Something I Learned Today

Despite a flash in time existence (1980-1981) and miniscule output Chicago’s Strike Under have several notable distinctions to their credit. First and foremost their Immediate Action 12″ was the first release for Chicago’s famed electro-industrial label Wax Trax! (Ministry, Revolting Cocks, etc.). Strike Under is also remembered as the starting point for guitarist/voaclist Steve Bjorklund (Breaking Circus, producer) and bassist Pierre Kezdy (Naked Raygun, Pegboy). The band split in 1981, soon after recording the tracks for the Busted At Oz compilation and the Immediate Action 12″. And what of this record you ask? Well Flex pretty much shits all over it:

Mid- to slow-tempo HC from Chicago; some Naked Raygun influence, but pretty boring otherwise. [4].

A quick listen and you might agree - the guitar sound is mighty weak sounding on some of the tracks, and the pace is kinda slow. After repeated listens though it grows on you. Everyone knows “Context” from the Killed By Death series, right? It is the standout track on the record, without a doubt. The others are decent, if somewhat undistinguished from their influences. “Sunday Night Disorientation” has lazy, Brit post-punk vibe, while “Closing In” is a mostly instrumental track ala Naked Raygun or The Effigies. “Elephant’s Graveyard” reminds me of Radio Birdman or the Fun Things, and “Immediate Action” is a speedy, midwest Hardcore ‘81 track. Have a listen and decide for yourselves

Strike Under - Sunday Night Disorientation.mp3
Strike Under - Context.mp3
Strike Under - Closing In.mp3
Strike Under - Elephant’s Graveyard.mp3
Strike Under - Immediate Action.mp3

Personally, I like the tracks from the Busted At Oz comp better, if only for the grittier guitar sound:

Strike Under - Anarchy Song.mp3
Strike Under - Fucking Uniforms.mp3

Info:

Bear with me folks, I’m in the process of switching hosting companies and things are progressing slower than expected. I’ve exceeded my monthly bandwidth limit with my current host, and between that and the host change links may not be working correctly. I hope to have a new post tonight or tomorrow, just FYI.

Another exhumed (and subsequently lost) gem from the Existential Vacuum label, Sacred Cattle is a “lo-fi selection of previously unreleased Texas Punk 1978-1982″. I had forgotten this one even existed, as the pressing of 600 rendered it scarce. A couple of weeks ago someone inquired about, which rekindled my desire to hear it. I tracked it down and I wasn’t disappointed, it’s a quality collection. What you get is four overlooked Texas bands on one 7″. All of these tracks are solid - Boy Problems (Austin) deliver some punchy punk, while Vast Majority (Houston) shuffle through two songs. The Ejectors (Fort Worth) track is speedy,old-style hardcore; NCM (Dallas) finish things up with the cool, bass driven “Six Feet Under”

Boy Problems - Participation.mp3
Vast Majority - Poor Sid/Duke is Dead.mp3
Ejectors - Slam Dance.mp3
NCM - Six Feet Under.mp3

Hard to believe it’s been five fucking years since the last Shellac album, 1000 Hurts. A year ago I posted on Shellac, hoping that by this time I would have something new in hand. No dice. The last I read was the new album was still only half complete with no anticipated release date due to the band’s ongoing day to day obligations. Luckily, Albini, Weston, and Trainer have been able to get out and play an occasional show here and there. Some of the new tracks have made their way to the net, and judging by the recent requests I’ve received for Shellac’s “End of Radio” I figured it would only be fair to share them with all of you. So, below are three new tracks recorded in December 2004 as a tribute to the late John Peel. Enjoy:

Shellac - The End of Radio.mp3
Shellac - Paco.mp3
Shellac - Steady As She Goes.mp3

Notes: