THE TIGHTS (BAD HEARTS SINGLE)

The Tights were a young Punk Rock band from Worcester. This is Cherry Red #1, it was recorded in only one or two takes with the energy and enthusiasm of sixteen year olds which they were! Bad Hearts, was played by John Peel, and made single of the week in Record Mirror and subsequently reached number six on the indie chart. The Follow up, Howard Hughes, reached number four. The band lasted for just a few years and played their farewell gig at the Marquee Club (then still in its original location on Wardour Street) in 1979. In 2004 the band reformed. Get the two singles on the Cherry Red compilation CD, The Punk Singles Collection.
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REFERENCES - THE TIGHTS OFFICIAL SITE TIGHTS MYSPACE WIKIPEDIA
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CHERRY RED RECORDS 1978
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1. BAD HEARTS
2. IT
3. CRACKED
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***DOWNLOAD***

SHRAPNEL (GO CRUISIN' SINGLE)

Shrapnel was a New Jersey band formed in the late 70s, when Phil Caivano invited Dave Wyndorf to sing in his junior high school band Hard Attack. The band eventually became Shrapnel. They're official recorded body of work consisted of two singles, (Combat Love, this one), and a self-titled mini album for Elektra Records in 1984 before they split up. Guitarist Daniel Rey would become a successful producer in the late 80s, working with high profile acts like Ramones, Circus Of Power and White Zombie. Dave Wyndorf and Phil Caivano would both end up in Monster Magnet
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SALUTE RECORDS 1981
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1. GO CRUISIN'
2. WAY OUT WORLD
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***DOWNLOAD***

THE MYSTERY DATES (PROTECT THE INNOCENT SINGLE)

The Mystery Dates were a five piece out of San Antonio Texas. Frank Pugliese, (vocals) was also singer for a earlier band called the Vamps. He currently sings in a great band called The Sons Of Hercules which I posted a single by some time ago. They have two other singles to their credit. This single was recorded around 1982/83 but, didn't see the light of day until 1996.500 copies pressed on red vinyl. ENJOY!!
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EXISTENTIAL VACUUM RECORDS 1996
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1. PROTECT THE INNOCENT
2. HIT & RUN
3. FEELINGS MUTUAL
4. MAN IN THE MIDDLE
5. STILL NO FUN
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***DOWNLOAD***

SHOCK (THIS GENERATION'S ON VACATION SINGLE)

While I'm at it, here's another popular single that's been posted on other blogs,I had to include it here because I feel its a true American Punk classic. All of the info I used to put this post together can be found HERE .Shock was written about many times as America's answer to the Sex Pistols, Generation X and the Clash rolled into one. They were a four piece from L.A. California that started when Steve Reiner, (originally from Massapequa N.Y.) responded to an add seeking a bass player which he found hanging in a record shop managed by Marty Black (who would eventually manage the band).Turns out the add was posted by Lead Vocalist Paul Lesperance. Eventually the two hooked up with Guitarist Kip Brown , and Drummer Gaylord. Shock played anywhere they were not banned from around the L.A., and San Francisco area. They released two singles,This Generations on Vacation and a 2nd. single; We Were That Noise. As is the case with so many bands internal bickering and band members moving in different directions led to Shocks end. Steve Reiner went on to form a band called the Silencers with Brian Hansen and Kat Arthur who later went on to be called Legal Weapon. Paul recorded some solo material and has a company called Paul Lesperance Design Associates. Kip went into a band called the Little Girls and Gaylord went into the country and got lost somewhere. Since the break up Shock got back together, (minus Gaylord) and did a reunion show. There's also a Cd on Base records out of Japan containing both singles,plus many other non released tracks recorded during the same sessions. You may have trouble finding it though, I did. A new Shock / Silencers CD has been released in the USA on Wankin Stiphs Records. GET ONE HERE Shock also has a Myspace
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IMPACT RECORDS 1978
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1. THIS GENERATION'S ON VACATION
2. SPOILED
3. OVERSEAS
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***DOWNLOAD***

COLDCOCK (I WANNA BE RICH SINGLE)

Detroit's Coldcock was Founded by Guitarist Gerald Shohan, and frontman Andy Peabody. Guitarist Vince Bannon was one of the co-owners of Detroit's legendary punk club Bookie's.Rounding out the group was Dan Blickenstaff(bass) and Bob Mulrooney (drums) This was their lone single which was self released. Info on these guys is pretty scarce so if you would like to add anything I would be happy for your contrabution.
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I.D.B.I. RECORDS 1979
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1. I WANNA BE RICH
2. YOU'RE A MESS
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***DOWNLOAD***

THE EFFIGIES (REMAINS NONVIEWABLE SINGLE)

Remains Nonviewable is The Effigies second release and a absolute essential Chicago punk single. Bodybag is just brutal, I love the sound of the guitar. My copy has a flyer bashing the Ramones and explaining to you why Punk Rock is Fascist,Racist, and Sexist. I included a scan of it for laughs. If you cant read it I'll try to upload a better scan.Formed in early 1980, the Effigies were one of Chicago's first punk rock bands. Along with bands like Naked Raygun and Strike Under, the Effigies were instrumental in developing what became the dominant sound in the first generation of Chicago punk: driving, guitar-heavy noise which often leapt unabashedly into catchy melodies. The Effigies rode hard in those heady days of the last decade, putting on manic live gigs, touring the U.S. in a used van, and putting out their own records on Ruthless Records, a chimerical label existing solely as the cooperative efforts of the Effigies, Naked Raygun and Steve Albini (Big Black). A Chicago Sun Times article from December16, 1999 talks about Chicago Punk circa 1985. The band split in 1986. It re-formed in 1987, performed under different lineups, and split again around 1990. In 1992, the Effigies re-united for a reunion show; the original members getting together for the closing days of Chicago's notorious club, Exit. In 1995, the original members agreed to re-release some of their early material on CD. "Remains Nonviewable" was released by Touch & Go Records in late 1995. The band played gigs in Chicago clubs in December, 1995 and in early 1996. The Effiges reformed in 2004 with new guitarist Robert McNaughton and have been playing shows around the Midwest and California, their new release "Reside "is AVAILABLE NOW Get it HERE
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REFERENCES - EFFIGIES HOME PAGE WIKIPEDIA MYSPACE
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RUTHLESS RECORDS 1982
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1. BODYBAG
2. SECURITY
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***DOWNLOAD***

THE 45'S COULDN'T BELIEVE A WORD SINGLE)

Couldn't believe a word is near Powerpop perfection. It's a tune I never seem to get tired of. Mine doesent have a picture sleeve I'm not sure if this press had one or not. The 45's were formed in 1977 in Newcastle by five bored students who decided playing boppy pop songs in front of screaming fans was much more fun than lectures!
Originally called 'The Famous Five,' the line up back then was Phil Johnstone - Keyboards/ electric guitar/ vocals, Jamie Wood - Bass guitar/ vocals, Paul Metcalfe - Drums/ vocals, John Warrener - Electric guitar/ vocals and Mick Blowfield - Saxophone. After 2 years playing in Newcastle pubs Mick left to become a teacher, forcing the foursome to change their name from the Famous Five to The 45'S. In 1979 Phil went to London with armed a demo tape and came back with a hastily negotiated record deal. A few weeks later the band had signed with Chopper Records and were recording in Polydor studios, London. Two tracks were laid down, "Couldn't Believe a Word" and "Lonesome Lane". The single received substantial airplay, was voted 'Record of the Week' in several music papers including Melody Maker and also on Radio 1. Unfortunately Chopper Records was disorganised and rife with distribution problems and the single struggled even to make it onto the shelves let alone the record buying publics brand new Music Centres! After hearing "Couldn't Believe a Word," Stiff records contacted the group and took over distribution of the single on their own label, however by then the radio stations had stopped plugging the song and The 45's returned to their London Pub Circuit roots playing venues such as The Marquee, The Greyhound, The Golden Lion, The Nashville, Dingwalls, etc. There were radio interviews and sessions, tv appearances, constant gigging and even a support slot with Dexy's Midnight Runners but things weren't really picking up. The band was unable to get out of a two year contract with Chopper Records and so could not bring out any new material. Phil was later quoted as saying 'Well nobody ever had a hit on the STIFF CHOPPER label!
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REFERNCES - THE 45'S.COM MYSPACE
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CHOPPER RECORDS 1979
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1. COULDN'T BELIEVE A WORD
2. LONESOME LANE
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***DOWNLOAD***

THE STRAPS (JUST CANT TAKE ANYMORE SINGLE)

New Age is one of those songs that embeds in your brain and never lets go. Classic punk track. I must admit I never heard the LP, if anyone has it I wouldn't mind hearing it. This excerpt is from the Straps Myspace . The STRAPS were formed in a south London squat in Battersea, in 1977,where i first met Dave Reeves our founder member in his school uniform, also present at that first meeting was the late Green the straps first bass player,whos life was cut short by an overdose of our kids worst enemy Heroin. Brad Day and Steve Macintosh completed the lineup that dark winters evening. The singer Howard was late yet again and they needed a replacement fast ,thats when the asked me to take possesion of the micraphone,i pissed myself laughing of course ,however some 28 years later im still hooked and completly dedicated as a singer song writer.the STRAPS have had their share of rearanged line ups including,Stan Stammers and luke Rendal from theatre of Hate, but by far the most successful crew were JOCK, DAVE,JIM WALKER the former PIL drummer,JOHN WERNER previously of the edge and SIMON WERNER his brother who played with DOA for a while in their native Canada. they released two singles Just Cant Take Anymore and Brixton , then followed an album before the split ,when Jock went on to record with Jah Wobble and Rat Scabies featuring as Bartok,when they recorded a 12" single called insanity. then after a brief spell acting Jock formed Freakshow with Paul Cunningham who is a well respected session guitarist now.And now after a 12 year break The STRAPS came back with a bang and sounding better than ever with 3 new boys STU PHILIPS ,MARK HOBBS and LloYD DUDLEY,and have already played 2 Wasted festivals and Rebellion 2007, along with some other high profile London gigs, notably the Astoria with the Rezzilos .The band have completed their first album in over 20 years . They released a special edition for Rebellion 2007 and have yet to release the full new cd. Also released was The punk collection on captain oi records 2006.The band are very disolusioned with the lack of interest from record companies and decided to call it a day once again.Dave Reeves has now joined Skinhead band Code One, while Jock Strap is currently putting a new outfit together down in Cornwall called Nit Lotion.
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DONUT RECORDS 1980
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1. JUST CANT TAKE ANYMORE
2. NEW AGE
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***DOWNLOAD***

DEMOB (NO ROOM FOR YOU SINGLE)

Punk Rock anthem No Room for you is the excellent second (and my favorite) effort from Gloucester's Demob. Here's Terry Elcock's Myspace , and this is from Wikipedia Formed in late 1978 by guitarist Terry Elcock and drummer Johnny Melfah, and they were soon joined by Mike Howes (vocals), Tony Wakefield (bass) and Chris Rush (guitar). Howes ex-army skinhead friend Andy Kanonik soon joined, also on vocals. It was this line-up that first rehearsed and played the first gigs in and around Gloucester, the Viking youth club becoming the main place of rehearsals and Tracy's night club was the first venue that Demob played in 1978, and became the local night club hangout for all the band and punks at that time. Elcock had previous experience on guitar as a member of a church band.
Demob's first big break came in the summer of 1979 when they fooled the authorities into letting them have a place in the Gloucester annual carnival parade. The ever increasing support for the band resulted in a mass riot between the punks and the bikers and, ultimately, the suspension of the carnival. The riot made national press and attracted the interest of the local record label, Round Ear Records.
In 1980, Howes was sacked from the band, and Kanonik was imprisoned for three months, leaving the band without a singer. The band had just recruited Mark "Miff" Smith to replace Rush, and he took over the role of singer, with Paul "Fatty" Price also replacing Wakefield on bass. Smith soon become an integral part, arranging and organizing gigs. With the line-up now comprising Mark Smith (vocals), Terry Elcock (guitar), Paul Price & Barry Philips (bass guitar), and Johnny Melfah (drums), the band worked on their first recordings. "Anti-Police" was Demob's first release on the independent Round Ear Records, the record supported by the late John Peel, and journalist Garry Bushell. The record spent over two months in the UK Indie Chart, peaking at number 34.
On the back of the success of "Anti-Police", Demob supported many acts around the punk circuit at this time, including U2, UK Subs, The Angelic Upstarts, Discharge and The Beat. Most performances ended with a police presence and inevitable violence with their notorious hardcore followers, the Demob Riot Squad. The band's mult-racial line-up sometimes attracted hostility from Nazi skinheads who attended their gigs, and the band would play several concerts in aid of the Anti-Nazi League.
A second single, "No Room For You" quickly followed to add to the success, but unfortunately, like so many punk acts of the era, musical differences soon developed amongst the line up and Demob split to pursue other musical avenues in 1983.
Since 1983, some of the band members had gone on to other bands, while others had given up on music. Melfah had some success as a boxer and opened a boxing gym in Gloucester. Smith formed a new band called Garrison Damn. Elcock had played with several bands, including Kiss The Blade. Spurred on by interest from American label Grand Theft Audio in re-releasing the old material, in 2001 Elcock reformed Demob with a revised line-up to tour the United States, Japan and Europe. The revised line-up consisted of Terry Elcock (guitar), Andrew Kanonik (vocals), Richard Baldwin (bass), and Timothy Howkins (drums). This line-up split, but in 2005, Elcock and Kanonik reformed the band again with Natalie Porter (bass) and Marcus Harley (drums), Porter soon replaced by the returning Baldwin, the band embarking on a worldwide tour.
In October 2007, the band split with Elcock leaving. Kanonik and Baldwin formed a new line-up which continues as Demob, although Elcock describes them as a 'tribute act', pointing out that the band now contains none of the original Demob line-up
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ROUND EAR RECORDS 1982
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1. NO ROOM FOR YOU
2. THINK STRAIGHT
3. NEW BREED
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***DOWNLOAD***

THE GEARS (ROCKIN AT GROUND ZERO) + THE D.I.S

This is another record that I was meaning to post from my vinyl for some time and low and behold, this little baby comes along. I'm glad I waited Thanks Mark!!!. I'm sure by now most of you know how great the gears were, Baby Runaround and Trudie Trudie remain a couple of my favorite punk tunes. But maybe you may have not known that Axxel G Reese and Dave Drive formed the D.I.s. If you like the Gears I'm sure your gonna like the D.I.s as well. Sound wise their similar, maybe more a little more polished. Do yourself a favore and click on over to Hepcat Records to pick this Gem up!!! while you can!! The Gears were formed in 1978, the heyday of Los Angeles punk, when two childhood buddies from the Glassell Park neighborhood of LA - singer Axxel G. Reese and drummer Dave Drive - joined forces. They created the "punk surfabilly" sound after seeing the early Hollywood punk bands while being influenced by other SoCal cultures. The band's recorded tour de force was the live album "Rockin' at Ground Zero." Shortly after this epic live recording in 1982, the Gears' guitarist Kidd Spike angrily smashed his ax to smithereens mid-set at the Starwood and the Gears were done. Out if the ashes of The Gears, vocalist Reese and drummer Drive launched a new band called The D.I.s (Drill Instructors).

****ENJOY THE GEARS****

Preserving The Gears' punkabilly influence, the D.I.s moved on to a broader definition of roots music. Many of Los Angeles' best-known punk denizens were D.I.s at various times - Jimmy Reed (Levi Dexter & the Ripchords), Matt Lee (Ray Campi's Rockabilly Rebels), Mike "Shaky" Wilcox (The Rockats), Thadius T. Baker, Patrick "Frenchie" French (The Joneses), "Venice George" Chavlez, Ron Emory (TSOL) and Jonny Ray Bartel (The Red Devils and The Knitters).
Although the D.I.s soldiered on through 1992, they left only one recording in their wake - the five-track 12" EP "Lock & Load," produced by X's Billy Zoom.

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REFERENCES - PLUG IN MUSIC

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HEPCAT RECORDS 2009

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****ENJOY THE D.I.S****

ROLLERCOASTER (ROLLERCOASTER)

Rollercoaster were a short lived Powerpop four piece from Perth Australia which featured Dave Shaw from The Stems, Duane Smith from The Chevelles, Grant Ferstat from A Month of Sundays and Craig Maclean from Superscope. Rollercoaster is a fun, hookfilled,ride. My favorite tracks on this are Tartan dress, and Do you remember.
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SNAP RECORDS 1999
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****ENJOY****

THE KRAYOLAS (BEST RIFFS ONLY)

This info comes from Krayolas Myspace and the liner notes of this disk. Sometime is one of my all time favorites, superb 60's inspired Pop. If your not familiar with these guys, I'm sure after you hear this your going to want it, so there's a link at the bottom for Talking Taco.com where you can pick this up amongst other Krayolas releases.Thirty years ago, the Krayolas walked out of their daddy's garage and into the legendary West Side studio, Zaz, to make their first 45 r.p.m. vinyl record, "All I Do Is Try" b/w "Sometime." They were just teenagers, but soon they would be making many more singles with the help of great musicians like the West Side Horns, Ezra Charles and Rene & Rene. The Krayolas were hailed Tex-Mex Beatles, just as the Sir Douglas Quintet had been a decade earlier -- connected in spirit, their love of rock 'n' roll and their hometown roots. The Krayolas always championed their San Antonio connection. "Best Riffs Only: The Krayolas 1977-1988" compiles long-unavailable, out-of-print indie vinyl singles and rare album tracks for the first time. Some of it dates back 30 years, most of it is a quarter century old. The title of the new, 16-song collection comes from a bit of advice that Nick Lowe and Dave Edmunds gave the band when they played together at the historic Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa in the late '70s. Taking a step back and listening to the disparate collection that only hints at the Krayolas onstage power, their essence is irresistible. It's direct-to-the-brain power pop and garage band rock -- young, raw, energetic, upbeat, charming, campy and fun. Always melodic, the Krayolas easy-to-hum sound puts a smile on your face. It's timeless. The Krayolas are timeless.
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REFERENCES - MYSPACE KRAYOLAS.COM TALKING TACO.COM
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BOX RECORDS 2007
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***DOWNLOAD***

BERSERK (BERSERK)

Berserk were a Pop punk outfit from Baltimore. This lp jumps around a bit. Giant Robots sounds like it could be a lost Gary Numan track. After that, some tracks have a late period Husker Du feel, some poppy some darker sounding. The trio was comprised of Brent Malkus, David Crawly and someone named Skizz on drums.
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REFERENCES - BEEF PLATTER
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GO KART RECORDS 1994
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***DOWNLOAD***
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FM KNIVES (USELESS AND MODERN)

What a release by Sacramento's FM Knives. Useless And Modern is a great 77 style punk rock blast in the vein of the Boys or maybe early Buzzcocks that will have you pogoing in no time. I wish I could find more info on these guys. There's a bunch of sites out there that basically say nothing. From what I found it appears this may be their only lp, (what a pity). Mine appears to be a reissue. I found a site that said this came out first on a label called Moo-La-La Records in 2002. They also have 2 other singles. FM Knives were comprised of former members of Sacramento punk bands such as Los Huevos, Nar, Karate Party, and the Pretty Girls. Know something?? Please feel free to share.

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REFERENCES - MYSPACE

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BROKEN REKIDS 2002

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***DOWNLOAD***

THE FUTUREHEADS (THE FUTUREHEADS)

Here's the first, and in my opinion the best Futureheads record. I've listened to this record so many times I'm surprised it still plays. If your a fan of The Jam, XTC, or at times even early Cure, you owe it to yourself to hear this. The Futureheads are a four-piece from Sunderland England. Their name comes from the title of the The Flaming Lips album, Hit to Death in the Future Head. The band met at City of Sunderland College as a trio of Barry Hyde (vocals and guitar), David "Jaff" Craig (bass), and Peter Brewis (drums). Ross Millard (vocals and guitar) joined soon after having been in a band with Craig. They used the Sunderland City Detached Youth Project building (where Brewis and Hyde worked) as a free practice space, fitting since the project was intended to get young people off the streets by using music. They first performed in 2000, and through word-of-mouth their reputation in the local area grew. Hyde's younger brother Dave replaced Brewis (who went on to join Field Music).
The Futureheads played their first ever gig at Ashbrooke Cricket and Rugby Club in December 2000. They debuted with their "Nul Book Standard" EP and then their "123 Nul EP" on 10 March 2003 and later that year released their first single, "First Day" on 4 August.
The Futureheads released their self-titled debut album in September 2004 on 679 recordings. Five tracks on this record were produced by Andy Gill of Gang of Four. On 21 February 2005, "Hounds of Love", a cover of a Kate Bush song, was released as a single. It reached number eight in the UK Singles Chart in its first week, and was named 'best single of 2005' by NME. The band toured the United States and later supported the Pixies, Foo Fighters and Snow Patrol.
The Futureheads have three LP's and a number of E.P.'s and singles to their credit, they have reportedly been working on a new album.
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REFERENCES - WKIPEDIA MYSPACE FUTUREHEADS.COM
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SIRE RECORDS 2004
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****DOWNLOAD****

BLEED (TALES OF THE HANDSOME CREEP)

Tales Of The Handsome Creep, is the excellent first LP from from Milwaukee's Bleed. These guy's played Rock 'N' Roll with real Punk attitude. My Friend John used to play this record on his radio show quite a bit. I never got to see them live but I have no doubt they kicked ass. Their musical out put consisted of 3 singles, 2 LP's and a hand full of comp tracks.
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REFERENCES - UNOFFICIAL MYSPACE BOB BLEED MYSPACE
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FIREMAN PRESSINGS 1997
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***DOWNLOAD BLEED***

THE SPITS (THE SPITS)

The Spits remind me of stripped down, rude, drunken version of the Lurkers or maybe the Ramones. The singer has a British accent. I don't know if it's real or not but I definitely like this record. They have a new LP called Schools out, plus lots of other cool merchandise to buy at their site. Go pick it up!!! The Spits are a Seattle-based punk musical group. Currently, the band has released three albums, all officially self-titled but unofficially titled 1, 2, and 3, released by Nickel and Dime Records, Slovenly Recordings, and Dirtnap Records, respectively.
The band describes itself as "Punk for the People", and focuses on loud, noisy, and dirty punk rock. Band members frequently appear in costumes on stage (e.g. graduation robes, Ronald Reagan masks, or toilet paper "mummy" costumes),
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REFERENCES - WIKIPEDIA SPITS OFFICIAL SITE
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Nickel And Dime Records 2000
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***DOWNLOAD THE SPITS***

MARK & THE SPIES (MARK & THE SPIES)

Thanks to all of you for your comments, I hope all of your Christmas's went well and I'd like to wish all of you a Happy New Year. Ya know how every once in a while a band comes along that's so good that from the very first listen your just totally hooked? Well, if great hook laden 60's influenced pop is your thing than your gonna love this. Easily one of the best garage lp's that I heard in a long time. MARK & THE SPIES, hail from a village called Veenendaal in the Netherlands. They started out as a rock'n'roll trio, only having a few vocal songs, but mostly instrumental Link Wray kinda stuff. After some gigs they broke up, reunited and broke up again. After that Mark (bass/vocals) and Arjan (guitar/vocals) started writing songs of their own. They found themselves a new drummer (Gerrit), a keyboard/saxophone player (Jelle) and things got finally pushed in the right direction. At the beginning of 2007 their first official release saw the light of day, a 7' EP on the Spanish label Butterfly Records and people all around the globe immediately started to rave about it. These guys have singles, a New lp, and a new singe available in January. Give this a listen and then go buy everything available from these guys, you wont be disappointed.
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REFERENCES - SOUNDFLAT MAILORDER - MYSPACE - OFFICIAL SITE
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SCREAMING APPLE RECORDS 2007
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!!!!!!DOWNLOAD!!!!!!