COMPILATION
GREY VINYL
Who doesn’t like a well put together compilation? Another
excellent showcase of current punk and oi! bands doing the rounds, released in
2012.
Veteran punk/oi! stalwarts THE BUSINESS kick things off with “Here’s Johnny” in the vein of
their rockier material, not dissimilar to the stuff on “The Whole truth” album.
The dependable MARCHING ORDERS from
Australia are next with a melodic singalong anthem, “Something more than this”.
STOMPER 98 continue the pace with
their melodic guitar–driven oi! augmented by saxophone, although I can’t
decipher the lyrics as they’re singing in German, I think. The reliable ARGY BARGY sport a different sound on
this recording to the stuff I’m familiar with, on ”This is me”, a little less full
on perhaps, though this demonstrates the variety in their sound, and is still
pretty lively. RAZORBLADE’s gravel
throated vocals heavy things up with “Live and die”, and the momentum continues
with BROKEN HEROES “Walk Tall”.
I have to say I’m puzzled by RANCID’s inclusion on this album. I just don’t understand. Their
contribution is called “Fuck You” and contains a chorus of......... “Fuck You”.
I mean, really. From my point of view, they’re a little bit out of place here. Being
the first song on side two though fortunately you can just move the needle over
and skip it........ Next up, Boston
USA’s STREET DOGS turn out one of
their pacier singalong tunes. THE
CLICHES “They’ve got to go” is a more kinda rock n roll type of song with a
singalong chorus, you’ll find yourself singing along to this one. Same with FLATFOOT 56 – a highlight on this comp
for me, the breakneck guitars are complemented by the melody of I think, an acoustic
guitar, or perhaps mandolin, I’m not sure – whatever it is works a treat and
really adds to this song. Another Australian band STRANGLEHOLD are a highlight as well, the buzzsaw guitars and
razor-throated female vocals on this song are just fucking great. Lastly, the
UK’s BOOZE & GLORY have also got
to get ya singing along with “Paradise” with its “La la la la” intro, course
but melodic guitars, and singalong chorus.
All in all, this is a damn fine compilation that I’ve found
myself listening to a fair bit. There’s a bit of an element of 80’s comps such
as “Punk and Disorderly” or “Oi! Chartbusters”, which unfortunately there’s not
enough of anymore.
The only real gripe I have with this record is the lack of a
back cover. Like volume one, there ain’t a back cover to speak of really. The
front is folded over at the bottom, with just enough room on the back to give
the artist and song title. It kinda looks like there wasn’t enough money to pay
for a complete cover. Don’t get me wrong, the front cover collage of bands
looks great, in good old black and white, and gives a pretty good indication of
the contents. However even some printing on the inside back perhaps would have
been an improvement. And of course, it’s really about the music itself. But a
proper cover and more information or pics would have really capped this
excellent record off. As I say, great release though. Good quality vinyl, great
sound. Download code for those interested.
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