Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Blasting Concept, Volume 1: An SST Compilation





Once upon a time, compilations mattered. Probably because they didn't get released at the rate of five per week like they seemingly did in the mid-90s. Some held lasting influence, cracked the ground open, spawned dozens of derivative and unique rock groups, made us hate our parents more, huff spray paint, stick safety pins through our parts and give voice to a reservoir of black and brown exurb anger which was previously expressed via habitual masturbation, self-loathing or slasher films (this author excepted).

This did that, and more. It and its next gen pal comps (See: The Wailing Ultimate) stuck a blockbuster up our asses, thank God. I saved my dishwasher gig money and bought each of these records.

SST changed our lives.
Allmusic: SST was one of the most important indie labels to emerge out of the punk rubble. Based in L.A., the company would soon list such seminal '80s bands as the Minutemen, Black Flag, the Meat Puppets, Hüsker Dü, and Sonic Youth as part of its roster. This early roundup from 1983 spotlights tracks from all of these bands, save for Sonic Youth. San Pedro's finest, the Minutemen, get the lion's share with four songs from their debut release. Black Flag follows suit with three fine sides from its Jealous Again album (plus some singles), while the Meat Puppets contribute two from their own maiden release and Hüsker Dü is tapped for "Real World" from the Metal Circus EP. And rounding things out are solo shots from Saccharine Trust, Stains, Overkill, and Wurm. A must for the historically minded punk fan.

HEAR


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

i was just thinking about how long itd been since i heard this...thanks.

Anonymous said...

In my formative years, I had the Blasting Concept Vol. 2 on cassette. It was great stuff, but I think this comp might be even better.

Your blog is amazing, BTW. I found you a month or so ago, and I've been making some great discoveries here. Thank you and please keep up the fantastic work.

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