Yah Mos Def (The) - Plays Ugly for Suckers EP

Name: Yah Mos Def (The) 
Album: Plays Ugly for Suckers EP
Year: 2005
Style: Rap-Rock
Similar Bands: Armalite, Low Budgets, Beastie Boys, Suburban Hoodz, Zebrahead
"One-Word" Review:
Based Out Of: Philadelphia
Label: N/A

Cover, Back, CD Back, CD

Lyrics

Plays Ugly for Suckers EP (2005)

1. New Direction 2:52
2. Global Liberation Army 2:02
3. I'm Gonna Be Under Your Bed 2:38
4. Jive Like Jehu 2:29
5. Scoty Biebin Owes Me Money 3:36

Album Rating (1-10): 6.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Distro (Rick Mitchell) - Vox,  (The Clocks, S Prcess, Capital Action)
• xB.Aewsomex (Brian Poerner) - Vox (Hour of the Star, Track Star Records, 
• Joey Sweeney - Photo
• Mr Mike Robinson (King God) - Production
• Pink Skull - Production
• Krash - Recording, Mastering (Krash Is King Shit)

Unknown-ness: I had seen the band's name around the Philly scene for Khyber (picture was from there) or North Star Bar shows back in the early-mid 00's but never saw them. So picked this up at AKA records for a dollar to see what I was missing, but never even put this in to listen to. So not sure, but i imagine it will be some interesting high intensity synth collages, jokey stuff, and maybe an indie take on hip-hop, as the name hints.

Album Review: The Philly duo loves their classic punk and in this outfit, lays rap vocals, many Philly-centric, over the well worn tracks. Then persuaded to change their name from the rapper with the same name, YMD began with one album in 2008. This EP precedes it. The duo reunited in 2014, too. And recently, Brian Poerner became the CEO of North American's Diadaro market (Feb'24).

Included in the local lyrics added are Mike Schmidt, Killtime, Bryn Mawr, (Joey) Sweeney and all the neighborhoods as well as some dated lyrics about The Wire and borrowed lines from Ween and Bikini Kill. The dual lyricists do call back to the Beastie Boys with their different intensities, pitches and rhyme styles. And as advertised, the rapid fire lyrics overtop guitar loops work as well as any synth sample.

Stand Out Track: Jive Like Jehu

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Poerner: NA pres of Diadora

Wynona Riders (The) - Artificial Intelligence

Name: Wynona Riders (the)

Album: Artificial Intelligence
Year: 1997
Style: Punk
Similar Bands: Low Budgets, Dead Milkmen, Generation X, Clash
"One-Word" Review: Catchy Slacker Punk
Based Out Of: San Fran, CA
Label: LookOut! Records #162

Cover, Back, CD Tray, CD

Liner Notes & Lyrics, CD Back

Artificial Intelligence (1997)

1. Good Luck Bison 3:24
2. Sprang 3:45
3. Bang Bang Orangutan 3:29
4. Corrupted To Hell 3:16
5. Masquerade 4:26

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Dave EC (Henwood) - Drums & Outrage (Vagrants, Pot Valiant, Filth, Toyboat, Crimpshrine, Greenday)
• Richie (Bucher) - Bass & Farm Noise Toys, Art (Albany Dread, Buggerall, Courtney & The Crushers, Juke, Prick, Soup, Sweet Baby, Top Ten, Unskilled Labor, Here Kitty Kitty, Crimpshrine, Raoul, Green Day, Hunx and his Punx, 2 Lazy Boys)
• John Silly (Selby) - Guitar, Vox (Bonstones, Three Years Down)
• Skip (Ron Greer) - Vox, Surly Disposition (Dead Kennedys, Here Kitty Kitty, The Killer Smiles, Running Man)
• Andro / Andy E (Ernst) - Recording, Keys (Sass, Andro & Ross, Diabolical Exploits, Julian Vilante, MC Sway & DJ King Tech, Toyboat, J Grooves, Subincision, Green Day, Link 80)

Unknown-ness: I don't thin i knew who this band was, but i did know Lookout! Records, and i trusted the discount CD bin at Philly Record Exchange when it was just below South Street for a $3 bin find. It can't b too serious of a record with such an obvious name-play. Assuming it will be goofy juvenile punk stuff.

Album Review: The band formed in 1988 under the name Miss Conduct, but changed to WR a year later. Later in their career, they also released an EP under the name The Nation of Wenonah (tribute to The Nation of Ulysses). It seems this EP was recorded just before they broke up for good...as "for good" not referring to their reunion shows in 2017. Current bands Bonstones (San Fran) & Running Man (IL/IA) feature members.

Lots of feedback fuzz and snotty vocals kick off the record. "Sprang" has a more slacker alternative punk aesthetic, while "Bang Bang" is the most in your face aggressive of the tracks. "Corrupted" sounds like if the Clash covered They Might Be Giants song "Spy." Masquerade is a straight up New Wave track.

Stand Out Track: Masquerade

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Washington Social Club - s/t

Name: Washington Social Club 
Album: Washington Social Club
Year: 2004
Style: Indie Rock, New Wave, Punk
Similar Bands: Walkmen, Cursive, Shins, The Jam, Strokes
"One-Word" Review: The-DC-Strokes
Based Out Of: Washington DC
Label: N/A

Washington Social Club (2004)

1. Breaking the Dawn 2:28
2. Modern Trance  4:09
3. Let the Night Begin 3:08
4. Backed to the Future 4:30
5. Dead Kid Town 2:52

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Amy Morrissey - Engineer
• Brian McTear - Producer, Engineer
• Olivia Mancini - Bass, Backing Vox (Her Majesty's Orchestra, Leland Sundries, Edie Sedgewick)
• Randy Scope - Drums (Her Majesty's Orchestra, Pree, Heavy Breathing)
• Bill Moriarty - Engineer 
• Paul Sinclair - Engineer
• Evan Featherstone - Guitar 
• Martin Royle - Lead Vox, Guitar
• Paul Hammond - Mastering
• Paul Sinclair - Mastering
• Mike Martinovich - Contact

Unknown-ness: I had heard of this band when i picked this ep up for a dollar at AKA back in the late aughts, but i really didn't know of them...I must have heard of them in the same breath as other bands I liked at the time, but never took the time to explore this purchase until now

Album Review: I imagine this is a sampler from their first record, Catching Looks, or actually, listening to the quality of the recordings, a pre album EP with most tracks ending up re-recorded on the album (except Let the Night Begin). The vocals have a snotty faux British quality with a youthful angst that is more new wave than punk, but still has an anxious spirit, trying to jump on the coattails of the Strokesy sound, or maybe they were poised to be DC's answer. On this EP, the songs sound much more raw and energetic than their smoother album counterparts. There are some vocal harmonies placed over power pop chord changes and the whole package seems would make a fun live show.

Based on their bandcamp page, they took an 11 year break between album two and a 4 rack ep in 2019, and have been holding down the name since with what appears to be the same line up. 

Stand Out Track: Modern Trance

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Vomit Launch - Dogeared

Name: Vomit Launch
Album: Dogeared
Year: 1992
Style: Punk, Indie, Jangle Rock
Similar Bands: L7, 4 Non Blondes, Popguns, Happy Family, Co-Ed, Taulah Gosh, Heavenly, Beat Happening
"One-Word" Review: Bite-Free Jangley Folk-Punk
Based Out Of: Chico, CA
Label: Teen Beat, Mad Rover Records

Cover, Back

Liner Notes, CD Back, CD

Dogeared (1992)

1. Hence the Box 2:57
2. Smokebreak 3:21
3. Story of My Life 3:15
4. Smile 2:50
5. Old Peculiar 3:40
6. Curl Up and Dye 5:22
7. Unsafe With Fewer Drinks 4:29
8. Oh, That One 3:48
9. Spinach 3:25
10. Virtual Oblivion 3:09
11. Flies 4:27
12. All Fouled Up 3:05
13. Harry Monk in the Boatrace 0:50
14. Stillness 4:48

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Lawrence Crane - Bass, Guitar (Chucklehead, Elephant Factory, Idler Arms, Sunbirds, Chris Eckman, Welcome, Sleater-Kinney, Christine Darling's All-Gurlesque, Sean Croghan, Sophie Lux, J. Hell, Jenny lewis & the Watson Twins, Crack City Rockers, Dew, Andi Starr, Brent Lewiis Ensemble, BOAT, Portland Cello Project, Elliot Smith)
• Patricia Rowland - Vox (Chucklehead)
• Steve Bragg - Drums (Severance Package, Special Forces)
• Lindsey Thrasher - Guitar, Vox  (Sun Supreme) 
• John McKinley - Lead guitar ( Bait, These Days)
• John Baccigaluppi - Keys, Engineer, Producer (Sea of Bees, VC & the Saucers, Fool Killers, Seed, Calexico) 
• EJ Bellocq - Cover Photo
• Montana Swisher - Band, Trish Photos
• TeenBeat Graphica - Graphics & Layout
• Holly Hodge - Drawing

Unknown-ness: never heard of this band, but I liked the name, and i was familiar with the label, so i figured i was getting into some facet of punk...whether that is Riot Grrl, crust or folksy punk, i am not sure. But i am going to guess it leans more melodically than angry noise.

Album Review: There is definitely an angsty edge to the vocals, but the production has a folky feel to it. Like 4 Non Blondes playing L7. There is jangly production that is hard torn between the college radio style popular at the time, and trying to maintain a rougher edge. Curl Up & Dye drives with punk drumming at the start, but it mellows out into a trippy alt rock song.

The band was formed in 1985 as "an excuse to drink beer," released seven albums and toured primarily on the West Coast. They lasted until 1992, and most  members have continued ties to the music industry through magazines, art, and record store ownership.

Stand Out Track: Hence the Box

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(the) Vexers - s/t

Name: The Vexers
Album: s/t
Year: 2003
Style: New Wave, Post Punk
Similar Bands: The Daves, Blondie, Bikini Kill, Delta 5, Runaways, Long Blondes, Elastica, Wire, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Martha & the Muffins, Sleater-Kinney
"One-Word" Review: Dark, Ragged Energetic Punk
Based Out Of: Philadelphia, PA
Label: Ace Fu

Cover & Back

Liner Notes, CD Back, CD

The Vexers (2003)

1. Something Dirty 2:31
2. Human Machine 1:36
3. Mutual Masturbation 2:21
4. City Life 1:14
5. You Get Nothing 2:51
6. The Saint 3:13
7. Fuck it Up 3:01
8. Get Up Get Out 2:21
9. Rat-Bite Fever 2:08
10. Sick Sick Sick 3:21

Album Rating (1-10): 9.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Mike Musmanno - Recording, Mixing
• Rachel Kotkoskie - Live Photo
• Michael Hammel - Bass
• Jennifer Taylor - Guitar/Vox (Caramel Jack, Marcia Hines, Max Sharam, Jan Hellriegel, Annie Crummer, Australian Youth Orch, Amity Dry, Anthony Callea, Billie Thorpe, Beat Bugs)
• Jesse Van Anglen - Drums
• Tres Warren - Guitar (Compound Eye, Messages, Psychic Ills, Moon Duo, Jeff Burch, Alfredo Thierman)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the band. But I liked the simple angle of the font of the band name on the front and the MS Dos font on the back. Perhaps this is an angular, computer thinking band who used tech and synth in their basic indie rock style. Ace Fu is a Philly label, so I'm surprised i didn't hear of or cross paths seeing this band back in the aughts, as i was going to a lot of shows then.

Album Review: The band borrows from 70-80's new wave/punk with catchy  guitar work and bass lines and straightforward spoke/sung melodic but powerful female vocals. Mutual Masturbation brings in the angular guitar and energetic vocals bringing to mind the great 80's punk bands like Blondie, The Runaways and Sleater-Kinney at times. It is just a very fun record, full of driving energy and danceable spirit. 

The band is 3/4 LA kids who left the lifestyle out west for shocking reality of Philadelphia's forgotten youth. 5-10 years older than the rest of the bands they played with, they started with a confidence their counterparts were trying to build, and still moved slowly, being true to their musical vision and selves. Apparently their live shows were fun (really wish i had seen them around the scene then), and from this record, i can tell they would have been a favorite.

Stand Out Track: Mutual Masturbation

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Undertones (the) - Listening In Radio Sessions 1978-1982

Name: The Undertones
Album: Listening In Radio Sessions 1978-1982
Year: 2004
Style: Punk
Similar Bands: Clash, The Jam, Buzzcocks, The Adverts, Monkees
"One-Word" Review: Standard Punks Who Became Musicians

Based Out Of: Derry, Northern Ireland
Label: Sanctuary Records Group, BBC Music, BMG 

Cover, Sleeve Back

Liner Notes, CD Back

Liner Photo, CD, CD Tray

Liner Notes

Liner Notes

Liner Notes, Song Details

Listening In Radio Sessions 1978-1982 (2004)

1. Get Over You 2:54
2. Top 20 1:59
3. She Can Only Say No 0:36
4. Male Model 1:52
5. Listening In 2:15
6. Family Entertainment 2:35
7. Billy's Third 1:51
8. Here Comes The Summer 2:01
9. Nine Times Out of Ten 2:34
10. The Way Girls Talk 2:42
11. Whiz Kids 2:38
12. Top 20 2:02
13. Girls That Don't Talk 2:22
14. Tear Proof 2:17
15. What's With Terry 3:17
16. Rock n Roll 3:07
17. The Positive Touch 1:55
18. You're Welcome 2:11
19. When Saturday Comes 2:47
20. Like That 2:57
21. Bye Bye Baby Blue 3:23
22. Beautiful Friend 3:05
23. (Just Like) Romeo and Juliet 2:03
24. Untouchable 3:16
25. The Love Parade 4:11
26. Luxury 2:35
27. The Sin of Pride 3:45

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Michael Bradley - Bass, Vox (The Wesleys, Bernard Lenoir, Ash)
• Damian O'Neill - Guitar, Vox (The Wesleys, That Petrol Emotion, The Monotones, Everlasting Yeahm Wavewalkers, A Quiet Revolution, Tommy Tate & the Torpedoes, X-Valdez, Bernard Leonoir, Qu4tre, Ash, Rare, Mimi, Aujord'hui Madame, Die Toten Hosen, 5 Billion in Diamonds, Eileen Gogan & the Instructions, Baby Shakes)
• John O'Neill - Guitar, Vox (That Petrol Emotion, Rare, Bernard Lenoir, Wasp Factory, Blink)
• Feargal Sharkey - Vox (The Assembly, Peace Together, Kiki Dee, Bernard Lenoir)
• Bill Doherty - Drums (Bernard Lenoir, Baby Shakes)
• Vincent O'Neill  -Backing Vox
• Steve Hammonds - Release Coordination
• Joe Smith - Release Coordination
• Hugh Gilmour - Artwork & Design
• Larry Doherty - Photos
• LFI - Photos
• Jill Furmanovsky - Photos
• Andy Ferguson - Mgmt (Cracks 90 Ltd.)
• Dave Richings - Recording
• Mick Houghton - Liner Notes
• Bob Sargeant - Producer, Engineer
• Dale Griffin - Producer, Engineer
• Dave Dade - Producer, Engineer
• Mike Engles - Producer, Engineer
• Stephen Nelson - Producer, Engineer

Unknown-ness: This album is one of the more recognizable bands i'm "reviewing"...i probably could take it off the list, but i did not know who they were when i bought this album used back in the mid 00s, a couple years before I started this blog. Figured they were a Clash/Jam style band from the clothes and years this compilation represented. And yeah, spot on.

Album Review: This is a nice compilation that travels the evolution of the Undertones, one of the biggest bands from Northern Ireland's, sound. Starting with their first John Peel session in 1978, where Peel had to foot the 70 pound studio bill for the broke band, through to their final (7th) session in 1982, which apparently the band barely remembers doing. It shows the band's growth from a three chord angsty punk band, the standard first origins step for any punk band. The wavering and harmonized vocals took the Beatles sound, sped it up, and overlaid aggressive guitars over the generally catchy hooks and backing beat. Again, I'm not discovering anything new here, it is a stereotypic start for the genre. Over the sessions, the songs got longer, and more intricate and added in more themes of 60's Psychedelia, Motown and Gary Glitter.

Although this is an Undertones compilation, it lacks their most popular track, Teenage Kicks, missing because, as the band states, they recorded it as well as they could have hoped, and felt no need to replicate it (even if Top 20 is on here twice). They broke up after their fourth album in 1983, but reunited in 1999 for Derry reunion gigs, minus Sharkey, who decided against rejoining. They are still an active band (as of 2021) and i would have seen them last year for the first time, it it weren't for that meddling covid.

Stand Out Track: 78 Peel Session (Get Over You / Top 20 / She Can Only Say No / Male Model)

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Todos Tus Muertos - s/t

Name:Todod Tus Muertos
Album: s/t
Year: 1997
Style: Punk, Hardcore, Reggae
Similar Bands: Misfits, Bad Brains, Rage Against the Machine, The Clash
"One-Word" Review: Dark Angry Dub-Core
Based Out Of: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Label: Universal, DBN

Cover, Liner Notes, Pics

Lyrics, CD Back, CD

Todos Tus Muertos (1997)

1. El Feretro 2:20
2. Demasiados Revueltos 3:38
3. Diez Segundos De Masacre 1:53
4. Turbulentas Tinieblas 1:41
5. !A Combatir! 2:25
6. Dieciocho Horas 4:51
7. Dias De Escuela 2:38
8. Gente Que No 2:38 (single)
9. Armas (Para La Paz) 5:01
10. No Mas Apartheid 3:21
11. Viejos De Mierda 1:23
12. Mas Bajo Que Tu Status 3:19
13. Tango Traidor 3:35

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Cristian Ruiz - Bateria [drums] (Linda Valori, Malrecetado)
• Felixx Gutierrez - Bajo, Coros, Collage Sobre Interno [bass & vox] (Los Laxantes, Los Muertos, Fermin Muguruza, Las Plantas De Shiva, El Fuego Del Amor)
• Fidel Nadal - Voz, Kalimba, Foto Sobre Interno [vox] (Lumumba, Los Intocables, Tijuana No, Negu Gorriak, Mano Negra, Anouk, Fermin Muguruza, Desorden Publico, Alerta, Mancha de Rolando, Joxe Ripiau)
• Horacio "Gamexane" Villafane - Guitarra, Vox, [guitar & vox]Produccion Artistica, Teclados, Tipografia (Los Laxantes, Los Muertos, Los 7 Delfines, Sobrecarga, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Cienfuegos, Fermin Muguruza, El Fuego Del Amor, Los Sedantes)
• David Wrocklavsky - Teclados [Keys] (Sobrecarga)
• Sergio Rotman - Saxo Alto (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Cienfuegos, Mimi Maura, El Fuego Del Amor, El Siempreterno, Los Sedantes, Pez, Leon Gieco, A77aque, Fidel, Los Telepatas, Futbol, El Mundo, Los Cafres, Santana, Lulu Lewis, Diente Perro, Los Pepiniyoz)
• Naco Goldfinger Saxo Tenor (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Leon Gieco)
• Dany Lozano - Trompeta (Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Leon Gieco, A77aque, The Tories, Federico Aubele, Santana Los Cafres)
• David Gomez - Percision
• Mundy Epifanio - Produccion Ejecutiva
• Poppy Manzanedo - Coordinacion General
• Walter Chacon - Tecnico de Grabacion
• Andy Cherniavsky - Foto de Tapa

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but came across this CD in a box of leftover CDs from someone's move. I have a strong idea that, based on the dark & death artwork, not to mention a cover that reminds me of the Misfits, i'm guessing this is punk with a dark subject matter. Based on the address and lyrics, the Argentinian band performs in Spanish, but i'm really excited to see how the horns are used, if the sheer speed of the songs pushed them into Ska territory, or they just play HC punk with horns.

Album Review: They definitely have a darker edge with their punk rock, very similar to the Misfits. It is not pop punk on the surface, although some of the songs do use a catchy three chord structure (and their "single Gente Que No does reach ska-pop status), it is a deeper, dark tone with fast, driving guitars at times. They also mix it up with some reggae influence, which still carries a dark, unsettling tone...as the listens progress, the reggae style shares equal stage with the Hardcore Punk.

This copy is a reissue of their sophomore 1988 album, that sings about political oppression, racism, immigration abuse, and land reform. The name translates to All Your Dead, and is a reference to the people killed in Argentina during the "Dirty War" under the dictatorship of Jorge Rafael Videla in the late 70's. "Gamexane" passed away in 2011, but they have done occasional reunion shows

Stand Out Track: Gente Que No

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Kitten Forever - Pressure

Name: Kitten Forever
Album: Pressure
Year: 2013
Style: Punk, Riot Grrl, Post-Punk
Similar Bands: Bikini Kill, Gauche, French Vanilla, Miss Pussycat, Mika Miko
"One-Word" Review: empowering schoolyard punk
Based Out Of: Minneapolis, MN
Label: Guilt Ridden Pop

Cover & Back

Lyrics, Liner Notes, CD

Pressure (2013)

1. Get Loud 0:43
2. Cry Baby 1:44
3. Little Beasts 1:27
4. Rat Queen 1:50
5. Mission Statement 2:06
6. Blood Song 1:50
7. Famous Friends 1:31 (single)
8. Double Disco 1:28
9. Black Ice 2:20
10. Dirt Nap 2:08
11. Diamond Ring 1:20
12. Prey On 2:16
13. Pressure 2:00

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Liz Elton - Bass, Vox
• Corrie Harrigan - Drum, Bass, Vox
• Laura Larson - Drum, Bass, Vox (Scrunchies, Baby Guts, Fetus Farm, Daisy's Compact Mice, Cadette, Regal Treats)
• Ali Jaafar - Recording, Mixing, Mastering

Unknown-ness: I've never heard of this band, but there are a lot of things going for it. There is a nice chaotic juxtaposition of the name Kitten Forever, with monster hand on the cover, holding a bouquet of flowers over a pink backdrop...seems like this will be some sunny pop-punk with a hard, biting edge. And with track lengths averaging 1:40, i fully expect some driving, harmonized cutesy punk.

Album Review: The tracks are pretty in your face, while embracing reverse sexist stereotypes to render them powerless. Lots of heavy bass and driving melodies with playful sing song chants, a little like Miss Pussycat. it is a short album, but even on repeat, it doesn't grow old or repetitive. Simple drum and bass instrumentation make the minimal punk songs sound thick.

Everything about this band should make them an easy 10 in my honestly flawed rating system. Three women playing feminist punk, knowledgeable about and consciously honoring the past that has opened the doors for them, while writing and playing short punk songs with a messages and view point that shouldn't be, but are still so important to share. The three leads take turns playing the bass drums and vocals, as their live shows report them to often trade during their sets. They've performed a full set of Beyoncé covers in their instrument trading punk style for a night of tributes to inspirational women . They even employ the use of a telephone as a microphone- one of the things that makes Mika Miko (the inspiration for their use) one of my all time favorite bands. I love the fuzzed feedback vocals and raw sound they play, so why can't i give it a 10? I guess the melodies are somewhat same-y so nothing jumps out as uniquely memorable. And I'd love to hear a sax added to their compositions. I do hope I get to see them some day when shows return, as i believe they are still together, and have read their live shows are very empowering and fun. 

Stand Out Track: Dirt Nap

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Flinch! - Dyslexic Rhino

Name: Flinch!
Album: Dyslexic Rhino
Year: 1999
Style: Rockabilly, Punk, Grunge
Similar Bands: Dead Milkmen, Butt Trumpet, L7, Danzig, Misfits
"One-Word" Review: Raw Raucous Rock
Based Out Of: Gaithesburgh, MD
Label: none

Cover & Backs

Liner Notes & CD 

Dyslexic Rhino (1999)

1. Lonely Holiday 1:54
2. Kick the Can 1:33
3. Hail Bop 2:02
4. Octopus 2:48
5. Angie Speaks 2:31
6. Candle 2:25
7. Baby Said 1:50
8. Schizophrenia 3:02
9. Downtown 3:32
10. Here We Go Again 2:01
11. Expontaneous Combustion 11:04

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Doug
• Kevin Good - Mixing
• Djodjo - Mastering, Artwork
• Melissa  - Vox
• Al - Vox
• Stephanie - Photo
• Rodrigo - Artwork
• Rossano - Artwork
• James Belmore - Vox
• Al Armbrister - Drums
• Luciano Silva - Bass
• Thomas Kendrick - Guitar

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, from the album + randomly generated title, they're about 5 years to late for the self-made alt-grunge vibe the album puts out. The poor quality photo with a "green screen" effect makes them look like the album should have been made in 1991. Adding to the dated vibe is the 11 min long track 11, which is in all likelihood, concealing a hidden track of phone pranks and fart noises.

Album Review: The songs are solid: fast and driving punk, like Hail Bop, with touches or rockabilly like on Schizophrenia, and juvenile humor. Octopus sounds like a straight up Dead Milkmen song. Candle, or the fuck you song, reminds me of The Misfits.  Three songs are fronted by female "guest vocals," guests, because none of the band members are listed on the liner notes. The final song is a 3:35 instrumental, followed at the 9:30 mark by a raunchy sexualized hidden track. 

Nothing is out there on the internet about this band, aside from a minimal Discogs page (which doesn't include this album...only a compilation of this and another one) and some download/download requests). Which is a shame, because these folks sound quite competent at what they do.

Stand Out Track: Candle, Kick the Can

Links:

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Wasted Youth (LA's) - Get Out of My Yard!

Name: LA's Wasted Youth
Album: Get Out of My Yard
Year: 1990
Style: Hard Core, Punk, Metal
Similar Bands: NOFX, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Adolescents, Suicidal Tendencies
"One-Word" Review: Juvenile Tendencies
Based Out Of: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Medusa Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Get Out of My Yard (1990)

1. Young & Board 2:18
2. Blind Nuns 2:38
3. Ethiopian Nightmare 3:56 /
4. Happy Birthday 2:49
5. Missionary Imposition 2:08
6. Tormented 2:48

Album Rating (1-10): 6.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Chett Lehrer - Music, Guitar Glue Gun
• Paolo Rossi - Lyrics, Vox
• Joey Castillo - Drums (Danzig, Queens of the Stone Age, Bl'ast, Bloodclot!, California Breed, Eagles of Death Metal, General Fucking Principle, Goatsnake, Scott Weiland & the Wildabouts, Sugartooth, The Bronx, The Desert Sessions, Zakk Sabbath, Zilch, Mass Mental?, Son of Sam, Youjeen, Mark Lanegan Band, Boots Electric, The Bosshoss, Blackbird Days, Hifiklub & Alain Johannes, Love Zombies, Nick Oliveri, Sun trash, Last Internationale, Landfill Crew, The Hives, Patron, WC & the Madd Circle, Roberto Zenteno)
• Bryen - Bass
• Darin Scheff - Producer
• "Woody" - Engineer
• Barri Conley - Asst. Engineer, Mixing
• David O - Mixing
• Bobby Duron - Photography, Layout, Design
• David Arquette "Kingz" - Logos
• Lee Ellington - Car Drawing

Unknown-ness: I may have heard of this band, but don't much about them, if anything. I think they are a hard core, crust punk-ish band, and the band photo on the cover bring attacked by children in a kiddie pool paints them to be a punk band at the very least. Interesting, Patricia Arquette is thanked in the liner notes (wikipedia says she dated Rossi, and they had a child Enzo right around the time this came out), and David Arquette designed the logo.

Album Review: We're talking about a 79-80's hard core punk band that turned into thrash metal in the mid-late 80's as the personnel changed. The playing is fast, heavy and abrasive, but it maintains driving melody, and does not comes off as threatening as perhaps it was for the time & culture (or meant to be). Lyrically, the messages cover religion and consumerism.

Wasted Youth added the "LA's" to their name since there was also a British band of the same name. This version is a rerelease of the 1986 EP. This album was written by the previous (and second) front man, who quit while recording. So the version that finally came out was re-recorded by Paolo & team. Lehrer is the only remaining member of the original line up.

Stand Out Track: Tormented

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Facebook
Metal Archives
Something Hard In There
Altopedia
Metal Music Archives
Rate Your Music
Berkeley B-Side
Spirit of Metal
Tour Dates

Uniform (the) - If It Takes the Form of a Human, I'll Kick It's Ass

Name: The Uniform
Album: If It Takes the Form of a Human, I'll Kick It's Ass
Year: 1999
Style: Math Rock, Garage Rock, Punk, Noise
Similar Bands: Spoon (early), Black Rebel Motor Cycle, Shellac, 7 Seconds
"One-Word" Review: calculated speed garage
Based Out Of: Baltimore, MD
Label: Morphius Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

If It Takes the Form of a Human, I'll Kick It's Ass (1999)

1. Ten Second History of God 1:36
2. Midget Colony 1:34
3. My Thoughtful Response to Human Behavior 1:19/
4. If It Takes the Form of a Human, I'll Kick It's Ass 1:27
5. Four Reasons Why I'm Not a Communist 1:16
6. Calling Shit Shit, When it is 1:50

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Paul Flum - Bass, Vox (Helikopter, UV-373, Black & Vain)
• Randy Rampage - Drums (The Great Unraveling, The Thumbs)
• Christian Sturgis - Guitar (Quattracenta, Lo Moda, Advlts, Fascist Fascist)
• Colin Seven - Writer (Rogue Conjurer, Universal Order of Armageddon)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, and apparently, according to the back this is #229 of a #350 series of this EP. Based on the year and cover art, i imagine this is a sweaty, garage & fuzzed out rocking Electric Six, Mooney Suzuki type. However, considering the less than 2 minute track lengths, they might be more of an emo hardcore/thrash band.

Album Review: This ep of six songs totaling right about nine minutes is an exploration in math rock meets speed garage. Some sites have them classified as noise (but i sense more melody than most noise outfits) and a couple of the tracks are instrumentals. The EP sounds much rawer than the songs compiled on the spotify album link, and definitely have a local melodic speed punk band quality. The title track actually remind me a little of early Spoon.

This is apparently their second release, first for the label. Flum moved to Portland, OR and has most recently been working on an experimental TV series on Youtube called "I'm Carlos Now." There is generally very little about this band out there, as none of the members went on to create anything popular enough to cause folks to dig back to this band. 

Stand Out Track: If It Takes the Form of a Human, I'll Kick It's Ass

Links:

Spotify: compilation including these tracks

Discogs

Allmusic

Bandcamp
T-DT-B
Rate Your Music

Last FM
Paul Flum's site
Sturgis's Quattracenta Bandcamp

Treepeople - Just Kidding

Name: Treepeople
Album: Just Kidding
Year: 1993
Style: Alternative, Grunge, Punk
Similar Bands: Fretblanket, Superchunk, Built to Spill, Poster Children, Archers of Loaf
"One-Word" Review: vague-fuzz-covered-speedy-melodies
Based Out Of: Boise, Idaho / Seattle, WA
Label: C/Z Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Just Kidding (1993)

1. Today 4:33
2. In C 3:13
3. Cartoon Brew 1:40
4. Ballard Bitter 3:07
5. Clouds and Faces 3:19
6. House of Pain 3:42/
7. Fishblanket 2:25
8. Nod & Blink 4:06
9. Anything's Impossible 2:09
10. Neil's Down 3:29
11. Outside In 6:42

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Scott Schmaljohn - Guitar, Vox (State of Confusion, Stuntman, The Hand, The Treatment, Built to Spill, Kill Sybil)
• Dug Martsch - Guitar, Vox (Farm Days, Built to Spill, Halo Benders, The Hand, All Smiles, Boise Cover Band, Caustic Resin, Butterfly Train, The Prids, Electronic Anthology Project, Clarke and the Himselfs)
• Tony Dallas Reed - Bass, Guitar (Constance Tomb, Goodbye Harry, Green13, Heavypink, Hot Spring Water, Mos Generatory, Stone Axe, Twelve Thirty Dreamtime, Woodrot, Seedy Jeezus, Big Scenic Nowhere, Kane Hodder, Rotten Apples, Doublestone, Witch Charmer, Black Road, 
• Eric Akre - Drums, Vox (Christ on a Crutch, Citizens' Utilities, Diddly Squat, Galleons Lap, Juno, Kill Sybil, Built to Spill, Goodness, Stuntmen, Heather Duby, Minus the Bear, Old Friendly, Carrie Akre)
• John Goodmanson - Producer
• Todd Dunnigan - Engineer
• Stuart Hallerman - Engineer
• Michael Scheer - Artwork
• Lisa Johnson - Band Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of them, and honestly don't know how i came across this in my collection...perhaps gifted to me when a friend moved away, and it sat on my shelf until i started this project. The plastic intact on the cover says pre- Built to Spill, so i imagine that, combined with the artwork and year, and Seattle base for the record label, this will be some alt-grunge

Album Review: The album straddles that jangly-grunge boarder, where the guitars ring out, but there are driving beats and lots of feedback fuzz layered on top. The vocals are often harmonized but layered down behind the sound, occasionally surfacing when becoming shouty. I like the Martsch's whiny vocals on "Neil's Down" & "Clouds & Faces" as they remind me of Kyle Gilbride's voice from Swearin' (so maybe i should listen to more Built to Spill).

The band started in Boise, ID as State of Confusion, and moved to Seattle to join the underground scene there. Martsch was a fan of the band, and ended up joining them en route, so they became Treepeople. The band lasted 2 eps and 4 albums, this being the third, and final one with Martsch, who left to return to Boise due to a number of reasons: touring burn out, a girl, wanting to leave the Seattle scene, where he started Built to Spill. After playing some Treepeople songs with Schmaljohn's band The Hand as an opener for Built to Spill, they decided to reunite the old lineup and did a set of reunion shows in 2018 out west. Tony Reed Founded Music Abuse Records and run Temple & Heavy Head Sound.

Stand Out Track: Neil's Down, Clouds and Faces

Links:
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic
Facebook
K Recs
Trouser Press
Bandcamp
Seattle Times 2018 Reunion
Phoenix Times 2018 reunion
Westword 2018 Reunion

Tenpole Tudor - Let the Four Winds Blow

Name: Tenpole Tudor
Album: Let the Four Winds Blow
Year: 1981
Style: Rockabilly, Punk
Similar Bands: XTC, Clash, Mink Deville, Dead Milkmen, Sugarplastic
"One-Word" Review: Jokey Theatrical Punk
Based Out Of: London England 
Label: Stiff

Cover, Record

Back, Record

Let the Four Winds Blow (1981)

1. Let the Four Winds Blow 3:24 (single)
2. Throwing My Baby Out With the Bathwater 3:28 (single)
3. Trumpeters 4:10
4. It's Easy to See 3:48
5. What You Doing in Bombay 4:03 /
6. Local Animal 4:04
7. Her Fruit is Forbidden 2:58
8. Tonight is the Night 3:45
9. The Unpaid Debt 3:19
10. The King of Siam 3:58

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Eddie Tudorpole - Vox, Sax, Guitar, Piano (Sex Pistols, Visitors, Cage Against the Machine, Richard O'Brien, Petter Baarli, Die Toten Hosen)
• Gary Long - Vox, Drums, Percussion (Tudors, The Commercials, Pearl Harbour, The Deadbeats)
• Bob Kingston - Vox, Guitar, Piano (Tudors, Pearl Harbour)
• Dick Crippen - Vox, Bass (Tudors, The Weird Things, King Kurt, Ministry of Ska, Pearl Harbour)
• Munch Universe - Vox, Guitar, Percussion
• Jos Holloway - Indispensable Man
• Alan Winstanley - Producer, Finger Cymbals
• Dave Allen - Machinery Operator
• Kim Aldis - Photos

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Their name, album art and album name create a concept album of medieval reenactments. They look like a group ready to embark on an album of Baroque / Prog meanderings.

Album Review: Their style and chosen identity is not represented at all musically. They are a mix of punk ala The Clash and rockabilly like Stray Cats, with some complex arrangements of mid-period XTC sprinkled in. 
Their big break was when singer Tudor-Pole starred in the Sex Pistol's 1980 film The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle, and instead of replacing Johnny Rotten, Vicious died & the Sex Pistols folded, and he was able to pick up with the group he organized a few years earlier. While they only lasted a few years, and put out two albums and a slew of singles, Tudor-Pole has reformed the grouped often over the years, and has a bit of a style-rollercoaster of a career, playing in Cajun, jazz and swing acts and focused on acting for a time, which included hosting a UK gameshow The Crystal Maze in the late 90's. They were apparently goofy odd-balls with a wacky live show, adopting the chain mail and knights armor on stage stemming from Tudor-Pole's claim to descend from Henry VIII's lineage. 

Stand Out Track: The King of Siam, Let the Four Winds Blow

Links:
Spotify album
Wiki

Discogs

Allmusic

Trouser Press
Punky Gibbon
Nostalgia Central

Swinging Pistons - I Love the Sound of Machines

Name: Swinging Pistons
Album: I Love the Sound of Machines
Year: 1986
Style: Punk, No Wave, Industrial Techno
Similar Bands: Quintron & Miss Pussycat, Gang of Four, Crash Course in Science, En Vogue, B-52s
"One-Word" Review: Dance-Funk-Industrial-Punk in Synergy
Based Out Of: New Jersey
Label: RD3 Records

Cover, Record

Back, Record

I Love the Sound of Machines (1986)

1. (ever since i was young) I Love the Sound of Machines 3:21 /
2. (ever since i was young) I Love the Sound of Machines (Mechanized Mix) 4:28

Album Rating (1-10): 8.0

Members & Other Bands:

• E. William Tucker - Vox, Guitar, Bass, Writer (Ministry, My Life With Thrill Kill Kult, Pigface, Chemlab, Chris Connelly, Regressive Aid, KMFDM, Revolting Cocks, Foetus, Darling Kandie, Hyperhead, Scornflakes, Thanatos, Final Cut, 16 Volt, Everplastic, Chainsuck, Illegal Teenage Bikini,  )
• Andy Gomory - Backign Vox, Keys, Programmer, Engineer, Writer (Groceries, Dennis Young)
• Judy Jones - Vox (Soul Train Gang, Mandrill, Charles Jackson, Pattie Brooks, Munich Machine, Brooklyn Dreams, Jeff Kutash & Dancin' Machine, Twennynine w/ Lenny White, Stacey Lattisaw, Allan Anthony, Lou Rawls, Najee, Paulinho Da Costa, Earth Wind & Fire)
• Greg Frey - Engineer

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but I got this because i liked the homemade nature of the cover. I didn't realize when i bought it that this was only a one song single with a remix on the back, but I was interested to see what this record, with the industrial sounding name and song title, would be like.

Album Review: Barely an album review, as it is just one song, but there is a lot of depth to the song. It is part kitchen sink-industrial  with a cold wave dance beat that comes off a punk, but more approachable, perhaps because the chorus is a soulful & sexy woman singing the title (think En Vogue). Maybe a little playfulness too like B-52's minus the surf aspect as well.

There is not much out there about this record/band, except for the information surrounding William Tucker. After this release, Ministry's Al Hourgensen picked him up to play on tour. He's from Jersey, so he has ties with Ween where he was in a band with their early producer/bass/keyboard player Andrew Weiss, and he gave guitar lessons to Deaner, AKA Mickey Melchiondo. He unfortunately took his own life in 1999.

Stand Out Track: (ever since i was young) I Love the Sound of Machines

Links:
Spotify
Wiki- William Tucker

Discogs

Allmusic - William Tucker

FB page
rate your music

elvis pelvis obit

Kill-A-Watts - Circuit Breaker Love

Name: Kill-A-Watts
Album: Circuit Breaker Love
Year: 2005
Style: Punk
Similar Bands: Dark Thoughts, Tact, Butt Trumpet, Ramones
"One-Word" Review: Speedy Feedback
Based Out Of: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Label: Rip Off Records

Cover

Back

Circuit Breaker Love (2005)

1. Pissin My Life 1:43
2. Circuit Breaker Love 2:11
3. Had Enough 1:31
4. Hangout Kids 1:33
5. Zipper Patience 0:59
6. Oh Cheesburger 2:08
7. Don't Like Me 2:30
8. Paranoid Baby 2:48 (Black Sabbath Cover)
9. Can't Stand the Midwest 1:16 (Dow Jones and the Industrials cover)
10. Guitar Shake 1:23
11. Messed Up 1:26
12. Transform-her 1:33

Album Rating (1-10): 9.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Tony Funk - Engineer, Mixing
• Poison Bambee - Artwork
• Pale Reject - Back Cover Art
• Mechadrum (Chad Matzen) - Drums (Monitors)
• Melissa Valdes - Vox, Bass 
• Ryan King - Guitar, Vox (Monitors, Plexi 3, Ramma Lamma, Sagger)

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but i'm 99.9% positive it is gonna be juvenile punk.

Album Review: Its fast, its furious, but there are no cars. Its just over 20 min long, as punk tends to be. Lots of feedback over three chords, and angry male and female vocals trade off for different songs, but they rarely overlap. This is their second of two LPS, which is a title taken with a grain of salt, because the first record is even shorter. It is pleasant, DIY, fuzzy & angsty punk-pop. My copy remains sealed, so since Bandcamp has the full album up & streaming, i did not see any reason to break the seal.

Stand Out Track: Had Enough

Links:
bandcamp
Discogs
spotify
allmusic
Rate Your Music
Razorcake
gullbuy

Fingerprintz - ~Distinguishing Marks *Beat Noir

Name: Fingerprintz
Album: ~Distinguishing Marks *Beat Noir
Year: ~1980, *1981
Style: Punk, Powerpop
Similar Bands: Cheap Trick, Clash, Gang of Four, Buzzcocks, Game Theory, Sex Execs, Blue Chips, Sparks, Talking Heads, Thomas Dolby, Lou Reed, Devo, Duran Duran, Gordon Gano
"One-Word" Review: ~Pure Power-Pop Punk, *Disco-Jazz Post-Punk
Based Out Of: Scotland, UK
Label: ~Virgin, Atlantic, Warner *Stiff, Virgin

 Cover, Credits, Record

 Back, Lyrics, Record

 Cover, Record

Back, Record

~Distinguishing Marks (1980)

1. Yes Eyes 3:02
2. Houdini Love 3:09 (Single)
3. Criminal Mind 4:08
4. Bullet Proof Heart 4:49 (Single)
5. Remorse Code 3:34 /
6. Amnesia 2:44
7. Ringtone 2:40
8. Radiation 4:50
9. Jabs 3:23
10. Hide And Seek 4:50 (b-side single)

~Beat Noir (1981)

1. The Beat Escape 5:52 (single)
2. Shadowed 3:07 (single)
3. Changing 3:46
4. Get Civilised 4:35 /
5. Catwalk 4:08
6. The Chase 5:15
7. Touch Sense 4:22
8. Going Going Gone 3:52

Album Rating (1-10): ~ 9.5
*7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• *~Jimme O'Neill - Guitar, Lead Vox, Writer, *Producer, Trashicaster Chops, Chimes (Jacqui Brookes, Silencers, Honkytonk Hicks, Celtic Social Club, Intro, Lene Lovich, Scottish World Cup Squad, Alan Simon, Manfred Mann's Earth Band, Anthony More)
• *~Cha Burnz - Lead Guitar, Vox, Writer, *Underworld Vox, Whirlybird Guitars (Silencers, Adam Ant)
• *~Kenny Alton - Bass, Vox (Dick Envy, Vermilion)
• *~Bogdan Wiczling - Drums, Percussion (Jacqui Brookes, Adam Ant, Bill Wyman, Lene Lovich, Bill Nelson)
• ~Bernie Clarke - Keys (Ten Years Later, Alamo Leal, Alvin Lee, Sapho, Bram Tchaikovsky, Vampire Bats From Lewisham, Phillip Rambow, Aztec Camera, Bill Hurley, Johnny Guitar, Big Heat, David Knopfler, Lizzy Mercier, Edwyn Collins, OST, Go Betweens, Alabama 3)
• ~Nick Garvey - Producer
• ~Trevor Hallesy - Engineer
• ~Terry Medhurst - Engineer
• ~Nigel Barker - Asst. Engineer
• ~David Kemp - Asst. Engineer
• ~John Stalin - Illustrations
• ~Peter Saville - Sleeve Design
• *Chris Kimsey - Producer
• *Chris Porter - Producer 
• *Steve King - Shadowy Keys (The Colonel, Maddy Prior, Leon Rosselson, Helen Shapiro, Home Service, Linda Thompson)
• *Sadie the Cat - Cat Vox, Do-be-Doos
• *Don Snow - Keys Blanc (Squeeze, Anti-Heroin Project, The Catch, The Sinceros, Lee Kosmin, Wendy & the Rocketts, Judie, Tzuke, Nik Kershaw, Chris Eaton, Shelia Walsh, Tina Turner, Holly Johnston, Jimmy Somerville, Heartland, Thomas Anders, Markus Gardeweg, Lene Lovich, Jona Lewie, Nino Buonocore, Tracey Ullman, ABC, Stephen Duffy, Roger Daltrey, Dusty Springfield)
• *Ron Francois - Bass Noir (Strutters, Lene Lovich, Teardrop Explodes, James Reyne, Wendy Matthews, Sinceros, Absent Friends, Kaylan, Ganggajand, Eurogliders, Nick Plytas, Valerie Lagrange, Julian Cope, Cabo Frio, Aleesha Rome)
• *Krystof Kafka - Accordion
• *John Irish Earle - Sax (Gnidrolog, Kilburn & the Highroads, Nine Days' Wonder, The Dance Band, Rumor Brass, Philip Chevron, Ruthless Blues, Graham Parker, Jona Lewie, Rachel Sweet, Johnny Thunders, Thin Lizzy, Wreckless Eric, Carlene Carter, Roy Sundholm, Sandy McLelland, Johnny G, Inmates, Desmond Dekker, Supercharge, Sean Tyla, Joan Jett, Lili Drop, Live Wire, dB's Kirsty MacColl, Dave Edmunds, Shakin' Stevens, Sky High, Mike + Mechanics, Katrina and the Waves, Big Heat, gadgets, Krypton, Dogs, Les Cactus, Fafafa, Paul Carrack, Gary Glitter, Privates)
• *Dick English Hanson - Trumpet (Ossie Laine, Dance Band, Greatest Show On Earth, Rumor Brass, Taggett, Supercharge, Graham Parker & The Rumour, Jona Lewiw. Rachel Sweet, Wreckless Eric, Inmates, dB's, Dave Edmunds, Sky High, Shakin' Stevens, The Strand, Julien Clerc, Helen Shapiro, katrina & the Waves, Big Heat, Zoom, Dogs, Fixx, Fafafa, Rory Gallagher, Desmond Dekker, Privates, John Gotting, Suzi Quatro, Richie Milton )
• *Spike Edney - Trombone (Gosport Horns, Queen, SAS Band, Brian May Band, The Cross, Happy Clubsters, The Cross, Roger Chapman, Roger Taylor, Edwin Starr, Linx, Private Lives, Boomtown Rats, Dexys Midnight Runners, Bucks Fizz, Elaine Paige, Haircut 100, Virginia Wolf, Ann Lewis, Duran Duran, Manic Street Preachers, Rhinomen, Les Wampas, Joe Cocker)
• *Andy Hamilton - Sax (Gosport Horns, George Michael, Duran Duran, David Bowie, Elton John, Radihead, Pet Shop Boys, Albania, Dexys Midnight Runners, Hook Horns, Sandy McLelland & the Backline, Edwin Starr, Linx, Private Lives, Boomtown Rats, Corey Hart, Altered Images, Farmers Boys, Judie Tzuke, Thomas Leer, Wham, Jon Astley, Virginia Wolf, David Knopfler, gary Moore, Tina Turner, Nine Below Zero, Right Said Fred, Marc Almond, Interpreterts, Rhythm Kings, Brian May, Stereophonics)
• *Dave Phee - Sellotape & Masterplans
• *Niall Doull-Connolly - Cover Photo
• *Mike Laye - Back Photo
• *Kip Krones - Mgmt

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band, but i saw these two albums side by side in the same discount bin, and from their name, Bryan Ferry-like cover (*sure, Ferry's more familiar "Bete Noir" was 6 years later) and punch out postcard artwork on the 'Marks' it really seems like they have a retro spy/PI theme going, along with the band name. So I imagine dark, back alley crime themes, along with power pop/punk styles (based on the labels).

Album Review: These two albums are very different in composition. Where 'Marks is straight up New Wave power pop-punk, akin to Cheap Trick with a little Game Theory-like vocals + slight variants song to song, Beat Noir is, for the majority, a dancey, Thomas Dolby/Sparks-like Disco New Wave band. That said, (and i love Sparks), there is not really a bad song on 'Marks (Bullet Proof Heart is the closest to a miss), however, I am having hard time picking out a good, stand out song on 'Noir. Singer O'Neill was not their original singer, and early on was writing songs for other big acts like Lene Lovich, Paul Young, Rachel Sweet & Manfred Mann. His wife Sadie sings on 'Noir.

Stand Out Track: ~Yes Eyes
*Going Going Gone

Links:
Spotify
Discogs
rate your music
post-punk monk
Trouser Press
Jimmie Wiki

Doctors' Mob - Sophomore Slump

Name: Doctors' Mob
Album: Sophomore Slump
Year: 1987
Style: Punk, Alt-Rock, College Radio, "New Sincerity"
Similar Bands: Live, Redd Kross, REM, Gin Blossoms
"One-Word" Review: Jangly-Punk
Based Out Of: Austin, Texas
Label: Relativity Records

 Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Sleeve, Record

Sophomore Slump (1987)

1. It's Up To you 2:10
2. Sinking Fast 4:08
3. Poison 3:30
4. There's A Way 3:08
5. Pat Blashill 3:03 /
6. Let Me Try 2:37
7. Gracious Brunette 5:08
8. C2 E 2:45
9. Wake Up 2:34
10. I Don't Know 3:22

Album Rating (1-10): 7.5

Members & Other Bands:

• Tommy (Ramone) Erdelyi - Producer (Ramones)
• Steve Collier - Writing, Music, Vox, Guitar (Big Boys, Sidehackers, Rite Flyers)
• Don Lamb - Guitar, Vox, Remixing (Street Punks, Rhyth, Raiders, Captain Crunch, The Psychedelic Mirage, The Reivers)
• Glenn Benavides - Drums (Buick MacKane, Alejandro Escovedo)
• Tim Swingle - Bass, Vox (Hand of Glory, F)
• Mike Stewart - Engineer, Remixing
• David Fox - Cover Photo
• Linda Earley - Back Photo
• John Hamilton - Cover Painting
• David Bett - Art Direction

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this band. Could be jangly just by the name and the year, however one of the band members has a Misfits shirt on, so that could make for more of a punk-like edge, also they look kinda crusty, so that may make for interesting music.

Album Review: Part of the "New Sincerity" musical movement (ragged clothes & melodic songs played heavily), but also embracing the sloppy Drunk Rock moniker (Show up Drunk, Show Up Late, Or Don't Show Up At All), this band was pulled in multiple genre directions from the speed of punk melodies and harmonies of power pop, and jangley guitars, kinda sounding like a raw Gin Blossoms. But at the base of it all, they were musicians making good songs. Theyt didn't do well with "next big thing" pressure and really just want to have fun. This is their second album, and they've said it is mostly left over material that didn't get recorded for the first.

Stand Out Track: C2 E

Links:
Allmusic
Discogs
Austin Chronicle '99
Ear Candy mag

Shirts (the) - s/t

Name: The Shirts
Album: s/t
Year: 1978
Style: Folk-Rock
Similar Bands: Jefferson Airplane, Mamas & Papas, 10 Wheel Drive, Janis Joplin, Cold Blood
"One-Word" Review: Jangley Hippy Rock
Based Out Of: NYC, NY
Label: Capitol

 Cover & Record

Back & Record

The Shirts (1978)

1. Reduced to a Whisper 3:28
2. Tell Me Your Plans 3:10
3. Empty Ever After 3:52
4. Teenage Crutch 3:00
5. Tenth Floor Clown 4:42 / 
6. The Story Goes 4:00
7. Lonely Android 3:55
8. Running Through the Night 3:46
9. They Say the Sun Shines 3:22
10. Poe 3:47

Album Rating (1-10): 7.0

Members & Other Bands:

• Arthur La Monica - Guitar, Vox, Keys (Rome 56, Ex Norwegian)
• Robert Racioppo - Bass, Vox (Bob of the Shirts, Rome 56)
• John "Zeek" Criscione - Drums, Vox, Percussion (Bob of the Shirts, Rome 56)
• Ronald Ardito - Guitar, Vox, Keys (Fred Schneider & the Shake Society)
• Annie Golden - Vox (Hair, Orange is the New Black, Jing)
• John Piccolo - Keys, Guitar, Vox (Idle Chatter)
• Mike Thorne - Producer
• Gary Edwards - Engineering
• Roger Bechirian - Engineering
• Pat Stapley - Engineering
• Paul Hardiman - Mixing
• Ken Perry - Cutting
• Roy Kohara - Art Direction
• Ken Anderson - Design
• Larry Racioppo - Shirts Logo
• Ebet Roberts - Liner Photo

Unknown-ness: Never heard of the Shirts. Like the simple still life with assumed action cover art, and the sizable 6-person band on the back looks like Dexy's Midnight Runners, so I'm guessing this might be a folky, jazzy pop sort of record.

Album Review: The album has a folky, late 60's Woodstock vibe to it mixed in with a little theatrical / musical elements. It feels kinda bland like a lot of introspective jangley college rock records, save the songs Teenage Crutch and Lonely Android, which have a faster, vibrant feel that i could see being played at CBGBs: the club they got their big start opening for acts like Television and Talking Heads. Nowadays, the (ex) member most recognizable is singer Annie Golden, who recently appeared as the silent inmate on Orange is the New Black. She has been a more prolific actor through out her career, also appearing in Hair, Cheers, and 12 Monkeys as well.

Stand Out Track: Teenage Crutch

Links:
Youtube full album
Wiki
Discogs
Allmusic
Rate Your Music
Website
Stereo Society
Annie's IMDB

Photos (the) - s/t

Name: The Photos
Album: s/t
Year: 1980
Style: New Wave, Punk
Similar Bands: Joan Jett, Bleached, Blondie; Undertones, Go-Go's, Aimee Mann
"One-Word" Review: Girl-Pop-Punk
Based Out Of: Eversham, England
Label: Epic, CBS

 Cover, Sleeve, Record

Back, Lyrics, Record

The Photos (1980)

1. I'm So Attractive 3:39
2. Shy 3:44
3. She's Artistic 3:01
4. Irene 3:46
5. Maxine 3:10
6. Evelyn II 3:30
7. Friends 4:31 /
8. Do You Have Fun 3:23
9. Barbarellas 2:59
10. Look At the Band 3:17
11. Loss of Contact 3:36
12. All I Want 2:47
13. Now You Tell Me That We're Through 3:29
14. I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself 3:48

Album Rating (1-10): 8.5

Members & Other Bands:
Wendy Wu - Vox (City Youth, Strange Cruise, Che Zuro)
Steve Eagles - Guitar, Vox (Satan's Rats, Blurt, Bang Bang Machine, Sidi Boy Said, Crackout)
Dave Sparrow - Bass, Vox (Satan's Rats, Wendy Wu, Leather Ladder, Che Zuro)
Olly Harrison Drums Percussion (Satan's Rats, Wendy Wu, Motards, Che Zuro)
Horace Barlow - Piano, String Arrangement
Tim Foster - Vibes
Roger A. Bechirian - Producer, Remixing, Engineer
Colin Thurston - Producer
Neil Hornby - Engineer
Neil King - Engineer
Lynton Naiff - String Arrangement (Affinity, Ice, Real Thing, Billy Ocean, Delegation, Robert Plant)
Keith Breeden - Design
Malcolm Garet - Asst Design
Chris Gabrin - Photography

Unknown-ness: Never heard of this generically named band, but the cashier assured me that it was really good, apparently the second band name for a previously great punk band...of which I was not familiar with nor remember. I was attracted to the pastel color blocks and new wave outfits on the cover. Figured it could be some good new wave when I picked it up, and was reassured when I bought it.

Album Review: The album is a nice collection of girl fronted poppy-punk. There is a bit of natural edge to Wendy's vocals. Many of the songs come from the same school of the Ramones, Buzzcocks, and although they seem to not like it, pop sense and swagger of Blondie. They were unceremoniously touted as the British Blondie: a moniker they did not approve of, as they felt a comparison to Siouxie Sioux, Ramones or Undertones was more accurate. Some of the songs have elegant string arrangements, many carry the chugging power guitars of punk, and even the album ender, a Burt Bacharach cover, sounds like an Aimee Mann ballad. Out of the ashes of Satan's Rat, the band sought out a female lead singer, settling on Wendy Wu after the vocalist from Big in Japan rejected the invite. They were picked up almost immediately by CBS, and the album came with some mainstream push (reportedly including the promotion of a free camera) that the band was not entirely comfortable with, and they broke up shortly after recording a never released (until much later) second record.

Stand Out Track: All I Want

Links:
Spotify (not the full album, but has extra tracks at the same time)
Wiki
Punk Girl Diaries
Facebook
Last FM
Fade to Grey
Discogs
Steve Hoffman Music Forum