V/A - P.E.A.C.E. Compilation 2LP 1984

I don't think this excellent release in form of a double record set can be more topical, and as we all have to realize, mankind hasn't gotten any wiser even after almost forty years. There is always some aggressor somewhere who expresses its sick ideology with lies and blind helpers and it is appalling that no diplomacy, no system, and no sensible compromise can prevent a violent confrontation. Pathetic, disappointing & lifeless all the pursuit of power and heroism. About the record: "This massive international Hardcore/Punk compilation features fifty-five bands/songs and was organized and released by the infamous MDC on the band's own label R Radical Records. The worldwide hardcore scene was at its peak at this point, still underground enough to repel corrupting outside influences like major labels and heavy metal, but already hardened into a rigid aesthetic and political dogma that often encouraged groupthink and musical conformity. P.E.A.C.E. documents the state of "Reagan-era" Hardcore, just before the popularity of extreme music spread through decidedly non-radical camps and into the mainstream. Among the fifty-five bands on board are well-known plus the best tracks by courtesy of obscure groups of the local scenes from Argentina, South Africa to Japan. Most of the bands included retain, either through design or some bizarre quirk of ineptitude, a stamp of individuality on their sound that makes this an entertaining collection.

An extensive booklet insert is packed with political rants, cartoons, and suggestions for further reading, making explicit the double-LP's theme of activism and action against a corrupt authority. Plus, each band is provided with a full page to express their ideas (and plug their wares) with printed lyrics and crudely effective collage art. Reissued on CD in 1997 by New Red Archives with bonus cuts." (Fred Beldin) - A real highlight of an international gathering that shows how it can work.

1.Up Against A Wall - ARTICLES OF FAITH

2.Endless Blockades For The Pussy Footer - G.I.S.M.

3.Ashes To Ashes - NEON CHRIST

4.Schlueters Kabinet - KALASHNIKOV

5.Time Will Tell - CAUSE FOR ALARM

6.No U.S.A. - LOCAL DISTURBANCE

7.Honour's Calling - UNWARRANTED TRUST

8.Finirà Mai? - WRETCHED

9.Drop The A-Bomb On Me - O.D.F.X

10.Here Come The Cops - THE AFFLICTED

11.Inutile Trionfo - DECLINO

12.Hope You Get Drafted - THE DICKS

13.Arms Race - B.G.K.

14.It's You - CRASS

15.Swastika Ratss - UPRIGHT CITIZENS

16.Banana Split Republic - FALSE PROPHETS

17.Nuclear Attack - MOB 47

18.Face Down In The Dirt - OFFENDERS

19.Sbarre - CONTRAZIONE

20.So Much Hate - S.C.U.M.

21.Viejos Pateticos - LOS VIOLADORES

22.Sometimes - DEADLOCK

23.Will It Ever End? - P.P.G.

24.Peace Of What? - TRASH

25.Police Brutality - VICIOUS CIRCLE

26.Gartlands Pit - CONDEMNED TO DEATH

27.Non Mi Dire - NEGAZIONE

28.America The Beautiful - D.O.A.

29.Snap - D.R.I.

30.Jump Back - PORNO PATROL

31.Drop Out - TREASON

32.Abortos - SHIT S.A.

33.Silence - SEPTIC DEATH

34.Life Of Punishment - C.C.M.

35.No Mai - PEGGIO PUNX

36.An Uneasy Peace - THE PROLETARIAT

37.From Protest To Resistance - CONFLICT

38.Battlefield (Nightmare) - ICONOCLAST

39.Pay For Shit - PANDEMONIUM

40.Kinky Sex Makes The World Go 'Rround - DEAD KENNEDYS

41.Skorbut - BOSKOPS

42.Rats - SUBHUMANS

43.Peace Officer - WHITE LIE

44.R.A.T./Pentagone - WARGASM

45.Four More Hours - SLAUGHTERHOUSE 4

46.Finale - THE EXECUTE

47.Reagan Youth - REAGAN YOUTH

48.The Man Goes On - IMPACT

49.100 Million People Dead - BUTTHOLE SURFERS

50.Ataque - KANGRENA

51.Will Amerika - PORCELAIN FOREHEAD

52.No Mercy No War - BARELY HUMAN

53.Contro La Pace Contro La Guerra - R.A.F. PUNK

54.Moment By Moment/Exiled Shadows - ZENZILE

55.Missile Destroyed Civilization - MDC

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UPRIGHT CITIZENS - Kiss Me Now 1986

💥 Extraordinary, fantastic music which always turns me on is the sound of the Upright Citizens from Bottrop (in the north-west of the Ruhr area), founded 1979, but it wasn't until 1982 that they started to attract attention - and they differed from many other German bands of those years through their (almost entirely) English lyrics and their clear orientation towards American hardcore. This was evident with their debut Make The Future Mine & Yours, which was released in 1983 and also made the band known internationally (Jello Biafra had noticed the band early on). Two songs securing them a spot on the legendary Keine Experimente! compilation on Weird System (1983), in 1984 they were featured on the We Don't Want Your Fucking Law slab on Mortarhate and on the hugely influential Peace/War double album on R-Radical Records, the label of Dave Dictor of MDC. So it happened, very unusual for a German band, that their second album Open Eyes, Open Ears, Brains To Think & A Mouth To Speak has been published in the USA via B.Y.O., the label operated by the Stern Brothers (Youth Brigade). With the Kiss Me Now (1986) and Farewell EP (1988) followed two more records of the "classic" side of the band, which had a few other releases until the mid-nineties and also played live - but the air was out, and in 2003 the band played their last concert, and a reunion, so the clear announcement, is ruled out. Well, this mini-album sounds a bit different from the previous records and is sometimes a bit too metallic for my taste, but I still like it and after hearing it several times, it penetrates well; they have long since earned this bonus from me. A fit short review: "Despite the uninspiring cover art and the Led Zeppelin-like intro to the title song, this new release has all the bands trademarks: tight, imaginative instrumental arrangements, plaintive lead vocals, memorable hooks, and generally on-target lyrics." (Jeff Bale, MMR #44, January 1987) - Always a pleasure the four, and I love Fridays 💥

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HONKAS - Lied Für Fritz EP 1982

In the city of Wolfsburg at home: Honkas, a four piece named after the German serial killer Fritz Honka from Hamburg, and consisted of Max (vocals), Christian (guitars), Dirk (bass) and André (drums). Their first sign of life was a tape with six songs on the small Silberne Ritter Kassetten label, one year later the only record Lied Für Fritz on Pogar Records with five brilliant lullabies. I own the re-release by Static Age (2019) and give you some product facts by the label plus and a short review: “Reissue of this old German obscurity with great sound and full reproduction of the original fold-out cover. While by 1982 the US had switched over to hardcore, this EP from the Honkas reminds me more of tough, first-generation European punk like the Rude Kids or PF Commando, though fans of better-known bands like the Dead Boys will also see where Honkas is coming from. The mix is odd and uneven (which, for me, adds to the charm of this era and style of punk), giving this the outsider quality I associate with the best KBD punk. They even speed things up for “Kunst,” which has a proto-hardcore sound a la Teen Idles or even Upright Citizens. A deep cut for sure, but if you love ripping, obscure punk this is well worth your time.”

“Honkas are a very raw German punk band and the production on this record only accentuates their primitivity. Some of the songs here almost degenerate into an undefined mass of guitar distortion, but others (like the title track) have more focus and drive. Pretty sharp.” (Jeff Bale (MMRR #5, March/April 1983) - I say: splendid record and five nuggets from the depths of cold wet dirty cellars, pumped with intense passion; represent on various compilations as well. Kauft das Teil solange es verfügbar ist und gebt euch nicht mit billigen mp3's zufrieden.

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UPRIGHT CITIZENS - Bombs Of Peace 1982

Not really new in Blogland but still a blast: the killer debut by Upright Citizens from the Ruhrpott, one of the first German punk combos with English lyrics. This little dittie was released 1982 and in 1985 they were the first German punk rock band to tour across the United Fuckin' States for six weeks. These years plus the early 1990s were the most successful in the twenty-two year history of the band. In addition to the release of various sound carriers, Upright Citizens earned the reputation of a terrific live act, which they also proved as “special guests” of punk greats that time. Bombs Of Peace was via H'art Musik released and line-up were Anton (vocals), Uli (guitars), Crocker (bass), Mario (drums) and is an absolute classic consisting of nine tracks that already swept everything away back then. A short review: "Nine songs from this German group, mostly sung in English and sounding very English, too (ca. ’79-’80). They even do a cover of Crisis’ “Holocaust.” The lyrics are great and the material is fine and dandy. An excellent debut!" (Tim Yohannan, MMR Nov/Dec. 1982) - I own their brilliant album "Open Eyes, Open Ears, Brains To Think And A Mouth To Speak!!!" from 1985 which contains some older songs new recorded and is one of the best records in this country. Also found on numerous most important compilations of the 80s, their music is still remarkably fresh and fantastic. A must-have for all lovers of good ole 80s hardcore punk!

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V/A - Jetzt Oder Nie! 2020

Willkommen zu einer neuen Compilation aus dem Hause WDM Records, und #007 ist einmal mehr hervorragend bestückt mit rarem deutschen Untergrund von 1979 - 1986, die Daten lagen unentdeckt auf einem USB Stick den ich zufällig reaktivierte und all das wurde mir X-Mas 2017 von Herrn Reinhard geschickt. An für sich bin ich sofort dabei reinzuhören weil ich weiß, es ist immer exzellenter Stoff, doch hier lief's irgendwie anders. Nun, jetzt isser da; Part VIII wieder randvoll aus einer bunten Palette mit Pop, Rock, Punk & New Wave Goodies von diversen Singles, Demos, Samplerbeiträgen & Live Stücken die kaum jemand kennt, inklusive mir selbst. Der Titel ist jetzt nichts spezielles, mir kam eben kein anderer und so wurde es einfach der Opener und Erdbeeren mag ich gerne, so ist das Cover ebenso ein zeitgemäß unspektakuläres geworden (dem Arm geht's inzwischen wieder besser). Genug Worte, zieht euch das Teil rein und Lob oder Kritik sind wünschenswert. Part IX wird definitiv anders, versprochen.

Welcome to a new compilation from WDM Records, and #007 is once again excellently equipped with rare German underground from 1979 - 1986, the data was undetected on a USB stick that I accidentally reactivated and all of this was sent to me X-Mas 2017 by Mr.Reinhard. In itself, I immediately listen to it because I know it is always excellent material, but here it was somehow different. Well, now here; Part VIII again full to the brim with a colorful palette with pop, rock, punk & new wave goodies from various singles, demos, sampler contributions & live pieces that hardly anyone knows, including myself. The title is nothing special, no other came to me and so it just became the opener and I like strawberries, so the cover has become a contemporary unspectacular one (the arm is doing better now). Enough words, suck the file in and praise or criticism is desirable. Part IX will be definitely different, I promise.

1.Jetzt Oder Nie...Anarchie - COCHISE

2.Londons Burning (Demo) - UPRIGHT CITIZENS

3.Freizeit - DIE RADIERER

4.Hardcore - KNALLSCHOTEN

5.Kleiner Schauspielführer (Live) - EA80

6.Metro Mann - METROPOLIS

7.Blackout - BUNDESREGIERUNG

8.Das Glück - DEJA VÚ

9.Angst In Deutschland (Live) - S.Y.P.H.

10.Düngerstäbchen - KASSIBER

11.Ya Ya (Demo) - TRIO

12.Klapse - FAMM FATAL

13.Make Up - C.O.P.

14.Ich Träum Vom Krieg - INZUCHT & ORDNUNG

15.Wochenendpunk - PILLE PALLE & DIE ÖTTERPÖTTER

16.Devil In You (Live) - STAN ALLAN BAND

17.Amerika - METRO

18.Live's Been Good To Me - GRAPHIC SENSIBILITY

19.Mein Mädel - MILCHMÄNNER

20.Alles Was Du Willst - FRITZ BLITZ

21.Körperchemie - NERVÖS

22.Wildwux - NEUES DEUTSCHLAND

23.Das Macht Nichts - TÄUSCHUNG

24.Killt Bil(d)l - DIE MÄNNER

25.Too Late (Live) - NO MORE

26.Reich Wie J.R. - DIE KNIBBELS

27.Won't You Be Mine - THE TYPE

28.Kalte Steine - PARANOIA

29.GSOsterfeld - BRUTUS

30.Sentimentale Jugend - KEINE AHNUNG

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V/A - Keine Experimente! 1983

In the early 80s there existed two essential labels in Germany, Aggressive Rockproduktionen (AGR) from Berlin and Weird System from Hamburg and numerous classics were published on both, while the Waterkants devoting more to the bands than AGR in terms of artwork, limited colored vinyl, lyric sheet, royalties, etc.... but both were significantly involved to give German punk socially acceptable in this country and over and above that. It wasn't as big as AGR, but their early releases count today as important cult factor. WS also became more interested in American bands from the mid-1980s and tried to give new musical impulses, great slabs were licensed and relevant contacts with overseas were created as well. Keine Experimente! was the third release and German bands were asked to send their demos with a bit of basisinfo & lyrics and the result is this fantastic compilation with largely exclusive songs, many became famous afterwards and are still among the best bands in Germany, no wonder that Vol.2 had to follow a year later. Enough Bla Bla, enjoy the old Gassenhauer and a relaxing Pentecost.

1.Ami-Fraß - RAZZIA

2.Du Denkst - BOSKOPS

3.4er-Tram - ZSD

4.Hate Your Neighbour/Feel Alright - THE BUTTOCKS

5.Gift To Europe - UPRIGHT CITIZENS

6.Alles Umsonst - BLUT+EISEN

7.Kindl-Träume - DEUTSCHE TRINKERJUGEND

8.Kriegszustand - RAZZIA

9.Leichenberg - DAILY TERROR

10.Stand Up - UPRIGHT CITIZENS

11.Die Germanen - DEUTSCHE TRINKERJUGEND

12.Deutsche Raus Aus Deutschland - THE BUTTOCKS

13.Terroristen - SS ULTRABRUTAL

14.Jacutin - BOSKOPS

15.Sex - ZSD

16.Ein Kessel Buntes - DAILY TERROR

17.You Could Be Me - SS ULTRABRUTAL

18.W.S.W.U.F. - BLUT+EISEN

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DIE WUT - Die Wut EP 1982

Gelsenkirchen, November 1980; the foundation of the occupation Stefan (vocals), Semmel (guitar), Eric (bass) and Pedro Cigar (drums), by Die Wut (not to be confused with the fury hardcores WUT from Langenfeld) was celebrated and on 24.04.1981 followed the first official gig with Upright Citizens at the Paul-Loebe-Haus in Gelsenkirchen. In late 1981 they recorded four dirty punkrock numbers for their debut EP which was then released in March 1982. And this record is pure energy punkrock which I love listen to: raw, wild, dirty & real. One year later the band broke up because of personal differences. 1999 reissue of the EP via Dirty Faces Records and the label sold 2000 copies in three days, while the band have sold in 1982/83 just 500 copies. 2007 the band is re-formed and the band played again several concerts with sensational feedback, so the mob demanded more and the band did them a favor and threw out an compilation called The Early Years 1981-1982 with rare demos & live material, a nice gesture I think. For 2019 a world tour with the Scorpions and the Rolling Stones is planned, so order tickets quickly.

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UPRIGHT CITIZENS - Open Eyes, Open Ears, Brains To Think & A Mouth To Speak!!! 1985

One of my favorite records is the following slab by the Upright Citizens and was recorded and mixed during the month of Feb. & Sep. '84 and Feb., April & May 1985 in Zero Green Studio, Essen. Resulted is this record in co-production with 'Better Youth Organization'. Also released by the band itself, limited edition in clear blue, the rest in black vinyl (my copy). Most of the tracks were already released on previous records, however almost all are either new recorded or at least remixed. Engineer was Walter Fux, with which we have mixed together. Cover artwork for the idea and we stand responsible. And also all texts and the total music comes from us except for "Holocaust" (CRISIS).

The first line-up consisted of Anton (vox+guitar), Uli (guitar), Cracker (bass) and Mario (drums). In 1989 the line-up and the musical line changed - with Alex (drums) and Chris (guitar), today members of the mopedgang or at Eisenpimmel, new influences came into the band. The songs changed, away from the fast political hardcore punk towards a sound and become more metal and I would not tell this punk anymore. The stage show of Upright Citizens were often compared with the Social Distortion, well I don't give a shit about those who wrote that.

In spring 2003, Upright Citizens gave their last concert on board a chartered excursion steamer on the Rhine. I can say, Upright Citizens are one of the best German punk bands whose records (early) are all absolute classics. Very rough and with brilliant lyrics, the gents stand out clearly from all of the incompetents and Pseudo punk bands in this country which not even understand the meaning behind it. Must have!!!

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V/A - H'Artcore 1981

H'Artcore is a compilation that was published by H'Art Records with various punk bands from the Ruhrpott area, where some variables of the local punk scene, such bands as Upright Citizens were present today, others are only here to hear and then fade away. In 1999 the label Teenage Rebel Records has been re-released this record. The name of the compilation is a play on words and refers to the represented music on this album, which was then still referred to punk as it does not use the term 'Deutschpunk'. "The somewhat strange title is derived from the name of the label H'Art in 1981 and still new term Hardcore, which at that time for the harder, faster punk stood here on the sampler (the term German Punk was not in use)." Well, that was back then. A brilliant soundtrack indeed and even nowadays very audible.

1.Verfolgt - CORNY VARIOUS

2.17 / Rebel Song - CLOX

3.Ich Will Hier Raus - BLUTTAT

4.Fuck The Army - UPRIGHT CITIZENS

5.New Wave Takt - DIE PHANTASTISCHEN 3

6.Dosenbier - ABFLUSS

7.Deutschland - FLUCHTVERSUCH

8.Braune Schweine - N.D.R.

9.Reinol - HECKTOR

10.Arbeitsamt - SUFF

11.Mikel - BLUTTAT

12.Bonzen - FLUCHTVERSUCH

13.Luftballon - CORNY VARIOUS

14.Du Traust Dich Nicht - LUZIBÄR

15.Stadion - THE IDIOTS

16.Politiker - ABFLUSS

17.Natur - EKLATANT AB

18.Alkohol - SUFF

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V/A - U-Boats Attack America!!! 1986

The Hamburg based label Weird System used to release songs of their records in a limited number of colored wax version (often limited to 1000 or even less) for our overseas punks. In the beginning the records were hand numbered too. Normally the records numbered higher than 1000 are in black vinyl. So this limited compilation licensed to and released by Flipside records in the U.S. only. A kind of Double Label edition. This American release showcases the greatest hits, as it were, of the label. All the bands here are still big ones in the german punk culture of the early 80's and serve up a series of blistering HC and punk cuts mandatory for those who don't have the original German recordings. Excellent, varied sampler. Weird system still exists today but it is not any longer that innovative Label it was in the early years. Today they focus on the re-release of old classics and a lot of compilations but on a very high level. Sad but true but they nearly stopped to release something fresh material. Last for this month, now I'm leavin' home to join the soccer match vs Dortmund.

1.DDR - BLUT+EISEN

2.Blutige Gesichter - NEUROTIC ARSEHOLES

3.Himmel Hilf! - BLUT+EISEN

4.Keine Zeit - TORPEDO MOSKAU

5.Am Nächsten Tag - RAZZIA

6.Ware:Mensch - NEUROTIC ARSEHOLES

7.Darf Ich Es Wagen Das Zu Sagen - BLUT+EISEN

8.Leichenberg - DAILY TERROR

9.Stand Up - UPRIGHT CITIZENS

10.Countdown - BLUT+EISEN

11.Explosion - TORPEDO MOSKAU

12.Check Your Visions - CRETINS

13.Schatten Über Geroldshofen - RAZZIA

14.F.H. - TORPEDO MOSKAU

15.Du Russe! - NEUROTIC ARSEHOLES

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