RUINERS - Blank Your Life! EP 1999

Early morning, always a shitty time, but the next record changes that: the Ruiners were a four piece from Cleveland and consisted of Chris (vocals), Paul (guitars), Bobby (bass), Wedge (drums) and this is their lone EP with seven superb Nineties Hardcore goodies and 300 copies were pressed and released via Non-Commercial/Bloodclot Records. The songs address personal pain and frustration, delivered with a "violent vehemence" and a defiant attitude and the lyrics are introspective, yet accessible to a wide audience. They focus on failed relationships and general life frustrations without descending into melodrama, and I'm sure many of you can relate to them. Add to this is the high-energy sound, which characterizes the raw, unadulterated form of classic Hardcore, blending melody and aggression. It's consistently intense, and anyone who enjoys a wild, aggressive sound will be well served. Enjoy a coffee with it and come good through this day!

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FLIEHENDE STÜRME - Licht Vergeht 2005

The sixth album by Fliehende Stürme is one of their best and consistently delivers a high level, I love listen to and it doesn't matter which feeling I have. It's always fresh with its ten emotional volcanic eruptions that get under your skin and speak volumes. It shines with the typical lyrics that are threatening, hopeless and illusionless, leaving no doubt that life and the world are inextricably linked to suffering. But those who listen closely will be equally enthusiastic; certainly not for do-gooders or anniversary celebrations, but those who know themselves and see through the mundane society will find confirmation in it. And today I am in exactly this mood in view of the coldness and hard-heartedness of some contemporaries; it's always the same, but doing nothing isn't a solution and the approaching Christmas season is rather inconvenient. Sometimes it's good to look back; the engine is restarted and the journey forward can begin again, even if the sun isn't shining.

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TELEGRAMA - Chica Del Metro 7'' 1982

Uhhhh, it was a bit much today, but I managed everything, and now another post. If you grabbed the Powerpearls Compi #2, you'll certainly have noticed this combo. I'm talkin' about this Spanish four piece PowerPop from Barcelona and they consisted of Berto (vocals/bass), José & Juan (guitars), Jordi (drums) and they released one 7Inch via Flor Y Nata Records. They later founded a new band called Hotel. Telegrama was a Mod/Powerpop revival group formed in 1980 in Badalona (Barcelona). The four members, then eighteen years old and from Alquitrán, decided to change their sound and rename themselves accordingly. After a year of touring Catalonia, they recorded two songs for this 7Inch in February 1982 @ Moraleda Studios: "Chica Del Metro" (Subway Girl) & "Jugando Sucio" (Playing Dirty). This was the first release on their newly founded label, Flor Y Nata Records. The artwork was by Manolo García, then with Los Rápidos and later with Los Burros and El Último De La Fila. The single was very well received, and the initial pressing of 1000 copies quickly sold out. Over time, it became a cult classic. Shortly after, in May, Telegrama filmed a music video for their single "Chica Del Metro" for the Spanish radio and television program "Pista Libre". The song was also included on the Compilation album "Locos Por La Música" (Crazy About Music), released via Pista Libre. The album also featured artists such as Parálisis Permanente, Derribos Arias & Zoquillos. Just as their success was reaching its peak, the band members were called up for military service. In December, they reunited to record a four-song Demo and played their final concert as Telegrama on December 23, 1982, @ the Metro in Barcelona. Both songs are superb and perfectly suited to the end of today.

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GANG OF FOUR - Damaged Goods EP 1978

Today I have a lot planned: first, I'll fill the blog with some important eavesdropping posts, then rip a compilation album, and afterwards whip up a delicious turkey stew, all while enjoying some Äppler. That sounds relaxing, and it's gray outside, but my place is nice and warm. Let's start with the first one: Released via the Scottish independent label Fast Product, this was the first release by Gang Of Four from Leeds. Founding members were Jon (vocals), Andy (guitars), Dave (bass) and Hugo (drums). The band play a stripped-down mix of Punkrock, funk & dub, with a lyrical emphasis on the social and political ills of society. Gang Of Four are widely considered one of the leading bands of the late 1970s/early 1980s PostPunk movement. This three track piece was a #1 indie chart hit and a John Peel favourite. I usually have a bit trouble with early so-called PostPunk because I usually find it boring, too ornate and experimental, but the four do a really brilliant job, and the songs are catchy and anything but stressful; yes, I like the record. Do yourself a favor and click the right button; you can find more infos about the band on your own.

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V/A - Powerpearls Vol.2 1998

It's been a long time since I presented a Powerpearls Compilation in this theater, and today I was just in the mood for some good music, and this excellent series with fantastic songs/bands is perfect. Volume two is packed with hit after hit, leaving hardly any time to breathe. It's ideal for clearing your mind, fitting your body, sipping a warm cup of tea, and writing some bullshit about an awesome record. From all corners of the brave new world, outcasts have unpacked their instruments and created sounds that make the everyday routine crap and dealing with the dumbed-down society easier and more pleasant for us. Eighteen Pearls wait for your ears, all as rare as snow in the Sahara and the record was also released on yellow vinyl... and remember: "You can't experience early enough how dispensable you are in the world." Now you know.

1.Got To Have Pop - THE MODERNS

2.Teen Line - THE SHIVVERS

3.Diamonds In The Rough - VERTEBRATS

4.Don't Take Her Away - THE GO

5.Ghost Of A Chance - THE BLADES

6.Kirjoituksia Kellarista - KOLLAA KESTÄÄ

7.Too Cool To Dance - THE NAMES

8.Show Her You Care - STRANGEWAYS

9.Dumb Blonde - THE JAGS

10.Pill Girl - VOGUE

11.Breakdown - THE TOYS

12.Just Want Your Attention - PROTEX

13.Rock Show - EXCEL

14.Killing Time - LEFTOVERS

15.The Original Mixed-Up Kid - VARIOUS ARTISTS

16.Chica Del Metro - TELEGRAMA

17.Ole Hyvä Nyt - RATSIA

18.Fun - LONGPORT BUZZ

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MARIE MARIE - Do You Do You Brush Your Teeth? 7'' 1980

Only record by this Belgian girl and Marie Marie has the ultimate message: so if you now brush your teeth every single morning, this catchy song, which is very similar in sound to Mister Bertrand's style, will remind you to do it for longer than three minutes. Doing it in the evening is pointless. The flip is a nice, catchy poppy piece that I can listen to, and then it disappears just as quickly. About Marie herself there isn't much information available and Compilations weren't among their friends either; I guess she had a bit of fun with making Punk music and then went back into the anonymity of society. The record was released on the French label Vogue and isn't easy to find these days, so keep your eyes and ears open.

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DMZ - First Time Is The Best Time 7'' 1986

One of Boston’s primary Punk bands, DMZ (stands for Demilitarized Zone) and known for its blend of Punk aggression and Sixties Garage Rock and psychedelia. Led by the maniacal Mono Mann (aka Jeff Conolly, later of the Lyres), an organist/singer and Iggy Pop fixation formed the basis for the group’s influential stylings. Their first s/t album was released 1978, produced by Flo and Eddie, has bad sound, sloppy playing and little character, despite the raveup playing and general enthusiasm. This two-sided killer 7Inch is their fourth one is anything but awful, more like a sunny day with pleasant friends and you'll hear them too when you're busy with talking. In 2003, DMZ closed their headquarters and until 2011 a few records were released, mostly Compilations with rare and live material. Well, some of their recordings have been criticized for production, the band's live performances and raw energy were highly influential. That's all for now, I'm leaving now to have some fun and I'll be back shortly.

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SOFA HEAD - Invitation To Dinner EP 1990

We stay in the UK for a while longer and fly to the north and visit Darlington where we meet Sofa Head (brilliant band-name), a great Nineties Punk band that composed largely of members of Dan with Claire (vocals), Ian (guitar/vocals), founder Ian (bass) and Andrew (drums). Tracks from the band's first first demo, "World" and "Ugly" appeared on the Meantime Records Compilation Spleurk!. Early performances featured a drum machine until they managed to lure drummer Laing from the audience. Andrew (ex-Dan) also recalled playing a handful of gigs as the band timekeeper. Drawing inspiration from the Punkrock pioneers of the 1970s, such as the Ramones & the Sex Pistols, Sofa Head infused their own unique style into the genre, pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Their music was characterized by its raw intensity, blistering guitar riffs, and aggressive, high-octane performances. Their lyrics delved into themes of societal discontent, political disillusionment and the struggles faced by the working class.

Sofa Head made four albums. Pre Marital Yodelling (1127 Walnut Ave.), the title of which is an oblique reference to both Jehovah's Witnesses and Laurel & Hardy. Recorded in July 1989 it was released on Meantime in the UK, on the Double A label in Germany and on the Profane Existence label in the USA. This was followed by the four track EP Invitation To Dinner on the Rugger Bugger Discs label and a John Peel session. This 7Inch featured on the second album What A Predicament. The band released a 12", titled Twat!, featuring two studio tracks & live tracks on the flipside. Laing left the band and joined Leatherface, replaced by a drummer called Graham for the 3rd album Acres Of Geeses. However, Graham disappeared on the eve of the support tour and Laing filled in, finally being replaced by Matthew from the Cleveland band KITO. This line-up did two European tours and a live US 4th album (More Is Not A Word In Our Vocabulary). Sofa Head disbanded in 1994.

Sofa Head's music was characterized by its raw intensity, blistering guitar riffs, and aggressive, high-octane performances. Their lyrics delved into themes of societal discontent, political disillusionment, growing up and a shitty childhood, and all the shit we go through as young People, blah blah blah... the 1st & 2nd album have subsequently been released on a Boss Tuneage CD Compi "Pre Marital Predicament". Enough nonsense, now I'm going to the kitchen and see which delicious dinner I can prepare for myself. Take care!

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GORILLAS - It's My Life 7'' 1978

It's time for a little trip, and my pilot just informed me that the weather is perfect for a helicopter flight to London. So, off we go! Here we'll meet a band that started back in 1972 under their first band name, the Hammersmith Gorillas. More from wiki: Jesse Hector played in bands from the age of eleven, first the Sun Records influenced Rock & Roll Trio between 1959 and 1961, and then the R&B influenced band the Cravattes between 1962 and 1964. Cravattes bassist Adrian Stambach joined mod outfit the Clique in 1963. Jesse then reformed the Rock & Roll Trio (1966-1967) before starting two more short-lived bands, the Way of Life (1967) and the Mod Section (1968) and went on to form the proto-Punk band Crushed Butler in 1969 with drummer Darryl Read and bassist Allen Butler. After a brief flirtation with EMI Records, Dick James Music, and Decca Records the band was renamed Tiger in autumn 1970, until Darryl left to join the glam rock group Dizzy after Tiger disbanded, then Hector with the addition of new drummer Gary Anderson and bassist Vic Allen changed name again to Helter Skelter in 1971. With the addition of bassist Allen Butler (who also had been one of a number of different bass players that passed through the Crushed Butler various lineups) the band became the Hammersmith Gorillas in 1972 taking their name from London's pro-Castro activist group the Hammersmith Guerillas.

The band's debut release was a cover version of the Kinks' "You Really Got Me" on the Penny Farthing label, produced by Larry Page, and timed to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the original release. They then signed to Chiswick Records and recording two singles for the label with session drummers Chris Townson playing on the first single and Matt McIntyre playing on the second single for the label. With Gary Anderson back on drums the band begin to build a loyal fanbase before moving on to Raw Records. In 1976, they played at the Mont-de-Marsan Punk Festival in the south of France along with the Damned and Eddie & The Hot Rods. After two more singles in 1978, the band's debut (and only) studio album was issued, Message to the World.

Hector was noted for his extravagant sideburns, and was a keen self-publicist, declaring the Gorillas to be "the future of rock music". He was influenced by several dead rock stars, and several tracks on the band's album were performed in the style of his heroes, including a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady" and "Going Fishing" performed in the style of Marc Bolan. They returned to Chiswick in 1981 for the "Move It" single with Jimmy Knight appearing on bass, before splitting up after Alan Butler died from injuries sustained in a horse riding accident. Hector continued to regularly perform live around London, working with a new band, Jesse Hector & The Sound, in the early 1990s, with bassist Kevin White and drummer Gilles Baillarguet. The band issued a single in 1991, "Leavin' Town" on the Clawfist label. When the group split in 1993, Hector assembled a new band, the Gatecrashers, named after a Gorillas single, contributing to several retro-garage rock compilations and releasing an EP in 2000, Keep on Moving.

Later Hector worked as a cleaner at the Hackney Empire theatre and the Royal Horticultural Society, and was the subject of a documentary film in 2008, A Message To The World, directed by Caroline Catz, which was shown as part of the Raindance festival, and at the Barbican as part of its "Pop Mavericks" season.

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BOXHAMSTERS - Prinz Albert 1993

Fourth album by the Boxhamsters, which was accompanied by a 7Inch that isn't included in this file - it will come later, I can't find it right now. The four have been considered for years to be the epitome of authentic German Punkrock music, biting, cynical and accusatory. The sound seems a bit thin compared to the previous album, but maybe I'm just hard of hearing. Anyway, Prinz Albert is another excellent record, and every song is a cracker, emotional and thought-provoking. That's the great thing about bands like them, they never made a bad album; I don't have to write much because I'm a lousy reviewer... just listen and immerse yourself in.

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