First Six Records

 So a little whilst back, Dischord announced they would be putting out a box set containing the first 6 Dischord releases - some of which had been out of print in the 7” format in quite some time. The records would be remastered, and come with an era correct insert. With a label like Dischord, you know you’re going to get a great physical release, and they’ll do the best by their customers. Was I interested in buying it? Of course. Was I aware that there was a time limit on the preorder and that they were only making numbers up to the closest round figure of the preorder? Of course. Did I preorder it? Of fucking course not! But, as is the way - sometimes life throws you another chance.

Long story short, the box sets were sent out - people started posting them on social media and I started feeling some terrible regret. I got wind that the label were setting up an email list for folks who missed out and would like another chance at getting a copy without dealing with flippers. I sent an email, waited like a patient boy. Handed over some money and a couple weeks later I got to crack this open. 

So what we have here is the contents. A booklet, the first six records and something else real fun. Let’s dive in. 

The Teen Idles - Minor Disturbance EP. Dischord No. 1 and a posthumous release to boot. This record was the birth of the label and an early indication of Ian’s love for documenting the world around him. This record rips - true starter pack harDCore. Out of print for decades in the 7” format, and still sounds so vital. 

S.O.A - No Policy - Henry Rollins enters the chat. Before Damaged, before End Of Silence and before Getting in the Van is this collection of damn fine hardcore. I recently watched an interview with Rollins where he briefly outlines being a fly on the wall for the formation of Dischord at Mackaye’s Mother’s house and the effect it had on him. The green vinyl is a cool touch here, and with the red labels I think this is visually the most pleasing release in the box. 

Minor Threat - Minor Threat. Maybe the most influential DC 7” ever? Some days I think Filler is my favourite Minor Threat track. Every song on this 7” makes me want to spin kick through a wall, which at my dusty age is nothing short of a miracle. 

Government Issue - Legless Bull EP. Honestly I didn’t know much about GI other than J. Robbins was a member of the band at some stage, pre Jawbox. I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this record, and how clear the recording is. Again, this has been out of print in this format since maybe 1981, so it’s a cool piece of history for sure. HOWEVER, nothing holds up to Dischord 5… 

Minor Threat - In My Eyes. What can be said about this record right? Lovingly restored to look like it did way back in 1981, and sounds INCREDIBLE. Another visual highlight of this box set, and some real starter pack hardcore. I’ve had the S/T 12” comp of the first two Minor Threat 7”s for years, and having them as separate entities feels weirdly more wholesome. Maybe it’s having the benefit of this box laying things out in timeline order, and the booklet providing just enough nostalgia to put you in the moment for just a brief second. 

Youth Brigade - Possible EP. I don’t have much to say on this one really. It’s the record I’ll return to the least in this box set. Apparent the 7” was called possible as a slight to Dischord about this release being a ‘Possible’ release. Kids being kids I guess, but nothing I’m fussed over either way. 

The Slinkees - Who Cares? 

The Slinkees existed for the duration of one show, and one recording made in Jeff Nelson’s basement. This band are really the genesis of Dischord, as they’re essentially a precursor to The Teen Idles. The history of this band, the show and the circumstances surrounding are all detailed in the insert. This record has never been made available before, and is rough and charming all the same. 

Here we are. First post in a while and what a fun ride it’s been. It’s currently around 01:30 AM and I’m listening to Waiting For The Sun by The Doors because apparently I handed in my punk rock card some time ago. I’m going to try and do one post a week for a while and see how I get on. Record collecting is fun, the stories surrounding these often imperfect pieces of plastic are fun and I’m still up for the ride. I kept the mailer for this thing too, it came in a custom screened mailer and I’m sure there’s some sense in keeping it. Maybe?