Classic Compilations: This Is Boston, Not L.A.

While each disparate part of the country eventually developed a scene, distinct sound and aesthetic, there was still a pretty easy to hear thread running through a bunch of works. That doesn’t mean whatever eighties’ record was derivative when examined alongside stuff from the previous decade. But it’s funny that this (classic) compilation is called This is Boston, Not L.A. considering there’s a torrential Black Flag influence inherent in some of these bands. What’s the difference, though? There’re some good tunes on here – and the album actually still exhibits a tremendous amount of influence on today’s hardcore acts. So take a gander and wonder what it would have been like to assist in founding one of the most violent hardcore scenes in the country.

Jerry’s Kids – First of all, awesome name. These guys were probably one of the five most recognizable groups from Boston’s hardcore scene. Of course, Gang Green, who we’ll get to in a moment, easily out ranks these dudes. But Jerry’s Kids are able to mine a signifigant amount of DC’s approach to music well the group’s vocalist comes off sounding like a west coast screamer. The music’s as gruff as the vocals, but that’s how it should be. And apart from some questionable drum fills, this stuff is golden.

Gang Green – I saw these guys once during the nineties. Their drummer, without dropping the beat, reached for a beer while continuing on with the song, took a swig, put the can down and went back to work. That’s pretty much all I remember from the show – oddly enough. But these guys rank as one of Boston’s biggest and best exports. This is a stretch, but some of the group’s slower moments – and there are a few even if Gang Green appreciated the faster paced stuff – and sing alongs unquestionably left a mark on those Dropkick dudes.

Proletariat – Honestly, apart from the stuff here, I’ve never seen or heard of this outfit. What listeners can glean from the few tracks contributed here is that Proletariat were one of the few groups (well, groups with a recorded legacy) that were obviously influenced by British groups. Apart from the singer’s ridiculous and forced accent, the music doesn’t quite get into hardcore territory – close, but not quite. It’s actually just closer to some stripped down ’77 styled stuff. Unfortunately, it’s pretty apparent that these guys weren’t as adept at playing instruments as some of the other acts on here. Still some good tunes, though.