Symbol Six "EP" Dr. Strange Records

Symbol Six

“Symbol Six” EP

Dr. Strange Records

Released 2013

Thank you Doc for reissuing this record that somehow escaped my collection (probably because when it was originally released I was fifteen and the 4 songs didn't seem to need to be on a 12" - a 7" seemed more appropriate to my young mind). This record includes the songs from the original Symbol Six EP that was released on Posh Boy records at the end of 1981,  plus tracks from “The Future Looks Brighter” (also on Posh Boy) compilation and two new tracks on the A-side.

The b-side of the now LP is a 1980 rehearsal of four songs, that sound just like so many cassettes I used to listen to in the early 80s. Probably recorded on a boombox or basic four track recorder. To listen to these songs is nostalgic. Also tacked on the end are three live songs from 1981. This is a nice package representing Symbol Six's early career.

There is a limited mail-order version on colored vinyl available from Dr. Strange Records.

Symbol Six were teenage kids when the majority of these songs were recorded, yet these kids kept up with Agent Orange and played alongside the classic California bands of the early 80s. The sound is pure early 80s Southern California punk, think Adolescents, Redd Kross and of course Agent Orange. It still sounds fresh and alive these many years later! 

Symbol Six plans on releasing a new album in 2013. Why not? If Black Flag can have two different touring versions of the band in 2013, why can't Symbol Six record a new album!

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Record Store Day 2013

The Record Store Day 2013 list has been released!

Frank FOE's Top Five Wants

1. Flaming Lips "Zaireeka" 4 x LP Box Set with unique art specific to this release, 45 RPM with unique colors for each LP. Comes with 12-page booklet.

2. Rob Zombie "Dead City Radio And The New Gods Of Supertown/ Teenage Nosferatu Pussy (Explicit Only)" 10" w/ backwards groove.

3. South Park "San Diego / Gay Fish" 7" picture disc.

4. Face to Face "The Other Half" 10"

5. Pussy Galore "Groovy Hate F*ck" 12" 

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Playboy April 2013 "Sex & Music Issue" & Richard Hell autobiography!

I simply love the fact that Playboy magazine's April 2013 "The Sex & Music Issue" includes a wonderfully blue vinyl record spinning on the cover. Also love the Playboy bunny on the cartridge. As a vinyl junkie, "The Sex & Music Issue" makes me very happy.

As for the music covered in "The Sex & Music Issue".... 

I learned that on March 12, 2013, Richard Hell released an autobiography that I NEED to get.

Oddly enough, I purchased a copy of Richard Hell and the Voidoids "Destiny Street" LP on vinyl the same day that Playboy hit my mailbox. Complete coincidence or destiny? 

Cheers,
Frank FOE

Call of the Void "Dragged Down a Dead End Path" Relapse Records

CALL OF THE VOID

“Dragged Down a Dead End Path”

Relapse Records

Released March 19, 2013

Call of the Void’s debut LP/CD is cold and angry. The music is dense. “Endless Ritual Abuse”, “Breeding Grounds”, “Failure” and seven others move by with quick devastation in 25 minutes. Each song brings a wall of buzzing guitars, blasting tempos, pounding energy, coarse grooves and an overall feeling of disgust. Call of the Void is not content. The music is not comfortable. There are no joyful outcomes from this Colorado outfit.  

Fans of Coliseum and Pig Destroyer and in search of a bad time take note. Yes, this means I like Call of the Void's "Dragged Down a Dead End Path". 

Take care,
Frank FOE

Straphangers and Chris Penn Skate IDs for Up To No Good Radio and Johnny G's New Flyer!

Emily from the Straphangers NYHC was gracious enough to give Up To No Good Radio an ID.

Listen to Emily's ID here!

Chris from Penn Skate Allentown PA not only let me steal his soul with this photo, but also provided Up To No Good Radio with an ID. 

Listen to Chris' ID here!

Cheers,

FOE

Bad American "Bruises" 7"s soon 3/29/13

The next Bad American 7" is being released by 1124 Records. 

There will be white, clear and blue versions of the 7".

You can be a collector nerd and get a deal that includes all three, at a discount! 

Test Press covers you won't be able to get and neither will I. 

Marky Ramone loves the record. He recently played a track from the new Bad American 7" on his Sirius Radio Punk Rock Blitzkrieg show.  Alrighty everybody, you can hear Marky Ramone's introduction to Bad American's "Mad Tenant" and the song by following this link.

Ever had a treasured piece of your existence confiscated? 

Do you know the feeling of deep, troubling loss combined with the knowledge that an authority knows how to resolve your loss... but won't help... and said authority takes things a step further to do their best to make sure your loss stays lost?

Ever had your blood burn so hot with revenge and anticipation that your arms tingled at the thought of fighting rather than taking flight? 

Bad American translates that transgression (cause) and effect into a soundtrack of action. Songs build, the trouble escalates, the uncertain tension, the songs explode in a rage of speed, power and hardcore release through freedom and exhaustion. Bad American are a complete release.  "Mad Tenant" from the "Bruises" 7" is a prime example of what Bad American accomplishes with their music. Dirty feedback layers build anticipation, stepping in the guitars hint at the wrongdoing, drums come in to pace the stress and pressure and then the full band chaos of the attack. 

Carpenter Ant and Mr. Yuk are two Lehigh Valley PA hardcore bands that existed before Bad American. Ray (vocals -  also does time in TILE) and Mark (guitar) were in those bands. Bad American takes brutal elements from both of those bands and creates a fresh interpretation, while recalling and honoring the roots of US hardcore. 

You may also want to read the write up of their "Pretty/Ugly" 12".

Take care,

Frank FOE

Jughead / Archies Punk vs Funk aka Captain Thrash is a Poseur