( N ~ Z )
35% OFF EVERYTHING!! (4/26/14~)
35% OFF EVERYTHING!! (4/26/14~)
ex-Laukaus singer and drummer's post-Laukaus band. Sounds pretty similar to the late Laukaus stuff. Possibly, this would have been what Laukaus' music style would have evolved to if they didn't break up?! That was the impression I got when I first heard it. Great HC in a totally original style. Too bad, I don't think N.O.W. is still active.
Nausea "Smash Racism, Now." 7" EP - Boot, 1992, US, Pink sleeve, Insert, (No Cat. #) - $12
Nightmare "Footprints Of The Wind" (足跡) 7" EP - Blood Sucker, 1999, Japan, Insert, (BSR-053) - $12
No Value "Peaceful Violence" 7" EP - Under The Surface, 2009, Japan, (UTS-006) - $8
Order "Kombinat" 7" EP - HG Fact, 2010, Japan, Orig. 1st press(Sold only in Japan) of 1000 copies on black vinyl, (HG-270) - $12
Paintbox "Honou / Sabaku" (炎 / 砂漠) 7" EP - HG Fact, 1998, Japan, Insert, (HG-101) - $20
Pics, info and track listing: http://www.discogs.com/Paintbox-Live-Raise-The-Capital/release/3335589
Paintbox "Genseki" (ゲンセキ) 7" EP - HG Fact, 2009, Japan, Ltd. mail order-only edition of 300 copies(out of 1000 total) on "ore" colored vinyl, (New/Unplayed), (HG-245) - $38
Limited to 1000 copies total.(700 on black and 300 on white/black mixed colored vinyl for mail order, sold out immediately)
Feat. earlier line-up with Chelsea(Paintbox, Death Side, The Execute, Mino-5, Asylum, Human Arts etc.) on guitar, and Ran-Lin(Death Side & Hikaru Genji) on drums. Produced by Yoshiki(X).
Poison Arts "Hi-Energy/Absolutely Hungry" 7" flexi - Slice, 1988, Japan, 1000 pressed, Glossy poster sleeve, Insert, (PLM-173) - $28
Contains a re-recorded version of the killer title track tune which originally appeared on their classic "Kick Rock" LP on Selfish Records in '88. This version sounds much faster than the original!
Rap "Hysteria" 12" - Dogma, 1987, Japan, 16-page booklet(B5 size), (DOG-18) - $30
This 12" is harder to find than their previous 7" releases on Dogma Records. Comes with a nice large booklet with the band photos, lyrics and info. Check out some cool live footages:
"Rock Magazine" (Live in Shizuoka '86)
"Chokujyou-Keikou" & "Da・Ta・I" (Live in Osaka '85)
"Masui" (Live at Antiknock, Tokyo '86)
Raw Noise "S/T" (a.k.a. "Sound Of Destruction") 7" EP - Raw Noise Recs., 1990, UK, (RAW 001) - $14
Classic U.K. crust with E.N.T. members. Self-released 1st EP.
Reality Crisis "Deformed Society" 7" EP - MCR Company, 1999, Japan, 1000 pressed, Insert, (MCR-141) - $20
Long out of print 1st EP by one of the finest bands from the current Japanese crust scene.
Refuse "Punk Save The World???" 7" EP - Beer City, 2001, Japan, w/ paper 3D glasses, (Beer City Records-01) - $22
Lo-fi noisecore/noise-punk. The center label says "Beer Cider Noise!!!!!". Contains six filthy trax including the song titles like "Noise Never Die!" or "The Fuck Song" and a crappy version of the Gai/Swankys cover song "Little Star". This was self-released on the band's own label called Beer City, not to be confused with the U.S. label with the same name. These guys also released the "Control Noise" tape on their other label called Damaging Noise. As it says "Some copies came with a pair of 3D glasses." on Discogs, this copy is complete with a bonus 3D glasses.(Why...?!?! Some sort of a nonsense joke, perhaps?) I have no fucking clue what the 3D glasses have to do with this record, but I see on the back sleeve there's a weird photo of a bunch of guys wearing the similar glasses, and inside the sleeve there's a 3D artwork(?).
Refuse "Punk Save The World???" 7" EP - Beer City, 2001, Japan, (Beer City Records-01) - $20
Result "Love//Hope" (愛//希望) LP - Scruffy Krust, 1999, Japan, 900 pressed on black(1000 copies total), Silk-screened sleeve, Insert & 16-page booklet, (No Cat. #) - $78
The first and only full-length LP by this amazing Japanese crustcore band featuring the singer from C.F.D.L. The guitarist later went on to form Muga. Self-released on the ban'd own label. This LP is one of the best '90s Japanese crust releases in my opinion. It's way better than the "I Can Go Die" 7" that came out a few years prior to this. Dark, metallic, and dramatic crustcore at its best. This is one killer record that shouldn't be missed out on. Nice silver "grim reaper" artwork printed on a black textured paper sleeve. Very rare!
Note: Has a very tiny chip at the blank edge of the vinyl, but it's nothing major. It's so small(about 0.1") that I didn't notice when I bought it used.
Long out of print 1st EP by one of the finest bands from the current Japanese crust scene.
Refuse "Punk Save The World???" 7" EP - Beer City, 2001, Japan, w/ paper 3D glasses, (Beer City Records-01) - $22
Lo-fi noisecore/noise-punk. The center label says "Beer Cider Noise!!!!!". Contains six filthy trax including the song titles like "Noise Never Die!" or "The Fuck Song" and a crappy version of the Gai/Swankys cover song "Little Star". This was self-released on the band's own label called Beer City, not to be confused with the U.S. label with the same name. These guys also released the "Control Noise" tape on their other label called Damaging Noise. As it says "Some copies came with a pair of 3D glasses." on Discogs, this copy is complete with a bonus 3D glasses.(Why...?!?! Some sort of a nonsense joke, perhaps?) I have no fucking clue what the 3D glasses have to do with this record, but I see on the back sleeve there's a weird photo of a bunch of guys wearing the similar glasses, and inside the sleeve there's a 3D artwork(?).
Refuse "Punk Save The World???" 7" EP - Beer City, 2001, Japan, (Beer City Records-01) - $20
Result "Love//Hope" (愛//希望) LP - Scruffy Krust, 1999, Japan, 900 pressed on black(1000 copies total), Silk-screened sleeve, Insert & 16-page booklet, (No Cat. #) - $78
The first and only full-length LP by this amazing Japanese crustcore band featuring the singer from C.F.D.L. The guitarist later went on to form Muga. Self-released on the ban'd own label. This LP is one of the best '90s Japanese crust releases in my opinion. It's way better than the "I Can Go Die" 7" that came out a few years prior to this. Dark, metallic, and dramatic crustcore at its best. This is one killer record that shouldn't be missed out on. Nice silver "grim reaper" artwork printed on a black textured paper sleeve. Very rare!
Note: Has a very tiny chip at the blank edge of the vinyl, but it's nothing major. It's so small(about 0.1") that I didn't notice when I bought it used.
Rise From The Dead "Haraguro" (ハラグロ) 7" flexi - Bron, 1990, Japan, (New/Unplayed), (RFD-1/GIGA-1) - $17
The first and probably the best work done by this Osaka-based band consisted of Naoto(S.O.B.) on vocals, Motsu(Outo, Chicken Bowels & Half Years) on guitar, Mitchun(Outo) on bass and Taku(Crow) on drums. Formed in the late '80s. Yes, their later releases are pretty lame, I must admit that... I guess they played HC only up to the split EP('91) with Filthkick, when they still had the original line-up. I remember not liking their 1st album on Selfish Records so much when it first came out in the late '92. It still sounded HC but was kinda weird, I think. An unplayed, mint stock copy. (P.S.) If anybody wants to either sell or trade a ltd. promo/hard vinyl edition of this flexi, lemme know! I know the promo copies exist like the ones made for the S.O.B./Napalm Death split flexi.
The first and probably the best work done by this Osaka-based band consisted of Naoto(S.O.B.) on vocals, Motsu(Outo, Chicken Bowels & Half Years) on guitar, Mitchun(Outo) on bass and Taku(Crow) on drums. Formed in the late '80s. Yes, their later releases are pretty lame, I must admit that... I guess they played HC only up to the split EP('91) with Filthkick, when they still had the original line-up. I remember not liking their 1st album on Selfish Records so much when it first came out in the late '92. It still sounded HC but was kinda weird, I think. An unplayed, mint stock copy. (P.S.) If anybody wants to either sell or trade a ltd. promo/hard vinyl edition of this flexi, lemme know! I know the promo copies exist like the ones made for the S.O.B./Napalm Death split flexi.
A long out of print, first EP.
Rocky & The Sweden "844" 7" EP - Blood Sucker/Rebelabel Planning, 1999, Japan, Insert, (BSR 046/REB 014) - $12
The 1st flexi by The Rustler from Shizuoka, where a bunch of other fine Japcore bands like So What, Innocents(Zamza), Deadless Muss, Griffin FZ, Mental, H,K, and Swindle Bitch were from. Rare flexi on Deadless Muss' D.I.S. label. 10 tracks! This copy is in a fantastic condition. The flexi, sleeve and insert are colse to new.
SA "Youth On Your Feet" CD - Submission, 1999, Japan, Obi, (SUBM-001) - $20
This self-released CD contains the tracks off the "Oi Of Japan" comp LP(AA Records, '85), a previously unreleased demo track "No Name"('84), a live track "Confound It"('86) and the '99 re-recorded version of their classic tune "Youth On Your Feet". The '99 track is from their first recording session/studio demo that was recorded right after SA got reformed in the late '90s, when they still didn't have the permanent band members. Jun Gray(ex-Sekinintenka, Bitousha, Bradbury & Kenzi) from Dessert plays the bass on this recording. I have no clue who the other two guys are. I think this '99 version sounds way cooler than the original "Oi Of Japan" version. Although the recording is pretty rough, the rerecorded version sounds much faster, rawer and more powerful. The best thing about this CD is those unreleased demo and live tracks you won't find anywhere else. The studio version of "Confound It" originally appeared on the amazing "I Get Position" 8" flexi in '85! If you've never heard that classic flexi, you're missing out something!!! I don't remember which songs but you can hear one or two tracks off this flexi on the "Nagasaki Nightrider" boot comp LP that came out in the '90s.
S.C.U.M., The "Bouryoku-Chudoku"
(暴力中毒) 7" flexi - FEI, 1986, Japan,
White sleeve ver., (FEI-89028) - $170
Brilliant '80s Kyushu HC gem here. A very rare flexi by The S.C.U.M.!!(originally called Acid, no relation to the well-known Tokyo band with the same name) This band is in the more obscure side, but the music is top notch. Their band history is a bit unclear to me. As far as I know they were originally from Nagasaki(where Desperate Children is also from) in Kyushu, then relocated to Tokyo at some point, and I think, went back to Kyushu afterwards. Their awesome CD called "Chudoku-Kanjya" was released around 1990, definitely when the band was based in Hakata, Kyushu. That's what their contact address says on it. By the way, a short band interview is printed inside the CD booklet, where the singer mentions The Swankys(early) as their biggest influence. One source tells me that the members of the original S.C.U.M. from Nagasaki, Kyushu splitted into two forms, however both continued to keep the band name, so there actually were two bands with the same name 'The S.C.U.M.' that originated from the same one band. This info is likely accurate. In that case, I can assume one of The S.C.U.M.'s relocated to Tokyo after the band was splitted into two forms. The flexi came out while they were active in Tokyo, as I can see it in the contact address printed on the sleeve. Also, I know for sure that the one that released this flexi and the one later released the CD are the same, not the other S.C.U.M. that stayed in Kyushu. It's kind of confusing, I know. Other than these two releases, The S.C.U.M. put out the two demo tapes around 1988, and I'm pretty positive those demos were done by the other one that didn't move to Tokyo. Technically the same band, I suppose. Those two demos were later compiled in one and released by King's World Records, on the pro-copies cassette(in an oversized hard box package) entitled "Inconstant"(Hardcore Box Tape) sometime in the early '90. It's listed in the King's World Records discography page here: http://www.geocities.co.jp/radiodaze76/inds0kings.htm (Translation: 暴力中毒 (Bouryoku-Chudoku) = Violence Addict!!!!!!!)
Note: Two sleeve color variations exist. The one with black artwork on white background and another with white artwork on black background. The black version is NOT the first pressing or limited ver. No pressing difference between two. They are from the same pressing.(I doubt this flexi was sold so well back in '86 that the band decided to do more than one pressing, though I could be wrong about that.) It was just released in two different sleeve color variations.
S.O.D. (Sound Of Disaster) "Lagar Och Förordningar" 7" EP - Georg Becker Schallplaten. 2005, Sweden, Black vinyl, (GBR-1415) - $6
The 1983 demo tape put to vinyl.
This self-released CD contains the tracks off the "Oi Of Japan" comp LP(AA Records, '85), a previously unreleased demo track "No Name"('84), a live track "Confound It"('86) and the '99 re-recorded version of their classic tune "Youth On Your Feet". The '99 track is from their first recording session/studio demo that was recorded right after SA got reformed in the late '90s, when they still didn't have the permanent band members. Jun Gray(ex-Sekinintenka, Bitousha, Bradbury & Kenzi) from Dessert plays the bass on this recording. I have no clue who the other two guys are. I think this '99 version sounds way cooler than the original "Oi Of Japan" version. Although the recording is pretty rough, the rerecorded version sounds much faster, rawer and more powerful. The best thing about this CD is those unreleased demo and live tracks you won't find anywhere else. The studio version of "Confound It" originally appeared on the amazing "I Get Position" 8" flexi in '85! If you've never heard that classic flexi, you're missing out something!!! I don't remember which songs but you can hear one or two tracks off this flexi on the "Nagasaki Nightrider" boot comp LP that came out in the '90s.
Brilliant '80s Kyushu HC gem here. A very rare flexi by The S.C.U.M.!!(originally called Acid, no relation to the well-known Tokyo band with the same name) This band is in the more obscure side, but the music is top notch. Their band history is a bit unclear to me. As far as I know they were originally from Nagasaki(where Desperate Children is also from) in Kyushu, then relocated to Tokyo at some point, and I think, went back to Kyushu afterwards. Their awesome CD called "Chudoku-Kanjya" was released around 1990, definitely when the band was based in Hakata, Kyushu. That's what their contact address says on it. By the way, a short band interview is printed inside the CD booklet, where the singer mentions The Swankys(early) as their biggest influence. One source tells me that the members of the original S.C.U.M. from Nagasaki, Kyushu splitted into two forms, however both continued to keep the band name, so there actually were two bands with the same name 'The S.C.U.M.' that originated from the same one band. This info is likely accurate. In that case, I can assume one of The S.C.U.M.'s relocated to Tokyo after the band was splitted into two forms. The flexi came out while they were active in Tokyo, as I can see it in the contact address printed on the sleeve. Also, I know for sure that the one that released this flexi and the one later released the CD are the same, not the other S.C.U.M. that stayed in Kyushu. It's kind of confusing, I know. Other than these two releases, The S.C.U.M. put out the two demo tapes around 1988, and I'm pretty positive those demos were done by the other one that didn't move to Tokyo. Technically the same band, I suppose. Those two demos were later compiled in one and released by King's World Records, on the pro-copies cassette(in an oversized hard box package) entitled "Inconstant"(Hardcore Box Tape) sometime in the early '90. It's listed in the King's World Records discography page here: http://www.geocities.co.jp/radiodaze76/inds0kings.htm (Translation: 暴力中毒 (Bouryoku-Chudoku) = Violence Addict!!!!!!!)
Note: Two sleeve color variations exist. The one with black artwork on white background and another with white artwork on black background. The black version is NOT the first pressing or limited ver. No pressing difference between two. They are from the same pressing.(I doubt this flexi was sold so well back in '86 that the band decided to do more than one pressing, though I could be wrong about that.) It was just released in two different sleeve color variations.
The 1983 demo tape put to vinyl.
Fast, simple and straight-forward Japcore that sounds kinda similar to the late '80s Selfish Records stuff ala Outo, DonDon or Systematic Death, but with a slightly more metallic edge.
Super-rare 1st flexi by the '80s Sendai city HC/Punk legend. This was self-released on the band's own Muzihi label in 1982(Recorded in Nov. '81), not 1985 as incorrectly stated on Discogs and some online resources. Came out prior to their "ADK Omnibus Vol.1" appearance in 1983, and the "In The Shadow" 2nd 8" flexi was release in 1984. Apparently, Muzihi later became Chicken Shit Records that's known for the Disarray release. I always thought Chicken Shit was a label ran by one of the Disarray members, but I guess I was wrong!(See this site: http://www.geocities.jp/radiodaze76/inds0csr.htm) Anyways, this flexi is soooooo fucking goooooood!! And, yes, very rare and sought-after as well. Only contains two tracks but both songs sound VERY similar to The Stalin. If you've never listened to early Sekinintenka and hearing these songs the first time, the first thing that will occur your mind would be, like "Wait a second... Haven't I heard this on "Trash" or "Stop Jap", or isn't this "Niku"...?!?!" ...... Yeah, that's exactly what came to my mind. The first track "Alkali" even starts with the lyrics goes like "Ore wa...", which are exactly the same as the beginning of the "Niku" lyrics. Sort of like their homage to The Stalin, perhaps?? The recording on this flexi is quite raw, which makes it even cooler to listen to. So, these tracks were recorded in Nov. 1981, and that makes it their earliest studio recorded material unless they did a demo or something prior to this that I'm not aware of. In 1985, after the band was already broken up they put out the LP called "Good Luck", which compiled their previously unreleased studio and live materials from 1981~1984. There are two tracks on this LP("Alkali eki" & "Panic"), that I believe are from the same recording session as the two tracks from this flexi.(The outtake recordings?) Also, three live tracks("Barricade", "Noise" & "Dance") which are dated even earlier, June 1981. The official "1981-1984" discography CD that compiles all of their records including the "ADK Omnibus Vol.1" tracks came out a few years ago. There's also a split demo(or live?) tape with Disarray, entitled "Gyakusatsu"(= massacre, genocide), that came out sometime around 1983 exists but I haven't had a chance to hear it. Shortly after Sekinintenka broke up in 1984, the bassist Jun Gray(who also played in Bitousuha!) and the hot chick, Hiromi(Bitousha) moved to Tokyo to join G-Zet.(Changed the name to Bradbury around the same time they joined) This bassist went on to play in Kenzi, then Bad Messiah, and the Sendai HC all-star band called Dessert!(w/ Ryuji from Disarray and Kasuga from Disarray/Idiot Idolaters) Both the flexi and sleeve are in a great condition!!
Shura (修羅) Vol.9 - Zine - Shura Project, 1989, Japan, B5 size, 58 pages, (No Cat. #) - $35
From my personal collection! Ultra-rare, original Japanese zine from '89!! Shura was one of the most well known and active punk zines in the '80s Japanese punk scene. Contains lots of rare photos and interviews of the various bands. The main contents in this issue: Zoa, Ranko(The Continentl Kids/Sperma), Neurotic Doll, Chu-Doku, Mother Goose/Ex-Ans/Dip The Flag, Kokushoku Elegy, Roger Armstrong(Sic/Straight Time Prod.), Mad Conflux, Systematic Death, Outo etc. // Live report, mini interview etc.(w/ large or small pics)" Asbestos, Nira-Kodomo, Zoa, Asylum, Kuro, Sic, Aggressive Dogs, Fuck Geez, Lip Cream, Gauze, Death Side, Matsuji, Don Don, Mental, Final Bombs, Front Guerrilla, Honge Honge, Nue, Mess, Rap, The Magnets, Sqwad, Chu-Doku, Kyaah, Tetsu-Arrey, The Zolge, New Roteeka, Bardo Thodol, L-TRans, Neurotic Doll, Geil, Gastank, Keiji Haino, Ruins, Zeni Geva etc. etc. etc. etc. // Conneca Bazaar, Dead End(punk shop) etc. // Front & back covers: Morikawa(ZOA) & Ranko(The Continental Kids/Sperma)
The promo copies never originally came with obi, instead there's a small "Promo"(in Japanese) sticker label at the top right corner of the sleeve. Also, "Promo"(in Japanese) is printed in white lettering at the bottom part of the record on Side B as well. Not huge differences from the standard copies, so it's nothing so special about that, I guess. But I've seen only 2~3 promo copies of this LP, including this one, within the past 25 years or so, if that matters.
Stalin, The "Dendou-Kokeshi/Niku" (電動こけし/肉) 7" flexi - SS Recordings, 2005, Japan, Ltd. reissue, Clear red flexi, Insert, (SS-5001) - $30
The official reissue of the 1st flexi, originally released on Political Records in '80. The original price of this and the "Stalinism" EP reissues were 1500 Yen each when they came out in 2005....! SS Recordings = The 'bottakuri' label.
Michiro's first solo release after The Stalin. This came out right after the band broke up, but the songs were actually recorded while The Stalin was still active and the recording members include the guitarist Ono(ex-Allergy) from the last lineup of The Stalin. Some of the tracks on this 12" are re-recorded version of the unreleased songs by The Stalin, such as this great punk rock tune called "The Stalin"(a.k.a. "Never Mind The Bollocks", doesn't have anything to do with Sex Pistols). This song was originally recorded in 1982, intended to be included on the "Stop Jap" LP, however it remained unreleased until it was re-recorded for this solo 12" in 1985. The original '82 recorded version of this song, as well as another unreleased song called "You" that was recorded during the "Stop Jap" recording session were finally officially released on the "Stop Jap Naked" CD in 2007, when the master tape was found. "Stop Jap Naked" is the original and complete version of the classic "Stop Jap" album, include the forementioned two outtake tracks. Since the album was released on a major label(and remember, it was in the year of '82, in Japan), the band was forced to change some of the lyrics, and AFTER all the tracks were already recorded, most part of them had to be re-recorded(except the vocals).So, the "Stop Jap" LP came out with the different lyrics and different sound mixing than how the album was intended to be done(how the band wanted it to be done, obviously), the two forementioned tracks omitted, plus most of the originally recorded tracks re-recorded.(How unfortunate was it for the band?!) The '85 version of the song "The Stalin"(a.k.a. "Never Mind The Bollocks") included on this 12" sounds very much like the '82 unreleased/outtake version of the same song, with pretty much the same arrange and everything. Such a killer punk tune that I have no clue why it had to be omitted from the "Stop Jap" LP! Michiro was obviously unhappy that the band was forced to change some of the lyrics, so that the innovative, yet exceptionally intelligent lyric style Michiro has created for their next album, "Mushi"(on the same label as "Stop Jap"), was meant to be his answer to this unfortunate "Stop Jap" incident!!! OK, back to the main subject about "The End" 12". It also contains a re-recorded version of the classic tune "Aogeba Toutoshi", as well as the exclusive songs "Ing'o! 7" and "Water Sister", the total of four tracks. Such a shame, hs solo stuff is so underrated! Some of the releases especially this 12" or "Vietnal Legend" are well worth checking out if you're truly into The Stalin.
(Stalin, The) Michiro Endo "Hasan" (破産) LP - GNP(Grotesque New Pop)/King, 1985, Japan, Insert & obi, (K28A 742) - $10
Post-The Stalin solo project band(= The Gay-Nou Brothes) of Michiro with Jun Shimoyama from The Roosters(Burst City!) and some other dudes that I can't remember. The first full-length release under the concept of what he called "Grotesque New Pop", an essential mix of punk rock/new wave/post-punk, plus the usual Michiro craziness. A year after the several GNP releases, he started the two new bands Video-Stalin and Paranoia Star! While Video-Stalin was very active for about two years and released the two videos and one LP, which contains the original songs and a few re-recorded version of The Stalin tunes, Paranoia Star played only a few gigs as far as I know.
Star Club, The "The Very Best Of The Star Club" Picture LP - Club The Star, 1987, Japan, Orig. 1st press on picture disc w/ pink die-cue sleeve, 2 x insert, (CSR 00B) - $25
"10th Anniversary Limited Edition Album". It's a compilation of the tracks from their early releases, rare and previously unreleased materials, including the "Front Line/The Unknown Soldier" 7"('83), tracks off the "Club Take One" 7"('81), "Young Assassin" 7"('82), "Shut Up!" 7"('82), "Anoko Ni Hitomebore" freebie flexi('84), 3 tracks off the unreleased 7th and 8th 7"s, and the "Toll Gate Ahead"('80) rehearsal session. The picture disc looks very nice.
State, The "No Illusions Reunion" Tape - Take 'Em Up, 2003, US, Hand-written on chrome tape, (Take 'Em Up #1) - $2
Straight Edge Kegger "Is A Fucked Up Mess!" 7" EP - Wicked Witch, 2007, US, (New/Unplayed), (WWR-029) - $3
Awesome Japanese goth/darkwave! Their self-released 2nd EP. Check out some of their songs off the 1st EP('86, Vital Plant/Explosion Rec.) and the "Process Of Evolution Vol.1" comp LP('87, POE Rec.):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3G9eUp9OvAo ("Kakuseiki")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nleb_VGK8g ("Dark")
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKvOaLZo0mU ("Modern Packs")
Swankys, The "Never Hero" CD - King's World, 1993, Japan, (KWCD93) - $55
Very rare! This awesome 5-track CD was put out by King's World, however, at the time of its release it was as the "UK only release" and was supposedly "exclusively distributed in Japan by King's World". That's what the label claimed this CD to be, and purposely made it looks like it was "The Swankys' first ever international release" as another joke. So, it has no indication of the actual label name anywhere on this release, but instead there's an "EMI" parody logo on it. Also, the artworks and layouts were purposely done sort of cheaply, as well as some recording/release info(such as a fake producer name) in funny English is printed on it. The artworks are pretty cool, a photo of Watch on the front cover and the usual and odd Swankys style, nazi-inspired artwork on the back, of course. Originally no tracklist credited, but the actual song titles were made public by the label. They are: "I Love Money"(a.k.a. "I Don't Love"), "Cranky", "Fuck My History", "Chaotic Life" and "I Love You". I must mention that it's one of the best materials The Swankys did in my honest opinion. Actually, possibly the best and it's definitely my favorite and I sure listened to this more than any other releases by them. I do enjoy these tracks even more than the "Very Best Of Hero" LP. Watch's vocal style here is snottier than ever it was. The laziest Watch-style vocals at its finest! You gotta hear this to know how cool he sounds on these tracks. You can hear and feel full of THAT whole "fuck off" attitude of The Swankys in these tracks, especially from Watch's vocals, if you know what I mean...! That's like what this band's existence was all about, was it?! Another awesome thing about this release is that some of the songs can be heard only on this CD and aren't available, in any version, on any of their other releases. I think that the first, third and fourth songs are completely exclusive to this CD. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they really are. I'm not sure of the exact recording date of these tracks but it's supposed to be the previously unreleased studio recording around the time that the "More Fuck" demo was done. Btw, the recording is pretty raw and rough, which makes it sound so damn rad. Oh man, seriously "I Love Money" and "Chaotic Life" are soooooooooo good! Love the sarcastic lyrics of "I Love Money", too.
Note: According to an old Selfish Records ad, only the limited first pressing copies came with an extra printed outer envelope sleeve.
Tetsu-Arrey (鉄アレイ) "Force" 7" EP - HG Fact, 1996, Japan, 1st press on black vinyl, w/ large logo sticker(mail order only), (HG-063) - $20
This copy comes with a rare bonus sticker.(5" x 5" size, the large circled " 鉄 " logo, a small band logo + "Tokyo Hardcore") Classic 1st EP by one of the originators of Burning Spirits style Japcore from Tokyo.
Tetsu-Arrey (鉄アレイ) "Force" 7" EP - HG Fact, 1996, Japan, 1st press on black vinyl, (HG-063) - $18
Classic 1st EP by one of the originators of Burning Spirits style Japcore from Tokyo.
Rare promo-only, one-sided EP. Was given away to fans at only one show in Tokyo. Translation: "Hakkiri Itte Nanimo Shinyou Dekinē" (ハッキリ言って何も信用できねえ) = "To Tell The Truth, Can't Trust The Damn Things At All"
The new wave project by Sumiko from Kyaah. She was the original singer of Kyaah on their 1st EP and the "RBF 1984" comp. I believe the guitarist of 3F=C was also a very early member from Kyaah. Rare flexi in a perfect condition. http://punk.at-ninja.jp/kyahh.htm
Typhus "1980.10.28" Demo Tape - Self, 199?, Japan, Tokyo ver. w/ stamped sleeve & plain black cassette, (No Cat. #) - $40
Sort of a mysterious, official release that was put out by one of the ex-Typhus members(don't know which one) and sold at the selected shops in Tokyo(Base) and Osaka(Ignition) only. The Base version has a pink "Mangrove" stamp on the front sleeve, and the Ignition version has a completely different artwork/layout and the sleeve color is either yellow or pink. The cassettes used are different, too. This is the studio demo with some of the tracks featuring the female vocals by Miina Yasue. She was the band manager/staff for Aburadako and the early Willard, later married to Michiro Endo and managed The Stalin as a B.Q. Records staff. This studio demo contains the earliest Typhus recording(before Tam joined the band), with the original line-up: Izumi on vocals/guitar, Miina Yasue on guitar/vocals, Shin on bass and Taku on drums. Miina played the guitar on some of the tracks.
Under Beans "Roots Rock Suck" 7" EP - Stomping, 1988, Japan, 500 pressed, (SR-006) - $25
Obscure Sendai-city HC band on the awesome Stomping Records. Possibly the hardest to find out of all seven Stomping releases?(Dead Person, Lance Lot etc.) This is the only one that has the indication of "limited edition of 500" on the sleeve. I know that the "Hardcore Showcase" comp LP and the Tiffanys flexi(my fav!) are also pretty tough to come by. Super-catchy and rockin' punk like the older Sendai band The Idiot Idolaters.(they have the 7"s out on Chicken Shit and appeared on the "Shodoku Gig" comp LP, ex-Disarray) Actually, Under Beans were formed by Manabu, the ex singer from The Idiot Idolaters.
Unholy Grave "Obliterated" LP - H.M.S.S.(Heavy Metal Super Star), 2006, Japan, 175 pressed, Stamped & numbered booklet(F.E.T.U.S. 'zine) & obi(# 068), Printed inner-bag sleeve & insert, (HMSS-CD-043) - $45
The sleeve states: "This LP is collection of original mix versions from "Crucified" album recording sessions. All unreleased takes." Looks like this also contains some extra bonus materials including the "Gezol Mix Version" of two tracks and a rehearsal track. Comes with an exclusive "F.E.T.U.S." Vol.24 fanzine with the U.G. interview in English. The zine is also individually numbered out of 175 copies.
Unholy Grave "Grind Blitz" 7" EP - H.M.S.S.(Heavy Metal Super Star), 2010, Japan, 185 pressed, Promo-only/freebie, Hand-numbered fold-out sleeve (# 042), Orig. sticker on sleeve, White labels, (HMSS-CD-102) - $40
Contains the '09 studio rehearsal tracks. The round sticker on the front sleeve indicates "X'mas Gift EP for HMSS Customers, Limited Edition 185".
United "Beast Dominates '92" CD - Howling Bull, 1992, Japan, Obi, (HBR-M0006) - $30
All the songs from the "Beast Dominate" EP('86, Hold Up/Noise Room Rec.) re-recorded with the '92 line-up, plus two bonus tracks. Long out of print, early Howling Bull Records release.
All the songs from the "Beast Dominate" EP('86, Hold Up/Noise Room Rec.) re-recorded with the '92 line-up, plus two bonus tracks. Long out of print, early Howling Bull Records release.
The comes changed the name to Virgin Rocks several months after the "Power Never Die" 12" was released in March '86, on Captain/Dear Records. All the Virgin Rocks members except the drummer were the same as the "Power Never Die" recording lineup. The drummer was replaced to Tetsu M.(ex-Ghoul, and F.O.A.D. as well?) from Matsumura. Matsumura was an early drummer of The Comes until he left the band to join Gastunk in '84, which he left a year after joined back to play in The Comes again from '85 until '87. Around '90, he once again got together with Chitose to form The Wretched. Now..., by looking at the fact he was frantically(?) chasing Chitose's ass over the years, I suppose one can easily assume that he was actually far more interested in banging her than playing in the bands! Anyways, the music style played by Virgin Rocks is pretty much in the vein of The Comes from their "Power Never Die" era, powerful metal-punk with the obvious Plasmatics influences. Chitose was very much into Wendy O. Williams and Motörhead. But the late Comes and Virgin Rocks were way better than The Plasmatics! If you like the style they did on "Power Never Die" like I do, you'll also dig Virgin Rocks as well. If it wasn't your cup of tea, then you won't like this EP.
Warhead "The Lost Self And Beating Heart" 7" EP - Blood Sucker, 1996, Japan, Ltd. mail order-only edition on clear blue vinyl, (BSR-017) - $35
Wrestling Crime Master "Bigtown Calling" 7" EP - HG Fact, 1995, Japan, Ltd. clear green vinyl(mail order only), 2nd press w/ different center labels, (HG-029) - $3
Only some copies came with one of the several different color photos(either signed or non-signed) of the band members randomly included. This particular copy comes with two different photos, one of which is signed on the back side of it. Never seen another copy of this flexi that comes with two photos... This is a brand new, mint stock copy I've had in my own collection for years.
The legendary band that G.A.T.E.S. were highly inspired by!!! Violent mix of raw thrash, hardcore/punk, Motörhead and Venom. Very original and essential sound, I'd say. Includes 4 tracks recorded circa '83/'84. Fucking loud, noisy and totally raging!! This EP was released after they broke up. Some of the members, including a super bassist Koh Morota(R.I.P.), went onto form Doom and F.O.A.D.(with Max from Ghoul & Jotaro from Mobs/Tetsu-Arrey). Great artwork on a picture disc. One of the BEST and harder to find Hold Up Records releases in my opinion!!
