Don't Forget The Struggle, Don't Forget The Streets
Encyclopedia
Don't Forget the Struggle, Don't Forget the Streets was the first full-length album from New York hardcore
(NYHC) band, Warzone
.
It was released in 1988 on Caroline Records, following the band's 1987 debut release, the Lower East Side Crew EP. The track "We're The Crew" was previously available on the EP, but was re-recorded for this album.
In 1994, Another Planet re-issued the album on the same disc as Open Your Eyes, something the label did with similar NYHC bands of the same era, such as Murphy's Law
, Cro-Mags
, and Leeway.
tracks by other New York hardcore bands. Other songs such as "Crazy But Not Insane" and "As One" had a similar impact.
The band encountered many controversies after the release of this album, partly because the cover, which looked like an iron cross, could have political connotations — particularly since the band and many of their fans had a skinhead
appearance. Raybeez explained that being a skinhead in the U.S. had a different meaning than in Europe
; American hardcore skinheads were patriotic
, but not racist
. The song "Skinhead Youth" was about unity and brotherhood, rather than alienation and violence.
The production quality was DIY
, and the musicianship, which the band even admits was not a priority, is pure punk (i.e. basic). The liner notes include the line: "Hardcore music is a movement — not a business."
New York hardcore
New York hardcore refers to hardcore punk and metalcore music created in New York City and to the subculture associated with that music. New York hardcore grew out of the hardcore scene established in Washington, D.C., by bands such as Bad Brains and Minor Threat. Hardcore '81 is an album by the...
(NYHC) band, Warzone
Warzone (band)
Warzone was an American hardcore punk band formed on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1982. The band helped develop the New York hardcore sound, the hardcore skinhead style and the youth crew subgenre...
.
It was released in 1988 on Caroline Records, following the band's 1987 debut release, the Lower East Side Crew EP. The track "We're The Crew" was previously available on the EP, but was re-recorded for this album.
In 1994, Another Planet re-issued the album on the same disc as Open Your Eyes, something the label did with similar NYHC bands of the same era, such as Murphy's Law
Murphy's Law (band)
Murphy's Law is an American hardcore band from New York City, New York, formed in 1982. While vocalist Jimmy Gestapo remains the only founding member of the band, the line-up has consisted of former members of bands such as Skinnerbox, Danzig, The Bouncing Souls, Mucky Pup, Dog Eat Dog, Hanoi...
, Cro-Mags
Cro-Mags
Cro-Mags are a hardcore punk turned crossover thrash band from New York City. The band, which had a strong cult following, released many records, their first two considered the most influential...
, and Leeway.
Overview
The music on this album was what New York hardcore (and hardcore in general) became known for: short, fast songs with shouted socio-political lyrics, heavy but basic guitar riffs, gang chants, and attitude. The title track became a slogan for hardcore youth, and one of the most coveredCover version
In popular music, a cover version or cover song, or simply cover, is a new performance or recording of a contemporary or previously recorded, commercially released song or popular song...
tracks by other New York hardcore bands. Other songs such as "Crazy But Not Insane" and "As One" had a similar impact.
The band encountered many controversies after the release of this album, partly because the cover, which looked like an iron cross, could have political connotations — particularly since the band and many of their fans had a skinhead
Skinhead
A skinhead is a member of a subculture that originated among working class youths in the United Kingdom in the 1960s, and then spread to other parts of the world. Named for their close-cropped or shaven heads, the first skinheads were greatly influenced by West Indian rude boys and British mods,...
appearance. Raybeez explained that being a skinhead in the U.S. had a different meaning than in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
; American hardcore skinheads were patriotic
Patriotism
Patriotism is a devotion to one's country, excluding differences caused by the dependencies of the term's meaning upon context, geography and philosophy...
, but not racist
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
. The song "Skinhead Youth" was about unity and brotherhood, rather than alienation and violence.
The production quality was DIY
Do it yourself
Do it yourself is a term used to describe building, modifying, or repairing of something without the aid of experts or professionals...
, and the musicianship, which the band even admits was not a priority, is pure punk (i.e. basic). The liner notes include the line: "Hardcore music is a movement — not a business."
Track listing
- All songs written by WarzoneWarzone (band)Warzone was an American hardcore punk band formed on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1982. The band helped develop the New York hardcore sound, the hardcore skinhead style and the youth crew subgenre...
- "Intro Bust" – 2:11
- "It's Your Choice" – 1:50
- "Crazy But Not Insane" – 2:14
- "Fuck Your Attitude" – 1:27
- "As One" – 1:50
- "We're The Crew" – 2:03
- "Don't Forget The Struggle, Don't Forget The Streets" – 2:36
- "In The Mirror" – 2:42
- "Skinhead Youth" – 1:24
- "Growing Up, The Next Step" – 2:53
- "Judgement Day" – 1:25
- "Fighting For Our Country" – 3:04
Personnel
- Raymond "Raybeez" Barbieri – vocals
- Paul – guitar
- Crazy "Jay" Skin – guitar
- John "Omen" – bass
- Lukie Luke – drums
- Recorded August, 1987 at Studio X, Ridgewood, New JerseyRidgewood, New JerseyRidgewood is a village in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the village population was 24,958. Ridgewood is an affluent suburban bedroom community of New York City, located approximately northwest of Midtown Manhattan.The Village of Ridgewood was...
, USA - Produced by WarzoneWarzone (band)Warzone was an American hardcore punk band formed on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in 1982. The band helped develop the New York hardcore sound, the hardcore skinhead style and the youth crew subgenre...
Posse and Fink - Engineered by Rick Reineke
- Re-issue mastered by Alan Douches at West Westside Music