Government Issue
Years: 1981-1989
Government Issue (often just GI) were a hardcore punk band originating from the Washington DC scene, formed in 1981 and originally releasing records on Dischord Records. Many early songs were straightforward hardcore, clocking in at under the one minute mark, but they later progressed into a more melodic song-focused outfit and often with lyrics critical of the short-sighted behavior of the scene they aided in creating.
Given the long running nature of the band, many participants in the DC hardcore scene had gone through G.I.'s membership. Government issue featured Brian Baker of Minor Threat, as well as Mike Fellows of The Faith and many others.
The G.I.s, as they were known, became one of the longest-running bands in the DC hardcore scene. After numerous line-up changes, the band broke up in 1989, vocalist John Stabb and guitarist Tom Lyle formed an experimental outfit called Glee Club and made two records. Tom Lyle made two solo records that were more straight-ahead hard rock in 1990 and 1992.
Tom Lyle, as well as Bassist Jay Robbins and drummer Peter Moffett, regrouped to record 2 unrecorded GI songs. This was released as the Rollkicker Laydown EP.
Bassist Jay Robbins went on to form Jawbox. Robbins later formed Burning Airlines with GI drummer Peter Moffett.
Years: 1981-1989
Government Issue (often just GI) were a hardcore punk band originating from the Washington DC scene, formed in 1981 and originally releasing records on Dischord Records. Many early songs were straightforward hardcore, clocking in at under the one minute mark, but they later progressed into a more melodic song-focused outfit and often with lyrics critical of the short-sighted behavior of the scene they aided in creating.
Given the long running nature of the band, many participants in the DC hardcore scene had gone through G.I.'s membership. Government issue featured Brian Baker of Minor Threat, as well as Mike Fellows of The Faith and many others.
The G.I.s, as they were known, became one of the longest-running bands in the DC hardcore scene. After numerous line-up changes, the band broke up in 1989, vocalist John Stabb and guitarist Tom Lyle formed an experimental outfit called Glee Club and made two records. Tom Lyle made two solo records that were more straight-ahead hard rock in 1990 and 1992.
Tom Lyle, as well as Bassist Jay Robbins and drummer Peter Moffett, regrouped to record 2 unrecorded GI songs. This was released as the Rollkicker Laydown EP.
Bassist Jay Robbins went on to form Jawbox. Robbins later formed Burning Airlines with GI drummer Peter Moffett.
Releases
Legless Bull
Released: 1981
Format: 10inch
Label: Dischord #4
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: John Barry
Bass: Brian Gay
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
Released: 1981Format: 10inch
Label: Dischord #4
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: John Barry
Bass: Brian Gay
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
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Boycott Stabb!
Released: 1983
Format: 12inch
Label: Dischord, Fountain of Youth #2
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: Tom Lyle
Bass: Mitch Parker
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
Released: 1983Format: 12inch
Label: Dischord, Fountain of Youth #2
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: Tom Lyle
Bass: Mitch Parker
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
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Make an Effort
Released: 1983
Format: 7inch
Label: Fountain of Youth #4
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: Brian Baker
Bass: Tom Lyle
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
Released: 1983Format: 7inch
Label: Fountain of Youth #4
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: Brian Baker
Bass: Tom Lyle
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
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Bouncing Babies
Released: 1984
Format: 12inch
Label: Fountain of Youth #7
Released: 1984Format: 12inch
Label: Fountain of Youth #7
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Dischord 1981: The Year in Seven Inches
Released: 1984
Format: 12inch
Label: Dischord #14
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: John Barry
Bass: Brian Gay
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
Released: 1984Format: 12inch
Label: Dischord #14
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: John Barry
Bass: Brian Gay
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
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Joyride
Released: 1984
Format: 12inch
Label: Fountain of Youth #9
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: Tom Lyle
Bass: Michael Fellows
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
Released: 1984Format: 12inch
Label: Fountain of Youth #9
Vocals: John Stabb
Guitar: Tom Lyle
Bass: Michael Fellows
Drums: Mark Alberstadt
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