As some of you may know, I grew up in an area with an amazingly fun and positive hardcore punk scene. This was in the Chicago suburbs, specifically in DuPage county, one of the wealthiest counties in the fine state of Illinois (and of the whole country, to be honest). The burgeoning hardcore punk scene in DuPage was often picked on by the crusty, older, and questionably wiser Chicago hardcore kids, so the kids out in the ‘burbs proudly called themselves part of DuPage County Hardcore.

While going through my old 7″s lately I thought it would be awesome to share some of the music that came out of the hardcore scene.

The first band I’m sharing with you is The Nineteen of Salem. Their untitled 7″ was recorded in August of 2000 and was released by the band (Ryan, Andy, Jon, Karl, Tom, and Ty) and the DuPage Collective if I remember correctly.

The sleeve was screened by hand.

The Nineteen of Salem - Front Cover

The Nineteen of Salem - back cover

The insert includes pictures, lyrics, and explanations by the writer, Ryan.

Nineteen Insert, pg. 1

Nineteen Insert, pg. 2

Nineteen Insert, pg. 3

Nineteen Insert, pg. 4

The record was completely clean. The only way you could tell what side you were on was by looking at the inscription carved into the vinyl.

Nineteen 7"

Side A: Precious Little Angel

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Side B: Nice Enough to Get Stabbed in the Back

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Enjoy! Tune in for more DuPage Hardcore in the not-too-distant future.

ek