Description
We’re releasing the best Suurkaupungin Haitat tape recordings on vinyl! This Suurkaupungin Haitat compilation from 19791982 is a rare gem of original, first-wave Finnish punk.
Original tape-only releases are impossibly hard to find and usually in poor condition, so the audio has been carefully restored and remastered for best possible results. The LP comes with liner notes, an interview and original photos from the band’s archives.
Our take: Compilation of rare cassettes, originally released between 1979 and 1982, from this obscure Finnish punk band. I had never heard of Suurkaupungin Haitat before and (according to Discogs, at least), they didnt have any vinyl releases before this new release on Svart Records, the chief archivists of Finnish music of many stripes. Suurkaupungin Haitats cassettes are so obscure theyre not even listed on Discogs, and I imagine were only distributed through small, local networks. Suurkaupungin Haitat isnt the second coming of the Sex Pistols or anything, but I am loving this record and Im stoked it exists. The songs are punky, but dont stick to a particular style. Some sound like theyre grounded more in proto-punk (like the Velvet Undergrounds more rockin songs or the early Stooges), while others have a poppier edge that puts them more in line with the Buzzcocks-influenced end of second-wave UK punk. Suurkaupungin Haitat reminds me of Swell Maps too, particularly given the fidelity; most of these tracks sound like single-mic room recordings. The recordings arent distractingly primitive, though; you can hear every instrument clearly and the drums and bass sound great. While I dont think any of these tracks are masterpieces, all of them are enjoyable, and sometimes quite strong. The packaging is excellent too, including an insert with photos, ephemera, and an interview with the band (though its in Finnish so I cant read any of it). This is a niche item, particularly given the import price tag, but Im right in this target market.
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