Drop Nineteens - Mayfield Demos

Artist: Drop Nineteens
Album: Mayfield Demos
Release: 1991
Label: Self-Released

Tracklist:

1. Mayfield
2. Shannon Waves
3. Astral
4. Kissing The Sea
5. Skylight
6. Snowbird
7. Pentatonic/Another Summer
8. Here Comes The Sun
9. Damon
10. Song for JJ
11. Back In Our Old Bed
12. Soapland

Drop Nineteens were an exercise in semi-mediocrity and total bandwagonism that managed to spawn some surprisingly excellent tunes. “Winona” is not only a hell of a fuzz-soaked single, but also a perfect three-odd minute encapsulation of the bright, summery pleasantness I feel a lot of my/our generation associates with the ‘90s. It’s really the only true high point of their 1992 debut Delaware, which is 120% indebted to Sonic Youth and the shoegaze and dream pop going on across the pond that would shortly be abandoned by the press in favor of grunge and Britpop. “Kick the Tragedy” isn’t bad for nearly nine minutes of two chords and a strange child’s monologue, and the Madonna cover “Angel” is pretty enjoyable for being straight cheese.

Then the typically turncoat UK music press decided shoegazer music was bullshit and that Seattle, along with pompously overblown pap like Oasis, was the future. Between this and the part where he lost half his band, Drop Nineteens mainguy Greg Ackell found three new members and dropped National Coma, which after listening to you wish you’d be in because it’s one of the most underwhelming records ever released. Imagine, if you will, Weezer’s Pinkerton, drained of any feeling of fun, mirth, nerdiness et al and you’re pretty close.

But I come here to praise Drop Nineteens, not to bury them. Ironically, their most sonically consistent recordings are their least original ones-- these Mayfield demos that got them signed. The eponymous opener sounds immediately like a Slowdive b-side. Then “Shannon Waves” sounds exactly like darn near any era of MBV, just with bongos. Then “Astral” returns to the Slowdiveyness. You get the picture. These songs are by and large quite fun, despite their obviously being so derivative. But in a way, this fact is reassuring, because if you’re into any of the big players in the genre, you’re almost guaranteed to dig.

And even if the two full-lengths aren’t really anything to write home about overall, one can always take comfort in the fact that throwing on “Winona” will make your life feel like an Adventures of Pete & Pete episode for three minutes.

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-Asa

Merchandise - "Time" stream

Hey, we don't normally do this, but we're super excited about this song, this band, this album, etc., so here is your chance to hear a song from it!



This is off of Merchandise's second LP, Children of Desire, which should be out April 1st. And, of course, you will be able to download it for free the moment it comes out!

Lowlife - The Black Sessions And Demos

Artist: Lowlife
Album: The Black Sessions
Release: 1989
Label: Self-Released

Tracklist

1. River Of Woe

2. Where I Lay, I'll Lie

3. Missing The Kick

4. The Beggar's Burning Bush

5. Moved To Tears

6. Bittersweet

7. Forever Filthy

8. Neverending Shroud

9. We The Cheated

10. Acrid Tongue

I cannot implore the world enough to look into Lowlife’s underrated but tremendously quality back catalog. The Scottish dream-pop/post-punkers mixed the bass prominence of and depression of Joy Division with the romanticized nature of the Smiths and just enough of the Cocteau Twins’ (whose initial bassist, Will Heggie, left to form Lowlife) swirling textures. While not mindblowingly unique, the band excelled as songwriters and you should absolutely get ahold of at least the first two records, the stark and rain-flecked Permanent Sleep and the absolute gem of Diminuendo.

This 12”, limited to only 250 copies, offers a fantastic look into the quartet’s songs in their embryonic form. The band would lose guitarist Stuart Everest between these demos and their third record, Godhead, and thus hearing the original lineup play the songs is an added bonus. “River of Woe” is a great introduction to the band’s sound, and is rendered better here than in its fully-polished studio form on Godhead, Heggie’s ever-present bass pulsing underneath Everest’s minimalism and Craig Lorentson’s absolutely gifted baritone voice narrating one of his many tales of confusion. “Where I Lay, I’ll Lie,” “The Beggar’s Bush,” and “Neverending Shroud,” only continue to demonstrate the melancholic perfection of Lowlife’s formula, but “We the Cheated” makes the sadness even richer, featuring only keyboard and Lorentson’s voice as he muses that “my childhood days, when everything was wonderful/went so fast and wonderful that I felt cheated.”

I’ve heard every Lowlife record except their 1995 swansong Gush, and can say with considerate certainty that their batting average is rather strong. Scope this collection of tunes ASAP, as it’s a very ideal sample platter.

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-Asa

Branden's Top 10 Records of 2011

I wasn't able to keep up with new releases as well as I would like to have this year because buying and listening to old records took up most of my time, but this is the stuff I managed to get my hands on that I really enjoyed. I still need to check out a lot of stuff that came out in 2011 (Belgrado, Kim Phuc, Total Control, etc) but I feel pretty happy with what I listened to this year. Hopefully 2012 will produce just as many bangers as 2011 did!

Ripper-Into Oblivion LP (Black Water Records)

Tank/Motorhead worship from a three piece of crusty Portland punx that absolutely KILLS. Seriously, this is probably the best thing I have heard from Portland in quite a while (I find most bands from PDX to be just "okay"). Although there are a few moments on the LP I wasn't feeling as much as some of the more ripping songs, overall these guys can pull it off and this record shows that this band has TONS of potential. Seriously, I am thinking if these guys can keep it up they could be the next Inepsy. Here is hoping they keep it up.

Final Bombs-There Is No Turning Back LP (Tardis Records)

Although technically this came out on CD in 2010, the vinyl version is a completely different beast entirely and was released in 2011. First of all the mastering on this record is LOUD. Honestly it's nice to see my speakers quiver as soon as the needle hits and the first monster riff practically destroys my ear drums. Oh did I not mention the riffs? Because these are some of the best god damn riffs I have heard in a LONG time. This band pulls off this really cool mid-late period Discharge sound (I know I know, LOTS of people hate) including reverb drenched vocals, guitar solos, and of course big hair. The vocals are more or less just another instrument that pulls the music together, but trust me you are coming for the riffs, every time I listen to this record they get stuck in my head for days.

Nazi Dust-Final Hour 12" EP (Vinyl Rites)

It's been a long time since Tampa's Nazi Dust has put something out (I blame the edge break) but the wait was well worth it. This time the music is much more refined and has a much harsher edge to it (again, edge break) and the singer sounds like he is just spitting pure fucking venom as he screams about some silly thing like suffering and dying. It's nice to hear a PURE HC record instead of the noisy/arty direction that seemed to plague modern HC in 2011. 

Culo-Toxic Vision 7" (Deranged) and Culo/Tenement split 7" (Cowabunga)

Culo is another band that I have really come to appreciate because as weird as it sounds it's really refreshing to hear a band play HC that isn't arty or noisy. Instead you get beefy, stripped down midwest HC played by a bunch of mutants who probably sit in their basements shooting glue. Culo had two excellent releases come out this year, the first being the Toxic Vision 7" on Deranged, and the 2nd being a split with Wisconsin's Tenement. The Toxic Vision 7" contains probably my favorite Culo song "Brain Cavity" which for being a super fast HC song manages to still be incredibly catchy. The split with Tenement shows Culo pandering more to their punk influence rather than their HC influence, with songs like "I Don't Wanna Go To Psych Ward B". To me it shows that Culo is pulling influence from late 70's punk and speeding it up (which is what HC bands did in the early 80's) as opposed to just copying some obscure 80's HC band which a lot of bands have been running wild with the past few years. The Tenement side of the split is good, but honestly it's not the reason I bought the record.

Iceage-New Brigade LP (Escho Records)

Hype is a strange thing. It can propel mediocre bands to indie super stardom, while better more talented bands toil in obscurity. Iceage was probably the most hyped up punk band in 2011, but did the music live up to the hype? In my opinion, no. This record is not the second coming of punk, nor is it the best thing that the country of Denmark has produced musically since the first wave of punk. It is however a good record, and one that I spun constantly in 2011. The band draws from a lot of different influences, punk, post punk, goth (I hear a little Rozz-era Christian Death in there) and manages to turn all of that into well-structured songs, albeit sometimes they are a little to sloppy and a bit to noisy. Only time will tell if Iceage will get better as they go on and if the hype is deserved, but for me and many others I think this is a great record and definitely deserves some of the attention that it got.

Midnight-Satanic Royalty LP (Hells Headbangers)

The long awaited follow up to the "Farewell To Hell" 10" that came out in 2008, Athenar and crew are back and it's better than ever. Things are slowed down a bit more this time around but the riffs and lyrics are still just as memorable as anything else the band has done, and I really think they have found their sound. The earlier material from Midnight was good, but it didn't seem as focused as it is now. All of the song structures seem more well thought out and the lyrics are as sharp and clever as ever. I don't know how the band will top this one, but I really think Midnight have come into their own and I am eagerly awaiting new material.

The Ropes 7" (Self released)

Probably one of the more bizarre things I heard about in 2011 was that the Repos had gotten back together but changed their name to...The Ropes. My first thought was of course "What the hell, that's fucking retarded" and then I heard the demo and figured I should probably keep my mouth shut. Then I heard they had a 7" coming out so I quickly ordered one and as soon as this slab hit my door step I was in love. To me this is better than the Repos, sure it's not nearly as manic or out of control, but that is the main reason why I find it so interesting. The growling bear vocals are still present and the wild, unpredictable guitar parts are still there but it just sounds like the band has MATURED in song writing. Instead of being an all out HC attack The Ropes seemed to draw more from a "punk" background instead of an early 80's HC background and it works surprisingly well. Although I hate giving into the hype machine, I have to admit that this shit just flat out kills and I can't wait to see what else they have up their sleeve.

Shoppers-Silver Year (Drugged Conscience/Feeble Minds)

Excellent vinyl debut from these Syracuse, NY punks that play noisy fucked up No Wave-esque PUNK with angry female vocals. Although I was getting sick of every band I was hearing being incredibly noisy, Shoppers manages to pull it off without being pretentious or insincere. All of the songs blend together to create an incredibly unique and melancholic sound that still manages to be catchy and memorable.

Crime Desire-Alone In A Dream 12" EP (Life's A Rape)

Newest 12" from this long running San Diego HC band and it just keeps getting better. Crime Desire is probably one of the most under rated bands in HC today and they hardly get any of the attention that they deserve. Drawing influences from all over the place, Crime Desire manage to blend an incredibly interesting mix of UK 82, Goth, and USHC to make some of the best modern HC around. Although this sounds like it could be a lost UK post punk/hardcore band this still sounds surprisingly fresh and innovative. This band keeps getting better and more unique with every release and hopefully people will start to pay attention and give them the credit that they deserve.

The Impalers 7" (Todo Destrudio)

An absolutely punishing 7" from the hell soaked abyss known as Austin, TX this record SCREAMS "We drink Lone Star and listen to Venom 24/7". The Impalers draw influence from all over the place, from dirty metal bands like Venom or Celtic frost, all the way to scandi Kang like Anti-Cimex. Lots of solos, gruff vocals, and a really grimy recording that just makes you feel like you need a bath after each listen. One of my favorites of the year, I keep kicking myself for missing them at Tejas in 2011, I won't make the same mistake again.

Honorable Mention:

Omegas-Blasts of Lunacy LP (Parts Unknown Records)

Although I really like Omegas I just felt this LP was lacking a bit. Some of the intros were a little to long and there just seemed to be a bit more filler present than there should have been. If they would have cut a few songs or just shortened them up a bit I probably would have enjoyed this more.

Crazy Spirit-I'm Dead 7" (Mata La Musica)

I loved the first Crazy Spirit 7" but for some reason this one just seemed a little lacking. The recording on this seems to be worse than the first 7" and the songs aren't as memorable this time around. I still have high hopes for this bands next record, and while this isn't a bad record in the least bit, it just didn't hit me as hard as the first 7". Definitely still worth picking up though, so grab a copy now.

Milk Music flexi (Self released)

Milk Music is one of my favorite current bands and if this flexi is a taste of things to come then I can not wait until there next record. I couldn't put this in my top 10 though because I HATE FLEXIS!!!

Deaf Mutations "Crash The Clubs" (Static Shock Records)

Awesome re-release of a demo that came out a few years ago this thing has been remastered and put on vinyl for the masses. Featuring members of Career Suicide you can expect RIPPING HC in the early 80's tradition. Now call me crazy, but I 100% honest to god think that the singer sounds EXACTLY like Gibby Hanes from the Butthole Surfers. Anyone else feeling me on this?

Demos:

Birth Deformities demo (Self released)

Easily my favorite demo of 2011, this features members of Culo and one of my BFF's Nick "Cowabunga" Sick. Fucking KILLER USHC that has an awesome snotty punk feel to it. Find yourself a copy of this fist pumper if you dig Mutha bands like The Worst or Chronic Sick, and keep an eye out on these guys.

The Ropes demo II (Self released)

Three words: DEAD BOYS COVER. Don't get me wrong, the originals on this tape are fantastic, but the Dead Boys cover is easily the best material on here and might even be better than the original. This band keeps getting better and better with every release.

Church Whip demo (Corpse Without Soul)

This if my first time hearing this killer Florida HC combo but am I glad that they came into my life. To me this sounds like early Kyushu Japanese HC just not as noisy. The best comparison I can think of is Kuro mixed in with some Tranquilizer. They have a 7" coming soon on a yet to be named label and I have a feeling it is going to be a scorcher. Track down this demo if you can.

Hunted Down demo (Self released)

Sloppy as all hell HC from Syracuse, NY that totally reminds me of a much more HC version of a band on the legendary ADK label. I don't know if that is what the band was going for but this thing is as Jappy as it comes with it's out of control guitar solos, manic drums and reverb drenched machine gun attack vocals this demo is well worth the effort of tracking down. Look forward to a 7" on Video Disease Records in the near future.

Herpes demo (Self released)

Fantastic Poison Idea/Discharge worship from Utica, NY. This band has members of No Fucker and although the Discharge/Kang influence is present these guys are definitely on the "Pick Your King" or "Darby Crash" Poison Idea tip. Great stuff and from what I have been told a 7" is in the works and if this demo is any indicator it should be one of the best of 2012.

-Branden

That Miserable List Of Yours: 2011's Best

2011 was an interesting year for me, musically: I found myself listening to a lot less new music than normal, but by the end of the year I still had a difficult time whittling everything down to a manageable list of top records. Some highlights of my year:

-I loved the Drive soundtrack. Desire, I love you.
-I got to watch a friend's band become kinda famous, with less-than-savory results.
-The new Bastard Noise LP didn't do it for me like I thought it would.
-I heard the Chosen Few - The Joke's On Us EP for the first time this year when it was reissued by Going Underground and it's PERFECT.
-Despite its absence on my list, I listened to more modern grindcore than any year before (kudos to Drugs of Faith, Gridlink, Sete Star Sept, etc.).
-Also, the impossible happened: I was extremely let down by Born This Way by Lady Gaga. I tried my damnedest, but I just could not like it at all. That was a crushing blow to my already-fragile grasp of reality.

Anyway, here are the notables of the year for me:

-Absu - Abzu LP - Absu does everything right on this LP. Totally caught me off guard, as I sometimes love this band's output and sometimes (more recently) dislike it. I can say with confidence that this is one of my favorite Absu records.

-Hank Wood & the Hammerheads & Perdition 7"s - Toxic State puts out two of the best American punk 7"s of the year, particularly the Perdition 7". The Hank Wood 7" is but a taste of their upcoming LP.

-Inservibles - Self Titled LP - Almost garage-y hardcore from Mexico City. The album art makes me uncomfortable. They're coming to the U.S. in 2012, so get stoked.

-Kreayshawn - "Gucci Gucci" - Gotta say, this might be my favorite song I heard in 2011. I don't care what the haters think. I am currently making her a mixtape/preparing myself to be crushed when she doesn't ever listen to it and realize how cool I am and how I'm super nice and stuff :(

-Midnight - Satanic Royalty LP - Can't wait for this band to come to NYC in April, as I've somehow never seen them! LP is more of the same, which is all I could ask for.

-Nemesis - Dou-Koku 7" - Awesome hardcore from Japan. Not completely noise-not-music, which is welcomed.

-Nuclear Spring - Demo CS - Amazingly catchy Brooklyn punk band from members of CREEM, Nomos, Natural Law, and Putrida. Kinda street punk, a little oi, very fruity. I love it.

-Scapegoat - Self Titled LP - The only band that does justice to the corpse of Crossed Out. This is their definitive statement in my eyes. They just keep getting better.

-Siamese Twins - Demo CS - Another amazing demo. "We Fall Apart" is probably my favorite song of 2011 behind "Gucci Gucci." Nothing else is as good, but the rest is still awesome. Their upcoming 7" is pretty sick too.

-Waste Management - Power Abuse 7" - Another gem from the Boston crew. Super straight edge, which I appreciate more now than ever. Love this dude's voice. It makes for an awesome "guest spot" on the Boston Strangler LP.

And now for my top ten records of 2012, this year without pictures because I'm too lazy to do that:



10. Arctic Flowers - Reveries LP

If you paid attention to a lot of the punk press, you'd think this was the best record ever made. Not a chance, but it's still great. I was actually a bit letdown when it wasn't as revelatory as I was hoping/told it would be, but when I got over that, I realized this record is actually really sweet. Definitely the most palatable of the PDX d-goth crowd, especially considering the Deathcharge LP failed, hard. "Rising" is one of my favorite songs of the year.

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9. Bad Noids - Ticket To Mars 7"

I remember seeing this band two years ago with Crazy Spirit and while I can't remember their set at all, I do remember their singer almost getting beaten up by the staff for partially damaging the mic (which was actually wrecked by the Spirit boys). The singer kept playing a harmonica on the stage with some other dude who happened to have one, all while security was trying to remove him. At least, I think that's what happened? Anyway, this 7" is one of the best hardcore punk records I've heard all year. The aforementioned harmonica makes an appearance on "My Country," which is the highlight from this bootleg 7" by Clevocore's newest star.

8. Tenement - Napalm Dream LP

Not a fan of pop-punk, but apparently neither are the band members, as they got (rightfully) upset with me when I kept referring to them as a pop-punk band. This is just straight punk, I guess, with tons of catchiness. Some might call it pop-punk for people who hate pop-punk. This gets compared to classic SST bands and the Replacements a lot, which is only sort of fair. I don't know what to call it, other than incredible.

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7. Brain Killer - Every Actual State Is Corrupt LP

This record came out towards the beginning of the year and, as a result, I almost forgot about it! Fortunately, I did not, as it's Brain Killer's best material to date. The band incorporates a heavier peace punk influence in their sound, especially with the new singer (who also sings in peace punkers No Sir, I Won't).

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6. Brown Sugar - ...Sings Of Birds And Racism LP

This was the year of Brown Sugar. A band that wasn't very active for the past three or four years all of a sudden comes out with an LP, a 7", a split 7", and probably other stuff I haven't heard. What I have heard from this band, however, is INCREDIBLE. The singer has the coolest delivery. This LP is one of the most demented NY records I've heard in awhile and reminded me that Buffalo still exists. There are also saxophone parts on the record, so you know it's good.

5. Belgrado - Self Titled LP

Yes, 2011 was the year of very annoying ex-raw punks turning goth, which is going to lead to a lot of annoying post-punk revival by spikey punks, but, before that happens, let us enjoy the records coming out now! Barcelona's Belgrado absolutely floored me with their debut LP. The way it captures such an authentic sound just seems so effortless and it's a darkly beautiful record. Everyone should hear this.

4. Cülo - Toxic Vision 7"

I know this statement might irk a bunch of people (especially since I don't live in the place), but I feel confident in saying that Cülo is the best band in Chicago, even if they don't actually live in the city. Each release is exponentially better than the last and their 3rd 7", Toxic Vision, is one of the best punk records of the year. Come back to NYC and one of us will put together an incredible show for you.

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3. Total Control - Henge Beat LP

Hell yeah, Australia. This band capitalized on the promise of early singles and puts out one of the most mesmerizing records of 2011. Think dirty Aussie punks playing krautrock and this record will make a little more sense. Considering there is actually a hint of filler on this, it's amazing that I love it so much. "Carpet Rash" is everyone's favorite song of the year, but being the cheesy person that I am, "Love Performance" is my Total Control hit.

2. Omegas - Blasts Of Lunacy LP

Hardcore record of the year for me. Some idiots (Branden, Colman) think that the LP has some filler or something. I don't know, the moment they started criticizing the record is the moment I write them off forever. Joy Boys can't be stopped.

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1. D. Vassalotti - Book Of Ghosts LP

This record just confirms that David Vassalotti is a musical genius. He'll hate that I write that, but I just cannot get enough of almost every project he does and he just churns out quality release after quality release. This particular release is his most realized solo work thus far. It's the most beautiful and devastating record I've heard all year and if there's one record from 2011 you should hear, it's Book of Ghosts.

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