Year-end Recommendations 2020

2020 huh? Pretty much a generation-defining, epochal year - and not for musical reasons.  COVID-19 has ravaged the musical spectrum, be it the live arena especially (and I don’t mean an ‘arena’ but the live, gig-playing band in general) or that of recordings. Oddly, it has also provided the opportunity for bands to record music in a new way, new bands springing up in an isolated digital world, and the ‘streaming’ of live performances on the likes of Facebook.  I’ve caught a few (too many) of those and saw lots that would have previously been a ‘new’ idea rejected within a band practice - even before any booze or substance-of-choice kicked in. I really think life as we knew it has changed; it might only be on the short-term (of years), but it’s changed. 
And you know what??  If you think COVID is a scam... a media-generated deployment to sell copy... a myth? Well - please - fuck off.  I know people who have contracted it, have died from it.  You disbelieve??  Leave ya message below so we know who you are - but please - move to north Greenland.  
Musically, it’s been a surprisingly great year.  THE DAMNED released a record that’s on par with ‘Black Album’ era stuff. I really hope that this line-up doesn’t lose momentum with the original line-up getting back together for some (money-grabbing) reformation gigs.  My most-played, indispensable album isn’t actually in the list below as it’s ‘not quite’ Scanner material.  BOB DYLAN’s ‘Rough And Rowdy Ways’ is the man’s most interesting and intriguing album since ‘Oh Mercy’ and maybe even ‘Slow Train Coming’.  That might mean nothing to most readers, but it means a lot to me. Anyway, let’s get on with the Punk Rock!!
Looking at the ‘Other Contenders’, especially the albums, shows a real depth of quality - and that’s considering the fact that I have not heard BOB MOULD’s ‘Blue Hearts’, X’s ‘Alphabetland’ (I have done the unthinkable and streamed it), either of the ARCHERS OF LOAF singles Merge has released, any of the recent Dirt Cult albums or the PARANOID VISIONS reissues and latest 10” set.  Gutted really as they seem to have got ‘lost’ in the mail - and that’s no disrespect to PV - easily one of the best and most genuine bands I’ve dealt with for many years.   
Anyway - waffle over.  Yes, I know I’ve missed YOUR favourite record - I probably haven’t even mentioned it. Boo-Hoo... Tell me what I’ve missed.  Here’s what go me rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’, movin’ ‘n’ groovin’, shakin’ ‘n’ quakin’, thinkin’ ‘n’ talkin’, inspired and generally thankful to a whole bunch of bands that just fucking NAIL IT.  

ALBUMS
1. SPECTRES - Nostalgia {Artoffact}
2. DIAZ BROTHERS - s/t {Boss Tuneage}
3. LITTERBUG - Abstract Melodies Saying Terrible Things {JSNTGM}
4. SCREECHING WEASEL - Some Freaks Of Atavism {Recess}
5. KNIFE CLUB - We Are Knife Club {TNS}
6. DUNCAN REID AND THE BIG HEADS - Don’t Blame Yourself {LBH}
7. FAZ WALTZ - Rebel Kicks {Spaghetty Town}
8. MOVING TARGETS - Humbucker {Boss Tuneage}
9. RUTS DC - 40 Years Of The Crack Live {Sosumi}
10. DEALING WITH DAMAGE - Ask The Questions {Little Rocket}
Other contenders: SENSIBLE GRAY CELLS - Get Back Into The World {Damaged Goods}; WYLDLIFE - Year Of The Snake {Wicked Cool}; JADED EYES - Call Of The Void {Boss Tuneage}; D.O.A. - Treason {Sudden Death}; DIRTY BURGER - Part Time Loser {Pure Lust}; GALILEO 7 - Decayed {Fools Paradise}; PERSONALITY CULT - New Arrows {Dirtnap}; RUTS DC - Electracoustic Vol. 1 {Sosumi}; ANSWERING MACHINE - Bad Luck {Wiretap}; FACE TO FACE - Live In A Dive, WESTERN ADDICTION - Frail Bray {Fat Wreck}; JADE HAIRPINS - Harmony Avenue {Merge}; COCKTAILS - Catastrophic Entertainment {Wizards and Potions/ Alien Snatch}; DON'T SLEEP - Turn The Tide {Mission Two}; LENNY LASHLEY'S GANG OF ONE - Lenny Lashley's Gang Of One Live, SEIZED UP - Brace Yourself {Pirates Press}; OFF WITH THEIR HEADS - Don’t Tell Me How To (Live) {Recess}; FONTAINES DC - A Hero’s Death {Partisan}

SINGLES/EPs
1. THE DAMNED - The Rockfield Files {Spinefarm}
2. FAZ WALTZ - Grown Up Guy {Spaghetty Town}
3. SENSIBLE GRAY CELLS - So Long {Damaged Goods}
4. MOVING TARGETS/ THE SWIPES - World Gone Mad {Mad Butcher}\
5. THE SCANERS - Alien Boy {Spaghetty Town}
6. KNIFE CLUB - Lockdown Acoustic EP {TNS}
7. DAVE SMALLEY AND THE BANDOLEROS - Ignited {Little Rocket}
8. THE SLACKERS - Nobody’s Listening {Pirates Press}
9. HAKAN - Drunk Dial #6 {Drunk Dial} 
10. FRANKIE STUBBS - Blood Orange Moon {Little Rocket}
Other contenders: SWINGIN’ UTTERS - Sirens {Fat Wreck}; FANG/ NO IDEA Split {Just4Fun}; DOMESTICS/ PIZZA TRAMP - Split {Kibou/ TNS}; VULPYNES - Dye Me Red {FOAD}; AN UNEASY PEACE - s/t {Dirt Cult}; COURETTES, THE - Want You... Like A Cigarette {Damaged Goods} 

RE-ISSUES/ COMPILATIONS
1. THE REPLACEMENTS - Pleased To Meet Me {Sire/ Rhino}
2. VARIOUS - Shellshock Rock {Cherry Red}
3. THE PRIMITIVES - Bloom! The Full Story 1985-1992 {Cherry Red}
4. DEE DEE RAMONE - The Deadline Demos {Overground}
5. VARIOUS - 1978 {Cherry Red}
6. REDD KROSS - Red Cross EP {Merge}
7. THE PARTISANS - 1981-1984 {Cherry Red}
8. PARANOID VISIONS - Bollox To Xmas {FOAD}
9. HAWKWIND - Roadhawks {Cherry Red}
10. HEAVENLY - A Bout De Heavenly {Damaged Goods}
Other contenders: TALULAH GOSH - Was It Just A Dream {Damaged Goods}; THE REPLY - The Complete Collection {Reply}; VARIOUS - Sweet Time RNR Comp {Sweet Time}; VARIOUS - Tnsrecords Volume 4: Broken Vans and Basement Bar Bands {TNS}; VARIOUS - Stay Home {Drink Dial}

Year-end Recommendations 2019

There were some truly stunning records released in 2019, especially when it came to albums.  GALILEO 7 was a band I had never been aware of before hearing 'There Is Only Now' and it would have walked away with the Best Album title had BOB MOULD not returned to stunning form to deliver the best work he's done since 'Copper Blue'. Sad to hear Portland's ABOLITIONIST has split up too, especially in the wake of the band's best two releases (and that's no disrespect to the older stuff - which is great).  The ever-reliable CHANNEL 3 easily got Best EP with 'The Bellwether' while Dirt Cult Records cranked out three stunning 7"s. Not really had a chance to listen to the three albums listed yet, so that Top 10 could change when I do. Add to that, I haven't heard either of THE MUFFS or THE FREEZE albums that were released in 2019... they'd be contenders for sure.
As for gigs, what a fail!!  2019 was the first year in decades where I never saw a live band at all.  I missed the New Zealand Punk It Up! festival as I left it too late to get tickets and FUCKED UP played Auckland when I was in the US! Oh well... might have been good to give the old ears a break!!
Anyway - hope you agree, and disagree, with my Top Tens of 2019. Have a peruse, take a chance on something you've not heard - and enjoy!!

ALBUMS
1. BOB MOULD - Sunshine Rock {Merge}
2. GALILEO 7 - There Is Only Now {Damaged Goods}
3. PARANOID VISIONS - Adverse Reality {FOAD}
4. ABOLITIONIST - Ugly Feeling {1859}
5. GOOD RIDDANCE - Thoughts And Prayers {Fat Wreck}
6. SUBHUMANS - Crisis Point {Pirate's Press}
7. MEMBRANES - What Nature Gives... Nature Takes Away {Cherry Red}
8. SNUFF - There's A Lot Of It About {Fat Wreck}
9. SPERMBIRDS - Go To Hell... {Boss Tuneage}
10. SIGNAL CRIMES - Perfidious Albion {Network Of Friends}
Other Contenders: BRACKISH EDGE - The Cruel Dark Sea {DIY}; REDD KROSS - Beyond The Door {Merge}; STEVE IGNORANT'S SLICE OF LIFE - Don't Turn Away {Overground}; LONG RYDERS - Psychedelic Country Soul {Cherry Red}; DANGER!MAN - Weapons Of Mass Distraction, MOVING TARGETS - Wires, PANDEMIX - In Condemnation {Boss Tuneage}; WARP LINES - Human Fesh, MORE KICKS - S/t, BOTHERS - s/t {Dirt Cult}; PERSONALITY CULT - New Arrows, STEVE ADAMYK BAND - Paradise {Dirtnap}; LAGWAGON - Railer, CJ RAMONE - The Holy Spell {Fat Wreck}; CANDY SNATCHERS - Moronic Pleasures {Hound Gawd}; CASUAL NAUSEA - Demons {TNS}; HIP PRIESTS - Stand For Nothing {Digital Warfare}; JONNY MANAK AND THE DEPRESSIVES - Anybody Wanna Skate {God's Candy}; LENNY LASHLEY'S GANG OF ONE - All Are Welcome {Pirate's Press}; SWEET THINGS - In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time, JORDAN JONES - s/t {Spaghetty Town}; FONTAINES DC - Dogrel {Partisan}

SINGLES/ EPs
1. CHANNEL 3 - The Bellwether {Hostage}
2. ABOLITIONIST - A New Militance {1859}
3. KIRA JARI - Spooky Freak {Dirt Cult}
4. SUSPECT PARTS - You Know I Can't Say No {Dirt Cult}
5. WEIRD NUMBERS - Minotaur Dreams {Dirt Cult}
6. MYSTERY GIRL - Heart Breaker {Brain Slash}
7. VULPYNES - Dye Me Red {FOAD}
8. CLEVELAND STEAMERS - Maga Maga Maga {Smog Veil}
9. FAST EDDY - Toofer One {Spaghetty Town}
10. DEVILS ELBOW - ID {DIY}
Other Contenders: WET SPECIMENS - Haunted Flesh {Brain Slash}; CTMF - Marc Riley Session 2019, JOHNNY MOPED - Hey Belinda {Damaged Goods}; KONTACT - Life In A Cage {Militant Tendencies}; THE OUTCASTS - Stay Young {Violated}; GIGLINGER - Money Power And Corruption {DIY}

RE-ISSUES/ COMPILATIONS
1. VARIOUS - 1977: The Year Punk Broke {Cherry Red}
2. THE REPLACEMENTS - Dead Man's Pop {Sire}
3. THE DAMNED - Black Is The Night {BMG}
4. JOHNNY THUNDERS - Madrid Memory {Cleopatra/ MVD}
5. D.O.A - 1978: Unreleased Tracks/ Singles {Sudden Death}
6. VARIOUS - Optimism/ Reject {Cherry Red}
7. ADRENALIN OD - The Wacky Hi-Jinx Of... {Beer City}
8. LEFTOVER CRACK - E-Sides And F-Sides {Fat Wreck}
9. EARTH MOTHER FUCKER - I Fuck Therefore I Am {Antigen}
10. REVILLOS - Compendium Of The Weird {Damaged Goods}
Other contenders: DINOSAUR JR - Where You Been {Cherry Red}; BILLY CHILDISH - Punk Rock Ist Nicht Tot!, REVILLOS - From The Freezer {Damaged Goods}; RAMONES - It's Alive {Sire}

Year-end Recommendations 2018

2018 was a rather interesting and bountiful year in terms of good records. In fact, my Top Three albums all came from totally unexpected sources, with two of the bands being totally new to me, and the other not having released a record in five years or so.  Even taking the Top Ten out of matters, there was still a lot of good gear - and especially when you consider some of the releases I still haven't heard like the new albums by both THE DAMNED and THE DWARVES to name but two, and the TOYS THAT KILL/ IRON CHIC split. 
Also discovered Dirt Cult Records this year. The Portland label hasn't put out a bad release from the multitude I've heard and there is great variation among them too. Genuinely inspiring stuff. Great people to deal with too.
There were some stunning compilation boxsets released too with Cherry Red in particular pulling out all the stops on their ever-continuing run of thoroughly enjoyable collections. The Damaged Goods 30th Anniversary double set is also essential - varied sounds, all special.
Live events were restricted to older acts - THE STRANGLERS, RUTS DC, PETE MURPHY playing BAUHAUS and BOB DYLAN! RUTS DC was easily the highlight, although DYLAN was surprisingly satisfying and among the top three times I've seen him (and that's a few!). No apologies for the fact that that's not very 'Punk Rock'; if that's a problem for you then that really is your problem - not mine.
2018 was also the first year in many during which I never made an overseas trip, so no overseas gigs or record cratedigging experienced!
And of course, there were the sad passings of some legends - Pete Shelley and Steve Soto being the two most notable.  Both massive loses from two gents that gave us so much.
Anyway - 2018 Top Sounds as follows...

ALBUMS
1. CLEVELAND STEAMERS - Best Record Ever {Smog Veil}
2=. SKEPTIC?- Hornet’s Nest {DIY}
2=. SONGS FOR SNAKES - Crystal Vapour Figure {Timid Crusher}
4. SWINGIN’ UTTERS - Peace And Love {Fat Wreck}
5. NEIGHBORHOOD BRATS - Claw Marks {Dirt Cult}
6. CASTRO - Infidelity {Boss Tuneage}
7. NIGHT BIRDS - Roll Credits {Fat Wreck}
8. FUCKED UP - Dose Your Dreams {Merge}
9. FUTURE VIRGINS - Doomsday Raga {Recess}
10. ABOLITIONIST - The Instant {DIY}
Other contenders: YOUTH AVOIDERS - Relentless {Destructure}, CLOWN SOUNDS - Preacher Maker {Recess}, RUBELLA BALLET - Danger Of Death {Overground}, PRETTY FLOWERS - Why Trains Crash, HARD FEELINGS - Side Ways, RADON - More Of Their Lies {Dirt Cult}, LAST GANG - Keep Them Counting {Fat Wreck}, D.O.A - Fight Back {Sudden Death}, SPOILERS - Roundabouts, NATTERERS - Head In A Threatening Attitude {Boss Tuneage}, BAD SPORTS - Constant Stimulation, MIND SPIDERS - Furies {Dirtnap}, DOWN AND OUTS - Double Negative {DIY}, SHADRACKS - The Shadracks {Damaged Goods}, ADOLESCENTS - Cropduster {Concrete Jungle}, THE HOLDOUT - The Things That Brought Us Here {Grafton}

SINGLES
1. CHARACTER ACTOR - s/t {Dirt Cult}
2. VANILLA POD - Goodbye My Love... {Brassneck}
3. NUMBER ONES, The - Another Side Of The Number Ones {Sorry State}
4. CASTRO - Personal EP {Boss Tuneage}
5. HARD SKIN - Not Messing Around {JT Classics}
6. BLANKZ- White Baby {Slope}
7. CORNER BOYS - Love Tourist {Dirt Cult}
8. ABOLITIONIST - The Pinnacle EP {DIY}
9. CHAIN WHIP - s/t {Dirt Cult}
10. BOMBPOPS - Dear Beer {Fat Wreck}
Other contenders: FAZ WALTZ - Julie {Spaghetty Town}, THE LURKERS - Electrical Guitar {Damaged Goods}

RE-ISSUES/ COMPILATIONS
1. VARIOUS - Burning Britain {Cherry Red}
2. PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED - The Public Image Is Rotten {Virgin}
3. NEW YORK DOLLS - Personality Crisis {Cherry Red}
4. THE JAM - 1977 {Polydor}
5. JOE STRUMMER - 001 {Ignition}
6. VARIOUS - Damaged Goods 1988/2018 {Damaged Goods}
7. MARKED MEN - On The Other Side {Dirtnap}
8. REDD KROSS - Hot Issue / Teen Babes From Monsanto {Merge}
9. MOVING TARGETS - The Other Side: Demos And Sessions Expanded {Boss Tuneage}
10. JILTED JOHN - True Love Stories {Boss Tuneage}
Other contenders: HERESY - Face Up To It! {Boss Tuneage}, LAWRENCE ARMS - We Are The Champions Of The World {Fat Wreck}, REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN - That Was Just A Noise 2004 - 2018 {TNS}

Year-end Recommendations 2017

2017 was an interesting year for music. I heard a lot of stuff but, like any year, I also missed a lot of good gear too. PROPAGANDHI’s latest still hasn’t crossed my ears and I think I only heard about one release on Deranged Records. What I did hear though made for an impressive year, with older bands like CHANNEL 3 cranking out brand new stunners along with newer names like DEBT NEGLECTOR.
For me, 2017 also had a very dark shadow in the passing of GRANT HART. It remains hard to believe that I was talking to him, here in NZ, just the year before. It has brought a whole new sensation which would have otherwise been lacking when listening to the recent HUSKER DU boxset.
Didn’t get to see as many bands as I would have liked. MINISTRY were due to play but cancelled (drug issues was it, Al?), I caught THE DAMNED for the 36th time and ADAM ANT blew me away on the ‘Kings Of The Wild Frontier’ tour. I’m still blitzed by that version of ‘Beat My Guest’!!
Anyway - Top Tens and also-rans as follows. As I said above, there is a lot I have not heard - and these lists are always objective - but for me, these represent the Top Sounds of 2017.　

ALBUMS

1. CYANIDE PILLS - Slice And Diced {Damaged Goods}
2. DUNCAN REID AND THE BIG HEADS - Bombs Away {LBH}
3. CHANNEL 3 - Put ‘Em Up {TKO}
4. CAREER SUICIDE - Machine Response {Deranged}
5. DEBT NEGLECTOR - Atomicland {Smart Punk}
6. PARANOID VISIONS - Rebellion {FOAD/ Overground}
7. REPLACEMENTS - Live At Maxwell’s {Rhino}
8. KOMPLIKATIONS - Humans {Rockstar}
9. CJ RAMONE - American Beauty {Fat Wreck}

10. PANDEMIX - Scale Models Of Atrocities {Boss Tuneage}
Other contenders: 1919 - Bloodline {Westworld}, BAD COP/BAD COP - Warriors, PEARS/ DIRECT HIT - Human Movement, WESTERN ADDICTION - Tremulous {Fat Wreck}, THE CRAVATS - Dustbin Of Sound {Overground} , DAMNED - 40th Anniversary: Live In Margate {Liveherenow}, DEAD ENDING - Shoot The Messenger {Alternative Tentacles}, DIRTY PRIESTS - s/t {BDI}, GRAND COLLAPSE - Along The Dew {TNS}, STUNGRENADES Class War: Fight Back! {Bastard Son}, SWHAT - Wasty Tasty {Heart Of The Rat}, DELINQUENTS - About Last Night {Violated}, FOX FACE - Spoil + Destroy {Dirtnap}, TIM BARRY - High On 95 {Chunksaah}　

SINGLES/ EPs

1. DUNCAN REID AND THE BIG HEADS - C’mon Josephine {Damaged Goods}
2. DEALING WITH DAMAGE - Don’t Give Into Fear {Boss Tuneage}
3. FIVE THOUSAND - Monadh {Our Future}
4. NIGHT MEN - C’est La Vie {Rockstar}
5. JADED EYES - Hatespeak {Boss Tuneage}
6. NIGHT PEOPLE - Night People {Deranged}
7. STAY CLEAN JOLENE - Live At The Dog {JSNTGM}
8. FEEDERZ - WWHD? {Slope}
9. PAGANS/ HIP PRIESTS - Split {Just4Fun}
10. THE SWEET THINGS - Slather {Spaghetty Town}

Other contenders: ANTI-SYSTEM - At What Price Freedom?, NATTERERS - Toxic Care {Boss Tuneage}, FACE TO FACE - Say What You Want {Fat Wreck}, STARVING MILLIONS - V {DIY}, WRATHS - My Home {Bird Attack}, LAST GANG - Sing For Your Supper {Fat Wreck}, HUSKER DU - Extra Circus {Numero Uno}, DR. BOOGIE - She’s So Tuff {Spaghetty Town}, PATSY’S RATS - Roundin’ Up {Dirtnap}　

REISSUES/ COMPILATIONS

1. HUSKER DU - Savage Young Du {Numero Uno}
2. COVENTRY AUTOMATICS - Dawning Of A New Era {Free Range Product}
3. RAMONES - Rocket To Russia/ Leave Home box sets {Rhino}
4. DAVID BOWIE - A New Career In A New Town {Parlophone}
5. BAD DRESS SENSE - We Rule! {Boss Tuneage}
6. HANOI ROCKS - Reissues {Dissonance}
7. SWINGIN’ UTTERS - Drowning In The Sea, Rising With The Sun {Fat Wreck}
8. STEVE DREWETT AND THE INDESTRUCTIBLE BEAT - Disgraceland {Cruel Binary}
9. MANIACS - So Far... So Loud {Overground}
10. ELECTRO HIPPIES - Collected Works 1985-1987 {Boss Tuneage}

Other contenders: THE PROLES - Morton Crescent {Overground}, CHRIS SPEDDING - The RAK Years {Cherry Red}, MINISTRY - Reissues {Dissonance}, GOOD RIDDANCE - Ballads From The Revolution {Fat Wreck}

Year-end Recommendations 2016

I’m a little late in posting this, it has to be said. Why? Ohh... Lots of things got in the way. Lots of good music was heard in 2016, travelled a bit during the course of New Year and then there was the return to work...
Anywhoo... 2016 was an odd year. David Bowie passed away early on which was a major downer for me. I went to Vancouver - my first ever trip to Canada in fact - and caught SNFU live in their hometown. Then I headed back to the UK and saw... Nothing!! Caught up with lots of great friends of course, but in terms of gigs, it was quieter than a mortuary. Oddly, it was the first trip back that made me think the UK was no longer home, but it was also very, very hard for me to walk away from family and long-standing, loyal friends.
Best gig of 2016 had to be GRANT HART blasting a set of classic after classic songs with a New Zealand backing band. Joyous, uplifting stuff and old golden tonsils Hart still has it.
Anyway - year-end Top Sounds!! An awful lot of quality albums were released - and I guess there were HEAPS I haven’t heard. I should point out that some of the below were apparently released in 2015... The versions I cite however were released in 2016 and only came onto my South Pacific horizons in 2016.
So... Let the ceremony begin...

ALBUMS
1. RUTS DC - Music Must Destroy {Westworld}

2. TOYS THAT KILL - Sentimental Ward {Recess}

3. RED DONS - Dead Hand Of Tradition {Deranged}

4. SPECTRES - Utopia {Deranged}
5. ROUGH KIDS - s/t {Sorry State}

6. CULTURE SHOCK - Attention Span {Alternative Tentacles/ Blurrg}

7. CULT VALUES - s/t {Deranged}

8. STEVE ADAMYK BAND - Graceland {Dirtnap}

9. STEVE IGNORANT AND PARANOID VISIONS - Now... And Then {Overground}

10. SHIP THIEVES - No Anchor {No Idea}

Also rans: EXTERMINATORS - Product Of America {Slope}, RIKK AGNEW BAND - Learn {Frontier}, SHATTERED FAITH - Volume III {Hostage}, DANGER!MAN/ LUCKY MALICE - Handicap, WONK UNIT - Feel The Wonkness {Boss Tuneage}, DAYLIGHT ROBBERY - Accumulated Error {Deranged}, DRAKULAS - Raw Wave, BAD SPORTS - Living With Secrets, MIND SPIDERS - Prosthesis {Dirtnap}, PANSY DIVISION - Quite Contrary {Alternative Tentacles}, MEAN JEANS - Tight New Dimension, DIRECT HIT - Wasted Mind {Fat Wreck}, JOHNNY MOPED - It’s A Real Cool Baby {Damaged Goods}, LEE HARVEYS - Bullet For The President {FOAD}
 

SINGLES/ EPs
1. STEVE IGNORANT AND PARANOID VISIONS - The Height Of Ignorance {FOAD}

2. DEAD ENDING - Class War {Alternative Tentacles}

3. VIOLENT ARREST - Authors Of Our Own Demise {Artcore}

4. MEAN JEANS - Nite Vision {Fat Wreck}

5. RUTS DC - Psychic Attack {Westworld}

6. COLOR TV - Color TV {Deranged}

7. DOA - Fucked Up Donald {Sudden Death}

8. NOFX - Sid And Nancy {Fat Wreck}

9. DOMESTICS - Brutal Regimes {Kibou}

10. PANSY DIVISION - Blame The Bible {Alternative Tentacles}

Also rans: OAF - Oaf {Deranged}, NIGHT BIRDS - Who Killed Mike Hunchback {Fat Wreck}, PAGANS/ GIILLOTINES - Split {Just 4 Fun}, TRANSMITORS - Cuppa Jarra Brozza, MOTOSIERRA - Buzo Nuevo {Spaghetty Town}　
 

COMPILATIONS/ RE-ISSUES

1. VARIOUS - Action Time Vision {Cherry Red}

2. HOLLYWOOD BRATS - Sick On You {Cherry Red}

3. THE SUSPECTS - Voice Of America {Grave Mistake}

4. VARIOUS - Dope Guns And Fucking In The Street Vol. 1 - 11 {Amphetamine Reptile/ MVD}

5. VARIOUS - Mild In The Streets {Fat Wreck}

6. THEATRE OF HATE - Do You Believe In The Westworld {Cherry Red}

7. RIPCORD - Defiance Of Power/ Poetic Justice {Boss Tuneage}

8. TENEMENT - Bruised Music Vol.2 {Grave Mistake}

9. GRANT HART - Oeuvervue {Bang}

10. THE ENEMY - The Enemy {Westworld}
Also rans: FACE TO FACE - Reissues {Fat Wreck}, GBH - Hahaha, RUTS - Babylon’s Burning {Westworld}, COWS - Reissues {Amphetamine Reptile/ MVD}

Year-end Recommendations 2015

Another year has gone, never to be seen again. It’s lingering memory, at least for us music loving Punks, is in a batch of what could already be seen as classic records and some dizzyingly impressive live gigs.

Biggest ‘notable’ for me was a negative - missing RUTS DC on the band’s New Zealand tour. As it was due to matters beyond my control, I was gutted beyond belief. When I heard how good the gigs were, and saw the live footage, that gutted feeling became ten-fold. It doesn’t matter that I have been seeing bands for over thirty years; missing one that I really wanted to go to is still a major source of disappointment - depression even!

From my isolated locale though, I did manage to catch a few crackers. CJ RAMONE brought the string section from the ADOLESCENTS over and played a blinder. NZ’s own (and possibly best) PCP EAGLES supported and would’ve blown away any other headliner I reckon. DICKIES came over and played to unbelievably small crowds and were supported by NOWHERE - a stunning NZ band that could’ve turned in the best performance I caught this year. Then there was GORILLA BISCUITS - how odd that was seeing these old timers playing these Youth Core anthems. Still, they just about pulled it off I have to say - and another NZ band, Garage Punks WIZZ KIDS supported blowing away the other two Metalcore support acts.

It’s also been a notable year for a couple of beloved musicians who have passed away. Dickie Hammond, he of HDQ and LEATHERFACE fame was the first real shocker. I saw the man many times, especially with LEATHERFACE and a true guitar gargantuan he was. The second was a little-known fella named Lemmy - the very definition of what a rock ‘n’ roller should be. You might know him - he played in HAWKWIND and was the man behind a little skiffle band called MOTORHEAD. The band’s seminal live album, ‘No Sleep Til Hammersmith’ was among the very first albums I bought and it, along with ‘It’s Alive’ by another little skiffle band called THE RAMONES, will remain perfect examples of what a live album should be. You’ll both be missed, fellas.

So - my Top Sounds for 2015. Obviously loads I haven’t got to hear - including the new NIGHTBIRDS and LEFTOVER CRACK albums. So, here goes - the toppest tunes that have rung out from the House Of Scanner during the past 12 months:

ALBUMS

1. PARANOID VISIONS - Cryptic Crosswords {Overground}

2. POISON IDEA - Confuse And Conquer {Southern Lord}

3. D.O.A. - Hard Rain Falling {Sudden Death}

4. NO MORE ART - Sorrows Of Youth {Rockstar}

5. NOWHERE - Cancer {DIY}

6. JONNY MANAK AND THE DEPRESSIVES - Cold Pizza And Warm Beer {Self Destructo}

7. UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TO CANDYLAND - The People Are Home {Recess}

8. GOOD RIDDANCE - Peace In Our Time {Fat Wreck}

9. VIOLENT ARREST - Life Inside The Western Bloc {Boss Tuneage}

10. STEVE DREWETT - Ku Jenga Society {Cruel Binary}

Honorary Albums: THE BRISTLES - Last Days Of Capitalism {Heptown}, CASTRO - The River Need, SPOILERS - Stay Afloat, THIRTY SIX STRATEGIES - Strategy Three {Boss Tuneage}, FAT MIKE AND FRIENDS - Home Street Home, TOY GUITAR - In This Mess {Fat Wreck}, POINTED STICKS - Northern Electric {Sudden Death}, STARVING MILLIONS - III {Good Times}, SHEHEHE - Rock ‘n’ Roll Queen {Fall Break}, SCREECHING WEASEL - Baby Fat Act I {Recess}, STEAKKNIFE - One Eyed Bom {Rookie}, DARK AGES - Vapor {Sorry State}

SINGLES/ EPS

1. YOUNG CONSERVATIVES - The End Of Socialism {Obscene Baby Auction}

2. VANILLA POD - Swing Out The Sunrise {TNS Records}

3. THE BOMB - Axis Of Awesome {No Idea}

4. PARANOID VISIONS - Two Black Eyes {Overground}

5. CITIZEN FISH - Manmade {Bluurg}

6. NO PROBLEM - Kid Killer {Deranged} 
7. FLIES ON YOU - Fan-Based Repellent {DIY}

8. POISON IDEA/ ROVSVETT - Split {Just4Fun}

9. WORTHY VICTIMS - A Bitter Future {DIY}

10. DWARVES - Gentleman Blag {Fat Wreck}

Honorary Singles: JOYCE MANOR/ TOYS THAT KILL - Split {Recess}, PEARS - Letters To Memaw {Fat Wreck}

RE-ISSUES/ COMPILATIONS

1. INSTIGATORS - Phoenix {Boss Tuneage}

2. ATV - Viva La Rock ‘n’ Roll: The Complete Deptford Fun City Recordings {Cherry Red}

3. REALLY RED - Complete Collection 1979-1985 {Alternative Tentacles}

4. DWARVES - Are Younger And Even Better Looking {Recess}

5. DOCTOR BISON - The Bloated Vegas Years/ Dewhursts: The Musical {Boss Tuneage}

6. MEAN JEANS - Singles {Dirtnap}

7. THE JONES - Gravity Blues {Boss Tuneage}

8. NEWTOWN NEUROTICS - Triumph Over Adversity {Cruel Binary}

9. YOUTH BRIGADE - Complete First Demo {Dischord}

10. NUCLEAR SOCKETTS - Complete Singles {Overground}

Honorary Reissues: ADVERSARY - s/t, ELMERHASSEL - Self Analysis/ Entertainment Value, EPIC PROBLEM - ‘11-‘14, HEX - Poison In The System: The Demos {Boss Tuneage}, THE LICKS - 1970s, {Overground}, NO IDEA - Jag Hatar Punk {Just4Fun}, IRON BOOTS - Complete Discography {Grave Mistake}

Year-end Recommendations - 2014

It's been a good year record-wise.  The lists below reflect only those that I have been exposed to - lots of stuff I have no doubt missed too.

Have to give a special mention to TNS Records, a label that has released plenty of great albums but none that quite make the Top 10 albums.  That said, no other label that I know of has released a series of such consistently good records this year. Listening to the ROUGHNECK RIOT album as I type - great stuff that brings forth memories of MEN THEY COULDN'T HANG while keeping a very modern, Punk approach to matters.

Likewise, there are a few things that have appeared that would probably make the list had I got actual releases, or that appeared sooner. CJ RAMONE's solo album has been a cracker via the download I have, and TIM BARRY's latest album is great on a single listen.  Then there's the STAY CLEAN JOLENE album - a stunner.  It arrived in January, so I am sure it will be in the 2015 Top 10. 

And, that RADIO BIRDMAN boxset - be all and end all!!! 

Anyway - here goes:

Albums
1. WORLD/INFERNO FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY - This Packed Funeral {Alternative Tentacles}
2. SWHAT - s/t {DIY}
3. GAMEFACE - Now Is What Matters Now {Equal Vision}
4. TV EYE - Mythoman {Spastic Fantastic}
5. TIM BARRY - Raising Hell And Living Cheap {Chunksaah}
6 ADOLESCENTS - La Vendetta {Concrete Jungle}
7. AUTONOMADS - One Day All This Will Be Gone... {Pumpkin/ Ruin Nation}
8. PRONTO - When You're Gone {Off The Hip}
9. MORNING GLORY - War Psalms {Fat Wreck}
10 RUBELLA BALLET - Planet Punk {Overground}
Special mentions: DUNCAN REID AND THE BIGHEADS - Difficult Second Album, GENERATION DEAD - The Truth Has All Been Said... {DIY}, CASTRO - The River Need, JADED EYES - Gods And Monsters {Boss Tuneage}, STEVE ADAMYK BAND - Dial Tone {Dirtnap}, SLICE OF LIFE - Love And A Lamp Post {Overground}, OFF! - Wasted Years {Vice}, DIE! DIE! DIE! - S W I M {45rpm}, DOWN BY LAW - Revolution Time {Dry Heave}, LAGWAGON - Hang {Fat Wreck}, FUCKED UP - Glass Boys {Matador}, HANK WOOD AND THE HAMMERHEDS - Stay Home {La Vida Es Un Mus}, FRANCEENS - Stepford Smiles, OFFICER DOWN - Dead Lands, WONK UNIT - Nervous Racehorse, DOMESTICS - Routine And Ritual, ROUGHNECK RIOT - Out Of Anger {TNS}

Singles/ EPS1. VARIOUS - A Celebration Of Punk Down Under {Sick World}
2. HDQ - When Worlds Collide {Boss Tuneage}
3. OFF! - Learn To Obey {Vice}
4. LAURA PALMER - s/t {DIY}
5. SHATTERED FAITH - Modern Convenience USA {Hostage}
6. CHANNEL 3 - History {Hostage}
7. THIRTY SIX STRATEGIES - Stratgey Two {Boss Tuneage}
8. REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN - Ten Years Of... {TNS}
9. NOFX - Stoke Extinguisher {Fat Wreck}
10. CASTRO - s/t {Boss Tuneage}
Special mentions: BREAKOUT - True Crime {Grave Mistake}, VARIOUS - Without Kibou There Is Nothing Vol 1 and 2 {Kibou}, STIV BATORS' DEAD BOYS - Last Stand 1980 EP {Ugly Pop}

Compilations/ Re-issues
1. RADIO BIRDMAN - Box Set {Citadel}
2. REALLY RED - Teaching You The Fear {Alternative Tentacles}
3. SCAVENGERS, THE/ MARCHING GIRLS - Split {Real Groovy}
4. X - Aspirations/ X-Spurts {Ugly Pop}
5. TERMINUS - Going Nowhere Fast/ Back Among The Blind {Boss Tuneage}
6. INSTIGATORS - Anthology Volume 1 {PHD}
7. SUBURBAN REPTILES - Saturday Night Stay At Home {Real Groovy}
8. RIPCORD - Fast 'n' Furious: The Complete Demos {Boss Tuneage}
9. FRANTIX - My Dad's A Fuckin' Alcoholic {Alternative Tentacles}
10. DUMBSTRUCK - It's Still Broke {Boss Tuneage}
Special mentions: CHIXDIGGIT - Double Diggits {Fat Wreck}, INSTIGATORS - Anthology Vol 2, XPOZEX - Anthology {PHD}, SPELLING MISTAKES - Feel So Good {Real Groovy}

Year-end recommendations - 2013

Much like previous years, 2013's musical highlight was undoubtedly a gig - JELLO BIAFRA AND THE GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE live in Auckland. I'd never seen Jello live before and this way exceeded expectations. What's more, the band would rank among the tightest and most intensly rocking bands I've ever seen.
Much of the year was rather grinding: getting to grips with a new job, having a stunningly painful illness which I never, ever want to repeat (but am rather likely to) and generally just going from one day to the next with only my records and a nice mix of cold stout, red wine and whiskey to help relax. That was until December when...
I went to Melbourne for about 10 days. I'd been to Sydney before and loved it; so many people said Melbourne was better but I failed to see how. After just one day in Melbourne, I got it. It's by far the most liveable city I have ever been to and it's got a cornucopia of great records shops, be it Poison City, Recycled or best of them all, Off The Hip that is a label and hosted 4 rocking bands one Friday evening! Add on great bars, excellent historic and cultural attractions, a cosmopolitan attitude and an incredible sense of safety for such a big city. Could I live there? Very easily. Is a move on the cards? Well, I'm going back during this year for a longer stay. After that - who knows.
So - Top Sounds of 2013 - commence!!

ALBUMS

1. JELLO BIAFRA AND THE GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE - White People And The Damage Done (Alternative Tentacles)

2. ROUGH KIDS - The State I'm In (Sorry State)

3. NIGHT BIRDS - Born To Die In Suburbia (Grave Mistake)

4. STEVE IGNORANT WITH PARANOID VISIONS - When...? (Overground)

5. STEVE ADAMYK BAND - Third (Dirtnap)

6. ABOLITIONIST - The Growing Disconnect (1859)

7. HDQ - Lost In Translation (Boss Tuneage)

8. GOLDBLADE - The Terror Of Modern Life (Overground)

9. NOFX - Self/Entitled (Fat Wreck)

10. SLAVES - Sugar Coated Bitter Truth (Boss Tuenage)

Also rans: SNUFF - 5-4-3-2-1...Whatever (Fat Wreck), JADED EYES - Gods And Monsters (Boss Tuneage), FRANCEENS - Stepford Smiles (TNS), DOWN AND OUTS - Lifeline (Boss Tuneage), OLD MAN MARKLEY - Down Side Up (Fat Wreck), SHIRKS - s/t (Grave Mistake), LOW CULTURE - Screens (Dirtnap), FP - L'anima al Peus (Hang The DJ)

SINGLES/ EPs

1. REPLACEMENTS - Songs For Slim (New West)

2. STAY CLENE JOLENE - Green (Just Say No To Government Music)

3. RED DONS - Notes On The Underground (Grave Mistake)

4. DEAD ENDING - II (Alternative Tentacles)

5. ZOUNDS - Ancient Briton (Overground)

6. CHUMBAWAMBA - In Memoriam: Margaret Thatcher (Self-released)

7. SICKOIDS - No Home (Grave Mistake/ Sorry State)

8. REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN - In Session From Maida Vale (TNS)

9. THIRTY SIX STRATEGIES - Strategy One (Boss Tuneage)

10. TV EYE - Working Bee (Just4Fun)

Also rans: WESTERN ADDICTION - Pines (Fat Wreck), DOMESTICS - The GDP EP (Kibou), VIOLENT ARREST - Distorted View (Boss Tuneage), GENERATION DEAD - Demo (Self-released), HOLIDAY - Missiles On The Roof (Just Say No To Government Music)

RE-ISSUES

1. CRAZYHEAD - Desert Orchid (Cherry Red)

2. TERMINUS - Graveyard Of Dreams (Boss Tuneage)

3. PROPAGANDHI - How To Clean Everything (Fat Wreck)

4. LURKERS - Fulham Fallout (Captain Oi!)

5. CRAVATS - In Toytown (Overground)

Year-end recommendations - 2012

Along with everyone else, here are my recommendations for the best bits of 2012. Much like last year, this year’s highlight was a gig - this time it was THE SPECIALS. Back when I was but 10 or 11, I bought the band’s ‘Too Much Too Young’ EP and have loved the band ever since. I really did not expect to get to see them live after missing the initial reformation a few years ago, so this was a big bonus. Great warehouse style venue too. Anyway - on with the recommendations!!

ALBUMS

1. PARANOID VISIONS - Escape From The Austerity Complex (Overground)

2. THE MAGNIFICENT - Bad Lucky (JSNTGM)

3. THE DICKS - Kill From The Heart/ These People reissues (Alternative Tentacles)

4. TOYS THAT KILL - Fambly 42 (Recess)

5. ANTHRAX - All For The Cause (Grow Your Own)

6. CROSS STITCHED EYES - Decomposition (Alternative Tentacles)

7. BOB MOULD - Silver Age (Mearge)

8. OFF! - OFF! (Vice)

9. NOFX - Self/Entitled (Fat Wreck)

10. REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN - Shattered Dreams Parkways (TNS)

Notable mentions: 45 GRAVE - Pick Your Poison (Frontier), D.O.A. - We Come In Peace (Sudden Death), DOWN AND OUTS - Forgotten Streets (Boss Tuneage), DOWN BY LAW - Champions At Heart (DC-Jam), STICKY FILTH - Fourth Domain (1157), POLITICAL ASYLUM and EXIT CONDITION reissues (Boss Tuneage), JAH WOBBLE AND KEITH LEVENE - Yin And Yang (Cherry Red)

 

SINGLES/ EPS

1. THE BRIEFS - Singles Only Box Set (Modern Action)

2. THE CROWD - No Other/ Landmark (Hostage)

3. DEAD ENDING - Dead Ending (Alternative Tentacles)

4. CHANNEL THREE - Land Of The Free (Hostage)

5. PUSRAD - Smart Trams (Just4Fun)

Notable mentions: STATE FUNERAL - Protest Music 7" (Artcore), GLAM - 7" (La Vida Es Un Mus), RATIONS - How Much Land Does A Man Need (multiple labels), SEX PEST - Sexx Pest Epp (Batshitinsane), CITIZEN FISH - Dancing On Spikes (Bluurg)

 

BOOKS

1. Everybody Loves Our Town: An Oral History Of Grunge - Mark Yarm

2. We Got Power! - David Markey and Jordan Schwartz

3. Punk: An Aesthetic - Johan Kugelberg and Jon Savage

4. Commando: The Autobiography Of Johnny Ramone -Johnny Ramone

5. Armed With Anger: How Punk Survived the 90s - Ian Glasper

 

Most of those have reviews on the Scanner site, so go there for more info.

Year-end recommendations - 2011

Everyone else seems to do a year-end best of list, so here are mine. Have to say, the musical highlight for me (and many others it seems) was the Steve Ignorant Crass Songs tour that arrived here in New Zealand in back in July. It really was something I never expected to see - and I certainly didn’t expect it to be executed with such aplomb.

Here goes....

ALBUMS

1. FUCKED UP - David Comes To Life {Matador}

2. STEVE ADAMYK BAND - Forever Won’t Wait {Dirtnap}

3. VISIONS OF CHANGE/ THE DEPRAVED - s/t {Boss Tuneage}

4. CUTE LEPERS - Adventure Time {Damaged Goods}

5. NIGHT BIRDS - The Other Side Of Darkness {Grave Mistake}

6. SECTION 13 - Burning Bridges {Boss Tuneage}

7. GENERATORS - Last Of The Pariahs {DC-Jam}

8. CULTURE SHOCK - Everything {Blurrg!}

9. DWARVES - Are Born Again {MVD}

10. SCREECHING WEASEL - First World Manifesto {Fat Wreck}

Notable mentions: ZOUNDS - Redemption Of Zounds {Overground}, STANDOUT RIOT - Gentlemen Bandits {TNS}, TIM BARRY - 28th And Stonewall {Suburban Home}, MEASURE (SA) - Notes {No Idea}, DIRECT HIT! - Domesplitter {Kind Of Like}, FAITH - Subject To Change + First Demo {Dischord}, BANGERS - Small Pleasures (Kiss Of Death}, DOPAMINES - Expect The Worst {Paper And Plastick}, DEEP SLEEP - Turn Me Off {Grave Mistake}, HDQ - Hung, Drawn And Quartered + You Suck {Boss Tuneage}.

SINGLES/ EPS

1. THE SHIRKS - Cry Cry Cry {Grave Mistake}

2. THE MAGNIFICENT - 1981 {Drunken Sailor}

3. JELLO BIAFRA AND THE GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE - Enhanced Methods Of Questioning {Alternative Tentacles}

4. JD AND THE FDCS - Burn This City Down {Delerict Records}

5. COBRA SKULLS - Bringing The War Home {Fat Wreck}

I should mention a couple of books that have impressed me this year also. The first was ALICE BAG’s autobiography ‘Violence Girl’ and the other was ‘Taking Punk To The Masses’. Both are well worth your time.

For further info on all of the above, check the appropriate reviews on the Scanner site.