P.E.A.C.E / War

iTunes Review

Standing for “Peace, Energy, Action, Cooperation, Evolution”, this compilation from major independent U.S hardcore punk rockers (MDC, Dead Kennedys, Butthole Surfers) and their worldwide counterparts (Local Disturbance from the Netherlands; Declino from Italy; Crass from the U.K.; Vicious Circle from Australia) represented a brilliant cross-section of political punk rock in the ‘80s. The productions are often primitive but there is no denying the power of MDC’s “Missile Destroyed Civilization,” Japan’s Gis(m)’s “Endless Blockade for Pussyfooter” or the thrash heaven of Dirty Rotten Imbecile’s “Snap.” The Dicks from Texas turn rockabilly into protest punk with “Hope You Get Drafted.” Canada’s DOA offer an alienated “America the Beautiful.” The Dead Kennedy’s offer up a sound collage with “Kinky Sex (Makes the World Go Around).” West Germany’s Upright Citizen’s know what they speak of with “Swastika Ratss.” Released in 1984, this remains a seminal look at political hardcore punk rock in the ‘80s. The 1997 reissue added five tracks to round things to 60. A loud, brutal attack from any angle.