Peroxide - Heart Disease 10"

 

Label: Backstreet Records; Year: 200?; Format: 10" Vinyl

Firstly I never understood why a lot of the Rave Up and in this case Backstreet Records (Sublabel) releases are done so cheaply. For a release of an obscure band it would have come very handy to include an insert with some band info and photos but all we get is a few sentences on the back cover and two photos. It's really a shame. On top of that the vinyl on this release is so thin you would think you're holding paper in your hands. Well, at least with this release the live recordings are not a waste of vinyl and plastic as they are actually really worth having been put on record. Peroxide were one of many New York City based bands in the late '70s and played somewhat of a mixture between typical NY Junk Rock, Powerpop and Glam Rock. Back in 1979 they released just one Single on Shock Rock with Heart Disease being backed by Christine on Side-B. Both tracks are on this 10" and while Heart Disease is an upbeat Punky Powerpop track with keyboards very much to my liking Christine is a tack too New Wave for me but not bad either. Aside the one live track from Max's Kansas City recorded in 1979 there are also three tracks from CBGB's from the same year and they are convincing and more ass kicking. Also good are the three unreleased demo tracks and an Acetate with Jerry Nolan on drums. 'Fool From Start Shouln't Have' might very well be the best track on the entire record, just a great Heartbreaker influenced song. This isn't a record that you need to own but all in all it is quite enjoyable and worth tracking down if New York Dolls, Heartbreakers et all are your thing.