The Mekons - Work All Week

I was going to move on to another band but it didn’t feel right not including the Mekons third single, "Work all week". Another classic which I have never stopped playing. This is on the best of album, but be prepared it is nothing like the original single. It’s still good, but the original is the best.

Band: The Mekons
Label: Virgin
Year: 1979
Name: Work All Week / Unknown Wrecks

Anyway enough about the Mekons, time to listen, ripped from glorious scratched vinyl to inferior mp3, Work all Week and Unknown Wrecks

Scars - Adult/ery

Another great punk classic from the Fast label.

The label states "Play Loud" and so you should.

For me the b-side "Horrorshow" is the best, but both sides are brilliant. If you like this, go and order their excellent album "Author Author"

Author! Author!

This single is not on it, I think apart from the single release it was only available on a FAST various album (if anyone has that can they share it?)




The music is noisy, scratchy, agitated and fast, see what you think.

Band: Scars
Label: FAST
Year: 1979
Tracks: Adult/ery / Horrorshow

Find it here ripped from glorious scratchy vinyl to inferior mp3

The Valves - Linda Vindaloo

Strictly speaking the title of today's blog should be "The Valves - it Don't Mean Nothing At All" which is the a-side of this single. But clearly Albion (the record label - it couldn't have been the Valves choice) made a mistake by not selecting Linda Vindaloo as the a-side.

This is the Valves third single, many believe their first single Adolf Only/Robot Love was their best, but in my opinion, Linda Vindaloo is their best.



See what you think

Band: The Valves
Label: Albion
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. It Don't Mean Nothing At All
2. Linda Vindaloo




Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Crisis - No Town Hall (Southwark)

Crisis were one of my favourite punk bands for a number of reasons:

1. Their songs were brilliant
2. They were a local band (surrey)
3. I knew half of them
4. We used to get on the guest list

Its funny listening to these songs now, to think we were teenagers protesting the building of a town hall, today I don't think many people could care less.

My favourite tracks on this single is P.C. One Nine Eight Four (note the play on 1984) , because it is a classic punk song and secondly the lyrics were very true for the late seventies. I can think of a number of times the police waded in for no reason (well we may have been humming the theme of z-cars - but still a little excessive reaction).

See what you think, I will put some other Crisis stuff up later (plus a few more stories). I also have attached a high resolution copy of the front cover so you can sing along to the lyrics. Enjoy.

They did release an album with all of their singles on, which is sadly no longer available. If people want it then leave a comment and I will post it later on.

So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl onto substandard mp3

The Dials - All I Here

The Dials were a local band from Sunbury (Middlesex). I'm not sure how well they are known (there is no mention on punk77).

They did have some association with the Members and this record was produced by Nicky Tesco from the Members.


This was their first and I think only recording, again if anyone has anything else, I would be interested.


All I Hear is great, fast and loud with lots of saxophone which apart from X-Ray Spex was rare for punk bands. The b-side in my opinion is too long and nothing special, See what you think


Band: The Dials
Label: Scene Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. All I Hear
2 Running

So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl, the Dials

The Surgeons - Sid Never Did It

February 2nd, 1979 the day Sid Vicious died.

I will never forget this day. I was an apprentice and went into work as usual, when I arrived all the old guys in the factory were stood in a row,standing in silence, with black arm bands on, saluting me. I stood there thinking what are they taking the piss of now, then one of them said "your hero died today" I replied "who" and they all returned "Sid Vicious" and burst out laughing. Well that's how I heard Sid died.

This is one of a few songs that claimed Sid never killed his girlfriend Nancy Spungen. It's OK but not one of my favorites. I can't even remember buying it, but I understand it is hard to come by and many people may never have had the opportunity to hear it. So here it is, see what you think. The b-side is all about Rikers island the prison Sid was sent to (not very good in my opinion).

Band: The Surgeons
Label: Surgery Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Sid Never Did It
2. Breaking Rocks On Rikers Island


So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Cash Pussies - 99% is Shit

The beginning, middle and end of this song have quotes spoken by Sid vicious, with his final comments providing a spooky predication of what was to come.

The title of this tracks "99% is shit" is also taken from a Sid Quote which can be heard at the beginning of this track.

Although the Cash Pussies clearly jumped on the "Sid is Dead" gravy train, I really like this song and it has always sat on compilations I have made up. This is a supposedly double a-side single but "cash flow" is poor, but I leave it hear for completeness and for you to make your own minds up.


Band: Cash Pussies
Year: 1979
Label: The Label
Tracks:
1. 99% is Shit
2. Cash Flow

So ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Siouxsie & The Banshees - Mittageisen (Metal Postcard)

How can you post punk music without something from Siouxsie and the Banshees? You can't, so here is some for you. I don't think this one is massively well known outside the hardcore banshees fans. A German version of Metal Postcard (which is originally in English on her excellent debut "The Scream").

Lyrics on the back cover, so you can learn and sing along in German (high res scan included in download). The b-side is also excellent, an old live favorite "Love In A Void". It's a little scratched I'm afraid, so to make up for this the following post will be a brilliant studio bootleg called Metal Shadows (which has another version of Love In A Void)

Band: Siouxsie and the Banshees
Label: Polydor
Year: 1977
Tracks:
1. Mittageisen (Metal Postcard)
2. Love In A Void

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

A.D. 1984 - The Russians Are Coming

Punk77 said "this is the A.D.1984 song you want", and he's right. It's brilliant and you will not be able to stop singing along. The b-side is also excellent.

I know this has been posted before, but it does not appear to be available at the moment, so if you were looking for it. Here it is.



Enjoy.


Band: A.D. 1984
Label: Voyage International
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. The Russians Are Coming
2. New Moon Falling

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

The Monochrome Set - Alphaville

Another strange but very addictive song for you. This was The Monochrome Sets first single. Released on Rough Trade, I find it difficult to describe what kind of music it is, so you will have to try it out and mane your own mind up.

Both sides are excellent, there is jagged punk guitar riffs, mixed with harmony. They went on to produce a number of quality songs and albums for a few years (if anyone likes this then leave a comment and I will post some more of there stuff). although never really gaining the fame they may have deserved.

Band: The Monochrome Set
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Alphaville
2. He's Frank

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then there a couple of "best of" CD's that will give you a taster of the Monochrome Set., neither of them have Alphaville. One word of warning they often changed their music style so it's not all like this single.

The Best of the Monochrome Set

Tomorrow Will Be Too Long

Steve Treatment - Heaven Knows (Juvenile Wrecks)

This ones a real gem, Steve Treatments second single and for me his best. Once you start playing these tracks you will struggle to get them out of your mind, especially the b-side "Step Inside a worn out shoe", you will be singing this all the time.

Steve Treatment was a massive Marc Bolan and T Rex fan and you can hear the influence on both tracks on this single.

I was a little upset when I recorded this as I had placed the single in a clear plastic sleeve to protect the cover, and when i went to take the cover out to scan it, I found it had stuck to the plastic, so therefore I had to scan in the sleeve, hence the not so brilliant scan. if anyone has a better scan I will replace them. Oh well it's the music that counts so enjoy.

More etching trivia on this one. On a-side: it says "I wish I was a spaceman" and on the b-side: "But I'm a spaceman". Don't know what that's about, but I do like finding those little messages.

Singer: Steve Treatment
Label: Backbone Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Heaven Knows (Juvenile Wrecks)
2. Step Inside A Worn Out Shoe

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:



If you like this then its good news, as all Steve treatments material, including a new album is available on the excellent Topplers site (also visit this for some classic Nomen free downloads).

The Shapes - Wot's For Lunch Mum (Not B****s Again)

The Shapes were more akin to someone like Television Personalities. Punk sound with witty, amusing lyrics. Songs like "Batman in the Launderette" and lyrics like "Holy Soap", Excellent.

The first track is "Wots for lunch Mum? (not Beans again!) for some reason they didn't spell beans but "b****s. Who knows?

This was their first single a 4 track ep released in 1979 on Sofa Records.

The cover was just a single piece of paper - nice and simple (punk).

I always said I would post music that would make you smile, if this one doesn't then you need to lighten up. Try it.

Band: The Shapes
Label: Sofa Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Wot's For Lunch Mum? (not B***s again!)
2. College Girls
3. (I Saw) Batman In The Launderette
4. Chatterboks













ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

Songs for Sensible People

Brian James - Ain't That A Shame

Brian James was formerly in the Damned and Tanz der Youth. He only released one single as Brian James and here it is.

I always liked this single especially "Ain't that a Shame" and "I can Make You Cry" even though it was never really rated on its release. He went on to produce an album as well which you can find at here at Rollmops blog.

For those of you who are interested, Stewart Copeland also played drums on this single.

Bit more etching trivia on the a-side: "A James Shame"

Band: Brian James
Label: J Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Ain't That A Shame
2. Living In The Sun
3. I Can Make You Cry

Ripped from glorious (pretty good condition) vinyl:

Joe 9t and the Thunderbirds - Joe 9T Theme / They Must Be Russians - Pyscho Analysis

Considering there were only 1,000 copies of this, I am sure many of you will not have heard this single.

It was released as a white label split side (a different band on each side) single. It was a real DIY punk approach, even the cover has the names of "They must be Russians", penned by hand.

For me the best song is the "Joe 9T Theme" by "Joe 9T and the Thunderbird's" a real punk classic. If you want to know more about these bands then click here.

For those of you who don't know who Joe 90 (the real name) was, he was the main character in a "Gerry Anderson" puppet show (just like Thunderbird's - also Gerry Anderson). Joe 90 was never that cool (not as cool as Captain Scarlet and Thunderbird's), he was a young bespectacled kid, who by using a machine could transfer other peoples knowledge into his head, so he could save the day.

As a treat and for those of you too young to remember I have also included the original Joe 90 Theme.

Band1: Joe 9t and the Thunderbird's
Band2: They Must Be Russians
Label: Gename Records
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Joe 9T Theme
2. Psycho Analysis

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:



Secret Bonus (also ripped from glorious scratched vinyl) in the same link:

Band: The Barry Gray Orchestra
Label:
Year: 1965
Tracks:
1. Thunderbird's Theme
2. Joe 90 Theme

Generation X - King Rocker

I know what your thinking, “King Rocker” that’s a pit poppy and by no means the best “Generation X” single, and I would agree with you.

But as is often the case with Punk records, it’s the b-side that is the reason for this posting.

“Gimme Some Truth” was a protest song from John Lennon, originally released on his “Imagine” album in 1971. Lennon was protesting about deceptive politicians (what’s changed).

In the lyrics “Tricky Dicky” was used (see Lyrics at bottom of posting) this was a reference directly to Richard Nixon, and became increasingly relevant with the 1972 Watergate scandal and subsequently the nickname stuck with Nixon.

I’m a big fan of covers if they are done well, and in my opinion this one is. Recorded live in 1977 for a John Peel session, Generation X has ‘punked’ up the song and made a few minor changes to the lyrics. This for me was the only reason for buying this single, as I was never a great fan of “King Rocker”.

Band: Generation X
Label: Chrysalis
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. King Rocker
2. Gimme Some Truth

If you like these tracks go and buy this album; both sides are now on the CD version:

Valley of the Dolls

GIMME SOME TRUTH (John Lennon Lyrics)

I'm sick and tired of hearing things
From uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocritics
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth
I've had enough of reading things
By neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth

No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of tricky dicky
Is gonna mother hubbard soft soap me
With just a pocketful of hope
Money for dope
Money for rope

No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of tricky dicky
Is gonna mother hubbard soft soap me
With just a pocketful of soap
Money for dope
Money for rope

I'm sick to death of seeing things
From tight-lipped, condescending, mama's little chauvinists
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth now

I've had enough of watching scenes
Of schizophrenic, ego-centric, paranoiac, prima-donnas
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth

No short-haired, yellow-bellied, son of tricky dicky
Is gonna mother hubbard soft soap me
With just a pocketful of soap
It's money for dope
Money for rope

Ah, I'm sick and tired of hearing things
from uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded hypocrites
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth now

I've had enough of reading things
by neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians
All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth now

All I want is the truth now
Just gimme some truth now
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth
All I want is the truth
Just gimme some truth.

The Pack - King Of Kings

Before Spear of Destiny....

Before Theater of Hate.....

There was “The Pack

Kirk Brandons first band the Pack was formed in 1978. This is their second single, and again (I thnk I’m getting boring here) I am posting it because of the excellent b-side “Number 12”.

As soon as it starts, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and you feel like grabbing an air guitar and playing along furiously. When Brandon’s unique style of singing (an acquired taste for many) starts you can hardly understand a word but who cares, just make a similar noise and join in. If this one doesn’t get you going, nothing will. This is Loud, Raw Mean, Moody and ....……. just play it.

The a-side “King of Kings” is also excellent but for me is still outclassed by “Number 12” The lyrics are on the back but only for “King of Kings”, so I have as usual provided a high resolution scan for you to sing along.

Band: The Pack
Label: Rough Trade
Year: 1979
Tracks
1. King of Kings
2. Number 12

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

If you like then you will not go wrong with this album, all of the Pack and Theater of Hate singles are included, an excellent buy:

The Complete Singles Collection

Pinpoint - Richmond

Arturo (formerly of the Lurkers) formed a new band called 'Pinpoint' and this was their debut single.

In my opinion this single was excellent and 'Pinpoint' were also a pretty good live band. The b-side 'Love Substitute' is OK, but the a-side 'Richmond' is outstanding.

They did release a further two singles (of which I have) and an album, which I don't (and I would be interested in hearing if anyone out there has it).

Band: Pinpoint
Label: Albion
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Richmond
2. Love Substitute


Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl

Sore Throat - Zombie Rock

The second single from 'Sore Throat' and quite different from their first (see earlier post). 'Zombie Rock' will have you 'bopping' around and singing along, this is a mix of new wave, horror and Rock 'n' Roll.

'I Don't Wanna Go Home' the b-side is also brilliant, this could of been a double a-side, but in my opinion 'Zombie Rock' steals the day.

So which one do you prefer? Leave a comment, and let us know.



Band: Sore Throat
Label: Albion
Year: 1978
Tracks:
1. Zombie Rock
2. I Don't Wanna Go Home

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

The Numbers, The X-Certs, Joe Public, 48 Hours - 4 Alternatives EP

Some real 'gems for you here. Four different bands with a track each, and all of them are good.

My favorite is Joe Public's 'Hotel Rooms', closely followed by The X-Certs 'Blue Movies. Leave a comment for which one you prefer.

Released on Heartbeat records with the aim to help promote local bands from Bristol.

Bot of etching trivia the a-side has "Shaun's got balls". Who knows!


Label: Heartbeat
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. Alternative Suicide - The Numbers
2. Blue Movies - The X-Certs
3. Hotel Rooms - Joe Public
4. 48 Hours - Back To Ireland

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:


If you like this then you are in luck as this EP and others excellent releases are still available on a 2*CD album - go and order this now from here:

Avon Calling: Very Best Of Heartbeat Records (scroll down an little and you will find it)

The Molesters - The End Of Civilisation

This is the second of two 'Molesters' singles released on the excellent 'Small Wonder' label. Hailing from Brighton, one of the many bands that were put in the 'New Wave' genre which was usually given to any band that sounded like a cross between punk and pop.

This is a really catchy tune that alongside their debut single should have made them better known. I saw 'The Molesters' a few times and enjoyed them. The b-side is OK, but it's the a-side that stands out for me.

Band: the Molesters
Label: Small Wonder
Year: 1979
Tracks:
1. The End Of Civilisation
2. Girl behind The Curtain

The a-side has the etching "Molest me"

Ripped from glorious scratched vinyl:

If you like this then the a-side plus lots of other excellent tracks are on this album. Go and buy it now:

Small Wonder Punk Singles Collection Vol.1