Something I Learned Today

Jesus, I’ll be lucky if I can pull together a full paragraph together on Minneapolis’ Freedom Fighters, because, man, there ain’t scratch out there on these guys. A two guitar/drum trio, the Freedom Fighters seemingly appeared out of nowhere in 1997 and scored an album on Amphetamine Reptile entitled My Scientist Friends (I think one of the members was an AmRep staffer). As you would expect from AmRep the Freedom Fighters deliver an album full of of brawny, dark noise rock. The closest comparison music wise would be to fellow AmRep alum Guzzard, but with a spacey garage edge. Hell, a couple of tracks hint at some Cows-like weirdness and even a dose of Drive Like Jehu (see “1 Arm, 2 Legs”). All in all My Scientist Friends stacks up as probably my favorite latter day AmRep release. As far as I know this is the only known Freedom Fighters release. If anyone has additional info please let me know. Some samples:

Freedom Fighters - Steve Davidson.mp3
Freedom Fighters - One Arm, Two Legs.mp3

>> Buy My Scientist Friends

None of the Above - N.O.T.A. for short - were an under appreciated hardcore band from Tulsa, OK. Despite an 8 year run from 1979 to 1987 the band only produced a modest body of work. 1983 saw the release of their demo tape Live At The Crystal Pistol, which directly lead to Maximum Rock ‘n’ Roll including them on Welcome to 1984 international compilation. In 1984 N.O.T.A. released their first EP, the Moscow 7″, on the Unclean label. 1985 saw the band switching to the Rabid Cat label (at the time home to the Offenders and Scratch Acid) and releasing the Toy Soldiers EP and an eponymous album. While some of the material sounds dated, a good portion still sounds fresh, a testament to N.O.T.A.’s ability to temper their breakneck hardcore with elements of classic, catchy punk. Some tracks*

*Apologies in advance, some of the tracks, especially the Toy Soldiers ones, suffer from poor production, surface noise, static, etc. My attempts at using Goldwave to reduce the noise and add some low end may have actually made the sound worse. Just so you know.

from the Moscow EP:
N.O.T.A. - Taking Away your Rights.mp3
N.O.T.A. - Moscow.mp3

from the Toy Soldiers EP:
N.O.T.A. - Toy Soldiers.mp3

from the None of The Above LP:
N.O.T.A. - Identity Crisis.mp3
N.O.T.A. - On The Pavement.mp3
N.O.T.A. - Self Destruct.mp3

>> N.O.T.A. reformed in the ’90’s and released a couple of records that may still be available. From what I remember it was more in the speed metal vein. Eh…
>> Prank Records has reissued the Live at The Crystal Pistol demo, which serves as an excellent introduction to the band. I remember playing my nth generation dub of this tape having excellent sound, so I imagine the reissue sounds great. As far as I know all of the other material is OOP. Buy Live at the Crystal Pistol

I never had the chance to read Touch & Go fanzine as it was a couple of years ahead of my time. I’ve had the opportunity over the years of reading interview excerpts and cartoons from the originals, but never an actual copy. As it stands, Touch & Go was one of the great early American hardcore zines. Founded by Tesco Vee in late 1979(?), T&G was the voice of early midwest hardcore scene. in 1981 Vee and Necros bassist Corey Rusk decided to form a label of the same name, releasing legendary material by The Fix, The Necros, Negative Approach, The Meatmen, and the legendary Midwest HC comp Process of Elimination. The fanzine continued on to about 1984 or when Tesco picked up and moved to DC. Rusk continues to run the label to this day.

So somewhere in the early ’90’s Selfless records had the fantastic idea of releasing a “Best of Touch and Go” zine accompanied by a 7″ with bands from the zines heyday. Mirroring the lineup that appeared on Process of Elimination the record featured unreleased tracks by The Fix, The Meatmen, Negative Approach, Toxic Reasons, and McDonalds. The quality of the tracks (mostly live and demo) is spotty. The Fix track is disappointing soundwise, but most of the rest is decent:

The Fix - Vengeance.mp3
The Meatmen - One Down, Three to Go.mp3
Negative Approach - Can’t tell No One.mp3
Toxic Reasons - Somebody Help Me.mp3
McDonalds - Untitled.mp3

I turned to the Dementlieu Punk Archive for some more info and came across this quote:

I wonder why Tesco decided on a live version of Vengeance when there’s a fantastic studio version that’s never been released anywhere?

I’m not sure if he is referring to the “Spot Demo” version of “Vengeance” or not, but here is the demo version. The released version is the best, but for comparison sakes…. one of the greatest hardcore songs of all.

The Fix - Vengeance (spot demo).mp3

>> this post needs a serious fact check, so if anyone in the know has the correct history please comment.
>> I remember the “Best of” zine being godhead, just packed with great band interviews, etc. My copy was lost sometime ago. I guess with the advent of the Internet most information can be tracked down quickly, but at the time it was like hitting the information jackpot.

“This is how they do rock and roll in Cedar Rapids, Iowa” proclaims the The Horrors bio and I’ll take their word for it. Hell, I wish this was how the did r’n'r in my town - a wild rock&blues&rockabilly stew that sticks in your throat. The Horrors appeared on the scene in 1998 with a noisy live split 7″ with the Pee-Pees before hitting the big time in 2000 with their debut LP on In The Red. Skronky, sleazy, out of tune, man the debut was a mess. Enjoyable and rocking, but still a mess. In 2003 the band returned with Vent. This was an album that delivered on the promise that lay hidden beneath the feedback and slop of the first LP. Produced by Greg Cartwright the sound is easier on the ears but still full of grit. Vent was one of my favorite albums of 2003. Fans of the Oblivians, Doo Rag, and the Hunches will dig this . A couple to stomp to:

from 2003’s Vent LP
The Horrors - Swoop Down.mp3
The Horrors - Briar Patch.mp3

from 2000’s self-titled release
The Horrors - The Next Train That I See.mp3
The Horrors - Dot Com Stomp.mp3

A track from their 1998 split 7″
The Horrors - Every Inch of my Love.mp3

>> Buy The Horrors releases@Midheaven
>> Band bio at ITR
>> Horrors homepage

I don’t know if this is coincidence, or pure dumb luck, or what have you. I had just finished drafting a post on LA’s Middle Class when I stopped over to Agony Shorthand only to find out that Jay had hammered out an excellent writeup on the band’s A Blueprint For Joy CD just a couple of days ago. Needless to say, his commentary puts mine to shame. My first thought was to ditch this, but I decided fuck it. Just do yourself a favor and read it - it’s spot on. When done, stop back and take a listen. If your too lazy to go a’clicking here’s the scoop:

In 1978 Middle Class appeared out of Fullerton, CA and released their legendary Out Of Vogue EP. Many a scholar has hailed this as the first true example of hardcore, and for good reason. Four short, hopped up punk blasts with rapid fire vocals that sounds revolutionary for the time. A couple of additional tracks in similar vein appeared a year later on the Tooth & Nail compilation. 1980 saw the release of the Scavenged Luxury EP. Compared to Out of Vogue the material on Scavenged Luxury is tame: Slower tempos, darting bass lines, and some jagged guitar. The early Gang of Four/Joy Division influence is undeniable. This would carry over to their only full length, 1982’s Homeland which featured a darker, more subdued set of songs. Not bad by any stretch, but missing the gut fire that propelled the earlier material. Some samples:

from 1978’s Out of Vogue:
Middle Class - Out of Vogue.mp3
Middle Class - Situations.mp3

from 1980’s Scavenged Luxury:
Middle Class - Home Is Where.mp3
Middle Class - A Blueprint For Joy.mp3

from 1982’s Homeland LP
Middle Class - Restless Young Men.mp3

>> I believe the A Blueprint For Joy CD is now out of print. Find it if you can - both EP’s the Tooth and Nail cuts, and a crapload of solid live tracks
>> pics scavenged from the Punk Rock In SoCal discography at CollectorScum

Somewhere along the way I forgot today was Father’s Day so I’m going to take the lazy way out and just point you to the two posts I made last year for Father’s Day. For convenience, I’ve reactivated the songs here:

Descendents - My Dad Sucks.mp3
Angry Samoans - My Old Man’s A Fatso.mp3 (Inside My Brain version)
Dicks - Rich Daddy.mp3
Nomeansno - Dad.mp3
Didjits - Dad.mp3

And some bonus tracks:

Frantix - My Dad Is A Fucking Alcoholic.mp3
sludgy Colorado(?) punk, included on KBD #6

Alice Donut - Lisa’s Father.mp3
Only Alice Donut could conceive and execute this operetta based on child sex abuse. From Bucketfuls of Sickness and Horror In An Otherwise Meaningless Life

conceived as quick and cheap way to promote local Minneapolis punk bands, Barefoot & Pregnant was released in 1982 as a hyper limited (20o copies), cassette only compilation on Reflex records. Consisting of live recordings, demos, and outtakes Barefoot & Pregnant often sounds like shit, but serves as an interesting historical document. Some of the bands (Husker Du, Replacements, Loud Fast Rules (pre-Soul Asylum) left an indelible imprint on the ’80s music world, while others such as Rifle Sport, Man Sized Action, and Mecht Mensch have become cult favorites. Any info on additional participants include Lou Santacroce, Idol Threat, In Decision, and Red Meat, was beyond my googling capabilities. Anyhow, here is the cream of the crop:

Husker Du - Target.mp3
an earlier version than that which appeared on Everything Falls Apart.

Idol Threat - Sick On England.mp3
midtempo melodic sound with definite britpunk ovetones. Check out that X-Ray Spex style sax.

Rifle Sport - No Money.mp3
a different sound than the Rifle Sport I remember. I love the chaotic organ, reminds me of “Land of the Living” by the Thought Criminals

In Decision - I Wanna Be Black.mp3
a Lou Reed cover with speed and attitude

Man Sized Action - Yea!.mp3
great sounding stuff in the Burma/Wire post-punk vein

Mecht Mensch - Functional Riot.mp3
Pre Tar Babies from Madison, WI. Driving early 80’s hardcore.

When I think of Norwegian rock superstars Turbonegro I can’t help but conjure images of Satan, makeup, and gay rodeos. Pure schtick. Anyone worried I’m going to post some mp3’s from any of the last three Turbonegro albums can rest easy. While they may be riding the crest of their popularity (saw ‘em on Viva La Bam fer crissakes) I lost interest once their image superceded their music. I was never a fan of bombastic glam gimmericky and the assfuck arena rock sound Turbonegro started peddling 8 years or so ago. No, I’m more interested in the vital albums released from 1992 through 1996. This incarnation of Turbonegro coined the term “deathpunk” and delivered the goods with tracks featuring crushing guitar, desperate vocals, and dark humor. I can’t listen to this and not think of latter day Poison Idea. Other’s have referred to Turbonegro as “Radio Birdman meets Venom in an institution for sexually abused retards” which is strangely fitting.

So what are my personal recommendations? If you can only buy one Turbonegro album, make it 1996’s Ass Cobra. If you got cash for two, pick up their first full length Hot Cars and Spent Contraceptives. 1994’s Never is Forever is a more melodic offering, but still aint shabby. Some samples:

from 1996’s Ass Cobra
Turbonegro - A Dazzling Display of Talent.mp3
Turbonegro - Turbonegro Hate The Kids.mp3

from 1994’s Never is Forever
Turbonegro - Timebomb.mp3
Turbonegro - (He’s A) Grunge Whore.mp3

from 1992’s Hot Cars and Spent Contraceptives
Turbonegro - Suburban Anti-Christ.mp3
Turbonegro - Vaya Con Satan.mp3

>> Buy Turbonegro releases
>> Photo and quote from the Turbonegro Archive
>> A Turbonegro discography from Grunnenrocks

To be honest, for years I thought Koro were a Japanese hardcore band (I had them confused with Kuro). Somewhere along the line I learned that Koro were actually a group of teenagers from Knoxville, TN. In 1983 they pressed up 300 copies of their one and only EP. [EDIT - 500 copies pressed, 200 were “lost” when given to Jello Biafra to distribute] This record now goes for big bucks (I saw one on Ebay two weeks ago go for close to $700). Most descriptions I’ve read mention Pick Your King era Poison Idea,Void or Deep Wound when making comparisons to Koro, which is good enough for me. All you really need to know is this records contains 8 short blasts of blazing hardcore. I believe this has been booted a couple of times and may be available. But just in case you can’t find it and don’t have an extra $700 here it is in it’s entirety:

Koro - 700 Club.mp3
Koro - Selfless.mp3
Koro - It’s OK.mp3
Koro - Government.mp3
Koro - Dear Sirs.mp3
Koro - Blap.mp3
Koro - Nauseous.mp3
Koro - Acid Casualty.mp3

>> an interview and lyrics can be found at Kill From The Heart.
>> What the hell is koro?
>> Daniel at Deep Fry Bonanza (dead metaphor) has a review
>> Sleeve pic from Punk Rock Picture Sleeves

I was planning a little summer music for a couple of weeks later, but given the early heat wave we’ve experienced the past week I just had to move it up. 4 days of temps in the 90’s and high humidity is enough to make us upstate New Yorkers curl up and hide underground. No shit, it’s been pretty sticky and miserable. As it stands I’m sitting in a pool of sweat typing this. Not a pretty picture. Here are a couple of hot summer treats:

Lazy Cowgirls - Bullshit Summer Song.mp3
A no bullshit classic from 1987’s Tapping the Source. God love ya, Pat Todd.

Knockout Pills - Summertown Rundown.mp3
If you live in Tucson you’ve earned the right to bitch about the heat. Energetic pop punk from their great 2004 LP 1+1=ATE.

FM Knives - Summer Holiday.mp3
another poppy blast from 2003’s Useless and Modern

Go! - Long Hot Summer.mp3
NYC hardcore courtesy Mike Bullshit and Co. From the 1990 7″ Why Suffer?

Overkill - Hell’s Getting Hotter.mp3
LA punk, from their 4 song debut EP in 1982. Another record from the SST ‘MIA’ series.

Bassholes - 98 Degrees in the Shade.mp3
lofi trash from their 1992 debut 7″ on In The Red

Archers of Loaf - Smokin’ Pot in the Hot City.mp3
fire one up and turn on the AC. A mellow instro to finish things up, originally the b-side to “Harnessed in Slums”, comped onto the singles collection Speed of Cattle