“Okay Not to be Okay” Ecca Vandal

This way: Okay Not to be Okay

Ecca Vandal is a South African-born alternative rock singer, songwriter and rapper based in Melbourne, Australia. Vandal's first album, Ecca Vandal, was released in 2017, and her second, Looking for People to Unfollow, was released on 22 May 2026.

Ecca Vandal was born in Louis Trichardt, South Africa, to Sri Lankan Tamil refugee parents. When she was a child, her parents left South Africa with Ecca and her older sisters, and moved to Australia, settling in Melbourne.Vandal grew up listening to gospel music, before discovering soul, hip hop, and '90s R&B in her sister's record collection. After this, she "became obsessed with jazz music". Vandal attended the Victorian College of the Arts, studying jazz as part of a Bachelor of Creative Arts.

In 2014, Vandal released her debut single “White Flag”, co-produced with Kidnot and Hadyn Buxton. The track later appeared on a double A-side 7-inch single, “Battle Royal” / “White Flag”, released in 2015.

On 29 January 2016, Vandal's debut EP, End of Time was released, with her performing a promotional national tour throughout February.

  

[Spotify] Okay Not to be Okay 

“BFF” The Blushes

This way: BFF

The Blushes, all-female punk band from Los Angeles, featuring Katie Earl-Hogan, Katy Rose, and Lori Dorfman. Their journey began during a middle school theater camp, to this raw punk powerhouse. They will fuck shit up.

[Spotify] BFF 

[Charming Live] BFF 

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, Robert Hazard

This way: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Robert Hazard (August 21, 1948 – August 5, 2008) was an American rock musician from Philadelphia.

Robert Hazard was born Robert Rimato to an Italian family in Philadelphia, the son of an opera singer who was a tenor for the Philadelphia Opera Company and also owned a jewelry shop. He grew up in Springfield Township, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1966. His older sister introduced him to some of his greatest influences such as Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent and Carl Perkins. Kurt Loder profiled him in a 1981 Rolling Stone article, describing Hazard as a musician "...who started out as a Dylan-era folkie, then spent eight years singing country & western. 'I just love country music', he explains, which of course explains nothing, least of all the two years he subsequently spent with a reggae band... or his current electro-pop approach, which owes little to any of the above."

He wrote, composed, and recorded (as a demo) the song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" in 1979, which was recorded in 1983 by Cyndi Lauper who turned it into a best-selling hit. He also composed the new-wave and MTV songs "Escalator of Life" and "Change Reaction", which he performed with his band, Robert Hazard and the Heroes, that was popular in the Philadelphia club scene during the 1980s.These songs appeared on the five-song extended player Robert Hazard, released in June 1982 by his own record label "RHA Records", and the next November by major label RCA Records. RCA released his first LP album, Wing of Fire, in January 1984.

[Weird Al] Girls Just Wanna Have Lunch 

“That's Just Fine” Spacemen 3

This way: That's Just Fine

Spacemen 3 were an English rock band formed in 1982 in Rugby, Warwickshire, by Peter Kember and Jason Pierce, known respectively under their pseudonyms Sonic Boom and J Spaceman. Their music is known for its brand of "trance-like neo-psychedelia" consisting of heavily distorted guitar, synthesizers, and minimal chord or tempo changes.

The band drew inspiration from acts like the Stooges, the Velvet Underground, and Suicide. Following their debut album Sound of Confusion (1986), Spacemen 3 had their first independent chart hits in 1987, gaining a cult following, and through albums The Perfect Prescription (1987) and Playing with Fire (1989), went on to have greater success towards the end of the decade. However, they disbanded shortly afterwards, releasing their final studio album Recurring post-split in 1991 after an acrimonious parting of ways.

They gained a reputation as a 'drug band' due to the members' drug-taking habits and Kember's candid interviews and outspoken opinions on recreational drug use. Kember and Pierce were the only members common to all line-ups of the band. Pierce has enjoyed considerable success with his subsequent project—Spiritualized. Kember has since found acclaim for his production work with indie artists, most often under the stage name Sonic Boom.

[Spotify] That's Just Fine 

“She's the Star”, Authur Russell

This way: She's the Star

Charles Arthur Russell Jr. (May 21, 1951 – April 4, 1992) was an American cellist, composer, producer, singer, and musician from Iowa, whose work spanned a disparate range of styles. After studying contemporary composition and Indian classical music in California, Russell relocated to New York City in the mid-1970s, where he became involved in Lower Manhattan's avant-garde community and later the city's burgeoning disco scene. His eclectic music was often marked by adventurous production choices and his soft tenor vocals.

Russell worked as musical director of the New York avant-garde venue The Kitchen in 1974 and 1975, but later embraced dance music, producing or co-producing several underground club hits under names such as Dinosaur L, Loose Joints, and Indian Ocean between 1978 and 1988. He co-founded the independent label Sleeping Bag Records with Will Socolov in 1981, and collaborated with a wide variety of artists, including musicians Peter Gordon, Peter Zummo, and Talking Heads, DJs such as Walter Gibbons, Nicky Siano, and Steve D'Acquisto; and poet Allen Ginsberg.

The only full-length studio albums Russell issued under his name were the orchestral recording Tower of Meaning (1983) and vocal LP World of Echo (1986); he also released the disco LP 24→24 Music (1981) under his Dinosaur L alias. Over the last two decades of his life, he amassed a large collection of unreleased and unfinished recordings, in part due to his perfectionist working tendencies. He died from AIDS-related illnesses in 1992, still in relative obscurity and poverty.

[Spotify] She's the Star 

“Stratosphere” Tangerine Dream

This way: Stratosphere

Heres one I had when it came out. Mind blowing to teenage me. Tangerine Dream is a German electronic music band founded in 1967 by Edgar Froese. The group has seen many personnel changes over the years, with Froese the only constant member until his death in January 2015. The best-known lineup of the group was its mid-1970s trio of Froese, Christopher Franke, and Peter Baumann. In 1979, Johannes Schmoelling replaced Baumann until his own departure in 1985. This lineup was notable for composing many movie soundtracks. Since Froese's death in 2015, the group has been under the leadership of Thorsten Quaeschning. Quaeschning is Froese's chosen successor and is currently the longest-serving band member, having joined in 2005. Quaeschning is currently joined by violinist Hoshiko Yamane who joined in 2011 and Paul Frick who joined in 2020. Prior to this Quaeschning and Yamane performed with Ulrich Schnauss from 2014 to 2020. Schnauss only played three shows with Froese in November 2014 before Froese's passing.

[Spotify] Stratosphere 

“Band Played Waltzing Matilda” The Pogues

This way: Band Played Waltzing Matilda

"And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda" is a song written by Scottish-born Australian singer-songwriter Eric Bogle in 1971. The song describes war as futile and gruesome, and criticises its glorification. This is exemplified in the song by the account of a young Australian who is maimed during the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War. The protagonist, who had travelled across rural Australia before the war, is devastated by the loss of his legs in battle. As the years pass he notes the death of other veterans, while the younger generation becomes apathetic to them and their cause.

The chorus begins with the phrase "And the band played Waltzing Matilda". The song "Waltzing Matilda", by Australian poet Banjo Paterson, is the unofficial national anthem to which the young Australian volunteers of Bogle's song march to war and return from war and which is played when the war is remembered. At the conclusion of Bogle's song, its melody and a few of its lyrics, with modifications, are incorporated.

[Spotify] Band Played Waltzing Matilda 

“Thru the Flowers” The Primitives

This way: Thru the Flowers

The Primitives are an English indie pop band formed in Coventry, best known for their 1988 international hit single "Crash". Formed in 1984, disbanded in 1992 and reformed in 2009, the band's two constant members throughout their recording career have been vocalist Tracy Tracy and guitarist Paul "PJ" Court. Drummer Tig Williams has been a constant member since 1987. Often described as an indie pop or indie rock band, the Primitives' musical style can also be seen as straddling power pop, new wave and post-punk.

Early career and mainstream success (1986–1994)

The Primitives were formed in the summer of 1984 by PJ Court (born Paul Jonathan Court) (vocals, guitar), Steve Dullaghan (born Stephen Anthony Dullaghan, ex–Nocturnal Babies) (bass guitar), Peter Tweedie (drums) and Keiron McDermott, ex-Nocturnal Babies (vocals). Vocalist McDermott was later replaced by Tracy Tracy (born Tracy Louise Cattell). Tig Williams replaced Pete Tweedie on drums in October 1987.

McDermott left the band claiming that he could not work with new manager Wayne Morris, and so reformed the Nocturnal Babies. Needing a singer for an upcoming gig, Court wrote on a piece of scrap paper "male singer wanted" and posted it at the Coventry library. Tracy responded that afternoon.

[Spotify] Thru the Flowers 

“Somersaults” Deathcrash

This way: Somersault

Deathcrash is a London-based rock band. The band consists of members Tiernan Banks (vocals, guitar), Patrick Fitzgerald (bass), Matthew Weinberger (guitar), and Noah Bennett (drums).

In April 2019, Deathcrash released their first single, "Slumber", via Warm Laundry Records. On 12 July 2019, the band released their first EP, Sundown (A Collection of Home Recordings). On 7 October 2020, Deathcrash released their second EP, People thought my windows were stars, via untitled (recs).

On 28 January 2022, the group released their debut album, Return. It received critical acclaim by the press in the UK and the US. On 17 March 2023, Deathcrash released their second studio album, Less, via Fire Talk in the United States and untitled (recs) in the United Kingdom. It was recorded over two weeks in the Outer Hebrides at Black Bay Studios – an old crab factory renovated into the most remote recording studio in the UK.

[Spotify] Somersault 

“It's Only Time” Magnetic Feilds

This way: It's Only Time

i is the seventh studio album by American indie pop band the Magnetic Fields. It was released on May 4, 2004, by record label Nonesuch. The songs of the album all start with the letter "i" and are all sung by Stephin Merritt. The songs are also in alphabetical order.

The album ditches many of Stephin Merritt's past synthpop and electropop influences, largely being led by guitars and strings. It was followed in 2008, by Distortion, and in 2010, by Realism, which were both also free of synthesizer instrumentation, forming the so-called "no-synth trilogy".

[Spotify] It's Only Time 

“I Zimbra” Talking Heads

This way: I Zimbra

Here is a Great one from Talking Heads from 1979. This record sent Talking Heads further down the path to break new ground. And they sure did it with bells on. Still Working with Eno on this one. The lyrics were from a Dadaist poem by Hugo Ball.

[Spotify] I Zimbra 

“Fabienk” Angine de Poitrine

This way: Fabienk

Angine de Poitrine is a Canadian rock duo formed in Saguenay, Quebec, in 2019. It is composed of two anonymous musicians performing under pseudonyms as guitarist Khn de Poitrine and drummer Klek de Poitrine. They are known for complex, microtonal compositions in the style of math rock and experimental rock, and an absurdist public image, featuring oversized papier-mâché masks and black-and-white polka-dotted costumes.  

Conceived initially as a disguise to retain audiences across back-to-back sets at a local venue, the project became the duo's primary focus. Following their debut album, Vol. 1 (2024), the band gained traction on the Quebec festival circuit, culminating in an Artist of the Year win at the 2025 GAMIQ awards. They achieved viral recognition in February 2026 when a live session recorded for US radio station KEXP accumulated millions of views. This preceded the release of their second album, Vol. II (2026), and supporting international tours.  

[Spotify] Fabienk 

“I went Rockin” Flat Duo Jets

This way: I went Rockin

Flat Duo Jets was an American rock band from Carrboro, North Carolina, and Athens, Georgia. This rockabilly, punk blues, and psychobilly band was a major influence on several bands of the 1990s and 2000s, including The White Stripes. The band's front man Dexter Romweber is considered by many to be the "godfather" of the guitar and drums-based "power duo" revival.

Flat Duo Jets formed in Carrboro, North Carolina, in 1983. Their original line-up was Dexter Romweber on guitar and Chris “Crow” Smith on drums—both were seventeen years old at the time. Romweber and Smith met in fifth grade; by junior high school they had founded a band called The Remains which lasted for a year.

Romweber and Smith organized Flat Duo Jets in 1984 when they were in high school. Romweber played guitar and sang lead vocals, while Smith played drums.[8] In the beginning, they performed songs they learned from the Romweber family's collection of 1950s records.  They were also influenced by The Cramps.[5] The band's name was a reference to the 1951 Gretsch Duo-Jet guitar which was used by Gene Vincent.[1] The Gretsch Duo-Jet also gave the band its aesthetic: "sleek and black, calling back to the old days, but still progressive." However, Romweber played a cheap black and white Silvertone 1448 guitar sold by Sears, without effects pedals. Smith said, "With just drums and guitar, you're more free to do what you feel. It keeps us from getting bored."

This from 1993.

[Spotify] I went Rockin 

“North of Wasteland” 11th Dream Day

This way: North of Wasteland

Swell sounding new relase from these stalwarts of the Chicago scene of yore. They were pillars of the alt scen back then putting out a bunch of great records and were always great live. 

[Spotify] North of Wasteland 

And a poster from 1989:

“The Deadline” Dead Moon

This way: The Deadline

Dead Moon was an American rock band formed in 1987 in Portland, Oregon. The band consisted of singer/guitarist Fred Cole, singer/bassist Toody Cole and drummer Andrew Loomis. Dead Moon initially disbanded in 2006, before reuniting in 2014 and disbanding again in 2017 following the deaths of Loomis and Fred Cole. The band released ten studio albums, six live albums and three compilation albums.

Dead Moon was formed by singer/guitarist Fred Cole, singer/bassist Toody Cole and drummer Andrew Loomis. Veterans of Portland's independent rock scene, the band combined dark and lovelorn themes with punk and country music influences into a stripped-down sound. Frontman Cole engineered most of the band's recordings and mastered them on a mono recording lathe that was used for The Kingsmen's version of "Louie Louie". Their early records, such as In the Graveyard, were released on the Tombstone Records label, named for the musical equipment store the Coles operated at the time. Soon they caught the attention of the German label Music Maniac Records, and toured Europe successfully. Not until the mid-1990s did they tour the United States. Much of their following was in Europe.

[Spotify] The Deadline 

Song vs Song, Belong to Me

Welcome to a new Screaming song feature, Song vs Song. Who does it better? 

Today we will examine songs based on the similar theme or title. Ownership has its burdens. And these 4 are all over the map. Spotify for these only to the top.

This way, Elvis (1995): You Belong to me

This way, Ramones (1986): She Belongs to Me

This way, Dylan (1965): She Belongs to Me

This way, Patsy (1962): You Belong to Me

“Oh Mother” Tex and the Horseheads

This way: Oh Mother

Tex & the Horseheads is an American punk rock band, which emerged in the Los Angeles punk subculture of the early-1980. They were described as "passionately committed and intense in delivery" in a 1984 review by The Washington Post. Their original run was from 1980 to 1986 and during this time they enjoyed a sizeable cult following. As of 2007, the band has reunited and tours the Los Angeles area sporadically. 

Tex & the Horseheads are often cited as among the first bands to play "cowpunk." The sound of Tex & the Horseheads, and correspondingly the sound of cowpunk, is characterized by a fusion of classic-styled country-and-Western music and street-tough LA punk bands.

Tex & the Horseheads set themselves apart by appropriating aesthetical and fashion elements from deathrock bands like Burning Image, 45 Grave, and Christian Death. Tex & the Horseheads' members include: Texacala Jones, Mike Martt, Gregory "Smog Boaz" and David "Rock Vodka” Thum. Jeffrey Lee Pierce, of The Gun Club, was an original member of the group and was highly influential in both supporting the formation of the group.

Tex and the Horseheads released two records, a self-titled record in 1984 and Life's So Cool, produced in 1985 by John Doe, member of X and of the Flesh Eaters. A live album, titled Tot Ziens; Live in Holland, was released by Enigma Records in 1986.

Their songs dealt with themes of heartbreak, love, drug and alcohol dependency, grief, loss, and financial difficulty—all a testament to their destitute roll-and-tumble lifestyle, as well as Texacala' s real-life struggles with alcohol and heroin in the latter half of the 1980.

[Spotify] Oh Mother 

“Tape Deck Ghost” The Microphones

This way: Tape Deck Ghost

The Microphones were an American indie folk, indie rock, and experimental project from Olympia, Washington. The project was founded in 1996 and ended in 2003, with a short reunion following in 2007 and revivals in 2019 and 2020-22. Across every iteration of the Microphones, the band's only permanent member was Phil Elverum. Elverum is the principal songwriter and producer behind the band's albums, but a rotating cast of several other musicians feature on his recordings and tours. Many of Elverum's recordings from the project's initial period were released by the label K Records. 

Since 2003, Elverum has recorded and performed primarily under the name Mount Eerie. He played a one-off concert in Anacortes, WA under the name the Microphones in June 2019 and announced the release of the fifth and final Microphones album, Microphones in 2020, in August 2020. This was followed by a limited run of tour dates in 2021 and 2022 to play the album live before disbanding again.

[Spotify] Tape Deck Ghost 

“Knock at the Door” Tape Deck Ghost

This way: Knock at the Door

A band called the Microphones has a song called Tape Deck Ghost, but this is a band called Tape Deck Ghost. Couldnt find one lick of info on the interwebs. Anyone else have any clues? 

[Spotify] Knock at the Door 

“Whizz Kid” David Werner

This way: Whizz Kid

David Werner is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Werner was born in Pittsburgh and released two albums on RCA Victor in the mid-1970s before signing with Epic Records later in the decade. His full-length, self-titled album, released in 1979, reached #65 on the Billboard 200 on the strength of the single "What's Right", which reached #104 on the Billboard pop chart in October of that year.

His best-known composition is the song "Cradle of Love", which was recorded by Billy Idol on his 1990 album Charmed Life and released on the soundtrack to the 1990 film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. 

[Spotify] Whizz Kid 

“Hertfordshire Rock” Ricky Wilde

This way: Hertfordshire Rock

Found this on a cool Glam compilation. Ricky Wilde is a British songwriter, musician, and record producer. He is the younger brother of singer Kim Wilde; their father is singer and songwriter Marty Wilde. 

At the age of eleven, Wilde was signed by record producer Jonathan King to King's UK Records label, and released his first single in November 1972, called "I Am an Astronaut". King became his mentor and had great faith in Wilde and groomed him for stardom as the teenybopper star of 1973. The children's magazine Look-in featured Wilde and Donny Osmond on the cover in June 1973 with the headline "Is Ricky Wilde the new Donny?". Subsequent singles were "Do It Again, a Little Bit Slower", "I Wanna Go to a Disco" and "Teen Wave". However, the singles were not successful in the UK, although he was featured in youth magazines at the time and appeared with his father alongside eleven years old pop rival Darren Burn in BBC Television's Man Alive documentary film Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, made in July 1973.  He had some hits in Scandinavia and Spain at the time.

Recordings of new material in 1980 led to the 'discovery' of his sister Kim. Ricky's new role was that of producer and co-writer, a role he has fulfilled up until now. By his own admission, he was happy to be more in the background as of that moment. After Kim Wilde paused her career in pop music, Ricky Wilde continued to work in the music industry. In 2005 he was one of the initiators of the band, Sonic Hub, and of the record label Sonic Hub Records.

[Spotify] Hertfordshire Rock 

Wait, is this a perfect song?

Wait, is this a perfect song?

“Don't Come Close” Ramones

This way: Don't Come Close

Stumbling thru the songs I landed on this gem,  as I've heard this LP a thousand times. And with the anniversary of Rock n Roll High School, I was listening to a few Ramones LPs. This one Jumped out at me. Killer riff and sort of an uncharacteristic guitar solo. Most of the best are written by Dee Dee as is this one. 

[Spotify] Don't Come Close 

“Blow Your Tuneless Trumpet” Mekons

This way: Blow Your Tuneless Trumpet

The Mekons are a British post-punk band formed in 1976 as an art collective. They are one of the longest-running and most prolific of the first-wave British punk rock bands. Although the Mekons' lineup has changed from time to time over the years, the core line-up includes Jon Langford (vocals, guitar), Sally Timms (vocals), Tom Greenhalgh (vocals, guitar) and Susie Honeyman (violin). 

The band's style has evolved over time to incorporate aspects of country music, folk music, alternative rock and occasional experiments with dub. They are well known for their exuberant live performances.

The band was formed in 1976 by a group of University of Leeds art students: Jon Langford, Kevin Lycett, Mark White, Ros Allen, Andy Corrigan and Tom Greenhalgh — Gang of Four and Delta 5 formed from the same group of students. They took the band's name from the Mekon, an evil, super-intelligent Venusian featured in the British 1950s–1960s comic Dan Dare (printed in the Eagle). mekons were described as a more chaotic version of Gang of Four; Lycett stated the band operated on the principle that "anybody could do it ... anybody could get up and join in and instruments could be swapped around; that there'd be no distance between the audience and the band."

By their second show, supporting the Rezillos at the F Club, they were approached with a record deal by Bob Last of Fast Product, and became the first band signed to the label. Their first single was "Never Been in a Riot", a satirical take on the Clash's "White Riot". The release was made Single of the Week in NME. Their second single, "Where Were You?" was released by the end of 1978, and sold out of its 27,500 copies. At this time, Last convinced the band to sign to a larger label—Virgin. The Mekons popularity peaked as they played on the same bill as other "new music" groups like Gang of Four, the Fall, the Human League, and Stiff Little Fingers.

For several years the band played noisy, bare-bones post-punk, releasing singles on a number of labels. Their first album, The Quality of Mercy Is Not Strnen, was recorded using Gang of Four's instruments, and due to an error by the Virgin Records’ art department, featured pictures of Gang of Four on the back cover. After 1982's The Mekons Story, a compilation of old recordings, the band ceased activity for a while, with Langford forming The Three Johns.

This track from the ecellent LP Rock 'n' Roll from 1989.

[Spotify] Blow Your Tuneless Trumpet 

“Soundbox” From 2

This way: Soundbox

From 2, Amsterdams self-proclaimed troupe of folk mutants, take stock of it all on this record: hushed affect in tumultuous settings, a mole insurrection of epic proportions, the secret workings of pornography platforms and memory. One song might invite to dance, stumble or float, while another is what a ghost should sing. Above all, it is real. Palpably real in a way only the fabrications of true devotees might ever be.  

[Spotify] Soundbox 

“Keeper of the Time” SG Goodman

This way: Keeper of the Time

S.G. Goodman is an American folk and country singer-songwriter from Hickman, Kentucky. She has released three studio albums, Old Time Feeling in 2020, Teeth Marks in 2022, and Planting by the Signs in 2025, and received the 2023 Emerging Artist of the Year award at the Americana Music Association Awards.

Goodman was raised in Hickman, Kentucky. The Southern Baptist church played a central role in her childhood in Kentucky saying she went to church 3 times a week with her family. Goodman began performing by singing in church. Her father was a farmer. She has played rhythm guitar since she was 15 and been driving since she was 7, which is illegal under Kentucky state law.

Prior to her solo career, Goodman started the music project The Savage Radley with drummer Stephen Montgomery, releasing their first and only album Kudzu with Slough Water Records.

Her debut solo album, Old Time Feeling, was co-produced by Jim James of My Morning Jacket. The album has been described as Americana, folk, country, and rock. She is signed to Verve Forecast Records. Tyler Childers covered "Space and Time" from Old Time Feeling on his album Rustin' in the Rain.

[Spotify] Keeper of the Time 

Song vs Song, Ramones vs Pumpkins

Welcome to a new Screaming song feature, Song vs Song. Who does it better? Two great ones in my opinion, I could listen to both of these endlessly.

Today we will examine two songs based on the same theme or title. I was watching Rock n Roll High School yesterday, 50th anniversary I believe, and I noticed the bored and fantastical foray. Bored teenagers seems to be an underlying current. Spotify for these rise to the top.

This way, Smashing Pumpkins (1995): Tonight, Tonight

This way, Ramones (1978): I Just Want to Have Something to Do

UTubes:

[Tonight] Tonight 

 

[I Just Wanna] I just 

“Turn Away” Protex

This way: Turn Away

Protex are a Belfast punk band which formed in 1978. Their first records were issued on Good Vibrations records. They formed part of the first wave of Belfast punk bands along with label-mates The Undertones and Rudi. The original line-up was Paul Maxwell (bass/vocals), Owen McFadden (drums), David McMaster (guitar/vocals), Aidan Murtagh (guitar/vocals).

Protex formed in 1978, inspired by the band members experiencing first-hand The Clash’s landmark visit to Belfast in 1977, when their gig was cancelled at the last minute due to insurance problems. The Clash’s Belfast visit in 1977 is considered by many, including Good Vibrations' Terri Hooley, to be the catalyst for the punk movement in Northern Ireland. Protex was influenced by The Clash and took their original name, Protex Blue, from an album track on The Clash's eponymous debut album. The band did not realise the Clash song was about condoms.

Protex's debut live performance was in 1978 at Knock Methodist Church Hall in Belfast. Shortly after the show they shortened their name to Protex to avoid any confusion about being a blues band. They performed around Belfast and eventually secured a radio session with local station Downtown Radio. By regular gigging around the city the band soon came to the attention of Terri Hooley who they initially met at a gig at the Glenmachan Hotel in Belfast. Hooley prompted them to record a three track debut 45 which he released on his Good Vibrations record label in November 1978 as issue GOT6. The Belfast label had previously released singles by Rudi, Victim, The Outcasts and The Undertones. The single was later re-released on London-based Rough Trade Records.

Following good reviews from the NME writer Tony Parsons, and more radio air play the band secured a BBC Radio 1 session for the Kid Jensen show. This led to interest from Polydor Records who signed the band. The band were all still in sixth form at school when A&R men came over from London to see them play live at Chester’s in Portrush. At Easter 1979, Protex went to London to record their debut single for Polydor, "I Can't Cope".

[Spotify] Turn Away 

“Dip Flash” Wire

This way: Dip Flash

Released at the end of the initial period of Wire’s 3rd Act – after Aend and before the band’s post-Bruce Gilbert re-invention – Read & Burn 03 never quite got the attention it deserved. However the opening track 23 years too late, with its tour narrative text and motorik rhythm stands as one of the band’s finest achievements of any era in the view of both core fans & the band the original ep, 3rd in the read & burn series and the one not compiled on to the send album, was the last non-historic release by the original wire line up of colin newman, graham lewis, bruce gilbert & robert grey and has never been properly released on vinyl. The original version of our time and an alternate mix of desert diving are the other additional tracks.

[Spotify] Dip Flash 

[Spotify] Dot Dash 

[Charming Live] Dot Dash 

“Like Flies on Sherbert” Alex Chilton

This way: Like Flies on Sherbert

Like Flies on Sherbert is the first solo album released by American pop rock musician Alex Chilton. He had previously recorded a collection of songs in 1969 and 1970, ultimately titled 1970, but this was not released until 1996. Released in 1979, Like Flies on Sherbert was recorded at two Memphis studios, Phillips Recording and Ardent Studios, in 1978 and 1979. Chilton had previously been a member of the Box Tops and Big Star.

The album was originally released in fall 1979 in a batch of 500 copies by Peabody Records, a label run by Memphis singer and guitarist Sid Selvidge. Aura Records, a British label, put out a version that differed slightly from the original issue. A number of CD releases followed in the 1990s and 2000s, some with added bonus tracks. Selvidge's 1998 Peabody CD reissue collects all the tracks from the previous Peabody edition and the Aura reissue and adds three tracks: "Baby Doll," "She's the One That's Got It" and "Stranded on a Dateless Night."

 

The photograph used for the cover of the album was taken by noted American photographer William Eggleston, who had previously provided the cover for Big Star's second album Radio City. 

[Spotify] Like Flies on Sherbert 

“Shiftless when Idle” The Replacements

This way: Shiftless when Idle

The Replacements were an American rock band formed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979. The band was composed of the guitarist and vocalist Paul Westerberg, guitarist Bob Stinson, bass guitarist Tommy Stinson, and drummer Chris Mars for most of its existence. After two albums in the style of punk rock, they became one of the main pioneers of alternative rock with their acclaimed albums Let It Be and Tim. Bob Stinson was kicked out of the band in 1986, and Slim Dunlap joined as lead guitarist. Steve Foley replaced Mars in 1990. Towards the end of the band's career, Westerberg exerted more control over its creative output. The group disbanded in 1991 and the members found various projects. A reunion was announced on October 3, 2012. Fans affectionately refer to the band as the 'Mats, a nickname which originated as a truncation of "The Placemats". 

Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash is the debut studio album by the American band the Replacements. It was released on August 25, 1981, by Twin/Tone Records. Squarely inspired by punk rock, the album stands in contrast to the power pop and indie rock styles of later albums.

The track "Somethin' to Dü" is a reference to the band Hüsker Dü, contemporaries of the Replacements and their Saint Paul counterparts. The track "Johnny's Gonna Die" is a reference to guitarist Johnny Thunders of the Heartbreakers and New York Dolls, specifically his heroin addiction. Thunders died in 1991.

[Spotify] Shiftless when Idle 

“Gang Related Death” The Stains

This way: Gang Related Death

The Stains is an American hardcore punk band from the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. One of the first East Los Angeles punk groups, the band started playing punk in 1976. Their style is described as hardcore and speedy, and as an innovator in bringing elements of metal into hardcore.

History

The Stains recorded their debut album in 1981, produced by SST Records house producer Spot. It was released by SST in 1983. The debut album is often considered influential in bridging hardcore punk and heavy metal before the creation of thrash metal. The band has been on tours with Black Flag, Hüsker Dü and countless others.

They were one of the bands that played at a 2001 "anniversary show" memorializing the landmark East Los Angeles punk venue, Vex Populi. The music writer Josh Kun wrote in Los Angeles magazine that their set was "punk rock enough for the Stains to leave a pool of blood on the stage's wood beams".

[Spotify] Gang Related Death 

“If I Told” Courtney Marie Andrews

This way: If I Told

Courtney Marie Andrews (born November 7, 1990) is an American singer-songwriter originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She released her first widely distributed and breakthrough studio album, Honest Life, in 2016. From 2010 to 2011, Andrews was an auxiliary member of Jimmy Eat World, appearing on their seventh studio album Invented (2010) and acting as their keyboardist and backing vocalist on the subsequent tour.

Andrews began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 13 or 14 and began performing at 15.

In September 2009, Jim Adkins of the band Jimmy Eat World asked Andrews to sing with him on a live cover of Wilco and Feist's song "You and I". In 2010, she recorded backing vocals for Jimmy Eat World[5] on five songs for their studio album Invented. She subsequently joined them on stage to perform during the album's release and full 2010–2011 tours, acting as their keyboardist and backing vocalist.

In 2011, Andrews relocated to Seattle, Washington. It was there that she began playing electric guitar in long-time admirer Damien Jurado's band.

[Spotify] If I Told 

“Morning Noon or Night” Golomb

This way: Morning Noon or Night

The Columbus power trio, who'll make their debut on Philly's esteemed No Quarter Records next month with sophomore album The Beat Goes On, great catchy pop songs with bent frames. Dig it.

[Spotify] Morning Noon or Night 

“Ft Worth Blues” Steve Earle

This way: Ft Worth Blues

Here's a great one from Steve Eale circa 1997. 

[Spotify] Ft Worth Blues 

[Charming Live] Ft Worth Blues 

“I Want Candy” Bow Wow Wow

This way: I Want Candy

Bow Wow Wow are an English new wave band, created by manager Malcolm McLaren in 1980. McLaren recruited members of Adam and the Ants to form the band with then 13-year-old Annabella Lwin on lead vocals. They released their debut EP Your Cassette Pet in 1980 and had their first UK top 10 hit with "Go Wild in the Country" in 1982. The band's music was characterized by a danceable new wave sound that drew on a Burundi beat provided by Dave Barbarossa on drums, as well as the subversive, suggestive, and sometimes exuberant lyrics sung and chanted by their teenage lead vocalist.

In 1980, former Sex Pistols manager McLaren persuaded David Barbarossa (also known as Dave Barbe), guitarist Matthew Ashman and bassist Leigh Gorman to leave Adam Ant and form a new group he was managing. The band embarked on a six-month audition process for a lead singer. Talent scout Dave Fishel heard 13-year-old Lwin singing along to the radio at a West Hampstead dry cleaner where she worked, and Fishel persuaded McLaren to audition her. 

[Spotify] I Want Candy