Messthetics #101 Review - Various Artists

As this excellent album is still available at a bargain 11$ don't go looking for the download of the whole album, although there is one sample track, which "Chuck" from "Hyped to Death" has authorised for 30 days only. So listen "now or never" (or just go out and buy your own copy). Link removed after 30 days.

If you like DIY punk then this album is for you. There are some real gems here and its been stuck in my car CD player ever since I bought it. It's one of a number of CD's that are split geographically, so #101 and #102 (review for 102 coming later) are all bands from the London area.

On #101 you get 22 tracks + 5 free mp3's (see below for listing) and a booklet packed with info on each of the bands. I hadn't heard of any of these tracks as they are mainly obscure rarities which would rarely come on the radar.

The sample track is from the excellent Hounslow (two miles from the main runways at Heathrow) based band "Scissor Fits" and their "I Don't want To Work at British Airways" which got to the top of the charts for one week in a local record shop (most probably as it was opposite a hostel for young British Airways workers). This reminds me exactly what punk was about, protesting about not working on factories and starting up a band to tell everyone about it. I love the story of how "Scissor Fits" got their name, they took it from the "Mad Magazine" and a cartoon from the famous "Don Martin" which had a woman with a long cigarette holder accidentally her cigarette out in a mans eye, with the resulting sound effect "Siza Fitz" (see the actual picture this came from).

Although the whole album is excellent, a couple more of my personal favorites are the brilliant slow and stripped down (plus updated lyrics) version of "Part Time Punks" by "The Door and Window", and the excellent witty lyrics of "Other People" by "Grinder":

"I know this might sound silly" "But its really quite a fact" "Some people like to name drop" "It was the Queen who told me that"

So if you like the sample track (see comment for link) then go and visit Hyped to Deaths excellent site or buy Messthetics #101 here.

Album: Messthetics #101 D.I.Y. 77-81 LONDON 1
Year: 2006
Label: Hyped To Death
Tracks:
1. I Don't want To Work For British Airways - Scissor Fits
2. Machine Gun - Rich and Famous
3. This Week - Different I's
4. Distance - Acid Drops
5. Stir Crazy - The Rejects
6. Two Wasted Years - Jimmy Nipper Five
7. Compulsive Eater - Funboy Five
8. Technique Street (Rough Mix) - The Homosexuals
9. Distance - Exhibit A
10. Gun Point - Blue Screaming
11. Armchairs - Take It
12. Evercare - Twelve Cubic Feet
13. Know Better - Tiny Town
14. I'm Glad - Existence
15. Beach Coma - Collective Horizontal
16. Drive Your Car To The Middle Of Your Brain - Different I's
17. Ghosts- Karel Fialka
18. Truth/Hey - George Harassment
19. Back To The Bow - Tiny Town
20. - What Did You Do With The Body? - Milkshake Melon
21. - Other People - Grinder
22. - Part Time Punks - The Door and the Window
+5 free mp3's
23. - We're Better Than - TOATW
24. - Haircut Bob Dylan 66 - Funboy Five
25. - Politics - Grinder
26. - Have You Seen A Whale - Milkshake Melon
27. - Did I Pick It Up - Outrageous Flesh

Vertical Hold - Rubber Cross

Thanks to "English Paul" one of the earlier request posts (follow link if you want to see original post) "Vertical Hold" has been found.

I don't know anything about "Vertical Hold" and this is the first time I have been able to hear anything by them, and the good news, it's good. The stand out track for me is the b-side "Injustice" (which a minor warning this song is slightly clipped at the end, but it still doesn't stop it being brilliant) although "Rubber Cross" is a very close second. I have tried searching for info on "Vertical Hold" and have failed miserably, so if anyone can add any info, then please leave a comment.

This sounds like another band that I just can't quite put my finger on, so maybe one of you out there can identify who it is (is it "the Pack" without the Brandon vocals?)

Band: Vertical Hold
Label: VH
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Rubber Cross
2. Injustice

So one down, two to go, anyone got the other two singles?

Ripped from English Paul's glorious hissing tape from one of his friends glorious scratched vinyl: (See comment for link)

The Clues - No Vacancies Mini LP

'The Clues' one and only single (I believe) was this 4 track mini LP released on Insert in 1981. This is another one from 'Bruno of Brazil' and again is supposed to be rare at only 500 copies.

The Clues have been categorized as Mod or Power Pop and you can hear why. The title track 'No Vacancies' definitely fits the Mod genre, with some nice guitar and harmonies which really grow on you. The second track 'Footsteps' is my favorite track of the four, a little faster than the title track. Next up is 'Girl Of My Dream's' another sound 'power pop song, and finally 'Almost Framed' which sounds like an early 'Rolling Stones' song.

Band: The Clues
Label: Insert
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. No Vacancies
2. Footsteps
3. Girl Of My Dreams
4. Almost Framed

Ripped from Bruno's glorious scratched vinyl:
See comment for the link - If you can't find the comment, go to http://asfm.blogspot.com/

The Pistons - Solitary Reality

This is what ASFM is all about, finding new music that I (and I hope for you as well) have never heard of. Another gem from PaulSpizzle, so once again leave your thanks in the comment for sharing another ultra rare punk classic.

All we know about this band is whats on the label and the insert (all in the pictures). The Pistons were from Northwich, Cheshire. The band consisted of (left to right in the picture) Tony Argent on vocals, Miff on Drums and Dave Gone on Bass. I'm guessing this was their one and only single, released on Humdrum records in 1981. If anyone knows any different or anything else then please leave a comment (could this be the one that stumps Worthless Trash and 45 Revolutions?)

Two tracks on the x-side we have 'Solitary Reality' which is a good old fashioned punk song, but the y-side has the better (in my opinion) track 'Hyper Active', a simple but catchy tune, which is just what I like.

Band: The Pistons
Label: Humdrum Records
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Solitary Reality
2. Hyper Active

Ripped from Paulspizzles glorious scratched vinyl:
See comment for the link - If you can't find the comment, go to http://asfm.blogspot.com/

Again I can't find anything else to recommend on the Pistons, but of anyone does know if any compilations that are still available then leave a comment

Crisis - Alienation

This was 'Crisis' final single, a double a-side which was released in 1981 after they had split up. Both songs were old favorites which were recorded for a John Peel session in November 1978. The line up for this recording was: Phrazer on vocals, Tony Wakeford on Bass and Vocals, Lester Jones on lead guitar and vocals, Doug Pearce on Rhythm guitar and vocals and the Cleaner on Drums.

Both tracks are classic 'Crisis'. 'Alienation' is the standout track for me, with 'Bruckwood Hospital' a very close second.

The single also included a paper insert (see scans) with details on the bands members both for this recording
and the the next Crisis incarnation with Dexter on lead vocals, who also sang backing vocals for this single.

Some interesting etching on this one, apart from 'A Porky Prime Cut' on both sides, on the a-side 'Now For Death In June' which was the band that Doug Pearce and Tony wakeford formed after 'Crisis'. On the aa-side 'For The Effects'.

Band: Crisis
Label: Ardkor Records
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Alienation
2. Bruckwood Hospital

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:
See comment for the link - If you can't find the comment, go to http://asfm.blogspot.com/

Pauline Murray And The Invisible Girls - Searching For Heaven

After Penetration, Pauline Murray and the Invisible Girls were formed. 'Searching for Heaven' a 7" and 10" three track EP was their third single (this posting is from the 10").

Released on Illusive records in 1981, 'Searching For Heaven' is the standout track of the three, it is definitely more commercial than the Penetration material, however her distinctive vocals still shine through. Like her later works 'Animal Crazy' is not for me, and could nearly be played at a disco. The last track 'The Visitor is better but still quite commercial. See what you think and leave a comment.'

Band: Pauline Murray & The Invisible Girls
Label: Illusive Records
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Searching For Heaven
2. Animal Crazy
3. Visitor

See comment for the link - If you can't find the comment, go to http://asfm.blogspot.com/

If you like this, and even if you don't you should try out her debut album which is currently out of print (and costs a few bob), so go here if you want to hear it follow this link to The Dashing Blade

Plastics - Diamond Head

I think this gold flexi disc was used to promote the Japanese band 'Plastics' third album 'Welcome Back' (I can't remember how this one got in my collection, I have some vague memory of picking it up for free) Both tracks are very catchy, it has a kind of jerky, power pop, new wave sound, which could be the B-52's (which is no bad thing). Playing this again has reminded me of them and I'm now on the search for their earlier albums and singles, it doesn't look like you can buy them anymore (if you can point me in the right direction, if not has anyone got them).

Not sure whose idea was but this was released on Island records as NIP 1 (most probably not viewed as politically correct today).

So give it a try and leave a comment and tell ASFm what you think of 'Plastics'

Band: Plastics
Label: Island
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Diamond Head
2. Peace


Ripped from glorious scratched flexi disc:
See comment for the link - If you can't find the comment, go to http://asfm.blogspot.com/


If you like this the only album I am aware of that was released in the UK is welcome back which if you follow the link you will see it is going for the extortionate value of £52 (rip off)

Welcome Back

The Local Anesthetic - Various Artists

This story for me demonstrates what the music industry should be doing about blogs, and I hope you feel the same as me, and go out and buy this album, the music warrants it, and the labels approach also does. So have a read and see what ASFM thinks, and then listen to it yourself. As usual leave some comments and say what you think of the labels approach, as well as what you think of the music.

The Story
I got an email from a guy called Andy Silva (from New York) who works for a record label as New Media Promotion.

He sent me some sample mp3's (you can get the link to these in the comments) and also a link to listen to the new album they are promoting (the link for you to listen is further down in this posting). A little info on new album in their own words below:

In 1981 Wax Trax Records co-owner Duane Davies formed the in-store label called Local Anesthetic and released the debut single by Denver band Gluons featuring Allen Ginsberg on vocals. Local Anesthetic went on as the only continuous independent label in Colorado, staunchly documenting the underground music scene of the early 80s. Now, Smooch Records’ The Local Anesthetic compiles all of the 7-inch singles, along with a few other gems. Although the singles all fall under the punk umbrella, they're a diverse collection of hardcore, new wave, artsy fartsy, goth, and experimental recordings from 1977-83.

The Music
So I had a listen to this album and boy there are some real gems (all of which I have never heard). I've ordered my copy today and hopefully when you have listened to this album you will do the same.

I started by listening to the free downloads first and was very impressed with a couple of the tracks, so I then turned to listen to the whole album, and these were my favorites (the order is based upon the album and not my personal preference) and the reason that led to me ordering the album:

Frantix - My Dad's A F*cking Alcoholic, a slowish, heavy sound that is brilliant, obviously not one to play around your mum, but this will have you singing along to the chorus.

Your Funeral's, 'I Wanna Be You' is such a stand-out track , whilst it was playing I was working on an ASFM post, and I had to stop, the track is so brilliant, that it made me look up and stop typing, and I have been playing it continuously ever since. not to be let down, and guess what? the b-side 'The Abyss' is equally brilliant. You will love this band I promise.

The next pick for me was the 'Young Weasels' and their single 'Twist and Burn' a slow burner this one (excuse the pun), I can't put my finger on who they sound like (anyone out there know?) but I like it. The b-side 'Happy Feathers' is another one that grows on you.

Next pick is the Gluons, 'Bird Brain', I dare you not to love this song. It is beyond classification, but one of those songs that just makes you smile as you sing along to the catchy chorus "Bridbrain". The b-side is more classic punk and does not disappoint, great guitar riffs, great chorus, play it.

Both the tracks from Jerri Rossi are very different again, it reminds me a little of early Lydia Lunch, she screams out the lyrics against a back bass guitar and noise. I don't know why, but I love it. The more I play it the more it grows on me.

Next up for me, Defex, this is a real little gem and rarity. 'Psycho Surfer' sounds like classic 1977 punk, its got the riffs, the vocals and the speed, I'm singing along now, whilst witting this "Psycho Sur fer fer fer fer fer Psycho Surfer. The b-sides not quite as good as the a-side, but it's still brilliant, which makes you realize how good, Psycho Surfer is. Only 100 copies of this were released and it has fetched up to $400 on ebay.

The Nails, 'Cops Are Punks' starts of with the old fashioned police siren and then goes into another classic 1977 punk sound, it is so catchy, you will not be able to stop jumping around and singing along to this. This track is so cool, you gotta get it. The b-side 'Big star is again good, but it could never surpass 'Cops Are Punks'. The final track 'Another Lesson' is much slower and melodic but still excellent.

So summing it up for me, 14 brilliant tracks out of 33 ain't bad. If you like hardcore punk then there's even more for you. In fact there's something for everyone on this compilation. If you don't believe me then follow then follow this link for the full album stream and listen yourself:
E-CARD W/ FULL ALBUM STREAM: HERE

By the way you can also purchase this great compilation through the same link above.

So either listen to the whole album or download these four tracks and sample:

1. Your Funeral - I Wanna Be You
2. Jerri Rossi - I Left My Heart I Don't Know Where
3. White Trash - wake Up
4. Bum Kon - The Draft

Ripped using some smart recording technology (the four sample mp3's):
See comment for the link - If you can't find the comment, go to http://asfm.blogspot.com/

The full album track listing is below, but if you want to know more about these bands and see some hi resolution pictures then go here:

BIO & HI-RES ARTIST IMAGES: HERE

and if you want some more info about the labels, etc then go here:

LABEL WEBSITES: SMOOCH RECORDS | SMOOCH RECORDS MYSPACE

FULL TRACK LISTING
1. Frantix - My Dad's A F*cking Alcoholic
2. Frantix - Car
3. Frantix - Your Ill
4. Frantix - My Dad's Dead
5. Your Funeral - I Wanna Be You
6. Your Funeral - The Abyss
7. White Trash - Wake Up
8. White Trash - Nazi's In My Neighborhood
9. White Trash - Ballard Of Ronnie Raygun
10. White Trash - I Hate Toes
11. White Trash - Daddy Warbucks
12. Young Weasels - Twist and Burn
13. Young Weasels - Happy Feathers
14. Bum Kon - Bum Kon
15. Bum Kon - Forced Away
16. Bum Kon - Drunken Sex Sucks
17. Bum Kon - The Draft
18. Bum Kon - Slow Death
19. Gluons - Bird Brain
20. Gluons - Sue Your Parents
21. Frantix - Face Reality
22. Frantix - Cat Mouse
23. Frantix - Sharin' Sharon
24. Frantix - New Questions
25. Jerri Rossi - I Left My Heart I Don't Know Where
26. Jerri Rossi - It's A Man's Man's Man's World
27. Rok Tots - Suicide Weekend
28. Rok Tots - Situation Kid
29. Defex - Psycho Surfer
30. Defex - Machine Gun Love
31. Nails - Cops Are Punks
32. Nails - Big Star
33. Nails - Another Lesson

So if you like this then go and buy it here:
E-CARD W/ FULL ALBUM STREAM: HERE

Nero 12" - Theatre Of Hate

Posted by request for Longy, inspired by 'Nuzz Prowling Wolfs earlier posting of 'The Hop'

The excellent 'Theatre of Hates' 3rd single, this one on 12" not sure if there was a 7" release.
It reached number 2 in the UK indie chart but was always too heavy for the general radio listeners. It took the more commercial (but still brilliant) 'Do You Believe in the Westworld' to break into the national charts.

When I ripped this it nearly blew the meter of the scale with a wall of noise. Brandon's distinctive vocals blast over the noise making this a classic in my opinion, but then I have always been a fan of Kirk Brandon and all the various bands he has created. The 12" version of 'Nero is a might' 7.30 minutes long. The b-side Incinerator at 4.23 minutes gives you a fair amount of Theatre of Hate for your money.

Etchings on both sides, on the a-side "A Personal Invitation...." and on the b-side ".... To The Ides of March". From Kirk Brandon, who knows?

By the way I didn't bother scanning the back cover as its just black.

Band: Theatre Of Hate
Label: Burning Rome
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Nero
2. Incinerator

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:
http://www.mediafire.com/?5xzob0ytjg9

If you like this start with this, it has all of their singles as the Pack and Theatre of Hate,

The Complete Singles Collection

and then go and buy their classic debut album

Westworld

A.D. 1984 - Clockwork Generation

First of all a request, has anyone got the picture cover for this little gem? (if you have send it to me and I will add it later).

Another excellent song from A.D. 1984, it's not as good as 'The Russians Are Coming' (follow the link for this earlier posting), but it will still get stuck inside your head.

Yet again a background 'Stranglers' riff with a very catchy tune. The b-side is an instrumental, average in my opinion, but you tell me what you think?

Band: A.D. 1984
Label: Grand Prix
Year: 1981
Tracks:
1. Clockwork Generation
2. Melody In The Key Of Time

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:
http://sharebee.com/de38a046