Customer Reviews

Peace/War

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Im not too impressed with the fidelity of this CD transfer, on several tracks you get some rather bothersome vinyl artifacts that indicate that at least for some of the tracks, an extremely well-worn master was used. And couldn't they have also just renumbered the tracks on disc 2 starting at 1 instead of just listing 1-60 on the back cover so we would know what is going on with disc 2? Slackluster reissue quibbles aside, this is a monumental snapshot of the international punk/hardcore scene during the height of the Reagan years and really spans the gamut from brutal thrash that couldn't have been recorded anywhere else than a very small garage - such as Wretched's "Mai Arrendersi, to well-produced punk epics like the False Prophets' rather ambtious "Banana Split Republic" with otherwise decent production values. The span of countries is impressive as well, with Gism's extremely bizarre "Endless Blockade for Pussyfoter" (Japan) leading off; other countries are represented by RAF Punk (Italy), Zenzile (South Africa), Kalashnikov (Denmark), SSA (Spain), Boskops (Germany), DOA (Canada) besides the obvious UK and US. Lots of obscure rarities here no doubt, but old-school punks/skaters might recognize DRI, Reagan Youth, Cheetah Chrome, Iconoclast, UK Subs, Crass with a fiercely experimental contribution, the Subhumans, the Dead Kennedys (a non-album track that makes the original vinyl a bit pricey to acquire) and the Dicks. The original double vinyl is also enhanced with 5 bonus tracks on the CD edition.

This record has everything, including many many bands that have probably never been heard, but should be heard, in the US. There are bands from all over the world that help you to believe that there are a lot of good musicians out there that just don't ever get noticed. I wore the grooves out of both of the records that came with this (back when it was on vinyl). There's very little not to like and a whole lot to love on this. From Japan to Italy to the US, there's a band on here for anyone's taste, and also a message that's put across quite nicely in one great package. Buy it and you'll see the way music was meant to be heard: throughout the world.

The cover art to this double L.P. is outstanding, and the tracks are even better. The Italian band are by far my favorites, followed by Reagan Youth and Articles Of Faith. If you're into punk I'd get this along with "All Quiet On The Western Front" Maximum RockNRoll Comp. You can't go wrong. Even the Anti-Flag track is good, and that's something.

This was hands down one of my favorite compilations in the 80's. American and Canadian Hardcore made a strong showing through bands like MDC, The Dicks, DOA, Honour Calling, and The Afflicted. I too was always disappointed that DK chose Kinky Sex.. for their contribution, but I was always entertained by the song nevertheless (All those missiles streaming overhead to and fro...people runnin down the road, skin on fire...)DOA sounds at the top of their game here. ODFX shows how the six second scream is done with the blazing/ manic "Drop the A bomb on me". This was the first time I heard Conflict (Protest to resistance) and it is still one of my favorite songs to this day. Overall it is a great album and will give you an accurate picture of 80's Hardcore from all over the world. I highly recommend this album for anyone wishing to find some old school aggression.

i had this on vinyl,back in the day...a compilation from bands across the globe.a very strong opening track by ARTICLES OF FAITH is followed up by the intense GISM another cracker.NEON CHRIST then give us a treat, basically most tracks are very listenable,DOA do the classic AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL(probably my fave track by DOA).SNAP by DRI...say no more(great).but then i feel some of the household name bands put out a weak attempt...none more than DEAD KENNEDYS utter rubbish

It's sort of ironic the "Peace/War" is credited to 'Dead Kennedys et al' on here, as they contribute not a song, but a spectacular fake phone conversation about how the world leaders need to sit down and start another war. It's a shame that Crass contributed "It's You," a bizzare mess of noise that not only isn't pleasing to listen to, it doesn't even seem to support their message. Also, thanks to New Red Archives for the bonus tracks (otherwise I never would've known about Jack Killed Jill) 'cause now Anti-Flag can take their place in the pantheon of the greatest hardcore/crusty bands. This is an essential for anyone who likes ANY of these bands, or just '80s punk in general. (I think "America the Beautiful" is the best DOA song ever). Other favourites include: Neon Christ's "Ashes to Ashes," the Afflicted's "Here Come the Cops," Reagan Youth's "Reagan Youth," Kalashnikov's "Schluters Cabinet," Los Violadores' "Veijos Pateticos," the Proletariat's "An Uneasy Peace," Dead Kennedys' "Kinky Sex Makes the World Go 'Round," SubHumAns' "Rats," Jack Killed Jill's "Walked in Line," the Dicks' "Hope You Get Drafted," DOA's "America the Beautiful," Unwarranted Trust's "Honour's Calling," Slaughterhouse 4's "Four More Hours," Boskops' "Skorbut," Vicious Circle's "Police Brutality," Contrazione's "Sbarre," Conflict's "Bomb," and UK Subs' "Postcard From LA." The other songs are good too.