WIPERS - Is This Real? 1979

A permanent guest in this house is my favorite band from Portland, the Wipers, and in numerous previous posts (all re-upped) I already made clear how much I rave about the three and it's finally time to introduce their debut: Is This Real? it was recorded by Greg (vocals/guitar), Dave (bass), Sam (drums) and was originally released on vinyl in 1979 via Park Avenue Records. Info: Initially wanting to put it out through his own Trap Records, Sage decided to release the album through Park Avenue Records, hoping that it would give them slightly wider distribution. Before it was released, Park Avenue insisted that the band re-record the album at a professional studio, as it was originally recorded at the band's rehearsal studio on a four-track recorder. When finally released, the album was not promoted and received little attention, only developing a cult following in the band's hometown. Reviewing for The Village Voice in 1980, Robert Christgau wrote, "Three guys from Portland (Oregon, but it might just as well be Maine) who caught on to punk unfashionably late and for that reason sound like they're still discovering something. Which hardly makes them unique--there are similar bands in dozens if not hundreds of American cities, many of whom send me records. What distinguishes this one is Greg Sage's hard-edged vocals--detached but never silly, passionate but never overwrought--and economical one-hook construction."

A review by Stephen Howell: "The production leaves much to be desired with its tinny-sounding drums, but, fortunately, the negatives don't outweigh the positives on this album. Guitarist/vocalist Greg Sage writes fairly simplistic songs with power chords, but each melody infects your brain like a fever. Even though Sage is from Oregon, he sings in a New York-style slur not dissimilar to Joey Ramone. Throughout the album, there is a very dark and ominous feel to the material (e.g., "D-7"), but it's made interesting on tracks like "Alien Boy," which changes from 4/4 time to 2/4 time. Sage also has a unique guitar style where he strums chords and lets them sustain into feedback, which creates rich textures in the songs."

Well, as you can see, it reads all very well and anyone who knows the band will be able to confirm that without a doubt. The Wipers are extra class and play punkrock at the top, at any time and suitable for every mood. This is the CD-Version with the Alien Boy EP ('80) as bonus, with three outtakes from the album sessions. TOP!!!

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GREG SAGE - Straight Ahead 1985

OK, folks...what should I write to this amazing artist/music/record?? Greg Sage is the man! And for all you people who don't know him first told he is the head of the brilliant Wipers. You can buy every record from this extraordinary band and none of the albums is disappointing. I must confess: I'm the absolute Wipers freak and so I am little biased but this is Greg Sage solo here and We both love his stuff. He wrote songs that really catch you and you find yourself in every single one (at least my beloved girlfriend and me this went for). I could now tell stories where, when we heard this fantastic LP but I'll spare you, this is mine. On this record twelve unique grenades which Mr.GuitarMan wrote in a fit of melancholy aggressiveness and I can understand every single feelin'. Believe me, I say this not because I like him, this is pure magic and there are cartainly a few on this fucking planet who can do that. Well, my life hangs through and this sound kicks me further forward! Fat thanks to Lars which brought me to the idea to post this album here because he missed it and was amazed....me too. Includes all cover scans and ripped in glorious 192 kBit/s. Get It!!

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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 - 14 Songs For Greg Sage & The Wipers 1993

One more true gem for a band I like a lot: This is a Wipers tribute album which was originally released as a box set of four colored 7-inch records by Tim/Kerr Records in 1992. 1993 comes this CD re-release of the album, expanded to include six additional artist covers. The Wipers were a influential punk band that began in Portland, Oregon in 1977. Greg Sage lead the group to recording many "underground" albums that created a small yet humble following with their songs about hardship, pain and frustration. This is a bunch of covers of Wipers songs, as you might have guessed. All the covers are really well done and pay a positive tribute. Quality music for any Wipers maniac.

1.Potential Suicide - NAPALM BEACH

2.Astro Cloud - M99

3.Return Of The Rat - NIRVANA

4.Up Front - POISEN IDEA

5.On The Run - DHARMA BUMS

6.I Don't Know What I Am / Mystery - CRACKERBASH

7.Over The Edge - HOLE

8.Land Of The Lost - THE WHIRLESS

9.Telepathic Love - THE NATION OF ULYSSES

10.No One Wants An Alien - HONEY

11.Tragedy - HAZEL

12.Alien Boy - CALAMITY JANE

13.Soul's Tongue - SALIVA TREE

14.Pushing The Extreme - THURSTON MOORE & KEITH NEALY

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WIPERS - Youth Of America 1981

Hello everyone and welcome September and I want to start with a record that comes first in my personal TopTen, next to other brilliant ones, and this slab is an absolutely must have! Anyone who visits my blog knows that I'm a big Wipers fan, it's not for nothing that I tattooed the logo on my forearm. Youth Of America is in my opinion their best record, every song is a blast and 'When It's Over' is a striking example of the band's sound, a splendid intro, a bit psychedelic but driving and rhythmic like the sea, my favourite tune, but the remaining five songs also keep the level high and I can only turn it up at full volume. I don't know how often I've already penetrated my neighbors in my ecstasy (they never complained because they know I'm a nice bastard) but listen carefully and you can feel how the music takes possession of you. Search the net for reviews and you will see me confirmed. Greg (vocals/guitars), Dave (bass), Brad (drums) recorded this milestone at Wave Sound Studios and was released via Park Avenue Records, I have the German licensed copy from Weird System, the great Hamburg label that published essential slabs themselves. Here you have some short infos: Wipers was a recording project formed in 1977 by Greg Sage in Portland. First conceived as a studio project, they originally planned to release fifteen LPs over ten years and completely avoid doing tours or interviews. They disbanded in 1989 after releasing six studio albums, but reformed in 1993 to release three more albums. They disbanded for good in 1999. I'm putting the record a dozen times a year because I need this music to deal with all the shit out there and believe me.... that's soooooo good! I have re-upped all previous Wipers posts, if something down, use the comment section.

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WIPERS - Complete Rarities 1979 - 1990

A must for this day are the Wipers, music for eternity in my opinion and We always had a good time with them. A bit info to this: Misunderstood, mistreated, underrated, and/or just plain unknown, Greg Sage should be mentioned in the first breaths about trailblazing guitarists and U.S. independent music of the '80s and '90s. Since forming his band, Wipers, in Portland/OR, in the late '70s Sage has been put through the ringer more than enough to justify his hermetic operating methods and attitude. This set just contains all the song material which was either not published regularly, outtakes, different versions, live recordings and three acoustic pearls. All done by myself and a worthy completion of this great music, b.t.w. I spent too much time ripping my vinyl. Now enjoy this unique and superb music and have a drink with me!

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V/A - 10-29-79 1980

Start today with a rare cool compilation with Portland bands and all songs were recorded live at 29.October 1979 and released via Trap Records, Greg Sage old label. Damn hot stuff and this record has mostly offers of $ 100, !! Of course far exaggerated in my opinion. Well, the sound is still wonderfully fresh and it's nice to feel the spirit of the early raw punk music and myself wants pogo and is ready for a hot hot weekend.  

1.Johnny Paranoid - SADO-NATION 

2.Running Dog - LO TEK 

3.World Gone Mad - LO TEK 

4.Running In The Shadows - NEO BOYS 

5.WW II - NEO BOYS 

6.Mutant - SMEGMA 

7.Outro - SMEGMA 

8.Same Old Thing - THE WIPERS 

9.Meat Is Rotten - STIPHNOYDS 

10.Jimmy Carter - STIPHNOYDS 

11.1988 - RUBBERS 

12.Riot Squad - RUBBERS 

13.Bug - CLEAVERS 

14.Bop Street - BOP ZOMBIES

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WIPERS - München/Theaterfabrik 25.09.1986

The Wipers were a punk rock group formed in Portland/Oregon in 1977 by guitarist Greg Sage, drummer Sam Henry & bassist Dave Koupal. Wipers were one of the earliest American purveyors of the genre, and the group's tight song structure and use of heavy distortion has been hailed as extremely influential by numerous critics and musicians, including Nirvana, who covered several of their songs. This Gig contains 16 songs in an amazing sound quality and is definitely one of the best bootlegs out there from the band. Here i can hear me sick for hours, great song selection, for me, the Wipers are one of the bands that have influenced me greatly and always blasting out my speakers. Get this superb recordings from one of the best bands around this fuckin' planet.

Follow Blind/Straight Ahead/Anytime You Find/The Chill Remains/Mystery/Is This Real?/Different Ways/Nothing Left To Lose/Over The Edge/Your Empathy/The Search/Pushing The Extreme/When It's Over/Don't Belong To You/D7/Let Me Know

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