UNIPLUX - 1981 2016

Late in the evening and while I ripping vinyl a quick post in-between and we visit Rome and meet Uniplux which formed in the early 80s. Before disbanding in mid 80s (the band will reunite later on and continue up to these days) Uniplux released two 7"s. Both records are very hard to find and sought after, mainly because Uniplux offered a unique vision of melodic Punk Rock. While at the same time heavy and melodic, the sound of Uniplux always carried along a certain dose of melancholy, notably underlined in their lyrics and dramatic vocals by two different female singers that sang on these two 7"s.

Incredible but true, but your fave label discovered an entire unreleased punk rock album from the land of spaghetti and mandolino! Uniplux were one of the few bands of 1977 roman punk scene that included bands such Trancefusion, Elektroshock, Luxfero, Ulster Punk Group, Apologia Di Reato, Bads, Stigma, Ddt. This scene is well documented on the magnificent Claudio Pescetelli’s book “Lo stivale e’ marcio” (rave up books 2014) that talks about those pionieristic days. This band released two singles, the first, released for a major label RCA and entitled ‘Chi Siamo Noi?’ came out in 1982, the 2nd one Maledetto Rock, (Pogo Records), came out two years later in 1984. both records are very hard to find and sought after, mainly because Uniplux offered a unique vision of melodic punk rock. in 1997, a bunch of european punk collectors compiled Killed By Death #201, dedicated to Italian 1977/82 punk rock scene, selecting the track “U.X.” to represent this band. After over thirty-six years, RaveUp Records unearthed from the tomb eleven killer tracks amazing Italian punk with female vocals, for fans of Generation X, Buzzcocks, Penetration and all early UK punk rockers, limited to 500 copies!, first 100 on orange vinyl!

here

VICTIM - All Our Dreams Are Gone 2011

Eye-catching compilation by RaveUp Records and you know what to expect from them. This record is part of their glorious "EUROPEAN PUNK SERIES" and Volume 6 is the following highlight: Formed in Belfast in Mid 1977, Victim soon became familiar faces on the emerging Belfast scene. Following their appearance on the legendary UTV punk documentary 'It Makes You Want Top Spit' and a rapidly increasing live following, Terri Hooley signed the band to his Good Vibrations label in 1978 and released Strange Thing By Night / Mixed Up World 7". In early 1978, prompted by a lack of venues, Victim made a trip to a local city centre pub because they heard it had a stage! They secured a gig and the legendary Harp Bar was born as a punk venue. In July 1979 they were offered a modest record deal by TJM Records and decided to depart to England, settling in Manchester.

Early gigs saw them playing with The Fall and Revillos as well as playing the legendary Factory club to accompany the screening of Shellshock Rock, a film on Irish punk featuring among others Victim. A second release "Why Are Fire Engines Red/I Need You" on TJM secured good reviews and radio support from John Peel despite its horrendous cover. In November 1979 Victim supported the Damned on an extensive tour. Rat Scabies produced the band's third single The Teen Age EP released in 1980 on Illuminated Records.

The band continued for several years with line up changes including Mike Joyce (later of the Smiths) and Toni Isaac (the girl leaning against a lamppost on Jilted John's single of the same name!) before deciding to call it a day. This anthology contains a great selection of all their punk material. If you are a fan of Undertones and Stiff Little Fingers, don't miss it!!!!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

KNOTS - Heartbreaker EP 1980

First one today and it's a superb re-release by Knots only 7Inch with three tracks on RaveUp Records (500 copies). Info: "Back in the 1970s, Max’s Kansas City introduced many fine bands. Some of the best never got famous. Fuse, aka Knots, was one of the finest. Let’s start at the beginning: Joey Pinter (guitars) was looking to put a band together in the mid Seventies when he met ‘the loudest drummer I’ve ever heard in my life’: Niki Fuse! They recruited vocalist, Tommy Bell and began rehearsing with a parade of now forgotten bass players and began gigging at various dives in and around Manhattan. Soon, they scored gigs at CBGB and Max’s and began to attract a following that included Eric Dufaure, a former Island Records executive who asked them to record for his new label, Ideal Records. Unfortunately, band infighting had reduced Knots to Joey and Tommy, so they entered Neal Steingart’s Fly Studios in Brooklyn with replacement drummer, Jerry Ryan, and Pinter doing double duty on guitar & bass guitar! There, they recorded a few songs: the two that made it to the single, plus “Rock‘N’Roll,” “New York,” “Blinded By The Darkness", and “Glad To Be Alive“. When the finished record hit the streets in 1980, Knots became a hot commodity. I put the single on the Max’s jukebox, and Bleeker Bob’s sold out multiple copies. On Manhattan’s downtown club circuit, Knots shared bills with now-legendary outfits like the Heartbreakers, The Cramps and VON LMO, as well as headlining their own shows at Max’s. With Nick Fuse back in the drum seat and Big Tony Corio on bass, the Knots were on their way to fame and fortune! Knots also toured the nation with Johnny Thunders, but then in ‘81, Max’s Kansas City closed, CBGB went New Wave and Johnny took off for Europe. Knots broke up. Joey and Tony joined The Waldos, Fuse went on to play in a number of local groups, and Tommy disappeared. However, the Knots recordings have had a life of their own. They were covered by underground bands all over the world, used in a film soundtrack, and included on Punk Compis and so the legend has been kept alive. Through the years, only three of their recordings survived: “Action”, “Heartbreaker” & “Glad To Be Alive”, the latter released here for the first time!" (Peter Crowley)

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

STORMTROOPER - I'm A Mess 7'' 1977

Good rockin' 7Inch from Stormtrooper, at home the Isle Of Wight, and they were active 1975-1978 and the band consisted of Nigel (vocals), John (guitar), Jeffery (bass) and Mike (drums) and their onlyl record came out via Solent Records in a simple sleeve stamped with song title and band. Some copies included an insert with lyrics and recording info. Originally recorded as a demo in 1975. Released two years later after the band ceased to exist. In 2010, RaveUp Records brought out a small compilation with ten rare tracks which is sold out for a long time and I want to give you some words about the album:

Stormtrooper formed and disbanded in a fury in 1975 before punk rock arose out of the ashes of glam and pub rock! Their debut single "I’m A Mess" was described by the British music press as "the sound of a commuter being shoved under a tube train in the rush hour, one for howling at the moon and a tale of drunkenness in the wild of Soho". The band formed at the bar in the Marquee Club by British front man Nigel Hutchings and bassist Jeff Piccinini who recruited John Pilka on guitar and Mike Lee on drums. They recorded a demo of 4 songs in August of 1975 and then signed with Corruption Management on the Portobello Road for a couple of pints and some distant promises. The band played only one gig at the Bath Pavilion, then split-up. This, ladies and gentleman, was before the birth of punk rock and the tracks of this anthology are pure “punk” before… punk!!!!

And if you like what you're reading then click over to the Old Wanker and get the stuff.

here

HATES - Panacea 1982

The Hates was a three piece from Houston, Texas and were formed 1978 by Christian (guitar/vocals), Paul (bass/vocals), Laurance (drums) and this is their furious debut album on Faceless Records, re-issued 2019 via RaveUp Records with four extra tracks in their series American Lost Punkrock Nuggets of which I would like to quote you the following info:

This is the secret story of this crazy record. “Originally, the album was recorded at Wells Sound in one day & mixed on the next. Band leader Christian decided to record “Houston”, originally done by Dean Martin, in direct response to Wendy O. Williams’ amazing cover of Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover”. It turned out to be one of the better decisions he’s made over the decades; people still ask to hear it at shows. And besides, what could possibly be a better tribute to the city that is the home of the Hates? Christian penned “Also Watched” specifically for this album, thinking along the Big Brother lines of spy satellites watching us as if we were the enemy. He was really proud of Lawrence’s drumming for that song.“Nuclear Age”, “Science’s Fiction”, “Punk 1301”, “This Year’s Model”, & “What Am I Living For?” rounded out the recording. As an experiment for this album, Paul suggested that they slow down the tempo on “This Year’s Model” even though they never played it that way live. And here’s an interesting note: this record was pressed in the same plant in Florida that helped to put out the Bee Gees & Eric Clapton albums the year before. Because Paul left to fulfill his psychiatry internship in Austin & Lawrence went on to get a higher education as well, Panacea was released without that lineup to represent it. While the record was being pressed by one company, the sleeves were printed by another company, & a third company printed the lyric sheets. When everything arrived, what could have been a boring job putting all those discs into sleeves turned into a little fun. Christian’s mother’s boyfriend, Lazaro, ended up helping out; he even took the finished album to a company down the street to get them shrink-wrapped. In fact, they actually put him in front of the machine & had him do it. How PunkRock is that? Literally putting together your own album!” (Christian)

Panacea is a solid slab that doesn't bring anything new but isn't shit either, I like it.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

VILLAGE PISTOLS - Big Money 2000

One 7Inch made these guys on nylon records and both songs are superb, Big Money was immortalized on samplers (Killed By Death # 7) and the b-side is a nice Beatles cover, chic. The Village Pistols was a coming together of hare-brained ideas by several people living in and around Greensboro, North Carolina in the Summer and Fall of 1980 and broke up in 1981. This release is brought for us by the Italian label RaveUp Records and called American Lost Punk Rock Nuggets – Vol.7 with of course the 7inch and ten rough live recordings from October 1980 in Greensboro, cool artwork and extensive liner notes.

here

THE DEGENERATES - Fallout EP 1981

Not really new in Blogland and I have to admit, this shit passed me by, even though I've already heard some songs, EiEiEi... but Blogs are made for to change such a Dilemma.. oh yeah! So here we go: Sole release (500 copies pressed on Hit & Run Records) by the Degenerates from Houston with four brilliant killer and how popular their songs are prove the numerous Bootleg Compilations on which almost every song of this rare EP can be found. The band were the youngest combo in town and formed in the late Seventies by Kenny (vocals/guitar), Tom (bass) and Wade (drums). They played gigs at 'The Island' and 'Joe Star's Omni' with great bands like Really Red, the Angelic Upstarts, the Dicks, etc..  A retrospective album with unreleased material and live stuff (listen) was released in 2016 via RaveUp Records with more awesome Punkrock which you shouldn't miss.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

ABUSE - All I Wanna Do EP 2016

This little piece of Kansas Punk came original out in 1981 on Fresh Sounds in form as flexi and thirty-five years later the Italian label RaveUp Records made a re-press but add an unreleased track. The first 200 copies in pink, the rest in fuckin' black. A few words: Punk rock didn’t come to Topeka, Kansas until 1979, but when it did it hit like an atom bomb. Abuse (1979-1982) took their cue from the Stooges and the New York Dolls and then blended that into a sound all their own. Clay Galbraith’s sneering vocals and slinky bass lines, Willie McNeil’s pile-driver drums, and Chris Garner’s chainsaw guitar created a perfect storm of American rock and roll. Three of these tracks were originally released on Flexi-disc in Bill Rich’s legendary fanzine 'Talk Talk' in 1981, and a fourth unreleased track, 'All I Wanna Do', is included here for the first time ever. This is raw primal rock, the way it was meant to be played!!! - Well, all four songs kick ass and meet my taste.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

ENGLISH SUBTITLES - Oranges & Lemons Demos 1978-1979

English Subtitles are punx from Oxford and were formed 1978 from the remnants of Norwich punk band In-Mates by Warden (vocals), Jewels & Lou (guitars), Dil (bass), Paul (drums A1-B3) & Des (drums B4-B8) and this compilation is part of the Euro Punk Series, which was generated by the great Italian based label RaveUp Records and is far from over. This essential record came in a limited edition of 400 copies, 100 of them on yellow vinyl, and offers thirteen tracks from the original demo tapes that in 1979 secured them a record deal with Small Wonder and recorded in two sessions at different low budget studios during the time they were playing a residency at seminal Oxford punk venue the Oranges and Lemons.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

THE WASPS - ThisWasPunk 2011

June's kick off and we're getting started with an amazing record from RaveUp Records by The Wasps. An early four piece from London which formed in February 1976 by Jesse (vocals), Del (guitar), Steve (bass), Johnny (drums). All recordings are from 1977, some of them live, and show clearly the energy of this band. They released two singles, plus a live split with Mean Street and that's it. On this small compilation you will find eleven more smashers and if you want to know more, some infos are on the back cover and in the file. Finally on vinyl the anthology of all their tracks! I'm a bit tired and too lazy to write more letters. Satisfaction guaranteed!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

MORDBUBEN AG - Angst Vorm Rock'n Roll? 1980

Yesterday was an exciting match and unfortunetaly with the happy ending for Leipzig, but deserved in the end and it was good to meet my old buddy again. Let's come now to an older rip I did in 2011 but somehow the slab fell into oblivion but I redid the scans, the old ones sucked. We travel to beautiful Vienna and meet one of the first austrian Punk bands ever, the Mordbuben AG and they made four 7Inches, one full-length and guests on lots of Compilations, their songs have a perfect dose of untypical loud & rough Punk'N'Roll with magical Viennese dialect. The AG were formed 1978 and were, along with Chuzpe, the most essential band of the Viennese Punk scene and on this bloody record the band consisted of Wörndi (vocals), Fredi (guitars), Hardy (drums). Ten great tracks you can listen here and you definitely don't have to be afraid because it contains exactly what you want. Highly recommended is the release on RaveUp Records Mia Woan De Stören which was released in 2018 in a limited edition of 350 copies (partly on green vinyl) with songs from the singles and other rare material. Enjoy the sound, the sun and Sunday!

here

SHOTGUN SOLUTION - Shotgun EP 1983

Nice little 7Inch by this band from Rome with four wild & angry shotguns, released via High Rise and this record is all they made on vinyl. Singer Valter is in my opinion a 'softer' type of Raw Power's Mauro but don't worry, hier wird ordentlich aufgedreht. Shotgun Solution opened for the Dead Kennedys in their show in Rome in 1982 and were Valter (vox), Stefano (guitar), Alberto (drums) and Pierpaolo (bass). RaveUp Records released in 2016 a repro (350 copies) called "1983" with one unreleased track. That's it, I'm tired again and in four hours the night's over.

here