Kevin Mattson - We're Not Here To Entertain (Punk Rock, Ronald Reagan, and The Real Culture War of 1980s America)
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Saturday, April 29, 2023
The Three Johns - Live in Chicago LP
Label: Last Time Round Records; Year: 1986; Format: Vinyl LP
I have heard of The Three Johns many times before but never had any record in my collection until I found a copy of their 1986 released Live LP for next to nothing at the record shop around the corner from my home. The band seems to always have had a core of die-hard fans, some of them without a doubt also big Mekons fans. The Three Johns started out in Leeds in 1981 consisting of Jon Langford (the Mekons) on guitar, vocalist John Hyatt and Phillip "John" Brennan on bass guitar. There was also a drum machine the band named "Hugo". I may have said this before but I am really no fan of live records but there are exceptions to the rule and this one recorded in June of 1985 at Chicago's Metro is definitely an exception as it just rocks from beginning to end. This was the band's first US release and the quality of the live recording is excellent making this a highly enjoyable record which can still be found for a few dollars reminding you of the fact that good music is not always to be found on some rare and excessively expensive records. Songs like 'AWOL', 'Death of the European' or 'The World of the Worker' to name a few are timeless classics from a time when bands such as the Three Johns were labelled as Indie Rock, something that stands for lame music mostly performed by bearded hipsters these days. Back in the '80s though Indie Rock stood for quality and The Three Johns were a talented bunch drawing influences from Post-Punk, Goth-Rock, Cow-Punk and other genres prevalent in the late '70s and early '80s. They combined their eclectic mix of different genres with intelligent and humorous lyrics, often with a political message taking a stand against Margaret Thatcher and the likes. If you want to listen to songs that are equally dark and funny and sound like a mixture between Killing Joke, Sisters of Mercy and the Cramps then check out these lads from Leeds. I shall look out for more of their releases and will post about this band again. Good stuff!
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
V/A - I've Got An Attitude Problem EP
Label(s): BC Tapes & Records and Loony Tunes Records; Year: 1987; Format: 33RPM 7" EP
Back in 1987 the world seemed to be just absolutely fine. I was in the midst of discovering exciting and new sounds from around the world and bands as the ones found on this little EP ruled my little suburban world of Zurich, Switzerland. Beer, friends, gigs and thrashing in a park to the noises coming out of a cheap tape recorder was all that was needed to make me happy, that's how simple life was for a teenager like myself back then. Thirty six years later on another continent and feeling somewhat older I can still appreciate good old '80s Hardcore from Europe, which dominates this EP released as a collaboration between San Diego based BC Tapes & Records and UK label Loony Tunes Records. Seven bands from six different countries are represented and take you on a noisy ride with Side B being the winner for me. Sweden's Mob 47 actually provide two exclusive tracks for this release and as to be expected they deliver the goods in typical fashion. The real winner though are Quod Massacre from Beograd, Ex-Yugoslavia bringing you a really well crafted, melodic yet rough hardcore punk gem reminiscent of bands like HDQ or Frites Modern. Speaking of Holland Funeral Oration round off Side B with two ultra fast thrashers delivered with quality as good as Gouda cheese. Don't get me wrong, Side A is also good with Italian power horses Wretched and Raw Power pulling their weight while Boston's Psycho and UK's Satanic Malfunctions don't disappoint either. If you like myself grew up with these type of bands this will be very familiar territory for you, but should you not be as familiar with these bands pick this one up as it generally doesn't go anywhere near silly money and is a nice introduction to international '80s Hardcore Punk.
Sunday, April 23, 2023
The Jam - In the City LP
Label: Polydor (Spain); Year: 1977; Format: Vinyl LP
Many, many years ago when I got into Punk/Hardcore Punk I scoffed at bands like the Jam or even the Clash for that matter. I was of the opinion that those were nothing else than boring rock bands trying to sound somewhat punk rock. Throughout the decades though my taste and understanding of music has gradually changed to the point where I eventually reached the point of exploring the Jam catalogue. The band's history is interesting in the sense that it starts as far back as 1972 when school friends Paul Weller and Steve Brookes set out to start a band in the unassuming London suburbs of Woking in Surrey. Their early live shows often happened at youth clubs or workin men's clubs and consisted of mainly covers of fifties rock'n'roll acts, but they did have some of their own original numbers as well. Another intriguing fact is that from very early on Paul's father, John Weller, a featherweight champion and cabbie, was heavily involved in the music career his son would go on to have. Unlike many other parents of that time he was very supportive of what Paul was doing and through some of his boxing contacts things started to come together for the band as by 1974 the band started to play in London and landed a supporting slot for Thin Lizzy at Croydon's Greyhound. By 1976 Paul Weller was exposed to the nascent Punk Rock explosion happening in London and things started to take off for the Jam, now a trio of Paul Weller on guitar/vocals, Bruce Foxton on bass guitar and Rick Buckler on drums. According to Alex Ogg's punk bible "no more heroes" it was actually devoted fan Shane MacGowan of Nipple Erectors and later the Pogues who pushed the Jam to Chris Parry of Polydor. Their first LP, released in 1977 is in some ways an odd record in the sense that it is definitely not a pure punk rock record, but neither is it a Mod record. Nevertheless what counts most is that it is a good record, built on the Jam's live performances and recorded in just eleven days. Paul Weller has never made it a secret that he will forever be loyal to his love of '60s music, be it the Who, the Beatles or Motown. And that's exactly what you can expect from this album as the raw energy of punk rock collide with the pop sentimentality of Paul Weller's songwriting resulting in great songs such as "In The City" or my favorite "Away From The Numbers". In many ways this first album only foreshadows as to what was to come and should be viewed merely as an appetizer when it comes to the talent the Jam had. Stay tuned for more from the Jam down the road.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Sperma - Zuri Punx Single and S/T 12" EP
Sperma/Technycolor/Glueams Poster courtesy of "Hot Love" Swiss Punk & Wave 1976-1980 book by Lurker Grand and many others
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Visage - S/T LP
Label: Polydor (Germany); Year: 1980; Format: Vinyl LP
Back in 1980 I turned 10 years old and was too young to understand the complex and culturally interesting background of Visage and the emerging New Romantic scene. Music just grabbed me and when I liked something I liked it and I think my parents understood that as for some reason every Christmas and Birthday I would get a record as a gift. I come from quite a poor and working class immigrant family background hence I never had much as a kid, and what I did have I cherished endlessly. Visage somewhat unexpectedly landed a huge hit with "Fade To Grey" in 1980 and it was either that year or 1981 that my parents bought me their first LP. By that point I was a typical little kid loving AC/DC and Iron Maiden but somehow Visage got through to me and ever since I've always had an open mind for electronic music even though I never fully immersed myself in it. But, even more importantly and historically of importance is the fact that Visage very much came out of the punk rock scene with some rather intriguing connections. I think what some people might not realize is how much punk rock opened the doors for musicians and artists in general to pursue their own vision of what they wanted to create, which wasn't always just three chords. Scottish born musician Midge Ure (nee James Ure) for instance has been involved in bands since the early '70s and in 1975 landed a big hit with Slik's "Forever and Ever". With the booming punk scene at the door step Ure's Slik decided to go in a different direction and changed their name to P.V.C. 2 releasing a punk rock single on Zoom Records (to be reviewed in the future). In late '77 Ure moved to London and briefly joined Glen Matlock's Rich Kids. After having left Rich Kids but with a newly acquired Yamaha Synthesizer Ure along with former Rich Kid drummer Rusty Egan set out to find someone who would share their passion to create something different than punk rock, but not a million miles away. They found the right man in Steve Strange (RIP) who would become the singer and along with former members of Magazine Visage expanded the line-up in 1979. Visage's first single released on Radar Records was not successful but as mentioned above "Fade To Grey" now on Polydor got them the breakthrough and the rest is history as they say. With Steve Strange and Rusty Egan aka DJ Egan setting up the Blitz Club in London New Romantic took off and just like punk rock a few years prior transitioned from a subculture into the mainstream. Visage's first self-titled LP is at least in my opinion a milestone when it comes to electronic music, synth-pop, new wave or however you want to brand it. It's an album with a beginning, a middle and an end encouraging the listener to have a full listening experience which back then was the absolute norm as the way music is consumed has changed over the decades since. I sat down this morning with my coffee and listened to the album and couldn't tell you a weak song on it. The title track "Visage" starts you off and is the perfect track for a new decade enabling to see with the benefit of hindsight how well positioned Visage were on their path to Synth-Pop stardom. It truly was the sound of the future and for things to come, that much is for sure. Personally I love "The Dancer", an absolute cracker of an instrumental. It's a well executed album that doesn't sound outdated in 2023, forty-three years after its release, and that means something.
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Kafka Prosess - One Day Son All This Will Be Yourz (Split w/ Disorder) and Ingen Fattige, Ingen Rike LPs
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
V/A - The Anthology Of British Blues LP
Label: Imperial Records; Year: 1968; Format: Vinyl LPIt's not like I need more artists or genres to get my teeth into as I sure as hell have enough I am trying to get through and to learn about when it comes to music from the past, but sometimes the records seem to find me instead of the other way around. Last week I walked to a small local independent book store in Downtown Buffalo during my lunch and in the few boxes stuffed with second hand records the cover of an old British Blues record struck my interest. After having listened to the record last night and having done some research about the artists themselves I have the slight suspicion that in the future I will want to grab more of old British Blues records and to immerse myself in its history. And in that sense this record is a good introduction as it is a highly enjoyable compilation that was recorded in 1968 highlighting tracks by known and not so known British Blues artists of that time. Tony McPhee for instance - the sole constant member of the Groundhogs - is to be found on this LP with three outstanding tracks, one of them a great take on "Death Letter" by Mississippi legend Son House. The one artist I found most compelling on this record and naturally dug deeper into the history of though is Andy Fernbach from Bournemouth on the sunny coast of England. None of the three tracks Andy contributes to the album are his own but we are talking 1960's here where that was standard with Andy paying tribute to some great US blues players including Skip James whom Andy had the pleasure to tour with shortly before James' had passed away. For a much more detailed biography and history of the Blues in Bournemouth please see the link at the end of this blog entry. Also to be found on this LP are sister and brother Jo-Ann Kelly and Dave Kelly, equally fascinating when it comes to their personal histories with Jo-Ann having been a much wanted pursuit by Canned Heat from Los Angeles. If you are like me and just start out getting interested in British Blues then seek this one out and I have the feeling that just like me you'll get the bug to be wanting to find out more. The liner notes on the back of my US pressing state the following: "It's music to nurse two jiggers of Scotch by in the lonely wee hours. It provokes melancholy reflections of reality, and gives glimpses of life as it really is. Here, without pretense, is basic blues."
Link to fantastic article about Andy Fernbach and Blues in Bournemouth: https://bournemouthbeatboom.wordpress.com/andy-fernbach/
Sunday, April 9, 2023
Legionaire's Disease - Catch The Disease 10"
Label: Lunar Lab; Year: 1995; Format: 10" Vinyl
The sleeve notes on the back of this brilliant piece of vinyl and Texas punk rock history start of like this: Q: What do you get when you cross a pimp, a whore, a Ferris wheel operator, and a dog trainer? A: One of Houston's most infamous early punk bands - Legionaire's Disease. Whereas in today's world I would assume bands are often started through some ideas on some social media platform back in the late '70s Legionaire's Disease were pretty much an idea that originated while singer Jerry and guitarist Mike met in a jail cell and the conversation turned to music. But, not only did the two of them meet there but their original drummer Rick was also shoved into the cell for operating a Ferris wheel while being drunk and thinking it would be fun to keep it spinning for beyond 20 minutes. The Legionaire's live shows were said to have attracted more attention than any of their contemporaries such as the Hates or Really Red and one could always count on seeing outrageous outfits, some nudity, a bit of destruction, and almost always some boys in blue. It was actually a fan of the band that helped get the band into the studio resulting in the 1979 single "Rather See You Dead" b/w "Downtown". The eight tracks on this 10" are all from said studio session and the world is a better place and should be forever thankful to Lunar Lab for having released the material back in 1995. I will keep it simple and promise you that if you like your punk raw, primitive and with a good dose of humor and goofiness you will simply love this record. All eight songs are pure pogo hits and as stated in the sleeve notes "there's some obvious aping of the Sex Pistols and other well known punk bands of the era, but the Disease couldn't help but infuse the tunes with their sick sense of style. Hey Punk, you want some jailhouse rock? Drop the needle and turn it up!" Killer release.
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Fuck-Ups - FU82 EP
Label: PukeN'Vomit; Year: 2023; Format: 33RPM 7" EP
About time this piece of wax has been reissued as it's only been forty years since this came out originally in 1982. According to everything I have read about the band's reputation S.F. Punks at the time were really split as to whether they liked or sincerely disliked the Fuck-Ups. In the Boulware/Tudor book "Gimme Something Better" about punk and hardcore in the Bay Area I remembered that a nice little chapter is dedicated to Bob Noxious and the Fuck-Ups which I happily revisited for this review. Back in the early '80s San Francisco and many other major cities in North America and beyond attracted young people for multiple reasons. The streets were filled with excitement, life was much cheaper than these days and one could squeeze out a living by scamming the government and pan handling during the day. The punk scenes absorbed some of those colorful characters and I mean that in a positive way. Dave Dictor of MDC claims in the above mentioned book that "The Biafra-Tim Yohannan world really didn't know what it was like to live that way." The song "White Boy" didn't sit well with the more educated and politically correct part of the S.F. punk scene and Dictor further explains; "Sometimes they have a racial attitude but it's not deep. It was like, you get jumped by people coming back from the soup kitchen or some girl gets threatened in an alley, and something get ingrained in you, this tough thing. The Food stamp workers weren't much more sympathetic - 'You're a white kid from the suburbs. Why don't you go home to your momma and finish your college and get a real job?' Dictor concludes "We had to deal with prejudice on that level". But no worries this entry is not going to end up being just about the circumstances of life on the streets in the Mission District of S.F at the time but also about the record itself. If you like your punk mean, nihilistic, pissed-off and obnoxious then this EP will definitely be up your alley. I personally love the record as amongst the six songs you'll find both, the fast and abrasive tracks as well as the slower and in a sense artier yet still very fucked up songs. It's hardcore punk the way it was meant to be and that is never a bad thing. The Fuck-Ups had three back up singers which went by the name of the Fuckettes. Two of them were originally from France and Leslie explains the main reason for becoming involved with the Fuck-Ups: "We grew up in a nice little house outside of Paris and went to a terrible nun school for 12 years. My parents uprooted us and moved us to the States when I was almost 18. We became the Fuckettes because the Fuck-Ups were playing the Sound of Music in the Tenderloin. You had to be 21 to get in the show, unless you were in the band. So we did backup vocals on one song." You may argue that some of the stuff the Fuck-Ups came up with went too far and isn't funny but so be it, punk was meant to piss people off and not to be taken so seriously. Grab a copy before you'll have to wait another forty freakin' years.
Larry Williams - Unreleased LP
The beauty of walking into a record store and hearing instantly something played over the stereo that I like is a feeling that I have always cherished, and that will hopefully never die out. So, it was only a week ago when I took a long walk in my neighborhood and stopped at my local record store up the road from the house. Over the stereo was blasting Larry Williams, an artist I had not been familiar with but instantly fell in love with. This week I was also thinking that at some point in the not so distant future I will introduce you to the two record stores here in Buffalo, NY that I mainly use for record shopping these days. I don't buy many records, and as you will have noticed if you read this blog, only old stuff and reissues, but I thought especially for people traveling through Buffalo it might be good knowledge to have hence stay tuned. On to Mr. Williams (nee Lawrence Eugene Williams) then, born 1935 in New Orleans, Louisiana. After having been uprooted by his parents' move to Oakland, California Larry returned to New Orleans in 1954 where he began working for his cousin Lloyd Price as a valet. Larry was eventually introduced to Little Richard and with being a piano player for Lloyd, Williams eventually signed his own record deal with Art Rupe's Specialty Records. This record collects quite a few previously unreleased or alternate version of songs from the label's vast vault. According to the sleeve notes by Joey Mattia the LP was compiled and mastered by Little Walter of Boston, a prominent DJ and expert in the field of 50's and 60's rock'n'roll: "We have compiled this album with some of the most rocking tunes you'll hear. Some of the songs are alternate takes from the sessions where the original hit was recorded. These alternates are every bit as exciting as the ones that were originally released. At the time, Art Rupe, founder of Specialty Records, felt that maybe these sides were not as good as they could have been, but hearing them anew, we all felt they were dynamite!"
While researching for this entry this morning I came across the fascinating history of Specialty Records and the fact that Art Rupe just died recently at the age of 104. It could very well be argued that without artists and independent record label owners such as Rupe the DIY punk rock explosion would have never taken off the way it did as inspiration has to always come from somewhere. It could also be argued that sadly it is often the case that record labels try to cash in on artists that are no longer with us and by 1986 when this record had come out Larry was already dead for several years after having committed suicide in 1980. Williams' later life was plagued by drug abuse and violence, sadly nothing uncommon with a lot of artists from his generation. If you appreciate well crafted and wild' '50s rock'n'roll then you will not be disappointed with this record and should get your greedy hands on a copy of this. Rockin' Pneumonia it is!!!
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Keith Morris with Jim Ruland - My Damage (The Story Of A Punk Rock Survivor)
The Stiffs - "Volume Control", "Goodbye My Love" and "Four Winds" Singles
As you will all know Punk wasn't just a London thing as some will want you to believe, but was very much happening anywhere in the UK during the initial explosion in the late '70s. The Stiffs for instance hailed from Blackburn in the North-West and formed in 1976 by two 14-year old school friends as described in my go to UK punk bible "no more heroes" by Alex Ogg (see also Wikipedia entry for the band). In July 1978 the band was ready to record some of their own songs and early versions of "Inside Out" and "Volume Control" were the results of those sessions that took place in Oldham. Personally I don't own the "Inside Out" single hence I can't have any opinion but according to the sources I have used the single was well received after their very first "Brookside Riot Squad" EP had failed to materialize the desired results. The single reviewed herein "Volume Control" was originally released in 1980 on EMI subsidiary Zonophone. Of the three singles I have this one is the clear winner with the A-Side being a really strong and well crafted '77 Punk influenced smasher backed by loud guitars and a great production. The B-Side is almost equally good with the Jam influenced Mod stomper "Nothing To Lose". Definitely a great single!
Friday, March 31, 2023
Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels - Wheels of Steel 10"
Thursday, March 30, 2023
The Freeze - Rabid Reaction LP