THE IDEALS - High Art! EP 1982

The Ideals were a cool three piece from Austin and active in the Eighties and the band consisted of Davey (vocals/guitars), Richard (vocals/bass), Arthur (drums). This is their debut EP with four nice goodies which were recorded Live At Raul's Club in Austin on 18. September 1980. Their style combined the rough elements of Punkrock with melodic hooks and it is fascinating how they mixed the local scene with their own influences and left a lasting impression. The Ideals' High Art! EP is a remarkable work that showcases their signature sound and lyrical themes well. Combining energetic riffs with catchy melodies, the EP reflects the social and personal issues that are typical of the band. The lyrics are often provocative and thought-provoking, while the music combines the raw energy with a modern twist. The sound quality is clear and powerful, which enhances the intensity of the three immensely. I appreciate the mix of nostalgic influences and fresh ideas that this little piece of wax offers. Overall, a good example of the Ideals' ability to combine their wild sound while addressing relevant topics. Fucking good!

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KULTA DIMENTIA - Außer Funktion 2x7'' 1997

I rummaged around a bit on my hard drive and found something suitable for today. For this we travel to Austria’s capital and meet Kulta Dimentia, a four piece from Vienna and consisted of Tom (vocals), Philipp (guitars), Eva (bass), Roman (drums) and this is their only 7Inch, but there are two of them, which was released three years after the debut album. The band is known for its metallic Punk style and combines both genres in an excellent way. The band has made a name for itself in the local music scene and attracts audiences with its energetic performances. Characterized by profound themes, their lyrics deal with both personal and social issues. Catchy melodies and harmonious instrument behavior lead to a varied sound experience, which has helped them gain a bit of popularity and they have immortalized how it all comes across live on a CD, which was recorded on December 21st in Vienna's Flex. Overall OK.

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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LA FRACTION - La Vie Rêvée 2006

La Fraction is an amazing French four piece from Paris and since 1992 active and this is their third studio album with ten great catchy and melodic tunes where no nose remains dry, and from the first edition were 2000 copies pressed. The band simply do their thing, don't rush around, don't give a damn about any Zeitgeist and have long since found their very own sound and style mix: melodic, rousing Punkrock, which is made so unique and unmistakable by Magali's outstanding voice. Somewhere between the Distillers and French chanson music, as crazy and wild as that may sound. This band can do anything and has perhaps lasted so long because they don't care about conventions and scene codes any more than they do about classic songwriting. At first glance, La Fraction are not always easy but they develop something new and with each listening they are left with wonderful little nuggets that carry you away and inspire you. Powerful and finally really well and lavishly produced and as they themselves so aptly title: Simply too old to die young. I'm sure you want more so check their stuff from the early days. 

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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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