The college campus is a magnet for “crazies” of all types and ages. Unfortunately, so are popular and “alternative” music.
Passionate, idealistic people in music tend to have a romantic view of leftist politics for some reason (ask the leftist marketing department). I think a real alternative is necessary and should be welcomed…
We need more right-oriented, paleoconservative and libertarian artists. I, for one, am helping to provide a platform for them. PhoenixHeart Records & Media started in C-U. Now specializing in paleolibertarian, paleoconservative, and apolitical music/media, it is also publishing the new (maga)zine RATIONALHARDCORE TIMES, maintains a LIBERTARIAN MUSIC ARCHIVE listing existing libertarian bands for fans and other bands to use when making mix cds or setlists, and is the central reference point for the RATIONALHARDCORE (essentially libertarian hardcore) MOVEMENT.
In 2004, CONSERVATIVE PUNK made headlines (and the Daily Show with John Stewart) with its attempt to explain that there have always been “conservative”, “right-wing”, and libertarian people and elements at all levels of the punk scene(s). Contrary to the nastier leftists out there, they weren’t “nazis”. A prominent example, Johnny Ramone (perhaps the most influential punk guitarist?) was a Republican. Sadly, Conservative Punk appears to have declined. We’re still waiting for Counter-Revolution Records…
I know personally that much of what attracted me to punk/hardcore was the implicit libertarian nature of it. (Go online to read Todd A’s article, PUNKROCK=CAPITALISM) Punk has always had a bit of immature confusion about it, and the growing popularity of most things punk has only magnified this confusion to fit the masses. My own growing discontent concerning this has led me to promote a rational approach to understanding what punk is in place of the popular empirical approach. The result, the real and necessary alternative, is the RATIONALHARDCORE MOVEMENT.
Rationalhardcore's 3-part mission: 1) rational approach to what punk/hardcore is (see “A Rational Look at Punk Ideology” – Rationalhardcore Times) 2) rational application of Non-Aggression Axiom in art, music, and action 3) find previous rationalhardcore-consistent art/artists and spread the message
At rationalhardcore times, we will focus primarily on paleoconservative, paleolibertarian, libertarian, conservative(punk?), rationalhardcore, and apolitical artists in our reviews. I have no desire to help the leftist cause or artists promoting leftism. I would also like to address and explore whatever reputations right-oriented groups may have in the punk & indie communities.
I imagine this article may be met with disgust and/or a call for balance. Everyone wants to balance crime and Justice, right?!?!
I believe there is a group of people in the punk/indie scenes that is silently yearning for this, and some of them may not even know it yet.
For more information on PhoenixHeart Records & Media and the Rationalhardcore Movement, visit www.PhoenixHeartRecords.com .
Monday, May 14, 2007
ABORT SCENE - 'Stop The Violence'
The Industrialized Rationalhardcore project ABORT SCENE (formerly The YDB) has released a cd with 25 songs from 3 eps: ‘College=MTV’ (9 songs in 7.5 minutes, including a Minor Threat cover and a Bad Brains cover), ‘If You Want Peace (Stop The War At Home)’, and a collection of 11 songs culled from The YDB’s 40-song / 80– minute ’rationalhardcore double-album’ to be retained for ABORT SCENE purposes. The new album, called ‘STOP THE VIOLENCE’, is available at C.V. Lloyd’s guitar shop and on
www.PhoenixHeartRecords.com .
www.PhoenixHeartRecords.com .
Payola is OK
I hear people in the “indie” scene complain about payola. I think this probably has root in the fact that small bands and labels often do not have the resources to compete in the payola game. Would they if they could? They probably should. There is nothing inherently wrong with paying a radio station to play your music. It is voluntary exchange between two parties. It can be considered the same as advertising. However, payola has wrongly been made illegal.
Major label pop music is notoriously terrible for the most part, and many would rather hear their favorite “indie” artists (often terrible in their own ways) in the place of the majors. Some people (even in high places) try to frame the issue as a matter of competition among artists so the best artist gets played, making payola look like cheating. However, that is not the issue at all. The station is not responsible to listeners to play what they will like. The real issue is the radio station’s bottom line.
Competition occurs behind the scenes (though in many cases quite visibly, given the music press), and it is probably in the best interest of the station to put the best songs (however subjective such a designation may be) in rotation because this will theoretically cause more listeners to tune in. This also can enhance the station’s reputation. These listeners hear the advertisements, which helps the station sell more ads and make more money. The station can also make money by selling advertisement to artists by playing their songs for pay. Again, this is simply voluntary exchange between two parties.
Radio play, whether free or paid, is essentially advertisement. This holds true whether the artist’s goal is to sell more records or to promote some cause.
If a radio listener does not like what he hears, he should listen to a different station, buy his own records, go to work for a station that makes its own playlists and get involved, promote his preferred music online, or some other alternative. If an artist wants to be successful (however he may define success), he can choose another alternative approach besides advertising with radio play.
In March 2007, OpeningBands.com posted the following in its news section under the header “Score One For Indie Labels”:
“The FCC is currently finalizing a settlement with four major broadcasting companies over Payola. As part of the agreement, 4 major broadcast companies would pay $12.5 million in fines and provide 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime for independent record labels and local artists. The four companies tentatively named are: Clear Channel Communications Inc., CBS Radio, Entercom Communications Corp. and Citadel Broadcasting Corp.” (the link to the news story no longer works)
Payola’s wrongful illegality aside, it seems very strange that part of the suggested punishment would include providing 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime to “independent record labels and local artists”. The criminals who advocate for continued payola illegality have essentially paid for advertisement (play) of independent and local artists with the hijacked airtime of these companies. This is clearly a crime, whereas the original payola was not.
These local and independent artists are not necessarily better, so the already flawed “quality competition among artists for listeners’ benefit” argument can be tossed out completely. You have no rights over a station’s playlists anyway.
It would also be interesting to see which artists are selected for these artificially protected, hijacked airtimes. Would the mainstream “independent” acts on large labels that are “independent” only in name be good candidates? Would these mainstream “independents” create unwanted competition for lesser-known artists? This could very well resemble the joke of nineties “alternative” music: Alternative to what!?!
Independent music fans, the government, and the general public need to carefully consider the injustices of payola illegality and the proposed (false) restitution for such non-crimes.
The following articles have influenced the above article, and provide additional related information (Strongly recommended!):
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/frazier1.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/rozeff/rozeff46.html
Major label pop music is notoriously terrible for the most part, and many would rather hear their favorite “indie” artists (often terrible in their own ways) in the place of the majors. Some people (even in high places) try to frame the issue as a matter of competition among artists so the best artist gets played, making payola look like cheating. However, that is not the issue at all. The station is not responsible to listeners to play what they will like. The real issue is the radio station’s bottom line.
Competition occurs behind the scenes (though in many cases quite visibly, given the music press), and it is probably in the best interest of the station to put the best songs (however subjective such a designation may be) in rotation because this will theoretically cause more listeners to tune in. This also can enhance the station’s reputation. These listeners hear the advertisements, which helps the station sell more ads and make more money. The station can also make money by selling advertisement to artists by playing their songs for pay. Again, this is simply voluntary exchange between two parties.
Radio play, whether free or paid, is essentially advertisement. This holds true whether the artist’s goal is to sell more records or to promote some cause.
If a radio listener does not like what he hears, he should listen to a different station, buy his own records, go to work for a station that makes its own playlists and get involved, promote his preferred music online, or some other alternative. If an artist wants to be successful (however he may define success), he can choose another alternative approach besides advertising with radio play.
In March 2007, OpeningBands.com posted the following in its news section under the header “Score One For Indie Labels”:
“The FCC is currently finalizing a settlement with four major broadcasting companies over Payola. As part of the agreement, 4 major broadcast companies would pay $12.5 million in fines and provide 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime for independent record labels and local artists. The four companies tentatively named are: Clear Channel Communications Inc., CBS Radio, Entercom Communications Corp. and Citadel Broadcasting Corp.” (the link to the news story no longer works)
Payola’s wrongful illegality aside, it seems very strange that part of the suggested punishment would include providing 8,400 half-hour segments of free airtime to “independent record labels and local artists”. The criminals who advocate for continued payola illegality have essentially paid for advertisement (play) of independent and local artists with the hijacked airtime of these companies. This is clearly a crime, whereas the original payola was not.
These local and independent artists are not necessarily better, so the already flawed “quality competition among artists for listeners’ benefit” argument can be tossed out completely. You have no rights over a station’s playlists anyway.
It would also be interesting to see which artists are selected for these artificially protected, hijacked airtimes. Would the mainstream “independent” acts on large labels that are “independent” only in name be good candidates? Would these mainstream “independents” create unwanted competition for lesser-known artists? This could very well resemble the joke of nineties “alternative” music: Alternative to what!?!
Independent music fans, the government, and the general public need to carefully consider the injustices of payola illegality and the proposed (false) restitution for such non-crimes.
The following articles have influenced the above article, and provide additional related information (Strongly recommended!):
http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/frazier1.html
http://www.lewrockwell.com/rozeff/rozeff46.html
Check out GUTTERMOUTH!!!!!
Guttermouth’s Anti-PC humor has paved the way for other artists with the clear perspective that there is almost nothing right in the homogenized, mainstream/leftist-friendly “punk” scene(s). Check out their 1995 album, ‘Friendly People’ for a taste of the ardently un-PC !!
Guttermouth's Website
Guttermouth's Website
Go to www.PhoenixHeartRecords.com
Rationalhardcore:
“finally setting the punks straight!”
Go to www.PhoenixHeartRecords.com for:
1) Libertarian Music/Lyrics Archive
2) Virtual Venue for Concert Videos / Music Videos
3) ONLINE STORE for RATIONALHARDCORE albums, libertarian & conservative books, and other media.
SEEKING ARTISTS! SEEKING WRITERS!
“finally setting the punks straight!”
Go to www.PhoenixHeartRecords.com for:
1) Libertarian Music/Lyrics Archive
2) Virtual Venue for Concert Videos / Music Videos
3) ONLINE STORE for RATIONALHARDCORE albums, libertarian & conservative books, and other media.
SEEKING ARTISTS! SEEKING WRITERS!
Featured rationalhardcore lyrics: "Public Assistance"
Featured CLASSIC Rationalhardcore Lyrics: “PUBLIC ASSISTANCE” by AGNOSTIC FRONT (Album: ‘Cause For Alarm’):
You spend your life on welfare lines Or looking for handouts Why don’t you go find a job You birth more kids to up your checks So you can buy more drugs Cash in food stamps and get drunk
Uncle Sam takes half my pay So you can live for free I got a family and bills to pay No one hands money to me You can go to school for nothing Got that government grant Get money in advance When you’re sick from shooting up Medicaid pays full portion When little Maria gets knocked up She gets a free abortion
How come it’s minorities who cry Things are too tough On TV with their gold chains Claim they don’t have enough I say make them clean the sewers Don’t take no resistance If they don’t like it go to hell And cut their public assistance
You spend your life on welfare lines Or looking for handouts Why don’t you go find a job You birth more kids to up your checks So you can buy more drugs Cash in food stamps and get drunk
Uncle Sam takes half my pay So you can live for free I got a family and bills to pay No one hands money to me You can go to school for nothing Got that government grant Get money in advance When you’re sick from shooting up Medicaid pays full portion When little Maria gets knocked up She gets a free abortion
How come it’s minorities who cry Things are too tough On TV with their gold chains Claim they don’t have enough I say make them clean the sewers Don’t take no resistance If they don’t like it go to hell And cut their public assistance
Conservative Punk review: The FlipFloppers
The FlipFloppers
(Purevolume songs 2-1-07)
www.purevolume.com/theflipfloppers
1. Michael Moron
2. Hanoi John
3. Ballad of Dick Cheney
(Until the Rationalhardcore and Conservative Punk CDs come pouring in, we’ll settle for Purevolume.com accounts that have the feel of a “complete” demo CD. The FlipFloppers are a good example.)
The FlipFloppers offer an oldschool-styled punk/hardcore sound with programmed drums and song titles like “Michael Moron”, “Hanoi John”, & “The Ballad of Dick Cheney”. These Conservative Punks are ‘Crush Kerry Compilation’ alumni, and “Hanoi John” was included on that disc. They deliver their critical messages with a sense of humor, and the metronome that begins each song makes this metallic punk duo all the more endearing.
“Michael Moron” is the most intense song of the three, featuring alternating vocals and a heavy metal riff in all transitions. The quick chorus part ends with “Michael Moron has brainwashed you”. Michael Moore is certainly a fitting subject for a punk rock song. “Hanoi John” moves the crosshairs to the next obvious target, this time with more focus on the beat. The pre-chorus pickscrape gets you all geared up for the almost Big Black – reminiscent awkward beat that follows. “Ballad of Dick Cheney” is one of those songs that builds slowly and has little or nothing to offer when you get to the peak. It’s like a crappy waterslide with a long line, or maybe a campus bar. “Ballad” works in the context of the other songs because it is different, but it is nothing special.
The FlipFloppers could move on to other subject matter. Their current approach of telling political celebrities to shut up and go away results in songs with which people can identify, but probably only for as long as it takes to change the channel. Still, I enjoy their songs and I appreciate their fidelity to a 1980s punk rock sound. Conservative punk bands would do well to model themselves after The FlipFloppers when starting out. I would like to hear more from this band soon.
(Purevolume songs 2-1-07)
www.purevolume.com/theflipfloppers
1. Michael Moron
2. Hanoi John
3. Ballad of Dick Cheney
(Until the Rationalhardcore and Conservative Punk CDs come pouring in, we’ll settle for Purevolume.com accounts that have the feel of a “complete” demo CD. The FlipFloppers are a good example.)
The FlipFloppers offer an oldschool-styled punk/hardcore sound with programmed drums and song titles like “Michael Moron”, “Hanoi John”, & “The Ballad of Dick Cheney”. These Conservative Punks are ‘Crush Kerry Compilation’ alumni, and “Hanoi John” was included on that disc. They deliver their critical messages with a sense of humor, and the metronome that begins each song makes this metallic punk duo all the more endearing.
“Michael Moron” is the most intense song of the three, featuring alternating vocals and a heavy metal riff in all transitions. The quick chorus part ends with “Michael Moron has brainwashed you”. Michael Moore is certainly a fitting subject for a punk rock song. “Hanoi John” moves the crosshairs to the next obvious target, this time with more focus on the beat. The pre-chorus pickscrape gets you all geared up for the almost Big Black – reminiscent awkward beat that follows. “Ballad of Dick Cheney” is one of those songs that builds slowly and has little or nothing to offer when you get to the peak. It’s like a crappy waterslide with a long line, or maybe a campus bar. “Ballad” works in the context of the other songs because it is different, but it is nothing special.
The FlipFloppers could move on to other subject matter. Their current approach of telling political celebrities to shut up and go away results in songs with which people can identify, but probably only for as long as it takes to change the channel. Still, I enjoy their songs and I appreciate their fidelity to a 1980s punk rock sound. Conservative punk bands would do well to model themselves after The FlipFloppers when starting out. I would like to hear more from this band soon.
Featured rationalhardcore lyrics
"Taxation is Theft” (The YDB) - If you pay a tax, I’ll tell you what you do / It’s called involuntary servitude / Don’t try to tell me that it’s necessary / We’ll find a way to do it voluntarily / and in a way that won’t support slavery / They take your property at gunpoint / Freedom’s what you pay! / Taxation Is Theft! Taxation Is Theft!
© 2006 The Yellow Day Brigade
From the album, ‘Taxation is Theft’ - Non-Aggression Records
© 2006 The Yellow Day Brigade
From the album, ‘Taxation is Theft’ - Non-Aggression Records
Rationalhardcore... finally setting the "punks" straight!
Rationalhardcore is: hardcore music/culture consistent with the Non-Aggression Axiom: "It shall be legal for one to do whatever he chooses so long as he does not aggress (initiate or threaten violence/force) upon another person's life, liberty, or property". Rationalhardcore tends toward paleolibertarianism and anarcho-capitalism.
Wikipedia says of punk ideology:
[Punk ideology is concerned with the individual's intrinsic right to freedom, and a less restricted lifestyle. Punk ethics espouse the role of personal choice in the development of, and pursuit of, greater freedom. Common punk ethics include a radical rejection of conformity, the DIY (Do It Yourself) ethic, direct action for political change, and not selling out to mainstream interests for personal gain.]
Few people who identify as “punks” would disagree with the above statement, but strangely, just as few are willing to admit libertarianism and pure capitalism are
what allow one to pursue these punk goals. I am talking about the ability to act freely and to do with one’s resources as one chooses.
To add injury to insult, leftist politics actually hinder one’s ability to pursue the stated goals of “punk ideology”. One has less ability to do as he chooses when he and his resources are tied up in forced group goals. One’s hard-earned money is stolen and treated as if it naturally belongs to the government, then is spent on several things that person may actually be against. Not only is this not freedom, but it is slavery toward the creation of worse conditions for the slave. What if this slave was freed and allowed to either keep and save his money or pool it with like-minded individuals as he chooses? It is worth noting in passing that many causes of the leftist/mainstream variety are poorly conceived or even meant to reinforce slavery and prevent freedom. This is where punk ideology’s supposed “radical rejection of conformity” should spark some original thought to analyze and criticize the effects and intentions of such popular causes and forced policies.
DIY, or “Do It Yourself”, is about the creative use of one’s resources. It also means being willing to try to do things in a new way when conforming to the established mainstream pattern is less appealing but perhaps more socially acceptable/expectable.
Anarchy is the absence of rulers/government. True anarchy is pure libertarianism. Many call themselves “anarchists” for dramatic effect, when they are usually variations of radical socialists who would tear down current government for the purpose of placing their preferred coercive government in its place. True anarchy (sometimes called “anarcho-capitalism” or “private property anarchy”) and libertarianism are about making most or all things voluntary. In a true anarchist environment, if one believes in socialism, he may find other socialist volunteers to form a socialist group that does not force itself upon those who want no part in that group’s actions. Others may avoid socialism and government altogether. The point is the voluntary nature of these actions. It all comes down to the Non-Aggression Axiom.
With the libertarian implications of punk ideology’s goals in mind, “selling out” to mainstream interests for personal gain could mean either compromising one’s libertarian approach or, arguably, taking an opportunity for personal gain at the expense of the libertarian cause (which is a cause that promotes true justice). The actions taken by punks themselves can come into play when a voluntary shift in resources can lead to greater liberty for oneself or for others.
Libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism lead to fewer or no government-created “laws”, but it does not mean “might makes right”. Actually, “might makes right” is characteristic of the mob or gang mentality inherent in democratic and/or socialist government. Instances involving trespass upon another person’s life, liberty, or property are still identified. As Butler Schaeffer has noted, most of what people do when interacting in the current state of affairs is an anarchistic expression. In a more libertarian society, we could live much as we do now, but with more freedom and without the excessive rules and unjust force exercised on us by a collective that has the might to do so … a group that happens to call itself the state. Shrinking government and its power gets us closer to that society.
Punk ideology’s goals can only be fulfilled through libertarianism.
[Punk ideology is concerned with the individual's intrinsic right to freedom, and a less restricted lifestyle. Punk ethics espouse the role of personal choice in the development of, and pursuit of, greater freedom. Common punk ethics include a radical rejection of conformity, the DIY (Do It Yourself) ethic, direct action for political change, and not selling out to mainstream interests for personal gain.]
Few people who identify as “punks” would disagree with the above statement, but strangely, just as few are willing to admit libertarianism and pure capitalism are
what allow one to pursue these punk goals. I am talking about the ability to act freely and to do with one’s resources as one chooses.
To add injury to insult, leftist politics actually hinder one’s ability to pursue the stated goals of “punk ideology”. One has less ability to do as he chooses when he and his resources are tied up in forced group goals. One’s hard-earned money is stolen and treated as if it naturally belongs to the government, then is spent on several things that person may actually be against. Not only is this not freedom, but it is slavery toward the creation of worse conditions for the slave. What if this slave was freed and allowed to either keep and save his money or pool it with like-minded individuals as he chooses? It is worth noting in passing that many causes of the leftist/mainstream variety are poorly conceived or even meant to reinforce slavery and prevent freedom. This is where punk ideology’s supposed “radical rejection of conformity” should spark some original thought to analyze and criticize the effects and intentions of such popular causes and forced policies.
DIY, or “Do It Yourself”, is about the creative use of one’s resources. It also means being willing to try to do things in a new way when conforming to the established mainstream pattern is less appealing but perhaps more socially acceptable/expectable.
Anarchy is the absence of rulers/government. True anarchy is pure libertarianism. Many call themselves “anarchists” for dramatic effect, when they are usually variations of radical socialists who would tear down current government for the purpose of placing their preferred coercive government in its place. True anarchy (sometimes called “anarcho-capitalism” or “private property anarchy”) and libertarianism are about making most or all things voluntary. In a true anarchist environment, if one believes in socialism, he may find other socialist volunteers to form a socialist group that does not force itself upon those who want no part in that group’s actions. Others may avoid socialism and government altogether. The point is the voluntary nature of these actions. It all comes down to the Non-Aggression Axiom.
With the libertarian implications of punk ideology’s goals in mind, “selling out” to mainstream interests for personal gain could mean either compromising one’s libertarian approach or, arguably, taking an opportunity for personal gain at the expense of the libertarian cause (which is a cause that promotes true justice). The actions taken by punks themselves can come into play when a voluntary shift in resources can lead to greater liberty for oneself or for others.
Libertarianism and anarcho-capitalism lead to fewer or no government-created “laws”, but it does not mean “might makes right”. Actually, “might makes right” is characteristic of the mob or gang mentality inherent in democratic and/or socialist government. Instances involving trespass upon another person’s life, liberty, or property are still identified. As Butler Schaeffer has noted, most of what people do when interacting in the current state of affairs is an anarchistic expression. In a more libertarian society, we could live much as we do now, but with more freedom and without the excessive rules and unjust force exercised on us by a collective that has the might to do so … a group that happens to call itself the state. Shrinking government and its power gets us closer to that society.
Punk ideology’s goals can only be fulfilled through libertarianism.
Bono wants your money! YOUR VOICE won't help you when they come for your earnings!!
He’s everywhere, and each time more annoying than the last. Bono and other celebrities have been featured on television commercials where the message is, “We don’t want your money. We want your voice”. They’re lying through their teeth! The voice they want is one that says they can take the money of hard-working Americans and ship it off to far-away causes. That money is theoretically supposed to be used for the benefit of the taxpayers who had it taken from them. Bono and company are trying to cover up their injustice by making it feel like charity. Taxation is theft, and redirection of stolen money is not charity.
Just say NO to Bono!
(We may think of more
reasons next time!!!)
Just say NO to Bono!
(We may think of more
reasons next time!!!)
Metallica, Bootleg Demos, and Napster...
I am tired of people ripping on Metallica for opposing Napster. Metallica gained popularity and success from bootlegging, but it was bootlegging that they encouraged. In albums since their early demo and first record, their promotion emphasis shifted toward direct and retail album/merch sales and away from fan-to-fan bootleg promotion. The bottom line is that there came a time when Metallica was no longer offering its works for free distribution. Fans should have to buy the albums from Metallica. Napster is bootleg distribution without permission. Metallica was right. If they choose to give away some of their works for free, they still have that choice. If you decide to give some of your works away for free, you have that choice.
[ In related news, Dexter Holland of The Offspring and Nitro Records has now come forward and admitted his former pro-Napster stance was wrong. Score one for artists’ property rights! ]
[ In related news, Dexter Holland of The Offspring and Nitro Records has now come forward and admitted his former pro-Napster stance was wrong. Score one for artists’ property rights! ]
Review of TSOL first EP from 1981
Jack Grisham, singer/frontman for seminal Southern California Punk/Goth/Hardcore band TSOL (True Sounds Of Liberty), has been known to make statements such as “Thomas Jefferson was punk: He said there should be a revolution every hundred years to insure liberty” … It makes TSOL seem like a perfect libertarian punk band, but there have been TSOL songs (“Property is Theft”, which served as partial inspiration for the proposed replacement “Taxation is Theft” by The YDB) and Grisham campaigns for political office (lost to Arnold Schwarzenhowdyaspellit) that may lead us to a different conclusion. On their self-titled 1981 first release, TSOL is 4 for 5 (or 5 for 6, depending on how you’re counting).
Superficial Love – Property is Theft –No Way Out - Abolish Government / Silent Majority – World War 3
“Superficial Love” is a great opener, which parallels forced conscription and perhaps taxation in the name of “freedom” to a personal relationship or even one-night-stand where one’s only interest in another is sex … labeled as “love”. It’s a powerful metaphor, and the song ends with “President Reagan can shove it!”… We can get into discussions of “The Real Reagan” and “Reagan-bashing as a punk pastime” in a later issue. “Property is Theft” is the oddball socialist song on an anarchist album. While the way in which property comes to be recognized as such can be an issue for debate, the property principle is probably the central building block in anarchist thought. The desperate “No Way Out” is the least interesting song on the album, but it is fast enough a hardcore song to be worth the listen. “Abolish Government / Silent Majority” is two songs pushed together, and it is the crowning achievement of TSOL’s first release. Many great riffs (with a little bit of groove, a little bit of thrash, and little bit of widdly-diddly lead work) and three major movements make up this song, the middle being an upbeat anti-military march speed-rap. A little rough around the edges, but Grisham makes a halfway-decent case for why everyday people (the “silent majority”) should oppose government and the conformist mentalities that allow it to remain standing. “World War 3” says that in the third world war, “we’re the victims”. One to use excessive make-up like an undead new romantic dandy or even wear dresses on stage, Grisham’s trademark faux british accent would turn to more of a theatrical “Edgar Allen Poe” style to express the expected dark poetic messages on later releases. This album was TSOL in their most purely hardcore/punk form. Desperate warnings from alienated youths who might know a thing or two about something. Today’s bands need to learn a thing or two. They did it better in 1981.
The members of TSOL are parting ways (probably for the last time) this winter, but their recent song, “Politics” expresses hatred for politics, rules and regulations”. It seems they may have gotten it right in the end.
Superficial Love – Property is Theft –No Way Out - Abolish Government / Silent Majority – World War 3
“Superficial Love” is a great opener, which parallels forced conscription and perhaps taxation in the name of “freedom” to a personal relationship or even one-night-stand where one’s only interest in another is sex … labeled as “love”. It’s a powerful metaphor, and the song ends with “President Reagan can shove it!”… We can get into discussions of “The Real Reagan” and “Reagan-bashing as a punk pastime” in a later issue. “Property is Theft” is the oddball socialist song on an anarchist album. While the way in which property comes to be recognized as such can be an issue for debate, the property principle is probably the central building block in anarchist thought. The desperate “No Way Out” is the least interesting song on the album, but it is fast enough a hardcore song to be worth the listen. “Abolish Government / Silent Majority” is two songs pushed together, and it is the crowning achievement of TSOL’s first release. Many great riffs (with a little bit of groove, a little bit of thrash, and little bit of widdly-diddly lead work) and three major movements make up this song, the middle being an upbeat anti-military march speed-rap. A little rough around the edges, but Grisham makes a halfway-decent case for why everyday people (the “silent majority”) should oppose government and the conformist mentalities that allow it to remain standing. “World War 3” says that in the third world war, “we’re the victims”. One to use excessive make-up like an undead new romantic dandy or even wear dresses on stage, Grisham’s trademark faux british accent would turn to more of a theatrical “Edgar Allen Poe” style to express the expected dark poetic messages on later releases. This album was TSOL in their most purely hardcore/punk form. Desperate warnings from alienated youths who might know a thing or two about something. Today’s bands need to learn a thing or two. They did it better in 1981.
The members of TSOL are parting ways (probably for the last time) this winter, but their recent song, “Politics” expresses hatred for politics, rules and regulations”. It seems they may have gotten it right in the end.
Featured rationalhardcore lyrics
The Y.D.B.’s (now ABORT SCENE's) “Stop The Violence” lyrics (c) – I denounce aggression, but you display your passion. I speak out against violence and the fear it creates. Those same called “progressive” are an aggressive collective of left-wing statist thieves on a demographic chase. They lay it all to waste! The Left cites “non-violence” but propagates silence as their own hordes pillage with no good defense! I forgive you, since I understand ignorance. Some of us cling to that last shred of innocence… Non-Aggression is the way! Hey! Stop the violence! Stop the violence!!”
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