PAGANS - Street Where Nobody Lives 7'' 1978

First, some good news: a few re-upps have been released from Kraken and you'll surely find them. What's going on today? Brilliant stuff by the Pagans, a four piece from Cleveland and active from 1977-1979. Members were Michael (vocals), Tommy (guitars), Tim (bass), Brian (drums), they reformed several times, with new incarnations and this is their second 7Inch on Drome (1st pressing limited to 1700 copies), and both tracks are pure energy, and the flip side is a damn anthem with the profound question "What's This Shit Called Love?" and that, my dear friends, is what I've been asking myself for fifty years. "Can’t beat it - this classic single has been reissued in limited supplies and should not be passed up. Raw, awesome raging Punkrock!" (Tim Yohannan, MRR #31 • December 1985) Does anyone have an answer? Of course, it always takes two, like with tango, and over a long lifetime you think you know what you're doing, but somehow there are high hurdles and also stupidity that prevent a harmonious relationship, things that just don't fit. Yes, yes, that sounds negative, but unfortunately, those are my experiences, although I don't want to conceal the positive aspects either. Anyway, the Pagans conjure up some impressive music, and their repertoire is surprisingly large for a band that hasn't been around for very long. Take it!

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V/A - Cleveland Confidential 1982

Dear readers, now a brilliant record and probably one of the best compilations out of Cleveland and on this slab we have fifteen rather unknown bands with their only sparks that were sprayed at the beginning of the eighties. Originally published on the Pagans Terminal Records label in an edition of 1000 copies, meanwhile reprinted three times and for good reason. MMR reviews: "The rest of the world has never fully reckoned with the sheer genius per square capita from Northeast Ohio, which not coincidentally produced one of the greatest punk/weirdo DIY comps of the ’80s in the form of Cleveland Confidential, the original 1982 pressing of the record has been going for close to triple digits lately, so this new wallet-friendly reissue is a little more in line with the true Rust Belt spirit. (Erika Elizabeth, MRR #448 • Sep. 2020) - I admire the breadth of the musical diversity from this city, which is impressively represented by the combos and makes this slab an absolute listening pleasure, no filler, brilliant mix and simple presentation. I have the orange vinyl version from Superior Viaduct, which unfortunately came without an info sheet. "The soot-stained mood and context of this shit can't be replicated. And in a few decades it will seem as foreign as a gaslight. It might also seem like a dream. A time when humans could make music in abandoned storefronts, generally stave off the day job a few more months, and not just wander a barren landscape searching for food. Who knew end-of-the-'70s Cleveland would look so appealing?" Eric Davidson (NewBombTurks)

A timeless record of a scene which was and is quite interesting & meaningful.

1.Cry 816 - WOMANHATERS

2.Her Name Was Jane - SEVERE

3.Even Lower Manhattan - MENTHOL WARS

4.Suicide Trip - THE DEFNICS

5.I Can Wait - THE DARK

6.Jaguar Ride - THE STYRENES

7.In New York - INVISIBLES

8.Cover Song End Of Side One - LAB RATS

9.I Really Want To Stay (Lost In Rome) - KEITH MATIC

10.Love Meant To Die - JAZZ DETROYERS

11.I'm Confused - OFFBEATS

12.Boy Can I Dance Good - PAGANS

13.Scars Of Lust - RED DECADE

14.Key Of E - JOHN LOVSIN

15.Cheap Heroin - EASTER MONKEYS

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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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V/A - The Dark Days Are Over (13 Weeks Later) 2025

Welcome to another indispensable release on WDM Records, and number 017 is a small follow-up to the last Compilation I posted thirteen weeks ago. Both can be considered as a whole. That's of course due to the experience I've had, and I know that the person concerned will never listen to this music, but I had a little hope for change and didn't want to accept this situation. After all, I thought there was some feeling involved, but now I know it better, the file is closed I can say. I thought so too, but I like to give a second chance and I think it's only fair, but when you realize there's really nothing there, just only self-interest, selfishness, and zero emotions, I have no other choice to let this person go who was truly important to me, and that hurts like fucking hell. Well, dear friends, it's not a pleasant experience and I know, I am a fool, but it's part of life, like buying bread from the baker or need to pee. I hope this selection reflects the inner turmoil I've gone through, and if anyone now in this trouble or has currently experiencing something similar will find comfort & strength in this fucker, hope it helps and conveys to you that YOU are valuable and don't let yourself be beaten down or taken advantage of, and that you will do better next time, recognize the signs and listen to your instincts. Personally, I have to say it's one of the best Comps I've ever made, and it accompanies me while cooking, cleaning, or posting. Every song is a nail in the coffin and a cry for help. And if this stupid bitch ever reading this: think about your life and stop screwing over people who like/love you and show a little respect! - So, now it's out and finished. My dear listeners, I wish you positive thoughts while listening to this short emotional musical roller coaster.

1 Brainstorm - ENGLISH DOGS

2 Young Girls At Market - THE BIZARROS

3 A Bitch Is A Bitch - GRUBERGER BROTHERS

4 Apolitical - BIG BOYS

5 Nugget Killer - POT VALIANT

6 Back Biter - THE RUTS

7 Greed - CANCERSLUG

8 Trapped In The Wreckage - THE PRESS

9 Baby Goodbye - SPITTIN' IMAGE

10 Let's Have Some Fun - THE NOISE

11 I Look Alone - BUZZCOCKS

12 Can't Tell No One - NEGATVE APPROACH

13 I've Got A Gun - NOMEANSNO

14 Eye Don't Like You - FINAL SOLUTIONS

15 Don't Talk To Me - THE EYES

16 Let Me Out Of Here - FIZIK

17 Just Can't Wait - THEATRE

18 Soul Train - PSYCHO'S

19 Right Way Home - XDREAMYSTS

20 I Don't Like You - JFA

21 Top Secret Man - PLASTICS

22 Object - AHEADS

23 Lies - DOMINOES

24 You're So Silly - TOKYOS

25 Fick Dich! - HEITER BIS WOLKIG

26 Local News - NEWTOWN NEUROTICS

27 What's This Shit Called Love? - PAGANS

28 I Don't Wanna Be Like You (Live) - LOS REACTORS

29 Revolution - X

30 Baby Come Back - THE SURVIVORS

31 Coming Down - EA80

32 Gone - VAGRANTS

33 Lies For Survival - FUNERAL ORATION

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