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Record Reviews
- March, 2000 Against All Authority "24 Hour Roadside Resistance" CD/LP AAA’s
last record on Hopeless was far from excellent. So I was a bit skeptical
about their new one. Surprisingly, this ain’t too bad! Like their
debut CD, this record has more of that political hardcore punk with some
ska mixed in. They seem to be phasing out the horns, but they're still
in some of the songs. Of course, the vocals are the tops with that "I’ve
smoked way too many cigarettes" sound. The sound quality is a bit
overproduced for me, but overall AAA hit the mark. There’re 14 songs
including, "I think you think too much", "Policeman",
and "Stuck in a Rut". (JD) Bonecrusher "World of Pain" CD From
the title and cover art I was expecting some aspect of hardcore. No, no,
this is some standard punk ‘n’ roll that’s NOT for the
kids! The vocals are real strong and gruffy, actually they’re the
best thing about this band. Their music doesn’t have the same impact
as the vocals. It’s a little too slow and overproduced for my tastes.
Their single on Hostage didn’t do it for me and this CD is the clincher.
There are a total of 15 songs on the disc including, "Crimewave"
and "Porn Star". Listen to it first before making a purchase.
(JD) Bovver Wonderland "Piss Off!… and Die!" 7" This
old school ’77 styled punk band sounds just like the Spent Idols.
The vox are sung in a drunken trace and the guitars are ultra simplistic.
I can’t say I actually like this because their music sounds like
they don’t give a fuck, but that’s punk I guess… (JD) Buzzcocks "Spiral Scratch" 7"
Clone Defects "Scissors Chop" 7" Cool
Killed by Death-inspired mess. Similar to the Epileptix, in that the TRUE
spirit of the era is summoned. Raw, anything-goes slop. "Scissors
Chop" is akin to early-Clevo shit like the Electric Eels -- arty
in an annoying-yet-rockin' way. "15 Minute Love" is a Heartbreakers-ish
ride -- fans of the Stitches oughtta' shit themselves. "Mars"
is somewhere between the two. This song is the one where the Epileptix
comparison came to mind. Much recommended. (TK) Clone Defects "Bottled Women" 7"
Cock Spaniels "You Die!!!" CD Fuckin’
great punk rock! If your feeble minds can picture the Angry Samoans joining
the Dead Kennedys for a jam session you’ll get the Cock Spaniels.
The vocals are snotty, trashy, and pissed off! The rest of the band compliments
Kenny with catchy blasts of fury. Shit, sometimes I forget how real punk
rock is supposed to sound after listening to so, so many faltering records.
There’re 10 songs including, "No Class" and "the Eighties
the Nineties", soon to be on Killed By Death comps everywhere. You
better get this CD before the Cock Spaniels come and break all your Screeching
Weasel records. (JD) Dickies "Dickies Archives" LP This
is an essential punk band for your collection. The Dickies are one of
the greatest pop punk bands of all time! And I don’t mean that lame
ass, "Let’s copy the Ramones and sing about my girlfriend"
pop punk! I mean totally wigged out 70’s pop punk ala Buzzcocks!
This record is a compilation of Dickies songs from the years including,
"Monkey See, Monkey Do", "I’m on Crack", and
"Walk on the Wild Side". The Dickies play the coolest, zaniest,
funniest punk this side of the galaxy! So get with it! (JD) Discount "Crash Diagnostic" CD I
like Discount. Their songs are well constructed and the lyrics are very
thoughtful. Although I can’t call them pop punk, or any punk for
that matter, they’re still a great band. This record of theirs borders
on pop/alternative in the same manner that Weezer covers. There are 15
tracks including, "Math won’t miss you", "TV Kiss",
and "The Kill Fix". (JD) Ducky Boys/The Shods 7" Hey,
the Ducky Boys are back with a new split sevie! These Boston babies are
a well-known street punk band and are well skilled in their genre. They
blaze through two songs including a cover of "Stand By Me",
aww... The Shods are sure to be a hit with the pop punk rockers. Their
songs are full of hooks and bouncy chords. These dudes give ya 2 songs
as well including, "Faster, Faster". The two bands are an odd
combo but they do the job. (JD) Electric Frankenstein VS LES Stitches 7" These
two NYC punk bands have finally decided to converge. Electric Frankenstein
are the novelty band of the 90’s. I have got to commend anyone who
can successfully round up all of their releases. Unfortunately those of
us without a super-sized bank account can not afford to spend our dough
on average punk ‘n’ roll bands. The LES Stitches have more of
a snotty attitude and faster sound. They put out a better effort than
EF, but still flunk in capturing my attention. There are only 2 songs
on the fuckin’ thing, which is hardly worth 2 cents even. (JD) Eyeliners "Here Comes Trouble" CD/LP The
Eyeliners have been around long enough to make decent name for themselves
in the punk scene. Their earlier records were a great blend of garage
and pop, much like the early Donnas records. Now these ladies are up to
their 2nd album and have relocated to the California pop punk region.
I can sum up this CD in one sentence... The Eyeliners' "Here Comes
Trouble" album is the female equalivalant to the Queers' "Love
Songs for the Retarded" album. These girls could go head to head
with Joe Queer and come out without breaking a sweat. There're 14 songs
here including, "See You Tonight", "Don't Go", and
"Do The Zombie". This is pretty much a perfect pop record. (JD) Fixtures "One Crisis Short of Chaos" CD Christ!
These kids listen to too many Dead Kennedys and Fear records, that’s
a good thing jocko! The Fixtures are an 80’s hardcore punk band united
with great political vocal stylings. Here you secure breakneck punk rock
by a band that assuredly knows their shit. Cool, a whopping 18 tracks
on this CD including, "Mosh Pit Moron", "Pornhogwraithe"
and "Quit Your Job". (JD) Gluecifer "Head to Head Boredom" CD This
is a collection of Gluecifer's singles and live recordings, now in digital
format. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this nefarious
hard rockin’ band, Gluecifer have a heavy guitar sound related to
the likes of Turbonegro and Zeke. These speed demons can rock like a mother,
so be on the look out for a live show. There’re 14 songs here, including
"1994", "Dick Disguised as Pussy", and "Rock
‘N’ Roll Asshole", which is what I am so fuck off! (JD)
Hot Snakes "Automatic Midnight" CD/LP The
Hot Snakes possess Speedo from Rocket from the Crypt, and yes, it's definitely
some manifestation of RFTC. The 'Snake's sound is heavy on the rock with
screamin' vox and a peculiar melody. I can hear more alternative rock
than rock 'n' roll or punk, so I really don't luxuriate in this record.
Though, I'm sure fans of RFTC will be purchasing the record pronto. There're
11 songs on the disc including, "Salton City" and "Past
Lives". (JD) Hudson Falcons "Desperation & Revolution" CD This
is a big improvement over that dreadful spilt 7" with Dud for Dud.
The Hudson Falcons still maintain their street punk sound, but it goes
down a whole lot smoother. Their material is more hook laden and tight.
If you can picture a minor-league Bruisers or Wretched Ones you'll have
the Hudson Falcons. There are 14 tracks including, "Working Class
War" and "The Rat is Dead". This would be an appropriate
endeavor if you were a genuine street punk fan. (JD) Jimmies "Let The Fat Men Plunder" CD/LP The
Jimmies are outta Oregon, people still live there? Well they can at least
produce some rippin' pop punk. These guys have a sound in tune with the
Ramones and Social Distortion. The Jimmies are laid back mofos and are
all about chicks and fun. The songs on this record are tightly constructed
and catchy as all fuck. They spank ya with 14 tunes including, "Summer
High", "Prostitution Prom Queen", and "Quit Fuckin
Around". That's two genuine pop punk records from Pain Button! And
here I thought this sound was dead. (JD) Joneses "Criminal History" CD
Kill The Hippies "Shit Covered Hits" 7" As
soon as the needle hit the vinyl I began to hear remarkable pop/garage
punk that I haven’t heard since the great Shitbirds! Kill the Hippies
script some catchy, snotty, brisk punk rock tunes. The production is total
crap and I’m fuckin’ in love! This 7" features 8 songs
including, "I’m gonna puke on you" and "Rockin In
Tokyo". Two thumbs up! (JD) Kill The Hippies "Will Not Over Stimulate" 7"
Los Infernos "Rock and Roll Nightmare" CD The
Los Infernos sound like the Misfits if the Misfits were more rock 'n'
roll and less punk. These boys are straight forward toe tappin' rock 'n'
roll, but there isn't enough rock for me to hook on to. It's all so average
and nothing seems special or extraordinary. There're 12 tracks including,
"Gimmie the Gun", "Nowhere Fast", and "Demons".
(JD) Malakas "Too Good To Be True" CD Somewhere
in some dingy tavern the Malakas are strumming their guitars and riling
up the barflies. These boys can write some catchy and abrupt tunes. They
are slowed down and striped down to the bare roots of Johnny Cash and
Johnny Thunders. The raspy vocals are a plus, but if it were on vinyl
I would have it on 45 RPMs. Ya know JT’s "Ask Me Know Questions"
on the "So Alone" album? That’s this CD dipped in whisky.
The total number of tracks is 10 including such songs as, "Born to
Lose" and "I Want to Go Home". (JD) Neurotones "My Baby Howls" CD Hey
rock ‘n’ rollers! Check out this swank little band! The Neurotones
have the barroom beats and groovin’ guitar sounds to keep you on
the dance floor. This band sounds like Johnny Thunders, Elvis Presley,
and The Makers all rolled into one chillin’ rock ‘n’ roll
combo. There’re 11 tracks including, "Bad Connections"
and "Breakdown". (JD) Piranhas "Piranhas Attack" LP This
record is going to be a catalyst for punk bands of the future. The Piranhas
have something called talent and are very cultured in 1977 punk and rock
‘n’ roll. If you are a chronic punk rocker you are gonna hear
The Stooges, Dead Boys, and Screamers. The keyboards act as a constant
solo mechanism while the savage Bators-like vocals invade your mind. The
sonic dynamism of the guitars and drums are so forceful it makes you go
into convolutions. Like their name the Piranhas are going to gnaw at your
very essence and demolish all that you thought you knew about punk. (JD) Radio Birdman "Radios Appear" LP Is
this a legitimate release? Well regardless, you all should do yourself
a favor and pick up a Radio Birdman album. They were out of Australia
in the late 70’s and rocked those little koalas until their heads
detonated! This particular album happens to be one of their best. Plus,
it contains extra songs like, "Love Kills" and "The Stooges’
"TV Eye" that are not found on the US pressing. Sonic Power,
Punk Rock! (JD) Sixer "Truth Hurts" 7" Rancid
and the Dropkick Murphys have had an unquestionably influence this punk
group. They ain't too shabby and no doubt fit right in with the East Bay
crew. Two spirited punk rock tunes for the kids including, "Fallen
Angel". Let's mother friggin' go! (JD) Slaughter & The Dogs "Do It Dog Style" LP This
is a record no one should be without. Slaughter & The Dogs are a punk
band from the 1970’s. They can only be described as a louder, angrier,
and rawer Eddie & The Hotrods. This kind of rock ‘n’ roll
socks you right in the jaw. Luckily, whoever pressed this included the
"Do It Dog Style" LP, "Cranked Up Really High" 7",
and the b-sides to the "Dame To Blame" and "Quick Joey
Small" 7"s. The sound quality is a little below normal, but
it’s not that big of a deal since it’s almost impossible to
find the originals. I don’t care who ya have to kill to get this
record, just get it! (JD) Splash 4 "Rules of Life" 7" Do
I have this 7" on the right speed? The A-side is a bit too superfluous
for Splash 4. The B-side starts off with a swift tune called "Armchair
Thrill Seeker", but soon afterward goes into another flop. You know
what this reminds me of? Those Killed by Death 7"s that should have
remained dead; totally forgettable in 10 minutes. (JD) Sussed "Sussed Out" CD Hey!
Where are these boys parkas? These Sussed are an Oi band from the early
90’s. This CD has some quality Oi that deals with the working class
and rejection from society. If you like all the English Oi bands like
the Oppressed or anything on Captain Oi Records check these guys out.
There’re 21 tracks from earlier EPs and an album. (JD) Toilet Boys "Broken Home" 7" (picture disc) The
Toilet Boys make me mad. They can write some pretty rockin' tunes, and
then they can write some really shit tunes. Fortunately, this 7"
has two out of three kick ass songs. They are heavy Glam rock ‘n’
roll, with a snotty dudette… err yeah, singing. If you like the chungin’,
chungin’ guitars and wanna check these cats this is your best bet.
(JD) Traditionals "No Choice" CD The
Traditionals are a street punk/oi band similar to early Swingin’
Utters. They have their political motives united with catchy, rockin’
tunes. Actually they sound exactly like the Swingin’ Utters, so if
you’re into them you’re into the Traditionals. There are eleven
songs including, "Win Some, Lose Some" and "Waste of my
Time" (JD) V/A "Heads Will Roll" CD
Sonny Vincent "Parallax In Wonderland" CD Sonny
Vincent, a venerable NYC punk rocker, has released a new CD. He's even
managed to bring along Captain Sensible (The Damned), Wayne Kramer (MC5),
and two ex-Stooges for the ride. The result is a rock ‘n’ roll
blast not felt since 1976! They prove to all you disbeliveers out there
that they can still rock on! It’s punk, it’s rock, and it’s
good so go get it. What are you waiting for, your man? (JD) |
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©
blankgeneration.com 2003 |
I
just wanna original Buzzcocks 7" like every other, but what do I
get? Shiznit! The Buzzcocks are one of the best punk bands ever! This
is a reissue of their 7" from way back in 1977. The sound quality
is absolutely glorious because it was recorded live in a studio. If you
can't find the original, this is just as good. There're four songs including,
"Time's Up" and "Boredom". Why can't today's punk
sound this good? (JD)
This
band, I believe, has Tim of the Epileptix singing for them. That motherfucker
can punk out harder than Darby Crash. If you liked the Epileptix you love
this rockers. The Clone Defects are snotty, sloppy punk rock shit; recorded
in a garage no doubt. If you like this 7" you are o’tah. (JD)
Thank
you Sympathy for reissuing The Joneses early songs! These boys were from
LA around the mid 1980's. They could've easily been compared to the Heartbreakers
or Chuck Berry. I'm in a total punk/rock 'n' roll time warp! Twenty tracks
to dance to including, "Pill Box", "Criminals", and
The Avengers', I do believe, "Second to None". You better get
hip to these cats or suffer an agonizing life without hearing this rock
'n' roll genius. (JD)
Cool
3d cover… Yeah, so more garage/pop punk rock from Kill the Hippies.
If you can picture the Ramones mixed in with some Rip Offs you’ll
be set. The sound quality is total shit, punk rock, fucking wackiness.
Simplistic and fun, that pretty much sums these guys up. You get 7 songs
including, "Neon Toilet" and "Mulligan Stew". (JD)
Fuck
Yeah! Sonic Tone Records has released an exemplary punk ‘n’
roll/garage punk compilation. This disc features 28 bands including, The
Bobbyteens, Humpers, Starvations, Zeke, and much more! This is punk rock.
If you want to update your feeble knowledge on the up and coming punk
bands or know more about the CA rock ‘n’ roll scene this is
your comp. (JD)