From 1980 to 1989, Dischord Records released sixteen “half releases”, which were simply records that they put out in conjunction with another record label. Records are something that we tend to take for granted as a finished product, but on the business side of things there is a lot of work and money that goes into making a record. Typically (but certainly not limited to) recording, typesetting, printing, layout and mastering eat up most of the budget before distribution and advertising are even considered. These half releases allowed Dischord to share the cost of production while at the same time extending their reach beyond their own roster. Six of those sixteen half releases have been absorbed and remastered by Dischord proper: Reptile House 7”, GI Boycott Stabb LP, Ignition’s first 7” and LP and the first and second Soul Side LP’s. The others are still out of print – so here’s your chance to catch up on the good ones (or the ones you missed!)
Scream – This Side Up LP
Dischord 15 and a 1/2, split release with Sixth International / Rough Trade, 1985. Their second (and arguably their best) LP! Scream are currently playing shows again and are releasing a new 7 song EP for Side One Dummy Records in August. Earlier this week they posted a preview video from the sessions on their website and it sounds phenomenal
Double-O – s/t 7”
Dischord 10 and a 1/2, split with R&B Records, 1983. Great EP (and I’ve been told) a stellar live band which later morphed into Second Wind. Band featured Jason Carmer on guitar, Eric L singing, Richard Moore (Untouchables) on drums and Bert Queiroz (Untouchables, Rain, Mainfesto) on bass. They also have a great bootleg EP with their early demos called Double Barrelled, which is worth picking up if you can find it.
United Mutation – Fugitive Family 7”
Dischord 10 and 7/8, split release with DSI Records, 1983. The record that broke all the rules and pretty much started the American grindcore and sludge-core sound. Their pentatonic assault is fast yet steeped in psychedelica, which make a unique combination. Not to mention the awesomely insane lyrics and voice of Mike Brown. An in-depth interview with UM is up at Dead Metaphor here
Shudder to Think – It Was Arson 7”
Dischord 26 and 3/4, split release with Sammich Records, 1987. Their first appearance on vinyl, featuring the original lineup of Chris Matthews, Craig Wedren, Mike Russell and Stuart Hill. An acquired taste for some people, but like it or not, they pushed the post-hardcore sound to it’s absolute limit.
Vile Cherubs – Post-Humorous Relief LP
Dischord 33 and 1/3, split release with Cherubic Delusions, 1989. Great demented garage-psych, nine song LP. Sadly absent from the 20 Years of Dischord box set because of their non-label status :(. The Vile Cherubs were made up members of Swiz, Circus Lupus, Nation of Ulysses and Antimony. This record was brilliantly produced by Geoff Turner and is definitely worth picking up. A true gem. Seth Lorinczi is now playing in The Corin Tucker Band, who released a great LP last year called 1,000 Years.
Reptile House – I Stumble As The Crow Flies 7”
Dischord 15 and 3/4, split release with Druid Hill, 1985. I feel like I’ve already gushed about Daniel Higgs enough on this site, so I’ll spare you the gory details. Four songs, an early raw precursor to the great Lungfish.
Lünch Meat / Mission Impossible split 7”
Dischord 17 and a 1/2, split release with Sammich Records, 1986. A decent record with great art, as well as the first vinyl appearance of Dave Grohl. Let’s clear up some confusion with this record: It’s not a compilation. It’s a split release between two bands – Lünch Meat (who thankfully changed their name to Soul Side the following year) and Mission Impossible. The first vinyl pressing of 500 was called “Thanks”, the second pressing is called “Getting Shit For Growing Up Different”. Each one has different artwork but has the same songs. The first pressing ID’s the last Mission Impossible song as “Now I’m Alone”, the second as “Am I Alone”. Same song. Confused yet?
Necros – IQ 32 7”
Dischord 4 and a 1/2, split with Touch & Go Records, 1981. Second EP from this Maumee, Ohio punk band who would achieve minor fame by playing tons of shows with The Misfits and for doing truckloads of cocaine with Megadeth on their 1985 tour. I have mixed feelings on this band as a whole, but at times there is a certain charm to their sloppiness.
Holy Rollers – Origami Sessions 7”
Dischord 33 and 2/3, split release with Adult Swim, 1989. First EP from the Holy Rollers, who at that time consisted of Joseph Aronstamn and Marc Lambiotte from Grand Mal and Maria Jones from Fidelity Jones and Broken Siren. Expressive post-hardcore that carried on the hectic percussion tradition of Beefeater.
Iron Cross – Skinhead Glory 7”
Dischord 8 and a 1/2, split with Skinflint Records, 1982. Their first EP, famous only for this anthem (which was later co-opted by Agnostic Front) and for being the first American Oi! record. Funny thing though, side B is pretty terrible. Kinda sounds like it was pressed or recorded at the wrong speed. MRR’s Tim Yohannan called the second song, Psycho Skin a “Retarded homophobic diatribe”.
