Angel Witch - Two bootlegs [1981, 2009]

I'm back, fuckers! I thought that this would be a delightful way to return - you all know how much I love Angel Witch; in my eyes, they're the best of the NWOBHM bunch (yes, including Maiden). It brings me 'great pleasure', therefore, to present these two little rarities, which I believe were originally sourced from Lockjaw or Strappado, but I can't be sure. Anyway, this archive includes both the 1981 bootleg 'Live At Norbreck Castle, Blackpool', and the 2009 bootleg 'Burn The White Witch - Live In London'. There is artwork attached to the files so you won't have to go through the hassle of locating bootleg artwork (I know all too well the pain associated with that), and they're both reasonable quality, possibly both soundboard recordings - I know the former of the two certainly is.

Both 320 kbps

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No Mediafire due to the file being bigger than 200MB. But seriously, Zippyshare is much better anyway.

Scars - Author! Author! [1981]

This LP was brought to my attention when my Dad bought the CD of it about a year ago. He said he had it on vinyl years ago and he really enjoyed it. And since it was my dad who introduced me to The Jam (now one of my favourite bands), I decided to give it a listen.

Scars were a post-punk band from Edinburgh, and this is their only album as they split in 1982. Furthermore, the CD version of their debut comes with B-Sides and a couple of other songs as bonus tracks, so this disc contains all but about three songs the band ever recorded.

As for the album itself (or rather, the original 10 tracks), it is an extremely solid post-punk affair, reminiscent of The Cure's early work in places. The broad Scottish accent of the singer adds an extra layer of colour, and some of the tracks (e.g "Obsessions") has some very nice drum work. A standout for me is "Your Attention Please", a reading of a mocked-up nuclear strike warning that no doubt was extremely chilling in early-'80s Cold War Britain. Anyway, this album is definitely worth a listen, but don't end up desperate for more from the band, as you won't be getting it anytime soon.

M4a, ~320 kbps (VBR)

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(N.b. Sorry to disappoint all you metal fans - the track entitled "Fear of the Dark" is not some lost predecessor to the Iron Maiden song of the same name.)

Rush - Moving Pictures [1981]

I love Rush. Can you tell? I've got another of my favourites on the way after this one.

"Moving Pictures" is perhaps Rush's best known album (on par with 2112), and with good reason. It was a perfect blend of the hard rock from their '70s albums and the synth of their '80s albums. The track "Tom Sawyer" is a bona-fide classic, brilliantly setting the tone of the album. Although the last two tracks ("Witch Hunt" and "Vital Signs") are somewhat forgettable, this album remains one of the all-time greats, and a must for any Rush fan.

Mp3, 320 kbps

Link was taken down. Comment on this if you would like to see a reupload.

Black Flag - Damaged [1981]

Black Flag are (were) one of the pioneers of hardcore punk, and this is, for me, their best *hardcore* release (personally I prefer 'My War'). If I had any reason at all to suspect that rumours of a reunion at Leeds fest were true, I would quite happily fork out the money for a ticket.

192 kbps

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