The first time I met Dave Brown was at the Safari Club in DC. He used to hang with all of the DC Skins as well as the local hardcore kids. He still runs his label Vicious Circle which still puts out releases periodically. Dave also used to work at this record store in Maryland called Vinyl Ink.
Vinyl Ink, Smash, Orpheus, Kemp Mill and Record convergence were my stomping grounds to buy anything that was remotely punk or hardcore in the DC area. Dave worked behind the counter and was always a good person to recommend up and coming bands.
When we ran the label, Dave was like a silent partner and he inputted allot of his knowledge into it. In fact majority of the test press covers for the label were made by Dave. I traded allot with Dave throughout the years. I got my Gorilla Biscuits on Purple and my Turning Point on Clear from him. Dave Brown is one of my closest friends and is someone I respect.
A few years back he released his book “Adult Crash” which showcases various photos that were taken by him at hardcore shows from 1987 to 2008. I think the book and the eps are out of print. I know for a fact he is doing another book with a few collaborators. He sent me a package which he signed to me. I nearly laughed my ass off when I read it “To Tru Enjoy the Book! … I still hate Forbes”
(Forbes was a nice kid from DC who we unfortunately picked on when we did the band BARFIGHT. Forbes was so shaken up, he got his dad from the CIA to pay Dave a visit at his work. Again sorry Forbes.)
Well not only did I get a signed book from Dave he also sent me actual prints of pictures he had taken of Raw Deal and Turning Point. I love these photos. I need to get these framed along with my Carry On artwork (see earlier entry). I know for a fact he is releasing a new book in the next year or so.
He also sent me a copy of social distortions live oop double lp. This is so good and completely out of print. I just heard the new Social Distortion on Epitaph. YUCK!
Dave still puts out records occasionally he sent me a copy of his latest release called the South Side Stranglers. A punk band from Richmond Va which has members of Government Warning. Great snotty punk and like most of Dave’s past releases will probably be out of print soon.