VICIOUS VISIONS - Retrodisrespect 1980-1983 [2019]

Vicious Visions was formed in Halmstad by Magnus Svensson alias No (vocals) & Bo Karlsson alias Mr. Boo (instruments) but soon moved to Berlin and honed his craft in occupied houses in the shadow of the iron curtain. They may come from the same city as Roxette but their music has more in common with Suicide, Stooges and the Residents. Where the single "I beat you" got an extra dimension because the band had no drummer at the time of recording and therefore used drum machine, Retrodisrespect can give a slightly broader understanding of how Vicious Visions sounded; here are songs from both full band set to just the duo behind the single. From wild Punk cleaners to Suicide-scented nowave. In collaboration with the band, Busy Bee Productions can finally give the world a full-length album with Vicious Visions. You can read in Peter Jandreus' Swedish Punk Encyclopedia (which features the cover of the 7Inch "I Beat You/No No's" on the cover) that the duo began in 1979 with covers of the Sex Pistols drowned in an ocean of Feedback and howling. Vicious Visions was a trio with Burco Bozztic drummer of Sabotage 81 for some time, the group performed locally in Malmö, Gothenburg, Denmark & Germany... This fantastic anthology published in 2019 by Busy B Production allows you to do an opinion beyond their single single, an approach much closer to the Residents of the 80s with Snakefinger, Chrome and the early Punk wave of the Screamers than the Swedish Punk bands of the time. Vicious Vision's single "I Beat You" is a holy grail within the Punk, not only because of the limited edition of just 109 items, but also because it is a Monster hit. Great Stuff!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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D.R.I. - Dirty Rotten LP 1983

Kurt (vocals), Spike (guitars), Dennis (bass) & Eric (drums), the first line-up of D.R.I. (Dirty Rotten Imbeciles) released their first masterpiece with twenty-two blasts on a 7Inch in 1983 on their own label Dirty Rotten Records. In the same year it was re-released as 12Inch by R Radical Records (MDC label) and this slab ranks high in my top ten. I remember exactly how blown away I was after going through this Hardcore firework, and the bar was already set high because MDC's debut is a milestone and I had a hard time imagining it rising, but this band from Houston (later based in San Francisco) went one "better". Pure energy paired with skilful, almost virtuoso interplay at a brisk tempo plus Kurt's fantastic voice. This is real magic and makes every Hardcore heart beating faster, being in love is harmless in comparison. And that's exactly the sound to get your emotions straight to the point and create slogans that are burned into your brain. Anyone who has heard that will have to become someone else, at least that's how it was for me. And this music is great if you want to clear your head, when it's full of shit, tried and true home remedy. You see, there's a reason I picked this record for today, and it's the weekend so appropriate for that too. I want give you a sparkling review which I can't:

"Starting with the awesome 'I Don't Need Society' and ending with the anthemic 'Explorer', D.R.I.'s debut album was an important stepping stone in the evolution of both metal and hardcore. D.R.I. drew a line in the sand between the American hardcore bands who wanted to stick close to the original punk sound and bands who wanted to branch out into heavy metal territory. D.R.I.'s use of thunderous heavy metal drumming and California Hardcore songwriting made Dirty Rotten LP something special, putting them in a category with Corrosion Of Conformity and Suicidal Tendencies as the forefront of a new movement. Their angry lyrics revolved around the usual political and social ills, but their approach was a staggering blend of pre-grindcore blastbeats (that particular drumming style may have even had its first recorded instance here), blunt and simplistic guitar riffs, and an acidic vocal workout from the young Kurt Brecht. His charismatic shout was the tone-deaf glue that kept the band together, especially in the face of abbreviated songs and sloppy playing. With some humorous lyrics, endless enthusiasm, and a penchant for short song times (only one song makes it past the two-minute mark), D.R.I.'s debut was a landmark album that paved the way for exciting new hardcore bands to spring up in its wake." (Bradley Torreano)

If you like loud old school Eighties Hardcore, this is for you! 

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STRETCH MARKS - What D'Ya See 1984

Well, let's move back to Canada and visit Winnipeg. There we meet the Stretch Marks and after the great Who's In Charge EP 1983 they delivered a year later their only album via their own label Headbutt Records. First, a suitable review: "While some of the ferocity and offbeat humor of their debut EP is absent here, Winnipeg’s STRETCH MARKS still manage to come out with a creditable album. Breakneck thrashers like 'Turnbuckle Stomp' and the title track are the standouts among these thirteen mid- to fast-speed punkers, though the cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon [Rising]” also lives up to all expectations." (Steve Spinali, MRR #17 • September 1984)

Stretch Marks were an unyielding quartet of road warriors who waved the flag for western Canadian hardcore like few others. Because singer Dave McCombe (a.k.a. Dik Savage), Bill Jackson (guitars), Kelly Jackson (drums) and bassist Mark Langtry (a.k.a. Sikby, a.k.a. Mark Stretchmark) were more organized than most other bands, they formed their own record label Headbutt Records and released a six-song EP called Who's In Charge in 1983, followed by the thirteen song album What D’Ya See in 1984. They even had a booted, circle-dancing cartoon alligator as a mascot! The Who and What records gave the band a reason to tour to all points west and south and so they did, relentlessly and purposefully, playing any venue that would have them, from garages for less than a dozen people to Southern California auditoriums for thousands. These two recordings are thus snapshots of a specific time and place, and this Sounds Escaping collection, which features all nineteen tracks from those releases, plus two songs released on compilation albums and one previously unreleased cut, is an essential document of an age.

It’s also a very real encapsulation of the Stretchies’ evolution as both writers and players. The songs from Who’s In Charge are short, sharp bursts of rage, with nihilistic lyrics that howl at the insanity of Cold War politics (this was the Reagan era, remember), the possibility of nuclear holocaust (Barren Cities) and the posing of inauthentic scenesters (Professional Punks). The band also had a sense of humour that was an important part of their live act and which surfaced on Dogs World.

What D’Ya See captures Stretch Marks at their best. They were a taut, well-oiled unit by 1984 and left audiences breathless with the sheer pace and brutal force of their sonic attack. Songs such as 'Time In Black' and 'Deaducated' were guaranteed to fill any pit, while other cuts, such as 'Another Tragedy', 'Lookin’ For Danger' and the fabulous 'Preacher', featured arrangements and tempos that hinted at new directions. The rousing 'Turnbuckle Stomp', a hilarious tune about AWA wrestling, quickly became a fan favourite wherever it was played.

The Who & What collection comes with an exhaustive, full-colour booklet (this one’s twenty-four pages) featuring a band history by Chris Walter and a funny piece by Matt Vinet, who managed the Stretchies from 1981 to 1985. It’s been worth waiting thirty-three years to finally hear it all in one place. (source: winnipegfreepress)

Perfect album that really kicks, my favorite song is 'Another Tragedy', fits perfectly at the moment.

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V/A - Follow No Leaders! 1996

Today a notable Oi!/Punk compilation on Nat Records with featuring nine Japanese bands, two songs each (except Chaos), delivering an amazing Streetpunk salvo here. And music from this country is always worth buying, be it drastic Hardcore that is wild and untamed with ecstatic vocals or melodic Oi! which always rushes into the ear and stays there. In addition, the expressive lyrics which illustrate a clear opinion. The anti-attitude against the system can be felt in every song and shows clearly what a broken form of society is present there. I mean, the same shit is going here, but I think it's a bit more extreme there. I've never been to Japan and maybe I won't make it in this life, but I would definitely like to. Follow No Leaders is not an empty phrase, it is a life wisdom that is burned in and gives a sense of self-determination and authenticity to decide things for yourself. Enjoy!

1.Long Live Oi! - THE DISCOCKS

2.Middle Class Melodies - CHARGED LADS

3.Fuck The Disco's - THE ATTACKED

4.System Revenge - TOM & THE BOOT BOYS

5.Counter Attack By Youth - YOUTH ANTHEM

6.We Are Ugly Punk Bastards - THE SPIKY JOYS

7.Daily Life - EXPOSE 82

8.We Are The Freak - THE DERIDE

9.Chaos - CHAOS

10.Piss Off MTV Punks - TOM & THE BOOT BOYS

11.Fuckin' Nazis Annihilation - THE SPIKY JOYS

12.No Money - THE DERIDE

13.Saturday Night's (For Younger Proud) - THE ATTACKED

14.Screamin' N...(Pogo With Beer) - CHARGED LADS

15.Punk And Proud - THE DISCOCKS

16.All The Boys Stick Together - YOUTH ANTHEM

17.Pure Punk Anthem - EXPOSE 82

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FUNERAL SERVICE - Pills 7'' 1986

Funeral Service was a five piece from Reims that initially did mostly covers and consisted of T. Wippler (vocals), D. Doche & A. Proust (guitars), M. Kaltenbach (bass), L. Hesnault (drums). Pills is their only vinyl and was released via Black Cat Fun and is a decent garagepunk number with catchy melodies and swinging rhythm. I think, they would also feel at home with a place on the relevant compilations (you know which ones I mean) just a pity that no one discovered them. The flip is a nice cover version of the Undertones classic Teenage Kicks. All in all a decent record, fresh tunes and I can listen to it anytime. - And in three hours I'll see what the SGE is doing in the second round of the DFB Cup.

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OFF! - Learn To Obey 7'' 2014

The right soundtrack to start the new week of fucking work comes from Los Angeles and this 7Inch was released via Vice Records and is limited to 2000 copies. OFF! means: short, intense, pissed off Hardcore blasts. And why I chose them today is partly because their sound suits every Monday, and I want to discreetly point out their third record Free LSD, which has just been released. Let me quote you a brilliant review that cannot make this wonderful slab any more appetizing:

"Not only does it have two absolutely killer tracks, but even renowned street artist Shepard Fairey made the cover art for this 7Inch. The title track was apparently inspired by the cover art. It has to be one of OFF!'s most hard-hitting tracks that the band has come out with so far. "Learn To Obey" has OFF!'s classic speed and some very well-worked dissonance in the chorus. Of course, Keith and the rest of the band are awesome on this track, but Dimitri's guitar work is especially great here. This song has probably one of the best guitar solos that he's ever recorded with this band. Not to mention that "Learn To Obey" has a great "think for yourself" and "anti-conformity" message in the lyrics that does not come off as a cliché or corny at all. OFF! did a great job matching this song up to the album art. On the B-side is a song called "I See Through You," which believe it or not, is faster than the title track. And to be quite frank, this song is just about calling people out on their bullshit and it's absolutely fantastic because the lyrics perfectly illustrate how it feels to do that: "You made it happen/Take life for what it is/Sugar-coated action!" (Ricky Frankel)

I just really hope that someday they will come again to Europe and have a gig near me. And now dear friends, have a pleasant Monday 😎

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COCKS IN STAINED SATIN - A Hard Cocks Night EP 1986

Today is my best friend's birthday and therefore a little treat from our hometown. The rare EP from Cocks In Stained Satin with four icings. Released via Clorex Records, 208 pressed, hand-numbered and in clear green vinyl. Hebe (vocals), Zoppo (guitars), Andi Social (bass), Bernd (drums) are in topform in terms of play and verbally it is also clearly to the point. On the one hand the visit to a nice girl is documented (the XXX Version), there is a live recording of a Johnny Cash classic, a cover version from the rehearsal room and a song from the Trasher Dome session that didn't make it onto the album. That should arouse your interest and I'm sure the gentleman who's now out, will like it too. So with this little dittie, this chapter is complete and I can lie down again.

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GENERATORS - Summertime 7'' 1981

Now a rare piece from Cleveland based NewWave band Generators and this short-lived five piece consisted of Eva (vocals), Don (vocals/guitars) Jimmy (guitars), Stutz (bass), Mark (drums) and this is their only sucker with two cuts on Big Noise Records (probably their own label but I don't know it right). One thing is for sure, the A-side is an extremely pop song with a female voice that makes me feel a bit wistful and moves my ass less, and even comes across as really boring, New Wave, PowerPop? well, that's in the eye of the beholder. The b-side is the clear winner with its punky rhythm and dirty delivery. But there is no room for complaining here! A slab that is certainly interesting for every lover of this blog and because it is so fucking rare it belongs here and in the end I don't care, you must take what I give you, I'm King! (You can see how nice it is to be the Boss, uhhhh!). Bundesliga is waiting; today versus Leverkusen and three points should be possible at home.

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PETER & THE TEST TUBE BABIES - Crap Californian Punk Band 7'' 2017

Weekend and suitable for this is the following musical explosion and Peter's Test Tube Babies (known as much for their snarky sense of humor and working-class outlook) pre-released this 7inch from their album That Shallot on Arising Empire Records and is limited to 400 copies. Short story: in 2017 the four toured the United States in support of their above mentioned album, and they made headlines when Bywaters was deported after a show in which he dressed up as the blond idiot on-stage. Some media outlets reported that Bywaters' less than flattering impersonation of the President was the reason he was sent back to the UK, but US Customs and Border Protection officials insisted it was simply a matter of Peter having the wrong visa. Howsoever, they made an official video for this song which was shot in sunny Hastings and features cameo appearances by Rancid frontman Lars Fredericksen and Hasting’s own Maid Of Ace. The flip is also a small highlight, namely the Toten-Hosen dare to 'The Jinx', the classic Babies hit from the early days. And they don't do that badly at all. In any case, a nice record and you can now open a cool 🍺.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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HERWIG MITTEREGGER - Kein Mut-Kein Mädchen 1983

First solo album from Herwig Mitteregger and I bought it because of the terrific 'Kalt Wie Ein Stein' single which became one of my favorite songs and I still enjoy listening to it nowadays. A bit info: "Herwig was ahead of his time. His music is far more akin to the Punk it originally came from than the typical Spliff sound. Less pop, more rock is the order of the day here. Production techniques that were innovative at the time, multifaceted arrangements and ingenious ideas when writing Mitteregger's words make this album something special. Kein Mut - Kein Mädchen is a diverse and inspired album that was unparalleled at the time." (Source: Deutsche-Mugge) - Eight atmospherically varied songs, including a cool cover version of AC/DC, are gathered on this record, which aren't always funny, but inspire and still have a merriment here and there. Good stuff!

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