THE DICTATORS - Search & Destroy 12'' 1977

Well, this group completely passed me by and I have to say I didn't miss anything. We're talking about The Dictators which were from New York City. Critic John Dougan said that they were "one of the finest and most influential proto-punk bandsto walk the earth." Hmmm... that may be, but I have to admit that their sound doesn't appeal to me. The Iggy cover is okay but the flip is a waste of time. Anyway, a bit info: the band was formed in 1972 by Andy "Adny" Shernoff who was attending The State University of New York at New Paltz and Ross "The Boss" Friedman who was playing in the local band Total Crudd. Scott "Top Ten" Kempner was asked to join and the trio rented a house in Kerhonkson, NY where they lived and rehearsed with various drummers.

The original recording line-up consisted of vocalist/bassist/songwriter Andy Shernoff, lead guitarist Ross Friedman (aka Ross Funicello), rhythm guitarist Scott Kempner, and drummer Stu Boy King. It was this line-up–along with roadie/occasional vocalist and "Secret Weapon" Handsome Dick Manitoba–which recorded the band's 1975 debut album, The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! for Epic Records, produced by Sandy Pearlman and Murray Krugman (best known for their work with Blue Öyster Cult). The album sold poorly at the time but is now considered to be the starting point for American punk rock . Entertainment Weekly wrote "Go Girl Crazy's junk-generation culture and smart-aleck sensibility did provide an essential blueprint for '70s punk. With its TV references and homely vocals, this ground-breaking and long-unavailable album continues to inspire underground groups everywhere..... They made seven  albums and are apparently still on their way. Now it's bedtime.

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V/A - Jugend Forscht 1982

The record was recorded live on February 5th and 6th, 1982 in the Batschkapp (R.I.P.) and was a popular venue and meeting place where I experienced many fantastic bands and had just as many emotional evenings. Released on Batsch Rekords is this one of the first records with live recordings and the six combos come largely from Frankfurt as far as I know and it's a decent mix of Punk and New Wave sound, and there is also at least one album of the combos available, can be found in the blog. Maybe a few words about the album title: "Jugend Forscht (Youth Researches) is a German youth science competition. With more than 10.000 participants annually, it is the biggest youth science and technology competition in Europe. It was initiated in 1965 by Henri Nannen, then editor-in-chief of the Stern magazine. Participants work on a self-chosen research project, hand in a written report about their work, and then present their results first at regional levels and later at a national contest to an expert jury, usually in the form of a poster session, often including a practical demonstration. Contest juries often invite university or industry experts to referee some of the projects, especially at the national contest, due to a high level of specialization." Quite a brilliant idea under this motto to organize a concert on two evenings to honor the musical creativity I think, and puts the whole thing in a completely different light. Well, no record that causes earthquakes but worth listening to, enjoy!

1.Stadt Aus Stahl - MC²

2.007 - MC²

3.Où Es Tu - VITAMIN

4.Le Petit Bourgeois - VITAMIN

5.Choo Choo Mann - BILDSTÖRUNG

6.Cadillac - BILDSTÖRUNG

7.Konfusion - STRASSENJUNGS

8.Bundeswehr - STRASSENJUNGS

9.Autokino - STRASSENJUNGS

10.Tranquilizer - STRAPAZE

11.Schwer - STRAPAZE

12.Immer Mehr - FLEX-Y-BELL

13.Prima Prima - FLEX-Y-BELL

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THE LAST LADS - Rochatell 7'' 1983

I open the Weekend with a re-post from November 2012 and the following single is a real rarity. Released on their own label, I think, the six men have two gifted tracks recorded and it's a shame that the band's not mentioned anywhere. Not a single word in The Encyclopedia Of Swedish Punk 1977-1987 or in Ny Våg (and both books are great) and I wonder why?? On this 7inch are two punk smasher which has it all: excellent guitars, brilliant bass-line, perfect drums and a striking Swedish voice. And the length of the songs to that is right. So what the Hell is wrong? Maybe this is a promo and should never official released??? Hard to question the reasons and in the end, I don't give a shit. The main thing is the 7'' is even there and with this record the band have a nice piece of vinyl in their petto and nowadays is highly coveted by many record-collectors. So I promise, you will love it all the way through.

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GERMS - (GI) 1979

Another classic that needs to be heard is the debut by the Germs, punk from Los Angeles and originally active from 1976 to 1980. The band's main early lineup consisted of singer Darby Crash, guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom, and drummer Don Bolles. They released only one album (GI) on Slash Records, produced by Joan Jett, and were featured the following year in Penelope Spheeris' documentary film The Decline Of Western Civilization, which chronicled the Los Angeles punk movement. Germs disbanded following Crash's suicide on December 7, 1980. Info from wiki which says everything:

Crash (born Jan Paul Beahm) and Smear (born Georg Ruthenberg) decided to start a band after being kicked out of University High School for antisocial behavior, allegedly for using "mind control" on fellow students. Their original name was "Sophistifuck and the Revlon Spam Queens", but they had to shorten the name as they could not afford that many letters on a T-shirt. The (initially hypothetical) first lineup consisted of Beahm (then known as Bobby Pyn, and later as Darby Crash) on vocals, Ruthenberg (under the name Pat Smear) on guitar, an early member named "Dinky" (Diana Grant) on bass, and Michelle Baer playing drums. This lineup never played in front of a live audience.In April 1976, the band added Lorna Doom (born Teresa Ryan) on bass, with transitional member Dottie Danger (later famous as Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go's) on drums. Carlisle never actually played with the band, as she was sidelined by a bout of mononucleosis for an extended period. She was replaced by her friend Donna Rhia (Becky Barton), who played three gigs and performed on their first single. Carlisle remained a friend and helper of the band (she can be heard introducing the band on the Germicide: Live @ the Whiskey recording, produced by Kim Fowley), only leaving because her new band, the Go-Go's, were becoming popular and, as she put it, "I was really disturbed by the heroin that was going on". Nickey Beat, of various noteworthy Los Angeles bands including the Weirdos, also sat in on drums for a time.

The band's first live performance was at the Orpheum Theater. Smear recalled: "We made noise. Darby stuck the mic in a jar of peanut butter. It was a dare, we had no songs or anything! Lorna wore her pants inside out, and Darby covered himself in red licorice...we made noise for five minutes until they threw us off". The Germs initially drew musical influences from Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Ramones, the Runaways, Sex Pistols, and New York Dolls. Early on, Smear was the only musically experienced member; Doom survived early performances by sliding a finger up and down the fretboard of her bass while Rhia generally kept a minimal beat on the bass drum, periodically bashing a cymbal. Early performances were usually marked by raucous crowds made up of the band's friends. As a result, their gigs became notorious for being rowdy and usually verged on a riot.

The end of the band came when Crash, who had become increasingly impatient with drummer Bolles' antics, fired him and replaced him with his friend Rob Henley. Shortly after the Germs split, Crash and Smear formed the short-lived Darby Crash Band. Circle Jerks drummer Lucky Lehrer joined the band on the eve of their first (sold-out) live performance, when during soundcheck, Darby kicked out the drummer they'd rehearsed with. The band, described by Smear as "like the Germs, but with worse players", played only a few gigs to lukewarm reaction before splitting up. Shortly after that, Crash contacted Smear about a Germs "reunion" show, claiming it was necessary to "put punk into perspective" for the punks on the scene. However, Smear has said Crash told him privately he wanted to earn money for heroin with which to commit suicide. Since Crash had described this scenario many times in the past, Smear did not take him seriously. On December 3, 1980, an over-sold Starwood hosted a final live show of the reunited Germs, including Bolles. At one point, Crash told the amazed kids in the audience, "We did this show so you new people could see what it was like when we were around. You're not going to see it again".

Crash committed suicide on December 7, 1980, at age 22. Unreported at the time, Crash had overdosed on heroin in a suicide pact with close friend Casey "Cola" Hopkins, who ended up surviving. She later insisted that he did not intend for her to live, nor did he change his mind at the last minute and intend for himself to live. According to Spin, apocryphal lore has Crash attempting to write "Here lies Darby Crash" on the wall as he lay dying, but not finishing. In reality, he wrote a short note to David "Bosco" Danford that stated, "My life, my leather, my love goes to Bosco". Outside the world of the Germs' fans, news of Crash's death was largely overshadowed by the murder of John Lennon the next day. A local news station mistakenly reported that Crash had died from taking too many sleeping pills.

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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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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.

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THE MODULATORS - Girl Trouble 7'' 1980

Debut 7Inch by this New Jersey four piece on Vintage Vinyl Records with two quiet PowerPop goodies. A bit Info by Nicky Gee: "The Modulators unofficially began in the early 1980’s when Joe Riccardello walked into Vintage Vinyl Records, a small store in Irvington, NJ, and met owner Rob Roth. After a few months, Joe started working at Vintage Vinyl and he and Roth started writing songs together (Joe wrote the music and Rob wrote the lyrics). With all of the instruments/vocals performed by Joe, “Girl Trouble” B/W “Amplitude Modulation” was released as the first (500 numbered copies) single. Joe called his old band mate, guitarist Mark Higgins, and the band, The Modulators, began. They recruited some other players, namely Fran Barbone on drums, and Jim Gordon on guitar, with Joe shifting to bass, and the foursome began a series of promotional shows at various NJ clubs. The Dirt Club in Bloomfield, NJ, was the first club they played, and the Modulators became a fixture there – probably playing there more than any other band. Ron Cassel replaced Barbone on drums shortly after the band started. Soon thereafter, Gordon left the band and bassist Gene O’Brien joined briefly. With the departures of Cassel and O’Brien, The Modulators were down to a twosome – Riccardello and Higgins. The duo began recording a Roth/Riccardello song, “Down at the Dirt,” a tribute to their favorite club. The song became an anthem at the Dirt Club, eventually winding up on the Dirt’s Various Artists album, “Vol. 1”. After auditioning way too many drummers, Mark “Cakes” Westlake solidified the band. The Modulators were now: Riccardello, bass/ vocals; Higgins, guitar/vocals; and Westlake, drums/vocals.

The band began playing more high-profile gigs, @ clubs like Kenny’s Castaways and the Bitter End, in NYC, and the Meadowbrook in NJ. All the while, they continued playing at their home base, the Dirt  Club. They recorded their next single, Higgins’ “She’s So Cynical,” and Roth/Riccardello’s “Dream Girls” that garnered more radio airplay, on stations such as Long Island’s WLIR, New York’s WNEW, and New Jersey’s WDHA, along with many NJ college stations. Additionally, the band promoted the record on the “Uncle Floyd Show.” The band was doing well, and a representative from A&M Records contacted them, requesting more material. The band went back to the studio to work on new songs, which would eventually form the basis of their album, “Tomorrow’s Coming.” Unfortunately, by the time the new material was completed and sent to A&M, the interested rep had left the label. The band continued recording, finishing and releasing the album in 1984, to critical raves, and receiving airplay on many college stations as well as the NJ shore station, WHTG. Bassist/vocalist, Jim Brennan, was added shortly after the album was completed, and has been an integral part of the band ever since. Following the recording of a video “Spin Me Around,” the band continued to perform throughout the mid-1980s, playing Jersey shore clubs. Their video for “Spin Me Around” has received over 17.000 hits on YouTube."

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THE ORDINARYS - I Wanna Be An Ordinary 7'' 1978

This amazing two sider of '78 mod is one more rarity from Love Child Records! Limited 250 press with original flip back sleeves... it surely is 1978 all over again. The Ordinarys should have been massive - an appearance on hit TV show "New Faces" and a fan in the legend that is Mickie Most should have got the band the recognition their talent deserved. But some reasons unknown they never released anything.... until now! Taken from the only known copies of the finished recordings the tapes have been masterfully restored by Dan Husayn and sound as crisp as intended back in '78 Love Child Records are more than happy to put out this long-lost piece of '78 New Wave/early Mod Revival lushness. First 150 copies come with free promo poster. Guest on Bored Teenagers Vol.4, and you'll know how awesome this series is... Enjoy!

- Great Thx to Bristolboy -

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V/A - 499 2139 1979

Oh, here again and I have a fantastic PowerPop compilation with mostly local bands from the U.K. in my luggage. Released via The Rocket Record Company, this is another nice example of an interesting record with solid tracks by short-lived unknown combos and a pleasant listening, in my opinion to the fourteen, is guaranteed. A slab that is not much valued and I think, you can get it for little money everywhere, that's a small perk so the mint fools ignore an excellent piece of wax, the artwork is simple but with useful liner notes on the insert. I didn't know any of the bands, bought them because of the low price and the release year and I'm not disappointed. Should you see the slab, buy it and enjoy fourteen lost refreshing nuggets from talented bands that deserve your full attention! That's it really for today, Soccer is due in about two hours, today versus RB Leipzig: not easy but I hope, it will be interesting and an exciting match with three points at the end. I'll see you tomorrow!

1.Sure Fire - THE ACT

2.Go Steady - THE LAMBRETTAS

3.Audio Audio - THE CLASSICS

4.Kicking Up A Fuss - MALCOLM PRACTICE

5.Carscape - ESCALATORS

6.King's New Clothes - THE VYE

7.Feelin' Hard - WOLFBOYS!!

8.Sex Object - MALCOLM PRACTICE

9.Tricky Girls - WARDENS

10.Distant Drums - THE BRICK WALL BAND

11.Career Girls - LES ELITE

12.Green Glass Green - REAFER

13.Alice In Wonderland - SINISTER

14.Skip The Beat - THE ACT

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ARMATRAK - Inner Space EP 1987

A frosty, misty good morning from the beautiful Wetterau and I'm still not awake after two strong coffees. Now catchy music from Auckland and this is Armatrak's third record which came out via the German label Gift Of Life. The band that existed through the mid to late 80's and who were one of NZ's first forays into the American Hardcore sound of the mid 80's. Armatrak put out some very solid releases on their label, called "Positive Youth Promotions", which put out tapes, did 'zines and put on shows, contributing a lot to the NZ scene. I guess, that's it for today, re-ups will follow later, use the day and stay vertical ↑

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