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What’s up Sorry Staters?
Lately, I’ve been refamiliarizing myself with all my US hardcore 7”s that I haven’t listened to in a while. Some of the records are by bands from the flattest southern plains in central US dustbowl states like Oklahoma. Understandably, but also kinda unfairly, a lot of these bands never got the love and attention like bands from say New York or LA.
One 7” I was jamming the other day is the sole vinyl release by White Trash. Hailing from Colorado, White Trash released their EP Trash Is Truth / Wake Up! in 1983. I remember talking with someone online the other day who said that if White Trash had been from California, then this record would be famous. It really is an unsung gem of 80s US hardcore. From a collector standpoint, the rarity of this record surely adds to the allure, but it’s also just that good. It’s got the gnarly edge and snotty, youthful exuberance, but also it’s clear that White Trash could play their asses off and had an ear for writing a catchy riff. There are some wonky, complicated rhythms that kinda remind me of Midwest bands like Tar Babies or something. I could try to give a college analysis of what’s going on musically, but I ain’t got time. Suffice it to say, these dudes play ripping hardcore. As for the lyrics, if we’re talking regionally and you’d call NOTA the most well-meaning and earnestly serious band from central USA, then White Trash is the exact opposite. Between White Trash and Bum Kon, it’s clear that bands from the Colorado scene had a cynical, snarky sense of humor. Trash Is Truth / Wake Up! contains such charming hits as “Nazis In My Neighborhood” and of course Reagan-era hardcore rippers like “The Ballad of Ronnie Raygun.” Plus, an ode to the singer’s disgusting toes. It rules.
For me, it takes only 6 minutes’ worth of music for White Trash to reach legendary status in the history of hardcore punk. If you’re unfamiliar, do yourself a favor and blast this crusher.
That’s all I’ve got. As always, thanks for reading.
‘Til next week,
-Jeff