The Misfits - Beware (1980)

 

The Misfits - Beware (1980) 

Now this is more like it! Classic Danzig era Misfits. As you may know, Danzig recently regrouped with The Misfits for a festival show in America. This, to me, was slightly disheartening. While it's cool and all, especially with Dave Lombardo destroying the drums beat by beat, it's just not the same. Some bands are just a moment in time. While I can't fault the guys wanting some cash for music they never got in their initial life span, there is something to say about legacy.

Obviously, Jerry Only has never been one to care about legacy. He recruited a new Misfits line-up in the 90s, put out some good material, lied dormant for a while, and then refused to let the gravy train disappear. As a result, he has fronted the band since the early 2000's. No doubt they put on a good show, but the recorded material from this era fucking sucks. According to recent news, Danzig has called off any other activities with The Misfits, Doyle has gone back to his solo material, and Jerry is, as expected, keeping the ailing cash-cow alive. So, while we all wait to ignore the next Misfits material that'll undoubtedly come out within the next few years, we can satisfy ourselves by digging up the classic Danzig era material...such as BEWARE!

Beware is a compilation that was released in 1980. It features all of the Bullet EP, the main cuts from the Horror Business EP, and (the then unreleased) Last Caress. Understandably, Beware is a crucial record. There's just something about Danzig's reign, the songs are perfectly written and played, and there is a warm quality to the music...like putting on your old favourite jumper. Maybe that's just nostalgia on my part as The Misfits are one of the bands that got me into punk rock, and thus music in general.

Enjoy, you fiends!

The Misfits - Horror Business EP (1979)

 

The Misfits - Horror Business EP (1979)

So here we are. Final Halloween post. I was hoping to be a bit more prolific, but what the hell.

Horror Business is simply one the the greatest songs ever written. Any other opinion is bullshit and you should feel bad for not agreeing with me.

On this legendary EP The Misfits rip through three tracks of pure punk rock glory. If Horror Business and Teenagers From Mars don't convince you that The Misfits were one of THE best bands to ever exist, then i have no idea whats wrong with you.

I suppose the only issue with this record is that the former tunes make the final cut Children In Heat seem insignificant. However, don't get me wrong. Children In Heat is a rad tune, it's just up against some hard competition!

The line-up on this masterpiece is the same as Night Of The Living Dead: Danzig, Only, Steele, and Image 

As we all know, The Misfits rotated guitarists frequently in their initial short life span, creating even more punk rock classics with every record they put out. And then Danzig left...we wont get into that here.

A fucking gem. Happy Halloween, you fiends!

Teenagers from mars and we don't care!

The Misfits - Night Of The Living Dead (1979)

 

The Misfits - Night Of The Living Dead (1979)

What would Halloween be without The Misfits. Undoubtably one of the greatest bands ever. Night of the Living Dead is one of the prime Misfits recordings from the classic, or one of the classic, line-ups. On this record Bobby Steele rocks the guitar, while mainstays Glenn Danzig and Jerry Only do their thang. On drums is Joey Image, of whom i have no knowledge of. Apparently he donned the sticks for less than a year in The Misfits and became active in recording in the 00s...as well as having a Youtube Podcast channel. It's true, look it up!

This particular record is pretty interesting in terms of the song choices. Obviosly we have the Romero homage Night of the Living Dead, as well a favourite of mine, Where Eagles Dare. The last cut, Rat Fink, is actually a cover by Allan Sherman who was dead well before the Misfits were on the scene.
 

A true fucking classic.

I ain't no goddamn son of a bitch, you better think about it baby!

SS - The Original (1984)

SS - The Original (1984)

Noisy as fuck, this is a live recording by one of the first Japanese punk bands to get real.

Apparently the SS never recorded in their time, so this live set, clocking in around 13 minutes long, as well as another live record is all that's documented about them. Performed in 1979, and released in 1984, The SS are in the vein of Middle Class, (early) Black Flag, and the Bad Brains, in that they are very fast for their time. Due to the incredible speed and ferocity, The SS were able to shift a few records to American hardcore fans during the 80s.

Check out this review in Maximum Rock'n'Roll:

I've heard this is one of Japan's earliest thrash hands, and this posthumous release was recorded live in 1979 to prove the point. Results: totally ripping, ragged-ass, no-holds-barred thrash. Besides the clear vinyl, collectors will seek this for its small pressing (500 made), but anyone else will want it 'cause it shreds!

-Tim Yohannan (from Maximum Rocknroll #28, September 1985)

The guitars are like ambiance, they just provide a crazy whiring noise while the bassist brings the notes. The drums thrash like a muthalover, and the vocals are panicked bursts of energy. Making anything out is a challenge as this is a typical bootleg live recording of the time. Couple that with fast as fuck punk rock exuberance and you have a very messy record!

And if you need any more encouraging...they cover Blitzkrieg Bop!

You know what to do: (Link from the great kyoukinonihon blog)

http://www.mediafire.com/download/vz8tk2k4dofoxx0/SS+-+The+Original.zip