Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

I'm so sorry that I missed to greet you all a Merry Christmas. I was so busy doing something close to nothing that I totally forgot about about. My apologies. Anyways, I'm going to make up right now with an early New Year greeting - HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU FRIENDS!!!

I also have a gift to all you Beatle maniacs and Stones fans out there. I stumbled upon these two compilations - Patti Smith Covers the Stones and and Oasis compilation of Beatles covers. I don't know if these are bootlegs or just compiled by the bloggers themselves.

I'm not very fond of Oasis, they got some good songs though but I'm not a fan nor I'm a fan of the Beatles but I figured a of guys like them, especially the Beatles. So if you like the Beatles or Oasis, then this post is for you. But I can't say the same thing with Patti Smith and the Stones. I love 'em both! (Who doesn't?)

I'm trying my best to find the blogs where I got these to get more info on these comps but to no avail. So there it is, Patti Smith and Oasis doing the Stones and the Beatles repestively. Enjoy!

Patti Smith - Covers the Rolling Stones


Oasis - Covers the Beatles

Bob Mould - Body of Song

I case you haven’t noticed it yet, I’m a huge fan of Bob Mould. From his days with Husker Du, with Sugar to his solo efforts, he’s just an awesome songwriter. Some would expect that at this point in his illustrious career he would be churning out mediocre works, but no, he’s just not over yet. In fact he’s just picking up steam, a second wind if you will. His 2005 release Body of Song totally blew me away upon hearing it. Great lyrics, even better melodies. It’s hard to pick out a favorite but I’ll try…

Songs like I am Sound, I am Vision, Best Thing, Missing You plus the mid-tempo numbers such as High Fidelity, Gauze of Friendship made this album a great listen. His lyrics really paints a great picture and never pretentious. He always says what he means, and means what he says. He’s never vague, the way songwriters ought to be.

The other post is the audio rip of the Circle of Friends DVD. This was recorded live at the 9:30 Club during his touring supporting the release of Body of Song. I actually have the DVD, so if like me to upload it just let me know. If there are enough requests I’ll upload it.

Note:

My friend, the Terrorizer, uploaded this record plus the Audio-rip of the Circle of Friends DVD. He said that he found these in the torrent and gonna upload them on his Multiply site. So instead of uploading my copy, I just asked him if I could post these here and he obliged. Great guy indeed! Thanks bro and more power.

Enjoy!

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Bob Mould - Circle of Firend (Audio Rip)

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Sonic Youth - Hits Are For Squares

Sonic Youth, in my opinion, is the epitome of the so-called alternative rock. I’m not very fond of the term alternative rock since it’s very general, ambiguous at best. Because it can mean a lot of things - noise, grunge, shoegaze, indiepop, etc. Even powerpop bands are sometimes called alternative. But since the term’s already been accepted in most circles, I’ll be using it for familiarity’s sake and not be an ass about it.

Going back to Sonic Youth, they are primarily an art-noise band trained in the Glenn Branca’s school noise rock. They were even lumped with the No Wave movement together with the Contortions and Swans among many others. Their feedback-laden music became the cornerstone for a lot of alternative bands in the 90’s. Over the years, their music became more and more radio friendly without losing their college-radio credibility.

The first post is the album compilation called Screaming Fields of Sonic Love. After signing to DGC and releasing Goo and Dirty, Sonic Youth released this compilation from their years with SST and Enigma records. This is somewhat of an introduction of what Sonic Youth was all about. They picked up highlights from each album and crammed them into this one neat compilation. The album served its purpose well, although the edited versions of Teenage Riot and Candle were kind of a bummer if you ask me.

The second post was Hits Are For Squares. This is a controversial compilation since it was released/available in Starbucks stores. But the idea for this comp is truly amazing – celebrities and fellow musicians pick out their favorite Sonic Youth songs and compiled them into this rather unique comp.

Enjoy!!!

Tracklist

"Bull in the Heather," selected by Catherine Keener
"Sugar Kane," selected by Beck
"100%," selected by Mike D
"Kool Thing," selected by Radiohead
"Disappearer," selected by Portia De Rossi
"Superstar," selected by Diablo Cody
"Stones," selected by Allison Anders
"Tuff Gnarl," selected by Dave Eggers and Mike Watt
"Teenage Riot," selected by Eddie Vedder
"Shadow of a Doubt," selected by Michelle Williams
"Rain on Tin," selected by Flea
"Tom Violence," selected by Gus Van Zant
"Mary-Christ," selected by David Cross
"World Looks Red," selected by Chloe Sevigny
"Expressway to Yr Skull," selected by Flaming Lips



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PTL Klub - 13 Commandments

I was talking to the guitarist of a local punk band called Bad Omen a couple of months back about music (what else!), and I was kind of surprised that he actually liked PTL Klub's 13 Commandments. Surprised? Yeah because he was not actually into "noisy" bands as he carefully puts it. So, we were laughing our asses off when he confessed that he actually enjoyed 13 Commandments.

He was the reason why I posted these PTL Klub records. Fast, thrashing, and "noisy", the way we wanted it!

Enjoy!!!


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PTL Klub - Living Death

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PTL Klub - Living Death II

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PTL Klub - Nobody Cares Anymore

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VA - Dark Pleasures

About a week ago, my friend conned me to compile songs for the Halloween. At first, I was adamant about it but I later caved in to his request. So i list down all the scariest songs I know and compile it in one CD. Scary, that's the operative word here. Not just songs about monsters or ghouls or whatever but really scary stuff. So forget about Monster Mash or Thriller or other songs that were usually played during the season, you're not gonna find them here.
My criteria in picking out the songs was simple: the lyrics should be dark or twisted or both. Plus the backing music should add to the overall eerie/creepy feel of that song. That's why you're not gonna see any Rob Zombie/White Zombie stuff in here since I don't find hard rock/metal songs to be that scary. Sure, Rob Zombie/White Zombie lyrics are really dark & grim but the driving music behind the lyrics actually makes me bang my head instead of cower under my bed. I want my scary song to really shock me both lyrically and aurally.
The songs here mostly deal with the apocalypse, the devil, vampires, ghosts and murder. Norwegian black metal bands sing about these themes on a regular basis but they lack the sophistication of these songs. Their often blatant lyrics will actually make the listener kicks his stereo in disgust instead of being truly scared.
Happy Halloween my friends!


Scariest Songs:

1. Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath
In my opinion, the first gothic rock song. It's about a dark figure Geezer Butler saw at the foot of his bed after waking up from a nightmare. The figure vanished into thin air and he quickly went for the book on witchcraft Ozzy gave to him earlier that day. To his astonishment, the book was gone. Ozzy made a song about Geezer's experience and made it as dark as possible. The finished product was Black Sabbath. The sound of thunder and rain made the song more disturbing. A classic.

2. Slayer - Dead Skin Mask
This song reminds me of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I always picture Leatherface coming for me whenever I hear this song. Maybe Hannibal Lecter should tag along since the title fits him as well. The more the merrier.

3. Juan Dela Cruz - Langit
This is the only song that actually scared the living crap out of me. I was a pre-schooler when this song came out. And my older brother loved it and played it 24-7. But the apocalyptic imagery of the song was too much for my then young mind with fertile imagination. That's why I'm always having trouble going to sleep whenever I hear this song at night. The the first stanza alone will already paint a very dark image on your mind, "Langit ay itim ang kulay, Hindi na yata magbabago, Puso ko'y nagdurugo, Wala na bang tutulong, Ang mga tao dito ngayon ay naghihintay na lang, Sa kanilang kamatayan at sa kabilang buhay."

4. Sisters of Mercy - Lucretia (My Reflection)
The bassline of this song tells it all. Then, throw in Andrew Eldritch's very deep voice and the song title and you have a Goth classic.

5. Joy Division - Dead Souls
This song freaked out my friend in college. Apparently, he was listening to it during a black out or something. And the next day, he told about this song and how it bummed him out the night before. After listening to it, I got to agree with him. The song's foreboding lyrics, "they keep calling me, keep on calling me," gave goosebumps to the listener. I think, Dead Souls was released after Ian Curtis hanged himself.

6. Concrete Blonde - Bloodletting
A vampire in New Orleans! Imagine Nosferatu (Edward Cullen is a p#$$y!) terrorizing the merry-makers during the Mardi Gras... Now that's a picture.

7. Bauhaus - Bela Lugosi's Dead
One of the greatest Goth bands singing about the death of an actor responsible for the Dracula template. Need I say more?

8. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Red Right Hand
The title was inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost. The song's about the man in black, not the alien-fighting force of Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones, who will promise you everything ("Stacks of green paper in his Red Right Hand") in exchange for your ...

9. Depeche Mode - Fly on the Windscreen
I never liked this band but this song's really, really cool. This song could easily come from a George Romero film. "Death is everywhere, There are flies on the windscreen"

10. Skinny Puppy - Killing Game
Nivek Ogre sung "I taught the killing game first", like he actually taught the killing game first! Marilyn Manson and Trent Reznor can't hold a candle to these guys.

11. the Cure - Subway Song
Before becoming an international phenomenon, the Cure wrote a song about a murderer stalking victims in London's subways. The last portion of this song scared the $h!t out of me when I first heard it in my Walkman.

12. Sonic Youth - Death Valley 69
The first time I saw the video for this song was also the first I heard the song. It was on a Betamax format filled with videos by the Jam and Sonic Youth among others. The video was so disturbing. It featured the band members murdered in the different parts of the the house. It was a perfect video for the song which is as equally disturbing. Plus the additional vocals by Lydia Lunch added to the doom feel of the song.

13. Husker Du - Diane
Greg Norton's bass line defined this very dark song about a sexual predator. What's unsettling about this song was how Grant Hart described the details of what the maniac is going to do to Diane after he's finished with her but left the actual rape and murder details to the listeners. Afterall, they're Husker Du and NOT Cannibal Corpse. "We could lay in the weeds for a little while, I'll put your clothes in a nice, neat little pile, you're the cutest girl I've ever seen in my life, It's all over now, and with my knife."

14. Samhain - Trouble
Glen Danzig loved this song so much he covered it when he was in Samhain and covered it live in Danzig's Thrall/Demon Sweat Live EP. But I included Samhain (pronounced as "sa-wun") because 1. it's an ancient Celtic harvest festival and festival for the dead and it's where the modern-day halloween was derived from and 2. this version has the eerie feel to it especially with the addition of the organ part at the beginning of the song while the live version was just brute force all the way which does not fit the comp's theme. With the lyrics like "My daddy was a demon, werewolf Jack, Because I'm evil, My middle name is misery," it'll definitely end up in a lot of people's halloween playlists.

15. the Doors - The End
Jim Morrison managed to transform this simple goodbye song into a twisted tale of Oedipus Complex. Hearing Jim sing "Father. Yes son? I want to kill you. Mother, I want to fuck you" will definitely take your breath away and rewind the song just a couple of seconds just to confirm if you heard it right the first time. Lyrically, this song lacks the subtleties of other Morrison's song but packs a wallop for shock value. Great soundtrack for family reunions!


Credits:

Front Cover by:
Erin Emocling

Back Cover by:
Jenny Palacios-Bautista

For the Blank CDs:
Lena Johnston

Model:
Barbara Anne


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Have Heart - Songs to Scream at the Sun

Don’t call this a comeback!

I always wanted to say that. Hehehe. Anyways, for my ‘comeback’ post, I give you Have Heart, a Boston-based (Massachusetts actually) straight-edge hardcore band best-known for their ‘Posicore’ stance. Actually, I have no idea who these guys are until they came here early this year during their ‘farewell’ World Tour which I wasn’t able to catch. (Yeah, I’m a moron for not knowing this band and missing the gig and a lot ‘moroner’ for admitting it. I can actually pretend I’ve been listening to these guys for years but that’s not just my style.) So, I asked a friend of mine if he actually knew Have Heart and if he has records of them. He said he would rip and e-mail me his Have Heart CDs. And I also asked his permission to post them and he obliged though he doesn’t want to be named.

I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do. And thanks to you my friend, you known who you are.

Enjoy!


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Have Heart - The Things We Carry

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Have Heart - You Can't Go Home Again EP

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Back from Hell

Hello friends, I'm back!!!

First up, I'm sorry for the recent non-activity since I was really busy lately. In case you don't know it yet, I'm taking another course (my second) and thinking of a career shift. I'm in my final year so there are lots of things to do such as oral and written revalida, reports and papers to submit. Plus the fact that I'm a father of two wonderful boys, Dylan and Tommy. What can I say, they are a handful and needs constant attention.

Anyways, my schedule's clearing up so expect posting to resume any day now. I didn't know I'm gonna miss this since I'm actually contemplating of quitting this blogging business. Then I realized that this helps me keep my sanity from school/hospital work.

So there you go I'm here to stay!

It's nice to be back!

VA - Katrina's Live Tamana Away!

It seems a lot of you wanted a copy of this classic release from TRC. Well here it is - Katrina's Live!!!

This was actually recorded on January 18, 1986 at Katrina's last gig before biting the dust. Bands who performed on that famous last night were Betrayed, Private Stock, GI and the Idiots and the WUDS.

Tracklist:

Betrayed
1. Caught in the Crossfire
2. Punk Reigns
3. Military Rule
4. Urban Assault
5. Never Menat to be This Way
6. When I Met You
7. Kids Will Unite
8. Hardcore Rules
9. Betrayed By You

Private Stock
10. Have more Fun
11. Future Generation

GI and the Idiots
12. Bury Yourself
13. Broken Lineage
14. the Flag
15. Nine Years in Service
16. This Time for Real

WUDS
17. Peace Be With You
18. Teachers and Cheaters
19. Just Like Before
20. Sana i Minsan Mo Lang Akong Tingnan
21. Inosente Lang ang Nagtataka

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the Seeds - the Seeds

In a truly anthems from the alleyways fashion, my tribute to the late-great Sky Saxon was well… late. His death was over-shadowed by the death of the King of Pop and a 70’s icon. They all died the same day, I think. Anyways, the Seeds influence on punk was as vital as say the Stooges, Motor City 5, the Standells and the Sonics. I first read about them when they were mentioned with the artists I just mentioned. So, I scoured the local record stores, especially the second-hand shops the releases of these bands. I first scored Stooges’ Fun House, MC5’s Kick Out the Jams, and the Seeds’ self-titled album plus the New York Dolls’ debut and Velvet Underground’s Loaded.

They all sounded differently yet their attitude comes across big time! They’re garage sound is what appealed to me the most. While Iggy and the gang and MC5 exudes the kind of danger and urgency they’re known for, the Seeds, on the other hand, explored the psychedelic track with pop sensibilities which is more akin with 13th Floor Elevators’.
Ramones’s owed a lot to the Seeds as much as the Stooges. And to pay homage to the Seeds, the Ramones covered Can’t Seem to Make You Mine from this album on their all covers record called Acid Eaters.
Enjoy!

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the Seeds - a Web of Sound

This is the Seeds debut album, and man what a debut. It clearly showcased the shape of music to come plus some psychedelic meanderings pre-dating a whole lot of bands in the process.

Everything about this record is great, from the album cover to the actual music. So I'm not gonna mess thing up talking (or writing in this case) and let the music do the talking!

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Graham Parker - Howlin' Wind

I hated this album when I first bought it way back in my high school days. Why? Because I read somewhere that Graham Parker was the “angry young man.” So I was expecting loud, very loud music. And boy I was so wrong. Instead of loud music, I got a rock album reminiscent of Van Morrison. Though I have to admit it has great tunes in it, it wasn’t what I expected. What do you expect, I’m younger, louder and snottier then.

Fast-forward to 1990’s, I started listening to Frank Zappa, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Van Morrison and the like. I remembered Graham Parker. It was only then that I appreciated this album. It’s not uncommon that I hated an album now and ended up liking it years later. This is no exception, this is a truly classic!

So what are you waiting for? Download it now and see for yourself.

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Bash and Pop - Friday Night is Killing Me

I was so pissed off when I learned that the Replacements disbanded. And I wasn’t pretty impressed with Paul Westerberg’s solo efforts though I got to admit that I have still got to hear his albums. I only based it on the songs from the Singles OST which were good but not what I expected.

But it’s a totally different story with Tommy Stinson’s first post-Mats project called Bash & Pop. I have to admit that the album is uneven, probably because of the group’s in-fighting and rumors have it that Tommy did most of the album himself. It surely lacks cohesion but songs like Never Aim to Please, the fast rocker aptly titled Fast & Hard and the very catchy single Loose Ends made this album worth listening to.

I remembered reading about Bash & Pop in Cream magazine never knowing who were the members were. After learning it was Tommy Stinson’s new band. I went straight to the local record store and bought the cassette. I wasn’t impressed but not disappointed either.

The thing is, Friday Night is Killing Me is not a must-have say like Pleased to Meet Me, but it’s a great record nonetheless.

I recently saw the CD in a bargain bin of Music One and bought it for Php 150 or roughly 3 dollars. Not bad…

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VA - Subterrenean Romance

This is a much-sought after release because of the limited copies. This is from the same guys who brought you the Deans December's Chemical Wedding. It include's Violent Playground's Tupperware Party, Dean's December's The Healing, Ethinc Faces' Golden Boy and Under Blue Skies' Falling (which were all re-released in the album compilation 10 of Another Kind, see the earlier post). Plus tracks from great bands like the Sake, the Vamp, Silos, Strange Days and album producer Nito Palacios (aka Integrated Circuit).

Enjoy!

I would like to apologize to my good friend and fellow blogger, Dr. Stirring Rhod for the above picture. I hastily uploaded these posts that I forgot to mention the source for the CD cover and also for the person who gave me the copy of this comp, my long time partner in crime Terrorizer. I also corrected the misspelling of the album title. (What a moron!).

Again, my sincere apologies to Dr. Stirring Rhod and Terrorizer for omitting the credits they truly deserve. It was purely unintentional.

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GI and the Idiots - Fascinating World of Garbage

I've been getting a lot of requests for GI & the Idiots' debut album. I apologize for the late reply guys, but at last here it is. Fascinating World of Garbage is Philippines' hardcore pride , just like IOV's Another Destructive Century. Can't get enough of these guys really.

Enjoy!


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Urban Bandits - Independence Day

I can't believe that I haven't posted this gem. This is one of the best releases of TRC. Urban Bandits came from the ashes of the band called College. When College disbanded, it spawned two great bands, Urband Bandits and Sex Militants. The latter contributed tracks to Rescue Ladders and Human Barricades compilation.

This is a must-have for any Pinoi punks out there.

Enjoy!


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IOV - Another Destructive Century

What can I say about IOV that hasn't been written before? Well, I guess nothing. So here it is, a repost of their Another Destructive Century cassette-only release. Enjoy!


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VA - 10 of Another Kind

This is repost of an all-Pinoi New Wave compilation. Actually, this is the major label's answer to the Subterrean Romance (see above post). But this one includes 2 songs per band as opposed to Subterrean's which only includes 1 song per band.

Outstanding tracks from Violent Playground, Deans December, Ethnic Faces and Under Blue Skies. Enjoy!

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VA - Third Bombardment

This is a repost of TRC's third compilation album. I love this comp since it includes Betrayed Never Again plus superior numbers from Collision, RDA, Philippine Violators and Deceased. Enjoy!

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Dean's December - Chemical Wedding

This is a repost of Dean's December's Chemical Wedding album. This is a cassette-only release and in my opinion is one of the best Pinoi new wave, post-punk bands ever. Enjoy!

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Suburban Lawns - Suburban Lawns

After a two month stay in the States, my friend brought back tons of records – that was 1984. And he was kind enough to lend me some, I barely remember the records I borrowed, Agnostic Fronts’ Cause for Alarm, Killing Joke’s Revelation, Lords of the New Church’s Dance With Me single, and this one from Suburban Lawn. I have to be honest, I don’t know at the time what their music was. I just borrowed it because their name was I think cool. I remember clearly that I was so disappointed because I think they sounded “silly.” But now that I’m older and wiser (yeah right!), I kind of dig their music now that’s why I’m posting it now. This is really a cool record in retrospect – hated it then, love it now. Hearing the song “Janitor” again really brings back memories of late night taping, and hanging out with my friends.

Enjoy!

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Psi Com - Psi Com

Psi Com is a Goth Band from L.A. and it’s single “Ho Ka Hey” received an extensive airplay from the coolest local radio station here in Manila, WXB 102.7 FM because their guitarist Vince Duran is a Filipino.

By the way, did I mentioned this was the first band of Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction and Porno For Pyros fame? Well, now you know.

Enjoy!


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VA - Winters of Discontent

I snagged this on the net about two years ago. I have no information about this release, all I know is that this is a compilation of Peel Sessions and the bands and songs featured here are awesome that I am compelled to share this with you just in case you missed it out the first time it was posted. (I think the blog where I got this from has already bitten the dust).

Tracklist

The Stranglers - Something Better Change
Siouxsie And The Banshees - Love In A Void
The Adverts - Gary Gilmore's Eyes
The Slits - Shoplifting
Buzzcocks - Fast Cars
Rich Kids - Rich Kids
Skids - Of One Skin
Adam And The Ants - It Doesn't Matter
The Only Ones - Another Girl Another Planet
Stiff Little Fingers - Suspect Device
The Fall - Mess Of My
The Damned - Stretcher Case
King - Anti Pope
Echo And The Bunnymen - Read It In Books
The Ruts - Sus
Young Marble Giants - Brand New Life
The Nightingales - Start From Scratch
The Birthday Party - Big Jesus Trash Can
Associates - A Matter Of Gender
The Chameleons - The Fan And The Bellows
The Very Things - Wall Of Fir
The Wild Swans - Enchanted
Microdisney - Sun
The Redskins - Kick Over The Statues
Billy Bragg - A New England

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Haymaker - It Only Gets Worse

Among the crop of “newer” hardcore bands, Haymaker, in my opinion is on top of the list. Of course, members of this insane band came from Left For Dead, Chokehold, the Swarm, and the Cursed. After releasing several singles and splits with Fucked Up and Oxbaker just to name a few, they’re long-awaited full-length album was finally released in 2002.

Twenty five songs about cops (and how they hate them!), skateboarding and lots more. It included the cover "Burning Chemicals", originally done by the NUNFUCKERS, "A Million More Dead Cops" (MDC), "Life, Love, Revenge" (UNBROKEN), and "From the Cradle, to the Pavement" (SUBHUMANS). These guys are very pissed and reminded me of Infest a lot, which is a very good thing if you may ask. Add in Pushead’s artwork and it’s truly a killer!


Don’t take my word for it, here’s what the ‘pros’ have to say:

Thrash N Burn (Finland)

“BEST RECORD OF 2002!? Awesome heavy hardcore combining thrashy speed, great riffs, heavy mosh parts and a rude as fuck attitude. Haymaker brings the shit - negative hardcore 2002!”

Aversionline.com

“Slightly raw and heavy old school hardcore with all the speed and anger one would expect from the genre. They blaze through 25 songs in 22 minutes, and they mean fuckin' business. Obviously the songs almost never hit the one minute mark, but the writing is still intense as hell, and they know how to pack a fucking punch in 45 seconds or less that's for damn sure. There are tons of brutal breakdowns, but not in a goofy metalcore sense, they just add some flare to the tracks and are also a little bit darker somehow, which is unusual. They also thrown down a cover of the Nunfuckers' "Burning Chemicals", and it's incredible! If this is any indication of what the Nunfuckers had to offer back in the 80's, I've got some hunting to do! The production works out fine. Ever! ything is pretty even as far as both tones and the mix are concerned. I'd turn up the bass a little bit, being careful not to muddy up the sound. But other than that I have no qualms. The guitars are rugged but mesh perfectly with the vicious vocal shouts/screams, the drums are natural and do their thing, etc. The cover art is done by Pushead, so you know what to expect there. Skulls, eyeballs, the usual. The color scheme seems different from his other work, but whatever. The lyrics are bitter as hell and attack various topics, but humorous song titles like "God Can Fuck Hymnself" and "Who Wants to Kill a Millionaire?" should offer some insight there. But don't get the wrong idea, there's some serious shit here too, "Believe everything you fuckin' see, 'Cause those in charge wouldn't lie, Rest assured while you're sleeping, They're creating new ways for you to dieSÿ" This is an awesome fucking record. As with the vast majority of bands that play this style, Haymaker isn't exa! ctly doing something new, but I do feel like they have more to offer than a lot of the other bands out there, and they are leaning towards a sound that has enough diversity to really make a difference. Definitely recommended. There's only so much to say about a CD like this, but it fucking kills, so check it out.“

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Scratch Acid - the Greatest Gift

Scratch Acid played a huge part in the noisy underground movement of the 1980s; they took punk to the dirtiest, dingiest mudhole they could find and sullied it from top to bottom until it looked and sounded like some hell-bound bogeyman. It's not too far-fetched to think of Scratch Acid as the American equivalent of the Birthday Party, the Texans donning the mantle that was dropped when the BP disbanded. The Greatest Gift contains everything the band ever recorded, including a few lo-fidelity instrumentals. Scratch Acid never received the notice it deserved, but the musicians could pound out brilliantly frenzied and highly original post-punk/noise rock that sometimes rivals the material released by singer David Yow and bassist David Sims' future (and much more well known) project, the Jesus Lizard. The first eight songs were originally released in 1984 as an eponymous EP; from the opening crashing bars of "Cannibal" to the terrifying lyrics heard on "Lay Screaming" (a song which reads like something culled from a medieval book about torture), this band obviously never had any desire to control itself. Only one slight reprieve can be found in the relatively tender "Owner's Lament," a song replete with weeping strings. Songs nine through 20 first saw the light of a sickly day as Just Keep Eating, Scratch Acid's one and only full-length that found the band expanding its musical palette: insane noise rock numbers ("Eyeball," "Holes"), jaunty, faux lounge grooves ("Amicus"), goofy Zeppelin-esque riffs ("Cheese Plug"), and a spot-on cover of the Webber-Rice rocker "Damned for All Time," complete with exclamatory horns. The remainder of the disc comprises the songs from their definitive statement, the 1987 Berserker EP. A little more money went into this recording; as the sound quality is better than on Just Keep Eating, it was definitely worth it. "Mary Had a Little Drug Problem" and "Flying Houses" are whirlwinds of pounding drums, foreboding basslines, and scathing, blinding guitar phrases. The band never played so well or wrote better songs. Highly recommended to any Jesus Lizard fan and noise rock/hardcore punk aficionado.

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Richard and Linda Thompson - Shoot Out the Lights

We went to my sister’s house in Antipolo (a suburb of Manila) during the Independence Day long weekend. I have nothing to do much there since there’s no Internet connection and all, so I dusted off my DVD collection I left there when my wife & I decided to live in the city. I found my Richard Thompson DVD when he played the Austin City Limits show. It showcased the whole concert, not just the 30 minutes of performance featured in the said TV show. It reminded me how much I worshipped this guy’s guitar playing. The set was half acoustic and the other half electric. With him was a guy on an upright bass and a drummer. That’s it! But this guy rocked the audience like no other. So upon returning to the city, I immediately put on the Shoot Out the Lights CD. This record still kicks my ass, not the ass kicking I get with say ENT but a different kind of kick altogether.

He recorded this album with his wife, alternating vocal duties through out. It was originally released back in 1982 when their marriage was on the brink of disaster. But the songs here were written 1 or 2 years prior so there’s not much of a strain here. There are also hints of Fairport Convention, his former band, especially on Back Street Slide.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

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Microdisney - Singles & B Sides

Microdisney, I first heard on WXB 102.7 FM, the sorely missed radio station here in the Manila. I think it was 1984 or 1985 when I heard Harmony Time, and they didn’t play it again (though Birthday Girl received a considerable airplay, since it’s actually the A-side and Harmony Time is the B-Side). But the song stuck in my head like a splinter and I was left hanging all this time.

Recently, I asked my friend and partner in crime, the Terrorizer, if he can find me that song. And he actually did. He got it from some long dead blog but the links are still ok. After 20 plus years of searching, I finally get to listen to that song again.

Yeah I know, I’m supposed to be punk & hardcore and stuff like that. But I got to admit, I also listen to stuff from Echo & the Bunnymen, Pale Fountains, the Lucy Show and the like. I listen almost about all types of music NOT usually played on the radio (I stopped listening to the radio in 1998 and never looked back).

Anyways, I just want to share to you all the things in my playlist. I hope you dig them as much as I do. Enjoy!

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Frank Zappa - Hot Rats

I was listening to Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats the other night and my sister visited us and she was trying to put Tommy, my youngest, to bed. So naturally, I turned off the music. But to our surprise Tommy stood up and looked at me as if saying to turn the music on again. Even my sister knew what Tommy liked and she said to turn on the music. I didn’t know what to think. Does he like Frank Zappa or just any music I put on? So I experimented on different kinds of music. I put on the Dead Kennedys but he didn’t like it. I said to myself, it must’ve have been too noisy for him, he can’t fall asleep. So I put on some Undertones, which is relatively quieter than DK’s. But he still didn’t go to sleep and he was trying to say something to me. Finally, my sister told me to put back what I was listening to before – Zappa. So I did, and lo & behold, he went back to sleep.

I was so stoked that my kid likes Zappa more than his father! I have to say, I wasn’t a big Zappa fan and Hot Rats was just recommended to me by my buddy who’s really into that kind of music. Years back, I asked him what album of Zappa he would recommend to me. He knew that aside from punk, hardcore, crust, power pop, etc. I also listen to Miles, Coltrane & Monk. So, he told me that I should start with Hot Rats, given my musical taste and all. So I bough it and actually liked what I heard. But I wasn’t sure why he recommended Hot Rats instead of say Freak Out! I guess, he read me wrong.

Anyways, this is a really good record and a great introduction to Zappa if you haven’t heard of him and a shoutout to my son Tommy!

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Tame the Tikbalang - Forever Shall Be

Tame the Tikbalang is one of my all-time favorite Pinoi bands, playing NYHC inspired music. I can't last a month without playing this album. But unfortunately, someone borrowed my cd and forgot to return it, I'm still looking for the f#$*#er! He's in for a beating of his lifetime!

Good thing, a friend of mine has a copy so I just made a copy and ripped it as well for good measure.

So anyone who has a"spare" cd i can score, just let me know via the coment section.

Enjoy!


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Sky Church - Unaware/Unwarned

Unaware/Unwarned is the second release from these thrash, punk, hardcore noise-makers from the Philippines. They gained their notoriety when Jason Newsted, then with Metallica, visited the Philippines and jammed with some local bands. He was very impressed with Sky Church and I can't blame him. These brothers(!) are really, really good. Go and see for yourself!

Enjoy!

I grabbed the picture from ebay. hehehe


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VA - Half the Battle, Play, Feud 3-way Split

Pinoi comps galore! I've posted Deadly Rhythms from the Production Line & Deep Impact compilation and now the three-way split of Half the Battle, Play and Feud.

I saw Half the Battle for the first time when they opened for Eskapo when the latter toured their home country. I was totally blown away by their performance and quickly scrounge to anything they ever recorded. This is the only one I can find, for now.

PS: I only post Filipino releases to showcase them and to show the world what we have. So, all you Pinoi Punks, go to Cartimar Recto and buy these releases. The bands need your support!

Special thanks to Lena Johnston for the scans. More power!

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VA - Deadly Rhythms from the Production Line

Another excellent Pinoi compilation. Istukas Over Disneyland (a great punk band from the Philippines), Killratio (hardcore from the Philippines), La Grita (thrash punk from California) and Eskapo (Fil-Am hardcore from Vallejo, California).

PS: I only post Filipino releases to showcase them and to show the world what we have. So, all you Pinoi Punks, go to Cartimar Recto and buy these releases. The bands need your support!

Special thanks to Lena Johnston for the scans. More power!


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VA - Deep Impact

This is a four-way "international" split from Brutal Assault from Israel, Bloody Rejects from Singapore, Omerta & No Peace in Silince both from the Philippines.

This is an awesome, ear-splitting record of metallic chaos! Enjoy!

PS: I only uploaded Filipino bands to showcase them and to show the world what we have. So, all you Pinoi punks, go to Cartimar Recto and buy these stuff! Support the band they needed it.

Special thanks to Lena Johnston for the scans. More Power!

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Valley Girl OST

I don’t know what’s gotten over me, but I was feeling kind of nostalgic lately that I feel the urge to posts these soundtracks here. I remember back in High School that me and my buddies would cut classes just to watch Decline of Western Civilization, Sid & Nancy, Great Rock n Roll Swindle, the Jam concert , Suburbia in Betamax format. Hahaha, those were the daze.

Anyways, the soundtracks here now considered classics. SLC Punk & Suburbia OST’s are no-brainers, it’s up my alley, BUT Valley Girl & Sixteen Candles? Well, I still have my New Wave roots in me. But I got to admit that I haven’t seen Valley Girl though I recently bought the DVD in “pirate land.” While I saw Sixteen Candles years later after its release in a local channel. My friend bought me the Sixteen Candles Soundtrack and a New Order Maxi Single (Thieves Like Us) when he got back from Japan. I sold the Thieves Like Us single but kept the Sixteen Candles OST. Also, the Less Than Zero SOundtrack is amazing simply because of Slayer’s version of In A Gadda Da Vida alone. Just like March Violet’s version of the Rolling Stone’s classic Miss Amanda Jones in the Some Kind of Wonderful OST.

And who can forget Pump Up the Volume (which includes contributions from the Pixies, Sonic Youth, Soundgarden just to name a few) or Some Kind of Wonderful

Personally, I was never a fan of teen flicks such as Pretty in Pink and the like, and the only reason why I watched them was because of the soundtracks.

Anyways, hope you liked my little nostalgia trip!

Enjoy!


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More Music from the Valley Girl Soundtrack

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Pump Up the Volume OST

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Less Than Zero OST

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SLC Punk OST

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Suburbia OST

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Pretty in Pink OST

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Sixteen Candles OST

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Some Kind of Wonderful OST

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the Lost Boys OST

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