V/A - Killed By John Peel #1 2020

Friends, there is hope again on the KBD front and after a long time finally a new compilation is out and the creators of Vatican Radio Records have the great idea "to conjure up one of the best punk rock compilations we've heard in a long time, from the amazingly rich vaults of John Peel's BBC 1 radio session recordings. Focusing on the less known side of the huge Peel Sessions catalog, Killed By John Peel comes stuffed to the rafters with mind blowing and little known gems from the opening track with French Synth Punk pioneers Métal Urbain and the incendiary recording of their hit E-202 to the closing with the kick ass Power Pop Punk hit She's Alarming by the Wasps, each and every single track on this monster record presents a band at their prime giving it all @ the legendary BBC Radio1 studios." And to my knowledge, Volume 2 is about to be release and we can look forward to it. Great stuff and absolute essential! 

1.E-202 - MÉTAL URBAIN

2.Gangland Warfare - THE OUTCASTS

3.Antipope - KING

4.Yummy Yummy - RUDI

5.Jealousy - IDIOT DANCERS

6.Further Education - THE CORTINAS

7.Going Round In Circles - ALTERNATIVE TV

8.Open Sound 1978 - SKIDS

9.She's Alive - SCARS

10.Countdown - THE LURKERS

11.Energy Boy - THE FLYS

12.Haircut Bob Dylan - FUNBOY FIVE

13.Bits - PRAGVEC

14.She's Alarming - THE WASPS

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V/A - Winters Of Discontent: Peel Sessions 1977-1983

A feature of Peel's BBC Radio 1 shows were the famous John Peel Sessions, which usually consisted of four songs recorded by an artist live in the BBC's studios, and which often provided the first major national coverage to bands that later would achieve great fame (These 'sessions' are similar to 'Live Lounge' sessions recorded today for the station). The BBC employed it's own house bands and orchestras and it also engaged outside bands to record exclusive tracks for its programmes in BBC studios. This was the reason why Peel was able to use "session men" in his own programmes. Sessions were usually recorded and mixed in a single day; as such they often had a rough and ready, demo-like feel, somewhere between a live performance and a finished recording. John Peel remained on BBC Radio 1 for 37 years, until his death in 2004. During that time over 4000 sessions were recorded by over 2000 artists. Many classic Peel Sessions have been released on record, particularly by the Strange Fruit label and this one of these.

1.Somethin' Better Change - THE STRANGLERS
2.Love In A Void - SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES
3.Gary Gilmore's Eyes - THE ADVERTS
4.Shoplifting - THE SLITS
5.Fast Cars - BUZZCOCKS
6.Rich Kids - RICH KIDS
7.Of One Skin - THE SKIDS
8.It Doesn't Matter - ADAM & THE ANTS
9.Another Girl Another Planet - THE ONLY ONES
10.Suspect Device - STIFF LITTLE FINGERS
11.Mess Of My - THE FALL
12.Stretcher Case - THE DAMNED
13.Anti-Pope - KING
14.Read It In Books - ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN
15.Sus - THE RUTS
16.A Brand New Life - YOUNG MARBLE GIANTS
17.Start From Scratch - THE NIGHTINGALES
18.Big Jesus Trash Can - BIRTHDAY PARTY
19.A Matter Of Gender - THE ASSOCIATES
20.The Fan And The Bellows - THE CHAMELEONS
21.Wall Of Fir - THE VERY THINGS
22.Enchanted - WILD SWANS
23.Sun - MICRODISNEY
24.Kick Over The Statues - REDSKINS
25.A New England - BILLY BRAGG

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V/A - Killed By John Peel #2 2021

At the end of the month another request that I'm happy to fulfill is the second splendid new installment of the Killed By John Peel series, focused on the less known, Punker side of the amazingly rich archive of John Peel's BBC 1 Radio session recordings. A collection of hidden underground gems with fourteen tracks of pure Punkrock bliss by some of the most exciting (and unfairly forgotten) bands of their era. Released again by Vatican Radio Records and maybe a third Volume will follow in the foreseeable future, because such rare records are indispensable. This is the start of a one-week vacation for me, which of course will continue in April with lots of more great posts. A good start is made today, sunny weekend to you!

1.Mary Thompson - 2TV

2.Nasty Media - EXPELAIRES

3.Escort Girls - THE PERFECTS

4.Paranoia - THE PETTICOATS

5.I'm Sorry, I'm Sorry - TANZ DER YOUTH

6.Jilly - THE PIRANHAS

7.Skill - THE DESPERATE BICYCLES

8.Just Like Lazarus - JIMMY NORTON'S EXPLOSION

9.Love Is Just A Dream - LEYTON BUZZARDS

10.Face The Facts - ICON A.D.

11.Rolf - SPLODGENESSABOUNDS

12.Disco Love - THE MOLESTERS

13.Drink Problem - GYMSLIPS

14.Hungry - THE ZEROS

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SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES - The Peel Sessions 1977-1978

One more great release is another John Peel session by Siouxsie & The Banshees and on this record are the first two recordings. Info: "At a time when no other record company on the planet would touch them, Siouxsie & The Banshees came very close to signing to the BBC's own label. At least, they would have if DJ John Peel had had his way. Absolutely entranced by the two sessions that the group recorded for his show during 1977-1978, and disgusted by the rest of the industry's fearful avoidance of the band, he tried his hardest to interest the Powers That Be in at least releasing a Banshees single drawn, if necessary, from one of the actual sessions. Of course the BBC passed and, while Polydor would eventually step in to give the band the chance they demanded, it would be another two decades before the sessions themselves finally made it out, across two EPs (compiled, in turn, onto an eight-track mini-album) that returned to Siouxsie & The Banshees' first recordings for the corporation and left fans still demanding the six sessions that followed over the next ten years. Historically, of course, these are all you really need, the sound of the Banshees refining their clatter from the early rent-a-punk stylings that marked out their first shows, to the dense, chiming clang that laid the groundwork for their monumental debut album, The Scream. Spikily enthralling, six of the eight songs featured on the two sessions, from December 1977 (first transmission) and February 1978, would appear on that album; one more, "Hong Kong Garden," would become the group's first hit single, and all are instantly recognizable from their radio incarnations. But there's also a wildness here that Steve Lillywhite's LP production purposefully suppressed, a jagged vein of excitement that reminds you that here is a band kicking against all the odds, watching while a horde of lesser talents landed record deals, but refusing to compromise an iota of their vision in the hopes of joining that queue. It is that, even more than the performances, that makes this such an intense, and intensely valuable document -- if you want to hear the Banshees at their best, after all, you simply put on The Scream. But if you want to hear them at their most defiant, walk this way." (Dave Thompson)

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE CHAMELEONS - John Peel Sessions 1990

Music that I very admire comes from the Chameleons and they were a four piece formed out of the ashes of the short-lived combo Years in Manchester 1981 and one thing in advance: all albums are fantastic. Through the singing of Marks darkly ironic lyrics, their songs often dealt with personal themes of childlike innocence and awe of nostalgia. Perhaps most notably musically about their work was the band's innovative and distinctive use of double guitar melodies, provided by Reg and Dave. These arrangements were often characterized by the use of delay and chorus effects. Dave played a melodic and atmospheric guitar while Reg played a more traditional riff-based guitar and John's drumming blends in perfectly. This typical sound accompanies all records, a mix of rhythmic electric guitar textures that provide an atmospheric and intense backdrop for Mark's haunting vocals. After their third record Strange Times in 1986 and the sudden death of band manager Tony Fletcher in 1987, they abruptly broke up and numerous spin-off bands emerged, none of which achieved much success. - The John Peel Sessions were recorded between 1981-1984 and they released a total of four fantastic albums, each a masterpiece. This is music I can leave my everyday life, troubles, dark moments and other worries far far behind me, and this for decades, I only recommend buy their records wherever you see one. Come relaxed into the weekend and enjoy the wonderful music of this great and much too underestimated combo. Thx!

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THE NEGATIVES - The Bradford EP 2016

The Negatives formed in Bradford in summer 1978 by Dave Wilcox R.I.P. (vocals), Pete Stobbs (guitar), Bob Robinson (bass) and Tino Palmer (drums). They had a very strong local following, the highlight of which was 1000 local fans turning up at their final gig at Bradford University Great Hall in December 1979 after which the band split up. The Negatives had released a 1979 single ‘Stakeout’/Love is Not Real’ on Look Records which sold out of all the 1000 copies pressed and was played on Radio 1 by John Peel. The band whilst perhaps missing out on the big time first time round, gained wider appreciation in the longer term and were both amazed and humbled to be included in John Peel’s treasured box of 140 special records along with only four other punk/new wave bands. The Negatives are and always will be very proud of their home town a multicultural city with rich diversity. Bradford is famous for its arts being the birthplace of renowned artist and the song is dedicated to all the Bradford Punks of 1979 but also to anyone who is still proud to call Bradford their home town. (Robin Banks) - This nice EP was released by Paramecium Records in an edition of 500 copies and offers four unpolished superb stompers and they very popular on the Bored Teenagers compilations.

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SHAM 69 - John Peel Session 28.11.1977 EP [2020]

Another unofficial release of an early John Peel session, this time by Sham 69 and the line-up on these recordings were Jimmy (vocals), Dave (guitars), Dave P. (bass), Mark (drums) and I guess, I don't have to tell you much about this early English and brilliant band. Founded 1975 in Hersham and with Borstal Breakout & If The Kids Are United they create two immortal hymns and everyone who listens to Punkrock must know this bloody songs and both will long be heard while you and I rot in eternal black! If not, catch up immediately! Maybe together with them, but that's a fartz. The four hasn't commercially successful as many of their contemporaries, albeit with a greater number of chart entries, Sham 69 has been a huge musical and lyrical influence on the Oi! and streetpunk genres. The band allegedly derived their name from a piece of football-related graffiti that founder Jimmy Pursey saw on a wall, which originally said Walton and Hersham '69 but had partly faded away. Numerous albums were released just waiting for you to hear and they are still touring the world, be sure they are coming to your town. Some compilations in the blog aren't unimportant as well. Enjoy five rough goodies in a row and in one go.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE VIBRATORS - V2 1978

Classic punk by the Vibrators from London and active since 1976, they have released well over twenty records to date. You see, these are young veterans of good music. Info: The Vibrators were founded by Ian 'Knox' Carnochan, Pat Collier (bass), John Ellis (guitars), and drummer John 'Eddie' Edwards. They first came to public notice at the 100 Club when they backed Chris Spedding in 1976. On Spedding's recommendation, Mickie Most signed them to his label RAK Records. Most produced their first single, "We Vibrate". The band also backed Spedding on his single, "Pogo Dancing". The Vibrators recorded sessions for John Peel at BBC Radio 1 in October 1976, June 1977 & February 1978. They were one of the pioneering punk bands that played at London's Roxy Club. The band signed to Epic Records in early 1977. Their debut album, Pure Mania, was well regarded by some music critics and, seventeen years after its release, The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music named Pure Mania one of the 50 best punk albums of all time. During the 1980s, John Ellis recorded with Peter Gabriel, as well as recording and touring frequently with Peter Hammill, then subsequently the Stranglers, eventually joining the latter full-time in the 1990s. Pat Collier went on to work closely with the Soft Boys, producing their seminal album Underwater Moonlight, and Robyn Hitchcock, producing and mixing some of his solo albums (to which Knox also sometimes contributed). Phil Ram went on to form Able Ram and brought out two singles, "Disco In Moscow" and "Hope We Make It", although without any chart success. Despite numerous line-up changes, the Vibrators are still touring to this day as a three-piece, with "Eddie" being the only original member. V2 was their most successful album, reaching #33 in the UK Albums Chart and it earned the band a TV appearance on Top Of The Pops. You can read more about them in the web and you're doing nothing wrong buying a V record.

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THE STIFFS - The Punk Collection 1999

Puhhh, slept a long time today and I must go right back in the direction of Offenbach and meet one of my ex-girlfriend for dinner in a Belgian restaurant, I'm looking forward to it. But now to the Stiffs, an English band, variously referred to as Punk, PowerPop and PopPunk, hailing from Blackburn, Lancashire. Championed by Radio 1 DJ John Peel, their most successful singles were 'Inside Out' and 'Goodbye My Love'. Band members are Phil Hendriks (vocals/guitar), Ian 'Strang' Barnes (guitar/vocals), 'Big' John McVittie (bass/vocals) and Tommy O'Kane (drums).

The Stiffs were formed in 1976 by 14-year-old school pals Phil Hendriks (lead vocals, guitar) and Ian 'Strang' Barnes (guitar/vocals), joined by Tommy O'Kane (drums) and Mark 'Ossie' Young (bass guitar), and played their first gig at East Lancs Cricket Club in 1977. Following several local church hall and youth club bookings playing a mixture of covers and original Hendriks/Barnes compositions, Young was replaced by 'Big' John McVittie (bass guitar, vocals). Their first single 'Standard English' b/w 'Brookside Riot Squad' / 'DC-RIP' was released on their own Dork Records label in early '79, now regarded as rare and collectible. In December '79 the band, having tightened by this time into a powerful live act despite being legally unable to order a pint at gigs, released their second single 'Inside Out'/ Kids On The Street, recorded at Oldham's Pennine Sound Studios on a budget of £75, produced by engineer Paul Adshead and the band, embodying the bands musical progress, amalgamating melody, power and energy. A mistake at the pressing plant led to the first 1.000 copies having the labels printed on the wrong sides.

This compilation from Captain Oi! is a collection of the band's singles plus many hitherto unreleased demos and masters, covering the bands entire history.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE WALL - The Punk Collection 1998

CD's are not really my source but this one is a damn MUST! This fantastic compilation was released by Captain Oi! and contains all recordings of The Wall, originally formed in Sunderland early 1978, and their six year career may have seen them go through enough members to form their own football team but it also saw them release some outstanding records along the way. The first line-up of note featured Ian Lowery (vox & guitars), Andy 'Andzy' Griffits (bass & vox), John Hammond (guitars) & Bruce Archibald (drums) and it was this incarnation of the band that recorded the superb 'New Way' EP for Small Wonder Records. It's success (it sold over 10.000 copies and was heavily played by John Peel on his (then) important Radio 1 show) led to Lowery & Andzy relocating to London where they recruited guitarist Nick Ward and Drummer Rab Fae Beith (ex-The Pack/Patrick Fitzgerald Group) and they issued the 'Exchange' single for Small Wonder which reached No.26 in the very first published independent chart and was produced by the Sex Pistols Steve Jones (the first band to be produced by a member of the Pistols).

However, not long after this the band suffered the time honoured 'musical differences' which led to the depature of Lowery (he later released a solo album called "King Blank" on Beggars Banquet) who was replaced by one time Ruefrex member Ivan 'Kellz' Kelly and he made his debut with the Wall on a UK tour supporting the Angelic Upstarts and on their first single for Fresh Records, August 1980's 'Ghetto' EP which, produced by Sham 69's Jimmy Pursey, enjoyed a three month indie chart run peaking at the No.19 position. This line-up also recorded the debut LP "Personal Troubles & Public Issues" (which came out in December 1980 in two different sleeves and reached No.15 in the indie chart) which also saw the arrival of guitarist Andy 'Heed' Forbes, formally a member of The Strapps.

Shortly after the album's release, however, Ward & Kelly departed leaving Rab, Heed and Andzy to continue as a three piece with Andzy assuming vocal duties. This line-up was snapped up by Polydor and their debut for the major was the three track 'Remembrance' EP which they promoted by doing a UK tour with Stiff Little Fingers. They also issued one final single for Fresh, 'Hobby For A Day' before a second Polydor 45 'Epitaph' followed in November '81 and it also saw the first appearance of new bassist Claire Bidwell (ex-The Passions) which allowed Andzy to concentrate on the vocals. Their time with Polydor ended with early 1982's album "Dirges & Anthems" (which came with a free 7") and which saw guitar duties split between Heed (who left half way through recording) and Baz.

Rob & Andzy continued under The Wall name throughout 1982, their last release being the ten track 12'' EP "Day Tripper" for No Future (also issued as a four track 7'') which reached No.21 in the UK indie chart. The 'band' folded not long after with Rob later turning up in the UK SUBS and playing on the "Huntington Beach" and "In Action" albums. He also set up RFB Records and released albums by the likes of Condemned 84, UK SUBS and Broken Bones.(Mark Brennan)

In August 2007, the band reformed for a headline appearance at the Blackpool Rebellion with seven of the original members, Andy Griffiths (vocals), Nick Ward (guitars), Al Gregg (guitars & bass), Andrew Forbes (guitars), John Hammond (guitars), Claire Bidwell (bass) and Mark Dyvig (drums) with a warm-up gig the previous night @ The Thatched House in Stockport. This was followed by the release of a new live album in August 2009 on Captive Records (Opus Productions/Captive Records). The debut album "Personal Troubles & Public Issues" is getting a re-issue on CD for the first time, by Westworld Recordings on 13/05/2016.

This little sucker shines with twenty extraordinary nuggets and I love the Wall and you will do it too... 'In Nature'!

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THE UNDERTONES - Downtown Radio 1978 EP 2018

Nice bootleg by Downtown Records and this 7Inch contains four fabulous 'lost' recordings by the Undertones which they recorded 1978. The Lost Peel Session is in parentheses and discogs says: "Not recorded on the BBC but funded by John Peel." Well, fans of the combo among you know the real story and I don't give a shit because all songs on here are bangers and might not even be released yet. Info: the Undertones were formed in Derry/Northern Ireland by Feargal (vocals), John & Damian (guitars), Michael (bass), Billy (drums) in 1975 and have enriched mankind to date with seven albums and numerous 7Inches, and are still a-live. You can follow their detailed biography on the www and I say goodbye to the weekend.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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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 -

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THE ADICTS - The Peel Sessions 1979 EP [2015]

Again a fine John Peel session record, this time by the Adicts from Ipswich, influential and idiosyncratic British Punk outfit known for their wry lyrics, ferocious yet upbeat sonic attack, and distinctive image (still an active and popular live treat 😊); on Pirate Love Records which came in an edition of 300 copies. This goodie was recorded on 20.November 1979 and broadcast on 5.December. I really have to say, this DJ has done a great job and made many bands known and is certainly appreciated in the music scene, but are there any honors, remembrances or anything else? Admittedly, I haven't really done any research, but a lot of superfluous shit is remembered and the real, innovative personalities are forgotten. It's a damn gray World! On this nice one we have four classics and everyone who knows the boys will be delighted and those who don't know them will be this as well. Enjoy!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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THE PRATS - Die Todten Reyten Schnell 7'' 1980

Puuhhhhhh..... my dear friends... I have to admit, I slept little, much party & drunk and I'm still not sober. What a match it was? Tension to the end and very exciting. I think both sides lost a lot of energy and nerves that night. I will not say much about the game, you all saw it and the better team won in my opinion, and this post is dedicated to the Scots who played really well and need some consolation: The Prats were founded late 1977 in Edinburgh and comprised the Maguire brothers Paul (vocals/guitars), Greg (guitar/vocals), Tom (bass) and David (drums). Their first vinyl appearance was on the Earcom 1 compilation in 1979 with three tracks, In the same year they recorded a session for John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show. Peel also offered his fee from a DJing appearance in Edinburgh to finance a single release by the band. A series of 7Inches then followed, including General Davis and Die Todten Reyten Schnell, which was released on a German indie label called DaDa Records. In 1980 followed their last record called The 1990's Pop EP via Rough Trade. But the end of school in 1981 meant saw the demise of the Prats as they went their own separate ways into the big, bad world. Cheers & Prost!

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COCKNEY REJECTS - The Peel Sessions 08.08.1979 & 13.02.1980 EP's [2014]

Well, since the fucking formatting doesn't allow me to write any text next to the picture, I have to write my words as usual, although I would like it to be different. Fuck This Bitch! This is really a pain in the ass and I can't understand this bullshit system... Egal, now a double feature with two rare John Peel sessions by the Cockney Rejects which came out on Pirate Love Records in a limited edition of 300 numbered copies each. I guess, I don't have to tell you much about the boys, they were one of the first Oi! bands that formed by brothers Jeff & Micky Geggus in the EastEnd of London 1977. The band are fans of West Ham United and the violence depicted in their lyrics was often mirrored at their concerts, and they often fought to defend themselves (often from supporters of opposing football teams) or to split up conflicts between audience members. But those are just side notes, the Cockneys are a venerable combo who are still touring and very active, even forays into the metal genre show how versatile and brave the Londoners are, and to date they have released nine albums, the first two are classics which the so-called Punks will still hear in one hundred years, I think. It's been a nice day of swimming so far, I bought a pack of fifty Rolo's and now I'm watching a little Tour De France with a Benediktiner but weekends without football suck which you can certainly confirm!

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

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V/A - Hardcore Holocaust (87-88 The Peel Sessions) 1988

OK, I don't know who sent this fantastic compilation in and actually it doesn't matter.. fact is: we're listen now to a first-class tone document and John Peel was an important component for many underground bands and he gave them a chance in his broadcast and some managed to swim up, I wish there are more people like him nowadays. - All these recordings were made on different days and invited were UK hardcore bands which bring loud fast Hard/Grindcore messages across and this record is a fuckin' explosion. I'm not a big fan of such stuff but there are phases I need that and I remember that I had the first Napalm Death 'Scum' and I never heard such stuff before, certainly a classic nowadays, but I sold the slab quickly... now thirty years later I think shit (maybe any of you have a superb vinyl rip with covers for wdthtc?). This record was released via Strange Fruit and sweeps the dust like a Tsunami out of your pores - the weekend can start off!

1.Heard It All Before - STUPIDS

2.Dog Log - STUPIDS

3.Sheep - ELECTRO HIPPIES

4.Chickens - ELECTRO HIPPIES

5.Mother - ELECTRO HIPPIES

6.False Profit - EXTREME NOISE TERROR

7.Another Nail In The Coffin - EXTREME NOISE TERROR

8.Carry On Screaming - EXTREME NOISE TERROR

9.Conned Through Life - EXTREME NOISE TERROR

10.Attack In The Aftermath - BOLT THROWER

11.Psychological Warfare - BOLT THROWER

12.Skate Bored - INTENSE DEGREE

13.Intense Degree - INTENSE DEGREE

14.Daydreams - INTENSE DEGREE

15.Bursting - INTENSE DEGREE

16.Voice Your Opinion - UNSEEN TERROR

17.Moral Crusade - NAPALM DEATH

18.M.A.D. - NAPALM DEATH

19.Divine Death - NAPALM DEATH

20.Control - NAPALM DEATH

21.Pink Machine Gun - DOCTOR & THE CRIPPENS

22.The Garden Centre Murders - DOCTOR & THE CRIPPENS

23.Skin Tight -DOCTOR & THE CRIPPENS

24.Exploitation - DOOM

25.No Religion - DOOM

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CRANES - Forever 1993

It's Sunday, a day I like, everything can happen. But I must tell you, I'm confused. I'm always confused because I can't understand people. I don't wanna tell you much about my experiences I've made but I don't understand them at all. Well, let's leave this behind and now I have to post this record.

If I speak about Cranes I will post their album which I first came in touch with this extraordinary band. I can still remember it very well. I was there with a new girl and we came very close and casually ran this record and as I was able to think clearly again, I asked her about it. That's it, long long time ago. Every relationship has its good. So at this moment I start to listen to Cranes and bought more stuff. Here's a small sample of info from their MySpace site: "Originally based on the south coast of England in Portsmouth, Cranes first album 'Self non Self' had a peculiar intensity which seemed all the more unusual at the time. John Peel picked up on the album right away, with the group recording a session for him in the album's first week of release. Some intense media interest followed and shortly afterwards the group signed to Dedicated-BMG (which also became home to Spiritualized and Beth Orton) and went on to record five albums. Cranes' is a blend of celestial atmospheric rock and metaphysical minimalist electronics, made instantly recognisable by Alison Shaw’s childlike vocals and Jim Shaw’s uniquely inventive compositions. Much has been made of Alison Shaw's vocals, with descriptions ranging from "the helium tones of a small child", "baby-doll-voiced", and "a mewling, childish wisp of a voice". One reviewer described the band: "Imagine a small child singing lullabies at the bottom of the well with a background of grinding guitars" After the release of Population 4 in 1997 the band fell silent for a period of approximately four years and in 2000, the Shaws formed a new line-up and began writing music again and they're still active." - Cranes are a notable band and transport joy/love/yearning in your heart.

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MARY MONDAY & THE BITCHES - I Gave My Punk Jacket To Rickie 7'' 1977

This record is one of the best punk 7'' in my opinion and was released on Malicious Productions. I know this one's is posted in many blogs so Fredrik sent me his copy and I have no other choice to present this sucker again. Lner notes I found and I say thx for this to -k-: "Mary Monday & The Bitches with their sole release is a ‘77 favorite - John Peel even said so - that tends to get overlooked in the heaps of punk records that were coming out at the end of the 70s. Both sides are poppy, kinda sloppy, and (most importantly) just downright fun. The b-side, is also a total rocker complete with manic, burning guitar. The single leaves you wanting more, but unfortunately, like so many others, the band left us with this great piece of wax and then disappeared into thin air. The band’s story seems to be shrouded in mystery, but according to several sources Mary Monday and the Bitches were five band members that got together in 1977 from California. Riding the invigorating punk wave, the back of their single was held together by safety pins in accordance with the “punk” fashion trend that was becoming increasingly common. Mary’s backing band were apparently a San Francisco bar band known as the Street Punks who had disbanded before the decade’s end. After “I Gave My Punk Jacket To Rickie”, it’s difficult to track down where SF scene queen Mary Monday went for certain, but some have claimed she assumed another pseudonym (Vermillion Sands) and wrote for the fanzine Search & Destroy, as well as continuing within the punk scene and participating in other musical endeavors for an indeterminate amount of time. Anyway, this single’s a favorite and “Punk Jacket” was also included on the great My Girlfriend Was A Punk! compilation, which collects early punk bands from all over the world."

- Huge Thx to Fredrik -

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TWISTED NERVE - Caught In Session EP 1982

Awesome 7Inch by Twisted Nerve from Edinburgh, a four piece which were founded 1978 as the Insults by Gordon (vocals), Billy (guitars), Norbert (bass), Keith (drums) and this is their first record on Playlist Records. All three songs were recorded on a Session at the BBC Studios on 17/18th October 1981, broadcast by John Peel on November 2nd and 16th. They are one of the most underrated but one of the best goth Punk bands out there and after a long break they're back and and go on tour and here and there further vinyl comes out. A lots of Compilations contributions are not surprising because the catchy songs fits perfect with any decent record. A really interesting band that I can only recommend. Top!

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THE DRONES - Further Temptations 1977

Back to classics with the Drones, started out in the Manchester area in 1974 as a Glam Rock outfit called Rockslide, releasing a lone single 'Jump Bump Boogaloo/Roller Coaster' in October 1975, before reinvented themselves as a punk rock band the following year. The Drones then relocated to London and became one of the pioneering punk bands that performed in the first few months of the now-legendary Roxy Club. They supported The Vibrators in January 1977, headlined in February, and supported X-Ray Spex and Chelsea in March. Later that year they supported the Stranglers on a full UK tour, and appeared on two influential early punk compilation albums Streets and Short Circuit: Live at the Electric Circus. Their debut single, 'Temptations Of A White Collar Worker' (1977), was described by one reviewer as "classic dole-queue punk." In October 1977, their second single, 'Just Wanna Be Myself' / 'Bone Idol', was released, and on 6th December they recorded a session at Maida Vale 4 studio for John Peel. Later that month, they released their debut album on Valer Records, Further Temptations, a shoddily produced document of a highly underrated band, armed with angry lyrics and a sharp sense of humour fuelling fiery originals like ‘Lift Off The Bans' and 'No More Time'. It's was a great record but its release marked the beginning of the end for the band.

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