7-22-2015

Setlist:

1. Brainiacs- Don't Tell Me Why

2. Atoms - Max Bygraves Killed My Mother

3. The Negatives - Love Is Not Real

4. Gross National Product - Twisted Cross

5. Xterminators - Occasional Lay

6. Hand Grenades - Coma Dos

7. Nirvana - Kielletyt Leikit

8. Teenage Depression - Working For The Kremlin

9. GRRR - 1984

10. Peggio Punx - Scemo

11. Tender Lugers - The Best Thing

12. The Child Molesters - Hillside Strangler

The Brainiacs - "Don't Tell Me Why"

From The Brainiacs 4-track EP released in 1979 on Mental Health Records.

The Brainiacs, from what I can gather, are part of the Punk Rock pantheon of artists that are primarily remembered for an appearance on one of the many Killed By Death V/A boots from the 80's and 90's. The Brainiacs had their classic Punk anthem "Don't Tell Me Why" featured on "Killed By Death #15 1/2," released in 1998. The A side of this 1979 EP is remarkable, with "Don't Tell Me Why" and "Take Me To Paris." The B side falls flat in comparison, with "Suzie's So Unsure" and "Stunned." The B-side has the vocalist and bassist switched, which seems to be the root of the problem. The Brainiacs would go on to release a 1981 12" single, which I still haven't heard. This is one of the cheaper KBD 7"s, usually in the range of $15-$30.

The Atoms- "Max Bygraves Killed My Mother"

From "Swingalongamuck" released in 1979 on Hinka Records.

A confusing mixture of Post-Punk, Dub and Reggae lay within The Atoms only single, "Swingalongamuck." Featuring 2 tracks, "Max Bygraves Killed My Mother" and the equally great "Beatlejacket." Fronted by British comedian Keith Allen, (who has a history with Max Bygraves) who would go on to to work on a project under the name "Boots Sex Dread" which would release one single in 1980, hosting the 2 songs, "Tickle Tune" and "Pentel." The song "Beatlejacket" was featured "Killed By Death: British DIY Volume 1" and "Messthetics #5," but I much prefer the A-Side to Beatlejacket.

The Negatives - "Love Is Not Real"

From the "Love Is Not Real + Stakeout" Single, released in 1979, on LOOK records.

There isn't a lot to write about when it comes to The Negatives. Formed by 4 friends in the late 70's, The Negatives were one of the first (if not the first) Punk band from Bradford. The back of the sleeve boldly remarks "We Don't Come From Leeds or London!" After accidentally stumbling across them, I bought the official repress on Paramecium Records, completely repackaged in the original sleeve design and all. Reminiscent to al ot of American Hardcore that would follow in the year(s) after the release, The Negatives loud sound coupled with biting Nihilism is what makes this single the gem it is.

Gross National Product - "Twisted Cross"

From the V/A Compilation, "Code Blue" released in 1984

I wish I had more to say about Gross National Product, I know little to nothing about them. Their sound seems to be a part of the microtrend of underground rock bands in the 1980's slowing down Hardcore Punk and making it more noisey and lo-fi, more notable bands using this sound and formula are Flipper, No Trend and Drunks With Guns. Their sound and lyrical themes do remind me quite a bit of Rusted Shut, another notable noisecore/noise rock band. The cassette this is featured on is quite unique, too. The tape features songs by Die Kreuzen, Big Black, Husker Du, F.U's, White Flag, Naked Raygun, along with some more obscure acts, like Rights of The Accused, Nadsat Rebel, Out Of Order, Suburban Mutilation, amongst others. All of these recordings can't be found anywhere else; which is the strangest part. All the recordings from the more notable bands on here are rare live recordings or forgotten demos, and the more obscure bands bring forth material that sounds more akin to studio material, although it's likely it could be more demos. GNP had another song on this tape, one called "Death Farce." Both are great no-fi noise punk tunes that would hint at the sounds of Drunks With Guns, Strangulated Beatoffs and Rusted Shut.

The Xterminators - "Occasional Lay"

From the "Microwave Radiation" single, released in 1978 on Radio-Active Records.

If it isn't another KBD single! The song Microwave Radiation is held in higher regard than the B side "Occasional Lay." I think the B-side is a fun, poppy punk tune about a mindless relationship; although Microwave Radiation holds more historic value for incorporating wacked out industrial synths over the Xterminator's brand of fun, wacky Art Punk sound. The concept could be compared to the early years of Devo. The 7" can demand many dollar bills these days, and rumors float around to how many were even pressed, some estimate not even 100 were pressed, although I doubt anyone will ever know for sure. Occasional Lay is stupid, but righteously so; with the dumb vocals, simple musicianship and possibly satirical lyrics, it's a fun ride.

Hand Grenades - "Coma Dos"

From the "Demo To London & Coma Dos" single, independently released in 1979.

Famously featured on the "Killed By 7 Inch" comps and even played on WFMU and ranked #17 on Johan Kugelberg's list of the top 100 DIY singles; which was published in Ugly Things magazine. Hand Grenades are just about making fun, somewhat self aware (Post) Punk tunes. They only released one single under the Hand Grenades name, but would change their name to The Sponsors, and under that titled release a self titled LP. The year 2011 saw the release of "Abskaft Tribute To Daniel Johnston," and a band credited as "Hand Grenades" did a cover of Daniel's "Funeral Home." Who knows (and better yet, who cares) if it was the Hand Grenades or not. Any information on these guys is scarce, but what I do know is that this single rocks.

Nirvana - "Kielletyt Leikit"

From the "Kielletyt Leikit / Kulgen Kaupungilla" single, self released in 1980.

The 4th Nirvana I can think of off the top of my head, this Finnish trio released only one single, and it now demands pretty pennies on forgotten corners of the internet. Featured on Killed By Death #33 and Thrilled By Dearth (whatever the hell that is) Nirvana are all about 3 chord punk jams and shouting. The song has some nice, ear piercing Mic/PA feedback that blasts in the beginning. The B side doesn't reach the level of greatness as the A-Side does, sadly. Still a solid, yet long forgotten Punk single.

Teenage Depression - "Working For The Kremlin"

From the "Skank Or Die" EP, released on Bulldada Records in 1984.

Teenage Depression's soul release, "Skank Or Die" is one of many humorous parodies of Hardcore Punk to spring out in the early to mid 80's, (the most notable example would be The Butthole Surfers glorious debut EP) Teenage Depression is all about funny, gimmicky punk songs usually under a minute. A classical example would be "Working For The Kremlin," 50 or so seconds of them ripping on hardcore's uninspired "Fuck the establishment" message. The most notable thing to point out about this EP would be "False Jesii, Part 1," a song that would be referenced in Pissed Jeans' "False Jesii, Part 2," recorded and released about 25 years later. Hopefully in 2040 we'll have "False Jesii, Part 3."

GRRR - "1984"

From the "GRRR" LP, Self-Released in 1984.

Ok, I'll admit, I know next to nothing about GRRR. Hard to dig up info, since we live in a world were GRRR is a Rolling Stones album, a sound one makes when frustrated, you get the idea. This self-released LP from the Netherlands finest is post-punk with more emphasis on the punk part of the formula. Sonically it is alot like other minimalist Post-Punk, and lyrically (and aesthetically) they have some relation to British post-punk groups, most notably The Pop Group. Like alot of other politically aware underground albums released in 1984, it seems to be obsessed with Orwellian Philosophy. I wonder why...

Peggio Punx - "Scemo"

From the "Disastro Sonoro" EP, released in 1983 on VomitoPunkRock Records.

Peggio Punx are one of the more notable 80's hardcore acts from Italy. Usually I hate bands who use the term "Punx," since their sound and lyrics are like every other band that uses the term "Punx." But the mixture of me not knowing Italian, it being Italian, and it being from the early 80's before the Oi! and Pogo thingy caught on all over the world, Peggio Punx is fantastic. Or maybe they suck, I've only listened to this EP and none of their other releases!  "Scemo" is the best example of their early sound, loud, short, strange guitar bits and catchy choruses. I have no clue what the song's about; I could have my Grandmother translate it for me, but I doubt she'd like it! Looking at lyric sheets, I see mentions of "Male," "Society," "System" and "Mamma" so I bet it's edgy as shit.

Tender Lugers - "The Best Thing"

From the "Closer To God" Compilation, recorded 1986-1988 and released on Blue House Records in 2012.

Hailing from Ipswich, Tender Lugers have to be one of the best Post-Punk groups of the late 80's, and possibly Ipswich's finest Post-Punk act. Possibly the most obscure thing on here, (aside from possibly Gross National Product) Tender Lugers are pretty much impossible to dig up dirt on. You can get the "Closer To God" comp for free off Bandcamp, or buy one of their 3 12" EPs off Discogs for under 10 dollars. I'm suprised The good ol Lugers never got anywhere, I can here alot of 90's alt rock and grunge in their sound (well, sometimes) and they even got a John Peel Session. Musicianship is in a league of its own, although it still can be tagged down as Post-Punk; while their lyrics seem to be a more passive aggressive and contemporary version of Flipper. The (probably unreliable) Last.FM entry on them states thusly:

"All the band disappeared without trace after a mysterious incident involving mushrooms, the A11, two horses and the police. Their whereabouts are still unknown, and are still wanted by the police… "

I doubt that's true, but it's still badass.

The Child Molesters - "(I'm The) Hillside Strangler"

From the "(I'm The) Hillside Strangler / Don't Worry About Kyoto" single released on Ace & Duce Records in 1978.

Chances are you guys are familiar with this KBD classic. Now a Punk Rock collectible (and the platonic ideal of a punk collectible), the 7" has been repressed and booted plenty of times. A song written about the then at-large Hillside Strangler, meant to make the listener cringe or laugh, depending on your sense of humour. The B-side hosts a pretty rockin' Yoko Ono cover, "Don't Worry About Kyoto." The sleeve is a landmark in punk and underground aesthetics; as well.