What the hell? Back with bang and a lil Sing Sing...

So again i've fallen victim to the torments of real life, got caught up in the holiday season and have been neglecting writing anything for several weeks, but not on purpose i assure you. Last year my hiatus lasted almost the entire year, but i'd like to correct that this year, even if it does only see me updating once or twice a month. Call it a new years resolution. Speaking of which, i half started my year of end cap off but decided against finishing it at this point since more than a month has already passed. Not much worth reading anyways, you'll be ok without it.

One of my favorite current labels on the go is New York based 45 reissue label Sing Sing Records which has so far in their short existence made available 15 or so singles and eps from the first wave of global punk and powerpop. But we're not talking about random turds here, we're talking about some fine tunes that should have been brought to light YEARS ago. The Tinopeners only amazing release, the first ep by Scotland's Zips, Jeff Hill's followup to his debut Chiswick single, the essential first 2 singles from Belfast's Rudi and of course De Cylinders, the female fronted Dutch answer to the Pointed Sticks. But of course even if you haven't heard any of these great records you shouldn't fret as the label has been dedicated to keeping them in print as long as they can afford to, so almost all are still available for your grubby lil mitts. It's kinda hard these days for a label to have such consistency but Sing Sing pull it off and have yet to hand me a let down. Not only does it seems to be a sure way to get turned on to bands i'd never heard and get records i'd been looking for for ages, but also get them at the drop of a hat! I've never encountered any label that has had the insanely fast shipping powers that these folks do. And of course, what sparked this post is the package i just got from the postman with the newest 3 jammers from the golden years...

Starting of with my favorite of the 3 is the Deaf Aids single. Wow. For a record that had such a limited press, this thing is catchy as all sin, especially the A side "Do It Again". Starting off with a bit of weird intro, i had my doubts that the song was going anywhere that would be sure to kick my head in, but thankfully that was wrong. It's a great mix of early english punk and powerpop which just makes for a really great tune to get a massive pogo attack going. The two B sides have sort a bit of a different feel as "Peepshow" is a bit more of a laid back rocker and "Aren't People Strange", while similar to the A side is great, but not as catchy . While not as infectious as the A side, still both are a nice compliment. I might mention that the original press lacked any picture sleeve so the reissue comes housed in the intended pic sleeve. Total winner in my books.

Next on the plate is the first 45 by Spider, not to be confused with the Spider on Good Vibrations "Battle Of The Worst Bands" comp. This was one that was new to me despite having seen the cover for years and years but failing to be able to check it out. But like most of these, i decided to pick it up and of course was glad to catch up on what i'd been missing out on. The 2 tracks here are extremely upbeat tunes that can't help me think of a more british influenced version of Jet Boy, Jet Girl. While "Back Against The Wall" is catchy, the B side "Down And Out" is catchy AND intense AND for a lack of a better term...more punk. Still, not to dismiss the A side, this is a great platter and the two songs could keep you flipping this back and forth for a while. Here's another one to add to my want list.

Speaking of "Jet Boy Jet Girl, the Roller Ball record reissued with this lot is a pre-Elton Motello project from Belgium that i'd never even heard of until now. Apparently this was the sole studio output of the group, only released in the Netherlands and now rather hard to track down. While "Savage Eyes" def shows off the pseudo punk sound, i can't help but feel the B side "Lay You Down" has more in common with a band like the Kids. And while i don't feel like this is the best of the bunch here, i do have the feeling that the pair of songs will be growing on me the way that Plastic Bertrand's Small Faces cover has.

Don't Blame Me, I Don't Blame You...

It's funny that in a world where everything is at your disposal at your fingertips within seconds, that there's so many unknowns out there and for one reason or another, bands that came and went and were left in the dark. After spinning my copy of the Bloodstains Across California lp the other day, i came to the conclusion that the Reign Of Terror songs has to be not only one of the best on it, but personally one of my favorite tracks that's still basically unknown to folks. Maybe this has to do with the fact that they probably couldn't even give these away when they were released, hence it's scaricity or maybe it has to do with the fact that it was such a weird release for its time and location. There's no doubt about it, the A side "Don't Blame Me" is a total killer and the gem of this single, but 'having said that' (thank you Larry David) it still doesn't sound like your typical So Cal punk song from the early 80's. What makes this record really off from some others of its time though is the flipside "Big Things" which has more of a glam metal / hard rock feel to it. While it doesn't really sound the least bit punk, I have to say that it's still a total rager and a total oddity that compliments the A side. Released on R.O.T. records in 1983, i wouldn't be surprised if there's still a batch of these sitting around collecting dust in one or the members closets and speaking of which, one of the members possibly played along side Chuck Dukowski (Black Flag) in WURM. And if the songs weren't good enough for you, just check out the intense artwork, particularly the back cover. For the time being CRUD CRUD blog has the 2 tracks up for download which is suggest you look into after you sell me your copy of this...

http://crudcrud.blogspot.com/2009/09/dont-blame-me.html

Has the edge gone dull?

Having made some promises that i was bringing back this nonsense, i guess it's better that i follow up to my post late than never bother again. Though i also decided that i was to talk less about new jams that i've dug out of bins or had posted to me in the mail, it never really works out that way, does it? In fact, this month has been particularly good for me and crossing some diddies off the want list, despite being on the far east of the country and away from any real choice spots to dig for some hidden gems. Scaling through the pages of the online market place every few days have turned up next to shit (as they usually do, unless you're prepared to shell out for the big "hitters"), but i still feel inclined to go scope out some things there that i might get a deal on. Who knows, sometimes people get lucky? Ok, i'll be the first to admit that most youth crew is pretty much disposable, but the fact remains that i've alway had a small spot in my collection for the first wave of these bands circa 87-89. Most i've come across casually over the years, i.e. the early presses of the Youth Of Today, first press of the Judge 7" and even some other things that would cause manic laughter amongst some more "known" collector scum. I can't help it, some of this stuff is just too great, unlike the horrible acts that followed them. But despite all this time searching, i was never able to track down a copy of the 2nd Chain Of Strength ep " What Holds Us Apart", which as it should be know, is much superior than the band's debut which i feel gets a little too much praise. Ok, so i'm lying a bit. I did find a copy for fairly cheap when i was in Japan, but being unemployed at the time and promising myself that i would buy mostly Japanese records, i decided to pass on it. But that, like many other times, was a moment i should have bit the bullet and just gone for it. No dice.

So low and behold, a few weeks ago i should find a copy newly listed on da bay from a guy who must have been selling most of his teenage phases away, judging by the other records he had listed. Not really into his insane Buy It Now prices, i decided that i would send the kid an offer which i figured he would turn down since it was more of a lowball than what i'd normally offer for a record's going rate. Well, Jr must have been hard up for bills because soon enough it was in the mailbox and on it's way to my ice cold mitts. Who says there aren't deals still to be had? Especially when you're dealing with a record that every suburban white brat is trying to get every insane variation of before he graduates high school and heads off to the frat house. Yeesh. Maybe that's why so many people were annoyed with me moshing in my friend Zoe's kitchen this summer when someone put True Til Death on the stereo? Come on douchebags, what did you really expect?

In other news, thankfully i will be leaving my small hometown dwelling soon and be unboxing my goods in my new home of Halifax. This of course would not be before i had a chance to fly back to Toronto for a week and cause some much needed trouble at my old haunts. And of course, somewhere in there i'll be quitting my shotty factory job and be looking around for something better until school starts up next fall. I think the only things i'll be missing about Truro for the time being will be (as expected) my pal Riggins, a Coffee /Hot Turkey Sandwich combo from Fletchers Diner and finally, the east coast kitchen parties with George Hardy and his terrible bottle of Wiser's whiskey in his freezer. How i hate that bottle. As for things in the city, i'll be excited to be able to get back to life in general after being in the middle of nothingness for a few months. Lotta plans, but most importantly i'm looking forward to crafting the perfect current tape that has been building in my noggin for the past few months while my records sit in the basement and my cassette deck remains unplugged. Hey, i gotta have a good soundtrack to unpack my garbage to, right? Riggins refuses to disagree...

I Keep On Runnin', But I Can't Get Away...

Hey ho to all the mutant goons that missed me. I've had other things that have taken priority over me ramblin' on the internet about various scores and cool new tunes that have found their way into my hands. I never really wanted that, but that's why i think i'm opening the floodgates again for some more nonsense. I've had a rather large move back to my homeland of eastern canada recently and not only do i find myself with a bit more time on my hands, but i'm also lacking in any halfway decent record hole where i can dig for hours and hours to pull out some total gems. It's for those reasons that i've not only decided to resurrect my postings, but also agreed with myself to spread out the posts from just me talking about scoring rarities from a far corners of the earth. I don't quite think i have my shit together enough to compile an physical zine, even though the thought has popped into my head enough times that i probably should, but instead i figured it'd be easiest to bring the "Garbage" blog back to life until i become overwhelmed with responsibilities once more. Gotcha? Fuk rite on.

But i should admit, in all that has been going on and without any wonderful record stores at my disposal, i'm still buying as many legit platters as my wallet can keep up with. Somehow, i manage to still get rid of alot of my pennies. I guess it makes sense that growing up in the good ol NS taught me mailorder was a good allie for any struggling punk rock youth fighting the isolation out here. Of course, i've taken this on again and have been keeping up with a healthy amount of trades, private purchases and everyone's favorite, the online market place.

The Crux / Crash 12" on No Future was one of the last essential records on the label that i needed to track down and unfortunately for me, probably one of my favorites. Many a time i could have easily dropped the ball and just shelled out for one, but i decided to stick to my guns and hope for the cheapish copy that i knew was to be found at any given minute. The Crux tracks are total perfection for anyone who gives a damn about UK82 in any sort of light as i'd say it's a nice mix of that and early hooligan music like the Cockney Rejects. I'd even go as far as stating it'd be a good starting point for anyone looking to get into punk music in general. Sadly, the legacy of Crux was just these 4 songs and one more on the NF comp A Country Fit For Heroes, but i'd say it's a hell of a one to leave. While these tracks might as well be tattooed on my brain by now, i hadn't managed to hear the Crash tracks in all these years since i figured i'd be listening soon enough when i finally scored one of my top wants. Anyhoo, with CS on tour in the jolly UK in the summer of hate (isn't that 2008?) our driver / good friend Cootington Smythe mentioned that he might have one around in his basement somewhere, left over stock from when he used to own a record store. While i was promised that he'd hook me up, we lost contact for a while and i kept on the hunt. Flash forward to a couple weeks ago when i received an email out of the blue from Cooter and sure enough, he'd found my record. Meanwhile, while i was glad to cross that one off the list and hearing the Crash tracks finally (not bad at all, especially Fight For Your Life! The rest leave a bit to be desired though. Apparently this was an ep in itself before No Future picked it up and put out the split, but i've never seen one.), i had won an auction for another record that i'd be holding out on due to the stupid current prices it had been fetching. That would be the first RUDE KIDS single, Raggare Is A Bunch Of Motherfuckers (on Polydor of all labels? ) which is a mid tempo'd swedish assault, rough as hell and tough as nails while all the while still carrying a great tune! This diddy has been posted on countless blogs, so do yourself a favor and put a search engine to good work for you and your ears. The first 3 singles from these RUDE shits are a good point for anyone who wants to hear some classic swedish stuff that doesn't sounds like our friends Anti Cimex or thee SHITLICKERS. In fact, i'm still hankering for the two follow up singles to this (Stranglers and Absolute Ruler) so someone better step up to plate and get in touch. Can't say i was any less but tickled pink when this showed up in my mail box the other day. Apparently a leftover stock copy from Cory Rusk's distro? Sure, but it won't beat the time i sold a SEX VID record to Keith Morris.

I'll also mention that as per usual on Halloween, CS played the Halloween Fucked Up Weekend this year in my old stomping grounds of Toronto and not only did i have an amazing time, i was also welcomed back with more than a warm welcome from old friends. It was good times to enjoy real coffee again, flip through some record bins, eat some delicious food and see a few bands in the process. Two of which included the CRO MAGS (Twice) and the first reformation of YOUTH YOUTH YOUTH, both of which were probably the best bands i've seen in recent memory. Anyways, i leave you with a bit of that YYY set. Sorry to the person who was shooting it. That was without a doubt, me stagediving directly on top of the camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ji6TtBeoCc8

MERRY FISHMAS...

Due to the hectic nature of the holiday season, i really haven't had the time to sit down and post as much as i'd like. Certainly have way too much to do and too much going on, including a trip home to the east coast for a bit. Expect more posting early in the new year when i get back. Until then, maybe you should be spending your time digging around in the dollar bins. Here's a few things i recently scored for no more than 2 bucks a pop...

Professionals - Join The Professionals lp (UK)
Demics - Talk's Cheap 12" (Canada)
Teenage Head - S/t lp (Canada)
CH3 - S/t 12" (USA)
Asexuals - Be What You Want lp (Canada)

Oh and if anyone is looking for the perfect gift for me, i've realized that i've been living in sin for not owning Agent Orange's "Bloodstains" single. I'm sure this gift idea with surely transform into a new year's resolution though. See you in a couple weeks...

Bastard "Wind Of Pain" lp (Bastard, Bloodsucker 1990 / Japan)

They don't make em like they used to. When was the last time that you heard a hardcore lp that was 100%, balls out, all killer and no filler? Maybe you did hear one recently, but let's get honest here, such a thing doesn't come around every day. Hell, most bands can't even put together a half decent ep it seems!

To me, there couldn't have been a better time for the Bastard full length to come out. 1990 wasn't exactly 'prime time' for punk around the world and for bands like Bastard and Death Side to carry the flag and keep the sound of traditional Japanese hardcore alive in these dark times, well, i just feel they don't get enough credit for their work in that department. Wind Of Pain is flawless. I would even argue that one can't possibly have a decent taste in punk music unless this ranks high on their list. Yes, it's that good and most folks with half a brain have not only realized this, but have also shelled out the bucks for an original copy of this already legendary platter. I've had friends who have gone to japan with one goal in mind and that was to find the Bastard lp. Expensive little trip, but if you've ever been, you know that you can find most anything you want...for a price. Some cases i would disagree, but i'd have to say that this IS one of those records that people need, regardless of cost.

Why exactly do i speak so highly of this record? To begin with, i've always had a taste for japanese bands but that was amplified ten fold after going on tour there for almost 2 weeks, where i was able to see some amazing bands, enjoy the culture and pick up the occasional record. When i arrived home, my interest grew and i found myself indulged in many of the country's older bands. One of the things that i had picked up on the trip was Bastard's "No Hope In Here" cd, an official discography put out by the band to combat the bootlegs that were floating around. The Wind Of Pain tracks on this were the standouts for me and like so many other records, it got added to my ever growing want list. All 8 songs are perfect burning spirits style. If I was trying to explain to someone traditional japanese hardcore, this would be what i would direct them to. It's heavy and it's hard. Not too clean but not too dirty. The constant raging of this record never ceases even at it's slowest and mid tempo'd parts. Just listen to the intro to To The Stumped Underdogs. That shit is hard as nails and the breakdown that falls later on in the song, just takes it to the next level. That's not even mentioning Zigyaku's INSANE guitar work on this, which blows my mind everytime. Still not convinced? Give Misery a spin and prepare to flip some furniture in your living room.

I just got this a couple days ago in the mail and it's left my turntable once, just for it's pretty picture. As it would turn out, a gent from the states wanted a my copy of the Riot 303 7" and though i didn't really want to part with it, i figured i'd have more of a chance at finding one of those again before i would a copy of this. As you can imagine, i'm pretty content with said trade which worked out good on both ends of the deal. Most copies of this that i've seen recently have gone for over 100 bucks, which seems to be a bit more than what it's been going for in the past, but i wouldn't be surprised if this just kept on increasing in price. I'd say that if you're planning on adding this to your collection, you'd be wiser to get this now or pay the price down the road. As with most records, they're not getting much cheaper.

I should also mention that any fans of Bastard would be wise to look into Zigyaku's band which followed Bastard, Judgement. All 4 singles pick up where Bastard left off and are not to be skimmed over...

Olho Seco "Botas, Fuzis, Capacetes" single (Punk Rock Discos 1983 / Brazil)

I've been neglecting making a few posts a week on here, but i assure you, it's all due to time management. This week the newest 45 on Sewercide (Genetic Angry) arrived, so i've been busy packing those up to get em out to distros and mailorder folks and there hasn't been a whole lot of time to rant and rave about some killer discs that i've been getting. Boo hoo, who really gives a fuck. But honestly, anyone who knows me will tell you that i'm quite the fanatic of international punk rock, particularly Scandinavian and Japanese though it's certainly not limited to that. I'm not going to pretend i know oodles and doodles about every country's punk rock history, but i'd like to think that i know at least a thing or two about most. One place that i'm not all that in the know about would be south america, spare a few killer bands from Brazil and Peru. One of said killer bands from the area would be at my number one though, that of course being Brazil's Olho Seco (which if i recall correctly means 'Dead Eyes'). Such an ultimate and brutal hardcore force, totally under appreciated by most and rarely talked about. Though later records take a turn for the worst with these guys, their Botas, Fuzis, Capacetes single from 1983 is the real masterpiece.

This had been on my want list for a while now. I downloaded Welcome To 1984 many years back and though i had heard what i deemed 'strange and weird' hardcore from various countries (at the time of the Y2K thrash BS, i was listening to strictly american hardcore/thrash and various OI for good measure), i really liked what i was hearing. This was probably my first exposure to these guys. Later, when i became more into collecting older records and had heard the rest of the single along with their second ep, i hoped that i'd cross paths with a copy someday. Released on Brazilian label Punk Rock Discos, it didn't seem highly likely that i was going to come across a copy here in the frozen north and with few copies surfacing on ebag (and also going for steep prices) and the rest being in hands of collectors, my search seemed long and pointless. However, i wasn't expecting that a friend across the country was going to email me recently in regards to trading for one. After a few emails back and forth ( i still don't know how he managed to get this in the first place) we settled on a deal that the two of us deemed fit and though i gave up two records that i would have liked to held on to, their combined musical/financial value and rarity was less than this monster hardcore beast. Obviously, i had to bite.

And what a monster this thing is. Sounds like these guys were highly influenced by Discharge and a mix of other UK82 greats, but they put their own spin on it (as opposed to some swedish bands who just did it faster, louder and more distorted) and helped create what i've heard some refer to as the 'Brazilian sound'. Low budget recording, those gruff snarled vocals and damn, is this thing heavy for it's time! One of the best things about this recording is the constant ride cymbal, which the drummer rarely leaves. Maybe they just didn't have a pair of high hats, but this whole single is done without them, something i've heard on very few hardcore records. Also, i'll make a note that the beginning of Muito Obrigado might just contain one of the earliest attempts at a blast beat that i know. Very cool stuff.

Copies of the single that were sent outside of Brazil contained an insert which has the english translations of the songs. It lists that each song was written at a different time over the period of 1980 - 1982. I imagine that by the time that this was released in 1983, the band had been trying to release a record for many years and probably picked the best of the best to go on it. Certainly, doing a punk rock record there and then was no easy feat. With all that was going on politically at the time in most of south america, few bands were able to release records and some were even censored by the government (ie Inocentes 7", this is on my want list by the way!) to the point where they were told which songs they could and couldn't release. The fact that Olho Seco were able to get this out there is pretty amazing. Some folks would like to debate the lyrics and story behind Nada, but for this post, i'll leave them up to everyone's own interpretation.

For those still in the dark, Peter has the entire single up for download at KBD records. http://www.kbdrecords.com/2008/07/15/ohlo-seco-st-ep-7/