CHARLIE HARPER - Warhead 7'' 2017

Let's come to a legend and he's been making music for over fifty years: Charlie Harper. English Punk icon and best known as the lead singer of the U.K.SUBS. His first solo album Stolen Property, which he released in 1981, proves that he can do it different by grabbing a few instruments himself. In addition, he founded a side project, Urban Dogs, which is active since 1983. As you can see, this creative mind doesn't get tired and that's a good thing. 'Warhead' is probably the most famous song of the Subs, covered several times by many bands and always up to date and it was time to sew this classic a new dress and this 7Inch is this: 500 copies (yellow blue splattered 150, yellow 175, blue 175) of this brilliant goodie were published by Punkerama Records and brings us the acoustic version, unplugged if you want, of this anthem. The flip has the 'Rebellion Song' from the 2017 Yellow Leader album in the same "quiet" quality. Very nice record and one more expressive side of this exceptionally likeable contemporary. A Must!

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A SUDDEN SWAY - Jane's Third Party 7'' 1980

Sudden Sway was a three piece from Peterborough and formed 1980 by Mike (vocals) and Steve (guitar) after disbanding first generation Punk combo The Now. They recruited Pete (bass), Shaun (guitar/keyboards) and Colin (drums), with various others contributing in their early days. They were initially influenced by bands such as A Certain Ratio and Shriekback. Their first releases were two self-financed singles, Jane's Third Party and the To You, With ReGard, in 1980 and 1981 respectively. The latter was sufficiently successful to attract major-label interest from CBS & Virgin Records, but after a further single on their own 'Chant' label, and with guitarist Simon added as a permanent member, they signed a deal with Warners subsidiary Blanco y Negro, debuting on the label in 1986 with eight versions of the single Sing Song. After releasing the Spacemate double LP, book, poster, set of cards and instruction manual, packaged together in a soap box container and designed by Jon Wozencroft, the band moved on to indie label Rough Trade, where they would stay for the rest of their career. Their fondness for remixes was evident on their first Rough Trade release, a 7Inch featuring eight, one minute songs and titles Autumn Cut Back Job Lot Offer, released in early 1987. The following year, they released their second album, '76 Kids Forever, which they described as a "soap opera musical". With Childs departing, the band continued for one final effort, 1990's Ko-Opera album, a very different proposition as they utilized contemporary dance beats to deconstruct early '90s consumerism, before splitting up.

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T.S.O.L. - s/t 12'' 1981

 

Damn cool debut record on Posh Boy Records by this great combo from Long Beach/California. T.S.O.L. (True Sounds Of Liberty), formed 1978 and when this 12Inch came out the bands original line-up was Jack (vocals), Ron (guitar), Mike (bass) & Francis (drums). A review: "In the beginning, T.S.O.L.'s tempos were unapologetically fast, and its ultra-political lyrics were characterized by anger and rage. Full of blistering attacks on the U.S. government. T.S.O.L. is obviously left-leaning -- whether the lyrics are more Marxist or more anarchist is open to debate. Some of the lyrics employ Marxist rhetoric; 'Property Is Theft', for example, echoes the communist belief that no one should own private property. But on 'Abolish Government/Silent Majority', the band seems to have more anarchist leanings. Marxism/Socialism and Anarchy are two radically different schools of thought; Marxists, socialists, and communists want a lot of government, whereas anarchists want to do away with government altogether -- and it's unclear which of the two T.S.O.L. prefers. What is clear is that this record hits its mark musically even though its lyrics can be nebulous. Whatever you think of T.S.O.L.'s politics, this EP is an inspired and exhilarating slice of early '80s Punk." (Alex Henderson) - A lot of politics in it; I would simple say: Fantastic Record, definitely listen!

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V/A - Canada's Pissed Vol.3 2011

Winter comes back and I'm glad I don't live in Scandinavia, brrrrrrrrrr..... I'm not made for cold. I get warmer with the following unofficial compilation and this CD-R is full with Canadian Punk rarities 1977-1983 and is the last one of this little mini-series. A few 7inches by the bands you can find in the Blog and I can only recommend you to look for them. Volume 1 is also essential and brings you the full blast. That should be enough to start April, and the weekend sensibly.

1.Down Town Boy - THE ACTION

2.Transmitter - THE RED SQUARES

3.Modern Rockers - VENDETTA

4.Bureaucracy - THE BUREAUCRATS

5.Can't Let Go - SECTION 8

6.Twist'n Up The Beach - CURTAINS

7.Television Child - RESTLESS VIRGINS

8.Welcome To The Cruel World - THE SPY'S

9.South Windsor Punk - DRY HEAVES

10.Weekend Wrestler - THE ONITS

11.Kill Me If You Can - HOT NASTIES

12.In Sympathy With Poland - PLAN NINE

13.Piss On You - SUBURBAN SLAG

14.Hit And Run - THE UNUSUALS

15.Nuclear Hall Of Fame - CUTZ

16.Disease - THE PRESENCE

17.Organized Religion - RIOT .303

18.Kids Are People Too - SILICONE INJECTION

19.Lookin' Around - THE VERDIX

20.Calgary Girls - K TONICS

21.Penchant - THE NERVE

22.Punk Violence (Live) - MODERN MINDS

23.Wild West - ROCK & ROLL BITCHES

24.Reaction - BLANK GENERATION

25.Crude City - MALIBU KENS

26.The First Studio Bomb - 222

27.You Make It Hard - THE REMEDIALS

28.The Kids Arrived - THE REACTION

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SLIME - Yankees Raus 1982

March, last post and I dedicate this one to a sublime sound experience by Hamburg's most famous Punx named Slime on Aggressive Rockproduktionen. In 1981 they met Karl-Ulrich Walterbach, who signed the young band to his recently founded label and after the two samplers tracks on Soundtracks Zum Untergang, he first released the self-financed debut album and then continued to support the Five in the realization of their follow-up albums. Shortly after the release of Slime I, the band had separated from their drummer Peter "Ball" Wodok, who was unreliable due to frequent drinking. Christian brought Stephan into the band, the two had previously played with Screamer. The band itself wasn't satisfied with the recordings, because the sound was too 'thin...flat' produced, but I would say the music is still fresh and dynamic after more than forty years and Slime are definitely one of the most important combos in my life, among other things they paved the way for my current existence. And in all these years they're never been taken in by any fucking political scene. 'Alptraum', 'Gerechtigkeit', 'Demokratie' or 'Wenn Der Himmel Brennt' are still great songs and make every tired ass think. Yankees Raus is powerful, straight forward and written during the Reagan era and captures the harsh climate, gray betong canyons and morbid times of the early Eighties brilliantly, a tough part of the town. Do the POGO!

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U.K.SUBS - Dance And Travel In The Robot Age 1980

We are slowly approaching spring and heating up once again on the penultimate day of March with the next record. Band: UK Subs Charlie (vocals), Nicky (guitars), Paul (bass), Pete (drums), label: Black & White, recorded live @ Milan Palalido, Italy on 16.02.1980. Seventeen rough classics and the recording was made by the late Tracy Crazy, from the Italian combo S.I.B., who also took the photographs used on the cover. Whilst not recorded with the most sophisticated equipment, but "Dance & Travel" captures the Subs at the height of their powers with a blistering set of what would become the classics that are the mainstay of their live performances to this day. The gig in Milan was part of a seven date European tour that the Subs played with the Ramones. Thus all is said, recommended for Punkrockers aged 12+.

You Can't Take It Anymore/Rat Race/I Couldn't Be You/I Live In A Car/Tomorrows Girls/Telephone Numbers/Kicks/Warhead/Public Servant/C.I.D./Rockers/Organised Crime/Brand New Age/Killer/Dirty Girls/Stranglehold/Emotional Blackmail

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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LA FRACTION - s/t LP 1996

After their famous Guerre D'esperance EP the Paris based four piece La Fraction, founded 1992 by Magali (vocals), Dédé (guitars), Thierry (bass), Boris (drums), released their amazing debut album two years later on DeCrash Disques with eleven melodic, dynamic and swinging pieces. Tuneful and passionate with a female vocalist like no other. Seasoned with political & poetical lyrics. Speaking up for the dispossessed, La Fraction carries France's most exhilarating voice of discontent. - I know I have the vinyl, but unfortunately I didn't scan the insert at the time, and damn it, I can't find the fucking record! Hmmm.... I'll keep searchin' again and catch up on the work if I can find it. - It's been sixteen years since the Parisians last released an album and I reckon they've broken up by now. A Must listen!

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E.A.T.E.R. - System Failure... Abort And Retry 2010

The word for Monday comes today from Distortion Records with this superb compilation by E.A.T.E.R. (Ernst And The Edsholm Rebels). Originally formed 1982 in Grums, they released four EPs and the legendary split tape together with Incharge. Eighteen decent hardcore smasher from the Eighties (including the EP, the split tape & the Really Fast compi goodies). In the mid 80's Ernst & the Rebels dissolved after tremendous turbulence but reunited 1985 with new members, Snake (bass) and Jerker (drums). Some gigs were made with this setting. In 1986, the band was reunited once again with Pelle back on the drums, when they, among other things, did a European Tour and in 1989 they split up finally. - They reunited in spring 2010 again with new members and played at Punk Illegal, their first gig in twenty-four years. During the summer more gigs followed and in September they recorded their second EP If Nothing's Right...Go Left! with five newly written songs, released in 500 copies with a deluxe folding cover and splatter-colored vinyl. In October came this little fucker on vinyl in a limited edition of 300 copies in transparent vinyl, 700 in black. More touring through the States (2011) & Japan (2013). A fourth 7Inch Projectiles For The People came in 2015 with five more songs on Ernst Records. In January 2017 EATER decides to close down all operations after two years of inactivity. And now.... enjoy loud, shrill, upbeat melodies.

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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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DAGOWOPS - s/t LP + 7'' 2016

Today a fantastic release from Hörsturzproduktion, a small German independent Punkrock label that existed since around 2003, which specializes in rare, lost D-Punk by/with bands who only did demos during their lifetime and dig up these recordings, and which are now finally worth hearing. With a love of detail and mostly in a limited edition, sometimes on colorful vinyl and with a lot of heart & soul, each record is an original contribution to German subculture, a delicious example is this: Dagowops were a band from the Munich area and consisted of Monika (vocals), Helmut & Hans (guitars), Willi (bass), Ernst (drums) and were active from 1980 to 1983. Monika's vocals were particularly outstanding which is why Dagowops were soon compared to Siouxie & The Banshees. They have had prolific musical output in form of two self-released tapes of around twenty tracks each, as well as a contribution on the first Munich Punk Sampler (Gruft Records) and a self-distributed EP. In the second phase, Tommy played bass. Sometime in 1983 the band disbanded. "Dagowops were never Punks. We had nothing to do with politics or other groups. We made Punkrock because we liked the genre and it was the only thing we could play. The most important thing was to have fun." (Hans) - This compilation features twenty rare numbers from their short life. 👍

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