Monday, March 31, 2014

Iron Reagan "Spoiled Identity" EP Review


Iron Reagan
"Spoiled Identity" EP
Released: March 31, 2014
Free download, soon to be released flexi 7"

Photo by Wendi Shwendi

In case you haven't heard, Iron Reagan released a free download today of 13 songs called the "Spoiled Identity" EP. You have no excuse. Download and enjoy the vintage thrash these Virginians play. If you don't know them, think D.R.I. meets Municipal Waste. 

Of the 13 tracks, ten clock in at 26 seconds or less. Total vintage D.R.I. territory here. Brilliant.

Iron Reagan © Luz de Luna Duran

Iron Reagan makes me nuts, and I like being nuts.

Iron Reagan will have a full length release on Relapse Records later in 2014. Consider yourself teased. Consider obtaining everything else they have released as well (it's all great).

Download "Spoiled Idenity" Ep here. Just click buy now and enter 0 and the ep is yours for free.

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Satanic Malfunctions "Them" review


"Them"
Released: October 15, 2013

I sent cash in the mail to own the 1986 7" "Who Wants the World" by Satanic Malfunctions.


It was one of those records that proved cathartic to my mental state back in 1986. Twenty-four songs on a 7" back then was almost proof you knew what you were doing. 

Satanic Malfunctions were in the same field as Protes Bengt and L'arm.

"Them" is Satanic Malfunctions' (from the UK) first full length in 22 years. These 20 songs bring in a bit more of a Concrete Sox meets Disorder or Chaos UK thrash sound and would not fit on a 7". Still averaging under two minutes, the CD lasts only 31 minutes.


Glad Satanic Malfunctions are back, keeping that 1980s chaotic hardcore punk sound alive.

I am late to the draw on "Them", unlike when I was right on time for "Who Wants the World". I also missed 2012's "Disgrace to Music" 2xcd that was their entire discography up until that point. Join me as we catch up from 1986 to 2014.



Cheers,
Frank FOE


Beginners "who knows" song / video


"Who Knows" from the s/t EP
"Who Knows" by Beginners captures my modern pop attention much like Santigold does.


The video captures my attention with with Jeffrey, the 50 something Venice Beach roller skater (see Roller Dreams movie). 

"Who Knows" is fun, light and enjoyable. Pop.


The video and Jeffrey are amazing.

Cheers,
Frank FOE

BL'AST The Expression of Power Review


"The Expression of Power"
Released: March 18, 2014
digital or 3xLP

In case you missed my write up of BL'AST!'s "Blood" reissue, follow this link. Dave Grohl remastered and mixed that masterpiece.



I'm not sure what BL'AST! was thinking back in the early 1980s, but they recorded "The Expression of Power" three times before finally releasing the album in 1986 on SST Records. I suppose with a title like "The Expression of Power" you set the standard pretty high and better make sure it is indeed an expression of power.

BL'AST! with COC in the early 80s.

I'm not sure what Southern Lord was thinking in 2014 but they decided to reissue "The Expression of Power" with all three recording sessions across three LPs. Crazy? Yes. But in my book, a mandatory addition to my vinyl collection. Although I must admit, I was heartbroken when the booklet inside the triple LP with gatefold cover was.... a cd sized booklet... OMG how completely awesome would it have been to have had that booklet as a 12" or even 10" sized booklet. Those photos scream out the power, energy and unrestrained outbursts that is BL'AST!.


As a debut, BL'AST!'s "The Expression of Power" captures a chaos, raw energy that is also brutally straightforward and blunt. It is fantastic that this classic hardcore LP is reissued in this format, and as a fan, I love hearing the early versions. Knowing this record was released nearly 30 years ago it is a statement of just how great this record is as it stands strong alongside today's hardcore and metal releases.


BL'AST! is taking things out on the road! Original BL’AST! vocalist Clifford Dinsmore and guitarist Mike Neider have added Nick Oliveri (Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Mondo Generator) on bass and drummer Hoss Wright (The Exies, Mondo Generator) and are hitting the stages in 2014.

Cheers,
Frank FOE


Saturday, March 29, 2014

DROP DEAD / RUIDOSA INMUNDICIA split


SPLIT
Released: 2014

This is some of DROPDEAD's most frantic, spine-tingling, arm hair raising hardcore to date. That is saying a lot since their lengthy discography of songs started back in 1991. If this doesn't get your blood boiling and have you ready to run down the street screaming you are dead.


Dropdead do me the service of introducing me to RUIDOSA INMUNDICIA from Vienna, Austria. This female-fronted hardcore band is pure venom spitting energy. First thing I thought was Los Crudos. The press release includes that and adds the likes of Antischism. Yeah. Love it. This music makes me insane!


I want to see Dropdead and Ruidosa Inmundicia live in a squat in Philly now.

Search this out. The above photo says it all.

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Whores / Rabbits split


Split
Released: February 18, 2014

Whores and Rabbits are two modern day noise rock bands. Unsane set the standard in my books back in the day, these two bands carry the torch mightily.


This 7" (100 on pink/400 on black) & download includes 3 Cure covers. 

Yup. The Cure.

Noise rock and the Cure. I understand this. I love the Cure. Consider that Rabbits cover "Give Me It" from 1984's "The Top" and "A Reflection" from 1980's "Seventeen Seconds".

"A Reflection" is originally a moody piano/keyboard type instrumental. Here it is a doomy guitar instrumental. Want to hear something really f'd up? Play the Cure and Rabbits versions at the same time. I think my mind left my body and gave me a hazy neck massage.

Then of course, Rabbits goes into their  version of "Give Me It". Consider the lyrics and you will understand how freaking brilliant it is that Rabbits gave this the brutal, harsh, violent treatment that they did. 

The Cure "Give Me It"
Get away from me
Get your fingers out of my face
This room's so hot
This room's so hot

I break the walls
Get away from me
Leave me alone
Like the pig on the stairs
Hanging
In a groovy purple shirt

Gasping for air
I'm gasping for air
I'm gasping for love
I'm gasping for air...

Slit the cats like cheese
Then eat the sweet sticky things
Suck harder!
Suck harder!
Suck your insides
Insides out!

Blood thick swimming round your feet
As you're choking
Choking
Choking on the fleshy words

Give me it give me it give me it
Deaden my glassy mind
Give me it give me it
Make me blind
One step back and one step down
And slip the needles in my side...

My head is cold
My hands are cold
My heart is cold
My heart is black
And stops every f*cking night
Every night
I wait until it stops...

Sing birds sing birds sing birds sing

Get away...


Whores take the 1979 punky, upbeat new wavey, "Jumping Someone Else's Change" and turn it into a feedback, stoner fest that challenges the best noise from the Am Rep camp.

Yes, I am thrilled with this record!

Cheers,
Frank FOE


Friday, March 28, 2014

DROPDEAD / SYSTEMATIC DEATH SPLIT


DROPDEAD / SYSTEMATIC DEATH
"Fighting For Life" Split

Dropdead (established 1991) have long been one of my favorite hardcore bands. Dropdead, from Providence Rhode Island, has a knack for creating distinctive hardcore assaults that expound on their views of the world. I have never been disappointed with a Dropdead record and loved them when I saw them live.

Systematic Death is from Japan and began in 1983. I am embarrassed to say that Systematic Death vinyl is nowhere to be found in my collection. They rip just like Dropdead or maybe Dropdead rips just like Systematic Death, since they began almost a decade before Dropdead. 


Pure hardcore. This split stands above the generic hardcore throngs. Sounds like... feels like... the 80s all over again.

Status: Dropdead collection updated, Systematic Death collection initiated.

Cheers,
Frank FOE



DEVO HARDCORE LIVE!

DEVO Announces HARDCORE Tour Dates 2014!

DEVO have announced 10 shows for Summer 2014!

HARDCORE  DEVO LIVE! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Devo perform the legendary, experimental music the band created between 1974-1977 in Akron Ohio! The tour is dedicated to the memory of Robert Casale, (A.K.A. Bob 2), one of the 5 original Devo band members who is now touring the universe.  VIP ticket admission will let guests meet the band and exclusively view / purchase rare, limited edition photo prints by noted photographers shot during the band's pre-label days. A portion of all proceeds from the tour will go to Bob Casale's family.

This early DEVO material was recently presented on their "Hardcore DEVO" re-issued vinyl & CD last year.

This is the first time in 30 years that some of these songs will be performed live!

DON'T MISS THIS!!!

June 18
 - Baltimore, MD - Ramshead 

June 19 - NYC - Best Buy Theatre 
June 21 - Chicago, IL - Arcada Theatre 
June 23 - Denver, CO - Summit Music Hall 
June 25 - Seattle, WA - Neptune
June 26 - Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom 
June 28 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theatre
June 29 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern
June 30 - Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up 
July 2 - Austin, TX - ACL/Moody Theatre

Ticket links will soon be posted at ClubDevo.com


I need to make it to either Baltimore or NYC.

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Friday, March 21, 2014

RECORD STORE DAY APRIL 19, 2014

RSD 2014 Logo

The following list includes my 25 most wanted releases on Record Store Day, April 19, 2014.


Autistic Behavior
Shattered Cattle
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: SRA
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
Now for the first time ever, in celebration of Record Store Day, 32 years in the making SRA Records is releasing Shattered Cattle on limited edition, multi-colored album w/ lyric sheet/photo collage. Hear for the first time un-released classic punk tunes like “Trapped In A Fad”, “Blind Silence”, “Risk Of Infection”, “Killer Forces”, and “AB Scam” along-side “TV Messiah” and “Powerhead” which are now re-mixed and re-mastered. 15 Previously unreleased tracks, two were on a local Phila punk comp. in 1982 but otherwise have been out of print all these years…



Cancerous Growth
Cancer Causing Agents ; a Cancerous Growth Discography!
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Beer City
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
A limited edition reissue of 2000 for RSD 2014; completely remastered discography of this phenomenal yet humble early- mid 80's hardcore/Thrash Metal band. This is a special RSD 2014 reissue with DVD containing COMPLETELY UNRELEASED footage



Johnny Cash
With His Hot and Blue Guitar
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: ORG Music
Release type: 'RSD First' Release
Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar is the debut album of country singer Johnny Cash. Released in 1957, it was the first LP ever issued on Sam Phillips' Sun Records label. Currently out of print, the album is being remastered and reissued on an exclusive blue color vinyl for Record Store Day. This limited edition pressing of 3,000 units will be numbered with a foil stamp on each jacket.


Devo
Butch Devo and the Sundance Gig
Format: 12" PIcture Disc
Label: MVD
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Picture disc vinyl and DVD package from DEVO! Butch Devo and the Sundance Gig, Jerry Casale says, "In '95, we closed Sundance Film Festival. We wore 20s style prison suits, we did a special show with really old, hardcore Devo songs from the early 70s, before we ever had a deal."
TRACK LISTING: Too Much Paranoias, Praying Hands, Uncontrollable Urge, Mongoloid, Jocko Homo, Goin Under, Blockhead, That's Good, Jerkin Back and Forth, Girl You Want, Whip It

Devo
Live At Max's Kansas City--November 15, 1977
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Jackpot Records
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
November 15th, 1977: Max's Kansas City - David Bowie is backstage with the 5 self proclaimed 'spudboys' from Akron, Ohio waiting for his cue to introduce the band who, in his words were, "The band of the future!". As time went on it became clear that the future is still waiting to catch up with DEVO. Working closely with the band and those who were there that night, Jackpot Records brings you this audio time capsule that catapulted DEVO from strange, musical hillbillies to innovative pioneers overnight. Now the truth can be told! Available for the first time on vinyl the entire performance, complete with rare, unearthed audio of David Bowie. With liner notes written by DEVO Co-founder Gerald V. Casale specifically for this release (which also includes a reproduced early DEVO press bio sheet from 1976), this record will be the perfect compliment for hardcore DEVO collectors , music fans and those who are new to the game. Limited to 2000 copies worldwide.




Devo/The Flaming Lips
Side By Side Series 
Format: 7" Vinyl
Label: Rhino
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Single-pocket jacket, regular-weight silver vinyl 7" - Limited to 7,500 copies. Part of the WMG's Side By Side series. Includes Devo's "Gates of Steel" from the original DEV-O Live EP and a previously unreleased cover by The Flaming Lips all on gorgeous silver vinyl! R.I.P. Bob 2. This is for you, wherever you are. 
"Gates of Steel (Live)"/Gates of Steel (Live)"




Die Kreuzen
Cows and Beers 12"
Label: Beer City
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
After having been out of print for nearly 30 years the original master tapes from this ground breaking release had finally been restored, remastered and given a proper reissue for RSD!

Cows and Beers
Format: 7" Vinyl
Label: Beer City
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
After having been out of print for nearly 30 years the original master tapes from this ground breaking release had finally been restored, remastered and given a proper reissue for RSD! This time it will be released as a special RSD release for 2014 and will come on five different colors of vinyl for a grand total of 5000!



Dinosaur, Jr.
Visitors
Label: Numero Group
Release type: 'RSD First' Release
From 1985 to 1990, Maura Jasper was the go-to artist for “ear-bleeding country” trio Dinosaur Jr. From "Repulsion" to their self-titled debut LP, from You're Living All Over Me to "Freak Scene," from Bug to "Just Like Heaven,” and on posters, videos, and t-shirts, the Dinosaur Jr. look was born of Jasper's love for Norwegian expressionist Edvard Munch and English anarchist Gee Vaucher. Collected inside are Dinosaur Jr.'s first four singles, a bonus fifth 7" pairing "Show Me The Way" with a cover of the Byrds' "Feel A Whole Lot Better," plus a Jasper-penned essay on her creative process and a book of unused work from the period.


Fang/Symbol Six
Split
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Jailhouse Records
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
This marks the first new studio material from FANG in over 8 years, and the first new material from SYMBOL SIX released in over 15 years. 


The Flaming Lips
7 Skies H3
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Warner Bros. 
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Single-pocket jacket, regular-weight clear vinyl 12". On vinyl for the first time ever. A 50 minute distillation across 10 tracks of the remarkable 24-hour song recorded at Tarbox Road Studios in 2011. Includes digital download card.



Garbage
Girls Talk
Format: 10" Vinyl
Label: STUNvolume
Release type: 'RSD First' Release
First new music from the band since the critically acclaimed Not Your Kind of People. A-Side features a duet with Brody Dalle
"Girls Talk Shit (featuring Brody Dalle)"/"Time Will Tell"


Ice T
Greatest Hits
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Rhino
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
First time ever on vinyl
"Make It Funky", "I'm Your Pusher (GH Edit)", "Power", "The Girl Tried To Kill Me", "You Played Yourself", "O.G Original Gangster (Remastered Album Version)", "Body Count", "Colors", "Ricochet"
 


Mudhoney
On Top
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Sub Pop
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
In 2013 both Mudhoney and Sub Pop turned 25, and in celebration we somehow convinced the usually responsible people who operate the Space Needle here in Seattle to allow the band to perform on the actual roof of this very tall, very iconic building. Our friends at KEXP recorded and broadcast this monumentally historic event, and this limited-edition vinyl LP preserves it for eternity. 

"Touch Me I’m Sick", "I’m Now", "The Final Course", "Into the Drink", "Chardonnay", "Who You Drivin’ Now?", "What to Do With the Neutral", "I Don’t Remember You", "Suck You Dry", "The Only Son of the Widow From Nain"
Off!
Learn To Obey
Format: 7" Vinyl
Label: Vice
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Original Shepard Fairey artwork with original tracks based off of the art



Pagans
What's This Shit 1977/1979
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Thermionic
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
The Pagans flame burned brightly for just a few short years, long enough to produce four "godlike" seven-inchers and, post-mortem, a raft of archival collections and reunion recordings. While the dedicated collector may find it hard to believe that any quality material remains to be exhumed, your enablers at Thermionic ask that you open your heart, your ears, (and your wallet) just one more time. On side one we present a complete gig in support of the legendary store and label, Drome Records, preserved onto four-track by Paul Marotta in the spring of 1979. Two of these tracks first appeared on the "Street Where Nobody Lives" compilation, released twenty-five years ago. For side two we go back to where it all began, a living room in a Cleveland suburb, to witness the quick gestation of what would become their notorious debut, the hideously-rare 'Six And Change' 7". Though the released version has, of course, made the rounds, the two previously-unreleased alternate takes (from the same afternoon session and master reel) are too good to stay in the can. Twenty-six minutes total playing time, side two cut at 45 RPM for maximum fidelity, vinyl-only exclusive pressing for Record Store Day. * Unreleased alternate takes of their seminal track, 'Six And Change' * The Pagans worked harder, played louder, lived faster, and left a messier scar on the local music scene than just about any other band could have dreamed. * With only four "properly" released singles, the Pagans slashed and burned their way into Cleveland's music history with a caustic mix of wit, anger, and substance-fueled mania.



Paramore
Ain't It Fun
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Fueled By Ramen
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Custom shaped "broken" record
TRACK LISTING: "Ain't It Fun"/"Ain't It Fun (Dutch Uncles remix)



Pissed Jeans
The Very Best of SubPop
Format: 10" Vinyl
Label: Sub Pop 
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Pissed Jeans and Sub Pop present an astounding compilation of some of the finest moments of Sub Pop’s storied history. Four live-in-the-studio tracks that (finally!) give meaning and validation to Sub Pop’s existence. This historic platter is limited to 3,000 copies worldwide, and these versions of the tracks are exclusive to this release
"Romanticize Me", "False Jesii Pt. 2", "Cafeteria Food", "Teenage Ad"


Poison Idea/Pantera
Side By Side Series
Format: 7" Vinyl
Label: Rhino 
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Poison Idea was an American hardcore punk band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1980. "The Badge" appeared on their 1990 album, "Feel the Darkness." The song was covered by Pantera for the 1994 soundtrack to "The Crow." This Side By Side series 7" is on purple/bronze vinyl.
"The Badge (Remastered LP version)"/"The Badge"



Pussy Galore
Pussy Gold 5000
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: SHOVE
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
Pussy Gold 5000 was Pussy Galore's 2nd 12 inch EP and was the follow up to their Groovy Hate Fuck EP (reissued for 2013 RSD). Released in Jan 1987 the single pressing of 3,000 sold out in one month. Jon Spencer and company's deconstructionist no-fi NYC rock influenced many a band to follow, and arguably helped to create a market that labels like Am Rep and Sub Pop would go on to serve. This would be the band's last release on their own Shove imprint (co-released with NJ hardcore label Buy Our Records) before they signed with Caroline later in the year. 




The Ramones
Meltdown With The Ramones
Format: 10" Vinyl
Label: Rhino
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
First released in the Uk in 1980 as a promotional-only sampler. Released for the first time ever in the States on navy vinyl. 
"Have Something To Do", "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (LP Version)", "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend", "Questioningly (LP Version)"



The Stranglers
Peaches/Go Buddy Go 
Format: 7" Vinyl
Label: Rhino 
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
British import. 7" green vinyl with rare green picture cover sleeve. "Peaches" byThe Stranglers was one of the big summer hits of 1977 in the UK, a close rival to The Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" in terms of notoriety because of its explicit sexual references. The single was a double A-side with pubrock song "Go Buddy Go" which was played on UK radio at the time and also on the band's BBC TV Top of the Pops appearance because the sexual nature of the lyrics of "Peaches" caused the BBC to ban it. It reached #8 in the UK singles chart and the radio cut had to be rerecorded with less explicit lyrics.

"Peaches"/"Go Buddy Go"


Strife
In This Defiance 
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Victory Records
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
New exclusive RSD 2014 color. Out of print on vinyl for over 10 years.


Suburban Mutilation
The Opera Ain't Over Til The Fat Lady Sings
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Beer City
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
This special ‘30th Anniversary / limited Edition Record Store Day’ LP reissue comes on red vinyl and is limited to 1000 copies. We recruited Dave at ‘Lucky Lacquers’ to restore and remaster all the audio and cut the lacquers. An early 80’s first wave hardcore LP reissued for the first time since its original release in 1984. This discography contains both LP's, its 7"s, all compilation & bonus tracks that were only on the German versions of its LPs. All tracks long out of print!



Toxic Reasons
Live Berkeley Square: December 1981
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Beer City
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
The long lost and never released before released 'TOXIC REASONS Live 'Berkeley Square: December 1981 LP featuring five never before heard songs!



Various Artists
Taang! Records: The First 10 Singles 
Label: Taang! Records
Release type: RSD Limited Run / Regional Focus Release
This special edition 7" / CD box set includes Taang! Records first 10 singles originally released between 1984 & 1988. Each 7" is housed in full on recreation of its original jacket. All selections are also found on the CD included in the set. Also features a 20 page book with rare photos and liner notes by label founder Curtis Casella.

GANGGREEN Sold Out / Terrorize 7 inch 
LAST RIGHTS Chunks So Ends Our Night 7 inch 
STRANGLEHOLD Same All Over / She's Not Leaving 7 inch 
LAST STAND / NOONDAY UNDERGROUND Scum Guns / Injun Joe 7 inch 
NEGATIVE FX V.F.W. 7inch 
GANGGREEN Skate To Hell / Alcohol 7 inch 
OYSTERS Mine Carolien Tell Me 
LEMONHEADS Laughing All The Way To The Cleaners 7 inch 
MOVING TARGETS Less Thna Gravity / Faith Squares 7 in 
SLAPSHOT Same Mistake / Might Makes Right / 

Comes w 10 singles as well as a CD & Booklet 

Happy Record Store Day.
Cheers,
Frank FOE