Collecting doesn’t always have to be expensive in order to be interesting. Because somehow in the USA all the classics manage to survive by being repressed from time to time. And that’s in my opinion one of the fantastic properties of the culture over there. Most of the euro stuff from the same era (although there is a small hiatus in time and style) doesn’t get repressed and then you have to pay big money in order to get to know the music while on the other hand the records are to expensive to play. Get whet I mean? Not so cool…
But anyways since hardcore originated in the USA and all the influences come from their part so I don’t really bother. Although I believe in Europe’s qualities but then on another field. But that doesn’t really matter now. The point is that I gonna show my 70’s and 80’s classics in all their reissued glory and possibility to simply buy in stores. And to dig into the foundations of Hardcore like a true archeologist.
The first one is from 1978 and is Black Flag‘s first and most angry material on a little ep called “Nervous Breakdown”. Very interesting to hear and on top off that also an enjoyable listen. I’ve seen a colored copy of this one, so maybe I need to pick one up when it comes along.
Pressed by CA ‘s label SST Records as all the records are except for one called “Louie Louie”. I think if you want the feel, hear and learn the origins of hardcore you need this one. It doesn’t come with an insert but the web provides several sources to get the lyrics…
Another one from Bad Brains is very much discussed on DCXX webzine. First I had the “Rock For Light” fanclub, but I learned the Roir Sessions from 1982 to be more fundamental and representative for the band. So I gave away the fanclub and got myself this one. The cover art of the record is many times reproduced and altered (eg. the Malfunction Records logo, to name one). There are also reggae parts amongst very, very musically talented punk rock that initialized hardcore music. They formed in Washington D.C. but then moved to New York (see the song called “Banned In D.C.”). Check out Wikipedia for more info…
Then a more raw and dark record that was released a year later, in 1983 by the Misfits. The record I bought is one of the numerous represses on Plan 9, called Earth A.D. / Wolfsblood. Also be sure to Wiki this. The Misfits have a more apart sound that totally shreds and I’m loving it. But watch out when you hunt for original records because this is way too much bootlegged and expensive. The Misfits’ legacy of records has become a dangerous jungle on the web, hehe…
Then a record I needed because I was told in an interview that this band Suicidal Tendencies was really influential to him. I do not know very much apart from that this is representative crossover Trash. Fast parts with metallic guitars. Probably also what 80’s skaters were really into. There are some interesting facts about this band, like the controversy that gave them attention and the first hardcore punk video that received them substantial airplay on MTV. Wiki this here.
Crucial stuff because Hardcore was, in the scene I grew up in, all about controversy. Especially in this conservative country!
That’s it for now, have a lot of other reissued classics that will come in a next post….
PS: I’d be glad to hear some of your info about any of these bands
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