No One Left Behind – A Comp To Save The Stage At Lucky 13
(Brooklyn, NY)
I was once married, and we would go to “fancy” restaurants on special occasions. But you know, I can’t remember a single one of those restaurants.
But I do remember the dive bar in Allston, in the eighties, that served great Mexican food- The El Phoenix. And I can’t recall the name but there was a place in Chinatown that looked like a dump, but whenever I was in the area I would always visit.
Very interesting Slimedog, but what does the hell does this have to do with music?
Ah, now that I see that I’ve whetted your appetite- I’m just pointing out that what society often values as priceless is usually worthless.
Luxury, grand splendor, opulent mansions are, I feel, so much bullshit while our music- though certainly, not fancy or very expensive is, at least for me, as all of good art is- priceless.
All the little divey bars, all the not so fancy clubs, throw in the non-chain restaurants and local bars that have history and personality- Well, they are all in danger of being swept away by the covid sea.
And though I’ve never been to the Lucky 13 Saloon, I fully support this club as I know they have supported our music.
But instead of just listening to me let’s listen to some music:
“Brutal Fire” by Bastard Clan has an incendiary beginning with a killer guitar riff and a pushing, shoving drum beat along with fiery, intense vocals that did, in fact, cause my nose hairs to become engulfed in flames. But seriously, this song fully encompasses urgency, desperation and excitement. With a swing like rhythm by the drums, a Jello Biafra like delivery in the vocals that complete for me- just an all around great song.
“Two Man Advantage” who I’ve seen before at The Midway and I know as “that New York hockey hardcore band,” contribute a song called “Long Hard Road” which is a cover of a Daycare Swindlers tune. And they deliver their hardcore rush adroitly- much like a hockey team eager to score against a team short-manned by penalties. Lots of Oi mixed in with the hardcore, lots of guts and grit mixed in, too. And is that a short bass solo I hear? No problem, no penalties assigned- Just a great tune by a great band.
Live Fast Die Fast is the reason that TNB covers New York bands, changing our original format from only covering New England bands. So, as far as me reviewing this comp- either give them the credit or lay all the blame on them!
They’ve always been our favorite New York hardcore band and their track “The Great Divide” reinforces our choice. With an explosive musical attack that sounds like an ammunition warehouse on fire with bullets and rockets shooting out. This song has powerfully passionate music along with vocals that combine Bad Brains, Rage Against The Machine and Public Enemy into one unique blend. My favorite song on this compilation.
Our friends Reason To Fight, our favorite hardcore band from Rhode Island, roll out “Humanity Stinks” with foreboding guitar over an ominous metal like rhythm equal to, and as strong, as the music industrial/punk band Big Black played in the eighties.
There’s a cyclone of sound while the vocalist, Fuzzy, shouts out what sounds like someone directing others to safety during a natural disaster. This song is passionate, propulsive and perfect.
Mad Mulligan’s “Pain And Pain” has some great, if pessimistic lyrics, spelling out that chances are, you’ll lose in life more than you’ll win. “Working with your goals in sight. I’ll bet you think that things will turn out right. Well, they’re not. Face it they’re not.” This song is a great mix of hardcore and Oi with buzzsaw guitar and emphatic, shouting vocals. “Whatever made you think life is fair?” Yes, it’s not. But sometimes you get songs like this as consolation.
“Standing In The Kitchens At Parties” by Bitter & Distractions, a punk/folk duo get my pick because they remind me of Boston’s “The Old Edison” , a mostly defunct punk/folk band that I dearly love. “No matter what time you arrive. No matter when you leave. No matter if you lose. No matter if you achieve. Losing my youth in my thirties. Standing in the kitchens at parties.” Wonderful lyrics, passionate vocals that spits out so true and as strong as any classic punk song.
Skism’s “U.S. Nazi’s Fuck Off And Die” besides its great title, blasts out like a missile of sound heading straight toward our ears, demolishing them with velocity and emotion. “Racist bigot you have no joy. That’s why you live life like an incel boy…All cowards suddenly tough with a mob. Fascist following his tiny knob.” Not as fast or as great as The Dead Kennedy’s song about the same subject, but a valid, excellent attempt about an equally valid subject.
When they organized this compilation they, of course, contacted me and asked- What should we call it?
I replied, “How about “Everybody Right Up Front” as I thought of how hardcore shows usually start.
Of course, they did the exact opposite choosing “No One Left Behind” but I must admit, I feel they made the right decision.
And the right decision for you is to buy this comp, and support your local venues as much as you can.
And get in gear to kick ass when our clubs and venues reopen as I feel, hope and believe they will.
So no club, no venue, no band is left behind.
(Slimedog)
