Something I Learned Today

Shut up, punk! 3 tracks from the inimatable Rev. Paul Bearer and Sheer Terror. After the last podcast I got a jones for more Sheer Terror, and the Live at CBGB’s 7″ may be the best, most succint introduction to the band available. You get two originals (later included on the band’s Just Can’t Hate Enough and Thanks fer Nuthin’ LP’s) a Cure cover, and some no-holds barred commentary that may be too tough for the sensitive types. This one was put out on Blackout in 1989, and has been reissued as part of the Bulldog Edition double CD set. My favorite of the late 80’s New York Hardcore bands, if only for Bearer’s fuck you attitude. Those wanting to hear more of Bearer waxing poetic and berating the audience should track down the No Really, Go Fuck Yourself LP

Sheer Terror - The Spoiler.mp3
Sheer Terror - Just Can’t Hate Enough.mp3
Sheer Terror - Boys Don’t Cry.mp3

I’m not proud of it now, but one of the ways I dealt with interning at my first college radio station was to steal stuff. In my mind it made up for the fact that I had to sit at a desk and answer the phone while people with less impeccable taste in music got on the air. It was definitely petty theft, consisting mostly of small office supplies, but sometimes I would snag some music I didn’t think would be appreciated. One of my scores was a mix tape of bands recorded live on WFMU, which is how I discovered Dirge. The music was typical of the scene and times - late ’80’s New Jersey moshcore with gravelly vocals and screaming “wheeeeeeee” metal leads. Definitely my thing at the time. (not so much now, but still…)

As you can tell, the filler up above is meant to consume some lines as I don’t have much information on Dirge. They released an LP, 12″ and 7″ and had a track on the Hardcore Breakout USA compilation. That’s all I got - if you have more then jump in and share. Below are a couple of cuts from the band’s 12″ records and demo. You can download all of the material I have here

from 1988’s Soulstorm LP, released on Anthrax Records
Dirge - Screwed To Death.mp3
Dirge - Superficial.mp3
Dirge - Self-Destruct.mp3

from 1990’s Fleshcrawler 12″ on Old World
Dirge - Corrupted.mp3
Dirge - Predictions.mp3
Dirge - Small Scene.mp3

a couple from Dirge’s 1987 demo. Crappier production, but the sound is still powerful
Dirge - Resurrection.mp3
Dirge - Threat of Power.mp3
Dirge - Negative Sanctions.mp3

Notes:
** Vocalist Jacko Monahan currently books shows at Brighton Bar in Long Branch, New Jersey
** Anyone have a copy of 1989’s Matrix 7″ they’re willing to part with? Are the songs different than the versions found on Fleshcrawler?
** Also would love to here that WFMU session again if anyone happens to have it!