V/A - Messthetics # 103 CD

V/A - Messthetics # 103 - DIY '77-81, Midlands, Part 1

Label: Hyped To Death; Year: 2007; Format: CD

Fans and collectors of obscure DIY punk and post-punk bands from the UK and North America will be familiar with Chuck Warner's Hyped To Death website and compilation CDs. Chuck has put an incredible amount of time and love into his little DIY empire, enabling many of us to hear the most obscure sounds of times past. This particular compilation deals with bands from the Midlands part of the UK and as Chuck put it in the CD; between 1977 and 1983 literally hundreds of bands released their own records and cassettes throughout the UK.

As one can only assume, some were more talented musicians, whereas others weren't, but didn't lack anything when it comes to drive and true DIY spirit. The songs compiled on this CD sum up what was just said, offering hidden gems such as the Prefects "Things in General", or The Shapes "I saw Batman in the launderette", whereas other songs are rudimentary to the bone without lacking originality and charisma. Overall you get over twenty songs on this Messthetics volume, a great booklet with tons of information about the bands and the times where everything seemed possible. Not many people can own all the originals found on these compilations, hence I see no reason to not stocking up on these. Essential stuff!