TOXIC REASONS’ second 7″ was this incredible three tracker, although all three tracks featured here would later all re-appear in new versions on the mandatory “Independence” LP. These three songs were produced by DK’s East Bay Ray and it’s safe to say that this isn’t one hell of a job, as far as engineering and mixing goes. Needles to say, I love it exactly for this, cuz it adds a lot of heart.
“Ghost Town”, especially in this early, crude version, sounds a lot like a perfect blend of CLASH, and British meets U.S. Hardcore. The band was headed for a tougher sound, after the catchy but still kinda poppy debut. That’s what makes TOXIC REASONS one of the most interesting bands of the 80s – they kept musically changing while staying the same band. Après the Hardcore Thrash peak on “Independence”, the band magically transformed the music into the epic and melancholic Hardcore-swansong on the “Kill by Remote Control” LP, one of the most important albums of the entire 80s.
Perfect 7″, with one of my all time fave covers as well.
Ghost Town.mp3
Killer.mp3
Noise Boys.mp3
23 Comments
I sooooooooooo love Toxic Reasons but believe it or not it’s the first time I actually hear this. This version of Ghost Town is incredible. I’m floored. Thank you!
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Independence and Kill by Remote Control are masterpieces. Great band.
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this is the ultimate hardcore masterpiece! catchy and melodic with the right dose of rawness. i like these versions more than those on “independence”. “kill by remote control” is also cool, but i kinda miss the original vocalist on that record….
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Nah… DOA-clone crappy band… Delete.
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C’mon Chano, this has got nothing to do with the wimpy rock of the majority of D.O.A.’s music!
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i agree erich. i’ve been waiting a long time to hear some toxic reasons. i think someone gave me a cdr or something with the lp on it. don’t really remember i think it was a shitty rip and i can’t find it. but this 7 is great!
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Toxic Reasons=doo doo…
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Chano’s taste = ploppydooda
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Great band great single. Saw them live the night this was released and bought one right off the boxes. DOA-clone? You ain’t got no clue!!
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Fucking great band! I saw them with the first singer, Ed(?) and saw them later…no matter who sang for them, they were great! Outstanding D.O.A clones!! : )
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Think Ghost Town is their weakest track ever. Killer and Noise Boys are way better here then on the Independence LP I think. Whatever they did before and after it’s hard to beat Killed by remote….
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All DOA stuff until about 1984 is great. All TR stuff until about 1984 is great, too. You are right about TR being influenced by DOA. I once read an article on the internet written by a member of TR who said that they were inspired to start a band after seeing DOA in 1978 or 79. Ghost Town is probably my least favorite TR song, but I still like it. Big Ed was a great singer and is still playing music in Dayton. I think the next line up of TR was successful in replacing him. It sounded different but still awesome. Other bands that have successfully replaced singers: AC/DC, Black Flag and Black Sabbath. Band that sucked with new singers: Van Halen and Van Halen!!!
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Yeah … but do TR sound like “D.O.A. clones”? Not a bit.
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Clones, no. But influenced, yes indeed! A friend of mine who promoted shows in the UK hates Toxic Reasons. He said they were very difficult to work with, which surprises and disappoints me. It sucks when bands you like are not cool people.
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Dude, “influenced” …. I personally find it great when bands are real assholes. I hate that kind of alse harmony and “we’re a happy family” thing.
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yeah i like it when bands are assholes to a point. don’t go over the top with it but it’s okay if you’re a little bit of a prick. just like me haha.
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Yeah, there was this band from Switzerland that played this crap music…I think they called it, Grindcore?? The band, I remember were total assholes. They were called “Fear of God”…such assholes! Hahahahaha…just got bored and started writing shit…as usual. Hahahahaha…and Elliot, you are a fucking prick!!! Hahahaha…
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ok, all you waffen SS: in order to avoid the gas chamber i’ll say that Toxic Reasons are the greatest band in the whole universe!!!!
:-D:-D
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See, Chano – I told you.
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haha thanks jay. toxic reasons are amazing but they are not the best band in the world. everyone knows fear of god are the single greatest thing to happen to music! but anyway i don’t think these guys are doa clones. no. however i can tell they listened to doa a lot. thanks for this one.
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I don’t know what a couple of you ate to wipe out your taste buds, but Ghost Town — this version — is a superb track, as are the other two here — all of which are better than the Independence tracks.
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Damn, thanks Erich! This rip sounds way better than the old tape I own.
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Hey than for the memories! i was 16 when we recorded that single and I haven’t heard it in eons… (I don’t have a copy)
Cheers,
J.J.
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Admin Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 21:37
Thank you for the music and for stopping by, JJ!
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Thomas Reply:
June 12th, 2010 at 22:47
Hi JJ,
This is Tomasso – remember me? I was one of three Germans who followed you on your tour of Italy back in 1985. Man, that was one great week! Thanks for being so hospitable – and for the music, of course. I have been listening to “Kill By Remote Control” again quite a bit lately. What a record!
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