Black and Blue

I have been on a real mission to grab at least one of everything by Give Up the Ghost // American Nightmare. It started with grabbing a couple of cheap 7''s, and from there it went on. Actually it started way before then. I said I had a cool story on how I was introduced to this band. I might concise it down for the end of this entry. Purely as I don't have much to say on the subject of this release. 

Year One. Give up the Ghost. This was originally a 12'' released through Reflections Records, and then Bridge 9 pressed it for a US release on 2x7''. A few years back B9 pressed this on a 12'' too, and then there is a CD copy with a few extra bonus tracks. 

Back cover // B / D labels. This compiles the two B9 7''s - S/T and The Sun isn't Getting any Brighter. Things get a bit weird on this release, as CD versions of certain releases contain tracks not available on the vinyl version. I believe this comp stays true to what are on the 7'' versions of both releases. I would check the B9 board or my copies, but i'm lazy.

The records are housed in a gatefold sleeve and folds out as such. The back cover contains the track-listing, label logo in the bottom right corner and what looks to be the photograph used in the American Nightmare S/T 7'' insert. The colour scheme is changed up a little though. That cover art is now probably more recognisable than the music, which is a sad reality but you can bet that there are at least a few kids wearing this logo on a shirt that have no idea at all. 

The inside of the gatefold. The left side text shows credits for the S/T 7'' and the right shows credits for The Sun Isn't Getting any Brighter. Both were recorded at Godcity, both were released under B9 (B9R007 and B9R009 respectively) and both were recorded under slightly different line ups. Illustration is credited to Linas Garsys, and design is credited to J. Bannon. 

I love that Wes is wearing a Sisters of mercy shirt in this photo. A while back, he started posting pictures of his AN era shirts that he wore live on Instagram. All shit like Depeche Mode, The Cure and SoM, the dude was always an out and out goth at heart. 

Aside from that I don't know too much about this release. There was a Clear // Orange / 500 variant. This was / 1000 and that made up the B9 press of this. I assume these were made as the name change prevented further 'American Nightmare' presses of the 7''s. Plus for anyone that missed out first time, it meant they were kind of caught up on what was going on. It wasn't exactly a necessary purchase for me, as I have both the 7''s, but it was on eBay and fairly cheap and I'll pick up anything from this band. I have a real jonesing for that Demo tape too now. 

Parting note. Long story short, I got introduced to this band by a guy I struck up conversation with in a restaurant when I was 11 years old. I was in Nottingham waiting around to go see Iron Maiden, and asked this guy wearing an American Nightmare shirt what it was all about. He took the time out of his evening to quickly tell me about all things American Nightmare / GUTG. It was December, and We're Down 'Til We're Underground was pretty new to the world then. He gave me a ripped CD copy of the LP he had in his car and I've never looked back. That was over a decade ago, and I still get that impact every time the needle drops.

Viva Love

Love and Live

I posted about American Nightmare a quick minute ago. For a few people, the band stopped there. That's a really dumb opinion though, so we won't waste much time on that. I'm here to talk about two releases from Give up the Ghost. 

These were released super close together if memory serves. I bought these two at the same time from the same seller, so it seems fitting to put them both in the same entry. Also, I had been after both for some time; but the $45+ shipping (each) copies that haunt Discogs never really appealed to me too hard. 

First things first, the Love American picture disc limited to 1000. This was sold through Bridge 9 (logo bottom centre) and all went at preorders. There was apparently another variant (black with pink centre labels) /115 according the B9 Discography site. I've never seen one and don't know if they were for tour or anything, but I love the look of this picture disc. These are the copies I had seen, and this is what I was after. I don't get the hang up with picture discs, a lot of people seem to hate on them. I get they don't sound quite as good sometimes, but for the most part it's difficult to tell any difference and this sounds great anyway. I like how the image seems cut out of a few separate images, and then has the AN angel plastered straight on top. 

B -Side. I got the 3'' CD single of this way back so I already knew the tracks, plus everyone has heard Love American anyway. I would like to know the deal on the B-Side art, more specifically the note. AN/GUTG art is always pretty interesting, like the first time I grabbed Background Music I remember being really into how it looked. Back on point though, all the writing below the note is information like: track list, band members, booking contacts and recording credits etc. But when I was reading who helped on gang vocals, the names Tre and Jake popped up. I can only assume it's J. Bannon and Tre from Deathwish (Bannon also handled design and layout here). Damn, that Boston scene was so important. I happen to come from Boston, but the naff English one. 

This came housed in those super thick poly sleeves you get with picture discs, you know 'em.

On to the next. 

Live in London. I had never heard it before owning it (well, the live renditions anyway), and I'm glad I held off as it rips. Having a first listen that isn't through laptop speakers or MP3's is sometimes really important. All on white vinyl (well, aside from the tests) and limited to 750. These were given away by Bridge 9 (logo bottom right of the centre label) to anyone who ordered all '03 summer singles. Sadly, I don't have all of those singles, and this copy definitely wasn't free! But I have it now which is the main thing.

I think adding the London skyline to the centre label was a great idea, but nothing here is credited due to the sparse packaging. I know these recording were from a BBC session, but that aside I don't have much more to say on the matter. I'm surprised the packaging came through in the condition it did, as it's a printed dust cover inside a poly sleeve. It's held up really well considering it's age, and has been looked after by any previous owners. Both tracks (AM/PM and Farewell) play on this side. 

Which brings me on to my rookie error. I played this side like an idiot, expecting there to be hidden extras or something. There is not. I think it's reverse grooved too, and doesn't come with any sound despite being grooved. Between this, and the Have Heart 'Straight Edge' thing, it's fair to say the great dudes over at B9 are having a couple of laughs alongside the hard work. 

There it is. Another couple of records from a great period of music, that I am beyond thrilled to have in my collection. It's not like they never come up for sale, their numbers make them way more available than some other AN/ GUTG items. But it was nice to get them in one go and not get my wallet absolutely rogered in the process. 

'Murican Nightmare

Seriously, one of the best hardcore bands ever. Let's not pretend like this is even a debate. It's funny, as people tend to shit on Give up the Ghost (American Nightmare, once they had to change their name after Background Music was released) but I honestly thought that We're Down 'Til We're Underground was incredible. I'm not talking about an LP today though, today it is all about that self titled 7'' 

This was released by Bridge 9, and is considered a massive high point in both the label and band's respective catalogue. Plus, the packaging here is so on point and it looks incredible. This is from the 3rd press (/900) to my knowledge, and I probably will never pursue a full collection of this record. The first two presses, as amazing as they look (some have some really cool tour exclusive colours and packaging) are way too expensive to buy unless you were around at the time to at least grab a few variants. I would essentially be starting from scratch, but I was about seven years old when this came out. I'm more than happy with this copy right here. 

Back cover and B-side. 

First super cool thing about this 7''. The top photo shows the band name, and this is where it's from. It's a belly band that fits around the record. 

Back of the belly band showing the track list. I wouldn't imagine many labels at the time were doing stuff like this. But at the time, I don't think may labels could touch Bridge 9 either. Seriously, if you're around my age (do the maths) and not too familiar with hardcore, have a look at what this label was up to back then. They're still kicking it fairly solid now. 

Once the belly band is removed, the sleeve opens up and you get some more art and lyrics/ thank you's etc. The lyrical content here is so dark, emotive, and the sound was a complete game changer. It still sounds super fresh today, and most modern hardcore doesn't even come close. 

I do have another variant of this mind. This was the fourth and final press of this record. I believe this was /600 and obviously comes with some very different artwork to the 3rd press. I picked these up from the same seller in one go. It looks like the vinyl is from the same 3rd press, making a total of 1500, but the cover apparently counts it to a separate press. The 'Marching Band' art was designed by Linas Garsys, who did a bunch of design work for American Nightmare shirts/ flyers etc. He may even have drawn the iconic 'Angel' AN logo. Either way, he ran Malfunction Records too, who put out the American Nightmare demo. 

Back cover, B Side labels and track-list. Nothing much to say about this I guess, it's a great design and remarkably different from the previous press. But seriously, this record is a collector's dream, if you have the income for it. My copies of this are kind of entry level, and i'm sure there are dudes out there with a way better collection of this 7''. But i'll let you do the hunting if you are so inclined. I romanticise this era of hardcore way too much. But I truly believe that this would have been just as exciting to be a part of as early 80's DC. Truly an innovative and progressive time for hardcore. Ahhh, what it is to be young. If any UK dudes are emptying their collection of American Nightmare/ early 2000's hardcore; my knowledge is way bigger than my physical representation on the subject. Hit me up. 

I have a great story on how I was introduced to this band, and how my eyes were essentially opened up to hardcore. But that's a story for another time. 

Thanks for reading