Strange Obsessions Case 001: Compilations

I get obsessed with things easily. Sometimes it's a song, sometimes an album, a whole band's discography, a genre and so on. This will be a place to talk about some of those obsessions. 

Since I was a little kid I've been obsessed with compilations.  Growing up in a small town without the internet and having little access to music, whenever I would go to the mall or whatever to buy music, compilations always seemed like the best choice.  They were usually cheaper and a way to find out about a handful of bands instead of just one.  This feeling has stuck with me since.  I still love a good compilation.  I think it has a lot to do with my mood. Sometimes I really don't want to sit and listen to a full album by one band and want some variety.  Lately I've been going back and listening to some of my favorite compilations and decided it would be a good topic for this.  So here's a couple of my favorite all time compilations in no specific order. Also Key Tracks really just means my favorites and is 100% opinion so don't yell at me if you disagree...

Sub Comp: 1983 Estudios Vermelhos
When, where and how I found out about this is a mystery even to me.   I do remember being blown away at how raw and powerful this comp was from start to finish.  This was my introduction into Brazilian punk and hardcore and even still to this day I get a rush whenever I put it on and hear the guitar intro to Parasita by Ratos De Porao.  I'm definitely thankful for the internet age because I don't know if I would have heard this otherwise.  Also big thanks to Nada Nada discos for reissuing this.  Anyways for those that don't know this comp it consists of 4 bands: Ratos De Porao, Colera, Fogo Cruzado and Psykoze.   All four bands play some pretty gnarly hardcore that varies from break neck raging to heavy stomps.  Fogo Cruzado definitely stands out a little more with their  Oi influence and deeper vocals.  All four bands rip, though. Psykoze is probably my least favorite and, while good, just don't stand out as much.  This is a definite must hear for all y'all punx out there.  

Key tracks: 
Ratos De Porao - Parasita
Colera - Histeria
Fogo Cruzado - Inimizade

Here's the band Discarga with Jão from Ratos de Porão covering the entire album a while back.

International P.E.A.C.E. Benefit Compilation - 1984 R Radical Records

How can you argue with a comp that is this stacked with awesome bands? 55 tracks that is all killer.  The only filler might be Dead Kennedy's "Kinky Sex Makes The World Go 'Round" which is still entertaining enough but really after you hear it once or twice you're probably ok with skipping it.  This is like the ultimate mix tape you would give your friend who knows nothing about hardcore.  Also how can you go wrong when the first two bands are Articles of Faith (one of my favorite hardcore bands) and GISM?

Key Tracks:
Kalashnikov: Schlueters Kabinet
Wretched: Finira Mai?
Upright Citizens: Swastika Rats
Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers: Life of Punishment
Really every track on this if we're being honest.

Not So Quiet On The Western Front: 1982 Alternative Tentacles

One of the cool yet sad things about this comp is how many bands on it have no other recordings.  Also it has one of the few 7 Seconds songs I actually like (Fuck Your Amerika).  This one focuses on California and Nevada and the insane burgeoning scene happening at the time.  Also you get 47 tracks but unlike the Peace comp this does have some stinkers on it but they're spread out enough to not really notice. 

Key Tracks:
Capitol Punishment: El Salvador
Ribsy: Collapse
Code of Honor: What Price Will You Pay?
Frigidettes: Turmoil
Impatient Youth: Praise The Lord & Pass The Ammunition
UXB: Breakout
Nazi Bitch & The Jews (worst band name ever): Dead Porker

This has lead me onto a big Code of Honor kick so here's some of their Target Video

Yalta Hi-Life: 1984 Barabbas Records

Killer compilation of Finnish punk.  Some of my favorite Terveet Kadet songs show up on this one which always made it a great listen.  Also it has the great Kansanturvamusiikkikomissio  who might have the longest single word band name.  Back in the day of Ipods it would make me laugh how long it took for that name to scroll across the screen. This includes a handful of tracks each from Terveet Kadet, Varaus, Aparat, Aivoproteesi, Kaaos and Kansanturvamusiikkikomissio.  Each is pretty raw punk with their own twist on it. Kansanturvamusiikkikomissio always seemed the weirdest and most unique of the bunch (name included) and is still my favorite.

Key Tracks:
Kansanturvamusiikkikomissio: Kalinka
Aparat: Tahti
Varaus: Väsynyt Nöyrtymään
Aivoproteesi: Porjen Maa 
Kaaos: Seuraa Johtajaa (straight up sounds like Void)
Terveet Kadet: Jeesus Perkele

A cool weirdly off time video of Kaaos in the studio in 1984

These are just a few compilations that are some favorites of mine and have gotten a decent amount of listening lately.  Next post will cover some of the newer compilations that have been coming out that I really enjoy.  There's a comments section now on these so post what some of your favorites.  I'll probably post more stuff in the comments because I mean picking only a few was super hard.