Saturday, October 12, 2019

NAUSEA - Ευρωπαϊκή Αναγέννηση 1992

Normally I watch Bundesliga at this time but this weekend is not so let's come to another rare record from my favorite holiday country and this little nugget was released via Greek Athanati Levendia Productions and it's the debut by Naftia (Ναυτία, Greek for Nausea), a four piece from Thessaloniki, and were formed 1988 by Vaggelis (vocals/bass), Yiannis & Hristos (vocals/guitars), Sonia (vocals/drums). A bit info: "This band has absolutely nothing to do with what went before or what follows. From angry citizens and with many changes in their compositions, Nausea saw punk as a way of conveying their messages and claiming their ideas. Keep away from any commercialization, no affiliation with companies, even independent ones, from music movers, music producers, concert venues or tickets to them. Unique in their authenticity with a strong and faithful faith and a non-negotiable ideology.

They immediately become the most important representatives of anarchopunk in Greece. Leading the way in setting up the Thessaloniki D.I.Y. on stage, they call bands from all over Europe. With double vocals by man and woman, lusty lyrics, animal rights, sexism, globalization, extreme hardcore as successful as Conflict.

They tour Europe and release the live Sex Cartridge, Drugs And Greek Salad. After another cassette of Sweet Secret Of Life comes their album European Renaissance. Manifesto tray with no payroll and direct hit to the snail. In 1994 comes a split LP with the German Graue Zellen entitled The Nautical Kinky Horror Show which also features an old track of Out of Control Mother of Morph. The band broke up in the mid 1990's." (Miltos Tsipsios)


SICK PLEASURE - Aids 1983

Sick Pleasure was a short-lived combo from Berlin and consisted of Dave (vocals), Subi (guitars), Rolf (bass), Alwin (drums) and Aids is their only album, released via Pleasure Principle. In the same year Dave founded Destiny Records and sang after Sick Pleasure in other well-known Berlin bands: Porno Patrol, The Rest and No Allegiance. The band toured numerous but couldn't hardly establish and so their album is only known to a few. We listen to thirteen pieces which hiss like a decent Erdhuka on a relaxed warm October afternoon. I would be grateful for good scans because this is not my rip but the quality is okay. More posts soon, enjoy!


Friday, October 11, 2019

BERLIN - Over 21 7'' 1980

One of the early Dublin Punk/New Wave bands. Early line-ups included John Borrowman & Chris Green who left in mid-1978 to form The Atrix . Ex School Kids drummer Charlie Hallinan joined around the same time, while original drummer Pat Moylett (brother of Boomtown Rat Johnny 'Fingers' Moylett) became the bands manager. Berlin were accused of cashing in on the Rats connection by some and even of copying their act outright, especially lead singer Brian Devon, but these accusations was unfair.Berlin supported both The Clash and The Jam at the Top Hat in Dub Laoghaire, two legendary gigs in Dublin which thousands now claim to have attended. They were treated badly by roadies when supporting Graham Parker at the Olympic Ballroom, which resulted in some equipment damage. They turned down an offer from RSO Records and had two tracks ("Tube Talk" and "Waiting For The Future" slated for inclusion on the aborted/delayed Irish new wave comp which eventually became Just For Kicks in late 1979. During November-December 1978, Berlin and the New Versions set out on the "Streets Ahead Tour '78" across Ireland, the first new wave tour of the country. They appeared on Our Times on RTE TV at the end of the year.

Berlin played the Dandelion Market twice in 1979 and once in 1980: on 5 May 1979, 25 August 1979 and 2 February 1980. Most of 1979 was spent building momentum. They recorded demos which were aired by RTE Radio 2. They were courted by Charisma Records Dave Hitchcock as early as May and finally signed a deal with Charisma in September. The contract was for two singles and one album. The first single was announced for October but didn't come out until the following January 1980. Meanwhile their vinyl debut was on the "Just For Kicks" various artists LP released at the end of 1979, which included their track "Stop Stop", a strong effort. They played a farewell show at McGonagles on October 14, signalling their move to the UK. The band released their debut single January 1980, well after it's originally announced release date of October 1979. "Over 21" is a great pop punk track, though the band came in for some stick for being well over 21 themselves, especially Brian Devon and Maurice Czerniak. Both sides were written by bassist Maurice Czerniak. The Portugese issue appears to have predated the Irish & UK release by a few weeks. They performed the A-side (and, as far as I recall, another track) on Our Times on RTE Television, though I may be remembering the 1978 appearance. I vaguely recall Brian Devon holding up a sign saying "Hello Mum" or "Look Ma, I'm on TV". Does anyone have video of this? In February 1980 they embarked on a UK tour and appeared during the Sense of Ireland/Sounds of Ireland gigs in \ London in March 1980, playing Acklam Hall with U2 and the Virgin Prunes in support on the 19th (with at least one warm up gig in Nottingham a few days previous). When this failed to break the band, they split up, in April 1980.

Berlin reformed later in the year and released a second single in November 1980. "Boyfriend" appeared on Philips Records. It is a much weaker effort than their debut and sold poorly, which may explain why it is so hard to find now. It seems to have had very little distribution, unsurprising as the band split again soon after it's release. There are undoubtedly unreleased recordings (eg "Tube Talk"). Not to be confused with the Australian pop band on IRS Records who took your breath away. (Source: irishrock)


THE DIODES - s/t LP 1978

The first Canadian punk band signed to a major label, the Diodes are best-remembered for their moody, head-banging hit "Tired of Waking Up Tired" and their hard-hitting interpretation of the Paul Simon-penned tune "Red Rubber Ball." With vocalist Paul Robinson backed by guitarist John Catto, bassist Ian MacKay and drummers John Hamilton and, later, Mike Lengyell, the Toronto-based band roared with unabashed intensity. Signed by Columbia, the Diodes released their debut in 1978. Columbia released their second album, Released, on its Epic subsidiary two years later, but poor sales of both albums led the label to drop the band's contract. Although they relocated to England after releasing their third album, Action/Reaction, on the independent Orient label, the move came late to save the band. They disbanded shortly after, releasing an album of outtakes and demos, Survivors, in 1982. (Craig Harris) Twelve decent smasher waiting for you!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -


Thursday, October 03, 2019

EXPLODING WHITE MICE - Fear (Late At Night) 7'' 1988

Exploding White Mice were a punk-rock band from Adelaide, Australia and were formed in the 80s. Their name was taken from a scene from the movie Rock'n'Roll High School, in which a laboratory mouse spontaneously explodes upon being exposed to the music of the Ramones, the band's foremost influence. Greasy Pop's superstars hit hard with another slab of inspired guitar ravaging obviously brought on by late nights listening to Road To Ruin. Lead singing Mouse Paul Gilchrist's singing is starting to get over the flatness he had on the first couple Mice records, and the blend of his vocals with the ever gutsy guitar and drums attack is starting to work real well. This is a group that is clearly started to develop a sense of power and they are a kicker!


Tuesday, October 01, 2019

V/A - Bad Teeth #1: U.K. & Irish Punk Bands 1977-1982

Last post today, and as you're used to in this theater, a great compilation created by Hyped To Death. A little introduction of the label from their page: "Rare, obscure, independent and undiscovered punk, post-punk, "D.I.Y." and Power Pop Groups from the US and UK 1977-1984. Hundreds and hundreds of bands dealing with compilations and dozens of releases of individual acts, all brilliantly restored on CD and custom CDRs. Plus tens of links and liner notes galore..." I think all their releases came out in limited editions and are not uninteresting for collectors. This one is my only copy, and try to find a disc by yourself is similar to finding the Holy Grail, almost impossible. The best way is to contact the label. Well, maybe more will follow or someone out there will send me some. Until then, enjoy it!

1.Capital City - SEMA 4
2.In For Me - THE SEIZE
3.Idle Rich - RAZAR
4.Both Sides - THE RIVALS
5.Sid Never Did It - THE SURGEONS
6.Anything She Wants - THE RUSSIANS
7.I Wanna Be A Cosmonaut - RIFF RAFF
8.Noises - THE REPTILES
9.Looking For Love - SHAG NASTY
10.I Wanna Be Free - THE RINGS
11.Two Steps Forward - THE SATELLITES
12.No Future - SCHOOL TIES
13.Ballistic Missile - ROSES ARE RED
14.I Don't Wanna Discuss That - SHOWBIZ KIDS
15.Good From The Bad - SKUNKS
16.Something To Give - RUBELLA BALLET
17.Red Alert - SQUAD
18.D-C Rip - THE STIFFS
19.Don't Panic - RUEFREX
20.Rubber Duck - THE SPELLING MISSTEAKS
21.Think For Yourself - SCHOOLGIRL BITCH
22.Rabies - THE SAMPLES
23.Mein Kampf - SPITFIRE BOYS
24.Suicide - SISTER RAY
25.Animal - THE SINYX
26.Camera - SIX MINUTE WAR
27.Nonces - STENCH
28.Nothing To Declare - SUSPECTS
29.Wot's For Lunch, Mum? - THE SHAPES
30.Getaway - KID ROGERS & THE HENCHMEN


LOCKJAW - Journalist Jive EP 1978

Lockjaw were UK punx that originally consisted of: Bo Zo (vox), Micky Morbid (guitars), Andy Septic (bass) and Oddy Ordish (drums). Simon Gallup (later of The Cure) joined by the release of their second single. All tracks are great melodic punk songs, released for Raw Records. Formed out of the ashes of 'The Guernsey Flowers', then changing their name to 'The Amazing Doctor Octopuss' before settling on 'Lockjaw'. The first ever gig was under the name of 'The Guernsey Flowers' and it was at 'St Francis' Church Hall, Balcombe Road in Horley. In their two year existence, they recorded many tracks for 'Lee Wood's' Raw Records & managed to release two singles on his label. This is their 2nd and last one and it's a fine platter and I add the first Radio Call Sign 7Inch wthin.


ANGELIC UPSTARTS - Classics Live 1991

Everything is said about the Angelic Upstarts and all their records a brilliant. What we have here is an amazing piece with all their early hits and I don't know if this is an official album because originally released by Dojo Records in 1991 but that plays no minor role, this one is the Street Link release. Recorded live @ the Retford Porterhouse on 13. August 1982, Mensi & Co. celebrate excellent cross-section of their first three LP's and shows the band at their best after leaving EMI and just before they signed to Anagram. Strong sense of melody with a unique flair for catchy choruses, added to some of the angriest and most biting lyrics to be heard anywhere. Three or four years ago they had a gig here and they were fuckin' awesome and I'm glad to have at least once see them live. Almost thirty years after these recordings they lost none of their energy and intensity. Pure energy music from one of the UK's best punk bands, a significant record, Hello October!

Sunday, September 29, 2019

DOM VÄSSADE - Batte EP 1981

Autumn is now 100% arrived, windy and rainy is it today on this musical Sunday and I would like to start posting with another rare slab from Sweden. At home in the capital Stockholm are this four piece which published their one & only record via EFMD Records, 500 copies I think, and Dom Vässade started as a cover band but they quickly found their own style and fabricated with their slab a solid mix of '77 punk/reggae and new wave. All four songs are sung in Swedish and the use of a saxophone, rather unusual for punk rock, is a good impression and gives an extra flair to the record. And with the last track is a brilliant cracker on it which is also great. Two more songs can be found on the "Ultra Lever Eller Lajv" tape compilation. Dom Vässade thrills me with their musical diversity and the four boys deserve all my sympathy.


Friday, September 27, 2019

SAUCERS - What We Do EP 1979

The debut EP by the Saucers is a decent three track bomb which came out via Orange Recordings and are from New Haven, Connecticut and in their short-lived history they made two 7Inches. In 2011 followed one more EP with five tracks on Gustav Records and how this came has Craig reported extensively on his website: "In 2010, Malcolm Marsden, Malcolm Doak and I met at Wildwood Studios in Durham, CT and with assistance from friends Kerry Miller, Ron Sutfin, Sal Paradise, Deb Sutfin, and Amy Ronczka, recorded the five-song Second Saucer CD/EP on Gustav GTEP-2 (2011). We recorded "Tossed A Coin," a song I had written with Lynn Duer in the early days of Saucers, and "Where Have They Gone." Malcolm Marsden brought "Why Say I?" and "Security," the latter written shortly after his departure from the band in 1980, and made popular with his later band, The Fixations. Malcolm Doak made his Saucer songwriting debut with "Half Naked And Dead." This version of Saucers had a CD release show at Cafe 9, New Haven CT, in September 2011." In 2018 comes a remastered collection of material called "Third Saucer From The Sun" from Craig Bell's (Rocket From The Tombs, The Mirros, etc.) band that existed from 1977-1980 via Rerun Records out with tracks from their original vinyl releases, along with several recordings released on vinyl for the first time. Now you know all. The Saucers are on several good compilations, keep an eye out.