Public Service (Redd Kross, RF7, Circle One, Bad Religion, Disability)

Originally released in December 1981 by Smoke Seven Records (and later reissued by Puke & Vomit Records), Public Service is a seminal, fiercely energetic time capsule that stands as one of the most vital artifacts of the early Southern California hardcore punk explosion. As captured in image_1f544b.png, what makes this compilation incredibly cool is that it documents some of the absolute earliest studio recordings of bands that would go on to reshape the entire landscape of alternative music. A young Bad Religion delivers rare, alternate, and highly aggressive versions of future staples like Bad Religion, Slaves, and Drastic Actions, while Redd Kross (appearing here under their original moniker, Red Cross) unleashes raw, bratty punk energy with their infamous cover of Charles Manson’s Cease to Exist. Influenced by the breakneck speed and abrasive DIY ethos of early Black Flag and the socio-political bite of first-wave punk, the compilation is brilliantly rounded out by the blistering crossover thud of RF7, the fierce street-level assault of Circle One, and the ultra-rare, chaotic contributions of Disability. It remains a flawless, high-octane monument to the fertile ground of the 1980 L.A. underground scene.

Track Listing:

1 Redd Kross – Cease to Exist 2:35
2 Redd Kross – Everyday There’s Someone New 1:09
3 Redd Kross – Kill Someone You Hate 1:24
4 RF7 – World of Hate 1:01
5 RF7 – Scientific Race 2:57
6 RF7 – Long Live Their Queen 1:59
7 RF7 – Perfect World 1:17
8 Circle One – G.I. Combat 0:39
9 Circle One – High School Society 1:45
10 Circle One – F.O. 0:20
11 Circle One – Destroy Exxon 1:40
12 Bad Religion – Bad Religion 1:51
13 Bad Religion – Slaves 1:10
14 Bad Religion – Drastic Actions 2:41
15 Disability – Battling Against the Police 1:56
16 Disability – White as a Ghost 2:00
17 Disability – Rejection 2:28