EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN - Strategien Gegen Architekturen 1983

I can still remember very well, how I came to this musical effusion. This sucker was given from a very close youth friend and he knew that I like music far from mainstream, he asked me if I know Einstürzende Neubauten. I said yes and then he gave me this work of art. He said, it's just pure LÄRM and absolutely not his cup of tea, haha... I understood him because EN are very special. So immediately I went home and listened to Strategien gegen Architekturen, the first compilation album which features rare single-only tracks and live material from 1980 to 1983, and I was delighted.. here an excellent review for you which I like to quote:

"Einstürzende's compilation album summed up all that was brilliant and thrilling about the young band, who perhaps more than anyone else encapsulated exactly what "industrial" consisted of -- honest-to-goodness mechanistic pummeling and musique concrete remade for a newer generation. Selections from Schwarz and Kollaps feature, along with rare 7Inch tracks & various live performances as well, giving a striking picture of the group's varying approaches. Bargeld's rasped, whispered vocals and sudden screams crawl with threat and dread in a consciously dramatic but never overtly hammy fashion, while the rough rhythms and harsh clattering which serves as a bed for his delivery touches on everything from free jazz to minimal Krautrock rhythms. That the volume often gets amped to its absolute highest is only to be expected, but silence and space between sound matters just as much, especially on a slew of songs toward the end. Guitars and bass appear more often than might be expected, but the way they're played is something else entirely, muddied deep in the mix or roaring as undifferentiated noise stabbing in here and there. It's also interesting to hear the earlier version of the band in contrast with the later, when a slightly more formal rock presentation took the fore. Given that on the recordings here the group consisted mostly of percussionists beating on metal and whatever else was to hand, it's little wonder things sound even more aggressive. Maybe for some this will only sound like the backing music on a Sprockets sketch, but the impact on any number of sound terrorists then and since from this album can't be measured." (Review by Ned Raggett)

I couldn't praise this album better, remarkable retrospect!

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KÖTTGROTTORNA - Blodsdans 1986

Debut album by this four piece on Sista Bussen and they were founded 1983 by Janne (vocals/guitar), Jojje (guitars), Mongo (bass), Happy (drums). Köttgrottorna is powerful rock with a good dose of punk and are mostly appreciated by fans of the Swedish punk scene. The songs have consistently charm and long playing time and a lot of solos, but always pushed the pedal forward and very melodious. Sometimes I would like to know what the guys are singing about and how that goes with the sound, unfortunately there's no lyric sheet within, but don't mind. Twelve catchy mid-tempo goodies, a pleasant voice and nothing more is needed to ring in the Feierabend. Solid Stuff!

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MAJOR ACCIDENT - Clockwork Heroes 1994

I don't know what's going on, I'm always tired and somehow listless, probably because of the dreary season or something. I need a little bit of schunkel music now and I'll leave that to the leaders of the "Clockwork Punk" movement (a musical community whose look & lyrical themes were inspired by the stylish nihilism of the film A Clockwork Orange) of the early 80's: Major Accident from Darlington which originally formed 1977 by Paul (vocals), Dave (guitars), Con (bass), Stu (drums). It wasn't until the early '80s that they made its first demo recordings. Then they earned a record deal with the pioneering indie label Step Forward Records which releasing their debut album, Massacred Melodies, in 1982. After three albums unimpressive financial problems led to the band breaking up at the end of 1985. Major Accident came back 1996, once again using the full name rather than just "Accident". The result was the forth album The Ultimate High, released on We Bite Records. The band's final release came via DSS Records in 2001 and was a split sucker with Welsh combo Foreign Legion entitled Cry Of The Legion. They currently play just two or three concerts each year, so the rumors say. This file features all of their A and B sides along with classic album cuts. Duty Stuff!

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ASIA - Alpha 1983

Alpha is the second album by Asia and musically it ties in with the first record, but it's different. In comparison with the enormously successful debut album, Alpha focuses more on mainstream pop rock sounds and is less characterized by progressive rock elements. In my opinion, they have implemented the label's commercial wishes too much and have lost their individuality. The songs are structured in a simple way, one and two verses, a chorus and finally a lame fade-out at the end. The simple framework of a song that is spoiled for success. Overall not a bad album and yet worth listening to, but a perfect example of how stupid, greedy record bosses of a band take their radiance and only thinking for profit. A few official facts: The album has received lukewarm reception from music critics. J. D. Considine in his review for Rolling Stone described Alpha as "a sort of sonic confection, a concoction of tasty melodies, sweet harmonies and goopy lyrics intended more for greedy consumption than for artistic appreciation". Chas de Whalley of Kerrang! was less than restrained and openly said that "this album is complete and utter rubbish from beginning to end and a waste of the good vinyl it's pressed on". Tom Demalon has given the album a retrospective rating of three stars out of five on AllMusic. "Don't Cry", "My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want)" and "Open Your Eyes" have been selected as three "Track Picks". He has compared the album with Asia and has summarized that "nothing on Alpha packs the sheer sonic force of the band's debut." Well, I even still have the third album (Astra) in my closet and even with new guitarists they didn't come close to their old strength, comes at some point in this theater, but after that my interest was finally extinguished, suitable for a cold, gray & rainy Sunday, ENJOY!

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VERBRANNTE ERDE - Chrrr!!! 1998

Out of the ruins of the D-Punk combo Deutschlands Erben formed Ingo (vocals), Mischa (guitars), Eddi (bass), Jens (drums) in 1995 Verbrannte Erde and the four move in the dark, melancholic punkrock area which became typical of the band. Their style can best be compared with that of L.S.K., Serene Fall and EA80, with whom the band has played numerous gigs. In 1996 the first tape, Traurig Aber Wahr, was released, followed by their first EP a year later and up to date, they released four Longplayers, two EPs plus a live split album. As already mentioned, the four prefer largely dark minor sounds with personal & thoughtful words that I like very much and partly reflect my inner being, but why I only have this one album is quickly explained. The singing bothers me a little and doesn't captivate me as much as with the other bands. And for me, the voice has to fit just as well as the music, I'm demanding in all things. For the first album, very good and enjoyable!

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HATES - Panacea 1982

The Hates was a three piece from Houston, Texas and were formed 1978 by Christian (guitar/vocals), Paul (bass/vocals), Laurance (drums) and this is their furious debut album on Faceless Records, re-issued 2019 via RaveUp Records with four extra tracks in their series American Lost Punkrock Nuggets of which I would like to quote you the following info:

This is the secret story of this crazy record. “Originally, the album was recorded at Wells Sound in one day & mixed on the next. Band leader Christian decided to record “Houston”, originally done by Dean Martin, in direct response to Wendy O. Williams’ amazing cover of Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover”. It turned out to be one of the better decisions he’s made over the decades; people still ask to hear it at shows. And besides, what could possibly be a better tribute to the city that is the home of the Hates? Christian penned “Also Watched” specifically for this album, thinking along the Big Brother lines of spy satellites watching us as if we were the enemy. He was really proud of Lawrence’s drumming for that song.“Nuclear Age”, “Science’s Fiction”, “Punk 1301”, “This Year’s Model”, & “What Am I Living For?” rounded out the recording. As an experiment for this album, Paul suggested that they slow down the tempo on “This Year’s Model” even though they never played it that way live. And here’s an interesting note: this record was pressed in the same plant in Florida that helped to put out the Bee Gees & Eric Clapton albums the year before. Because Paul left to fulfill his psychiatry internship in Austin & Lawrence went on to get a higher education as well, Panacea was released without that lineup to represent it. While the record was being pressed by one company, the sleeves were printed by another company, & a third company printed the lyric sheets. When everything arrived, what could have been a boring job putting all those discs into sleeves turned into a little fun. Christian’s mother’s boyfriend, Lazaro, ended up helping out; he even took the finished album to a company down the street to get them shrink-wrapped. In fact, they actually put him in front of the machine & had him do it. How PunkRock is that? Literally putting together your own album!” (Christian)

Panacea is a solid slab that doesn't bring anything new but isn't shit either, I like it.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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V/A - The Master Tape 1982

I guess this rare awesome compilation from Nimrod/Affirmation Records ensures many downloads because every band/song is simply delicious. And it is astonishing that a re-issue (2000 copies and also hard to find) took place just one year later, the demand was obviously so great and if you lend your ears to the musical feast, it's no wonder. As far as I know, all songs are exclusive and delight us with finest melodic Punk/Hardcore explosions how I love it and the performance is consistently high. Comes with a fold-out lyric poster, with a segment dedicated to each band represented, which was not included at my copy. Volume 2 of the Master Tape came to light in 1983 and I would appreciate an excellent rip with scans and I very much hope that someone will have mercy, because these records are also difficult to access or only available for expensive bucks.

1.Mercenary - TOXIC REASONS

2.Drunk And Disorderly - TOXIC REASONS

3.Frustrated - SLAMMIES

4.P.U.S. - SLAMMIES

5.Manager Breakdown - SLAMMIES

6.New Patriot - BATTERED YOUTH

7.We'll Love You When Your Dead - BATTERED YOUTH

8.Bible School - DELINQUENTS

9.System Pressure - DELINQUENTS

10.High Places - ZERO BOYS

11.Human Body - ZERO BOYS

12.Mom's Wallet - ZERO BOYS

13.Buried Alive - ARTICLES OF FAITH

14.False Security - ARTICLES OF FAITH

15.Think For Yourself - REPELLENTS

16.Livin' Like An Animal - REPELLENTS

17.Vegis - LEARNED HELPLESSNESS

18.C.E.T.A. Suckers - THE F.U.'S

19.Death Wish - THE F.U.'S

20.Unnatural Silence - THE PATTERN

21.Michelob - THE PATTERN

22.On The Street - DIE KREUZEN

23.All White - DIE KREUZEN

24.Get 'Em - DIE KREUZEN

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TAUGADEILDIN - s/t EP 1981

Now a rare piece from the far north of Europe by Taugadeildin. One of those bands that managed to release an EP during the punk & new wave hype around the early Eighties, but they didn't exist for long like many other bands of that era.

Formed originally as duet when bassist Árni and singer Óskar began playing music together with help by a drummer in autumn of 1980, but soon guitarist Arnór (Fræbbblarnir) joined them. Arnór was then replaced by Óðinn and Þorsteinn also joined the band as Keyboarder plus Kormákur (drums) and new singer Egill. Their music is a kind of late post-punk mixed with punk roots and a fuckin' journalist defined them as ska band, you guess its members didn't want to know more, this stupid fool. In spring 1981, Taugadeildin recorded this four track EP, released via Fálkinn (in small editions), and it shows the very strong playing and good beats of the four and the record received mostly positive feedback. They performed at the music festival "Another Sound In The Drum", which was held during summer, in addition to being one of the bands who were opener for the British band Any Trouble. The lifespan of Taugadeildin comes to an end, and by the time the record was finally released in autumn after some delays, they retired. These days the record is as rare as solid honest politics and a great collector's item. The music of the Neurology Clinic have been forgotten a little. Her Longing (which was their most well-known goodie) was released on the Northern Light Playhouse compilation, also released via Fálkinn in 1981 (shortly after the band's release) and was supposed to promote Icelandic new wave & punk music abroad, and two songs became later a place on two tapes (Pönksafn) by Erðanúmúsik and a worthy tribute on Bloodstains Across The World #4. Four magical songs remain at the end and the slab can be purchased for a mere € 600, a real bargain!

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ARTICLES OF FAITH - Give Thanks 1984

Door #8: debut album on Reflex Records by this awesome combo, Articles Of Faith (1981-1985) which decisively shaped the hardcore scene of the city and was one of the oldest & most important bands of the Chicago punk scene. Originally they went by the name "Direct Drive," but changed over to AOF. Fronted by Vic (vocals(guitar), Dorian & Joe (guitars), Dave (bass), Virus X (drums), the scope of AOF's impact went beyond musical boundries. They might have been the first true hardcore band in this city and were instumental in promoting and organizing shows. Specifically, they were responsible for organizing the shows at the Centro-American Social Club (CASC). 1982 they released their first highlight What We Want Is Free EP with four blasts. They rented out the space, booked and promoted the shows. They even put up the out of town bands and provided a hang-out spot at their house which was lovingly called, "Big Blue." They played their final show in July 1985 at the Cubby Bear. The band reunited in 1991 for a European tour which resulted in the release of a live album through Germany's Your Choice Live Series Records. They reunited again in 2010 for some shows in Chicago, including Riot Fest. That same year they released a 12" EP of new material. - Their debut has ten goodies and is a catchy mix of intense crackers to melodic reflections and the five are gladly seen on numerous essential compilations.

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THE COSMETICS - s/t 10'' + Demo 1979 [2019]

The Cosmetics were a five piece from San Francisco, founded in 1979 by Terri (vocals), Jimmy (vocals/guitar), Cliff (guitar), David (bass) & Jane (drums) and they began to start playing alot of gigs in the Bay Area, mostly as opener for well-known like Black Flag or Agent Orange (which I would have liked to experience). In 1980 they released their only record via Doolang Records with five high energy harsh tracks for your sensitive ears. This classic was reissued with their 1979 Demo recordings, which didn't make it onto the record, by PukeNVomit Records, 100 copies in blue, 400 in black vinyl. Their music shine with the excellent two part female-male vocal harmony & interchanges and has a real hit with "Twinkie Madness", who has a guest appearance on the fantastic Killed By Death #8½ compilation, one of their rare compi invitations. Great Stuff!!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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