[1991 - 1994] The Hanoi Philes (001 - 017)

[1991 - 1994] The Hanoi Philes (001 - 017) 

Something a bit different for today. Scans of the classic Hanoi Rocks Fanzine. I think a couple of pages might be missing, but it's 99% complete. Many thanks to the Fanzines creator.

[1991 - 1994] The Hanoi Philes (001 - 017)(Fanzine)

[2023] INXS - Message Received (The BLR Mini Album)

[2023] INXS - Message Received (The BLR Mini Album)

Spur of the moment compilation. Was listening to Don't Change on repeat and well here ya go. These are all remastered versions and have a wee bit of extra punch.

[2023] INXS - Message Received (The BLR Mini Album)

[2023] Transvision Vamp - Electric Blue Neon Overdrive (The B-Sides)

[2023] Transvision Vamp - Electric Blue Neon Overdrive (The B-Sides) 

Not the complete B-Sides because I haven't included any of the Remixes. I never play them anyway. There will be some live shows coming shortly.

[2023] Transvision Vamp - Electric Blue Neon Overdrive (The B-Sides)(BLR)

Hanoi Rocks 1983 Sessions

Hanoi Rocks 1983 Sessions.

If anyone can help with a copy of this can you please get in touch.

Hanoi Rocks - the late 1983 sessions

Written by Anssi Mehtälä


What most people know is that Hanoi Rocks toured the Far East, released the album Back To Mystery City and prepared for their big-label (CBS/Columbia) debut Two Steps From The Move in 1983.
However, Hanoi Rocks also recorded plenty of material that autumn. Some of it has actually never seen the light of day in its original form. Some songs were remade and remodelled, some demo version still remain shelved. The tale of the late 1983 Hanoi Rocks recordings is an interesting part of the Hanoi Rocks saga as the sessions yielded almost a "lost album" of sorts.


It is not 100 per cent sure where the demoing/pre-production sessions took place. A good guess is London´s Greenhouse Studios, where the band spent a lot of time in 1983 and 1984. The sound is very identical, which suggests the songs were recorded during the same session(s). Sound is quite lightweight with very few overdubs. The songs still sound rehearsed and well-recorded.


What follows is a short track-by-track analysis of the ten songs recorded in the fall of 1983.


1) KEEP OUR FIRE BURNING
This song was written especially for Japanese artist Yasuaki Honda, who released his version in 1983 (together with another Andy McCoy composition, Hey Girl). Hanoi Rocks (minus Nasty, it has been reported) provided backing for Honda.
Hanoi Rocks´ own version is very similar to Honda´s take, actually the backing track might be the same.
21 years later the song was revisited by the current Hanoi Rocks lineup with some rewritten lyrics, and released as a single in 2004. The original Hanoi Rocks demo remains unreleased to this day.


2) BAD LOVE
Bluesy feeling track, opens with a drum roll and harmonica. Poppy verses, during which guitar riff bears a resemblance to Bruce Springsteen´s Fire. Bursts into a pretty typical (predictable) McCoy chorus ("Bad Love, gotta make it better") latter part of which is quite similar to Cutting Corners and bridge section.


3) SHAKES
Demo version of the song that was re-recorded with Bob Ezrin in Toronto during Two Steps From The Move sessions, but released only as a b-side to Underwater World. Demo has the same arrangement, but playing is somewhat sloppier compared to the Ezrin-version. Also the lyrics differ, being a bit raunchier originally. ("It´s 1984 and we´re knocking on heaven´s door" etc.) It is probable that Ezrin took part in writing new lyrics, since he has a co-writing credit on the final version.


4) TEENAGE REVOLUTION
Mid-tempo song with poppy, singalong chorus. Reminds tracks like Teenangels Outsiders or Don´t Follow Me. Has an interesting instrumental bridge with an eerie feeling created by two guitars.


5) TWO STEPS FROM THE MOVE
The so-called "harmonica version" of Hanoi´s fourth album´s planned title track. This version has been released on many compilations, first on the excellent Tracks From A Broken Dream and later on Decadent Dangerous Delicious. Michael Monroe plays fervent harmonica on this take, hence the name. Otherwise, the arrangement is quite similar.
Like Shakes, this song was finalized with Bob Ezrin during the album sessions, but got dropped in favour of Up Around The Bend.


6) I CAN´T GET IT
Original, longer slower and heavier version of a song later re-recorded and re-arranged during Two Steps From The Move sessions. The original version has a slightly differently phrased guitar riff and different lyrics, but the biggest difference is in the middle section, which is completely different from the finished version. That fanfare-like middle part has all Ezrin´s trademarks (compare it with Bouleverd Of Broken Dream´s middle and Alice Cooper´s Elected´s middle and you get my drift), while the demo´s middle is quite dull with sax and guitar playing a quite predictable melody line in unison. Again, Ezrin´s influence is quite clear, since the finished version is very much better than this first attempt of the song.


7) I LOVE YOU
A short and simple throwaway song, which has the feel of an unfinished composition, mainly for the ending, which sounds rushed and pointless. First released on Briard´s Miss World album in 1983 (the recording took place in Helsinki some time late 1983 and featured Andy & Nasty) as Me And My Habbit. This Hanoi Rocks demo version was first released on the bonus 4-track 12" disc that came with the original Finnish Best Of Hanoi Rocks double album in 1985. Later it surfaced on the Tracks From A Broken Dream compilation.


8) WILLING TO CROSS THE OCEAN
Another quite familiar track. The song itself doesn´t quite get off the ground, but provided a great riff for Boiler, which was composed by the whole group during Two Steps From The Move sessions in 1984. This version has been released on the Tracks From A Broken Dream compilation.


9) PIN UP GIRL
This song found its way to Cherry Bombz´ live repertoire in 1986 as Pin Up Boy. Mid-tempo pop-rock song. The verses and chorus also are very similar to Ice Cream Summer, as is the overall feel of the track. Basically the same ideas re-used.


10) NEVER GET ENOUGH
The real surprise of this collection. First run-through of the song which became a classic as Million Miles Away. A slower, bluesy approach makes this very different than the final versions´ straight love-balladry. The section "You´re so ordinary yet so very fine" is there, but played more slowly. Piano carries the whole song as in the finished version. All the final parts are presents, but it seems the whole idea of the song hasn´t gotten clear yet...The tape ends abruptly during the chorus which in the final version precedes the fast section leading to the "please don´t be thinking of me" part, leaving the ending out so there isn´t a whole version to be figured out.


...AND WHERE CAN I FIND THESE SONGS?
As mentioned, quite a few have been already released on various compilations. But also a 40-minute cassette exists, with all the songs in the running order presented here. Don´t ask me where it can be found, I really can´t tell. But let´s hope the unreleased songs see the light of day sometime. They aren´t essential Hanoi Rocks gems, but surely interesting items for any Hanoi Rocks collector.

[2023] Suburban Lawns - Gidget Vs. The World (The Complete Suburban Lawns)

[2023] Suburban Lawns - Gidget Vs. The World (The Complete Suburban Lawns) 

An overlooked early California Punk band. The album was remixed and reissued on vinyl a few years back and now goes for a ridiculous price. Original pressings aren't cheap either and you'll be hard pressed to find a copy of the 2015 CD Reissue. This is my collection of everything available ripped from lovely crackily vinyl so you get that sense of historic nostalgia. If Su Tissue hadn't given up music I would have seen them have a long career like the Brilliant Excene Cervenka and X. Enjoy!

 [2023] Suburban Lawns - Gidget Vs. The World (The Complete Suburban Lawns)(BLR)

[2022] Material Issue - Material Issues (Issues # 1 - Issues #16)

[2022] Material Issue - Material Issues (Issues # 1 - Issues #16)

Been promising more of the brilliant Material Issue for ages, but keep forgetting. A couple I've posted before, but here you finally have all 16 Volumes of the Material Issues Boots. Many thanks to Rick for these. And sorry it's taken so long Brett. 

[2022] Material Issue - Material Issues (Issues # 1 - Issues #16)

Selling Bootlegs...

I don't really care what happens after I do my posts. I just enjoy sharing the music I love. But I'd prefer it if you didn't sell anything that I've popped up. I've seen a few of my efforts ripped and sold on eBay, and there's several things that have been released as Japanese Bootlegs. Just spread the love and share freely.

[2023] Hanoi Rocks - Looking At You (Tarvashoi, Finland '81)

[2023] Hanoi Rocks - Looking At You (Tarvashoi, Finland '81)(BLR)

Thought I'd post another show from 1981 while I'm at it. This one is Tarvashovi ~Tarvasjoki, Finland (27 Mar. 1981). The quality is pretty rough, but there's not a lot of shows out there from this era.

[2023] Hanoi Rocks - Looking At You (Tarvashoi, Finland '81)(BLR)

[2023] Hanoi Rocks - Lost In The City (Ylivieska, Finland '81)

[2023] Hanoi Rocks - Lost In The City (Ylivieska, Finland '81)(BLR)

The copy of the Ylivieska show that I put together for my personal collection. I edited out a couple of seconds of silence before it fades into Kill City Kills and also a couple of seconds of silence between Tracks 9 and 10. Once again a million thanks to the ever generous Steve.

[2023] Hanoi Rocks - Lost In The City (Ylivieska, Finland '81)(BLR)

[1981] Hanoi Rocks - Ylivieska, Finland (xx Jan. 1981)(Soundboard)

[1981] Hanoi Rocks - Ylivieska, Finland (xx Jan. 1981)(Soundboard)

Copy of this was up for sale on the Hanoi Rocks Facebook and I'd never seen it before. The generous legend that is Steve came through with a copy and I had to post it straight away. The quality is amazing but does fade in and out in a couple of places. There are also two unreleased tracks. I can't find any info on the actual venue or date, so if anyone knows can you please get in touch. I'll post the version I did for myself with art next so you can choose which one you prefer. And once again a million thanks to Steve.

[1981] Hanoi Rocks - Ylivieska, Finland (xx Jan. 1981)(Soundboard)

[2023] Tango Pirates - Dark Star Laments

[2023] Tango Pirates - Dark Star Laments (BLR Compilation)

Compilation of tracks from Danny Fury's Tango Pirates that I've cobbled together. Well recommended!

[2023] Tango Pirates - Dark Star Laments (BLR Compilation)

[2007] Wild At Heart - Chasing The Dragon

[2007] Wild At Heart - Chasing The Dragon

Hard album to find from Dave Tregunna & Danny Fury. Many thanks to the very generous Steve for this.

[2007] Wild At Heart - Chasing The Dragon

RPM Online

RPM Online

Hit up RPM Online for news, interviews and reviews.

RPM Online

RPM Online Podcast

RPM Online Podcast... Just get yer ears around this new Podcast from rpmonline and Dom Daley. If you like the music I post on here you will fecking love this! Episode three just dropped! 

rpmonline Podcast

[1995] Garden Of Delight - Symbol And Vision

[1995] Garden Of Delight - Symbol And Vision  

Time to go a little bit Darkwave and Gothy. Just love Garden of Delight and Merciful Nuns. Death Chant is just an outstanding track.

[1995] Garden Of Delight - Symbol And Vision

[2005] Crystal Pistol - Crystal Pistol

[2005] Crystal Pistol - Crystal Pistol 

Repost request. If you have any don't be afraid to ask. Once again many thanks to Mario for sharing this total cracker of a record.  

[2005] Crystal Pistol - Crystal Pistol

Wild Thing...

 Wild Thing...

[1986] Sam Kinison - Louder Than Hell

[1986] Sam Kinison - Louder Than Hell

No way this would ever be released today in the era of political correctness. Has it dated... yes. Is it still funny... yes. And of course it has the Wild Thing bonus track. The video was played to death back in the day and pretty much featured a who's who of  musicians. A total fecking inappropriate classic!

[1986] Sam Kinison - Louder Than Hell

[1985] Feargal Sharkey - Feargal Sharkey

[1985] Feargal Sharkey - Feargal Sharkey

When I first got this when it came out I played it to death and it still comes out on the odd occasion for a bit of youthful nostalgia. Like yesterday when I had it on repeat. Not one weak track on it. If you don't know it I recommend at least one listen. Just a fantastic record.

[1985] Feargal Sharkey - Feargal Sharkey

[2010] Izzy Stradlin - Wave Of Heat

[2010] Izzy Stradlin - Wave Of Heat

Last of the Izzy Posts.

[2010] Izzy Stradlin - Wave Of Heat

[2009] Izzy Stradlin - Smoke

[2009] Izzy Stradlin - Smoke

[2009] Izzy Stradlin - Smoke

[2008] Izzy Stradlin - Concrete

[2008] Izzy Stradlin - Concrete

[2008] Izzy Stradlin - Concrete

[2023] Billy Bragg - BLR EP Collection

[2023] Billy Bragg - BLR EP Collection

I was looking for a particular Billy Bragg Live track that is on one of his EP's for next months Playlist. Did a search and was surprised to see how hard his EP's are to find for downloading. So here you have a bonus post of all the Billy Bragg EP's I have.

[2023] Billy Bragg - BLR EP Collection

[2007] Izzy Stradlin - Miami

[2007] Izzy Stradlin - Miami

Continuing on with the Izzy posts...

[2007] Izzy Stradlin - Miami

[2013] Livin' Out Rock 'N' Roll (Babysitters etc Doco)

[2013] Livin' Out Rock 'N' Roll (Babysitters etc Doco)

"Livin' out Rock'n'Roll is about the dirty disregarded history of the London 80s rock scene, the story of the Babysitters and The Last of the Teenage Idols as told by the people who have somehow managed to survive it. This is a scene that began and revolved around the legendary rock'n'roll table - the epicentre of the London rock scene below the offices of the Melody Maker in Holborn. Among the interviewees are Shuff, Vom Ritchie (Die Toten Hosen) and journalists Ben Marshall and David Stubbs. Charlie Harper, Captain Sensible and Mike Read also make cameo appearances."

Not the best quality rip but well worth a watch if you're a fan... and thank Marmike!

[2013] Livin' Out Rock 'N' Roll (Babysitters etc Doco)

Babysitters, Demon Preacher, Hanoi Rocks - Book. Jimbo’s Livin Out Rock N Roll

Babysitters, Demon Preacher, Hanoi Rocks - Book. Jimbo’s Livin Out Rock N Roll

Here you go Marmike! Not read it yey but it's on my to buy list.

Jimbos Book!!!

[1978] Boney M - Nightflight To Venus (2023 BLR Expanded Edition)

[1978] Boney M - Nightflight To Venus (2023 BLR Expanded Edition)

Boney M fans and collectors still argue over which is the best pressing of this classic album. Most folks stick with the fourth pressing because it's the version that most people had on vinyl back in the day, and it's the only version officially pressed to CD. Personally I prefer the first pressing with the extended version of the title track. I fully expect for this not to be overly popular with my regular visitors, but this is one of my favourite records and I have put together the collection I would love to see. And afterall this Blog is just me sharing the music I love. So here you have a 10 CD set that any completist will hopefully enjoy. So for the Blog Surfers who stumble upon my site because of this post, and my usual followers welcome and enjoy.

[1978] Boney M - Nightflight To Venus (2023 BLR Expanded Edition)

[2023] Inger Lorre - Snowflake On Fire

[2023] Inger Lorre - Snowflake On Fire

This compilation has been on my "To Post" pile for over a year. So with Inger releasing to brilliant singles of late I thought I'd get myself sorted. Collection of things I haven't previously posted and the two new singles. Recommended for any Inger & Nymphs fans.

[2023] Inger Lorre - Snowflake On Fire

[1988] The Quireboys - Ginger Singles

[1988] The Quireboys - Ginger Singles  

Compiled BLR EP of the two Ginger Wildhearts Singles in both flac. and mp3. Thanks to Steve and Nervous Nick for the rips.

[1988] The Quireboys - Ginger Singles

[2003] Guns N' Roses - Dawn Of The Dead (Aces High Sound Production - Japan)

[2003] Guns N' Roses - Dawn Of The Dead (Aces High Sound Production - Japan)

Compilation of  various Live Tracks and Shows from 1985 thru 1986. In the original Flac and a conversion to mp3 as well. Includes quality scans of all Artwork. Recommended for any Gunners fan!

[2003] Guns N' Roses - Dawn Of The Dead (Aces High Sound Production - Japan)

Files Reposted

All September posts have been reposted to ImageNetz. Don't know what's happening with the Mega, but all posts prior to September should still be working fine. Any issues let me know.

Mega Infringement

Mega has suspended my account due to multiple copyright infringements, I don't know if this is a permanent thing or just temporary. No files are downloadable at the moment. I'll let you all know what happens. If things are permanent I will reupload everything on another service.

[2007] Izzy Stradlin - Fire... The Acoustic Album

[2007] Izzy Stradlin - Fire... The Acoustic Album

[2007] Izzy Stradlin - Fire... The Acoustic Album

[2003] Izzy Stradlin - Like a Dog

[2003] Izzy Stradlin - Like a Dog

[2003] Izzy Stradlin - Like a Dog

[2023] Guns N' Roses - Demos Sessions Outtakes

[2023] Guns N' Roses - Demos Sessions Outtakes

Volume One...

Volume One

Volume Two...

Volume Two

Volume Three...

Volume Three

Volume Four...

Volume Four

Volume Five...

Volume Five

Volume Six...

Volume Six

Volume Seven...

Volume Seven