THE GORILLA SALAD
Hi again, another month, another weekend, more great lost music from beyond.
Every week, i serve up this good stuff, yet still, imageshack & blogger conspire against me. Why? In the name of all that's holy, why?!!
We'll kick off this weeks selection with some old friends...
Based in Wales, TREDEGAR was initiated in 1982 by the ex-BUDGIE duo of drummer Ray Phillips and guitarist Tony Bourge in collaboration with erstwhile ZORRO, DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS and GROUNDHOGS bass player Alan Fish, although he departed to join the GROUNDHOGS and then form AUTOLAND COMMAND before joining EGYPT. The bassist's position was taken by Tom Prince. TREDEGAR made a name for themselves by self financing their self-titled album and "Duma", single release. Finding themselves minus a vocalist prior to recording the first album in 1986, PERSIAN RISK and TOKYO BLADE frontman Carl Sentence performed vocal duties on the record. The first 500 copies of the album sleeve were coated in genuine gold leaf, making them much sought after collectors items. Sentence's career took him on through the GEEZER BUTLER BAND, PAUL CHAPMAN's GHOST and KROKUS. TREDEGAR finally found a permanent vocalist in Russ North just before the album's release and the band would prove club regulars including many old BUDGIE numbers in their set. Guitarist Andy Wood bailed out in the Summer of 1987 but did cut a new demo utilising TREDEGAR frontman Russ North as session vocalist. Prince quit to join ex-ANGEL WITCH drummer Dave Dufort's act PHANTASM and was replaced by Mike Taylor. North and Wood also quit as they joined Midlands act CLOVEN HOOF for the 'Dominator' album. Taylor also departed leaving TREDEGAR as a duo of Bourge and Phillips before the addition of guitarist Lee Jones in late 1987. The band recorded a second album in 1991 with vocalist Trixie Thorne but this never saw the light of day until this release, the 19 song 'Remix And Rebirth' CD in 1995. 'Remix And Rebirth', contained Tredegar's 1986 full-length debut in its entirety, their unreleased 1991 album in its entirety, and some extra tracks. All tracks were re-mastered. Jones jumped ship joining HAMMERFIST for a brief period before TREDEGAR were resurrected by Phillips in 1993 retitled SIX TON BUDGIE, the pre-recording name of BUDGIE.
TREDEGAR - Remix & Rebirth (1986-1991) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159702006/TREDEGAR_-_Remix___Rebirth__UK-86-91_.rar
Next, guitarist Brian Naughton, following stints with ROCK CANDY, GRASS ROOTS & PEANUT BUTTER CONSPIRACY, formed a Hard Rock group called ROCKIT with fellow axe slinger Jerry Zubal in 1973. By 1976 RSO Records had signed the band and renamed them ROCKICKS. Their one and only album "Inside" was released in 1977. "Inside" delivers a steamy and at times swampy variation on 70's biker rock, not unlike BLACK OAK ARKANSAS, CREED and THE BOYZZ. Many current listeners might equate this to stoner rock, and they might have a point, though they are generally more melodic than your typical stoner rock outfit. Heavy with thick and tempo challenged riffs, melodic, good time boogie & that thick swamp rock sound. It's become a sought after item nowadays, and this now out-of-print cd version of the album was released which added 3 bonus tracks. They played all over America and locally at places like the Roxy, the Aquarius Theater and Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Rockicks had radio commercials and a lot going for them until a show opening for Blondie at the Whiskey was given TOM PETTY.
This was Tom Petty’s big break show and the beginning of the end for the Rockicks who split up in 1978. Guitarist Brian Naughton recently resurfaced with a new band called NAUGHTONES who released an album called "From The Nut" in 2006.
ROCKICKS - Inside (1977) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/159710988/ROCKICKS_-_Inside__USA-1977_.rar
And now, Ace were a French heavy Rock quartet formed in 1985 in Cannes on the Cote D'Azur.
They debuted the following year with their "Ballroom Blitz" EP, and followed this with the full length "Bad Boys" album. A further release, the "Holding On" 7" appeared at the years end, but this was to be the end of the road for Ace. In recent years their "Ballroom Blitz" EP has often been mistakenly identified as a NWOBHM release driving it's price up amongst collectors. All their releases now command a high price tag, a pity for Ace that their records weren't as sought after during their lifetime.
ACE - Ballroom Blitz EP (1986) France
http://rapidshare.com/files/159738031/ACE_-_Ballroom_Blitz_EP__France-1986_.rar
At the heavier end of the spectrum, Mayhem were a NWOBHM/Punk crossover band from Southport who debuted with a 1981 demo then released three EPs in the early 1980's. The first, "Gentle Murder", was released by Riot City Records in 1982, which was followed by a further demo, the two song "1982 Demo". "Pulling Puppets Strings", was also released by Riot City in 1983. After some personnel changes "Bloodrush", was the final EP released by Vigilante Records in 1985. They also figured on various compilations, such as 1982's "Riotous Assembly", with the exclusive song "Psycho", and the 1984 international Maximum Rock'n'Roll collection "Welcome To 1984", with the exclusive song "I Defy".
MAYHEM - Pulling Puppet Strings EP (1983) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159746046/MAYHEM_-_Pulling_Puppets_Strings_EP__UK-1983_.rar
And now to the 45's, starting with a double feature of NWOBHM 7"s, SHADER were a little known NWOBHM band active in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Their recording career only amounted to one independent 7" single. "Bad News Blues" was issued on the Piston Broke Records label in 1981. Though very popular with the biker fraternity at the time, very little info about them has survived.
SHADER - Bad News Blues 7" (1981) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159740093/SHADER_-_Bad_News_Blues_7____UK-1981_.rar
Emerson were a London based NWOBHM/Hard Rock five piece formed in 1982 and named after founding members & brothers Bri & Stu Emerson. The band's sound shifted from more straight forward heavy riffing during the next couple of years, with a more AOR influenced sound surfacing. Their only release was the 1984 "Something Special" 7" for Neat Records. The record didn't exactly set the charts alight, and following several personnel changes, they called it a day in 1985. Following the band's demise, two former EMERSON vocalists Steve Blewitt and his replacement, Mick White, later joined PAUL SAMSON's project. Blewitt, a former member of AXIS, walked out on EMPIRE prior to their first gig leaving the post vacant for White to fill.
Blewitt later changed his surname to Blue appearing on YA YA's second album. The singer also worked with former STAMPEDE/UFO guitarist LAWRENCE ARCHER on his "L.A. Secrets" album for Japan. Guitarist Stu Emerson himself was involved with the MEAT LOAF championed MRS. LOUD in 1995. Bassist Bri Emerson joined TYGER TYGER whilst latter day EMERSON drummer Charlie McKenzie (formerly of BLACK ROSE), enrolled into SAMSON.
EMERSON - Something Special 7" (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159742493/EMERSON_-_Something_Special_7____UK-1984_.rar
Finally, DESTROYER were an obscure American Heavy Metal trio active during the mid-1980's.
Destoyer only released one record, the self-financed "Black Angels" 45 on their own Destroyer Records label in 1985. Not to be confused with the other American band of the same name who released a 1988 EP called "Optimum D.S.I." on Screaming Mimi Records.
DESTROYER - Black Angels 7" (1985) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/159744332/DESTROYER_-_Black_Angels_7____USA-1983_.rar
So there you have it, hope this weeks selection hits the spot for ya. If you need even more obscure Rock & Metal from the dim & distant past, go check out my other blog @ http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com/
It's where vintage Rawk lives, people! See y'back here again real soon i hope. ;)
Every week, i serve up this good stuff, yet still, imageshack & blogger conspire against me. Why? In the name of all that's holy, why?!!
We'll kick off this weeks selection with some old friends...
Based in Wales, TREDEGAR was initiated in 1982 by the ex-BUDGIE duo of drummer Ray Phillips and guitarist Tony Bourge in collaboration with erstwhile ZORRO, DUMPYS RUSTY NUTS and GROUNDHOGS bass player Alan Fish, although he departed to join the GROUNDHOGS and then form AUTOLAND COMMAND before joining EGYPT. The bassist's position was taken by Tom Prince. TREDEGAR made a name for themselves by self financing their self-titled album and "Duma", single release. Finding themselves minus a vocalist prior to recording the first album in 1986, PERSIAN RISK and TOKYO BLADE frontman Carl Sentence performed vocal duties on the record. The first 500 copies of the album sleeve were coated in genuine gold leaf, making them much sought after collectors items. Sentence's career took him on through the GEEZER BUTLER BAND, PAUL CHAPMAN's GHOST and KROKUS. TREDEGAR finally found a permanent vocalist in Russ North just before the album's release and the band would prove club regulars including many old BUDGIE numbers in their set. Guitarist Andy Wood bailed out in the Summer of 1987 but did cut a new demo utilising TREDEGAR frontman Russ North as session vocalist. Prince quit to join ex-ANGEL WITCH drummer Dave Dufort's act PHANTASM and was replaced by Mike Taylor. North and Wood also quit as they joined Midlands act CLOVEN HOOF for the 'Dominator' album. Taylor also departed leaving TREDEGAR as a duo of Bourge and Phillips before the addition of guitarist Lee Jones in late 1987. The band recorded a second album in 1991 with vocalist Trixie Thorne but this never saw the light of day until this release, the 19 song 'Remix And Rebirth' CD in 1995. 'Remix And Rebirth', contained Tredegar's 1986 full-length debut in its entirety, their unreleased 1991 album in its entirety, and some extra tracks. All tracks were re-mastered. Jones jumped ship joining HAMMERFIST for a brief period before TREDEGAR were resurrected by Phillips in 1993 retitled SIX TON BUDGIE, the pre-recording name of BUDGIE.
TREDEGAR - Remix & Rebirth (1986-1991) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159702006/TREDEGAR_-_Remix___Rebirth__UK-86-91_.rarNext, guitarist Brian Naughton, following stints with ROCK CANDY, GRASS ROOTS & PEANUT BUTTER CONSPIRACY, formed a Hard Rock group called ROCKIT with fellow axe slinger Jerry Zubal in 1973. By 1976 RSO Records had signed the band and renamed them ROCKICKS. Their one and only album "Inside" was released in 1977. "Inside" delivers a steamy and at times swampy variation on 70's biker rock, not unlike BLACK OAK ARKANSAS, CREED and THE BOYZZ. Many current listeners might equate this to stoner rock, and they might have a point, though they are generally more melodic than your typical stoner rock outfit. Heavy with thick and tempo challenged riffs, melodic, good time boogie & that thick swamp rock sound. It's become a sought after item nowadays, and this now out-of-print cd version of the album was released which added 3 bonus tracks. They played all over America and locally at places like the Roxy, the Aquarius Theater and Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Rockicks had radio commercials and a lot going for them until a show opening for Blondie at the Whiskey was given TOM PETTY.
This was Tom Petty’s big break show and the beginning of the end for the Rockicks who split up in 1978. Guitarist Brian Naughton recently resurfaced with a new band called NAUGHTONES who released an album called "From The Nut" in 2006.
ROCKICKS - Inside (1977) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/159710988/ROCKICKS_-_Inside__USA-1977_.rarAnd now, Ace were a French heavy Rock quartet formed in 1985 in Cannes on the Cote D'Azur.
They debuted the following year with their "Ballroom Blitz" EP, and followed this with the full length "Bad Boys" album. A further release, the "Holding On" 7" appeared at the years end, but this was to be the end of the road for Ace. In recent years their "Ballroom Blitz" EP has often been mistakenly identified as a NWOBHM release driving it's price up amongst collectors. All their releases now command a high price tag, a pity for Ace that their records weren't as sought after during their lifetime.
ACE - Ballroom Blitz EP (1986) France
http://rapidshare.com/files/159738031/ACE_-_Ballroom_Blitz_EP__France-1986_.rarAt the heavier end of the spectrum, Mayhem were a NWOBHM/Punk crossover band from Southport who debuted with a 1981 demo then released three EPs in the early 1980's. The first, "Gentle Murder", was released by Riot City Records in 1982, which was followed by a further demo, the two song "1982 Demo". "Pulling Puppets Strings", was also released by Riot City in 1983. After some personnel changes "Bloodrush", was the final EP released by Vigilante Records in 1985. They also figured on various compilations, such as 1982's "Riotous Assembly", with the exclusive song "Psycho", and the 1984 international Maximum Rock'n'Roll collection "Welcome To 1984", with the exclusive song "I Defy".
MAYHEM - Pulling Puppet Strings EP (1983) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159746046/MAYHEM_-_Pulling_Puppets_Strings_EP__UK-1983_.rarAnd now to the 45's, starting with a double feature of NWOBHM 7"s, SHADER were a little known NWOBHM band active in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Their recording career only amounted to one independent 7" single. "Bad News Blues" was issued on the Piston Broke Records label in 1981. Though very popular with the biker fraternity at the time, very little info about them has survived.
SHADER - Bad News Blues 7" (1981) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159740093/SHADER_-_Bad_News_Blues_7____UK-1981_.rarEmerson were a London based NWOBHM/Hard Rock five piece formed in 1982 and named after founding members & brothers Bri & Stu Emerson. The band's sound shifted from more straight forward heavy riffing during the next couple of years, with a more AOR influenced sound surfacing. Their only release was the 1984 "Something Special" 7" for Neat Records. The record didn't exactly set the charts alight, and following several personnel changes, they called it a day in 1985. Following the band's demise, two former EMERSON vocalists Steve Blewitt and his replacement, Mick White, later joined PAUL SAMSON's project. Blewitt, a former member of AXIS, walked out on EMPIRE prior to their first gig leaving the post vacant for White to fill.
Blewitt later changed his surname to Blue appearing on YA YA's second album. The singer also worked with former STAMPEDE/UFO guitarist LAWRENCE ARCHER on his "L.A. Secrets" album for Japan. Guitarist Stu Emerson himself was involved with the MEAT LOAF championed MRS. LOUD in 1995. Bassist Bri Emerson joined TYGER TYGER whilst latter day EMERSON drummer Charlie McKenzie (formerly of BLACK ROSE), enrolled into SAMSON.
EMERSON - Something Special 7" (1984) UK
http://rapidshare.com/files/159742493/EMERSON_-_Something_Special_7____UK-1984_.rarFinally, DESTROYER were an obscure American Heavy Metal trio active during the mid-1980's.
Destoyer only released one record, the self-financed "Black Angels" 45 on their own Destroyer Records label in 1985. Not to be confused with the other American band of the same name who released a 1988 EP called "Optimum D.S.I." on Screaming Mimi Records.
DESTROYER - Black Angels 7" (1985) USA
http://rapidshare.com/files/159744332/DESTROYER_-_Black_Angels_7____USA-1983_.rar
So there you have it, hope this weeks selection hits the spot for ya. If you need even more obscure Rock & Metal from the dim & distant past, go check out my other blog @ http://guntherspaps.blogspot.com/
It's where vintage Rawk lives, people! See y'back here again real soon i hope. ;)
posted by bigfootkit at 5:29 PM
12 Comments:
I've so far this week downloaded only Destroyer - Black Angels 7" which is a fantastic slab of early metal from abroad. Almost as good as the Banshee 7" posted last week, there are a few more items I plan on downloaded soon... will get back to you all.
Nice to see the Tredegar cd. Great Band, saw them a couple of times at the Red Lion in Brentford (now demolished & replaced with a McDonalds drive-thru !!). Tony Bourge is just the most brilliant guitarist.
Shader...Saw them at the Brecknock in Camden. Great band . They had a singer who was premanently disabled & on crutches, . I was working as a despatch rider for several years & acouple of years later Shader's bass player, Terry Gollau ( think that's the correct surname)joined the company & worked with me for a couple of years. Great guy, said Shader supported Budgie & what a nice bunch of guys they were, sharing their beers backstage with them. Last I saw of him was the early 80's, he was in a band called Romeo Error
Thank you for Distrainers / Japaned EP. They are one of the forgotten gem.
Could I request Helvetets Port / metal strike EP or Demo, please? They are recent band, but they sound like ealry 80's Swedish metal. Thank you very much.
Great post, Kit. Nice to see any Budgie related material making an appearance. I saw Budgie quite a few times from 77 onwards, and met them once after a show. As said in the previous comment they were a lovely bunch of guys and really down to earth. What a band, too - great track after great track and not given enough credit in the rise of metal. They were there from the start with riff after riff.
Blofeld
Before I forget, Kit, let me give you Kudos on the way you subtly alter the flavor of each week's assortment. Black Angels is good, even if the singer sounds somewhat disinterested. Nice to hear the Shader story-- the music pales in comparison to some of the other biker-type nwobhm efforts, however.
Rockicks is from an underheard segment of late 70s rock, thanks for digging this up! The bonus tracks are great.
Lastly, if anyone cares, I have posted the only other Emerson track I know of, from the "Best Of British compilation. Go here--
http://rapidshare.com/files/
160003634/06_Maybe_Someday.rar.html
According to Rapidshare, only 10 people can download it.
The Destroyer single is pretty good; the A-side has a strong NWOBHM feel to it, the B-side sounds more American. The Mayhem EP is also pretty good; not as strong as 'Bloodrush' but better than 'Gentle Murder'. On this one there seems to be a California hardcore influence moreso than the other EPs; interesting to hear bands like Black Flag and TSOL starting to creep into a british band's sound as early as 1983. I've always been more partial to the West Coast HC sound compared to East Coast bands like Minor Threat and Cro Mags (Misfits being the major exception); the weird 'surf rock' vibe that gets incorporated into some WCHC gives it a more enjoyable vibe IMO.
Glad to see this weeks stuff seems to be hittin' the spot with most of you. Nightsblood, thanks for your thoughts on the Mayhem EP, i hadn't really thought of it as having a US influence to it, but having listened again i can see what you mean. Unusual for the time, as indie US punk/hardcore was kinda hard to come by early in the decade, except through specialist mail order & indie distros, but not the US influence is not entirely unique, i seem to recall A.Y.S. (Admit You're Shit) covered Minor Threat's "In My Eyes" around the same time. I'm with you too on the East/West divide, i liked the odd Cro-Mags/Agnostic track, but overall it was too one dimensional for me, although i would add the Bad Brains to the exceptions list, an astonishiong band at their peak. Strangely when it comes to 70's punk the West Coast is the area which doesn't "float my boat", for me all the best bands from that era came from NY or unexpected places like Ohio.
Thanks to ron, anon & blofeld for their contributions & memories too, i wish more of our visitors would take the time to contribute their thoughts, feelings & links, the way you guys do, it could only improve the blog for everyone.
Shader! Hooray! A now-deceased uncle of mine used to have that single. Ace to hear their heads down no nonsense mindless boogie again. Thanks!
Thanks for the Tredegar. I used to have the original album with the gold. But I sold it when I wanted to buy all southern rock albums I read about. Anyway, I remember these guys appearing on Sky Channel's Monsters of Rock show, hosted by Mick Wall of Kerrang!. Wearing nothing on the show but the sleeves of their album. Funny.
http://swedishheavymetal.blogspot.com/2009/07/helvetets-port-metal-strike-demo-2004.html
Shader now have a Facebook page listed under :
Shader- Nwbhm
Steve The old Hippy
guitar solo guide boys guitar bedding guitars not guns program acoustic guitar tuning Stage 5. Install strings and tune. There are those guitar players who see sheet music notation as a language that was invented by keyboard players and is not very well suited to the guitar. It should be noted that without learning musical theory as well, learning to read music is just a part of the language of music and is not a great deal more useful than tabs. Also the amount of music theory a guitarist learns is in proportion to his interest in music in general but will not necessarily make him a better guitar player than a guy who doesn't read music.
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