Obscure Canada - Vol. 1

Recently I've been recording a bunch of Canadian records for someone. What you get here are some lesser known songs all taken from 7"s. Some have appeared in the past on eBay under the guise of "megarare KBD punk/powerpop". Keeping in mind that "KBD" and "powerpop" are among the most overused (and abused) terms (next to "rare" and "mint") on eBay I'll leave it up to you to decide whether these are worth searching for.

Androids - Roller Derby Queen (1979) From Toronto.
Roland Blinn & The Fishermen - Tense (?) From Halifax. Not sure of the year but maybe early 80s. It is on the Nerve label, same as the excellent Phollop Willing P.A. 7". Also released an LP called "Rosebud" in 1989.
Blue Oil - Money (1982) All girl band from Montreal. See them at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0UNk8USNm8.
Buddy King & The Motion - Schoolgirl Alibis (1981) From Vancouver.
Cutz - Nuclear Hall Of Fame (1981?) From Calgary. Same label as Verdix and Plan 9.
Dundas - Bloodshot In Your Eyes (1979) From around Hamilton? Same label as The Innocent and Tyro EPs.
Edsells - Don't Wanna Go To School (1981) From Vancouver?
Gas - Special This Week (1979) From Toronto area.
T.H.E. Hab - You Make Me Glow (early 80's?) No idea where this is from.
Idols - Reajean (1980). From Saskatoon. Members later formed the Northern Pikes.
Mix - Break Up Shake Up (1985) From Nanaimo. Has been known to sell for high prices.
Mr. Science - Popeshat (1990) From Toronto.
Paperboys - Looking For Sharon (1981) From Toronto?
Pelicans - New Wave (1979) From Brantford, Ontario.
Psychotic Pineapples - Stranded (1980s) From Kingston.
Suspects - Raining Over France (1979) From Toronto. Became The Deserters who released a couple of LPs.
Tickets - It Don't Matter (1980) From Calgary? A 4 song EP called "Extended Play".
Uranus - I'm Wonderful (1978?) From London.
Zipper - Another Boyfriend (1980?) From Victoria.

Listen here.

Curtains (Canada, 1981)

Staying in Canada here's an EP from the Curtains who were from Ottawa. This was their only release as far as I know. It was distributed by Mannequin Records from Burlington, Ontario, who also released records by Kinetic Ideals, The Filters, Ceramic Hello, etc.

Curtains - Twist'n Up The Beach // Your Garden / Kari-Anne EP (CSA / Mannequin MAN004, 1981)

Listen here.

222s (Canada, 1979-1981)

By request, and since I happen to have them at hand, here are the songs from both 7"s from this Montreal, Canada band. There is some info about them on Wikipedia and a bunch of videos on YouTube. Start with these: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukn9xrbF6yU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCZ3O7mq3Ok

There is also a Myspace fan site among other things about the band around the web.

The song "Hold Up", from a 1978 demo, appeared on the Only In Canada, Eh 77-81 Volume 1 CD compilation (Punk History Canada, PHC CD 0101). There was also a CD release called Montreal Punk - 78-81 (Sonik's Chicken Shrimp, SCS006) released in 2006. It has 8 demo tracks from 1979, 1 each from 1980 and 1981, several live songs and 4 bonus video tracks. It is well worth getting as is the Only In Canada, Eh CD.

222s - I Love Susan / The First Studio Bomb 7" (Rebel RB-7901, 1979)
222s - La poupée qui fait non / La poupée qui fait non (instrumental) 7" (Gamma AA-1703, 1981) 

Listen here.

Culture Shock (Canada, 1983 - 1984)

From Vancouver, here's a nice little punky powerpop 7" that pops up on eBay every so often. It usually ends up selling in the $300-400 range. Only 300 made.

I've also included the song "Stay Away" from the Undergrowth '84 cassette compilation of various Vancouver bands.

Culture Shock - Forever & Ever / Thought You Were A Friend 7" (JM-8352, 1983)
Culture Shock - Stay Away [from V/A - Undergrowth '84 cassette (1984)]

Listen here.

Modern Minds (Canada, 1980)

The Modern Minds EP has already been posted at the Sing Sing Blog and there is a CD with 11 songs available from Record Shop Base in Japan. I highly recommend this CD and while you're getting it you should also get the TNT (Switzerland) CD at the same time.

What you get here are several songs from a live radio broadcast of a Modern Minds show. I don't know the exact date but it was just after the release of the EP. Included are Modernettes and Pointed Sticks covers, 2 songs from the EP and 2 others. The original taped recording that these songs come from was quite noisy and there were reception problems during the Pointed Sticks song. However, we should all thank the person who recorded this back when it was broadcast since there are some great songs included that are not available anywhere else.

Modern Minds - Punk Violence / Confidential / It's Gone / 20 Years Old / Out Of Luck / Theresa's World (Live (Edmonton, 1980))

Listen here.

V/A - Rockslaget 3LP (Sweden, 1981)

From the label that released excellent 7"s by 57 Kez, Brigad 45 B / De Anhöriga and ABC 80 there was also this massive triple LP compilation. As with many compilation LPs of this era you'll find some punk and various other styles, some good, some not so good.

V/A - Rockslaget 3LP (Rockslaget RSL-1, 1981)
LP1: Unter Den Linden, Rum 237, ABC 80, Lancelot, Silvia Kids, Säpo, Störungsexperimente
LP2: Overdrive, Mercy, Interaction, Kalle Bollträ, A-Bombs, Ocean
LP3: Svea Svin, Nyx Negativ, Snoret Rinner, Svea Slakthus, Roman Holiday, Avec L'Amour, Rude Boys

Listen here: LP1, LP2, LP3.

Powerpearls and BTR Outtakes (Sweden)

Here is the 2nd cd-r of outtakes from the KBD/Powerpearls/BTR cassettes. As usual, all songs are from 7" releases unless mentioned otherwise. 

Life - I evighet (1981)
Drömpojkarna - Förslag (1979) [from s/t LP]
Trakaya Kids - Nattens konung (1982) [from V/A - Vänd Oss Inte Ryggen LP]
Kommissarie Roy - Jag saknar dig (1981) [from s/t LP]
Street Level - Damned Good Boy (1981)
Zeta - Vilken tjej (1979)
Borta På Vinden - Mina nya discojeans (1980)
Start - Rebellernas sista dans (1981)
Schnabel - Herre med portfölj (1981)
Aktiespararnas Årsmöte - Paris (1980) [from V/A - Hemliga Vågen LP]
Pang Pang - Trust Me Baby (1983)
Stavros & The Beat - It's My Day (1983) [from s/t 12" EP]
Ocean - I afton dans (1981) [from The But LP]
Victim - Det var då han vann (1982)
Promille - Drömmen (1979) [from s/t 12" EP]
Arrows - I Want To Give You Rock'n Roll (1981)
Ampa - Blackout (1982)
Oxid - Nattsnack (1981) [from Eklatant LP]
Kung Tung - Punk (1978)
Weed - Cancer (1982)

Listen here.

KBD 96 - 99 Outtakes (Sweden)

Some copies of the KBD/Powerpearls/BTR cassettes also came with 2 cd-r's of "outtakes" - songs that were not included since they weren't considered to be good enough or that were overlooked or forgotten when the cassettes were being done.

So in case you haven't yet had your fill of obscure Swedish records here are some more for you to check out. All songs are from 7" releases unless mentioned otherwise. 

Skandal - Live With You (1983) [from V/A - Drag Utan Droger 4 LP]
Jonny Cartong - Freda igen (1980) [from Give The Iron LP]
Cortex - Napalm Sticks To Kids (1981) [from Spinal Injuries LP]
Warpigs - I'm An Alcoholic (1980) [from V/A - Drag Utan Droger LP]
Livets Krydda - Vi ska bli stjärnor (1980) [from V/A - Tappat i  Falkenberg 2LP]
Unos Kanoner - Benen i halsen på borgarjävlar (1982) [from Barm LP]
Bedrövligers - Spela bridge (1983) [from Hösten Fyrtiotvå i Bordeaux LP]
Orienterarrock - Jonny Bråttom (1982)
Pärlor - Ungdommen satsar (1982)
Fukt - Psykiska batonger (1979) [from V/A - Ruff & Fukt & Suck LP]
Gröna Hissen - Ute (1980)
Hans Andersson - Pettersson (1978) [from Funderingar LP]
Gryning - Hjälp mej bort (1983)
Tomtrick - Hunger (1980) [from Nya äventyr i tid å rum LP]
R.A.P. - Stolt försvar (1983) [from V/A - Pang i bygget LP]
Respect - Jag vill va som Lennart Hyland (1980)
Tables - Och i säven hörs ett sus (1980)
Missex - How Could You Do This (1981)
Masters - Rockballad om en stad (1981)
De Class - Klockorna (1983)
Opel Rekord - Två tomma händer (1980)
Kröösa-Maja Rockers - Hemma på min video (1984)
Famntag - Det har mamma sagt (1980) [from V/A - Alsterett-Aktiv Ungdom LP]
Dom Vässade - Batte (1981)
New Bondage - Tonight (1980)

Listen here.

Breaking The Rules #10 (Sweden, 2007)

This is the final installment of the 8 volume Swedish KBD, Powerpearls and Break The Rules 4 x cassette set. From the cassette notes: "This is Breaking The Rules #10 with a bunch of unknown bands that definitely broke the rules! These bands did the forbidden by mixing PUNK together with METAL! This is perhaps not for true punkers (who probably hates metalheads) but for you who want to discover what's in that forbidden Limbo that exists between these two genres. Some are more Punk, some are more Metal. Let's call it Punk Metal!"

V/A - Breaking The Rules #10
Power Rain - Highway Patrol (1981) [from V/A - Kristiansstad Rock LP]
Turbo - Nattens barn (1981)
Armatur - Rock 'n Roll (198?)
Quix - Please Don't Go (1981)
Absolute Beginners - Swedish Way Of Life (1982)
Publikförakt AB - Night Of Horror (1982)
Repulz - God Save The Rock n' Roll (1981)
Gypsy - III World War (1982)
TRP (The Rocking People) - My Bike (1982)
Gyllene Tider - Rembrandt (1978)
Hades - Legoknekten (1982)
Wagabond - This Is Life! (1979)
Jeremiah - Bluff-stopp (1980)
Hasse Karlberg - A Little Claim (1980)
Tejp - Sannigen (1979)
Badrock - Han vill leva sitt eget liv (1981) [from På Väg 12" EP]

Listen here.

Powerpearls #14 (Sweden, 2007)

More cassette-only Swedish Powerpearls ... this time all the songs are in English. All songs are taken from 7" releases unless otherwise specified. More info on most of these and sleeve scans at Punktipset.

V/A - Powerpearls #14
Easybeat - Hey, Don't You Know (1981)
Pictures - Kicks & Tips (1981)
Steve Roper Band - Here Comes The Weekend (1982)
Oilers - I Couldn't Tell You (1981) [from split LP with Studio Sex]
Container - Together With You (1980)
Dustcollectors - I Don't Want To Go (1981) [from V/A - Drag Utan Droger Vol. II LP]
Crash! - Top Billing (1981)
Export - Now When I Become A Star (1982)
Start - Hallo, Hallo (1983)
Jumpers - My Girl (1982)
Posh Growls - A Onedimentional Cry For Love (1983)
2760 - Rocky Buys A Record (1980) [from V/A - Let It Out LP]
Transmission - Talking To You (1979)
Ingemar Bergman Troop - Modern Girl (1981)
Empty Hearts - Don't Be Afraid (1983)

Listen here.

Powerpeals #13 (Sweden, 2007)

Some of the best powerpop/mod tracks from Sweden! (At least that's what it says on the notes that came with the cassette ... )

V/A - Powerpearls #13
Månsken - Tommy Cosmo (1982) [from Vill Inte Bli Som Er! LP]
Kai Martin & Stick! - Spel (1981) [from V/A - Pop Job LP]
Lipstick - Skugga (1981)
Gigolos - Jag vill va i Moskwa (1980) [= Travolta Kids under another name]
Citizen Kane - Sprang iväg (1981)
X-taz - Sommarnattens drag (1982)
Ekovox - Natt i city (1981) [from Medium Play 12"]
Badboll - Äppelkaka (1981)
Easy Action - Om jag vore kung (1982)
Heartbreak - Gjort av glas (1980) [from Ung Och Gjord Av Glas LP]
Helikoptern - Pappas dotter (1983)
Japop - Blodspengar (1983)
Hets - Ernst (1981) [from s/t LP]
Stilmord - Det spelar ingen Roll Rock'n'Roll (1982)
Roger & The Biceps - Varje vecka, varje dag (1982)

Listen here.

Powerpearls #12 (Sweden, 2007)

The first of 3 cassette-only Swedish Powerpearls compilations.

V/A - Powerpearls #12
Mirres Hammare - Ett enkelt, vanligt hej (1981)
Rude Kids - Spådd i handen (1982)
Kuddkrig - Trilsk ventil (1981)
Andrew Box & The Shames - Kom hit sovjet (1981)
Gyllene Divor - Jag är kär i John Travolta (1981)
Kindergarten - Busschauffören (1981)
Casablanca - Min farsa är en vampyr (1981)
Scoop - Kleptoman (1983)
Blackout - Karriär på gång (1981)
Traste & Superstararna - En liten rebell (1980)
Hetsjakt - Tusen ögon och en natt (1983)
Nattkräm - Varför gör ni så här (1981)
Tivoli - Millionen (1982)
The End - En förlorad vän (1984)
Parkas Pop - Jag har fått nog (1983)
Mops - Lisa & Sluggo (1983)
Moderns - Makt & pengar (1981) [from Tro, Hopp & Fruktan LP]

Listen here.

Killed By Death #99 (Sweden, 2007)

Here is the final volume of the Swedish KBD cassettes. Up next ... 3 volumes of Swedish powerpearls.

V/A - Killed By Death #99
Emergency! - Blomstertid (1980)
Traste & Superstararna - Kuttra 7 (1980) [from s/t LP]
J.R. Band - Rock'n roll radion (1981)
Revolt - När ska're bli din tur (1981)
Chilly Chimes - Join The Army (1975)
P.F. Commando - Bakom teleskopet (1980) [from Jag En Duva LP]
TA.S.K. (Tatuerade Snutkukar) - Zyntslakt (1983) [from Hardcore Trash cassette]
Anti-Avans - Kommersiell musik (1984)
Kortslutning - Energi (1981)
Larzon - Lat (1982?)
Pinheads - Please Look (1983)
TT Reuter - Inuti mig (1979)
Hemliga Bosse - New Image Every Day (1979)
Wattson - Radiobil (1981)
Cauze - Stockholms bomb (1981)

Listen here.

Killed By Death #98 (Sweden, 2007)

Here is the third volume of the cassette-only Swedish KBD compilations. One more to go ...

V/A - Killed By Death #98
Kalle Bollträ - Discoråtta (1982) [from V/A - Rockslaget 3LP]
Effect - Nobben (1981) [from V/A - Motala Vindar LP]
Gyllene Divor - Ni har ingen tunnelbana (1981)
Nobby Tåfjutt Band - Kul att vara full (1982)
Kessler Jugend G.m.b.H. - Schoot-'zem (1983)
Anders Ångest - Just när allt är så roligt (1980)
Parkas Pop - När jag blir stor (1981)
Dirty Rust - I staden (1981)
TBC - Lillbabs (Världens tråkigaste kvinna) (1978)
Överslag - Varför får man inte va' Annorlunda (1980)
IQ 55 - Bara svårigheter (1979)
Razzia - Depression (1980)
Adolfs Gossar - Krossa Nazismen (1981) [from V/A - Svenska Tonårsgrupper Vol. 3 LP]
Rune Strutz - Musikforum brinner (1978)
Staffans Lärjungar - Tures trumpet (1979)

Listen here.

Killed By Death #97 (Sweden, 2007)

Here is the second volume of the cassette-only Swedish KBD compilations. More to follow ...

V/A - Killed By Death #97
Rita Rem - I dag och i morgon (1981)
Kontaktlim - Kom igen (1981)
Socialgrupp 3 - 9 till 5 (1981) [from V/A - Tusen Och En Natt EP]
Allan Ladds - 13 År (1979)
Profan Relik - Ensam kvar (1982)
Snagg - Hjältar (1981)
Hasses Med Sussies - Slav (1980)
Intimate - Allt är som det ska va (1982)
Gollywog - Fredagskväll (1978)
Reagan Rockers - Travolta är ensam i natt (1982)
Scendrag - Jag vill inte (1981)
Caligulas Barn - Bröderna ond (1981) [from V/A - Umeå Rocks Vol 1 cassette]
Nothin' - Jag måste ha nån (1980)
Bodens Fästning - Människor av plast (1980)
Minx - Övergivna tårar (1981)
Tiebreak - Mina grannar (Gillar inte rock'n roll) (1983)
Arabiska Nätter - Diamant (1982) [from V/A - Skåne Rock II LP]

Listen here.