BÄRBEL - Punkzirkus 2001

"Old" men from Hamburg, some with glorious punk rock past - for example 3000 YEN, made a cool album with eighteen punkies and great German lyrics = catchy tunes. Nice lyrics about pretty women cocktail drinking, one or the other tragic love story (with or without a happy ending), their children or simply the preference Punk sung that one probably does not even let go over the years. The fact is the guys from Bärbel have the right sense of humor on the one hand shows the band name and the other the cool cover version of California Dreamin'. Their only album was released via Johnny Mofa Records and Punkzirkus is a record for friends of Hamburg punk rock and of course all other maniacs.

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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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RUBBER CITY REBELS - s/t LP 1980

Last post March and sailing across the Atlantic and stop in Akron, Ohio and meet the Rubber City Rebels, formed 1977 by Rod (vocals), Buzz (guitar), Donny (bass), Stix (drums) and Pete (keyboards). Let me give you a bit info from wiki: "In their early years, the Rebels were fans (and friends) of fellow Greater Cleveland-area bands the Dead Boys and Devo. Their breakout show was opening for the Dead Boys at legendary New York City rock club CBGB in 1977. This led to a split album with the Bizarros, titled From Akron, which was released that year on Clone Records. The Rebels moved to Los Angeles in 1978, minus Pelton (who was replaced on drums by Mike Hammer) and Sake (keyboards were deemed unnecessary for the band's change to a heavier sound), and gained considerable fame on the Sunset Strip. The band was signed to Sire Records; however, a clash between band and record label ensued and the recording contract was terminated before the Rebels could record their debut album. Following some personnel changes (Damage and Hammer left to form the Hammer Damage Band, replaced by Johnny Bethesda and Brandon Matheson, respectively), the Rebels signed a deal with Capitol Records and the eponymous debut album was released in 1980. Although praised by critics, sales of the album never vaulted the band past its underground status. In 1981 a 7Inch follows and the band faded from the scene and ceased touring in 1988, although they never officially disbanded. Despite not touring or recording any new material through the 1990s, the Rebels' reputation and support among fans remained strong and in 2001 the Rebels were back and still alive." So let's enjoy ten superb Ohio crackers and have a great weekend.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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FLAG OF DEMOCRACY - Down With People 1990

Good Morning Friends and let us start this unknown Tuesday with extreme noises by Flag Of Democracy, a combo from Ambler, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Philadelphia which formed 1982. This is their third album, in Europe via Bitzcore released with fourteen wild hardcore numbers. A bit wiki info: F.O.D. plays a mixture of melodic punk, frequently with two-part vocal lines, and noisy, dissonant hardcore, often at extreme speeds – many F.O.D. songs push past 200 beats-per-minute. The band never attained commercial success, but enjoys popularity in certain underground circuits, particularly in Europe. You should listen also to their Love Songs EP from 1984 and the band is still active and I'm finished with the fairy tale hour, perfect wake-up music or?

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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V/A - Street To Street (A Liverpool Album) 1979

And after Berlin we go over to the British Isles and visit a city with glorious past: Liverpool. This city compilation was brought to us from Open Eye Records and it exists two versions, the original from 1979 and a re-release in 1980 and when I check it correct is the track of Tontrix the only difference, hmm... why is a mystery to me, probably any royalties or rights or anything else, anyway. I have the second edition and there's some info sheets included and I think these were not standard packed. Who cares, this record is a good overview what's goin' on in Liverpool @ the end of the 70's and musically an excellent range of different styles, my favorites are Big In Japan, Modern Eon, The Accelerators (hell yeah!) and the Malchix. An exquisite record and you buy get this piece of vinyl for little money. In any case well invested!

1.Match Of The Day - BIG IN JAPAN
2.Julia's Song - THE ID
3.194 Radio City - JAQUI & JEANETTE
4.Benched Down/70s Sixties - MODERN EON
5.Television Game - ACTIVITY MINIMAL
6.The Arab - DEAD TROUT
7.Screen Love - TONTRIX
8.Radio Blues - THE ACCELERATORS
9.Crisis - MALCHIX
10.I Heard You Call My Name - FUN
11.I Don't Want To Go Bald - THE MODERATES
12.Monkeys - ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN

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V/A - Geyser 1987

HUHHHH, usually I'm in the stadium when Dortmund comes but today not but it was an exciting game and a 2:1 is the victory for the SGE, now we are third in the league, Juhu! OK, interested none of you so let's enter "Geyser, a compilation on Enigma Records and this record is a reflection of the activities Gramm Records has been engaged in over the five past years. Gramm began its lifespan in the beginning of the most creative and inventive era in history of Iceland rock music." This is a short statement from the backcover. Twelve songs, varied styles: punk, alternative, electro, wave, gothic etc.. not bad and a decent mix. That's it for today, have a nice evening!

1.Killer Boogie - ÞEYR

2.Excuse Me/Surprise - PURRKUR PILLNIKK

3.Svartur Gítar - BUBBI & DAS KAPITAL

4.Kondór - MEGAS & ÍKARUS

5.Kjöt - VONBRIGÐI

6.Glas JONEE JONEE

7.Ad Astra - HÖH

8.Man On The Cross - KUKL

9.Citified - MICKEY DEAN & DE VUNDERFOOLZ

10.Life - STANYA

11.Edda - SVEINBJÖRN BEINTEINSSON

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BROKEN TOYS - Dirt 1991

Before I waste my time today with ripping some records first a post. The Broken Toys from Boston play bubblegum-based punk rave-ups with so much raw energy and urgency that they vividly recall New York’s finest, the Ramones. Over the past ten years, The Broken Toys have released countless singles and cassettes, appeared on numerous LP and CD compilations and toured Europe no less than five times. Earlier this year, Broken Toys signed with the German label Incognito Records and Dirt, their thirteen-song debut, is crammed with hooky, guitar-driven ditties like “Control Myself,” “Nothing to Do,” and the sarcastic “I’m Aware You’re Perfect” Broken Toys’ melodic sense arid occasional use of harmonies make their best cuts not only infectious, but danceable. Melodic ‘77 Punk rock which sounds sometimes like the Ramones. These guys specialize in rockin’ three-chord punk with memorable choruses and raw performance and production values. Above average; has the added benefit of good energy and loads of sarcastic humor. Have they seen 1990 in Hamburg/Marquee and was thrilled. If you’re into '77 style, get this quick. You can’t go wrong.

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GLI INCESTI - Punk Rock 7'' 1977

Early Italian Punk from Gli Incesti and this is the band's first record on CLS with two rockin' songs. One of the first groups to approach the new British sound was the Milanese duo of Gli Incesti, formed by brothers Leo (who died ten years ago) and Antonella. They released one album called Ecco in 1978 and that's it. Enjoy this blast from the past and have a nice weekend!

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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VOID SECTION - Virus 1995

Classic melodic punkrock from one of the oldest -still active- Belgian bands. Void Section find its roots back in 1989. "They from the Antwerp/Heist-op-Den-Berg and they are one of the oldest melodic punkrockbands of Belgium and they are already active for about 15 years, spewing out fast and catchy punkrocktunes. Having played with bands like NO FX, Bad Religion, Ten Foot Pole and so many other classic punkrockbands, they've gained a loyal fanbase that feels related to the music this combo is playing. Void Section has released several albums in the past, working together with various record labels like Tune records or the Brussels based I Scream records, but were looking for a label where they would feel part of the family and that's how they got hooked up with funtime records. With labelmates/punkrock collegues like Five Days Off, Homer, Cranck or Shandon, they're more than motivated to join the punkrocktrain. In october of 2003, Void Section has spend a month in the Grindhouse Studio to work on their new album. This album is their 2nd, released on Tune Records and is a blistering collection of fifteen melodic punkrocksongs." (info from Funtime Records).

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VEM BRYR SIG? - Va Fan E Re Nu Rå? EP 2009

A blast from the past: Vem Bryr Sig? from Lidingö formed in September 1979 and had their first concert at a talent show two weeks later. Played fairly extensively in the Stockholm area and Karlshamn until the split in 1981. They won after the jury has been threatened with beating if they did not vote for the band. The group was formed from the wreckage of a blues band as Janne Hoffner (guitar) and Patrick 'Pruten' Wedholm (drums) had. Hoffner and Pruten asked Weston if he wanted to sing in a punk band that he did, and with The Cramps modeled trio were ready to rock on Lidingö. Further line-up changes followed and the band played gigs at schools and other locations until the split in December 1981. The band never made a record but are included on the live compilation ”Lajv På Kulan” from 1981. In the book 'One two three four We're Vem Bryr Sig?' by the band's lead singer Henry Weston he wrote and published himself in true punk spirit the way of the band from its inception in 1979 to the end of 1980/81. The book became a minor underground hit. This led to Vem Bryr Sig? reunited in 2008. The band got the taste of blood and in April they went into the studio and recorded eight songs. Four of these are on this EP, originally written between 1979-1981, four crazy punk blasts in a typical kbd style, even after 30 years still fresh and uninhibited.

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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V/A - Keihard En Swingend! 1978

‘Keihard & Swingend’ (Rock-hard & Swinging) is a live registration of Dutch punk and new wave bands in 1978. Recorded live 12/13 and 14 February 1978 at Paradiso/Amsterdam and the result is astonishing. The a-side is more punkrock stuff with bands you might know while the b-side belongs to the new wave bands. The sound is quite good for a thirty years old recording and the feeling seamlessly spills over. On the back cover are some liner notes and if somenone would translate then I would use the info here in this short description (my dutch is extreme rusty). This compilation was released on EMI-Bovema Holland, maybe one of the best release by that so-called major label. Great document from the early dutch underground scene.

1.I Dunno - SAMMY AMERICA'S GASPHETTI

2.Working For The Company - SUBWAY

3.Get You In My Train - WHIZZ GUY

4.Tennis-Shoes - SUZANNES

5.My Past - SAMMY AMERICA'S GASPHETTI

6.Dead Or Alive - PANIC

7.Don't Tell Me What I've Got To Do - CAPTAIN COKE

8.Tutti Ragazzi - THE NITS

9.Simple Song - SYLPH

10.Blind Man Lost His Guide-Dog - TURF

11.Don't Send Us Away - CILINDERS

12.I'm A Millionaire - THE LIZARDS

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V2 - Speed Freak EP 1978

Damn good debut record by this Manchester combo on Bent Records with three awesome KBD smasher and because I'm a lousy writer I steal a little Info: "V2 were formed in late 1976 by David Wilks and Mark Standley. Both were regulars at Bowie/Roxy clubs in Manchester and became aware of punk rock when Dave Went to see the Sex Pistols in Manchester. This seminal gig at the Lesser Free Trade hall, at which the Pistols were supported by Manchester bands, Slaughter and the dogs, the Buzzcocks, inspired the next generation of bands to come out of Manchester, the Drones, Joy Division, the Fall, and V2. V2 brought their Glam Rock past to the band, and quickly became a popular live act with over the top shows, explosions, smashing up their equipment, and bassist Stan the Man attacking audiences with his cricket bat guitar when they spat at him once to often. Their first single, released on Bent records, (small bent one) was released in late '77, and quickly sold out 3 pressings. It featured three songs, Speedfreak Nothing to do and That's it. It went into the alternative top ten on each release." Read the full V2 bio. R.I.P. David! Compilations featuring the band: England Belongs To Me and the brand new Greater Manchester Punk - matchless!

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ZYNTHSLAKT & THE PAST - 7 Låtars EP 1983

This rare split EP has to bands from Köping on it and their sound is clearly at home in catchy dirty fast punkrock.

Zynthslakt (Swedish for synth slaughter) was a band that started around 1982. Mikael Thörngren, who played drums, was impressed by the energy of bands like the Clash and the UK SUBS. Together with Per Granberg's twin brother John (guitar in Charta 77) Zynthslakt were born. Because it was expensive to make records, explored other bands to share the cost with. Result was the split single with N.O.S. The band released another split EP called 7 Låtars with with The Past. They played a lot outside Norrköping, Mikael remember once in Västerås they liked the band that just played on stage was so bad that they took over the instruments. But it did not get better because everyone was a little too round underfoot. In Kolsva they would play along with Kent Impotent. No one knows exactly what happened, but Zynthslakt never played. According to "Goofy" was the band members had to go home to Köping the evening. The album 'Spraya På En Vägg' came out 1984 on Rosa Honung Records. That same year the band folded. A posthumous EP 'Hit Med Stålarna' saw the light of the day in 1986 containing all the Zynthslakt tracks from the split singles. The track 'En Stad, En Bomb' was contributed to the 1983 cassette compilation 'Bara En Dröm'. 1993 Rosa Honung released another sampler containing the songs 'Religion Blood' and 'Land Of War'. The fact that some members were in the army, disbanded around 84-85. Then started the band J. Hex and the Scarecrows, which did not have much in common with Zynthslakt and its punk.

The Past started by the turn of the year 80-81 and consists of on Roger Andersson (drums), Pelle Hedblom (bass) and Linus Linder (guitars). Everybody was singing just to not hear who sung most false. Later Linus got to take over most of the singings. They started to play covers jut to learn how to play. Because no one in the band know how to take one single chord in the beginning. As fast as they got ready they started to write own songs with influences from bands like S.L.F., Sham 69, Sex Pistols a.o. 1983 they recorded their first record which was splitted with Zynthslakt, also a band from Köping. It was a 7-song EP sold in 1000 copies. Then they struggled on to get money to record a 7” which was supposed to be released on Birdskit, but the sound was damn bad so it was never released, but Birdskit sponsered them to record a MLP “In The Future With The Past” 1987, the single got to be included as a bonus with the first outgoings. Then they contibuted on “Swedish Stand” a compilation from the Indie labels in 1990. The Past still exists...

Great stuff from both which makes you hungry for more. ENJOY!!

- Special Thx to Fredrik -

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MEGAFOONS - Nooit Meer Fascisme EP 1983

Megafoons are from Utrecht and this is their second EP. I would describe their music as folk/punk or unplugged. Slide violins, slide guitars and bongos are their instruments, they sing in dutch dialect strong political lyrics (I think it goes exclusively against war and its consequences, we all see what's going on in the Middle East. When mankind learns at last from the past?) - Four charming songs coming over. It must be not always fast and aggressive. A very nice one I think.

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FIENDENS MUSIK - s/t LP 1979

Here's more rare stuff from the three crowns country and with their debut 7inch 'En Spark Rätt I Skallen' the band break through. Fiendens Musik is located at the intersection of punk prog rock. Although they came to life late 1977, just punk begins, so let them not quite as punk, but somewhere between prog rock and punk. But good was it anyway and it does not prove at least their first album which is one of the best punk records released in Sweden. Their debut is just as cult as the plates at any time with Ebba Grön, KSMB or Attentat. Most of the songs on the album are incredibly good fast punkrock. Stand out a little plate making local radio, which is relatively quiet in comparison with the surrounding grooves. If you've never heard anything from the band before, you must immediately throw you over the song "En Spark Rätt I Skallen", a kick right in the shells. Fiendens Musik has also released a second LP called "Häftiga Hästen & Andra Äventyr" which also has some good punk songs. Perhaps it could be a future project to provide it for incorporation into the Past? (Patrick Carlson)

- Huge Thx to Fredrik -

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V/A - Killed By Death #26 1996

You know with a KBD Sampler you can't do nothing wrong, right? # 26 is a collectionn of early canadian punk from 1977 - 80. Unfortunately, this is one of the harder KBD's to find. It's also one of the best! Much of what is on here is already well known. D.O.A. (two live cuts), The Action & Viletones along with one Forgotten Rebels (Angry) are pretty. Even with the three Smash The State volumes covering a lot of the lesser known bands, a better effort than this could have been put forth. Once more a fine limited (1000 copies) Compilation from the series which I highly appreciate. Brand new and also great Bloodstains Across Canada with more rare Canada stuff.

1.Nazi Training Camp - D.O.A.

2.TV's On The Blink - THE ACTION

3.Danger Boy - THE VILETONES

4.Backdoor To Hell - THE VILETONES

5.To Have Some Fun - THE UGLY

6.Shoeshine Boy - THE CURSE

7.Killer Bees - THE CURSE

8.Angry - FORGOTTEN REBELS

9.National Unity - FORGOTTEN REBELS

10.What Do You Want Me To Do? - POINTED STICKS

11.Love Is Shit (It's Goodbye) - DISHRAGS

12.Steppin' Stone - CARDBOARD BRAINS

13.Want Some Bondage - D.O.A.

14.Step Out Tonight - MODS

15.Past Is Past - DISHRAGS

16.Do The Strangle - THE ACTION

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MAD - Na Und! 1984

From Lucerne comes this wave/pop/punk combo called M.A.D. which existed in the early 80's. After the release of two solid singles they bring out their only album on MAD Records in 1984. A total of ten melodic punk songs with a light pop wrap, with sometimes critical global texts (nazis, war), serious topics about the page 1 girl in the daily press and personal views on love, death and devil (and I hate getting up early too). An interesting album indeed and they manage the leap between punk and pop (or NDW) with their brilliant ten songs and provide for entertaining pleasant mood. - Forget Your Past... Forget (even if it's hard) - So enjoy this rare classic.

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TOY DOLLS - Everybody Jitterbug 7'' 1982

This month I will try to post some requests, Wanted_List and rare stuff and should someone have anything from the adjacent list please send. Start with the Toy Dolls and their rare single that appeared 1982 on Zonophone. To the band just a few words because I think everyone knows them. In a Nutshell, the band began in Sunderland, North East UK in October 1979. Throughout the past 30 years+ The Toy Dolls have built up one of the strongest most loyal fan bases known to a Punkband on this level. Live I've never seen but musically the fun combo par excellence. The right opener for breakfast.

- Special Thx to Nolti -

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Stations Of The Past

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INNOCENT VICARS - Funky Town 7'' 1980

Specially the b-side is the burner here, brilliant song with pointed lyrics.

I never thought that would mean so much now.

The music from this band is really one of my favourites and it's no wonder that I choose the flip 'Voices' for my selfmade compilation Forward Into The Past because it's one of these tunes I can hear again and again, all day long you know. So Richard Norris was part of the Vicars and he wrote some info about when and why:

"The Innocent Vicars formed in 1980, with an average age of 14. The St. Albans band met at school, bonding over a love of Bo Diddley, the Undertones and Buzzcocks. The line up chopped and changed for a while before settling on Richard Norris (vocals + rhythm guitar), Aaron Russell (lead guitar) brother of the Toys Mick Russell), and Nigel Benson (bass) who went into a Christian recording studio in Wheathampstead to cut 'She's Here'/'Antimatter'. A host of local talent guested on the record, including Nick Egan from the Tea Set on backing vocals, Cally from the Tea Set on drums, Mark Adams from the Bodies on Roland 101 synth (making the acid house noise on 'Antimatter' nearly a decade early) and Waldo's Phil Smee on production duties.

The single sold out of it's initial 500 pressing, thanks to support from John Peel and Radio 1's Round Table show, where it was spun straight after the Clash. The band played many school discos, local clubs, various church halls and youth clubs in St. Albans, Hatfield, Luton and Harpenden, as well as a number of spots at St Albans City Hall (supporting Kagagoogoo and Paul Young's band Q Tips). They also played at the Fleur De Lys pub, despite all being underage, at a girl's Boarding school and in St Albans Abbey (twice).

After a quick line up change (Mike 'Mac' McDonald replaced Nigel Benson on bass, Steve Watts took over on drums), the band recorded a second single, a cover of Lipps Inc's 'Funky Town' backed with 'Voices'. They also appeared on two compilation albums, with the tracks 'Starship 22' and 'She Was My Girl'.

Since their release thirty years ago, the original singles have been bootlegged a number of times in America and Japan and regularly sell for over £100 on ebay. BBC Radio's Steve Lamacq named 'She's Here' one of his all time favorite records, playing it on BBC 6 Music as recently as February 2011. Richard Norris, 'Mac' McDonald and Steve Watts have all had long careers in music. Aaron Russell and Nigel Benson are currently missing in action (any updates gratefully received)."

I hope you have come to taste and on compilations: Teenage Treats Vol. 1, Killed By Death #69, The Class Of '81 and Rupert Preaching At A Picnic, all classics I think.

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