H.D.Q. - You Suck! 1987

Second album on Meantime Records by H.D.Q. from Sunderland, one of the most important UK melodic Hardcore bands of the late Eighties and they released five records in their life-span and I know only the first two ones. But these are powerful and pure energy. Of course this is also Dickie Hammond's (Leatherface) guitar playing, which he underlines with rich melodies and strong riffs, plus the demanding lyrics, and there isn't boredom even with three minute songs.If you haven't heard H.D.Q., you're missing out on a very influential and highly entertaining Hardcore combo. Let's see if I can answer some emails later, I'm way behind.

Maybe a second post will follow.

here

RUGRAT - Rhubarb EP 1994

Rugrat were active in the Nineties and were founded by Graeme (vocals/guitars), Ian (bass), Andrew (drums) and they released two 7Inches, this is the first one and we listen to three melodic aggressive goodies which remind me a bit of Leatherface or Snuff but a little more fine played, the Rugger Bugger Discs label stands for solid English melodic emo Punkrock and it's only natural that they released their EP there. I think, I bought the record from on a record fair for a few bucks and I think it's worth every cent (the cover alone was worth the investment). Legal threats due to the band name's similarity to Nickelodeon's animated "Rugrats" series led to a name change to Bulltaco, from this formation exist a tape and a single. A total of six interesting minutes, packed into three songs and I wish my sore throat from yesterday would go away just as quickly.

here

LEATHERFACE - Fill Your Boots 1990

Gladly seen and always welcome in my house are my friends from Sunderland and first of all a sentence that I want to put to your heart and can only underline: "England's Leatherface are a rare treasure in contemporary music, a good old-fashioned Punk band who are neither near-sighted nor necrophiles." (Alex Ogg) And exactly these words will still be able to be said about the four in one hundred fucking years. Cherry Knowle from 1989 is the bands first full length and is considered to be a Hardcore masterpiece nowadays. The second followed a few months later on Roughneck Records and also there, all hallmarks are in place: "melodic and gruff, fast and abrasive, blunt and wistful." The recordings sound a bit more professional and mature and only eight tracks were taken for Boots (this file contains the CD version with four bonus farts, vinyl rip soon) but these are completely sufficient and fuck your brain in a catchy way. But that's not all folks, it gets even better because with their third album Mush they created one of the most intense Punk records of the nineties. Weekend's near and I pack my suitcase. Aloha!

here

LEATHERFACE - Cherry Knowle 1989

August says hello with a classic and Leatherface are my friends and always present in my world and if you haven't heard a sound from this great band yet, I can't help you either. Numerous musical outpourings can already be found in the blog, but a few basics for all newbies: After they formed in Sunderland in 1988, it took a little time for the band to hit their stride. Listen to the rough debut from 1989, Cherry Knowle, named after the infamous local Victorian-built asylum, and you might struggle to understand why the band meant so much to so many. Frankie once said that he knew the band was “doing alright” when the kids with the mohawks would move away from the stage when they played, and those with the backpacks and heavy prescription glasses would move towards it. And while this was undoubtedly music made by tough men, from a tough city. We experience the four in their most aggressive phase which is significantly reduced in the following albums but never uninteresting. Those of you know what I'm talking about, all others discover a fucking great combo with heart & spirit. -  "Macht Euch einen schönen Sonntag!"

here

BLUMEN AM ARSCH DER HÖLLE - s/t LP 1992

Blumen Am Arsch Der Hölle was a punk band from Hamburg, which existed from 1991 to 1994. The original lineup consisted of Jens Rachut (vocals), Andrew Ness (guitar), Knoop (bass) and Mark Wills (drums) and was the sequel of Angeschissen and Das Moor. Later band members Björn (bass), who later founded the combo Motormuschi and Martin (guitar) from the Kiel Band Go Ahead. Blumen am Arsch der Hölle went on and re-named in Dackelblut, Oma Hans and Kommando Sonne-nmilch. Through countless concerts and would not last through a strict commitment to the band for the preservation of the vinyl ("Death Of Shit! Death Of The CD!"), they quickly earned a great Fanbase. Songs like "z.B. L'Age Poly'Dor", "† 15.7.1991" or "Stumph" are quasi the character, the figurehead and still brilliant. Words beyond all the clichés, music that is both rough and warm and so far removed from German punk as just conceivable - and still has German lyrics and is pure punkrock. By the way; they adored the song "1976" by the Boxhamsters and covered this respectable and it's the ultimate statement about punk.

The band released only one full-length in 1992 on Buback Tonträger. A cover version of Blondies song "Picture This" was performed with Snuff singer Duncan and Shaun of Wat Tyler. In 1994 the group broke up after founding member Marc Wills announced them to leave, Dackelblut was born and the madness went into the third round. A re-release of the debut came in 2000 which was remastered by Frank Stubbs (Leatherface) and engineer Tom Meyer and includes a 20-second bonus track as a tribute to the deceased founding member Marc Wills. To celebrate the re-release the band played with Kurt drummer Armin Nagel three exclusive concerts.

here

LEATHERFACE / HOT WATER MUSIC - BYO Split Vol.1 1999

After six years of respite, Frankie Stubbs reformed Leatherface, it was inevitable because he needed to give musical expression to all of his thoughts. And before the skull burst, Leighton (guitar), David (bass), and Andrew (drums) were mobilized and out of over nineteen new songs, six were sent to BYO Records, who fell heartily off the chair, creating the idea of this mini-split serie, which immediately changed their minds and immediately a new fresh band was found for the flip, Hot Water Music from Gainesville, Florida which was formed 1993 by Chuck & Chris (both lead vocals & guitar), Jason (bass) and George (drums). Here's a perfect review by Jack Rabid (All Music Guide): "This split LP, recorded in three days in 1999, seems as miraculous as it is a godsend. Because they were one of those truly astonishing modern groups that spontaneously combusted in the midst of an attenuated creative peak, Leatherface's unexpected 1993 bust-up seemed particularly cruel. Thousands of scattered souls openly mourned when the news came down that the punk/post-punk powerhouse had vanished. Perhaps after listening to the sea of old live recordings and B-sides, Leatherface's members realized what they'd thrown away, buried what hatchets needed burying, and pulled a Lazarus. The sound of this new recording recalls the spark, the lift-off, and the balls-out clear smack of Mush and The Last. Though Frankie Norman Warsaw Stubbs' vocals are mixed just a little too low to totally match those older detonations -- you have to go down into the two guitars a little to find him, making the words harder to get -- it's still such a corker, it completely corrects the muddy mixes on Stubbs' Jesse and Pope albums. And though this record also finds the quartet retreating to a stylistic territory closer to Mush and Minx, backing away from the more adventurous turf of The Last, it's too intense and exciting to even remotely quibble with. That this unexpected recording is a reality is that rarest of things: a long-shot wish fulfilled. More recent American emo stars Hot Water Music surprisingly put up a good fight, trying to be in the same ballpark with Leatherface's ashen attack, but they lack a singer of Stubbs' caliber to be appearing on the same LP as him or a tightness in playing that takes one's breath away. Better to try them on their own records, because out of this context they would sound rather powerful." With that, all has been said and I recommend you to buy this fantastic melodic killer record by two fantastic bands.

here

GUNS 'N' WANKERS - G 'N 'W 1994

First glass of beer today and we join it with Guns 'N' Wankers, punkers formed by ex-members of Snuff and rockers of the Wildhearts in the early 1990s. The band consisted of Duncan Redmonds (vocals/guitar), Patrice Walters (drums/vocals) and Joolz Dean (bass guitar/vocals) and after touring up and down the United Kingdom with the likes of Leatherface, NOFX and Wat Tyler, the band set about recording demos. This album, I think the debut, contains ten melodic heart attacks (I sometimes hear a bit of metal influence) on Rugger Bugger Discs and it pumps the shit right from the start with a great punch out of the amplifiers & assemble the notes to a harmonious sunrise on the edge of the Pacific, a real breakwater.. incredible.. you will not be disappointed (I think more songs were not recorded). Point your cursor at GNW for more band info.

here

LEATHERFACE - The Last 1994

Today I've been scouring my CDs and discovering some treasures and I have to admit, I don't hear enough of them. That's because I only listen via computer and that's really fuck and I guess you know what I'm talking about but I change that and the next postis belong to the silverlings and a constant guest in my house is Sunderland's four piece #1: Leatherface and after the album "Minx" the band broke up and the 5th chapter 'The Last' closed the file temporarily and eight typical emotional delis were pressed onto vinyl and published by Domino, a worthy farewell to this brilliant band around Frankie Stubbs and Dickie Hammond (R.I.P.). Five years later the great comeback with the split album together with Hot Water Music. Three more records followed, many gigs and 2012 the band was finally buried. I can only say thx for all the peerless awesome songs that brought me many beautiful moments, unforgettable & unique!!!

here

FRANKIE STUBBS - Unhinged EP 1995

Always a good choice and a permanent guest on my turntable is this gentleman: Frankie Stubbs, known by his rough voice in Leatherface, Jesse, Pope, N.R.F.B.... and he released two solo records, first the Unhinged EP on Rugger Bugger and in 2000 a 10'' via Sounds Of Subterrania and both goodies in this post. Nine acoustic beautiful melodic songs, some covers plus an unpublished one, made to come down and refuel new strength. There are only a few people who can transport such emotions and Frankie does it in an impressive way and too bad that he obviously stopped making music. Well, eventually it is enough - Thanks!

here

LEATHERFACE & JAWBOX - Your Choice Live Series 1994

The "Your Choice Live Series", every gourmet knows about these great live recordings and all releases are recorded in a high brilliant quality. Since 1988 this serie is alive and a lot of cool records were released. On this piece of orange vinyl we have two bands I would not use more words to describe them, Leatherface are known to everyone and I think Jawbox as well. Nothin' more to say, except I like the A-side more because Sunderland's punkrocker are one of my favourites and all albums are milestones. Marylands Jawbox isn't bad but the music's not mine. This record was released with two inserts, a further point for the label. And now: enjoy the record and this sweeping live sound.

Eagle/Not Superstitious/Speak In Tounges/Books/Pale Moonlight/Hops & Barley/I Can't Help Falling In Love/FF=66/Green Glass/Tongues/Chinese Fork Tie/Chicago Piano/Motorist

here

REVULSION - The Only Revolution 7'' 1991

I still have one for today: From Norwich England came Revulsion, an 80's anarcho punk band and this is their second record, 1040 copies made so the newspaper says and they broke up soon after the release of this awesome 7". Here we have two brilliant melodic punk tunes and the storm of noise and velocity is quite excellent which was all too often absent from other "Britcore" bands' efforts. Now this is what punk is all about. Social & politically conscious lyrics sung with conviction, rage, and most importantly & hope. Believe me, this record is awesome and if you like stuff in the vein of Snuff, Leatherface or Guns & Wankers then you must crap this without hesitation. I'm yet a litte bit drunk but I know what I'm talkin' about, hahaha... :))

here

EXIT CONDITION - Bite Down Hard EP 1988

From the West Midlands town of Stoke On Trent, Exit Condition (1988-1994) were part of the mid 80’s UK melodic punk/hardcore scene in vein of Snuff, Leatherface, etc... This six song record marks their vinyl debut and the band play a straight decent lively hardcore beat with a thundering guitar sound reminicent of British punk at the time it first began competing with the US in the speed trials. Credit for this excellent fusin of style certainly must go to the bands producer, former Discharge and Broken Bones guitarist Bones. Finished off nicely with the cool artwork by Squeal and Pushead this makes for a pretty nifty entrance, highly recommended. One more 7Inch can be listen at 8th Sin.

here

MUFF POTTER - Bordsteinkantengeschichten 2000

Back in 1993 anyone gave me the demo tape "Bambule - Kleine Geschichten" from this German punk band from Rheine and meantime I've lost it. But I was pleased with their music and I bought their records. Muff Potter describe their style of music as Angry Pop Music, influenced by English and American Indie-/Punkrock like Hüsker Dü, Wipers, Leatherface, but also of German bands like Slime, ...But Alive, Boxhamsters or EA80. In their early days they played Punkrock with profound lyrics without striking or strongly politically phrases. That's what I like, direct in your face!!!! Was the sound during their first records a bit scrapy the band gets with every album musically better & better and in my opinion their first three albums are still angry, desperate, honest, snotty and simply delicate. And by listen to the fourth, I suddenly lost my interest, something had gone, I don't know what but I never come in with the new stuff. You probably know that? Kinda like cycling without a saddle, beer without alcohol, a pale facade... Anyhow, Bordsteinkantengeschichten was finally out and I was eager and it's their best record to date. I remember how often the platte runs up and down, every fuckin' time. They recorded a lot songs for this album and two songs doesn't find a place on the album and were released as 7inch, called the Potthoff EP, spiced up with a witty outro. Both released on the bands own label Huck's Plattenkiste. Every song is great; my favourites are 'Take A Run At The Sun', 'Das Siegerlied', 'Unkaputtbar' and 'An Der Bordsteinkante'. If you have a wire to the bands mentioned above then you must listen to Muff Potter. Salut!!!

here

V/A - Blackbox Compilation 1992

BlackBox was a short-lived German label in Waltrop which released a few 7Inches an the beginning of the 90s. Don't know how many copies are pressed, I think 1000 maybe. After the quick sold out of the records comes finally this piece of silver with all label bands out. Focus here is clearly melodic punkrock. Pleasant stuff.

1.Jungle Jam (Live) - BIG CHIEF
2.Evergreen Memorial Drive - NOVA MOB
3.Sky Flying By - SAMIAM
4.Fearless - SPOON
5.Wo Steht Die Uhr? - EA80
6.Gotta Go - HERETICS
7.Auf Wiedersehn - BOXHAMSTERS
8.Eagle - LEATHERFACE
9.With Me - BONE CLUB
10.What Is Comfort... - THUD!
11.Psycho - THE NOZEMS
12.Way 2 B - MAXIMUM BOB
13.Secret Agent S.K.I.N. - SPEED NIGGS
14.Big Shot (Live) - BIG DRILL CAR
15.Stole Yer Love (Live) - DOUGHBOYS
16.Dreaming - LEATHERFACE
17.Straight On - HERETICS
18.Time Of Day - BONE CLUB
19.If I Die... - THUD!

here

V/A - Rejected Volume III 2002

I'm doing always heavy with newfangled punk rock and the most flies fast into the garbage but this compilation is a fine compilation of old and newer material from various UK and Irish bands that Rejected has put out over the years. I like more the dirty shredded sound and dislike the clean productions of the new breath and here I am positive surprised because all the songs kick fantastic and are very powerful at all, garnished with a few live goodies and unreleased recordings to that, and when I have this feeling by the first listen so I can't be wrong (mostly). Less than 25% are known to me (Oi Polloi, Leatherface, Jesse, Zero Tolerance) and I know if my friend from Austria share his stuff with me it can be only cool. As lousy reviewer everything is said. Pick up or drink milk.

1.Poxy Pub - BLOOD OR WHISKEY

2.Manny Moe And Jack - THE DICKIES

3.Back Biter - SKINT

4.Slate Rape - THE RESTARTS

5.Scratch Match - PINK TURDS IN SPACE

6.Bloodbath On Blessington St. - THE STEAM PIG

7.Divided Loyalty - RUNNIN' RIOT

8.Discrimination Hurts - STRIKNIEN D.C.

9.Seems To Me - STEEKY

10.Never Alone - ZERO TOLERANCE

11.Blown Away - STOMACH

12.Rich Scumbag - OI POLLOI

13.Kill Yer Parents - MONKHOUSE

14.Submission In Portarlington - BLOOD OR WHISKEY

15.I Live In A Car - UK SUBS

16.Sweet - COWBOY KILLERS

17.Judge Jury & Executioner - RUNNIN' RIOT

18.Stoneybatler Me - THE STEAM PIG

19.Cut Up - MONKHOUSE

20.All I Need - LEATHERFACE

21.Hypocrisy - STRIKNIEN D.C.

22.Victimisation - RUNNIN' RIOT

23.Bucharest - BLOOD OR WHISKEY

24.Needles - EX CATHEDRA

25.Indestructable - JESSE

26.Burn Your Flags - TOXIC WASTE

27.Countdown - BLEEDING RECTUM

28.Bullshit - NOISE POLLUTION

29.Sun Is A Bludgeon - ANTABUSE

- Special Thx to Reinhard -

here

H.D.Q. - Believe EP 1988

H.D.Q. from Sunderland were in the late 1980s one of the most innovative and popular punk bands on the island - More information about the band click H.D.Q. - They founded together with Snuff the new generation of UK bands that are more oriented to American standards à la Dag Nasty as in British No Future Punk. After their split legendary bands like Leatherface and Doctor Bison were formed. And you can hear clearly: Believe, released on Loony Tunes Records, contains four inflaming songs and especially "Through My Eyes" is my absolute favorite one. Today very rare and hard to find and if you don't catch this I don't know what's wrong with you.

here

LEATHERFACE - Rarities 2016

Every year gets me the fucking flu and puts me in checkmate and since yesterday has me fully under control. Shit, well I listen meanwhile to a compilation which I have made in December 2007 and it came the idea to make it new for two good reasons, a) Leatherface is a band which I follow since Cherry Knowle and I love their sound, b) I want a collection of rare b-sides, peel session, acoustic stuff and live shit alltogether and at least I want to dedicate this goodie to guitarist Dickie Hammond, who died 31.October 2015 (thx to reinhard for this sad info). No tracklist here, let yourself surprise. The front pic is from a concert in AK44 Gießen on 16.04.2010, think on their last live tour via germany before they broke up, a last blast so to speak. Have fun with twenty-six Sunderland hymns.

here

LEATHERFACE - Edward's/Birmingham 31.3.1991

I'm sure a lot of you know the last Leatherface album which is called 'Viva La Arthouse' and it's again a delicious release. Recorded live in Melbourne, nineteen tracks in an awesome sound quality. And I sit here & listening to this album again & again. I love Leatherface and they accompanied me for almost twenty years. Like the 'Live In Oslo' album with this release you can do nothing wrong, you’d better hurry up and get a copy. Leatherface live shows have become the stuff of legend, if you’ve ever been lucky enough to caught them live you’ll have witnessed the pre-gig excitement, the trepidation of the emotional possibilities, the rollercoaster ride of each song and the overall full on powerhouse brutality of melodic punk rock. Here is another bootleg from my hard drive and this post is the proof that you can be creative when you listen at punk rock. Now I dig out this treasure with thirteen songs in a consistently acceptable sound quality. Get this for free and buy their new album - it's a must have and worth every cent! CHEERS!

Colorado Joe-Leningrad Vlad/Razor Blades & Aspirin/How Lonely/The Bastards Can't Dance/Green And Pleasant Land/New York State/Sublime/Speak In Tongues/I Have Many Things/Peasant In Paradise/Ideal World/In The Ghetto/You Are My Sunshine

here

LEATHERFACE - Little White God EP 1994

OK, jetzt ein Posti in meiner Sprache denn heute ist ein besonderer Tag! Wieder ein Extra (seems this month is an extra one...) denn heute hat einer meiner besten Freunde Geburtstag und dies hier ist Dir gewidmet, du Sack! Ich glaube es war 1998 oder 1999 als ich diesen verrückten kennen lernte, damals als wir einen Mitbewohner suchten und Du dich bewarbst. Ich hatte sofort ein gutes Gefühl, kennt ihr das? Als Du wieder weg warst sagte ich zu Udo (Cheers! my old friend), der isses!! Und siehe da, die Freundschaft besteht noch heute, auch nach einigen Kackzeiten, die gehören schließlich auch dazu. Leatherface weil: a) da muss ich immer an den Gig im Schlachthof denken, ca. 1999 muß das gewesen sein, als wir Frankie fragten ob es möglich ist dass Du ohne Karte eintreten darfst. Mister S. zögerte keine Sekunde und die Sache war perfekt. b) die Herren aus Sunderland machen einfach verdammt geile Mucke und c) weil's passt. Das Video unten mit dem Song Springtime bringt die wilden Anfangstage perfekt auf den Punkt. Tja, Alter... Herzlichen Glückwunsch und alles Liebe Dir und Deinen Lieben! Auf das was da noch kommen mag!!!

here

- - - - - -

V/A - The End Was At Hand [Special] 2012

This nice comp was created by my Austrian mate Reinhard (at that time for the legendary, much-loved WildDevilRules blog). Cause was the general hysteria the world would end in 2013, according to the Mayas and well, it's doomsday and I wonder why all these spinners in poor hippie clothes such an uprising practice. The world goes down slowly and not otherwise. I must confess, I did not much notice of a new Apocalypse and honestly I don't give a shit. I demand doomsday as a public holiday where we all not must work. Maybe the Mayas sacrificed more people that day as usual. Well fuck it, the masses needs always some shit where they can hold on to, funny that it's always at the turn of the year, has almost become a tradition. Idiots!!! Not only this was the occasion for my Austrian friend Reinhard to create this self-made compilation here but also to put his favorite songs in a splendid selection on a CD, adorned with a glossy cover. And the result is great, brilliant punkrock from all corners of the world in beautiful order. Great Stuff!! A few words from Mr. Reinhard to the CD:

"Seems that armageddon didn't happen yet - so what shall we do now?? ;-) To celebrate this suprising fact I've compiled a sampler with songs I really like - hopefully you'll like them too. So this one's for you survivors - have fun & all the best! ...and of course: any comments are highly appreciated!" 

I hope you enjoy this exclusive gem and may you create your own sampler at the next pay raise, volcanic eruption, child birth, flood, castration, lung cancer, be in love and don't forget: the next end of the world comes certainly....

1.Lopun Alku (Live) - BASTARDS

2.Friends Of My World - THE BOYS NEXT DOOR

3.Utro - NAIV

4.Romantic - THE STALIN

5.Ulster - KOMINTERN SECT

6.Going Back To Tucson - SUPERSUCKERS

7.Jonny Mord - GARANTIERT SENDEVERBOT

8.Sous Un Ciel Écarlate - BANLIEUE ROUGE

9.Andy - LEATHERFACE

10.Schizoid - DYNAMO FRÜCHTEBONUS

11.Claudia - THE LENNONS

12.In The Pit - TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET

13.Hoax - MALINHEADS

14.Ball & Chain (Unplugged) - SOCIAL DISTORTION

15.Nachtschwärmer - INSEIT

16.Schweinesand - RANTANPLAN

17.Donde Las Águilas Se Atreven - ATTAQUE 77

18.Your Country Needs You - CHARTA 77

19.Jugando (Conmigo Mismo) - SEÑOR NO

20.Don't Ring Me Up - PROTEX

21.Shifu - BRIGADIR

22.Isto E Olho Seco - OLHO SECO

23.Vapaa Pohjola - TERVEET KÄDET

24.S.T.P. (Live) - THEE S.T.P.

25.Inferior - GARDEN GANG

26.Genocide - ZMIV

- Big Huge Thx to Reinhard -

here