COCKNEY REJECTS - Bad Man! 7'' 1980

Founded in London's East End in 1978, and with some interruptions, the Oi! Punks are still on the road, delighting young and old with their songs and live performances. The Cockney Rejects were one of the first bands I encountered in my young outsider existence, and I'm sure I'll grow old with them; their early works are all classics throughout. And I give you this as a recommendation if you don't know anything about these gentlemen. This is their third 7Inch with two Smashers from the debut album and what should I tell you? The music and words speak a clear language that needs no further explanation, listen or perish!

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SCHEMATIX - Jagged Edge EP 1981

Another rare EP now and we move to sunny California, home of the Schematix which formed 1979 in Santa Cruz as the X-Dreamists. Original members were Jill (vocals/keyboards), Debby & Mike (guitars), Marco (bass) and Jeff X (drums). Released via Subliminal Records and garnished with three synthpunk cocktails with wild femme vocals. They gigged frequently at smaller venues like Santa Cruz Art Center (where nearly 150 people showed up for their record-release party in 1981) and built a small fan base in their region. Unfortunately, they never released any further records and finally disbanded in 1983. The band features on some interesting Compis and leaves behind a 7Inch with heart and passion!

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DISGUISE - Hey Baby 7'' 1978

Superb 7Inch by Disguise from Hartlepool on Chiswick Records with two outstanding killer tunes. The A-side entices with a melodic power-pop treat that somehow reminds me of a band from Liverpool, well, a little bit at least. The flip comes along with a punky banger that'll make your bodyhairs stand on end. I seriously wonder why this little gem didn't get more attention? There are far worse records out there, but tastes differ, so Disguise didn't have much of a chance, which is a shame. The band really had potential. Well, both songs were featured on a few Compilations, and that's a bit of recognition.

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REVENGE - We’re Not Gonna Take It 7'' 1978

Rare stuff now and from North London came this short-lived three piece combo called Revenge and they consisted of Lol (vocals/guitars), Ian (bass), Dave (drums) and this is their second 7Inch on their own label Loony Records. The recordings are extremely raw, even by Punk standards-particularly but that's exactly what's fascinating, and we all know the typical UK sound: fast, hard and dynamic. Revenge are different, and that's why I like this fucking record. Unfortunately they received little attention and vanished without a trace. At least the detectives honored them for their essential Compilations. That's the first prank, the second will follow later.

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DRUNKEN NUNS - Furto Con Destrezza EP 1995

Let's stay in the Nineties and visit a small town on the Mediterranean. There we meet the Drunken Nuns, a short-lived Oi! band from Savona, consisting of Simone (vocals), Master (guitars), Tony (bass), Roby (drums), and were active in this decade. They did manage to release a 7Inch featuring four classic Oi!/StreetPunk pieces and was released via Knock Out Records. Their lyrics, comes with lyric sheet in Italian and English, often dealt with proletarian themes, nonconformity to the system and social injustices. Catchy riffs, rough and underlines their reputation as an energetic and politically engaged Oi! band. They made a more brief appearances on a few Compilations, and that was it. In summary, the strength of the songs lies in their authenticity and intensity, not in technical finesse. For fans of the genre, they are "pure working-class anthems" that perfectly capture the zeitgeist of the Italian Punk scene of that time. A brilliant record with no musical experiments; grab it!

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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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