. Sometimes disturbing, but a real exceptional band and not without reason their gigs are always full & attractive. I've seen many and I hope there will be coming more.

Enough words, enjoy every song/sound and discover EA80 for yourself, it will be a pleasant journey like a holiday in Crete! Εβίβα!

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ANTI-PASTI - The Best Of CD 1996

Now another decent compilation on Dojo Limited and it's called 'The Best Of' and I always have a hard time with such titles because the real crackers are usually missing. But everything fits with this CD and all their hits are there, but the other one on Anagram called The Punk Singles Collection is also okay and has one more song on it. Of course you can ask why the whole thing came out again at short intervals (two years), but that's not important. Short info: England 1978, the Punkrock explosion had enveloped the country. In Derby, Anti-Pasti arose from the ashes of several other well-meaning but otherwise non-committed early Punk bands and Martin (vocals), Dougie (guitars), Stu (bass), Stan (drums) come together in 1979 and decided to become a part of it and that resulted in five fabulous 7inches that were released within just two years, four of them on Rondelet Music Records, and are real rarities today. Furthermore they made three good albums and in January 1984 the band broke up. In the mid Nineties Anti-Pasti came back and several albums were re-issued on CD for the first time, were headlining at the Fuck Reading Festival, followed by a short tour through the UK and Europe with huge success and 2016 their fourth call Rise Up was proclaimed on Westworld Recordings and let's see what else is going further. Musically nice melodic and catchy songs with good lyrics and many invitations on relevant Compilations make clear, they're not unpopular with their music. You'll notice that too, I know!

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SECTION 8 - Hollywood Halloween 7'' 1979

Section 8 was a combo from Ottawa and active from 1980-1989 and have reformed subsequently in 2000 and 2006. This is unfortunately their only record with two cool goodies on Zero/Zero Records. In the same year they made more recordings that were planned as the Unstable World album, but never released because the studio lost the master tapes, stupid thing that. Well, and so only these two crackers remain but they're an excellent start into the weekend. Enjoy!

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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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OFFENSIVE HERBST 87 - OH 87 2LP 2004

Now very good early German Punkrock and we visit the province and end up in Verden, from there came Offensive Herbst 87, a three piece which existed only about three years and consisted of Rüdiger & Günter (vocals), Günter & Micha (guitar/bass), Rüdiger (drums). A rather under-appreciated band and never achieved the prominence of others at the time, but at least they made it onto the first Soundtracks Zum Untergang compilation and that means a lot. Two 7Inches and a few other sampler contributions are the legacy, and Phonomenal Schallplatten changed that eighteen years ago in form of this wonderful double album. Forty-eight crackers from various sources (demos, studio & live) from 1981-1982 await you, including a live set in a good sound quality that shows the band much more rougher than in the studio. Everything in a decent presentation, with all song infos, a small bio and lots of interesting pictures. A good history lesson from people who taught themselves Punk and are therefore inimitably authentic. Brilliant Stuff!

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DIE ANGST - Die Angst In Euch Ist Die Angst In Uns 2012

The following band is always a welcome guest in my theater. 3 out of 26 reasons a) we're talking about Die Angst from Rathenow and one of my faves, b) their powerful, sombre music turns me on with its driving dynamic extra long elegiac bass runs, scrappy 80s guitars and refreshing heaviness, that's the sound that keeps me awake, and c) a new 7inch is coming out these days on their own Moon Records label (order/listen now via bandcamp) with two crackers in the typical Angst style. On this superb six track mini CD are Seve (vocals/bass), Kilian (vocals/guitars) and Jensen (drums) making music... splendid music. The only thing I have to complain: the slabs are too short. I've barely arrived and after thirty minutes the journey is already over. I mean, it's different with a hardcore record because of the number of tracks, after that I'm inspired and it's good. With the Brandenburgers I'm on my trip in the middle of nowhere and waiting for the bus, you know what I mean? 'ZackBumBäng' - Well, I'll get in again. Enjoy all the wafts of fog and don't miss the next episode when it says again: Mommy, I don't have a bus ticket!

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ARTICLES OF FAITH - Give Thanks 1984

Door #8: debut album on Reflex Records by this awesome combo, Articles Of Faith (1981-1985) which decisively shaped the hardcore scene of the city and was one of the oldest & most important bands of the Chicago punk scene. Originally they went by the name "Direct Drive," but changed over to AOF. Fronted by Vic (vocals(guitar), Dorian & Joe (guitars), Dave (bass), Virus X (drums), the scope of AOF's impact went beyond musical boundries. They might have been the first true hardcore band in this city and were instumental in promoting and organizing shows. Specifically, they were responsible for organizing the shows at the Centro-American Social Club (CASC). 1982 they released their first highlight What We Want Is Free EP with four blasts. They rented out the space, booked and promoted the shows. They even put up the out of town bands and provided a hang-out spot at their house which was lovingly called, "Big Blue." They played their final show in July 1985 at the Cubby Bear. The band reunited in 1991 for a European tour which resulted in the release of a live album through Germany's Your Choice Live Series Records. They reunited again in 2010 for some shows in Chicago, including Riot Fest. That same year they released a 12" EP of new material. - Their debut has ten goodies and is a catchy mix of intense crackers to melodic reflections and the five are gladly seen on numerous essential compilations.

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FLATSCH! - Endlich Live! 1989

Today I greet all Hessian friends with one of my favorite Stöffche of the Eighties: Flatsch! Their first four albums are all classics and even after forty years it's still a pleasure for me to listen to and they manage to put a mischievous smile on my face. In 1988 the band decided to say goodbye at the climax and their last concert took place in the sold out Offenbacher Stadthalle (a few songs from this gig were used for this record). 2003 they were guests at the silver wedding of the Monotones on two evenings in a row, together with the also re-animated bands Hob Goblin and the Crackers, this was the last performance of Flatsch! On stage the funny stories about nuclear-free power plants, fat dictators, sisterhoods or confuse Kaufhaus hysteria unfold their very special effect. A brilliant mix of rock & comedy but I think, more old songs would made this album even better because they are much faster, rockier and funnier. - “We feed our Bundestag with liquid egg and cream curd. We paralyze our heart and circulation so that we can laugh. We increase the diets and cancel the diet and feed them with ham bread until nothing more is possible. We need fat dictators, nice fat men who can be blow up" - In this sense, a cold Schoppe and three points for all Eintrachters tonight. Prost!

Austrinke/Rummenigge/Messegäste/Schwester/Keske Fü Fä/Dicke Diktatoren/Katastrophenmelder-Sketch/Wir Tun Es Immer Wieder/Computerbruder/Süssmuth-Sketch/Schützt Die Kondome/Hallo Frollein/Kaufhaus/Alkoholfreies Bier/Badekapp/Männer Müssen Männer Sein/Gute Alte Zeit

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V/A - Popstars Play Poptones 1991

This interesting compilaton is the only release by Red Phoenix Records and I have no idea who and when this file was beamt to me, it just comes in too much and I can't remember everything, especially since I'm almost a bit overwhelmed, but in the end it doesn't matter. The fact is, four bands, largely unknown to me, intoxicate with excellent music, catchy melodies, occasionally longer pop songs trilled with organs in the middle and short crisp crackers as well. Three songs per band and I can't help, but somehow I feel a slightly melancholy undertone in the whole thing, I think people tend to be a little romantic in the Balkans, ahhhh... I love that. Fazit: All ingredients for a delicious menu are available, Chapeau!

1.Pivo - HOGARI

2.Ima Dana - HOGARI

3.Giške - HOGARI

4.Tramvajljudi - EX-CESS

5.Sputaj Udove - EX-CESS

6.Monopol - EX-CESS

7.2 Spomenika - POKRET OTPORA

8.Podkultura - POKRET OTPORA

9.II Priča - POKRET OTPORA

10.Grčka - KONTEJNER A.D.

11.Neki Deo - KONTEJNER A.D.

12.Deni - KONTEJNER A.D.

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C.O.P. - Ever Alone 1986

Rabid fast pogo rhythms request entry into your house, by this five piece from somewhere in the remotest Walachei. C.O.P. (Call Of The Prisoner) was a short lived combo and consisted of Töpper (vocals), Spencer & Totti (guitars), Jörg (drums) and Dirk (bass). Ever Alone was released on Erazerhead Records, a Rock-O-Rama sub-label, and has the typical Egoldt sound and, as always, produced in such a way that you can't understand one fucking word and that is really a shame, because this minimalist seldom added a lyric-sheet, as economical as ever. They have really good songs in the baggage; fast, loud crackers mixed with melodic mid-tempo numbers give the whole thing an additional charm and provide their album an entertaining listening pleasure. Apparently other birds saw it the same way too, because in 1999 the slab was pressed again, as a bootleg of course, partly in multicolour splattered vinyl. Fazit: bombastic sonication, authentic, refreshing, PunkRock!

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THE SUICIDE COMMANDOS - Mark He's A Terror 7'' 1977

Pretty second single with two decent garagepunkrock goodies by the Suicide Commandos, a trio from Minneapolis/Minnesota and formed 1974 and consisted of Steve (vocals/bass), he later joined the Crackers, Chris (guitars), Dave (drums) and were one of the pioneer US bands touring the country. They released two singles on P.S. Records in the late seventies before signing with Blank Records (a subsidiary label of Mercury Records) in 1977 and releasing one album, Make A Record. Despite their short original four year stint together, the Suicide Commandos are considered the pioneers for jump-starting a punkrock music scene in the Twin Cities. A live album, The Suicide Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert (1000 copies) was released on Twin/Tone Records in 1979, which was their last performance together before the band broke up. From 2007 they got back together for a few gigs and released their current album Time Bomb in 2016. The Suicide Commandos have been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue, recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue. Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh. (source:wiki)

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VICTIM - The Teen Age EP 1980

Third and final 7Inch from Victim on Illuminated Records with three crackers. The band was founded mid 1977 in Belfast (relocated to Manchester in 1979) and soon they became familiar faces on the fast-emerging Belfast punk scene. On this record, produced by Rat Scabies, Wesley (vocals & bass), Joe (guitars) and Jeff (drums). Started as four piece they released two EP's in the late seventies. They toured a lot with renowned bands and a fourth single plus further demos were recorded but unfortunately never released and little of it is left and after undergoing several line-up changes, the band existed until 1990. But hope came when in 2003 Overground Records released a compilation of all of their early works and 2016 two more CD's came out with new and revised material of the late phase. Also guest on Bloodstains and Killed By Death #33. Great Stuff.

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THE PSYCHOTIC YOUTH - Julie 7'' 1989

Punk'N'Roll of the finest by an already long-lived band that I wasn't even aware of. A short story to get to know: Psychotic Youth was formed 1985 in a small town called Kramfors by singer, songwriter & guitarist Jörgen under the name Ratfink-A-Boo Boo's. The other original members besides Jörgen were Nils (guitars), Anders (bass) and Sjöholm (drums). Gunnar who played keyboard joined later in the year. They began as a garage rock band, influenced among others by The Nomads and Wilmer X. Then later on incorporated various styles such as rockabilly, surf punk, metal, psychedelia and new wave/power-pop into their music. After two albums the band moved to Gothenburg in 1988 and continue as four piece. The band released their third full-length album Some Fun in 1989 and it became a breakthrough record for the band. The single "Julie" brought in further attention to the band's music, and I can confirm that! Two crackers on it crash like a truck through the wall of your house (especially the flip is the burner). Extensive tours followed, nine more albums as well and in 1999 Psychotic Youth broke up. Sixteen years later the band reunited with partly new members by request of US artist Kurt Baker and Norwegian Morten Henriksen (The Yum Yums) to accompany them on their Scandinavian tour in April 2015. And since then, the story continues...

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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SYSTEME D - Another Day EP 1984

Very good EP by Systéme D from Rouen on Melopara records and on their only record are three beautiful crackers. The band consisted of Joël (vocals), Herman (guitars) and Paul (bass), the fourth on the photo is unknown. I think, I've already posted the slab in my former blog but unfortunately I can't find any more information about the boys. Egal, they are represented on some unknown compilations and what I don't understand, there are some new relevant re-releases of French compis on which they are not present... weird, because their sound kicks vehemently neat. And now I care for another LP rip and maybe something more will come today.

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V/A - Bakverk 80 1979

Friday, weekend and I say "Hello folks" with another rare record from Sweden and I'm sure you'll like it. Released via Musiknätet Waxholm (MNW) Records and three bands from Stockholm are represented here. First Kurt Sune Med Berits, better known as KSMB, with seven solide '77 crackers which require no further words, simply delicate. The Travolta Kids celebrate a dose of powerpop and they for me set, game & match. Catchy tunes with a high addiction factor. They made two 7Inches and I recommend to listen at their album which they released in 1980, a real masterpiece. Last but not least the Incest Brothers, their only release is a mini 12'' called Tre Ar Försent on Rosa Honung Records and a lot of compilation songs. Overall, a very successful Platte with plenty songs plus one of the most creative covers I think, and with this cake I leave the stage for breakfast.

1.Bohman - KSMB

2.Abab - KSMB

3.Hårding - KSMB

4.Miltärlåten - KSMB

5.Förortsbarn - KSMB

6.Jag Vill Dö - KSMB

7.Muf - KSMB

8.Sune - TRAVOLTA KIDS

9.Tryck På Knappen - TRAVOLTA KIDS

10.Tunnbrödsrulle - TRAVOLTA KIDS

11.Nick Carter - TRAVOLTA KIDS

12.Bli Polis - TRAVOLTA KIDS

13.Bill Å Bull - TRAVOLTA KIDS

14.Titta På Den Här - TRAVOLTA KIDS

15.Lördagspunk - INCEST BROTHERS

16.Discofnask - INCEST BROTHERS

17.Oskyldig - INCEST BROTHERS

18.Pubertetsproblem - INCEST BROTHERS

19.Svensson - INCEST BROTHERS

20.Arbetslös - INCEST BROTHERS

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V/A - Vaultage 79 (Another Two Sides Of Brighton) 1979

Brighton should be blessed with so much talent bands. Attrix Records released three Vaultage compilations and every album have enough flavour and some crackers on it. May you've heard the others but I found my copy here in a local record store for little money, so I took the slab with me. Brighton rocks and those of you who loves the early powerpop/punk sound like me is here in good hands. Check out this Review by Mr. John Peel for more infos... meanwhile grab & enjoy!

 1.Bank Holiday - THE VANDELLS

2.Another Girl - THE VANDELLS

3.You Get Everywhere - THE CHEFS

4.Food - THE CHEFS

5.Bloody - THE GOLINSKI BROTHERS

6.Too Scared - THE GOLINSKI BROTHERS

7.Hey Operator - THE LILLETTES

8.Nervous Wreck - THE LILLETTES

9.Sounchek - IJAX ALL STARS

10.Reggaed Rumble - IJAX ALL STARS

11.I Want You To Be My Girl - WOODY & THE SPLINTERS

12.I Must Be Mad - WOODY & THE SPLINTERS

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LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH - Open Your Eyes/Live @ My Father's Place 1982

Excellent soundboard recording @ My Father's Place/New York from October 1982 and I must confess: I didn't know them at all! Well, I think it's a good choice to start with a live record and this unofficial release (200 copies) fits perfect. A bit wiki info: "The Lords Of The New Church were an English/American gothic rock supergroup with a line-up consisting of four musicians from 1970s punk bands. The band originally comprised vocalist Stiv Bators (Dead Boys), guitarist Brian James (The Damned), bassist Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and drummer Nick Turner (Barracudas). Launched in 1981, the band released three studio albums and three live albums prior to their dissolution in 1989. During this time, they underwent several line-up changes. More melodic and slickly produced than most punk, their music both reached a broader audience than that of many bands in the genre and alienated hardcore punk fans. The band presented a stylized tribal identity around their appearance and their music that fans embraced: the writer Dave Thompson asserts this represented "the first time since the Sex Pistols' Bromley Contingent fanbase [that] a band had succeeded in grafting its own identity onto its audience without first paying obeisance to the gods of highstreet fashion. Their stage antics became notorious early in their career, with Bators stunts on one occasion reportedly resulting in his clinical death for several minutes." Thirteen crackers in a fine sound quality, ned übel!

New Church/Question Of Temperature/Girls Girls Girls/Livin' On Livin'/Eat Your Heart Out/Russian Roulette/Fortune TellerOpen Your Eyes/Little Boys Play With Dolls/Holy War/Portobello/Apocalypso/New Church (Encore)

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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FEINBEIN - Schräge Vögel 1985

Now a band from my local area from Hanau called Feinbein, they were founded in the mid 80s and consisted of seven members. Schräge Vögel is the third and final album and it's not a punk record. My first encounter with them was around 1983 in a community center in my former home. At that time there was little going on, a dead rand district you know, and in this location there played occasionally bands from the Rhein-Main area, for example Flatsch!, the Crackers or Hob Goblin. A small basementwith a capacity of about fifty-sixty people and Feinbein stood close on this small stage and celebrated their crazy Psycho Show, the name of the second album that was released in 1983, and you can imagine what a crush it was. Difficult to remember today but I think, it was great because all my buddies were there and it was a big highlight on the edge of town. Well, ten songs can be heard with comfortable, critical lyrics, sometimes packed in a funny way, with a simple pop sound. Why not? rare piece of Hessian subculture. 

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