GREG SAGE - Sacrifice (For Love) 1991

What does Monday need after a long, hard day at work? Either a hot date with an attractive lady or a decent musical ending to chill out.... of course, both is possible. Since unfortunately no rich woman has contacted me, I'll continue with part two of my intro and it's music at its finest, so let's go forward with the second and final solo album by Wipers frontman Greg Sage on Restless Records and this is a very good alternative. The album has ten refreshing songs with introspective lyrics in the typically melancholic sound, for which the protagonist is known for his unique style. On Sacrifice (For Love) he shows his ability to combine emotional depth and musical diversity and has all the spirit & mood that a good song needs. They often deal with themes such as love, loss and personal struggles, alarmed passion and quiet frustration. The production of the album is characteristic of Sage's approach, with a focus on atmospheric sounds and haunting melodies. It is a work that will appeal to fans of both Sage and the Wipers, and is one more example as an important release in his solo catalog. A really great experience and not at all intrusive!

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V/A - Keine Experimente! Vol. II 1984

It's time to relive the old days and the following Kompilation brings only positive memories back and it feels incredibly good to put this fucker out of sleep. This superb record from Weird System is an album that has caused a stir, especially in the German underground scene. This collection offers a more personal mix of relevant artists and is an absolute highlight. Just as the predecessor was a huge hit with more political stuff by essential German Punk bands, the second part is a perfect continuation and ensures a varied entertaining listening experience. Most of the beautys are only immortalized on this record and are real timeless classics that are now indispensable. Forty years have passed since then and I can look back and remember exactly how I felt at this time and how wonderful and carefree my life was, with less responsibility, fewer health issues, just living without thinking too much. And time wasn't important, now everything has become a little complicated and things have changed, not everything for the better, well, what can I say, I hate to repeat myself but getting old sucks. Overall, Keine Experimente! Vol.II is an exciting discovery that is recommended for old rockers and all newcomers who are interested in really good sounds. German craftsmanship!

1.Halt's Maul - TORPEDO MOSKAU

2.Flucht - AGEN 53

3.Treffen Bei Verdun - CRETINS

4.T.C.A. - TIN CAN ARMY

5.Ab Jetzt - VØLXFRØNT

6.Strength Thru Violence - PORNO PATROL

7.SWAPOland - NEUROTIC ARSEHOLES

8.Sie Werden Nie Verstehn - EA80

9.Ein Tropfen Im Feuer - CHAOS-Z

10.Alles Geht Weiter - NEUROTIC ARSEHOLES

11.In Gefahr - CHAOS-Z

12.Besatzer' Raus - VØLXFRØNT

13.Hoffnungen - EA80

14.Reality? - PORNO PATROL

15.Was Wollt Ihr - TORPEDO MOSKAU

16.American Dream - AGEN 53

17.Dead Born Babies - TIN CAN ARMY

18.Warten Auf... - CRETINS

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V/A - Raridades Vol.1 EP 2008

This little beauty came in a limited edition of 500 hand numbered copies and is equipped with four Portuguese bands who shine with four rough live recordings and is a collection of lesser known and unreleased tracks that are often of particular interest and offers an interesting insight into the creative process and development of these combos that contain a wild and amazing performance. The sound quality is acceptable throughout, even if there are a few small hiccups here and there - no idea how they were recorded - but on the whole it's absolutely acceptable and whether there will be a sequel to it is not clear. A brief overview of each song: Crise Total, this track addresses state repression and criticizes the authorities. The energetic instrumentation and haunting vocals make it clear that the band is conveying a clear message. Peste & Sida's song is about the fears and worries of the time, especially regarding nuclear threats and combinas catchy melodies and critical lyrics which reflects the societal tensions. The Censurados come with a political figure and a societal issue which is treated in a satirical way. The song is characterized by a powerful rhythm and provocative lyrics that make you think and the Vómito's are known for its satirical and often exaggerated approach to social issues. They combines humorous lyrics with a dynamic typical sound and the instrumentalists involved in this EP add to the diversity and soundscape. Overall, this slab offers not only a nostalgic look back at an important era in Portuguese music, but also a platform for critical and creative expression, a must-listen and a cool insight into the cultural and political currents of the small Portuguese underground scene.

1.Polícia De Intervenção - CRISE TOTAL

2.Medo Nuclear - PESTE & SIDA

3.Jorge Bruto - CENSURADOS

4.Orgia Paroquial - VÓMITO

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ATTANAS - Rokki EP 1985

Well, since the wonderful German railway ruined my weekend yesterday by not running, I am condemned to stay here alone and not with my girlfriend. Good for the blog, so I can be a bit active and first off to the far cold north of Europe and a visit to Tampere were we meet a four piece called Attanas, they made three 7Inches in the mid-eighties and the band consisted of Ronne (vocals), Tumppi (guitars), Wennari (bass), Maso (drums) and influences were drawn first mainly from '77 style. Their music is simple and the lyrics deal with social issues and personal experiences, they didn't really play much live but that's okay. In addition to their singles, they are featured on several Compilations, one of those is the famous Maanalainen Vuosikerta record from 1989. This record was released via Lentsun Klupi and has five solid, cozy numbers and is a good start into this fucking gray day.

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PROSECUTORS - I've Got A Message EP 1980

Founded in Milwaukee, the Prosecutors were four talented musicians who brilliantly embodied the rough and rebellious spirit beneath this sleeping city in their few songs. Their only EP was self-released in 1980 and is an excellent example of the musical and thematic range of the Prosecutors. We hear a small collection of three songs that are nice variable and captivating with their fast, melodic & aggressive rhythms and their sharp lyrics (social injustice, political corruption & personal freedom). Critics for I've Got A Message were mostly positive. Reviewers praised the record for its authenticity and the band's ability to convey powerful messages through their music, plus the raw energy and pristine production were seen as the perfect embodiment of the D.I.Y. spirit. Useless info at the end: "Track one and two were recorded at Cornerstone Studio, Milwaukee, track three is "live from a cassette tape," recorded at Milwaukee venue The Starship. Jeff Shapiro is credited as the drummer on the backcover, but the insert indicates that James D. Tessier played drums on 'I've Got A Message' & 'Dead Man' (corroborated in the oral history book "Brick Through The Window") and Kenny Baldwin (named as "Starship Proprietor") on 'Prosecution Rests'. Intense & passionate, like a red sweet Bordeaux.

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XTRACT - Blame It On The Youth EP 1983

Four piece Xtract hails from Sheffield and has made a name for itself in the local undergound scene. Founded in the late Seventies by Harvey (vocals), Karl (guitar), Rod (bass), Kip (drums) and the bands only record on Pax Records offers heaviness and energetic in a solid way, captures the rebellious, youthful feeling that runs through the entire record (they were'n really enthusiastic about the Iron Lady government). They put all their anger into four powerful aggressive statements which shows how masterfully the band understand to combine raw energy with emotional depth. In addition to these recordings they made many CD-R's with demos etc... but I don't have it. Xtract is featured on numerous interesting Compilations and, as far as I know, are still active. Now enjoy these attractive little busy bees.

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BAGS - Survive 7'' 1978

The Bags (also known as Bags or Alice Bag Band) were an American band formed in 1977, one of the first generation of Punk combos to emerge from Los Angeles. Formed by Alicia Armendariz & Patricia Morrison, who had met while waiting in line to see Elton John guest on Cher. The two became fast friends and eventually decided to form a band called Femme Fatale. Kim Fowley heard about their band and asked the members to audition for Venus & The Razorblades, Fowley's next attempt at creating a band after the Runaways had left him. Femme Fatale eventually morphed into a new band, which became Bags. They took the band's name and their stage names "Alice Bag" and "Pat Bag" from a gimmick that the band used during early performances where they performed with grocery bags over their heads (the practice did not last, in part due to an incident where Darby Crash of the Germs got on stage and ripped the bag off Alice's head). Alice Bag was the vocalist and Pat Bag played bass, and the rest of the band comprised guitar players Craig Lee and Rob Ritter, and Terry Graham on drums. The Bags played their first concert at The Masque on September 10, 1977. Their concerts were often accompanied by disorderly scenes, including altercations with celebrities, such as one between singer Tom Waits and drummer Nicky Beat at The Troubadour. In 1978, they released their only record, a single called 'Survive' which was released by independent record label Dangerhouse Records. 'We Don't Need The English' was included on the Yes L.A. Compilation (1979) released by the same label.

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THE RAVES - Damned Money 7'' 1981

The Raves were a Belgian five piece from Roeselare and consisted of Jacques (vocals), Patrick & Gilbert (guitars), Alain (bass), Patrick (drums). This is their only piece with two dynamic and catchy cocktails. Their music combines elements of rock, pop and indie, which has earned them a little fan base. It looks at first glance like a shabby hippie rock record but I have to say, this bloody sucker (200 copies exist) is an outstanding example of the versatility style of the five and the title song addresses the negative effects of money and materialism on life and interpersonal relationships (I'm feeling this very strongly at the moment because a dear friend is closing off her emotional world in favor of the material world and possibly becoming blunted, sad sad story). - With powerful riffs and a catchy chorus, the slab has quickly gained popularity and shows the band's musical ability and creative energy. The Raves have made a strong statement and invite their listeners to think about the influence of damn money on dear friends or society. The flip has a superb half Reggae companion. Featured on Bloodstains Across The World #5.

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INTESTINES - Life In A Cardboard Box EP 1980

Formed in 1978 in Bournemouth by Harry (vocals), John (guitar), Sid (bass), Rob (drums) and they were the first Punk combo in this City and this is their classic EP on Alternative Capitalists. The band is known for their simple, amateurish sound that combines the aggressive energy of punk with a certain melodiousness. The four were part of the first wave of Punk in the UK and made a name for themselves through their energetic live performances and provocative lyrics. A few members played after the break in 1981 (reformed 2008) later in Butcher. The band's lyrics often addressed everyday life, social injustices and the frustrations of youth. They were part of the classic D.I.Y. ethic and often released their music independently. The Life In A Cardboard Box EP from 1980 is a striking example of the raw and unpolished sound of the British Punk of the time. The EP contains three tracks that reflect the essence of the Punk movement while highlighting the band's unique characteristics. Fantastic KBD record which the band captures both the anger and despair of the youth of the time with their haunting lyrics. The Intestines were certainly not the most famous band of their time, but their music leaves a lasting impression and shows how diverse and expressive Punkrock can be.

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GAUZE - Fuck Heads 1985

Absolutely essential Japanese Hardcore goodie by this four piece, founded autumn 1981 and members are Fugu (vocals), Momorin (guitars), Shin (bass) & Hiko (drums). Having released five albums as well as appearing on numerous Compilations since their formation, the band has had a major impact on the Japanese HardcorePunk scene. According to Gauze's bassist, Shin, their initial goal was to play as fast as possible. They attempted to give the impression of playing fast without actually playing fast. The first Gauze recordings are the tracks from the 1982 City Rocker Compilation, which featured ten of their songs. Their debut album, Fuck Heads, was released June 1985. Shortly after, they recorded Equalizing Distort, which was released in March 1986. They released the Genkai Wa Doko Da ("What’s the Limit?") LP in 1989, and in 1991 they played a 10th anniversary gig, where they played three sets covering the three periods they had gone through in the previous ten years. They played 51 songs over these three sets. In 1996, they began a US tour, though it lasted just three shows - a fourth was scheduled, but was cancelled. They played at Gilman St. in Berkeley, at the Bomb Shelter in Minneapolis and in Chicago at the Fireside Bowl. They also recorded songs for a 7" that came out on Prank a little after this, while they were in San Francisco. As of 2006, Gauze performed a live version of every album they recorded. They used older instruments to replicate the sounds from previous albums. In 2019 they have started touring Japan again and finally the band dissolved in November 2022. (Info: wiki) "The first album by Gauze from Tokyo which they released forty years ago and this bloody sucker is a milestone. It isn’t just the particular ferocity that Gauze has been sonically assaulting us with for nearly forty years. It’s not just the speed. It’s not how ahead of its time their music was back in ’86 when they unleashed Equalizing Distort on our unsuspecting ears. It’s not just how innovative and weird Gauze’s sporadic releases continue to be. It’s not just the razor sharp precision with which the songs are played. Here’s Gauze, in the future, still playing with all the passion, precision and seething contempt a lot of bands made up of people half their age couldn’t muster, still ahead of their time." (review: www.dropdeadhc.com)

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