M.I.A.: Complete Anthology

Better than the first and only album, this cd contains all Germs songs ever recorded. Not a compilation. A masterpiece for the punk lovers everywhere.

I bought this while reading about the LA punk scene in an excellent book called We Got The Neutron Bomb. My interest in the LA scene was fuelled by liking the Gun Club and X. I wish that I hadn't bothered as it is just punk by numbers, it proves that in most cases you really did have to be there to enjoy the music.

It may be a little bit of a liberty to describe this band as the best-ever but that's not to say that this CD is complete studio works of a truly great band.The CD starts with the ultimate lo-fi debut single "Forming", a great song despite (or perhaps because of) the very basic recording quality. It sets the scene for this incredible collection and the amount of times it's been covered or ripped off is a testament to its quality. The b-side "Sex Boy" is a very interesting song but this time the recording quality is a HUGE let down. The next three tracks (the Lexicon Devil ep) are amongst the best matching great songwriting, fantastic performances and great recording quality. The GI lp is up next and almost as good, it's standout tracks being "What We Do Is Secret" "Media Blitz" "Rickie Dagger's Crime" and "We Must Bleed". The remainder of the tracks were intended for inclusion in the soundtrack for "Cruising" but only one was used. This is a great shame as although there is a slight drop in recording quality the songwriting only gets sharper and more interesting.All in all this album is a must have for any true fan of punk (hardcore or otherwise). The Germs may not have had opportunites, playing ability, commercial appeal or mental health of the other classic punk bands but could still make amazing records. Buy this and try to avoid the Germicide lp, unless you want to here the reason why this band is criticised so much!

"Mia", by The Germs, is the complete anthology ofenergy-charged rawness that sparked off the hardcore punk scene in L.A.From the very first two tracks, "Forming" and "Sex Boy" (their first single), one can imagine how this raw sound that relied more on attitude and spirit than musical ability, influenced a genre. Darby Crash spews out his charging cry "I the Emperor proclaim, Us the masters we rule the game, Inclination-somethin' to dream on, Deprivation-We are the sons."Other highlights include "The Slave" and "Media Blitz", inspired lyrics that are spat at you along with the rasping energy of Pat Smear's (one time Foo Fighter guitarist) guitar work. Other fine tunes include the stomping grind that is "Manimal" and "Shut Down (Annihilation Man)".Cited as a major influence of artists such as John Frusciante & Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), The Germs stood in the ranks of The American Punk Hardcore, alongside the legendary "Black Flag" and the "Circle Jerks" (check out "The Decline of the Western Civilisation"). This album, "Mia", is complete from the days of tearing up infamous venues like the "Orpheum", "The Roxy" and "The Whiskey a-Go-Go" to the final demise and death of frontman, Darby Crash. An essential addition to the listener who seriously wants to explore and experience the raw, powerful sound of the once vital American Hardcore.