Shiny Beast - Boner Records 1992

I've been talking back and forth with JBM on a few of my 90's rock posts and the conversation has turned to Duck-EE Studios, North Carolina and Seam. Well, that got me thinking and sent me running to the cd rack for this Shiny Beast cd. Shiny Beast who hailed from North Carolina recorded this record at Duck EE studios in NC in 1991, and Seam's Soo Young Park added vocals to the song Lodestar, therefore I thought this would be a cool post to sort of tie all the ends together.

As far as the music goes this is thick mathrock type stuff with interesting guitar playing and odd time changes etc. In my opinion this is really great, and completely overlooked and forgotten...Dave G.

P.S. If anyone bothers to listen to this and likes it there is a Shiny Beast / Regraped split 12" out there as well. I'm sure it's out of print but probably easy enough to find, and the Shiny Beast tracks on the 12" are excellent.

Here

Condemned To Death - R Radical Records 1984

Flex describes this 7" as "Uncompromising hardcore, fast and powerful with a great singer and lots of ideas. A blend of early Black Flag and the Boston Xclaim bands" .I think Flex pretty much nailed the description on this one, so there is really no need for me to ramble on and add anything else. Good record...give it a listen.

Here

Garden Variety / Chune - split 7" Cargo Recs 1995

Here's a cool split release from 2 excellent 90's punk bands. I was a pretty big fan of Garden Variety in the 90's and if I told you I saw them live 30 times I might actually be underestimating. Garden Variety were a real emotional powerhouse of a band live with impassioned vocals backed by straight forward punk music. I'd say they have a touch of a Jawbreaker influence in their music. Chune on the other hand move at a bit slower tempo but again with emotional vocals and rolling bass lines. I saw Chune live a bunch of times as well and they were really an excellent band that never got the recognition they deserved.Unfortunately,both bands have sort of faded away into the distant memory of 90' punk/emo which is very unfortunate, as both bands deserve to be heard. So give this one a listen and if you like what you hear keep your eyes peeled for their records...I bet most can be found in local record store used bins for next to nothing...Dave G.

Garden Variety - Stickler
Chune - Dual Rectums

P.S. This post is dedicated to JBM who is my only blog follower that seems to care when I post these 90's rock gems.

Roach Motel - Roach and Roll - Destroy Records 1982

This is the first 7" from Roach Motel. I posted their 2nd 7" a few weeks back. I like this record a little more musically than the "What The Hell It's Roach Motel" 7 inch, but honestly the lyrics are a real killer for me. I understand we are talking about lyrics written by a bunch of teens trying to be obnoxious and offensive, but it's difficult to listen to a song like "Wetback" and not feel a little embarrassed, not for the band for writing it, but for myself for listening to it.

P.S. On a less serious note, doesn't the singer look like Steve-O from Jackass doing something terribly wrong to himself.

Psycho - 8 song ep - 1983 Axction Records

Classic Boston punk 12". Starts off with a cover of "Psycho" jumps right into an uptempo scorchers and never really lets up. Great old school punk record so if you've never heard this one then give it a spin. If you like this one there is a compilation Lp called " Studio Recordings 1982-1986" available from Welfare Records that compiles 45 songs ranging from demo recordings to compilation tracks to previously released material. I highly recommend picking up copy of the studio recordings cd or lp...Dave G.

Here

Nuke Your Dink - Positive Force #1 1984

The first release on Positive Force Records documenting the early 80's Nevada punk scene. This compilation features 7 Seconds - Subterfuge - No Deal - Urban Assault - Jackshit - The Remains - The Expelled and The Yobs. Overall this is a nice snapshot of the Nevada scene and there are some good songs on here, with 7 Seconds, Urban Assault and Jackshit offering up my favorite tracks ...Dave G.

Here

Johnboy - Claim Dedications 1994 Trance Syndicate

Since I am digging up some of my favorites from the late 80's / 90's underground scene I figured I should add Johnboy from Austin TX to the list. Johnboy played what I would have called Mathrock back in the day for lack of a better term...the music is heavy, rhythmic and mostly instrumental with the occasional spoken / shouted vocal thrown in for good measure.

Johnboy released 2 full length albums on Trance Syndicate ( "Pistol Swing" 1993 and "Claim Dedications 1994") which was a label co-founded by Butthole Surfers drummer King Coffey. I also have a 7" titled CalYx in my collection., and also a split 7" between Johnboy/Quitters Club . I'm not sure if Johnboy released anything else honestly, but if anyone knows about anything I am missing please comment...Dave G.

Crain -Speed

Keeping the 90's rock promotion moving along I'd like to present a couple songs by Crain who were another amazing and under-appreciated band out of Louisville KY.

The Speed album is still available I believe as it was released a few years back with some added bonus tracks by Temporary Residency Records. I think the Heater cd is out of print at this time. Crain also has their own website right here where you can hear some more sound files and also order a copy of the Speed cd.

Heater Lp ' Hey Cops
Speed Lp - Kneel

Rodan - Rusty 1994

Rodan from Louisville KY took a little bit of Bitch Magnet and a little bit of Slint and added a bit more bottom end to the mix, which resulted in one of my favorite records of the mid 90's. I saw them live a few times and it was just mind blowing in all honesty.

Give this incredibly intense rhythmic song a listen and then go buy a cd or vinyl copy of this record, both are still available. Seriously this song is so good it makes my head spin...Dave G.

The Everyday World of Bodies

Tanner - Ill - Gotten Gains - Caroline 1995

Tanner from San Diego Ca. were another of the mid 90's bands that sort of didn't fit neatly into any specific musical category. " Ill Gotten Gains" is an excellent cd that reminds me of the Hot Snakes which makes sense since lead vocalist /guitarist Gar Wood would go on to play with the Hot Snakes a few years after this cd was released. The cd is OOP as is the vinyl, however there are some cds's for sale on Amazon.com , and some more sound files are available from the bands website right here .

I saw Tanner live a bunch of times in the mid 90's and they killed it every time. I was such a big fan of this band that when the Hot Snakes formed I was as excited that Gar Wood was a part of the Hot Snakes as I was that Reis and Fork of Drive Like Jehu (another favorite of mine) were part of the Hot Snakes.

Hey Jigsaw
Computers that breathe

Mothman - Live on WFMU Radio 1994

Purchase Mothman 7" records

Here's a live set my friend asked me to rip for him. Since I spent the time to rip it I figured I'd throw it up on the blog for anyone who maybe interested. Mothman were active in the NY/NJ scene from approximately 92-96 after which they changed their name to The Nolan Gate and they're still bashing it out today. The Nolan Gate have released a bunch of cd's over the year with the most recent releases "Sent By Rays" and "Oceanlord" available for download on this blog, check the older posts. I also released a 7" by Mothman back in the day which is still available if anyone i interested.

As for the music I think Mothman had a bit of and early Amrep sound with musical comparisons being Prong and Unsane or something along those lines. This tape was recorded off the radio so there is some static and whatever but who cares the music is good.

Here

Gang Green - Sold Out 7" Taang Records 1984

This was Gang Green's 1st 7" release and is by far their best release, along with their tracks on the "This Is Boston Not L.A." compilation which are also excellent. The music on this 7" is raw and powerful...just the way hardcore punk was really meant to be. If you like this then make yourself a cd of this 7" , the compilation tracks and the Skate To Hell / Alcohol 7" and you pretty much have all the Gang Green you will ever need to hear...Dave G.

sold out
terrorize

Violent Apathy - Here Today... 7" Gravelvoice Records 1983

This has always been a bit of a strange record to my ears. On one hand there's a sluggishness to the music that is sort of unappealing to me, but strangely it is this sluggishness to the music that makes this record sort of appealing lol. I know that probably doesn't make sense, I guess what I mean is that in general sluggish mid paced punk is not my thing, but these guys pull it off on this record in my opinion, and after a few spins this record starts to sound pretty damn good to me.

Give it a listen, maybe you'll agree with me or the Flex discography which calls this one "Mediocre, generic hardcore, all songs sound the same, and the production is way too thin and lifeless. Not a complete disaster, but not to interesting either"

What The Hell It's Roach Motel - Destroy Records 1984

This is the second and final 7" by Roach Motel from Gainesville Florida. RM is probably the most well known of the early 80's Florida punk bands so this 7" is probably nothing new to most of you. If you have never heard this one before it contains a nice mix of fast and mid-paced punk songs that are consider by many to be punk/hardcore classics.

Happy Toons / Dead Fink split 7" - Rest In Pieces - Landmind Records 1984

This 7" contains 2 fairly obscure bands hailing from Illinois USA. The Flex Discography describes this release as great (yet generic) fast ,powerful and diverse hardcore. I guess I agree with that description, except I don't think either band is particularly great in the this is a classic and you have to have it sort of way, but both are enjoyable in their own right. The record has a cool intimate feel to it, it actually makes me feel like I am sitting in the bands rehearsal space while they're playing through their set, and that's a good thing...Dave G.

Negative Approach - 10 song 7" Touch & Go Records 2010

Another classic 7" re-released thanks to the current vinyl craze and nostalgia for the past. I guess it's cool to be able to get this record for $5 instead of $200, hell maybe it will cause the value of the original to come down to a price that I can afford to pay.

Anyway, Touch & Go remastered this record and released it in an unknown quantity or at least I can't find any pressing information. They also cleaned up the cover image and it looks about 1,000,000 times worse than the original, however the music still kicks ass and that is all that really matters. If you have somehow never heard this record before, think Mau Maus meets Agnostic Front or something along those lines, at least that's what this 7" has always sounded like to my ears.

If you've always wanted this and couldn't afford an original then here's your chance to get a copy while supplies last. I'll share one song just to give you an idea of how this remastered version sounds and then I highly suggest you order a copy from the link provided.

Ready To Fight

Purchase Record

Shawn Sings

Dag Nasty "Can I Say" session recorded on Halloween Day 1985 with Shawn Brown on vocals. This session was never released in it's entirety until now... thanks to Dischord Records.

I remember first hearing this Lp back in the day and dismissing it, honestly based on Dave Smalley's vocals. I really felt the vocals were too melodic at the time but over the years I grew to really like this Lp and Dave's vocals as well.

Anyway, I really like this version of Can I Say, and Shawn's vocals immediately correct what I had thought was a problem many years ago upon first hearing this record. Shawn's vocals are much tougher and hardcore sounding than Dave's, and really add a harder somewhat less melodic feel to the songs. It's cool to hear this session in it's entirety, and now you have 2 excellent versions of this record to choose from so it's a win/win...Dave G.

Justification

Purchase here

Echo and the Bunnymen - 1st 7" 1979 -

I would assume everyone is familiar with Echo and the Bunnymen. This is their first 7" from 79 (pre-major label) and it's great if you like this type of thing, and I like this type of thing. So give this little teaser a listen and then go purchase some of their records.

The Pictures On The Wall
I've Read It In Books

Rejectors - Thoughts of War 7" Fartz Records 1982

Fast and filthy hardcore punk from Seattle Washington circa 1982. The Rejectors sound is similar to the Fartz, or at least the Fartz fast songs, and the early Accussed stuff. I guess there was something in the water out there. If you like this 7" then I suggest you find yourself a copy of the Accused / Rejectors Split Lp as well.

Here

Gang Green - Skate To Hell / Alcohol 7" Taang 1985

I'm not a big Gang Green fan in all honesty. I mean the tracks on "This Is Boston Not LA" are fantastic and the first 7" is swell , but they sort of lost me with the whole punk rock party band thing, however the song "Alcohol" from this 7" is a fine party anthem that has always been able to get me off my feet and singing along.

Skate To Hell
Alcohol

Fad Gadget - Back To Nature / The Box - Mute Records 1979

It's been awhile since I posted some synth rock so I figured why not give you the first Fad Gadget 7". What you get are 2 perfectly cold and sterile sounding synth rock tunes that still manage to be catchy and memorable with the b-side ( “the box”) being the type of song that could just get stuck in your head all day after hearing it.

Back To Nature

Absence of Malice - Awakening - Attentater Records 1985

Hardcore punk from Richmond Va circa 1985. This one definitely leans more towards the hardcore / crossover side of things. The music is solid,good tight thrashy riffs with good tough vocals throughout. A bit of an obscure record... give it a listen.

available from No Way Records.

God's Will - You're On My Property Now Son - Blowfish Records 1984

Angry straight forward hardcore punk from Norfolk VA. . A minor classic, at least in the Southern United States. If you like no nonsense in your face angry hardcore punk then give this one a listen.

P.S. The top image is the cover for the God's Will 7". The picture below it is a test press cover that Richmond VA's Wasted Time made mimicing the original God's Will 7". I figured I'd post both covers to show the influence the God's Will 7" still has in the VA area.

Outcasts - Frustration 7" It Record Co 1978

I'm posting this single up by request. This is the first 7" from the Outcasts who hailed from Belfast. My copy of this record is in beautifully rough condition, plenty of scratches and crackling going on which sort of fits the rough yet catchy 77 style of punk rock that is trapped inside the records grooves....Dave G.

Tyrant - Too Late To Pray - Combat Records 1987

Picked this record up this past weekend at my new favorite record store. I can't believe how much awesome punk and metal records this shop had. Anyway, I had Tyrants first Lp as a kid and stupidly sold it in the 90's. When I saw this one sitting in the bin for $3 I had to have it. What you get is really good doom/power metal I guess you could call it. They use a falsetto scream in the background of many of these tracks which is pretty cool and actually sort of original for this style of metal. There are times on this record where Jag Panzer comes to mind and that is a very good thing in my opinion. Now all I have to do is track down a copy of their first Lp and add it back to the collection.



P.S. I was just advised that Tyrant is still active and playing in NYC on 10/15/10 so anyone in the area should definitely check them out. I also see that they have some merch available on their webpage , so if you like this post please stop by their band page and show some support as well. Band page is here