Post by marveloushagler on Nov 15, 2004 13:02:30 GMT -5
This article first appeared in HERE TO STAY- HERE TO FIGHT #2, info-bulletin of the RASH crew in NYC
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THE 15 MOST ESSENTIAL LEFT-WING SKINHEAD ALBUMS
By DJ Marvelous Hagler
RASH-NYC
Some people will say I have tremendous balls for putting together a list like this. After all, isn't music subjective? Who am I to say what albums should matter most to anti-fascist and class struggle skinheads?
Obviously, this list is just my opinion on the matter of left-wing streetpunk. These are the albums that keep me shaving my head and sticking to the cause. They capture in music and message what it means to be a RASH skin. And let's face it, would any of us stick to this hardcore lifestyle if it didn't have such a great soundtrack? I thought not!
So, without further adieu, here's the list...
#1 THE OPPRESSED "Music For Hooligans" LP (Step-One)
Not only is this one of the greatest comeback albums for any band in the history of music, on this slab of vinyl the Oppressed take their militant anti-fascist message to the next level. Every track has something urgent to say, and the music is pure impact. This is the unofficial soundtrack for hardcore Leftist streetfighters- taking the battle to the boneheads, the cops and the rich! Nice one lads!
#2 THE CLASH- "The Clash" LP (CBS)
Okay, this isn't necessarily a skinhead album per se but I've never met a left-wing skinhead that didn't worship the Clash. Plus, the impact this album had on the entire punk movement was monumental. Without it, there would have been no socialist rebel punk bands (THE ANGELIC UPSTARTS, THE REDSKINS, THE NEUROTICS, THE RUTS, etc.), there would have been no "punky reggae" crossover and there would have been no Oi!. We can thank the Clash and this first album for all these things. And Paul Simonon use to be a skinhead back in the Trojan days, so I guess that DOES make it a skinhead album.
#3 THE REDSKINS "Neither Washington Nor Moscow" LP (Decca)
This album came out of left field (no pun intended). At a time when the skinhead scene had been taken over by glue sniffing National Front boneheads, the Redskins reacquainted true skinheads with soul music, style and class-struggle politics. Musically, they're probably the most talented skinhead band ever, incorporating punk, soul, rockabilly and more. This album is so good, we can even forgive them for the sectarian party dogma and Chris Dean's corny quiff haircut (subsequently copied by a generation of French anti-fascist skinheads). Let's get this situation sorted out!
#4 THE BLAGGERS ITA "Bad Karma" LP (EMI)
This pick may raise a few eyebrows, because a lot of skinheads hate this album. I, however, love it. It incorporates elements of rap, includes samples, DJing and even dance music. And yet, their message is as sharp as ever. On this record, red skinheads evolve into anti-fascist casuals and get even more outlaw, with anthems on rioting, nightclubbing and stealing cars. This should have been the soundtrack to the French film LA HAINE.
#5 THE PRESS "Punks and Skins Vol. 5" split LP (Oi! Records)
The Press hold a special place in my heart because they were the first American Oi! band, and they kick total ass. Not only did they hail from NYC, but their message was staunchly anti-fascist (at a time when it mattered!), they were allied with the SHARP movement and their singer was an open red skin. Most of all, their lyrics accurately captured the frustration of being a working stiff in the Big Apple. I'll still love this record when I'm 80. Oh, and the RADICTS side is pure gold as well.
#6 OI POLLOI "Punks and Skins Vol. II" split LP (Oi! Records)
Before they got into all that Stonehenge "earth magic" crap, OI POLLOI were a brutal streetpunk band best represented by this LP. "Rich Scumbag" is one of the most powerful class struggle fight tunes ever. This is an album for righteous acts of violence- make no mistake about it.
#7 THE OPPRESSED "Oi! Oi! Music" LP (Oppressed Records)
Even with the cheesy electronic drums, this album is a champion. Every skinhead loves this record, even if they don't agree with our politics. Tracks like "Joe Hawkins", "Skinhead Girl", "Ultra Violence" and "Urban Soldiers" make it a pure classic. Their "Dead And Buried" LP is also a standout, but I think this is the better of their two old-school LPs.
#8 THE BLAGGERS "On Your Toez" LP (Oi! Records)
I remember when this record came out in the late 80's, it was the only contemporary (at that time) streetpunk album most reggae loving skinheads would listen to. One side politics from the street and one side fun. Songs about fighting at soccer, Northern Ireland, jail, being a rebel, fighting in the streets and militant anti-fascism. Even a track that pays homage to the 1960's skinhead film "Bronco Bullfrog"! What more could you ask for?
#9 THE CLASH "Black Market Clash" LP (CBS)
Their best "punky reggae" album. Lots of '77-style punk classics ("The Prisoner", "Capitol Radio One", "Cheat") and lots of heavy, heavy dub reggae. Even has their standout cover of TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS "Pressure Drop". As always, the message is on target. A lot of people won't get no justice tonight. Don't push us when we're hot!
#10 BLAGGERS ITA "United Colors of Blaggers ITA" LP (Words Of Warning)
The Blaggers evolved musically on this album, and Anti-Fascist Action (UK) got a soundtrack. Watch footage of AFA's "Battle of Waterloo" victory and listen to this record at the same time. You'll see what I mean. Music for the street-fighting years of the early 90's. It's up to you!
Mensi from the ANGELIC UPSTARTS even does a cameo.
#11 THE ADJUSTERS "Before The Revolution" CD (Moon Records)
Socialist mods from Chicago that stood by RASH's side when no one else would. They will always get props for that. Plus, they're incredibly talented song writers and musicians. They know how to play soul better than anybody! It's a crime that this record did not sell millions of copies.
#12 ZAKARAK "Larga Vida" LP
Even if you don't understand Spanish, the anthems from this Basque anti-fascist skinhead band will have you singing along. If the Cockney Rejects had lived in Bilbao, they'd have sounded like this. Pure party drinking music with a great message.
#13 THE CLASH "London Calling" 2LP (CBS)
The Clash soften and diversify their sound a bit, but not without great results. Classics include "Guns of Brixton", "Rudie Can't Fail", "Jimmy Jazz", "Spanish Bombs", "Revolution Rock" and more. Really heartfelt stuff that corresponded with their takeover of America.
#14- KORTATU "A Frontline Compilation: Rock In The Basque Country" LP
Again, an album that is great whether or not you speak Spanish. This band had a tremendous effect on establishing the worldwide Spanish-language "Rock Radical" scene. KORTATU played raw punk and ska with fightback lyrics. They also ensured that there would be red skinheads throughout Latin America and Spain for a million years to come. This is frontline music for sure. I didn't even know what a Basque was before Kortatu.
#15- ERODE "Orguglio Proletario" demo
Italian reds with a thugrock sound, this album is all about working-class pride. I think ERODE are a bit Stalinist politically, but GOD DAMN this is a powerful release. As heavy as a DM to the breadbasket!
-------------------------------
HONORABLE MENTIONS
It seems insane that I wouldn't have any ANGELIC UPSTARTS records here, but that's mainly because I don't think they had any releases where every song was a standout anthem. Rather, almost every one of their releases have a few singalong classics, some good/ okay tracks and one or two shitty ones. One of these days I'll make an UPSTARTS mix tape that will blow people's doors off.
I would list the Italian band NABAT, but I only have some of their songs on comps and EPs. They too are classic. Perhaps when I get the loot to pay import prices, I'll bump them up the list.
THE STRIKE released two excellent records, "A Conscience Left to Struggle..." and "Shots Heard 'Round the World", that are loved by all. Unfortunately, they're were only 15 spots available, and I tend to favor bands with more of a bootboy attitude.
The same can be said for Italy's BANDA BASSOTTI. Two great albums. Now if they'd only had some songs about fighting, beer, crime, girls and soccer, they may have been #1.
Finally, the STREET TROOPERS "Take The Battle To The Streets" is an Oi-core! classic. It's a bit amateurish and raw, but powerful as a .44 mag. If they had stayed together long enough to release a 2nd LP, it's no doubt they'd be near the top of the list
ONE FINAL NOTE
Yeah, I tend to favor bands that sing in languages I understand (English and Spanish). Sorry! I guess that's because the message is as important to left-wing skinheads as the music. I'm sure there are lots of great bands out there that sing in tongues I don't comprehend, and maybe one day I'll get turned on to them. That's what makes this scene so much fun.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THE 15 MOST ESSENTIAL LEFT-WING SKINHEAD ALBUMS
By DJ Marvelous Hagler
RASH-NYC
Some people will say I have tremendous balls for putting together a list like this. After all, isn't music subjective? Who am I to say what albums should matter most to anti-fascist and class struggle skinheads?
Obviously, this list is just my opinion on the matter of left-wing streetpunk. These are the albums that keep me shaving my head and sticking to the cause. They capture in music and message what it means to be a RASH skin. And let's face it, would any of us stick to this hardcore lifestyle if it didn't have such a great soundtrack? I thought not!
So, without further adieu, here's the list...
#1 THE OPPRESSED "Music For Hooligans" LP (Step-One)
Not only is this one of the greatest comeback albums for any band in the history of music, on this slab of vinyl the Oppressed take their militant anti-fascist message to the next level. Every track has something urgent to say, and the music is pure impact. This is the unofficial soundtrack for hardcore Leftist streetfighters- taking the battle to the boneheads, the cops and the rich! Nice one lads!
#2 THE CLASH- "The Clash" LP (CBS)
Okay, this isn't necessarily a skinhead album per se but I've never met a left-wing skinhead that didn't worship the Clash. Plus, the impact this album had on the entire punk movement was monumental. Without it, there would have been no socialist rebel punk bands (THE ANGELIC UPSTARTS, THE REDSKINS, THE NEUROTICS, THE RUTS, etc.), there would have been no "punky reggae" crossover and there would have been no Oi!. We can thank the Clash and this first album for all these things. And Paul Simonon use to be a skinhead back in the Trojan days, so I guess that DOES make it a skinhead album.
#3 THE REDSKINS "Neither Washington Nor Moscow" LP (Decca)
This album came out of left field (no pun intended). At a time when the skinhead scene had been taken over by glue sniffing National Front boneheads, the Redskins reacquainted true skinheads with soul music, style and class-struggle politics. Musically, they're probably the most talented skinhead band ever, incorporating punk, soul, rockabilly and more. This album is so good, we can even forgive them for the sectarian party dogma and Chris Dean's corny quiff haircut (subsequently copied by a generation of French anti-fascist skinheads). Let's get this situation sorted out!
#4 THE BLAGGERS ITA "Bad Karma" LP (EMI)
This pick may raise a few eyebrows, because a lot of skinheads hate this album. I, however, love it. It incorporates elements of rap, includes samples, DJing and even dance music. And yet, their message is as sharp as ever. On this record, red skinheads evolve into anti-fascist casuals and get even more outlaw, with anthems on rioting, nightclubbing and stealing cars. This should have been the soundtrack to the French film LA HAINE.
#5 THE PRESS "Punks and Skins Vol. 5" split LP (Oi! Records)
The Press hold a special place in my heart because they were the first American Oi! band, and they kick total ass. Not only did they hail from NYC, but their message was staunchly anti-fascist (at a time when it mattered!), they were allied with the SHARP movement and their singer was an open red skin. Most of all, their lyrics accurately captured the frustration of being a working stiff in the Big Apple. I'll still love this record when I'm 80. Oh, and the RADICTS side is pure gold as well.
#6 OI POLLOI "Punks and Skins Vol. II" split LP (Oi! Records)
Before they got into all that Stonehenge "earth magic" crap, OI POLLOI were a brutal streetpunk band best represented by this LP. "Rich Scumbag" is one of the most powerful class struggle fight tunes ever. This is an album for righteous acts of violence- make no mistake about it.
#7 THE OPPRESSED "Oi! Oi! Music" LP (Oppressed Records)
Even with the cheesy electronic drums, this album is a champion. Every skinhead loves this record, even if they don't agree with our politics. Tracks like "Joe Hawkins", "Skinhead Girl", "Ultra Violence" and "Urban Soldiers" make it a pure classic. Their "Dead And Buried" LP is also a standout, but I think this is the better of their two old-school LPs.
#8 THE BLAGGERS "On Your Toez" LP (Oi! Records)
I remember when this record came out in the late 80's, it was the only contemporary (at that time) streetpunk album most reggae loving skinheads would listen to. One side politics from the street and one side fun. Songs about fighting at soccer, Northern Ireland, jail, being a rebel, fighting in the streets and militant anti-fascism. Even a track that pays homage to the 1960's skinhead film "Bronco Bullfrog"! What more could you ask for?
#9 THE CLASH "Black Market Clash" LP (CBS)
Their best "punky reggae" album. Lots of '77-style punk classics ("The Prisoner", "Capitol Radio One", "Cheat") and lots of heavy, heavy dub reggae. Even has their standout cover of TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS "Pressure Drop". As always, the message is on target. A lot of people won't get no justice tonight. Don't push us when we're hot!
#10 BLAGGERS ITA "United Colors of Blaggers ITA" LP (Words Of Warning)
The Blaggers evolved musically on this album, and Anti-Fascist Action (UK) got a soundtrack. Watch footage of AFA's "Battle of Waterloo" victory and listen to this record at the same time. You'll see what I mean. Music for the street-fighting years of the early 90's. It's up to you!
Mensi from the ANGELIC UPSTARTS even does a cameo.
#11 THE ADJUSTERS "Before The Revolution" CD (Moon Records)
Socialist mods from Chicago that stood by RASH's side when no one else would. They will always get props for that. Plus, they're incredibly talented song writers and musicians. They know how to play soul better than anybody! It's a crime that this record did not sell millions of copies.
#12 ZAKARAK "Larga Vida" LP
Even if you don't understand Spanish, the anthems from this Basque anti-fascist skinhead band will have you singing along. If the Cockney Rejects had lived in Bilbao, they'd have sounded like this. Pure party drinking music with a great message.
#13 THE CLASH "London Calling" 2LP (CBS)
The Clash soften and diversify their sound a bit, but not without great results. Classics include "Guns of Brixton", "Rudie Can't Fail", "Jimmy Jazz", "Spanish Bombs", "Revolution Rock" and more. Really heartfelt stuff that corresponded with their takeover of America.
#14- KORTATU "A Frontline Compilation: Rock In The Basque Country" LP
Again, an album that is great whether or not you speak Spanish. This band had a tremendous effect on establishing the worldwide Spanish-language "Rock Radical" scene. KORTATU played raw punk and ska with fightback lyrics. They also ensured that there would be red skinheads throughout Latin America and Spain for a million years to come. This is frontline music for sure. I didn't even know what a Basque was before Kortatu.
#15- ERODE "Orguglio Proletario" demo
Italian reds with a thugrock sound, this album is all about working-class pride. I think ERODE are a bit Stalinist politically, but GOD DAMN this is a powerful release. As heavy as a DM to the breadbasket!
-------------------------------
HONORABLE MENTIONS
It seems insane that I wouldn't have any ANGELIC UPSTARTS records here, but that's mainly because I don't think they had any releases where every song was a standout anthem. Rather, almost every one of their releases have a few singalong classics, some good/ okay tracks and one or two shitty ones. One of these days I'll make an UPSTARTS mix tape that will blow people's doors off.
I would list the Italian band NABAT, but I only have some of their songs on comps and EPs. They too are classic. Perhaps when I get the loot to pay import prices, I'll bump them up the list.
THE STRIKE released two excellent records, "A Conscience Left to Struggle..." and "Shots Heard 'Round the World", that are loved by all. Unfortunately, they're were only 15 spots available, and I tend to favor bands with more of a bootboy attitude.
The same can be said for Italy's BANDA BASSOTTI. Two great albums. Now if they'd only had some songs about fighting, beer, crime, girls and soccer, they may have been #1.
Finally, the STREET TROOPERS "Take The Battle To The Streets" is an Oi-core! classic. It's a bit amateurish and raw, but powerful as a .44 mag. If they had stayed together long enough to release a 2nd LP, it's no doubt they'd be near the top of the list
ONE FINAL NOTE
Yeah, I tend to favor bands that sing in languages I understand (English and Spanish). Sorry! I guess that's because the message is as important to left-wing skinheads as the music. I'm sure there are lots of great bands out there that sing in tongues I don't comprehend, and maybe one day I'll get turned on to them. That's what makes this scene so much fun.
