Mystic Records Part 7 (1987)
Before I get into it, check my want list here and get in touch if you have any of these. I posted a full discography here.
Since I last wrote about Mystic, I had a friendly interaction with someone who claims to be the current “CEO” of Mystic Records.
Damn…at least Doug was charming!
Alright, let’s get on with it…
1987 is a pretty thin year for punk in So Cal outside of the RKL Rock N Roll Nightmare, Adolescents Brats In Battalions, and Final Conflict Ashes to Ashes.
Mystic was still cranking out releases from down in San Diego though.
Dr. Know The Original Group Featuring Brandon Cruz 12” Mystic Records, 1987
Here’s one of those releases that gives Mystic their shitty reputation. This is a Dr. Know demo recorded in 1982 with Brandon Cruz on vocals. Check out Episode 16 of 185 Miles South where we dive deep into all this stuff. This demo wasn’t even recorded at Mystic, but somehow Doug Moody got his hands on it and put it out. “Savior” from this record is still being sold by Mystic on “The Best Of” LP.
The Grim Live To Die 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
Not sure how Tim Yo squares that metallish with no metal influence circle, but regardless, this is a pretty good 7” from The Grim who are still plugging along. They’d release an LP the following year on a different label.
The Grim Live At Fenders 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
This 7” originally came as a bonus in the re-released “VALUPAK” version of their 1984 12”. Here it is with a photocopied cover.
Identity Crysis Tied To The Tracks 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
Sacramento area band that walks the line between Hardcore Punk and Crossover. Pretty shite recording.
Insolents Spit In The Mirror 12” Mystic Records, 1987
San Diego band who previously did a 7” on Mystic in 1985.
PTL Klub Living Death 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
Boston area band who previously did a 12” on Mystic in 1985. They kick this record off with a cover of “White Rabbit”. 3 years later, fellow Bostonians, Slapshot would cover it too. That song blows and so do all the covers of it. WTF man?
This is a pretty killer little 7” especially when it breaks really fast like on “What’s Wrong,” but I dunno if it ever recovers from the shitty start.
PTL Klub Living Death 7” II Super Seven Records, 1987
Another 7”.
Social Spit Psycho Ward 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
First 7” by this San Diego band that would do a few records on Mystic. This 7” is pretty killer - the guitarist and drummer are both exceptional and the singer has a solid punk voice. If this came out in 1983 instead of 1987, it probably would’ve been held in higher regard.
The Stain Recorded Live!!! In Detroit City Friday The 13th Feb '87 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
Another super specific 7” title from our friends at Mystic. Did The Stain need a live record? Did Mystic need to continue to solidify their reputation of quantity over quality?
White Flag Skate Across Europe 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
Another live 7” surprisingly not titled White Flag Skate Across Europe in May and June Of 1986 And Play Various Gigs To Punks In The Evenings.
Ill Repute Halloween Live II 7” Super Seven Records, 1987
More songs from the Halloween session that Ill Repute recorded in 1984 at Mystic. Missed opportunity not putting out a 12” of the full session start to finish.
V/A The Sound of USA #2: Portland OR – City of Thorns Mystic Records, 1987
Portland comp that is not good.
V/A We Got Party Mystic Records, 1987
Third and final installment of the We Got Power series. Lots of bands again, but the worst of the trilogy.
V/A Super Seven Sampler Mystic Records, 1987
This was given to me by Episode 1, The Legend, Joe Rivas. It’s another repackaging of previously released songs. Overkill in retrospective, but as a young record collector, albums like these were really cool.
Onward to 1988! (It doesn’t get better).
- ZN