Category: Feature

Breaking the Seal

When most people use the term “Breaking the Seal”. They are most likely referring to having to take a wicked piss. And while I’ve had to “Break the Seal” on numerous occasions. That has nothing to do with this particular post. What I’m referring to in this case is the number oSealed !!-0969f records I come across that I’ve yet to break the seal on.           A recent exploration my largest record shelving unit yielded a shocking forty one sealed records.             As a matter of fact. I was just about to order a vinyl copy of Strife’s “In this Defiance” when I found a sealed copy I bought less than a year ago. An album I claim to love but already had a CD version of from years ago. As I’ve gone from replacing my vinyl with CD’s in the 90’s to my updating my CD version with vinyl. Add to it my obsession with updating as many Discord and Revelation Records colored vinyl reissues as possible and things have gotten a little out of hand. In the end, I think a lot of good can come out of this. If I look at the upside, I have over a months worth of “A record a day.” material to keep me busy. On the downside, I will probably be deaf, if not dead before I ever have the chance to listen to all these beautiful records. Until the next record store or mail order. Keep piling up those records. J.D. 

Sealed-0959Sealed !!-0967

GB-0958

 

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Pulling Records From the Pile.

Afrika-Bambaataa-Electronic-Standards-Photos-Afrika-Bambaataa-James-Brown-UnityAfrika Bambaataa & James Brown – Unity

Okay, let’s see what we have here. Unity brings together two pioneers of their respected genres.         Hip Hop innovator and founder of the Zulu Nation, Afrika Bambaataa joins forces with the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown. This was an amazing all around find and pull. I remember finding this in a bin at Brooklyn’s Permanent Records some years ago. Considering Afrika Bambaataa was my introduction to Hip Hop and it’s culture. This rates very high on my finds list. A thoroughly good listen all the way through. Sadly though, it seems that, more than thirty years later. We’ve learned nothing from the message. The condition is excellent. Especially considering it’s age. (Originally released in 1984.) Not a nick, scratch or bump to be had. ***** JD

  • A Side; Unity Part 1 (The Third Coming) Unity Part 2 (Because it’s Coming) Unity Part 3 (Nuclear Wild Style)
  • B Side; Unity Part 4 (Can You See it) Unity Part 5 (The Light) Unity Part 6 (World III)
  • Year; 1984
  • Format; 12′ Maxi SIngle
  • Label; Tommy Boy
by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Lyrically Speaking;

Having always been drawn to meaningful lyrics. The thought of having a feature spotlighting some of the artists whose lyrics spark emotion while inspiring thought felt important. From the time I first heard bands such as Embrace and Rites of Spring to some of todays artists and unintentional poets. Good lyrics are worth celebrating. With “Lyrically Speaking”, the hope is to put a spotlight on some of the artists who are putting meaning and a poetic twist on the songs they write. First up is Richmond Virginia’s Positive No. Northern Aggressor is a track from their upcoming debut full length album Glossa. Be sure to follow the link at the bottom of the page to order your copy.   J.D.

e6e1648efe873a2f-1-positive-no-8

Northern Aggressor – By Richmond VA’s Positive No

Air Conditioning sounds like a running car.
Bus stop cigarettes keep smoking when you’re gone.

Gun and knife show handbills mocking pacifists.
Rebel flags keep coming back, what year is this?

What year is this?

Buttermilk has Southern charm
but home is where your records are.

One house buys and sells but never offers trade.
Tiny ziplock bags lie yawning in the shade.

The rhythm of the day is set by cargo trains.
Humid diesel perfume wanders like a stray,

an unwanted stray.

Buttermilk has Southern charm
but home is where my records are.

What is in a namesake?
There are no swans in Swan Lake.

Positve No Band

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , , Leave a comment

Boysetsfire (Bridge 9 Records) release lyric video for “Savage Blood”

Bridge Nine Records have released a lyric video for “Savage Blood” from the Sept. 25th release of the self titled album from Boysetsfire.Their first release since 2013’s reunion album               “While A Nation Sleeps”. You can pre-order the album from Bridge Nine Here.

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , Leave a comment

Help Dez Beat Cancer

It has been reported that former and personal favorite Black Flag singer Dez Cadena is battling throat caner. While he’s just finished radiation treatment and seems to be doing well. The mounting medical bills might turn out out to be his biggest battle. A go fund me account has been set up to help in the matter. For many, including myself. Hardcore has always been an extended family of sorts. We look out for our own. Any donation, big or small can make a difference. To donate and read more, please go Here.5619891_1439930151.5549

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , Leave a comment

A Conversation Sparks a Shirt

500x500A few months in to my moving to my current home. I was invited out to lunch at a nearby gallery by one of the neighbors who lives down at the opposite side of the hall. During that hour + luncheon. I met several other people from, yes, the same floor of this building. During that friendly get to know the conversation covered a wide array of topics which included both work and play. Snowboarding turned to Surfing and Surfing turned to Skateboarding. While I was never very good at either. Skateboarding was a particularly important interest of mine and a major part of my initiation in to the HXC lifestyle. I mention skating the pyramids outside Astoria, Queens’   Con Edison building and meeting some of the members of a band that would soon become a major influence on my musical tastes and spark my love for the more positive Hardcore bands. The simple mention of the pyramids and the band name Token Entry raised the eyebrow of one of the neighbors present. Quickly sharing that he too skated the pyramids, listened to Token Entry and spent much of his teen years involved in the Hardcore scene.

IMG_1515Needless to say, common interests were found. A few hours later, back home and still appreciative of the new relationships I had established that day. There was a knock on my door.        There standing on the other side was the gentleman I had met just hours before with a smile on his face and a 1988 Token Entry Tour Shirt in his hands. “I just came across this and thought you would like to have it.” Our friendship cemented as there have been countless walks down the hall and knocks on the door. As grateful as I am for the selfless and thoughtful gift, It’s the connection and friendship made through common interest such as music that reminds me of how music still serves as conductor or, if you will, third rail. Thanks Kev. J.D.

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , , 1 Comment

Pulling Records From the Pile

As I was attempting to come up with a few simple ideas that had the potential to become a regular feature here. “Pulling Records from the Pile” seemed as simple as one could possibly get. Being that I bring in a massive amount of records on a weekly basis. The chance of them being filed away in one of the several Ikea Expedits my records currently call home. As my obsession grows and my hoarding begins to take hold of my fairly new home. I find I do a lot more accumulating than listening. So hear starts “Pulling Records from the Pile”. Each post I will pick a random record. It could be a new or old LP, 7’inch, Flexi, or maybe even a cassette. Give it a thorough listen and see what comes to mind. Considering how many records are staring me down at the moment. This feature may very just outlive me. We’ll see. Please feel free to contribute any further information as well as personal anecdotes.

To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this. Bananarama have always been an unexplainable guilty pleasure for me. During their heyday I had a handful of female friends who were big fans. My best friends sisters Laura and Jenna, as well as their sister friends Shannon and Catelynn. Starting with the dark pop natured, yet danceable draw of 1983’s Cruel Summer…url I developed a strange love affair with the bands music and image that carried me in to my recent years as a bonafide crate digger. Side One’s Cruel Summer holds up well. Listening to this cut as an adult. One really tends the dark nature and longing in the lyrics. All while appreciating the upbeat and very danceable rhythms of the music. Despite the slick, synth produced sound. I find myself reminded of the rather tribal approach the Bow Wow Wow was creating around the same time. The cover (Pictured to the right) clearly displays the great marketing job done when promoting Bananarama. Sexy, yet playful and very approachable. An idea that would go on to serve the group well for over thirty years. Despite some wear on the cover. The record itself is flawless. Put this one in your DJ bag. You can’t go wrong. J.D.

Side One; Cruel Summer

Side Two; Summer Dub (Special C.B. Mix) / Cairo

Year; 1984

Format; 12′ Maxi Single 45 RPM

Label; London Records (A subsidiary of PolyGram Records)

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , Leave a comment

Born Against VS Sick of it All W.N.Y.U. Debate Revisited

It was the epic Davey VS Goliath battle of NYHC. The rebel alliance Born Against locked in battle with the Empire’s version of the Death Star, Sick of it All. Chances are you were taking sides and stocking up on 7 inch EP’s and cassette demos as you dug in for the long haul.          On one side of the table, the Jedi purists Born Against. On the other. The dark, imperial army of Sick of it All. I can go on with George Lucas inspired clique’s for day. Instead I give you the great W.N.Y.U. hosted Born Against/Sick of it All debate. J.D.

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , Leave a comment

Poster Envy

For as long as I can remember. My walls always served as a mirror image of my taste in music, art and movies. From my elementary school love of horror movies, the Who, Jimi Hendrix and AC/DC to my high school and college obsession with Punk and HXC flyers. These visual documents served as a wallpapered map to what was inspiring me musically. Over time, my choice of wall art became more personal and intimate. In my first post high school space I had an oversized poster of the Revelation Records compilation “The Way it is” posted on the wall directly behind my sofa sleeper. While it was one of my favorite records at the time. The image featuring what looked like most of my high school’s Hardcore population. AOL1-743049Then there was the poster you see below of Chapel Hill’s beloved Archers of Loaf. As much as as I loved and still love the Loaf. It was the inclusion of my friend and quite possibly the bands biggest fan (Tracy Keats Wilson of Dahlia Seed fame.) rocking the fuck out on the lower right side that made it extra special. For years this poster took up valuable real estate in various apartments in both Manhattan and Hoboken before being folded away and eventually lost. If and when I get the chance. I’d love to recoup this buried treasure and perhaps find the proper frame of adhesive type thing to properly display it. But for now, I guess I’ll have to highlight it’s awesomeness here. Thanks Tracy, if it were not for you I might have never picked up Ikky Metal in the first place. J.D.

Archers of Loaf

by Categories: FeatureTags: , , , , , Leave a comment