MUSIC
1. STEVE IGNORANT PRESENTS: THE LAST SUPPER (CRASS SONGS 1977 – 1984) – Live in Auckland, New Zealand 19th June 2011
I was a tad too young to CRASS live and, while I am under no impression this was a ‘CRASS reformation’, it did serve as probably as close as I will ever get to seeing the band – and the fact it got to New Zealand is pretty remarkable. Ignorant brought a stellar band over, complete with stage projections and, as ‘crass’ as it sounds, the hair on the back of my neck stood up several times, not least during ‘Shaved Women’ and ‘Bloody Revolutions’.
2. FUCKED UP – David Comes To Life {Matador}
A colossal sounding album from a colossal band. Who would’ve thought, back in the days the band was cranking some serious HC out for Deranged, that come 2011 they’d deliver an album full of highs and lows, swells and collisions, breath-taking songs and arrangements and yet still remain as destructive as an atom bomb.
3. STEVE ADAMYK BAND – Forever Won’t Wait {Dirtnap}
The most refreshing Punk blast heard this year. Killer songs, killer melodies and supremely snotty. Imagine DICKIES fused with RED DONS with added sneer and fuelled on amphetamines. As I think I said, killer!
4. NIGHTBIRDS – The Other Side Of Darkness {Grave Mistake}
An East Coast band taking the California sound of AGENT ORANGE, DI and ADOLESCENTS and betting anything that’s come out CA in absolute years. Snarling and addictive stuff
= 5. VISIONS OF CHANGE/ THE DEPRAVED – s/t {Boss Tuneage}
= 5. SECTION 13 – Burning Bridges {Boss Tuneage}
Ohh – what a cop out!! Last position and I make it a split decision! Well, this is not as odd as it seems. VOC and DEPRAVED were two essential Punk bands back in the 80s that did things just a little different from a lot of the Brit-core gear of the time. This double CD collects all the highs of both bands. SECTION 13 is the new band of the vocalist in both VOC and DEPRAVED, one Ian Murphy. The S13 record takes USHC influences and lights a charge to some explosive, ARTICLES OF FAITH-tinged HC. Best band in Britain? Quite possibly.
BOOKS
1. VIOLENCE GIRL: A CHICANA PUNK STORY – Alice Bag {Feral House}
One of the original LA Punks from one of the bands that can genuinely be credited as an inspiration on the HC scene that followed, delivers a personal, detail laden and emotional document of her life that covers much more than just the hedonism at the Canterbury apartments and is so much better for that reason.
2. TAKING PUNK TO THE MASSES – Jacob McMurray {Fantagraphic}
A book about the Grunge explosion released the same year as ‘Nevermind’ hit 20? I too was cynical but this is an exceptional and beautiful book that takes an in-depth look at some of the artefacts in Seattle’s museum of music. Comes with a DVD of additional interviews too.
3. GIRLS TO THE FRONT: THE TRUE STORY OF THE RIOT GRRL REVOLUTION – Sara Marcus {Harper Perennial}
Probably the most authorative document of Riot Grrrl written – and one that probably won’t be bettered purely because Marcus has done an exceptional research job and has not been afraid to point out the hypocrisies and idiosyncrasies of the movement.
4. AN AMERICAN DEMON: A MEMOIR – Jack Grisham {ECW}
Um – it’s Jack Grisham’s memoirs. Go figure!!
5. VISUAL VITRIOL – David A Ensminger {University Press Of Mississippi}
Massive coffee-table style book that takes an intelligent look at the flyer/ street art/ graffiti culture of Punk Rock. Lots of flyers are printed and the text is thought provoking and educational. Imagine the iconic Fucked Up And Photocopied coupled with Going Underground but researched and analysed for a degree-level qualification.
FILM
Come on – I live in rural New Zealand! Our cinema only opens for about six days each month!! But, special mention must go to I Need That Record! The Death (Or Possible Survival) Of The Independent Record Store. MVD released this on DVD this year and it’s a witty yet rather depressing documentary about record stores and their importance. Its full of facts and really made me remember my desire as a 16-year-old of wanting to work in the local indie record shop. Fuck me – I STILL wanna job like that some 25 year later!! Essential viewing for those who relished scouring record shops, and an education to those who merely surf the ‘net and download.
