Wednesday 23 April 2014

The Best of Brought To Life - 100

Well, for this final sampler I'm completing the Dangerhouse story, bringing you some YouTube curiosities and filling the gaps with some devastating thrash. I hope it's been fun.

1. MOB 47 - 'Kärnvapen Attack' Röj 7" - Sweden - 1984
This devastating blast is the opening track from their 9-song E.P. And they're still doing it in back yards across the world.
2. DISCHARGE - 'Realities Of War' - Clay 7" - UK - 1980
And this was the opener from Discharge's debut. Very influential for a band that only seemed to have songs about war and 'the system'.
3. THE DEADBEATS - 'Kill The Hippies' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1978
Scott, Geza and crew were a superb combination of twisted humour and twisted musical genius. 'Kill 'em cos their hair's too long, kill 'em cos their views were wrong'.
4. RHINO 39 - 'Xerox/No Compromise' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
This double-barrelled attack had a more sparse sound but retained the energy of earlier Dangerhouse releases. Sadly, singer Dave Dacron died soon after in a car accident and they didn't release another record until the mid-'80s with Dave's younger brother Joel on vocal duties.
5. FEAR - 'Mengele' - New Wave Theater - USA - 1982
Well, Fear had no fear. This sweet little ditty was about one of the most repugnant creatures of the modern age, Josef Mengele, the Angel of Death. Unreleased at the time, the song would later be renamed 'Surgery' on the 'American Beer' album at the turn of the milennium. Visuals here.
6. DISCHARGE - 'Fight Back' - Clay 7" - UK - 1980
The opening track from their second E.P. Fuzzed-out thrash-o-rama!
7. MOB 47 - 'Rustning Är Ett Brott' Röj 7" - Sweden - 1984
The second track from their 9-song E.P.
8. PRIMITIVE CALCULATORS - 'Do That Dance' - Self-released 7" - Australia - 1979
The flipside of their debut single 'I Can't Stop It'. The A-side, like much of their stuff, is quite different.
9. BLACK RANDY & METROSQUAD - 'I Slept In An Arcade' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
Black Randy's 3rd 7" platter, which made a belated appearance in the 1982 film 'Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains'.
10. DISCHARGE - 'Decontrol' - Clay 7" - UK - 1980
Discharge's 3rd 7" of 1980. Less speed, same power.
11. THE SUBJECTS - 'News' - New Wave Theater - USA - 1981
A wonderfully quirky song, and here's the legendary footage.
12. RHINO 39 - 'Prolixin Stomp' Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
The flipside of the Dangerhouse 7".
13. DISCHARGE - 'Visions Of War' - Clay 12" - UK - 1981
1981 saw Discharge releasing a 10-song 12" E.P. called 'Why?' This was the blistering opener.
14. MOB 47 - 'Res Dig Mot Överheten' Röj 7" - Sweden - 1984
The third track from their E.P.
15. THE DEADBEATS - 'Final Ride' Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1978
Another from their 4-song Dangerhouse classic.
16. DISCHARGE - 'A Look At Tomorrow'Clay 12" - UK - 1981
A slower one from 'Why?'
17. X - 'We're Desperate' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1978
X's debut 7" was a bit low key and sentimental. This flipside however had much more energy. Live version from 'The Decline' here.
18. CASTRATION SQUAD - 'A Date With Jack' - New Wave Theater - USA - 1981
Some American Gothic now with white faces aplenty. Go girls!
19. DISCHARGE - 'Aint No Feeble Bastard' Clay 12" - UK - 1981
Another slower one from 'Why?' My favourite track.
20. MOB 47 - 'Vi Vill Ha Frihet' - Ägg cassette - Sweden - 1984
From the 'Sjuk Värld' cassette.
21. THE RANDOMS - 'Let's Get Rid Of New York' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1977
Dangerhouse's first release was largely the result of the label's creators messing around in the studio. Somehow this cracker was stuck on the B-side.
22. DISCHARGE - 'Death Dealers' - Clay 7" - UK - 1981
From the flipside of their 4th 7" 'Never Again'.
23. MOB 47 - 'Fred & Rättvisa' - Self-released cassette - Sweden - 1984
The opening track on their 'Hardcore Attack' demo.
24. SANDY FURY & THE CLIQUE - 'Lifeline/Mommy' - New Wave Theater - USA - 1981
More classic New Wave Theater footage. The bass player was in Steppenwolf!
25. DISCHARGE - 'Doomsday' - Clay 7" - UK - 1982
We'll end it all with the flipside to Discharge's 5th single 'State Violence State Control'. After this they went full-on metal and I lost interest.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. THE DEADBEATS - 'Let's Shoot Maria'
27. DISCHARGE - 'No TV Sketch'
28. X - 'Adult Books'
29. DISCHARGE - 'Tomorrow Belongs To Us'
30. MOB 47 - 'Polisstat'
31. DISCHARGE - 'Does This System Work?'
32. MOB 47 - 'Religion Är Hjärntvätt'
33. DISCHARGE - 'Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing'
34. MOB 47 - ' Vår Värld'
35. DISCHARGE - 'The Nightmare Continues'
36. MOB 47 - 'Lögner'
37. DISCHARGE - 'A Hell On Earth'
38. MOB 47 - 'Tank Pa Barnen'

Get it here

OK, that's it, I hope you've enjoyed these 2,500 tracks. They're all very dear to my heart. The blog will remain open for as long as I'm allowed for any e-mail or comments. There haven't been many, but thanks to all those who offered support and encouragement, and, most of all, thanks to all the bands for making such wonderful music. It's been an honour.

Tuesday 22 April 2014

The Best of Brought To Life - 099

1. THE BAGS - 'We Don't Need The English' - Dangerhouse mini-album - USA - 1979
We begin this penultimate selection with the opening track from 'Yes L.A.', Dangerhouse's one-sided 12" silk-screened disc. The concept sounded better than it actually looked, but with an unreleased Bags track it had to be snapped up, pronto.
2. THE AVENGERS - 'We Are The One' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1977
One of the first Dangerhouse releases and, apparently, the best seller. Live at The Masque here.
3. THE CLASH - 'Complete Control' - CBS 7" - UK - 1977
Third single. Some kind of sub-standard live mish-mash here.
4. THE EYES - 'Disneyland'Dangerhouse mini-album - USA - 1979
Another from 'Yes L.A.' in which The Eyes suggest Disneyland should be blown off the face of the earth.
5. RAW POWER - 'State Oppression' - Toxic Shock LP - USA - 1985
The opening track from second album 'Screams From The Gutter'. They could really play by now and it (just about) suited them.
6. ANTIDOTE - 'Education Pt. I' - Looney Tunes 7" - UK - 1986
From the 'Destroy Fascism' E.P. which was an anarcho-collaboration between members of Chumbawamba and The Ex.
7. MAYHEM - 'Dogsbody' - Riot City 7" - UK - 1982
The opening track from their debut 'Gentle Murder' E.P. A lovely dirty-arsed production. From Southport, Merseyside.
8. GODHEAD - 'New Lottery' - Bemisbrain 7" - USA - 1981
From their 3-track sole release, hailing from somewhere in Southern California.
9. THE BAGS - 'Survive' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
The Bags' only single takes a little while to get going but then suddenly explodes into life. Quite marvellous. See the live chaos here.
10. THE CLASH - 'Clash City Rockers' - CBS 7" - UK - 1978
Fourth single. Live on UK TV here.
11. PARAF - 'Visoki Propisi' - RTV Ljubljana LP - Yugoslavia - 1980
From their debut album 'A Dan Je Tako Lijepo Počeo'. Originating from Rijeka, Croatia.
12. THE EYES - 'T.A.Q.N.' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
Another great Dangerhouse single. The title stands for 'Take A Quaalude Now', though listen to the lyrics and you'll realise it's hardly a pro-drugs song. 'Quaalude' is the U.S. brand name for methaqualone which was originally used as a hypnotic drug treatment for insomnia and as a potent sedative or muscle-relaxant. Of course it quickly became used as a recreational drug and as a result there's a wealth of punk rock songs which refer to the numerous joys (and hazards) of 'ludes.
13. ANTI-SYSTEM - '1,000 Rifles' - Pax 7" - UK - 1983
Underrated thrash from their 'Defence Of The Realm' E.P.
14. RAW POWER - 'Don't Let Me See It'Toxic Shock LP - USA - 1985
Another from 'Screams From The Gutter'. The screams are what make it.
15. THE CLASH - 'Tommy Gun' - CBS 7" - UK - 1978
A great single taken from the disappointing second album 'Give 'Em Enough Rope'. Live on Something Else here.
16. OX - 'Drugs' - Crazy News 7" - France - 1980
The first of two singles. From Rouen.
17. THE BAGS - 'Babylonian Gorgon' Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
The excellent flipside of 'Survive'. 'Don't need no false reasons for why I'm out of place, I don't goose-step for the master race'.
18. A.O.A. - 'Disaster Area' - Children Of The Revolution 12" - UK - 1985
All Out Attack, from Scotland, and what I liked to think was the opening track from the 'Who Are They Trying To Con?' E.P. Dig that intro and riffage.
19. THE AVENGERS - 'Car Crash' Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1977
The lengthy but intense cut from the flipside of 'We Are The One'.
20. THE CLASH - 'Capital Radio' - CBS 7" - UK - 1979
The second version, from the 'Cost Of Living' E.P.  This one works better for me . . . well, OK, so it goes on a bit too long. Here's an earlier live version plus extras.
21. THE EYES - 'Topological Eyes'Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1979
The flipside of T.A.Q.N. The belated chorus beats the verses.
22. RAW POWER - 'Hate' Toxic Shock LP - USA - 1985
Another from 'Screams From The Gutter'.
23. MAYHEM - 'Clean Cut' - Riot City 7" - UK - 1983
The stand-out track from the second E.P. 'Pulling Puppet Strings' with a great-yet-simple guitar solo.
24. THE BAGS - 'We Will Bury You' - New Underground LP - USA - 1983
An unreleased Bags track which was the stand-out moment on the 'Life Is Beautiful So Why Not Eat Health Foods?' compilation.
25. THE CLASH - 'Jail Guitar Doors' - CBS 7" - UK - 1978
And to end with, the superior flipside of 'Clash City Rockers'.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. RAW POWER - 'Hate'
27. THE EYES - 'Eniwetok'
28. THE CLASH - 'I Fought The Law'
29. THE AVENGERS - 'I Believe In Me'

Get it here

Monday 21 April 2014

The Best of Brought To Life - 098

1. POISON IDEA - 'Lifestyles' - Pusmort LP - USA - 1986
And at the third last it's Portland's Poison Idea in the lead with the opening track from 'Kings Of Punk'. Live version here.
2. THE CLASH - 'White Riot' - CBS 7" - UK - 1977
Their first single. Live performance here.
3. THE SEX PISTOLS (featuring Ronnie Biggs) - 'No-One Is Innocent' - Virgin 7" - UK - 1978
What a farce 'The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle was. Entertaining in a '70s comedy kind of way but embarrassing on many other levels. Love it or hate it, visuals here.
4. THE DILS - 'Class War' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1977
Dangerhouse was my favourite label back in the day and still is. '198 Seconds Of The Dils' is a prime example of why. 'I want a war between the rich and the poor, I wanna fight and know what I'm fighting for'. Raw live version here.
5. CANYA PHUCKEM & HOWE - 'One Sir, Thankyou Sir/Folsom St.' - More Best Productions LP - USA - 1980
Their only release, the 'Sleeze Attack' album, is just that. Mostly songs about extreme gay sex which are sometimes funny, sometimes not.
6. THE MULLENS - 'Got A Gun' - Get Hip LP - USA - 1997
Yes, you read it right, '97! The cool dude who introduced me to their debut self-titled album told me it was recorded in '77 so I quickly slung it onto a BTL comp. It sure sounds like a proto-punk masterpiece but of course it was really a '97 recording. Well, whatever. By hook or by crook, you get a track.
7. THE CLASH - 'Janie Jones' - CBS LP - UK - 1977
Lead track from the self-titled debut album. Live in Manchester here.
8. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle'Virgin 7" - UK - 1979
A single from the album of the same name. Video here.
9. THE WEIRDOS - 'We Got The Neutron Bomb' - Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1978
A second classic Dangerhouse disc. 'Foreign aid from the land of the free'. Brilliant line.
10. TRÖCKENER KECKS - 'Het Meisje Van De Donutshop' - Tröckener Kecks  LP - Netherlands - 1981
The opening track from their debut album 'Schliessbaum'. I probably saw them at 'Christmas On Earth' 1982 but I was only 18 back then and probably very drunk.
11. RAW POWER - 'Raw Power/Fuck Authority' - Self-released cassette - Italy - 1983
I was never quite convinced by thrash until I heard this devastating combination of a lo-fi recording with high velocity screaming. And a cow bell to boot!
12. THE CLASH - 'I'm So Bored With The U.S.A.' CBS LP - UK - 1977
Another from 'The Clash'. Live here.
13. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'C'mon Everybody'Virgin 7" - UK - 1979
An Eddie Cochrane cover from 'The Swindle'. Visuals here. Bless him.
14. POISON IDEA - 'Made To Be Broken'Pusmort LP - USA - 1986
A second belter from 'Kings Of Punk'.
15. THE DILS - 'Mr Big' Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1977
The other half of '198 Seconds'.
16. THE CLASH - 'Career Opportunities' CBS LP - UK - 1977
A third from 'The Clash'. 'Career opportunities, the ones that never knock'. Amen. Live here.
17. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Substitute' - Demo - UK - 1976
I dunno exactly which demo this is as I'm not much of a Pistols nut, but it's a Who cover and that's all you really need to know.
18. CANYA PHUCKEM & HOWE - 'Warm Wet Feeling' More Best Productions LP - USA - 1980
Another perverted ditty from 'Sleeze Attack'.
19. THE WEIRDOS - 'Solitary Confinement' Dangerhouse 7" - USA - 1978
The crunching flipside of 'We've Got The Neutron Bomb'. Short-but-sweet live clip here.
20. POISON IDEA - 'Out Of The Picture' Pusmort LP - USA - 1986
A third from 'Kings Of Punk'.
21. THE CLASH - 'Protex Blue'CBS LP - UK - 1977
A fourth from 'The Clash'. Live in Paris here.
22. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Something Else' Virgin 7" - UK - 1979
Another Eddie Cochrane cover from 'The Swindle'. Video here.
23. CADILLAC - 'Cold Love' - Dildo Productions 7" - Austria - 1979
A nice slab of rare, sloppy Austrian punk now. Their only release, though a couple of them went on to form Mordbuben AG.
24. THE ROCHES - 'Nurds' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1980
The opening track from their second album of the same name. They were 3 sisters from Park Ridge, New Jersey. Sounds like the opening line to a tacky novel.
25. THE CLASH - '(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais' - CBS 7" - UK - 1978
And finally, their reggae-influenced 6th single. Live here.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Silly Thing'
27. THE CLASH - 'The Prisoner'
28. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Friggin' In The Riggin'

Get it here

The Best of Brought To Life - 097

1. THE DAMNED - 'Problem Child' - Stiff LP - UK - 1977
The opening track from second album 'Music For Pleasure' which was also released as a single. Video here.
2. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Holidays In The Sun' - Virgin LP - UK - 1977
The opening track from 'Never Mind The Bollocks', and a single, the riff of which sounded very much like that of an earlier single by another popular band. Answers on a postcard. Video here.
3. D.R.I. - 'I Don't Need Society' - Dirty Rotten 7" - USA - 1983
Ah, the Dirty Rotten Imbeciles. From their debut 22-song E.P. which seemed like a lot of tracks at the time untitil bands deliberately tried to 'beat' it.
4. UNIFORM CHOICE - 'Screaming For Change' - Wishing Well LP - USA - 1986
Title track from the album of the same name. Sounds straight edge, is straight edge.
5. THE RAMONES - 'Psycho Therapy' - Sire 7" - USA - 1983
The most important thing about this one is the classic video.
6. THE DAMNED - 'Sick Of Being Sick' - Stiff 7" - UK - 1977
This was released on a freebie single coupled with 'Stretcher Case'. 5,000 made. Some were initially given away at the band's London Marquee Club first anniversary concerts, but when these were cut short further copies were given to fan club members and 250 were also given away as crossword puzzle prizes via the N.M.E. 
7. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'No Feelings' Virgin LP - UK - 1977
Another track from 'Never Mind The Bollocks'.
8. D.R.I. - 'Capitalist Suck'Dirty Rotten 7" - USA - 1983
Another from their debut 22-song E.P.  When they toured the UK, we all thought with songs like this and 'Money Stinks' that the tickets should have been cheaper.
9. THE DAMNED - 'Don't Cry Wolf' Stiff LP - UK - 1977
Another from 'Music For Pleasure' which was also released as a single.
10. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'God Save The Queen'Virgin LP - UK - 1977
Another from 'Never Mind The Bollocks' - and a single, of course. Video here.
11. POISON IDEA - 'Cult Band' - Fatal Erection 7" - USA - 1983
From their blistering debut E.P. 'Pick Your King'. From Oregon. Beavers. Cherries. Live version here.
12. UNIFORM CHOICE - 'Use Your Head' Wishing Well LP - USA - 1986
Another track from 'Screaming For Change'.
13. THE DAMNED - 'Creep (You Can't Fool Me)' Stiff LP - UK - 1977
Another from 'Music For Pleasure'.
14. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Anarchy In The U.K.'Virgin LP - UK - 1977
Another from 'Never Mind The Bollocks' which was also their debut single with a story that you all know.
15. D.R.I. - 'No Sense'Dirty Rotten 7" - USA - 1983
A third from their 22-song E.P.
16. UNIFORM CHOICE - 'No Thanks' Wishing Well LP - USA - 1986
A third from 'Screaming For Change'.
17. THE DAMNED - 'Love Song' - Chiswick LP - UK - 1979
I'm including the version from 'Machine Gun Etiquette' because I like the intro. Top Of The Pops performance here.
18. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'Pretty Vacant' Virgin LP - UK - 1977
Another track and single from 'Never Mind The Bollocks'.
19. D.R.I. - 'Blockhead' Dirty Rotten 7" - USA - 1983
A fourth from their 22-song E.P.
20. THE DAMNED - 'Melody Lee'  Chiswick LP - UK - 1979
Another from 'Machine Gun Etiquette'. 
21. UNIFORM CHOICE - 'Big Man Small Mind' Wishing Well LP - USA - 1986
A fourth from 'Screaming For Change'.
22. POISON IDEA - 'Pure Hate'Fatal Erection 7" - USA - 1983
Another from 'Pick Your King'.
23. THE RAMONES - 'Wart Hog' - Sire LP - USA - 1984
The stand-out track from 1984's 'Too Tough To Die'. Live +2 here.
24. THE DAMNED - 'Anti-Pope'  Chiswick LP - UK - 1979
A third from 'Machine Gun Etiquette' 
25. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'E.M.I.' Virgin LP - UK - 1977
And to end with, the song that ended 'Never Mind The Bollocks'. Live at The Longhorn here.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. THE DAMNED - 'One Way Love'
27. THE RAMONES - 'Chasing The Night'
28. THE DAMNED - 'Politics'
29. THE SEX PISTOLS - 'I Wanna Be Me'
30. D.R.I. - 'Sad To Be'
31. THE DAMNED - 'Smash It Up (Parts I & II)'

Sunday 20 April 2014

The Best of Brought To Life - 096

1. THE DAMNED - 'Neat Neat Neat' - Stiff LP - UK - 1977
First track from 'Damned Damned Damned'? Second single? Who cares, it's a belter! Supersonic performance here.
2. THE VARUKERS - 'Another Religion, Another War' - Riot City 12" - UK - 1984
Devastating thrash that was as good live as you'll hear here.
3. THE DRAGSTERS - 'Albino' - Union City 7" - UK - 1986
From Greenock in Scotland. First single of three. Dedicated to Chuck Wagon.
4. THE WARDENS - 'Tricky Girls' - Rocket LP - UK - 1979
From the '499 2139' compilation. You had to ring that number to speak to the record label in order to get a track on the album. I wonder how much it cost?
5. KRIMINELLA GITARRER - '36 Patroner' - Kloaak 7" - Sweden - 1979
Third single. To me, their best, though most people seem to disagree.
6. THE DAMNED - 'I Fall' - Stiff LP - UK - 1977
Another from 'Damned Damned Damned'.
7. CLIT - 'When The Leaves Are Falling' - Own Label 7" - Germany - 1980
The flipside of sole single 'Secondary Boulevard Talk' which I may or may not include later. Harder to find than the man in the boat itself.
8. SHITH - 'Tonight She's By My Side' - Loof 7" - Netherlands - 1980
Much overlooked sole single by these Spierdijk boys.
9. THE DIGITS - 'Winubee' - Digits 7" - USA - 1980
From Huntington Beach, from their only release - a 3-tracker.
10. THE PROBERS - 'I Saw You Looking' - Hyperion 7" - USA - 1980
First single, from Providence, Rhode Island. The rear sleeve gives credits for 'make-up design' and 'hair concepts'. How embarrassing.
11. THE DAMNED - New Rose' - Stiff LP - UK - 1977
First single or a track from 'Damned Damned Damned'? Doesn't matter, it's one of my all time top 10 songs. Video here.
12. THE VARUKERS - 'No Escape' Riot City 12" - UK - 1984
Another track from the 'Another Religion, Another War' E.P.
13. GENETIC CONTROL - 'Love Rat' - Generic 7" - Canada - 1984
From Montreal, from their 'First Impressions' E.P.
14. LIGHTNING RAIDERS - 'Made In Japan' - Demo - UK - 1980
This was supposed to be on an album release that never materialised. Available on the 'Sweet Revenge' CD.
15. THE TACONES - 'Rita' - Chapa Discos 7" - Spain - 1980
The flipside of 'Crónicas Del Bromuro', their debut single.
16. THE DAMNED - 'See Her Tonite' - Stiff LP - UK - 1977
A fourth from 'Damned Damned Damned'.
17. BOX OF FISH - 'Sex Cat Killer' - Method 7" - Australia - 1983
The superior flipside of 'Erosion'. What a 'Sex Cat Killer' is, is anyone's guess.
18. THE DRAGSTERS - 'Where Is The Hamburger Relish?' Union City 7" - UK - 1986
One of the tracks on the flipside of 'Albino'.
19. THE SKUNKS - 'The Mad Song' - Own Label 7" - Australia - 1982
From Adelaide, from the 'Scratch 'n' Sniff' E.P. In the credits they thank Elvis for dying and Mark Chapman for accuracy.
20. THE VARUKERS - 'Condemned To Death' Riot City 12" - UK - 1984
A third from 'Another Religion, Another War'.
21. THE DAMNED - 'Help' - Stiff 7" - UK - 1976
The flipside of 'New Rose' - a Beatles cover, no less.
22. GENETIC CONTROL - '1984' Generic 7" - Canada - 1984
Another from their 'First Impressions' E.P.
23. PUBLIC ENEMY - 'So Inhuman' - Goldfields LP - Australia - 1980
From the 'Goldfields Rock' Victoria compilation.
24. CLIT - 'Secondary Boulevard Talk' Own Label 7" - Germany - 1980
The A-side I said I might just include earlier.
25. THE DAMNED - 'So Messed Up' - Stiff LP - UK - 1977
And to end with, a fifth from 'Damned Damned Damned'.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. KTIMINELLA GITARRER - 'Stig Bomb'
27. THE DAMNED - 'Stab Yor Back'
28. THE VARUKERS - 'The Last War'
29. LES ELITE - 'Career Girls'
30. THE DAMNED - 'Born To Kill'
31. PUBLIC ENEMY - 'Undecided'
32. THE LAMBRETTAS - 'Go Steady'
33. THE DAMNED - 'Fish'
34. THE VARUKERS - 'Seek Shelter In Hell'

The Best of Brought To Life - 095

1. THE RAMONES - 'Cretin Hop' - Sire LP - USA - 1977
What better way to start than the opening track to third album 'Rocket To Russia'? Live on Musikladen here.
2. THE HARD-ONS - 'What Am I Supposed To Do?' - Waterfront LP - Australia - 1988
'Dickcheese' was a grand mixture of tuneful boppers and full-throttle thrashers. This is one of the former.
3. SAD AMONG STRANGERS - 'Here Come The Caesars' - Brave Tales 7" - UK - 1980
Their second of four singles. I've heard them described as 'hunchback funk', whatever that means?
4. THE STILETTOS - 'Anti-Disco' - Demo - USA - 1978
The Stilettos existed in one form or another throughout the '70s and were known to have at least a couple of future Blondie members in one of their earlier incantations. This track, and many more can be found on the 'Punk Trampoline' CD. Go seek.
5. THE RAMONES - 'Rockaway Beach' - Sire LP - USA - 1977
A second from 'Rocket To Russia'. Live at CBGB's here.
6. PINK PLASTIC & PANTIES - 'Bla-Bla' - Own Label 7" - Netherlands - 1980
Sole single from this all-girl Dutch band. Sorta reminiscent of Kleenex/Liliput but not quite as chaotic.
7. NEUES DEUTSCHLAND - 'Wildwux' - Iron Curtain LP - Germany - 1981
From a varied self-titled LP which verges a bit too much on the experimental on the whole.
8. THE AIRCUTS - 'Radioactivity' - Barnet 7" - Canada - 1980
Thanks to Frank over at Shotgun Solution for introducing me to this little classic, no doubt their only release.
9. THE RAMONES - 'Teenage Lobotomy' - Sire LP - USA - 1977
A third from 'Rocket To Russia'. Live from 'Rock 'n' Roll High School' here.
10. THE HARD-ONS - 'Just Being With You' - Waterfront 7" - Australia - 1989
A heart-warming 7" which, you could say, is the Hard-Ons going soft. Arf. Live version here.
11. MAGGOT SANDWICH - 'My Florida' - KML LP - USA - 1987
One from their 'Get Off The Stage' album. 'This aint no promised land, this aint no Disneyworld, this aint no heaven on earth'. Of course not, it's the murder state!
12. THE STILETTOS - 'Fly On By' Demo - USA - 1978
Another great Stilettos demo, though I'm not sure the sax is damaged enough to be fully effective.
13. THE RAMONES - 'I Wanted Everything' - Sire LP - USA - 1978
One from fourth album 'Road To Ruin'.
14. HUSKER DU - 'Some Kind Of Fun' - Demo - USA - 1984
Here's an out-take from the Zen Arcade sessions. I can see how it didn't quite fit the album but it deserves to be heard nonetheless.
15. THE NO NO's - 'Who Shot The President' - Mutation 7" - USA - 1981
From San Diego, from their sole 4-song E.P.
16. THE GREEN TELESCOPE - 'Turnin' Out' - Psycho LP - UK - 1985
From 'The Waking Dream' compilation album. This lot were from Edinburgh and eventually became The Thanes.
17. THE RAMONES - 'I Wannna Be Sedated' - Sire LP - USA - 1978
Another from 'Road To Ruin'. Last live version here.
18. THE HARD-ONS - 'Missing You, Missing Me' - Waterfront LP - Australia - 1988
Another from 'Dickcheese'. 
19. DE CYLINDERS - 'We Must Pay' - CNR 7" - Netherlands - 1980
Their second single. And yes, we have a live version here.
20. THE STILETTOS - 'Blood From A Stone' Demo - USA - 1978
A third great Stilettos demo.
21. THE RAMONES - 'Go Mental' - Sire LP - USA - 1978
A third from 'Road To Ruin'. Live version here.
22. MAGGOT SANDWICH - 'Dead To My World' - KML 7" - USA - 1985
Title track from their debut 6-track E.P. Live version here.
23. HUSKER DU - 'Writers Cramp (Fast Version) - Demo - USA - 1980
From the 'Statues' session. This should have made the vinyl over the 2 tracks they actually released.
24. THE RAMONES - 'She's The One' - Sire LP - USA - 1978
A fourth from 'Road To Ruin' which was also bashed out as a single. Live on Musikladen here.
25. THE HARD-ONS - 'Ache To Touch You' - Waterfront LP - Australia - 1988
And finally, a third from 'Dickcheese'.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. THE RAMONES - 'Locket Love'
27. THE HARD-ONS - 'Fuck Society' / 'Yuppies Suck'
28. THE RAMONES - 'I Wanted Everything'
29. THE HARD-ONS - 'Where Did She Come From?'
30. THE RAMONES - 'Bad Brain'
31. THE HARD-ONS - 'Sit Beside You'
32. THE RAMONES - 'Why Is It Always This Way?'

Saturday 19 April 2014

The Best of Brought To Life - 094

1. DEVO - 'Devo Corporate Anthem' Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
Instrumental intro to second album 'Duty Now For The Future' - their last great record in my humble opinion. Although the concept of man's De-Evolution was an interesting one, this album took it about as far as it needed to go.
2. DEVO - 'Clockout' Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
First track 'proper' from 'Duty Now'.
3. THE RAMONES - 'Chainsaw' - Sire LP - USA - 1976
You don't need me to tell you how seminal the Ramones debut album was. Live version here.
4. TREDJE KÖNET - 'Fågeln' - Rosa Honung 12" - Sweden - 1987
Opening track from the E.P. of the same name.
5. UNIPLUX - 'Maledetto Rock' - Po Go 7" - Italy - 1984
Second single. From Rome.
6. FRITES MODERN - 'U.S.A.' - Boy Bensdorp LP - Netherlands - 1984
From 'Veel, Vet, Goor En Duur', a song lampooning American hardcore's need for speed.
7. RAMONES - 'Listen To My Heart' Sire LP - USA - 1976
Another from 'The Ramones'.
8. CARDIAC ARREST - 'Running In The Street' - Another 7" - UK - 1979
Their only single. From Lancaster.
9. DEVO -'Wiggly World'Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
Another from 'Duty Now For The Future'. Something to do with 'string theory'?
10. EXPO - 'Racing Guys' - Epic LP - Netherlands - 1978
From their only album 'Not-A-Talk-A', a diverse affair for '78.
11. RAMONES - 'Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World' Sire LP - USA - 1976
A third from 'The Ramones'.
12. DIGITAL DINOSAURS - 'Don't Call Us' - Kamaflage 7" - UK - 1981
One-off single by the kids from the Bryn Alyn community from North Wales, a home for disadvantaged and handicapped boys and girls which was shut down in 1997 due to horrific practises.
13. CLUB X - 'Under My Thumb' - Teldec 7" - Germany - 1983
A good old Rolling Stones cover, similar to the Social Distortion version, but different.
14. THE RAMONES - 'Glad To See You Go' - Sire LP - USA - 1977
The opening track from second album 'Leave Home'. Live here.
15. DEVO - 'Secret Agent Man' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1979
Another cover version, and a fourth from 'Duty Now For The Future' which was also released as a 7". Scary video here.
16. EXPO - 'Wherever You Are' - Epic LP - Netherlands - 1978
Another from 'Not-A-Talk-A'.
17. THE RAMONES - Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment' Sire LP - USA - 1977
The second track from 'Leave Home'. Live here.
18. TREDJE KÖNET - 'Universums Djup' Rosa Honung 12" - Sweden - 1987
Another track from the 'Fågeln' E.P.
19. FRITES MODERN - 'Je Bent Een Puist In Mijn Nek' - Boy Bensdorp LP - Netherlands - 1984
Another from 'Veel, Vet, Goor En Duur'.
20. THE RAMONES - 'Carbona Not Glue' - Sire LP - USA - 1977
The track from 'Leave Home' which got deleted when the company that made Carbona objected to having their product associated with glue-sniffing adolescents.
21. DEVO - 'The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1979
A fifth from 'Duty Now For The Future' which was also released as a 7". Video here. Wahoooo!
22. EXPO - 'Buono Nasale' - Epic LP - Netherlands - 1978
A third from 'Not-A-Talk-A'. 
23. CLUB X - 'Tango D'Amour' - Teldec 7" - Germany - 1983
Another from the 'Under My Thumb' 4-song E.P.
24. THE RAMONES - 'Swallow Your Pride' - Sire LP - USA - 1977
A fourth from 'Leave Home'.
25. DEVO - 'The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1979
And finally, a sixth/seventh from 'Duty Now For The Future'. Here's the live version(s).
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. THE RAMONES - 'I Can't Be'
27. FRITES MODERN - 'Bedankt'
28. THE RAMONES - 'Suzy Is A Headbanger'
29. DEVO - 'Blockhead'
30. THE RAMONES - 'You Should Never Have Opened That Door'

The Best of Brought To Life - 093

1. 7 SECONDS - 'Remains To Be Seen' - Better Youth Organisation 12" - USA - 1985
'Walk Together, Rock Together' was the follow-up to 'The Crew'. With only 7 tracks it was always going to be a disappointment. Not bad, but certainly no classic.
2. DEAD KENNEDYS - 'Take This Job And Shove It' - Alternative Tentacles LP - USA - 1986
By 1986 the Dead Kennedys had also passed their musical peak. On 'Bedtime For Democracy' Jello's lyrical sting was still in evidence but the 21 tracks were less than memorable on the ears. This was the album's opening track. A sentiment I'm fully familiar with.
3. DEVO - 'Uncontrollable Urge' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
Meanwhile Devo's debut album 'Are We Not Men?' is an all time classic. When it was unleashed on an unsuspecting public it was pretty unique on all levels and nothing has sounded quite like it ever since. Recorded in Connie Plank's studio in Germany, the sound was crisp and refined but at the same time strange and futuristic, while the song structures and lyrics were pure performance art. This was the opening track. 'Got an urge, got a surge, and it's out of control!' I imagine this was supposed to be funny.
4. UNITY - 'Straight On View' - Wishing Well 7" - USA - 1985
Time now to drop the drink and put on that positive mental attitude. From their 8-track debut E.P. 'You Are One'.
5. NEGATIVE APPROACH - 'Tied Down' - Touch and Go MLP - USA - 1983
The opening track from their classic twelve incher of the same name. Here's  a live version of another track from the record.
6. THE VARUKERS - 'Nowhere To Go' - Riot City LP - UK - 1983
One from the Varukers debut album 'Bloodsuckers'.
7. DEVO - 'Sloppy (I Saw My Baby Gettin')' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
Another from 'Are We Not Men?' It's gonna be hard not to post the whole damn album.
8. VONN - 'Bubble-Gum' - Monsieur Vinyl 7" - France - 1983
From Montpelier, this is from their sole 3-tracker, though three of 'em went on to form Les Sheriff and release oodles of stuff in the decades that followed.
9. DEAD KENNEDYS - 'Shrink' - Alternative Tentacles LP - USA - 1986
Another from 'Bedtime For Democracy', about shrinking the world's population for the benefit of all (namely, the rich).
10. FAITH - 'Aware' - Dischord 12" - USA - 1983
This opening track to 'Subject To Change' was probably the high point.
11. DEVO - 'Space Junk' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
A third from 'Are We Not Men?' Who knew anything about space junk until this song?
12. 7 SECONDS - 'Walk Together, Rock Together' - Better Youth Organisation 12" - USA - 1985
The title track from the E.P of the same name.
13.  VONN - 'Pussy Cat' - Monsieur Vinyl 7" - France - 1983
Another charmer from the 'Bubble-Gum' E.P.
14. UNITY - 'The Game' - Wishing Well 7" - USA - 1985
Another from 'You Are One', about the game of life.
15. DEVO - 'Jocko Homo' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
Another from 'Are We Not Men?' More refined than the single version, but just as wacky. Live version here.
16. DEAD KENNEDYS - 'Do The Slag' - Alternative Tentacles LP - USA - 1986
A third from 'Bedtime For Democracy'. 'Make those pricks feel just so small, we'll show the world that we're three feet tall'.
17. 7 SECONDS - 'In Your Face' - Better Youth Organisation 12" - USA - 1985
A third from 'Walk Together, Rock Together'.
18. THE VARUKERS - 'Tell Us What We Wanna Hear' - Riot City LP - UK - 1983
Another from 'Bloodsuckers'.
19.  DEVO - 'Mongoloid' - Warner Bros LP - USA - 1978
The controversial one from 'Are We Not Men?' Nobody wanted to use 'that' word but the song, in a weird-but-clever kind of way, gives an interesting overview of the condition.
20. VONN - 'Nuit Après Nuit- Monsieur Vinyl 7" - France - 1983
The third track from the 'Bubble-Gum' E.P.
21. NEGATIVE APPROACH - 'Nothing' - Touch and Go MLP - USA - 1983
Another from 'Tied Down'.
22. 7 SECONDS - 'Regress No Way' - Pusmort LP - USA - 1985
This one could be found on Pushead's 'Cleanse The Bacteria' compilation LP.
23. DEVO - 'Social Fools' - Virgin 7" - USA - 1978
The flipside of 'Come Back Jonee' - different from the version on the flipside of 'Be Stiff'.
24. THE VARUKERS - 'What The Hell Do You Know?' - Riot City LP - UK - 1983
A third from 'Bloodsuckers'. 'You say that we sound like a vacuum cleaner'. Er, no, that would be Fear Of God.
25. DEAD KENNEDYS - 'Chiclenshit Conformist' - Alternative Tentacles LP - USA - 1986
And finally, a fourth from 'Bedtime For Democracy'. 'Punk's not dead, it just deserves to die when it becomes another stale cartoon'. Amen.
***BONUS TRACKS***
26. DEVO - 'Satisfaction'
27. UNITY - 'P.M.A.'
28. 7 SECONDS - 'Spread'
29. DEVO - 'Praying Hands'
30. THE DEAD KENNEDYS - 'One Way Ticket To Pluto
31. UNITY - 'Breaking Through'
32. DEVO - 'Shrivel Up'


Get it here