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hardcore records on ebay — aggregated and examined
Here’s a classic in the cult hardcore dept. Mental Abuse “Streets Of Filth” lp.There’s something about those NJHC lps from the early 80’s that the collector scum can’t get enough of. Mental Abuse are at least partially known because drummer Dave Jones also played in the Victim In Pain lineup of Agnostic Front. I believe there were also future members of AOD and at some point they had at least one of the Billys from the Psychos. But the prices their lp routinely fetches make them more than just a “members of” band.
Musically Streets of Filth a lot in common with AF’s United Blood phase, although it also reminds me a bit of Reagan Youth. Maybe halfway between the two. Stop-go-stop-go delivery and heavy bass driven mosh parts abound on this one while the production lives up to a name like Streets Of Filth with cheap fuzz and shaky at best precision drenching the guitars. The drums paddle and roll only the most basic patterns on each track and the lyrics are straight up juvenile, everything rhymes and the emotional depth is that of a 12 year old. That’s not any kind of disrespect on my part, it’s all part of the Mental Abuse charm. Adolescent Skins laments the rise of obnoxious young skinheads, Sock Woman tells some ridiculous story about a woman who wants to be a man, and No God is self explanatory. No sophistication or pretension, just bash your head against concrete, glue huffing, booze slopping, slime.
Streets of Filth was issued on Urinal Records in something like an edition of 500, although for how infrequently you’re liable to see it around I’d imagine a great many were destroyed or trashed. It’s also kind of hard to find with an unblemished cover, and I’d say the wear on this one is pretty normal. Considering it has never been repressed, and is unlikely to be in the near future (due to some member’s current ambivalence about the band), what matters most is that the vinyl is clean and playable. All in all I’d say this is a good bet if you wanna drop 3 bills, and the seller has plenty of other tasty treats for you too.
Easily, in my top five HC/punk Lps of all time. I go on binges playing this one over and over…and yes I’m from NJ. Luckly, I got to see them in their second line-up in 1988 a few times, mostly with Life’s Blood. Adam nathanson was a big fan of the band too… Not a clunker on this slab!
“make me mad I’ll use my knife, make me mad I’ll take your life.” Dave K should tell the story of Sid Sludge getting the cinderblock dropped on him. One of my favorite NJ records. They thank Space Farms too. Can’t fuck with that. Craig Setari’s favorite band, I definitely convinced Creep Division to play “Sock Woman” a few Halloween’s back. “I’ve got a mind, mind of my own and I’m still happy when I get stoned.” Motorcycle revving in a song about God. I can talk about this thing forever.
Saw the listing after posting. Is a Mental Abuse record a recession safe purchase?? This is the best news I’ve heard in awhile. I have that “Message From America” comp upstairs too. Maybe I can afford Christmas this year after all.