The Throbbers (Unrequited Hardon Single)

   We're pretty much in the middle of Summer here in the North East, USA and it feels it outside. Since I'm not in the mood to sweat, I figured why not cool off with a Beer and a few cool tunes. Hopefully all of you are doing well! Up next, is a record that's catchy as the Flu. There's a definite amateurish charm to this one and a great sense of humor as well.
   The Throbbers were a University of Chicago band. I couldn't find anything else, so go get a Beer and Enjoy!!

Line Up

Vincent Katz - guitar / vocals
Mark David - guitar
John Heckel - Bass
Billy Krummond - drums

Oct-Bok-Boe Records 1981

1. Unrequited Hardon
2. Dear One

♫♫♫...Here It Comes...♫♫♫

The Young Lords (Sonet Records Ep)

   The Young Lords were a Norwegian outft, from the late 70's; that originally called themselves The Ice Cream Band. Besides this Ep, they released a full length titled, "Same Shit  - New Wrapping" also worth owning . Around 1981, they changed their name once again to Saturday Cowboys.

Line Up -

Henning Kvitnes - Guitar / Vocals
Pal Asheim - Bass
Bjorn Juliusson - Drums
Karl Storm Anderson - Guitar
Steinar Karlsen - Guitar


Sonet Records 1980

1. Oh So Slow
2. Book Of Rules
3. 5 Feet Hereos
4. Big Burden

♫♫♫...Please Give Me A Cure...♫♫♫

Various (Ha! Ha! Funny Polis)

   Keeping with the youth rebellion against authority theme; here's four more Scottish anthems from The Groucho Marxist Label. Ha! Ha! Funny Polis is the follow up release to Spectacular Commodity and a declaration of war, of sorts; in the face of police harassment of Paisley's Punks...
    There's three new bands on this one and a repeat appearance for XS Discharge. Musically, I think this one's a bit more accomplished than the first comp with my favorite being Urban Enemies.

Groucho Marxist Records 1981

1. The Fegs - Mill St (Law And Order)
2. XS Discharge - Lifted
3. Defiant Pose - Fight
4. Urban Enemies - Who Do You Hate

♫♫♫...We Only Wanna Rock-N-Roll...♫♫♫ 

Various - (Spectacular Commodity!)

   Follow up from last post.. Went and saw the Hives, with The Refused and a couple of local Philly opening bands. The refused were solid musically but not really my cup of tea. There was a strong Revelation crew presence that seemed to dig em'.
   The Hives were a good band but screwed around too much, continually begging the crowd for approval, praise and applause. It's my experience, when a band puts on a great show; applause is a natural reaction. The great one's don't have to ask for it..
 
   Anyway, Up next is the first offering from the Groucho Marxist Record Label. Spectacular Commodity, features five bands from Paisley Scotland. For my taste, Irrelevance, from The Mentol Errors is the stand out track.


Groucho Marxist Records 1979

1. Mod Cons - Buildings Of The 70's
2. XS Discharge - Machete Shuffle
3. Sneex - Radiomania
4. The Poems - Posters On The Wall
5. The Mentol Errors - Irrelevance

♫♫♫...I Just Wanna Be With Me...♫♫♫

Flying Squid (Question, Only Questions)

   Heading to Philly tonight, with my Wife and Daughter to check out The Hives. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to see them. Hoping they still rock; could use a good show.
 
   Speaking of..... Here's a mystery two sider from Flying Squid. I believe I had a request for this one, years ago; sorry for taking so long. Couldn't find anything on the net but best I can tell; they were a Philly three piece and this appears to be their only record. Not sure how many copies exist but all the ones I've seen are signed. Could be, they recorded the record and sold them a couple of years later. Oddly, the record label is dated 1980 and the sleeve lists 1982. The only Flying Squid mention I found was on an Ebay listing, that called them a metal band. At any rate, to my ears; this is Punky Powerpop, all the way.
Enjoy!

Line Up -

Rhys George - Vocals, Guitar
Pasquale Paris - Drums
Ken Webb - Bass

Polliwog Records - 1980 

1. Questions, Only Questions
2. Commercial Potential

♫♫♫...Where can I find some answers...♫♫♫   

Untouchables - So Long Honey / I Need You

   Here's a fairly rare one, that I don't believe's been comped yet. I couldn't find a shred of info anywhere on these guys; so hopefully posting the record will yield something. For my taste, the a side is a so so, punky, New wave tune. It's the flip that makes the record. I need you is great Powerpop, with an Everly Brothers vibe, minus a few harmonies. If I had to guess, I would say these guys were probably from NY state or maybe even the midwest but honestly, I have no clue, Enjoy! 

Foo King Music 1981

1. So Long Honey
2. I Need You

♫♫♫...On The Loosing End...♫♫♫

What's the deal with new vinyl?

 

   I'm curious if any of you share my opinion on some new vinyl releases? I've tried different cartridges, different alignments, etc and no matter what I do; a number of records just sound like shit. A couple of examples like: anything on Queen Mum records or 1977 records. I have some of the originals and, (in my opinion) these reissues are clearly inferior. I bought a copy of The Not Amused, (Totally Destroyed) on Queen Mum. It's a new recording and it sounds terrible? This issue isn't pertaining only to these labels. I've noticed many new records, just sound like shit. I pop on a record from the 70's and it sounds great? I would think with all of the advances in recording equipment, records should be improving, not regressing? Are they making them sound bad on purpose or are they using cheap, inferior equipment to make them? Does that make them more Punk? I'm not saying all new records sound bad; I run into some that sound great also. I understand the whole DIY thing but many records from the 70's and 80's were DIY and they just sound superior too me. It's almost getting to the point, where I won't buy anything new unless I hear it first.