Saturday, March 28, 2015

Top 5 Mainstream Records for RSD 4/18/15


High Fidelity got it right. Top 5 is the way to go. 
Fits the internet. Fits the modern attention span. Gets to the point.
 
TOP 5 
Mainstream Records I am looking forward to on
Record Store Day April 18, 2015
 
1. White Stripes "Get Behind Me Satan"
2. Mark Mothersbaugh "Lego Movie Soundtrack"
3. Joan Jett "Flashback"
4. Willie Nelson "Teatro"
5. Mighty Mighty Bosstones "Question The Answers"

The White Stripes
Get Behind Me Satan

DETAILS
Format: 2 x 12" Colored Vinyl
Label: Third Man Records
Release type: 'RSD First' Release
More Info:

FIRST EVER COMMERCIAL VINYL RELEASE OF THE ALBUM!!

To celebrate the ten year anniversary of the release of Get Behind Me Satan, Third Man Records is happy to unleash the first-ever commercially available version of the album on vinyl, to be released on Record Store Day, 4/18/15. This release includes a full-size, 12'' x 12'' lenticular cover and has disc one pressed on red vinyl with disc two pressed on white vinyl. Newly-created artwork reprising themes of the original promo-only version of the Satan LP will be exclusive to this release.

Winner of 2006 Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album
Includes their classic singles, ''Blue Orchid,'' ''My Doorbell,'' and ''The Denial Twist.''
LP1: RED Colored vinyl
LP2: WHITE Colored Vinyl
includes mp3 download
Record Store Day Exclusive 3D lenticular cover gatefold jacket
printed inner sleeves

TRACKLIST (sequence exclusive to this vinyl):

Side A: 1. Blue Orchid 2:37, 2. The Nurse 3:47, 3. My Doorbell 4:01
Side B: 1. Forever For Her (is Over For Me) 3:15, 2. As Ugly As I Seem 4:10, 3. The Denial Twist 2:35, 4. White Moon 4:01
Side C: 1. Instinct Blues 4:16, 2. Passive Manipulation 0:35, 3. Take, Take, Take 4:22
Side D: 1. Little Ghost 2:18, 2. Red Rain 3:52, 3. I’m Lonely (But I Ain’t That Lonely Yet) 4:19

Mark Mothersbaugh
The Lego Movie: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

DETAILS
Format: 2 x 12" Vinyl
Label: SPACELAB9
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:

Picture Disc Edition w/ Lego Record Store Poster - picture disc and poster exclusive to Record Store Day

Joan Jett
Flashback

DETAILS
Format: 2 x 12" Colored Vinyl
Label: Blackheart Records
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:

Double blue 140g vinyl. Includes CD of full album plus bonus enhanced footage. Title never previously available on vinyl.


Willie Nelson
Teatro

DETAILS
Format: 2 x 12" Colored Vinyl
Label: Modern Classics/Light in the Att
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:

* First time ever issued on vinyl for Record Store Day 2015
* Features duets with and backing vocals by Emmylou Harris
* Produced by Daniel Lanois (U2 Joshua Tree; Bob Dylan Time Out Of Mind; Emmylou Harris Wrecking Ball)
* Record Store Day exclusive featuring deluxe gatefold “tip-on” uncoated jacket and gold vinyl
* Limited to 5,000 copies

Location is everything. When Willie Nelson and album producer Daniel Lanois set out to create a cinematic-sounding album, Teatro, they took over a disused movie theatre in Oxnard, California, and pictured its dusty glory on the LP sleeve. Recorded as-live in situ amid the red velvet seats, Teatro sees Nelson working extensively with his frequent collaborator Emmylou Harris, who joins him for duets and on backing vocals on 11 of the 14 tracks. The other major player is U2 and Paul McCartney collaborator Daniel Lanois (producer of Bob Dylan's Time Out of Mind, Emmylou Harris' Wrecking Ball), who produces the album, plays guitar and bass, took the cover photo and wrote one of the album’s songs, "The Maker”, a stunning performance with glacier-thick vibe.

Reinvention is key on Teatro, with Nelson revisiting a number of songs he first wrote in the 1960s, including 1968's "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye” and 1962's "I've Just Destroyed the World" and "Three Days". Though the songs are familiar, the sounds aren't: Teatro found Nelson experimenting with rhythms and flavors as never before, from the Spanish-influenced "Darkness On The Face Of The Earth" to the double-drum-kit percussive groove of "My Own Peculiar Way".

Accompanied by a nine-piece band that included Nelson's sister, Bobbie Nelson, on piano, the group conjure up an atmosphere informed by the howling harmonicas and distant mariachi bands of spaghetti western soundtracks, the end result being a Willie Nelson album quite unlike any other in his career, and one that reveals it widescreen vision through arresting sonic imagery.

Originally released by Island Record in 1998, Teatro is issued here as a special Record Store Day release. LA and Seattle-based Light In The Attic present the album as it's never been seen before – on vinyl. Pressed on gold vinyl with a deluxe, gatefold, 'tip-on' uncoated jacket, this is a chance to own this unique album in its most beautifully presented form.

TRACKLIST:

Side A: "Ou Es-Tu, Mon Amour? (Where Are You, My Love?)”, "I Never Cared for You”, "Everywhere I Go”, "Darkness on the Face of the Earth”
Side B: "My Own Peculiar Way”, "These Lonely Nights”, "Home Motel”, "The Maker"
Side C: "I Just Can't Let You Say Goodbye", "I've Just Destroyed the World (I'm Living In)", "Somebody Pick Up My Pieces"
Side D: "Three Days”, "I've Loved You All Over the World”, “Annie”


Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Question The Answers

DETAILS
Format: LP
Label: Asbestos Records
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:

FIRST TIME ON VINYL IN OVER 20 YEARS!!

While Lets Face It was their smash hit record, Question the Answers might very well be the bands defining musical statement. Packed top to bottom with fan favorites that still dominate the bands’s live sets 2 decades later this record has it all and was the perfect synthesis of ska punk with Boston punk/hardcore delivered by growling vocals of arguably the most identifiable frontmen in punk rock. Question the Answers was the far and away one of the most important ska-punk records ever recorded.

3000 pressed -- 2900 Blue and 100 randomly inserted Yellow/Red Split records. Standard LP jacket. Manufactured by: United Record Pressing.

TRACKLIST:

A1 Kinder Words 3:06, A2 A Sad Silence 3:57, A3 Hell Of A Hat 3:54, A4 Picture To Prove It 3:16, A5 We Should Talk 3:11, A6 A Dollar And A Dream 3:18, B1 Stand Off 3:22, B2 365 Days 3:10, B3 Toxic Toast 3:47, B4 Bronzing The Garbage 2:27, B5 Dogs And Chaplans 3:01, B6 Jump Through The Hoops 4:11





Full Record Store Day List here:  http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases#RSD%20Exclusive%20Release


Cheers,
Frank FOE

Top 5 Metal Records for RSD 4/18/15



I was struggling with long lists. Top 100 records of 2014 and such. Too long a list. Really, what is the difference from #18 and #41? On what basis. So I have decided that High Fidelity had it right. Top 5 in whatever category. That fits the internet, modern attention span and gets right to the point.



TOP 5 
Metal Records I am looking forward to on
Record Store Day April 18, 2015

1. Gwar
2. Slayer
3. Carcass
4. At The Gates
5. Stone Sour

 
Gwar
America Must Be Destroyed

DETAILS
Format: 2 x 12" Vinyl
Label: Metal Blade
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
45 RPM Double LP of Gwar's third studio album, with an RSD Exclusivity Certificate and Gor-Gor" Pop Up Album Art



Slayer
When The Stillness Comes

DETAILS
Format: 7" Picture Disc
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release type: 'RSD First' Release
More Info:
7" picture disc with new track and older unreleased track

TRACKLIST:

"When The Stillness Ends"/"Black Magic Live"



Carcass
Choice Cuts

DETAILS
Format: 2 x 12" Vinyl
Label: Century Media
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
The Carcass collection for the first time on clear/red splattered wax double vinyl.

TRACKLIST:

"Genital Grinder"/"Maggot Colony"/"Exhume To Consume"/"Swarming Vulgar Mass Of Infected Virulency"/"Tools Of Trade"/"Corporal Jigsore Quandary"/"Incarnated Solvent Abuse"/"Buried Dreams""/No Love Lost"/"Heartwork"/"Keep On Rotting In The Free World"/"Rock The Vote"/"This Is Your Life""/Crepitating Bowel Erosion"/"Slash Dementia"/"Cadaveric Incubator of Endoparasites"/"Reek Of Putrefication"/"Empathological Necrotism"/"Foeticide"/"Fermenting Innards"/"Exhume To Consume"




At The Gates
Gardens of Grief

DETAILS
Format: 12" Vinyl
Label: Century Media
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Classic early era EP on 180 gram colored LP. Includes 18x24 fold out poster, LP insert includes never before seen pictures from early days.

TRACKLIST:

"Souls of The Evil Departed"/"At The Gates"/"All Life Ends"/"City Of Screaming Statues"



Stone Sour


Meanwhile In Burbank

DETAILS
Format: 12" Colored Vinyl
Label: Atlantic/Roadrunner
Release type: RSD Exclusive Release
More Info:
Covers of classic metal songs on black and white marbled vinyl. Comes with digital download.

TRACKLIST:

1. We Die Young, 2. Heading Out to the Highway, 3. Love Gun, 4. Creeping Death, 5. Children of the Grave

Full Record Store Day List here:  http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases#RSD%20Exclusive%20Release

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Discourse "Sanity Decays"


Discourse
"Sanity Decays"
Closed Casket Activities
Released: January 27, 2015

The artwork reminds me of late 1980s to early 1990s thrash metal. The name might lead you to believe they are a "dis" band, playing tribute to Discharge.

Don't judge a record by the cover... and if you assumed they were a "dis" band, you know what happens when you assume.... 

Neither thrash metal nor discharge. 


Discourse (from Columbia South Carolina) is rather a mighty straightedge hardcore band that plays music that easily conjures (a word here which means to make (something) appear unexpectedly or seemingly from nowhere as if by magic) violent physical eruption of buried demons. 

I love this stuff. 
"Early Grave"
For every method of self-abuse
And lives stolen through directed use
For every cleverly disguised noose
And victims left unable to choose
All the problems that you can't face
The mistakes that you want to escape
And the regrets you try to erase
Still exist at the end of the day
Nothing standing in my way
No path to an early grave
I hold in contempt
Profit from addiction
Targeted from birth
No concern for those afflicted
For every loved one i've watched decay
And everything that stands in my way
For every path to an early grave...
Straight edge - the choice remains.

The riffs, the power, the volume that this demands to be played at... exercises demons. The soundtrack to letting loose. Celebrate the venting loudly.

The first track, "Cure" had me hooked. The dissonance, power, the strength. Being 24 years sober, I love the freaking lyrics. 

"Cure"
I walk the narrow path,
scorned by some but it's not for them.
The scale was tipped against me,
set up for failure I defied the disease.
One less rope around my neck
Pre-disposed, I chose my fate.
I'm lucky to have had the chance.
Two ways out, both absolutes:
complete dependence or complete rejection.
I'll take the grief as it comes,
I'll feel it for you since you'd rather be numb.
I understand the need to escape,
even I find ways to forget the pain
Like you, don't wanna face the world.
Like you, don't wanna face myself.
Like you, I'm afraid.
Afraid of what I might find.
I'm sickened by life and the tireless routine,
but you won't see me down begging for release.
I reject their cure,
It's temporary and empty.
Dull the pain, dull my hatred.
I'll keep them both to spite the world.
Outnumbered forever.


Give it a listen:

Discourse is playing the Biohazard show at the Voltage Lounge in Philly PA March 31, 2015.

Vinyl pressing information:
  • 150 - Black/Pink Split
  • 350 - Tan with Splatter
  • 500 - Clear


Cheers,
Frank FOE









Lord Dying "Poisoned Altars"

LORD DYING
"Poisoned Altars"
Relapse Records
Released: January 27, 2015

I love crunchy metal that incorporates a groove. The groove adds to the power, taking the evil and swagger factors up a few notches. Lord Dying, from Portland, have been on tour with the likes of Red Fang (guest spot on the Lord Dying track "An Open Sore") and Black Tusk. Their un-sunny location and associates indicate, reflect and support their heaviness and groovitude. Throw in some High On Fire and Crowbar influence and "Poisoned Altars" is a monster.



Check out these hairy, flanneled metalheads take care of the yuppie infestation in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOjubYcJjFA


"Poisoned Altars"

Priests and their clergy 
Royalty unbound 
Pastors and prophets 
Religion unfound 

False implications 
Of terror on the rise 
Fleeting beliefs and 
Impossible highs 

Reason holding holes 
Endless punching deep 
Rotting out our bones 
Killing all that need 

Endless attachment 
Understanding Scars 
Losing your faith and 
Poisoning Altars 

All this religion 
Promises in place 
None understanding 
Disgrace with grace 

Reason holding holes 
Endless punching deep 
Rotting out our bones 
Killing all that need

I've never said the phrase "Endless punching deep" in my life, but I have howled along to "Poisoned Altars" nonstop for a good month. 


Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust did a fine job recording "Poisoned Altars", capturing Lord Dying's heavy, riffing, punishing, sludge doom groove metal that is an actual joy to listen to.

Cheers,
Frank FOE 




Brothers of the Sonic Cloth

Brothers of the Sonic Cloth
"Brother of the Sonic Cloth"
Neurot Recordings
Released: February 17, 2015

Have you  been wondering what Tad Doyle has been up to? It has been 15 years since his last record.

I have long been a fan of the band Tad. I interviewed a member of Tad, not Mr. Doyle, but Tad nonetheless in FOE #25 way back in 1993 or thereabouts. Read it at this link: http://www.foe.firstpress.net/tad.pdf you will enjoy it.



Tad's latest project, started out as a solo project, with Tad performing all band tasks. It was soon evident that Brothers of the Sonic Cloth needed to be fleshed out as a full band. As you will notice in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDk96GQKTWU  , Peggy "Pegadeth" Doyle is most definitely not a brother. She kicks appropriate levels of ass as one might expect, playing along with Tad's classic guttural vocals and doom shredding guitar. 





Brothers of the Sonic Cloth is decidedly apocalyptic sounding, riffing and pounding their way through the darkest of days. 



I am so glad that Tad has given yet another classic to the world. I am a fan of his vocals and guitar writing/playing. Brothers of the Sonic Cloth is at times atmospheric, doom-ridden, angry, reflective, bold, metal and fierce, yet Tad's classic style still shines through.

Cheers,
Frank FOE




Sunday, March 8, 2015

Kriegs Legion "War Bastard" LP

Kriegs Legion
"War Bastard"
Street Rock Records
Released: January 21, 2015

Detroit has a reputation as a hard time, a tough city, full of decay, blight and corruption.

Detroit's Kriegs Legion sound channels these harsh realities, tough and sick of the state of the world. Musically, they pull influences from three camps: Motorhead, Discharge/Varukers and Confederacy of Scum/Antiseen/Limecell. Those are three camps I love. Metal, hardcore, punk and even some melodic oi sneaking in there.



Check the video for "No Monopoly on Violence" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktd2Ao7MfCU


Kriegs Legion are as lyrically pummeling as their music, with a decisively pissed off attitude that is sick of the status quo.


The songs "Statist Control" is a classic that pays tribute to the Discharge camp. Kriegs Legion's pointed lyrics, focused and hard musical attack, with plenty of hooks and meaty guitar leads hits the sweet spot for me. Listen loud with a snarl and an extended middle finger.


"War Bastard" pressing Info: Gold/Black Marbled: 220; Grey: 220; Black: 110
 
Cheers,
Frank FOE



Street Rock Records fb: https://www.facebook.com/streetrockinternational
Kriegs Legion fb:  https://www.facebook.com/Kriegs.Legion
Street Rock Records: http://www.streetrockrecords.net/
Street Rock Records: http://streetrockrecords.bandcamp.com/
 


Saturday, March 7, 2015

Torche "Restarter" LP

TORCHE
"Restarter"
Relapse
Released: February 24, 2015

If you don't have Torche's "Meanderthal" LP from 2008, quick, go get that record. "Meanderthal" is one of my go to records. I have listened to the song "Healer" from that album several hundred times. I will probably go back and listen to "Healer" another dozen times, really loud, now that I have reminded myself how much I love that song. Like an addict reintroduced.

View the video for yourself on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SHjGLDY3ws




OK, now that we have that out of the way. 

As with anything Torche, I put my pre-order in as soon as I found out about "Restarter". I look forward to Torche's records, they have always been great, a pleasure to listen to and their vinyl pressings/cover artwork are something to behold. I have to thank Jamie at Double Decker Records for introducing me to the heavy and melodic Torche.

Being a very tactile person, a phrase which here means "either loving or hating the sense of touch", I am overloaded by this release.

tactile

(ˈtæktaɪl)
adj
1. (Biology) of, relating to, affecting, or having a sense of touch: a tactile organ; tactile stimuli.
2. capable of being touched; tangible


I purchased the glow in the dark, gatefold, 2XLP version that also came with Torche sunglasses, satisfying my tactile fascination in many ways. The LP cover also has the feeling of textured wallpaper. I was taken back to my youth when I had a wallpaper sample book. Why we had that in my house, I don't know. Thinking back, it probably was one of the many things that messed me up. So this LP cover took me back 45 years or so. By the way, I freaking hate anything made of fleece and any material that has static electricity. Tactile insanity.  


Continuing on with the tactile relationship, Torche is musically down-tuned, AADGBE, or so I have been told. The results are earth rumbling. So, obviously I love turning "Restarter" up. The feedback in some of the songs also has me "feeling" the music. One of my cohorts, a word which here means "abettor" or "accomplice" in Up To No Good Radio, Mr. Johnny Generic, would say this music makes his bowels move. Certain tones have this impact on him.

Heavy, hypnotic and melodic, Torche continue to create songs that take the listener out of their situation, both physically and mentally. You can see it, feel it, touch it and be mentally moved by Torche's "Restarter". The song "Barrier Hammer" could probably bring down a building.





I love everything about Torche's "Restarter".

Some of the LP pressing information I could find (combined from the Relapse and Torche sites).

Pressing Info

  1. 3700 on black vinyl
  2. 500 on picture disc (Relapse Mailorder Exclusive)
  3. 250 on silver vinyl (Relapse 25th Anniversary Mailorder Exclusive)
  4. 1000 on green/purple vinyl (Relapse Mailorder Exclusive)
  5. 500 on mint green vinyl (Indie Retailer Exclusive)
  6. 200 on purple vinyl (European Retailer Exclusive)
  7. 100 on orange vinyl (European Retailer Exclusive)
  8. 100 on clear vinyl
  9. 500 Glow in the Dark Deluxe 2xLP



TORCHE plays Underground Arts in Philly on March 27, 2015.

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Thursday, March 5, 2015

UTNG ULTRA KINGS

Reds, FOE and Generic 

Up To No Good Radio broadcast from Reds' basement on February 25, 2015
Visiting us in studio was Rick, guitarist and vocalist for the Ultra Kings, Ultra King DuLux Duo, tattoo artist at Rock N Willy's, ex-Whoa Dads etc...
Reds, FOE, Generic, Rick 

Stream, Download, Play, Enjoy the show from this link:
The Playlist:
Rancid "Up To No Good"
Whoa Dads "Rockin' To Me"
Jack Black "Drive them Wheels"
The Cramps "Let's Get F*cked Up"
Ultra Kings "Super Stud Trucker"
Stiff Little Fingers "Alternative Ulster"
Ultra Kings "She Never Says No"
Damned "Neat Neat Neat"
Ultra Kings "Dirty Little Girl"
PIL "Public Image"
Ultra Kings "Let's Do It and Say We Did"
Slamhounds "Killing an Arab"
Code Blue Rebels "Hell Block 13"
Ultra Kings "I Never Thought"