NEWTOWN NEUROTICS - The Punk Collection 2001

I remember it well when I bought this CD; it was summer 2012 in Berlin. I was visiting good friends with my then-girlfriend (R.I.P. my love) and we went to an EA80 concert at SO36 which was fantastic (some nice photos exist) ... ah yes... the past is sometimes beautiful... We arrived in the city timely and had plenty of it, so we looked for record stores and interesting places to chill out a bit. That time it was the European Football Championship, and we watched some matches in different bars. I can say, this was one of my best times of my life, and it's no secret, because a year ago today I had one just like this, at precisely this hour... but things changed unexpectedly... so how it goes. I know why, but not everything was wrong. - So you know from which great band I'm talking about.: Formed in 1979 the Newtown Neurotics are one of the most under rated but essential Punk combos. Hailing from Harlow in Essex, a postwar new town designed to alleviate London housing shortages (hence the band’s Name) the Newtown Neurotics apparently became a big deal in the town in Punk’s second wave, though in truth they never really broke through to national recognition, tending to play second or third on the bill to bigger names. No one at any point suggests it might be because lead singer and songwriter Steve Drewett sported very Roger Daltrey-ish big hair, at a time when such stylings were a Punk anathema, or that their band name was a tad ungainly compared to their peers; Drewett getting a No 1 crop and the band dropping the “Newtown” bit were good moves, though possibly a little too late to make a drastic difference. This twenty-three awesome track Fucker includes all of the debut LP by the Newtown Neurotics which hit No.6 in the Independent Chart when first issued in late 1983, also features the Hypocrite, When The Oil Runs Out, Kick Out The Tories, Licensing Hours, Blitzkrieg Bop and Suzi singles pretty much everything the band recorded before changing their name to the Neurotics. One of the most powerful political orientated Punkrock trios that ever graced the boards. I see myself in every song, as if I were a member and had written the songs myself, at least some of them, absolutely irreplaceable. And remember: "Do unto others as you would do unto yourself because what you du unto others will be done to you!"

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Christmas Eve Meal.... I Need A Break!

Before I make my next post, here's a little glimpse of what I'm having for dinner today: curried turkey strips with spinach and feta cheese sauce, spicy and tangy. That's easily enough for two people, but that's not possible right now. So there'll be a little left over for tomorrow! That's okay! Let Me Out Of Here... 🎸

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EA80 - Definitiv: Nein! 2011

Anyone who puts on an EA80 slab at 8:00 in the morning is either desperate, crazy, a passionate Punk, optimistic, or simply wants to listen to music that is far removed from the usual run-of-the-mill stuff. Well, now you can choose what applies to you and me. It's the eleventh album by the Gladbach gents and with nine songs its their 'shortest', but no less intense. First off, let's mention the elaborate Chromolux Magic Chrome cover and which Punk band goes to such lengths? That's D.I.Y., and the four are always coming up with new ideas for the artwork. I know they struggle with the design, but in the end you're always surprised with the final result, that's a perfect score. To the songs: "Definitely: No!" is a typical, self-contained work, remaining true to their roots but surprisingly more upbeat, biting, and direct than expected. It features a mix of slow, melancholic tracks and driving bangers, offering both self-referential nods and new facets like epic songs and critical lyrics, sounds more upbeat and aggressive than usual, and cementing their status as an uncompromising band that defies every drawer. Even after many years, the band shows no weakness, remaining a fascinating, enigmatic entity that you either love immediately or ignore. It's one more powerful record and I have to admit, it's kind of faded into the background since I prefer the earlier albums, but I have to say, I'm going to put it on my phone right away, and the opener "Fort Von Krank" is so brutally good, you can use it anytime, or as a kick in the ass when you stagnate. EA80 are irreplaceable, and even before the first chord sounds, they tune their guitars in unison to a minor key, count to four, and launch forward. Songs that offer enough space to reflect your visions, feelings and frustrations and others as well. Have emotional moments & pleasant memories with this wonderful record.

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THE DOLE - New Wave Love 7'' 1978

Damn good two-song 7Inch that also belongs in this theater and I'm somehow in an upbeat mood, the prospect of having five days off boosts my vibes. Talkin' about the Dole, a five piece which formed in Peterborough anno 1977 and consisted of Ian (vocals), Simon (guitar), Matt (bass), Paul (drums), Peter (keyboards) and this is their only piece, released via the small independent The Ultimate Record Label. The A-side is a superb love song which I have rarely heard, an absolute must for all lovers and those who live in harmonious relationships. It has nothing to do with fucking Christmas that I chose this particular record; no, no, a beautiful song doesn't need any reasons, you have to do it, not just talk about it. The flip is no less awful; if I understand correctly, it's about a judge who is an asshole, a nasty human, a pisshead. The solid rhythms are supported by the squeaky keys, which are a perfect companion and squeak and fart and have their time in beautiful short solos; I love such a sound, and the snotty guitar gives me the rest. The slab won't cut off your ears, but it comes close. A few Compilation appearances are also available.

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V/A - OX-Compilation #38 2000

Finally, another brilliant OX output, and I've realized I'm missing a few, hmmm... I really have no idea where they've all gone? Well, that's just how it is, and number 38 has the lovely addition Beautiful Music For Beautiful People and yes, that only refers to us. The OX-Fanzine was the best reading material for me back then: funny, informative, and never boring. And while I can't say I always eagerly awaited the next issue, I was always pleased to see a new magazine at my local Kiosk, a few stupid bastards were so brazen to steal the accompanying CD, but well, that's just how it is with those jerks. Precisely those who leave their shitty beer bottles or paper cups, cigarettes and vomit at our performance venues, there's a 'nice' song about that, I have no tolerance for those Pseudo-Punks and they should go where the sun never shines. But I'm getting sidetracked again; I just had an interesting encounter and I'm feeling rather happily motivated, hahahaha..... I guess, I'm a little sarcastic. Thirty-six bands/songs, international, twenty-five years young and I think, it has something for everyone. Meanwhile, I'll go and see where all the other CDs have been.

1.Rest Of My Life - WIPERS

2.Last Train To Vaudeville - DUMBELL

3.Lifetime Problems - TEXAS TERRI & THE STIFF ONES

4.Let's Get Drugs - ZEKE

5.Beelzebubba Walk - SMOKE BLOW

6.Let's Roll - THE VERDICTS

7.Never Wanted You To Love Me - THE UNKINDS

8.Keep Falling - NRA

9.How It's Done - DWARVES

10.There's Gonna Be A Killing After Midnite - NEW WAVE HOOKERS

11.Jemand - WOHLSTANDSKINDER

12.Deutschpunkrevolte - WTZ

13.Ich Hätt' So Gerne Titten - LOKALMATADORE

14.Wenner, Wenner - DIE KASSIERER

15.Nix Tun - HANSWURST SENIOR

16.Rip Off Nr. 5 - 1.MAI 1987

17.Agro - BARMBEKER URKNALL

18.I Want To Date A Pornostar - KILL ALLEN WRENCH

19.Dog Faced Boy - RICKSHAW

20.Siam - DOG TOFFEE

21.Make My Day - NIXON NOW

22.Clandestine Touch Up - ATOM RHUMBA

23.En Mi Cabeza - WEBELOS

24.Rising Surf - LOMBEGO SURFERS

25.Jones - CRO-MAGS

26.No Doomsday - BONEHOUSE

27.Schläge - TRIBUT

28.These Were The Days - KICK JONESES

29.Grim Sleeper - KILLRAYS

30.Gogogadizo Easy Living - D.SAILORS

31.Punkrocknonstop - DERITA SISTERS & JUNIOR

32.Unkind - SHEMALE TROUBLE

33.I Don't Want You To Stay - REAGAN CAIN

34.Out Of Here - TUTRIBES

35.Royal Family - SIDE EFFECT

36.Songs And Dreams - RED LIGHTS FLASH

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STATISTICS - Dumb 7'' 1979

Let's stay on the British Isles and turn to a band about which I can find zero information, I'm talkin' about the Statistics, presumably from London, and they released a single on Tyger Label Records with two, I would say PowerPop goodies, and then they disappeared without a trace. "Dumb" is always a great title, and it's particularly appealing to me right now because I know someone (or at least I thought I did) who's incredibly stupid and doesn't realize it. Musically, it's a rhythmic stomper with great lyrics; definitely worth for a new Compilation. With a sax which is really okay and you can even hear an organ, really a beautiful number. The flip is also impressive, it's a bit faster and is dominated by the organ, or at least it immediately captivates your ear, wonderfully quirky. Supposedly, a DIN A4-sized insert card with comic illustrations introducing the label "Tyger Label Records" and a sticker with a tiger's head were included, but unfortunately, it's missing. Anyway, the Statistics made a very good record and deserve attention and appreciation!

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U.K.SUBS - Predator 7'' 2017

When I can't think of anything else and need a kick in the pants, I usually choose one of my favorites, and the UK Subs have been among them for many, many years. Live, always a treat, and on canned just as good. Since I don't own everything and some new things have been sent to me, I'm presenting you their 7Inch from 2017 that features two absolute bangers. Comes in blue vinyl and some copies came with a free download and an exclusive badge and patch, the rest is self-explanatory! That's enough for today, I'm a bit drunk and tired... all this crap is exhausting... take care and stay perpendicular!

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DEFNICS - 51% 7'' 1981

I'm starting the weekend with something that, to be honest, is nothing new, but is absolutely essential when you love a decent KBD sound. So you know who's blasting your ears, here's a short info from the label that re-released the record: "The Defnics, Robert (vocals/guitar), Sablack (lead guitar), Brandon (bass) & Johnny (drums), from Cleveland cut only one 7Inch on Terminal Records and a piece on the Cleveland Confidential Compilation. They played out as the Defnics for almost two years and broke up in the summer of 1982. Bill (a.k.a. Robert Conn) went on to join the second formation of the Pagans. Brandon joined Red October with Chris Andrews. Bob started the Plague with Duke Snyder and Johnny. Reformed in 2001 and published a 7" on Smog Veil Records with a new song written by Robert Conn along with a screaming live version of “51%”, recorded at the band’s reunion show." (source: BreakoutRecords) A brilliant record; used countless times on numerous cool compis. A true friend to enjoy your first breakfast beer!

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SUBWAY SECT - Nobody's Scared 7'' 1978

Subway Sect were among the first British Punk bands. Although their commercial success was limited by the small amount of material they released, they are considered extremely influential. The line-up on this superb 7Inch consisted of Vic (vocals), Rob (guitars), Paul (bass), Bob (drums) and this formation recorded one more 7Inch plus the band's first John Peel session. Sadly this is all that remains from Subway Sect from their 1977-1978 period. Two nice tracks with fantastic lyrics, side A is clearly the winner for me. The flip is a four-minute thunderstorm that's motivating and, as far as I'm concerned, could go on forever... a harmonica is also on board. Great Stuff!

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DIE BÖSE HAND - Strike Out 2004

I believe the following record was mentioned at some point by one of you, and this wish almost faded into oblivion, but my Punk gene rediscovered it, and here it is: The great Compilation by Die Böse Hand. All five Singles, plus two sampler pieces; in total twenty-two songs are on this nice Fucker, unfortunately there's no booklet, and released via Bad Moon/Musikzimmer. For the most part, only cover songs are performed here, but in a style that could almost only come from these three; anyone who knows the main bands of this collaboration knows exactly what I'm talking about. Of course I could have posted all the singles, but listening to all the songs in a row is an absolute joy and crash through the ceiling; the awesome production is a highlight as well. I tell you: You can't get past this stuff. Thx Junge, Co & Ulf

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