ROCK
AGAINST BULLSHIT VOLUME ONE – Various Artists (independent)
You can tell Xmas is impending when compilations of ho-ho-ho songs start falling
out of the sky. This one might not sell as many as the “Rockin’
Bethlehem” Aussie compiles of the early ‘90s, but it’s still
a lot of fun.
I’d hazard a guess at the lineage of the bands contributing the 14 tracks,
but there’s a strong suspicion that it’ll be more incestuous than
a family reunion in a Tasmanian caravan park. Let’s just say it’s
a collection from a bunch of Melbourne band sluts with links and/or passing
associations with The Mystaken, Sons of Lee Marvin and a few other miscreants.
If you’re expecting this to be all joy to the world and good cheer -
at least in the traditional commercial sense - you’re going to be disappointed.
“Xmas 78” from Sons of Lee Marvin sets the stage from the get-go,
with incisive exposure of The Great Xmas Truth: i.e. December 25 often ends
in tears and/or bloodshed. Play it when your family gathers around the barbecue
or turkey. Make sure you take away sharp knives. (Does anyone remember the
Rifles' "Merry Xmas Blues" from way back when? This works on the
same level.)
Think of "Rock Against Bullshit" as a sampler of a tiny slice of
what makes Melbourne Rock City as far as Australia is concerned. Some of the
tracks might lead you to further investgations, others may not darken your
turntable again. This is a good way of lifting a rock in the garden and seeing
what's underneath. It’s a bit patchy in parts but there are strong punkish
showings from The Mystaken (“I Want You for Christmas”) and Hatchet
Men (“I Hate Christmas”), a whiff of retro garage from Thee Stag
Knights (“Naughty Boy” - isn't it about time these guys recorded
something substantial, like an album?) and some curiosities (“Phat Ghey
Christmas” from Bowl of Dick and “Molly’s Sleigh Ride”
from The Mistle Toes - who just could be Sydney’s rarely-sighted The
Uptights). Off the Hip’s in-house producer Ernie O gets into the swing
with a duet with Dave Delmatic of the Psychodelmatics (“Killing Myself
for Christmas”).
As to where to obtain your copy, the word was that the first 60 payers at
a show by garage rock. ahem, supergroup The Masonic Whores at Melbourne’s
Cobra Bar (upstairs at the Tote Hotel) on December 22 would be lucky recipients.
If you couldn’t make it you could drop compiler Maria
a line and see if she’ll part with one in return for some chump change
or a Chrissie present.–
The Barman
