So fuck it I don't have the scans for it yet but I'm going to upload it anyways. I've been listening to this all morning and really wanted to put it up because it's something that needs to be listened to by everyone
Hopefully I don't have to really introduce this band. They've been ripping it up with the most intensity and sheer brutality for a long while. Definitely one of the most well known Japanese Hardcore bands out there GAUZE! This record though I feel gets overlooked a lot. It was released by Prank in the '97. It's not any new material, it's 3 songs from Equalizing Distort and 3 songs from Genkai Ha Dakoda. These songs are definitely beefed up though and sound thicker than anything else they've done. The two most recognizable songs for most are probably Low Charge and Pressing On since equalizing distort is one of their better known albums and both have english names but you will barely recognize them. Pressing on is somehow played louder faster and harder than on the LP with cool backing vocals on the "pressing on" part. I think the best is definitely Sinin Ni Kuchinasi which is the last song of Genkai Ha Dakoda. Just the beginning of the song sounds so powerful and then at the snap of a finger it blasts into full speed.
So this is definitely for those people who like good ripping fast music.
So I still haven't quite figured out the format for this blog. I don't really have enough records to rip and upload to make it worth being dedicated to that. And I know nobody really cares about the everyday happenings of my life (hell I barely do). But for now I'm going to upload a couple of awesome records. I'm sure the blog will come into heavy use during the tour.
First up today is the second installment of the Best Run Fast 7" compilations from Japan. The first one is actually better in my opinion (you have slaver and lc pirates and a much better DONDON song) but I needed to rip this anyways for myself so decided to share it. You can search 7" punk for the first comp. After the second 7" came a video and a compilation LP in the series. I still haven't been able to find a copy of either, digital or physical. The compilations were put out by MCR in the early 90's. MCR still is putting out tons of cds and videos. You can check them out HERE.
The last picture is a sticker... it's pretty large and all one sticker. A little weird, I don't know anyone who'd really want to just slap that on stuff.
As far as the songs go, the sicilian blood song is definitely the ripper of the bunch. The mess song is really good but not quite up with the Sicilian Blood song. I'm not too much of a fan of Idora's rendition of Helter Skelter. It's interesting, but I don't think I've ever heard a cover of that song I like. DONDON's song is super powerful with the driving force typical of Japanese hardcore. I myself like the song exterminate to the fashion from the first Best Run Fast Better though.
Also as the first 7" this one is also dedicated to all the real hardcorepunkers.
So I haven't really taken the time to write anything in here. I'll change that soon, just adjusting to working again and looking for a second job.
Flint Pl is moving soon. I think familiar faces are occupying this place though.
When I get home I think I'll rip a 7" to upload up here. It's Gauze's 7" on Prank. All the songs were released on other records but these versions are a million times more ripping. Pressing On from Equalizing Distort starts it off and is so much heavier and crushing than the LP version. I sold mine in desperation for money but finally got another copy the other day and have been listening to it non-stop since.
Also in other music related things. I got the Loner's new LP last night. I haven't gotten to listen to it entirely (and have to fix it, the center hole is too tight and makes it play at the wrong speed) but the songs I have listened to are great. The B-Side opener is definitely the hit off the record. It's the song Let Me, one I have heard them play and that stuck out both live and on the record as an amazing song. So either go see the loners or check out churchkey records to pick up a copy.
Also Logic Problem has a record coming out on Grave Mistakes very soon and is almost done with our LP to come out on Abuse Records in Brussels. So get ready for two total rippers.
My other more powerpop/rock band needs a singer and a bass player, practices are sunday at like 4. To give you an idea we are planning on covering Harmony In My Head by the Buzzcocks as a song to try out singers.
Also Decimates is still looking for a drummer. Don't have to be awesome but need to be able to keep up. We should be working on a demo soon enough.
Ok so i'll leave you with this
Come check out the Remedy on Hargett street if you're looking for food. Things have been going rather well there. I'm there most nights from 5 to close.
So first order of business. I finally acquired my own copy of the Skitkids/nightmare split. The comforting feeling of listening to this on vinyl is great. Every time I listen to the first Skitkids song I have this feeling of anticipation before the solo and then once it comes to the pause I feel like my heart stops for a second. It's awesome. The nightmare songs KILL. The artwork is also awesome.
Also I picked up a copy of Sorry State's new release Under Al Kritik and it is almost as ripping of a record (trust me that's an awesome complement). Definitely has a feel of some of the other Danish records with some of the weirdness of Dead Kennedys and some of the harshness of Articles of Faith. The b-side opens with a metal ripper. This record is awesome and I'm definitely in love with it and highly suggest you get one since Sorry State was nice enough to make it available in the states for a decent price.
Logic Problem played Charlotte last friday night. It definitely wasn't one of our best shows but it was fun. Well for everyone else. I managed to destroy my finger (it didn't really hurt that bad but all the blood was a nuisance).
Lots of awesome shows coming up. Fucked up @ Milestone friday Shards first show @ ???? saturday Social Circkle/Shards@ Slims the 27th Logic Problem @ UNCC the 31st
In honor of finding this album I decided to upload it. Ha sadly I have no cover or insert to scan.
One of the first American releases on Crass' Corpus Christi label in 87. This album has something for everyone. It's definitely d-beat to the bone. It's a west coast Discharge, everything great about Discharge but with a little bit of some of the sound and general feel of the west coast tossed in. They were featured on the Not So Quiet on the Western Front LP and their song fits in with a lot of the other music on there but still manages to stand out. The song on the comp is a rawer slower version of Annihilation without the speech that starts off the LP. I kind of like it better than the album version. You can listen to that version HERE.
Anyways I think this album is a classic for most everyone, even if you don't get behind the whole peace punk stance this album is still awesome. CRUCIFIX - DEHUMANIZATION LP
Everyone should check out the newest Raleigh freaks Shards. Their demo is coming out soon on Sorry State Records. Till then check out their myspace. http://www.myspace.com/shardsnc
The band is a real super group containing members who have been in this band and that band. All are familiar faces from the area but this is something completely different. I was surprised the first time I heard the vocals. There is a feeling of nihilism in them, very reminiscent of Darby Crash in delivery along with all the slurring of words. The music is a little more midpaced with an early west coast feel to it. Think Live Fast Die Young by The Circle Jerks but with a couple of weirder parts added in and more demented vocals.
Keep an eye out for the demo it is amazing. I can't wait to see where this band goes if this is just the beginning.
So it's 3am. I am not tired at all. The TV just stopped working, not a single channel will come in. I am starting to get hungry but don't want to eat because then I'll never get to sleep. And now the power just went off for a second leaving me in pitch black darkness. It's kind of freaky for this stuff to happen while I'm home alone at 3 in the morning.
I'm bored... nobody else is home and I've just been sitting around doing nothing all night. Pretty shitty day. Denied more jobs. This feels like it's one big joke. Here's a couple of videos involving crazy animation.... I wish I was able to do this kind of stuff.
and another one that's a music video for a remix of a radiohead song. the song may not be the best but the video is great.
It's hard to type because my hands are so numb from the cold.
It's not too bad though.. it's kind of a refreshing cold like sticking your head in the freezer.
Today's Agenda:
- Go get ticket for expired registration dropped - Go to GFC to apply loading/unloading trucks (it's a job and pays $11 an hour) - Go do some very light grocery shopping - CLEAN the house and possibly the inside of my car - Try to seal up my room better to keep the cold out - Jam session with matt and dave
The problem is that it is now 1 am when I'm posting this and I still need to get ready to go out. Guess I have to get to it.
I nicked this off of Wooster Collective. It is an amazing video.
So lately I've thought about if I was younger again how I would do everything different. I feel I missed out on a lot of opportunities. Then I realized I spend too much time worrying about how I would have made my past better than trying to resolve my current problems. Oh well fuck it.
Florida is an abysmal pit. Seriously this place seems pretty void of all life. I went exploring the other day and came across a couple record stores, mostly catering to the mainstream alternative. Random Radiohead albums for $30 and re-presses of every Replacements album for $25. The coolest/ only thing that really interested me were the new Avskum LP and the World Burns to Death LP, both of which I can find back home. I then went and checked out Ybor City which is a nice little part of Tampa that has a lot of shops and you can walk around. It was pretty cool, relaxing. The weather was in the 80's and breezy so I enjoyed a nice stroll while checking out some vintage clothing places and another record store or two. One had a load of good older 45's, lots of Beach Boys and Alice Cooper. Sadly they were asking way to much to justify buying a 45 that was scratched to hell and probably wouldn't play and also contained one previous owner's name written from top to bottom on each label.
Today is Kayaking and then packing up and heading back. I should be back around 12-3 am on Saturday. I think I'm hanging in Charlotte for the weekend and heading back Sunday night. Let me know if you want to get together or hang out.
I've been kind of stuck lately not listening to music, I have been having a hard time getting some personal space/time here. When I went on my exploration of Tampa I really had the urge to listen to west coast bands though, maybe it was the sunshine and beaches. So lots of Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Avengers, my one 7 Seconds song I don't hate, and other awesome tunes. It kind of bummed me out because I sold my copy of Not So Quiet on the Western Front the other day. One band that I think doesn't get enough credit is Code of Honor. I first heard this band on the Not So Quiet comp, their song What Price Will You Pay starts off slow, sounding more like a speech and then the guitar kicks back in and the song takes off, only to come back to a awkward slowdown again with more talking. The song reminds me of a more punk Bla'st with all the time changes but aren't as weird. That song can be heard thanks to the good people at Alternative Tentacles HERE
After that I looked into the band a little more and downloaded their split with Sick Pleasure. I was sad that the Code of Honor side wasn't really solid as I had hoped. It reminds me of some of those weird Faction songs that are almost good but just a little too weird to like. One song though is a complete punk rock banger. Fight or die kicks you in the back of the head with the insane little guitar parts and the killer bass line. This song is a classic.
Also check out the user that posted that video for more awesome stuff.
So I ripped this the other day, a good split with cool artwork. Definitely more for the garage fans.
THE MUMMIES VS THE WOLFMEN!
Double 7" split put out by Sympathy for the Record Industry in 91. Included a fold-out with artwork by Coop
Ok now that that's over with here's what to expect from the music. The mummies start off their 7" with a cover of Chris Kenner's Land of 1000 Dances. I never knew who actually wrote the song. Basically typical early rock song with the Mummies blend of blown out vocals. According to Wikipedia the "nananana" parts were added when Cannibal & the Headhunters covered the song. Every band in the world seems to have done a cover of this song. Some make sense (ie little richard, bill haley and his comets) other's don't (broken social scene, and vinnie jone??) but this song definitely fits for the Mummies. Next is Victim of Circumstances, which I assume is also a cover but I don't know who did the original. It's a little slower not as rock and roll as the first song. It's very somber and features lots of organ. I really like this song but it feels slightly depressing compared to the other song but I think shows the contrast The Mummies are able to produce, making fun light hearted songs on top of dark songs. I think this may be my favorite though on the split.
The Wolfmen tracks make you feel like you should have a pomp and some wingtips on while listening to it. Straight rock. Insane in an Insane world seems to drag on a little long. But then again so does the other song, Don't want no one to love me but you, who's name even drags on too long. Still they're good songs. I think if Insane in an Insane World was a minute shorter it'd be a great song but still it's a solid track otherwise.
This 7" has been a favorite of mine lately.... I found a bootleg copy of it when I was in NY. It's hard to stop listening to it.
The only layout for this is The Victims printed on the front similar to the original (but of course on an actual cover nice and centered). The track listings aren't on the back though. The labels are spot on to the originals though.
Television Addict is such a catchy song... you can listen to it again and again without getting tired of it. This song is rawer and a little more edgier than most of the other Aussie releases of its time.
(I'm) Flipped out over you is a little more weirder and poppier. It's increadibly jittery and fast paced. It's a fun song but doesn't warrant the multiple plays that Television Addict does.
You can download the tracks from kbdrecords.com and make your own decisions about them. Still two top notch songs though.
Lately I've been up late surfing youtube when I can't sleep. I came across this user called butterknifeltd. I had seen the videos he had put up of Die Kreuzen playing a cable access show. He has about 1000 more videos up of full live sets of a million amazing bands. I suggest checking it out.
Some Jams to check out
If you like stuff that's super fast and angry then you'll love this. Winded is probably one of my favorite songs right now.
If you have somehow not heard this band then crawl out from under your rock and go buy this 7". Perfect blend of poppy and punk. I have a hard time putting this away because I usually just want to spin it again.
The B-Side Cold Touch Of Death will get stuck in your head. Another one that gets a good handful of plays before leaving the turntable.
Unlike most bands Dinosaur Jr.'s newest album is not a letdown. Been one of my favorites to listen to lately. Definitely check out Been There All the Time.
So I'm at my parents at the moment... home alone. Due to TV not being that interesting (although they have like 400 channels) I decided to check out the Sirius Radio stations they have on their TV (It's part of their satellite plan). I found one called Underground garage and so far it's been pretty solid. I had it on a little last night and heard Johnny Kidd and the Pirates, Radio Birdman, the Ramones, the Sonics, and The Undertones. While just sitting here writing this I've heard The Kinks - I need you, The Replacements - Bastards of young, and the Byrds - So you want to be a Rock & Roll Star. I wonder if you can subscribe to just one sirius radio station because every other one is crap, especially the one labeled Punk/hiphop. That one had low expectations anyway though. But this station is pretty close to my taste in music (minus all the hardcorepunkmetalfreaky shit).
On other notes Logic Problem is playing Monday with ANNIHILATION TIME!at Volume 11 in Raleigh along with Double Negative and some others.
So Rockband 2 has one of my favorite DEVO songs on it. I'm not a big DEVO person but I love the song Uncontrollable Urge. This reminded me of a 7" I forgot I had.
This is the 90's Budget rock band The Mummies covering Uncontrollable Urge and Girl You Want by DEVO. The record isn't really on Sub Pop. The Back cover explains with a letter from sub pop asking the Mummies to Release a sub pop single and then next to it their response. (I'll see if i can scan the back cover because it's a pretty funny response) Both tracks are live and I think actually better quality than some of their other releases. Pure Fun records put it out (apparently one of their two releases)
There's a blog with both tracks available to listen to ------> here
Also here's a video of the show the song was recorded at (the sound is not as good quality as the 7")
The record was limited to 1000 copies on pretty purple marble vinyl.
So to start off, today has been awesome due to waking up early and not be freezing and fear getting out of bed due to it being 20 degrees in my room. I am very thankful for friends willing to help me out.
So with that good start I set off to get some stuff done today. I got most everything done except for one thing which was selling off my old hockey skates (really nice skates) since i never use them and will more than likely never use them again. So for my nice skates and my basically brand new gloves they offered me $18....... talk about a rip off. So after denying their offer I got in my car and started to head out of the parking lot. I notice at the light leaving the parking lot that there's a cop behind me but I don't sweat it because I'm doing nothing wrong. I barely pull out of into the intersection before the cops lights come on. So I pull into a parking lot out of the way. Apparently my registration is out of date. I've forgotten about this before and gotten a warning for it. This time was different though. This cop decided that this deserved a ticket. And not just a little ticket. Including court costs it comes out to $150. While I know I was in the wrong I still don't think that it warrants a ticket of that magnitude. So yeah again instead of getting money selling my stuff I got stuck with a ticket. Luckily the court date isn't till January so I have some time.
Logic Problem plays in Charlotte tomorrow with bands. I'm excited about it and still have room for one more person.
Sadly I have had no new records lately. I have the new Bukake Boys 7" but it's in cameron's car. I need to find out a way to get free records. Oh well I'll be fine just listening to Wind Of Pain on repeat i think.
So yesterday I went with Dave to the Proposition 8 protest. I myself don't believe too much in protesting, especially on something from another state that has no possibility of being changed by the protest. But I do believe in equal rights and felt like it'd be better to go out and show some support whether it changed anything or not. We kind of couldn't find where everyone was supposed to meet so we kind of hung out at the capital building to wait till everyone walked by. We grabbed some shelter from the rain while we waited. We suddenly heard chanting coming from the other side of the building and went over to see a line stretching way down the street of protesters holding signs and chanting, typical protest kind of stuff. So we kind of stood off to the side watching hundreds of people walk by us unaffected by the fact that they were soaking wet and probably cold as hell. Most everyone had the usual signs saying something like love is blind or saying something about "proposition h8." After the end of the line we took a short cut and ended up towards the front with some of the more die hards (the chanting towards the back was weak... like two people would be chanting something, not even with each other in feeble shaky voices). Finally we ended up at what I assume was the Governor's Mansion. There was someone with a bull horn leading on the chant of "What Do We Want?" "Equal Rights" "When do we want them?" " Now". This kept going on for a while. There were two other chants one was "Gay Straight Black White all deserve Civil Rights" and the less popular "Out of the closets, Into the streets." The last was chanted by one other person. I'm sure all of the meathead college guys there thought it made them sound like too much of a fag if they chanted it. I was waiting for someone to come out of the Governor's Mansion and yell something about them having absolutely nothing to do about proposition 8 and to go to hell and leave them alone. It was around three when everyone started moving from the governor's mansion so we decided to head back to our cars and get out of there. As we're getting ready to walk back we notice some people trying to hoist a rainbow flag on the flag pole outside the mansion. Right as they were about to two cops pulled up and the people automatically fired back to the cops' glares with "Ok we're taking it down."
The rest of the night involved music of some sort and pizza. It was a good night.
