18 Great British Punk Originals '77-'82 CD
(Bin Liner Records)
(REVIEW BY DAVE GETZOFF)
It continues to amaze me just exactly how many punk, powerpop, and new wave bands etc. actually existed in the UK during the five-year musical explosion of 1977-1982. During this time, hundreds of bands were forming. Some of them started a musical career that would last for the next 30 years. Many of these bands are still performing, touring, recording, and releasing new music today. On the other hand, there were hundreds, maybe even thousands of bands from the era who may have only been around for two years or less, played a few shows, and maybe only released a single or two or just a demo. The Bored Teenagers compilation series specializes in such bands. Bored Teenagers Vol. 4 has recently just been released, and like the first three compilations, they continue to release great obscure British punk rock and introduce punk rock fans to some forgotten gems. Also, each CD comes with a booklet with liner notes and great pictures. I love classic UK punk rock. I always look forward to hearing the latest Bored Teenagers compilation because the vast majority of the bands are new to me.
Bored Teenagers Vol. 4 starts off with a band called the Machines. I have heard the Machines' ultra rare 1978 EP, which appeared on the compilation Bloodstains Across the U.K. Vol. 1. Bored Teenagers features even more rare recordings, two raw and snotty sounding songs, "You Better Hear" and "Racing", which were taken from first demo recorded in October of 1977 and previously unreleased until now.
The Ordinarys are a mod revival/powerpop band who sadly never had an official release. Until now! This comp features four songs taken from an unreleased demo. All of these songs are good, although the song "I Wanna Be An Ordinary" is my favorite. This is a true powerpop gem that no fan would be disappointed by.
The Running Sores never played live; however, they did record two raw punk songs, "I'm A Punkstar" and "Me Brain Done Hurt" featured on this compilation.
Very little is known about the band Low Profyle, who released a single in 1980 with two cover songs on it, "Hangin' Around" by the Stranglers and "Substitute" by the Who. Their version of "Hangin' Around" is featured on this compilation.
Shortly after my favorite song by Public Image Limited, "Public Image", was recorded, Jimmy Pursey of Sham 69 recorded an on the spot parody of the song while in the studio with members of the Pretenders. Not the greatest song on the comp, although it is interesting. The band went under the name Public Pisstake, and the song was called "My Own Creation".
The Cane never had an official release; the three songs on this compilation were taken from the band's 1978 demo. This is raw vintage punk rock the way it was meant to be. The song "School Daze" is an instant punk classic!
The Elevators only have one song on this compilation called "Your I's Are Too Close Together". This is my favorite song on this release. When you first hear the melodic chorus to this song, it is kind of confusing. You would almost think that the band was singing, "Your Eyes Are Too Close Together" as if someone's eyes were literally too close together. The chorus actually states, "Your I's Are Too Close Together". It is a song about a girl who always talks about herself. This song is a real gem! Classic 1980 powerpop gold!
The Steroid Kiddies are a great band. Great catchy punk rock. This comp features two songs from the band's 1979 single, "Dumb, Dumb" and "Yo Yo".
Last but certainly not least is a band called the Introze. Featured here are two catchy pop/oi songs from the band's 1982 single, "Kids In Uniform" and "The Naggin' Song".
Again, like the first three volumes in the Bored Teenagers series, I really enjoyed volume 4. It is great to see compilations like this being released. I love discovering vintage obscure punk rock recordings that I would otherwise be unlikely to have the chance to hear. It is also great that these bands now have the chance to be heard.
Can't wait to hear Bored Teenagers Vol. 5! Coming soon!
--- Dave Getzoff February 4, 2007
(originally posted on Now Wave Webzine on February 4, 2007)
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