Damn, this short break sure took a lot longer than planned …
When recently, I was privately DJ’ying in Rome (you can hire me!), I realized that I haven’t had this absolutely fabulous single featured on the blog and I felt very, very ashamed. THE NORMALS were New Orleans’ best Punk band and I’m pretty sure you all have heard this scorcher before, but those who haven’t can call themselves lucky now. Both tracks were recorded in a Gospel studio and you sure can hear that: “Almost ready” is a perfect powerpoppish Punk track, catchy and wih a strange tension, while the flip “Hardcore” is what some folks once perfectly described with Riffpunk. Kinda gloomy, driving and with one of the best breaks you’ll ever hear. These chaps knew what a great riff they had here and how to make the best use of it. Just stop all engines and let the guitarist take over, that’s how it’s done.
Found this totally accidentally in a thrift store at some point in the 90s and just bought it because of the cover and the song title “Hardcore”, which seemed interesting for a 1978 band. Check out the band’s official webspace here and buy their stuff!
So how do you like this, Elisa, did I promise too much?
11 Comments
Another one of these “can’t-be-blogged-enough” records. Anyone heard the re-issue or the recently(just a couple of days ago) released LP “Vacation to nowhere”? Not a dull moment here.
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eddie Reply:
April 9th, 2011 at 07:09
The song “Hardcore” is about pornography
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yes a new post!!! and what a great one it is too. thanks. on a side note great movie review. still want to see it of course.
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man I never heard this before and I’m from New Orleans LOL
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This has recently been officially reissued by Last Laugh Records. A classic!
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too much? i’ve heard it 4 times and is never enough!
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fucking killer!!!!
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I want you to dj my birthday party next month. Or was that just a joke?
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Admin Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 14:44
I rarely ever joke. Or do anything for free.
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thanks for the new stuff, totally agree about witchcraft as well.
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Admin Reply:
April 10th, 2011 at 14:43
Have you heard Graveyard? They’re mistaking (pre-) Grunge for the 70s too, but I can’t help it, I like these bands. Nothing spectacular and probably when you ask me in two years, I don’t even remember them.
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Love the A-side, which reminds me so much of something my brain can’t manage to remember. Oh well, these guys probably did it first.
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My gf bought this single from the band back in the day. Got it signified by all members too.
1st time heard ‘em (KBD comp) thought they sounded abit like Youth Brigade.
Recommend gettin’ their Your Punk Heritage CD. LOTS of really really good songs on it.
One of NOLA’s best rock bands hands down.
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There is no replacement for seeing this band live. There are some clips on YouTube down without the sofisticated technology of today. They sounded MUCH better live. When this first came out the people who went to see them religiously were not thrilled. Don’t think they were either. I know Charlie who wrote sang and played lead guitar on Hardcore would be thrilled with this review. See them on YouTube I recommend”You Ain’t Nothin”. Although only together for (77-80 not 84 as is written elsewhere. Enjoy
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