although a little too late maybe

On to the last record of the trade which at the same time was the last missing piece of SOM vinyl I needed.


State Of Mind - bitter times, better times 7" - 2006 Light The Fuse Records

Originally after not having been too much into their previous releases I didn't pay any attention to this record at all. Which is where I went wrong because it's another step in the right direction and therefore not to be missed from the collection. There's a great line of progression to be heard throughout their recorded history up to the latest releases where they had found their sound and were a really great and unique band. Too bad I only noticed that when they were already in the process of breaking up.

Now I do own a copy of each of their vinyl releases plus the demo tape which concludes this collection for me. I only wish they would still be playing shows. If any of the band members read this: I'm sorry for having disregarded you when I shouldn't have. It's my loss.

better late than never

The last two record of this trade are by the same band which was overlooked by many:


State Of Mind - s/t 7" - 2005 Bust Records

And I cannot even blame people for not paying enough attention to this band because at first I also didn't. Earlier in 2005 they put out their demo tape which I picked up at a show. When listening to it at home I kinda liked it because they had their own pretty unique approach. No other band at the time sounded like them. But somehow it sounded like they were not where they wanted to be although you could clearly hear what they were aiming at. I thought ok it's the demo. Maybe their next release is more consistent.

Which brings us to this release. Their first 7". Before I had the chance to pick it up in 2005 I heard it at a friend's place and unfortunately, although having improved from the demo, it wasn't yet really good so I didn't pick it up back then.
A few years later though I saw them live again and that was the point when my respect for what they were trying to do turned into an admiration for what they were actually doing. It took them quite a while to get there but boy was it worth the time it took.
All of their 3 12" releases are great which is why I had to fill the holes in my collection.

mentally vexed

No. 2 of the trade. A record I liked ever since I got the download for it but somehow have never actively pursued until it presented itself to me. Of course I gladly jumped at the opportunity


Crown Of Thornz - mentally vexed LP - 1996 Another Planet Records AP-6018-1

What's there to see about this record? Even though it's not from the 80s this is classic NYHC. SOS, SKD, MDB you know the deal. I was lucky to catch them live at the B'n'B Bowl last year which was the first time for me. I had seen Lord Ezec with Skarhead before and again he delivered. No matter what you think about the music this guy is hilarious. It's worth to go see any band he is in just for his stage banter.

To me COT is his best band. I guess it was some kind of a one off thing when I saw them live last year but if it wasn't you should go see them if you can and search out this record as well as their "juggernaut" 12". Both are awesome. Most likely that one song on the split 7" with that band Aggressive Dog, who I don't know shit about, is great too but it's not something I'm looking out for. If I'll happen to come across it I'll pick it up though. Can't hurt to have a complete Crown Of Thornz collection. Yes that's right two 12"es on black vinyl only plus a split 7" also only on black. That's it. Not a big task so if you wanna go for it I would understand