Gang Green
Preschool
Label: Taang! Records
Released: 1989, Re-released 1990
Produced: Lou Giordano

Chris Doherty - vocals, guitar
Bill Manley - bass
Mike Dean - drums

1. Sold Out - 2:04
2. Terrorize - 0:48
3. Snob - 0:28
4. Lie Lie - 0:37
5. I Don’t Know - 1:03
6. Rabies - 1:27
7. Narrow Mind - 0:44
8. Kill A Commie - 1:08
9. Have Fun - 0:54
10. Selfish - 4:48

Sometime in 1981 I saw somebody wearing a pair of creepers for the first time.  I thought they were the coolest looking shoes I had ever seen.  I had to get a pair.  Later that night I saw the guy who was wearing them out in the parking lot, so I asked him how much his shoes cost and where he bought them, he kind of looked side to side and said they were a bit under $120.00 and he bought them at Let It Rock on Melrose Ave.  I almost fudged my shorts!  $120.00!!  I was 15 years old, no job, single parent household, fixed income - I’d never get these shoes!!  The guy then told me that Let It Rock sold used pairs also; I could probably get a pair for $30.00.  Used, no problem, did they smell?

Anyway, after a month or so I had $15.00 saved, and convinced my Mom to drive me to Let It Rock and we’d buy the $30.00 pair of creepers.  We get there and they tell us that they have never carried used shoes; mind you since I first saw these shoes I had close to 15 people tell to go to Melrose and get the used shoes.  Now I find out they never existed.  Damn lying-ass punks!!  The sales lady tells us that the cheapest creepers they have cost $75.00.  So, I do my best to convince my Mom that this unemployed, broke kid deserves a $75.00 pair of shoes.  The selling point is I could pay for $15.00 of it.  No go, 15 minutes later we were driving back down Highland headed towards the Valley.

About a month later a shop opened in the Sherman Oaks Galleria that carried rockabilly clothes and they stocked creepers.  I went to see a movie at the Galleria one weekend with some friends, and discovered this store.  All their creepers were $10.00 to $20.00 cheaper than Let It Rock.

Next day at school the local poser-patrol, a girl named Leslie (I’ve mentioned her here before) came up to me and went into a rant about me being at the Galleria, and only posers go there, and how I’d be the biggest poser in the world if I bought creepers at the Galleria.  I dismissed her with a comment about her and the horse she rode in on, and as I walked away she yelled threats of the beatings I’d take from the Suicidal Tendencies gang.

So, I hatched a plan, if I told any and everybody, who asked, that all I want for my Birthday, and Christmas is cash I could afford these shoes by next year.  And that’s what I did, and shortly after Christmas 1982 I bought a pair of black suede creepers with a rounded front and a buckle across the top from the shop in the Galleria for $65.00.  They were $55.00 when I first spotted them, and after six months they raised the price.

$65.00 is the most I have ever spent on a pair of shoes.  And the downside of this is midway through my senior year of high school I had outgrown them.  Shortly before graduation I sold them to a rocker kid who dug the look of them.

My creepers and my leather jacket were my prized possessions, and I had to part with both things due to growth.  Maybe Chinese women are onto something with this foot binding thing.

On to the review . . .

I never paid attention to Gang Green when I was a youngster, I didn’t have much of a disposable income, actually, no job at all (until I was 17 ½), so I only bought what I loved.  And occasionally, I would buy a single of someone I had never heard of.

Gang Green was always on my list of bands to check out.  Taang! Records has done an incredible job of compiling all these recordings and putting them together so that you get a great overview of their powerhouse music.

Even if you don’t dig Gang Green, if you liked 1980’s American punk, you’ll dig this style, the slow intro’s that burst into buzz saw vocals, fun stuff. Preschool contains material previously released on their Sold Out 7″ EP, and stuff from two compilations: This Is Boston, Not L.A. and Unsafe At Any Speed.  The EP was recorded from July, 1981 through March, 1983 in Boston. Released in September of 1997.  All ten songs clock in at a blistering fourteen minutes and one second. All in all, a fun listen check them out.

Read more about Gang Green on the Taang! site: http://www.taang.com/bands_ganggreen_body.html

If you get the chance to get a copy of this, go get it.

Rating: *** ** three out of five stars.

On a separate note, my Brother and I are going to be putting on the Los Angeles Punk Con next June 9, 2009 (and possibly June 10, 2009). We have contacted, about, eight “big” names from the world of American punk, and as soon as we get some confirmations, we’ll announce the names; Henry Rollins is still a maybe. Glenn Danzig, Lee Ving and Jello Biafra have not responded, Mike Ness declined. We have Lisa Fancher founder of Frontier Records, and Dr. Strange Records coming out. Danny of Warning Label Records is trying to bring a couple of bands from his label. We are looking for vendors, and sponsors. Check out the site, http://www.lapunkcon.com. Any questions, feel free to write: punkcon@switched.com.

Currently:

Reading: Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck by Charles Bukowski
Listening: Various Artists - Punk and Disorderly Vol. I
Watching: The Machinist directed by Brad Anderson

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
Devil’s Night Out
Label: Taang! Records
Released: 1989, Re-released 1990

Dicky Barrett - vocals
Nate Albert - guitar
Joe Gittleman - bass guitar
Josh Dalsimer - drums
Tim Burton - saxophone
Tim Bridewell - trombone
Ben Carr - Bosstone

Jimmy Gestapo - guest vocals on track 10
Davey Holmes - Keyboards
Vinny Nobile - horns

1 Devil’s Night Out
2 Howwhywuz, Howwhyam
3 Drunks and Children
4 Hope I Never Lose My Wallet
5 Haji
6 The Bartender’s Song
7 Patricia
8 The Cave (Cognito Fiesta Version)
9 Do Somethin’ Crazy
10 A Little Bit Ugly

In 1982, shortly after the income tax deadline my Mom, keeping with her annual routine of getting us one surprise, for my Brother and I, said I could get a black leather motorcycle jacket. It was something I wanted for a few years, and I called everybody in Southern California, got prices, locations, lay-a-way information, and my Mom used her hard-earned tax money to get me decked out.

April 1982, Sears Roebucks, Northridge, CA; $75.00 (before taxes).

Man, going to school that next day I was the coolest thing on the planet. Everybody wanted to do something to the jacket, paint it, add spikes. I waited for so long to own a jacket like this, I was afraid of f’in’ it up. So, one weekend I went to an army surplus store in Reseda and got silver stars to put on the shoulders. I had seen some old pictures of Brando in The Wild One, and he wore them like that. It was subdued, but cool.

I wore that jacket damn near everyday. I had more memories with that jacket than I did with most girlfriends, accused of stealing comics books from American Comics in Studio City (I didn’t), jumped and almost pummeled for a murder attempt on former Mayor Tom Bradley in Los Angeles (I was looking for a map in my pocket), great jacket. In 1994 I went to put it on, and it didn’t fit. Like a marriage that had run its course I had to get rid of it, but it was heartbreaking. One afternoon in early 1995 I sold it to a used clothing store in Canoga Park.

I am attaching a picture of myself shortly after adding the stars to the shoulders, if the hair looks funny . . . there was a strict “no hair spiking” policy for a while in my house. So, I’d spike it on the way to a club or a t a friend’s house.

On to the review . . .

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones are like a strong cup of coffee, there will be no nodding off when listening to this. Devil’s Night Out is the debut album by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. It was first released in 1989 by Taang! Records (thanks Curtis). It is regarded as the first ska-core album (if you are into labels). A Little Bit Ugly is a fun sing-along with Jimmy Gestapo (the lead singer for the New York based Murphy’s Law) singing on this duet. Two extra tracks available on the Japanese version, Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love and Enter Sandman; they were previously available on the Where’d You Go? EP. As I write this my Brother has taken ownership of this album. All in all a fun listen check them out.

If you get the chance to get a copy of this, go get it.

Rating: *** ** three out of five stars.

On a separate note, my Brother and I are going to be putting on the Los Angeles Punk Con next June 9, 2009 (and possibly June 10, 2009). We have contacted, about, eight “big” names from the world of American punk, and as soon as we get some confirmations, we’ll announce the names; Henry Rollins is still a maybe. Glenn Danzig, Lee Ving and Jello Biafra have not responded, Mike Ness declined. We have Lisa Fancher founder of Frontier Records, and Dr. Strange Records coming out. Danny of Warning Label Records is trying to bring a couple of bands from his label. We are looking for vendors, and sponsors. Check out the site, http://www.lapunkcon.com. Any questions, feel free to write: punk.con@gmail.com.

Currently:
Reading: On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Listening: Billy Idol - Devil’s Playground
Watching: Galaxy Quest directed by Dean Parisot

Right Click To Download

Time: 72:74
File Size: 82.8MB

Tracks played:
01. No Talk - Police Mafia (single)
02. D.R.I. - Closet Punk (Dirty Rotten LP)
03. Dogshit Sandwich - I Hate Religion (Murdering Bastards)
04. No Kids - Hold Fast (No Kids Attack)
05. Nobodys - I Hate It (The Smell of Victory)
06. Send Help - Sex With Sheep (You Don’t Fit EP)
07. A.G.’s - I Don’t Need Anyone (Because a Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste)
08. BBQ Chickens - Kill Fashion Hippies (Good Bye to Your Punk Rock)
09. April March and The Makers - I Just Might Crack (S/T)
10. Armitage Shanks - You’re Here I’m Hooked You’re Gone (Nevermind the Ballcocks)
11. Wongs - Can’t Stop Me (Reanimate My Baby)
12. Los Olvidados - Something New (Listen To This)
13. Some Action - Don’t You Look (The Band That Sucked The Life Out Of Rock ‘n Roll And Killed Itself In The Process)
14. Dr. Know - The Intruder (Plug-In Jesus)
15. Lurkers - Shadow (Fulham Fallout)
16. Panics - Tie Me Up, Baby! (Please Panic!!)
17. The Enemy - Bang Bang You’re Dead (single)
18. Klaxon - Riot! (The Kids Today)
19. First Offense - Pride And Joy (Broken Home)
20. Zombie Squad - Look Ahead (Surfing With the Contras)
21. Void - Ask Them Why (Faith/Void split)
22. Capital Scum - Asphalt Jungle (Tsjerno Kills)
23. Anthrax - What Will Tomorrow Bring (They’ve Got It All Wrong)
24. Flux of Pink Indians - Tube Disasters (Neu Smell)
25. The Ex - Cells (Singles. Period)
26. Future of the Left - Fingers Become Thumbs (single)
27. Mclusky - Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues (Mclusky DO Dallas)
28. Tar - Solution 8 (single)
29. Pere Ubu - Non-Alignment Pact (The Modern Dance)
30. Maximum the Hormone - Chu chu Lovely Muni Muni Mura Mura Purin Purin Boron Nururu Rero Rero (Buiikikaesu)

Doc (Bill)
Label: Dr. Strange Records

Dr Strange Records is a label that I have nothing but respect for. For years Dr Strange has been putting out some of the best bands around, including: Whatever (where did they go?), The Skulls, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, 999, Government Issue, and Channel 3, and many more.

Prior to interviewing Dr Strange, I reviewed a handful of Dr Strange releases, and believe me, Doc puts out a quality product.  In addition to running a record label, Dr Strange also runs a great record shop, and a successful mail-order business. It was an honor to interview Doc (Bill), owner of Dr Strange Records, and I hope you consider taking the time to read this interview, and visit his shop.

On with the interview:

1. When did you start Dr. Strange Records, and what gave you the idea to start a punk label?

I started the mail-order part of Dr. Strange in 1988. I had been buying and trading with others, mostly in the U.K., and knew I get a lot of hard to get records for a fair price. I kept seeing all these records (in Hollywood etc…) that I could get for cheap going for a LOT. So I figured why not buy extras and sell them for a FAIR price.

2. Where’d you get the money to start Dr. Strange Records (the label)?

I was working as a food server, prep cook, etc… and every penny I made I put back into it. The first catalog only had about 30 items for sale. Just a one page typed (on a typewriter) catalog.

3. How old were you at the time?

I was 23.

4. Did you live on your own or with your parents at the time?

No, I’ve been on my own since I was 17.

5. When did you start your online/mail order business?

Actually I “tried” many years ago. WAY before most of the others. It just took several tries and many different people until I finally found the right people to make it work. Plus I had to wait for technology to catch up. Dial-up would NOT work! And most places didn’t have Cable internet at that time. I think it really got started (correctly) maybe 8 years ago? Hard to remember…

6. Do you remember when you realized that punk was going to be a part of your life forever?

Good question. Not sure but I’ve been into punk (started out with New Wave in ‘79) since 1980. It took me a good couple years to finally “get it”. You know, what punk rock was and is. It’s been a part of my life since then and will always be.

7. Do you own the publishing rights for the Dr. Strange recordings?

No, I always thought that was kind of unfair to the bands. Hey, I’m not Epitaph! I actually care about my bands!

8. What is Dr. Strange Records’ biggest seller?

VooDoo Glow Skulls. It still sells after all these years. Why? I think it’s because it’s a great release; “Who Is, This Is?” and because they haven’t stopped playing since that record came out! They are amazing! I don’t know where they get the energy!

9. Are you amazed that over 20 years later, people are still buying these records?

Sometimes I am and others not really. I mean, good music is good music and will last forever. I especially like it, while working at the store, seeing a dad come in [my age] with his kid. They both are into the same music. That freaks me out! It’s good to see that Punk is still here and is not going away.

10. Where did you get the name Dr. Strange from anyway?  Were you a comic book fan?

No.  Actually just saw the comic book in a thrift store a couple years before I stared the mail-order and always thought, “that would be a cool name for a record store”.

11. How did you manage to get albums out by pioneers like 999, The Partisans, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, and Channel 3?

God, I don’t know! Luck? No, I think my reputation as an honest guy REALLY helps. My deal (the label deal) is simple and fair and I have nothing to hide from the bands. When it comes to signing new bands, I tell them “Don’t believe anything I say, ask around for yourself and if you want to talk with any of the other bands on my label just let me know.”

12. What was your first exposure to punk rock?

Well, like I said I was into New Wave before punk: Flying Lizards, XTC, Adam & the Ants, the Cars etc… I think the first real band that changed my thinking has to be Devo. I remember listening to them in my bedroom; cutting my hair myself so it would stand up at the top, etc. The first gig I went to was “almost” the Clash (my friend invited me, but I didn’t go!) and then Oingo Boingo (I really regret not going to that. That’s another story in itself). But finally made it to The Dickies at The Whiskey. Still just about my all time favorite band!

13. What’s the last item that came through your shop that blew your mind as a fan, the one item that you couldn’t believe you were looking at?

Good question.  A Lot of “those” records come in actually. I mean the RARE ones but it’s hard to remember when one came in that I, personally, was drooling over. I pretty much stopped collecting records when the store opened. Why? Because if I didn’t I’d end up keeping all the good ones for myself and soon be out of business. But to answer your question whenever old Dischord or Dangerhouse stuff comes that gets me excited.

14. Aside from the G.I. DVD that just came out, do you have anything else in the works?

Sure. The next planned stuff is: The Billybones (Skulls singer) new LP/CD, The Freez new LP/CD/DVD, Threats 7″, Government Issue 7″EP., “Make an Effort” (and then all their vinyl reissued) and a few more I’m working on.

15. What is the best selling (most consistent) seller in your shop/website?

Well, I’d have to say things we can never have enough of are: Adolescents, Operation Ivy, The Adicts, Cock Sparrer, Subhumans, Septic Death, Fucked Up, Sex Vid. You know, some old and some new.

16. If you could go back in time and release any one punk record, what would it be?

Easy. Either a Dickies LP (first two) or Still Little Fingers LP “Inflammable Material”. Both of those changed my life!

17. This isn’t so much of a question, but more of a request. Please tell us about your involvement with the Iraqi solider you interviewed last year for AMP.

Chris Dunn (the soldier) was/is a mail order customer that was stationed in Iraq. He would order about once a week (and order a lot!). Good old vinyl that he would have sent to his house in Texas. One day, we sent out something (a catalog maybe?) to a soldier. It was sent back. No explanation but it got me thinking, “I wonder if this guy is still alive”. That made me start thinking about Chris Dunn and what his life was like living in Iraq. That’s why I did the interview with him. By the way, Chris is back home in Texas. Not sure if he has to ship out again. I hope not!

18. Do you have any interesting stories you’d like to share?

Oh man, almost everyday working at the store is a story! From our local Alta Loma nut-job that we call “Shits everywhere man” (comes in, takes a shit and leaves. And I’ve seen him doing the same in other places!) to other kids that are prone to temper-tantrums to a homeless guy that “befriended” us and used to hang out all day.. Hey, never a dull day at Dr. Strange.

19. What/who are you listening to now?

Today I had on The Boys LP “Alternative Chartbusters” and have been listening a lot to The Ruts LP “The Crack” and still the new Subhumans LP “Internal Riot”. GREAT release!

20. Which artist, band concert and/or show had the most impact on your life?

Has to be the first; The Dickies at the Whiskey. I was just a kid surrounded by Mohawks, safety pins in cheeks, stage diving and more. Man, that was something! It’s a feeling you can have only ONCE.

If you get the chance to visit the Dr. Strange Records website, go and stock up on some of these classic releases.

On a separate note, my Brother and I are going to be putting on the Los Angeles Punk Con next June 9, 2009 (and possibly June 10, 2009). We have contacted, about, eight “big” names from the world of American punk, and as soon as we get some confirmations, we’ll announce the names; Henry Rollins is still a maybe. Glenn Danzig, Lee Ving and Jello Biafra have not responded, Mike Ness declined.  We have Lisa Fancher founder of Frontier Records, and Dr. Strange Records coming out.  Danny of Warning Label Records is trying to bring a couple of bands from his label.  We are looking for vendors, and sponsors. Check out the site, http://lapunkcon.com. Any questions, feel free to write: punk.con@gmail.com.

Currently:

Reading: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

Listening: Victims - Annette (7 inch)

Watching: The Decline of Western Civilization III directed by Phenelope Sheeris

Due to a crazy amount of bills that came due all at once I was unable to purchase the microphone I wanted this week. This means another show without hearing my lovely voice. If you enjoy the show and want to help out, any donations will go towards the purchase of a microphone that isn’t a complete piece of crap. Thanks!

Right Click To Download

Time: 61:06
File Size: 69.9MB

Tracks played:
01. Brutal Knights - Face Of Death (Pleasure Is All Thine)
02. Dayglo Abortions - Inside My Head (Feed US a Fetus)
03. Feederz - Jesus (Jesus EP)
04. Fear - Now You’re Dead (single)
05. Gay Cowboys In Bondage - Rip Off (Completely Silly Discography)
06. Die Kreuzen - In School (Die Kreuzen)
07. Rejectors - Rejection (Thoughts Of War EP)
08. Really Red - Starvation Dance (Really Red CD)
09. Direct Control - Fake (No Bullshit Vol. 1 compilation)
10. Deadline - Closed Door (8-2-1982)
11. Corrupted Morals - No Assholes (Think About It)
12. Stains - Get Revenge (Stains)
13. Neo Punkz - If I Watch the TV
14. Poison Idea - Pure Hate (Pick Your King)
15. Negative Gain - Night of the Rat (Back From the Dead)
16. Second Opinion - Fight Back (Youth Revolt EP)
17. Dag Nasty - Simple Minds (Wig Out At Denkos)
18. Cause For Alarm - Poison in the Machine (Cause For Alarm)
19. Rai Ko Ris - Nepal Bandh (Himalayan Frostbite EP)
20. Saints - ‘Je Fuckin’ T’Aime (Imperious Delerium)
21. Undertones - Teenage Kicks (True Confessions)
22. Boris the Sprinkler - Gimme Gimme Grape Juice (8 Testicled Pogo Machine)
23. Backs - Jerry Garcia’s an Asshole (single)
24. Manges - Havana Affair (Rocket To You)
25. Delinquents - Bible School (The Master Tape compilation)
26. Stiff Little Fingers - At The Edge (Nobody’s Heroes)
27. The Damned - Born To Kill (Damned Damned Damned)
28. Dustin’s Bar Mitzvah - To The Ramones (Get Your Mood On)
29. Terminal State - Panic Attack (single)
30. Dicks - No Fuckin’ War ( Dicks 1980 - 1986)

The Voids
Sounds of Failure, Sounds of Hope
Label: Doctor Strange Records
Release Date July 10, 2007

Adri - vocals
Mike - drums
Chris - guitar
Ruby - bass guitar

01. Money and Musica
02. Bad Dreams
03. Suburban Boredom
04. Disconnected
05. Fear
06. Grasping Hands
07. Are You Happy?
08. Romance and Heartbreak
09. Take It Back
10. Undone
11. Violent Nights
12. 24 Faces

This past Thursday night I hopped a train for San Diego to attend the San Diego Comic-Con, and to stir up some interest in next year’s Los Angeles Punk Con. We passed out over four hundred flyers, talked to a bunch of people. Rapped with David Finch, the artist of the latest Disturbed album covers. Stuff like that. Henry Rollins didn’t appear this year.

The absolute highlight of the four day trip was hanging out at Taang Records on 5th Avenue. The owner, Curtis gave us a punk history lesson like I had never heard, played us a bunch of old singles (Victims – Annette on Plan 9), and gave us run down on how he started the Taang label, and how the shops came to be. Great shop, if you’re in the area stop in and check the place out.

On to the review . . .

Vocally, and musically The Voids sound like a hybrid of 1980 L.A. Hardcore with a twist of Devo influence.

Musically, the group is really good, but my only problem with this album was the vocals, Adri sounds like Bret Michaels from Poison trying to sound like Jello Biafra from the Dead Kennedys.

The seventh track Are You Happy? is a Regan Youth cover.

Al in all a fun listen, check them out.

If you get the chance to get a copy of this, go get it.

Rating: ** *** two out of five stars.

Suburban Boredom:
Download

Are You Happy?
Download

On a separate note, my Brother and I are going to be putting on the Los Angeles Punk Con next June 9, 2009. We have contacted, about, eight “big” names from the world of American punk, and as soon as we get some confirmations, we’ll announce the names; Henry Rollins is still a maybe until the beginning of the year. Glenn Danzig, Lee Ving and Jello Biafra have not responded. We have Lisa Fancher founder of Frontier Records, and Dr. Strange Records coming out, so make sure to browse their great selection of merchandise. Danny of Warning Label Records is trying to bring a couple of bands from his label. We are looking for vendors, and sponsors. Check out the site, http://lapunkcon.com. Any questions, feel free to write: punk.con@gmail.com.

Currently:
Reading: Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions and General Tales of Ordinary Madness by Charles Bukowski
Listening: Various Artists - Someone Got Their Head Kicked In!
Watching: The Dark Knight directed by Chris Nolan

What would another Sunday be without a complication of some kind. This week it appears that one of my charming children did something with my microphone that has caused it to stop working properly, unless sounding like you’re shouting through a really long tunnel can be considered working. Enjoy a Scott-free edition this week (and a short one to boot!). I’ll be hitting up stores this week in search of a mic replacement. Anyone have a recommendation?

Right Click To Download

Time: 45:10
File Size: 72.4MB

Tracks played:

01. Corrosion Of Conformity - Minds Are Controlled (Eye For An Eye)
02. George Moshington - 1,2,3,4 I Declare a Scene War (177-Fuck-You)
03. Chronic Sick - Blood Type X (Reagan Bands)
04. Wards - Six O’clock (The World Ain’t Pretty and Neither Are We)
05. Neon Christ - It’s Mine (2×7)
06. Condominium - Let’s Die (Hello Tomorrow EP)
07. Urban Waste - No Hope (No Hope EP)
08. Criminals - I Feel Funny (Never Been Caught)
09. No Pigs - Shoplifting (No Pigs EP)
10. Bark Hard - Beg Us to Stop (Bark Hard)
11. Zany Guys - Little Tuff Kid (Party Hits 2)
12. Lost Kids - Skrid (Født som Nul)
13. Forgotten Rebels - The Punks Are Alright (In Love With the System)
14. Descendents - I Wanna Be A Bear (Milo Goes To College)
15. Killdozer - Unbelievable (The Pig Was Cool 7″)
16. Voodoo Idols - Do The Kirk (Hyped To Death #32 compilation)
17. The Fun Things - Savage (The Fun Things EP)
18. DDT - People Are People (Broken Toy)
19. Forced Anger - Old Fart Drivers (Pent Up)
20. Piss Drunks - Good to Go (Urine Idiot)
21. Soulside - Punch the Geek (20 Years of Dischord compilation)
22. Eddie and the Subtitles - Zombie Drug Killers (Skeletons in the Closet)
23. Stimulators - Loud Fast Rules (single)
24. Insurgent Kid - Paranoia (Paranoia)
25. Crash Kills Five - Special School (What Do You Do At Night?)
26. My 3 Sons - People Who Bleed (New Jersey’s Got It compilation)
27. H2O - Nazi Punks Fuck Off (Anti-Racist Action Benefit compilation)
28. Dead Kennedy’s - Religious Vomit (Plastic Surgery Disasters)
29. Attak - Big Brother (Zombies)
30. The Pedestrians - American Town (Pedestrians EP)

Threats
God Is Not With Us Today
Label: Doctor Strange Records
Release: 2006

Jim Threat - Vocals, & Guitar
Gogsy Threat - Guitar
Dave Threat - Bass
Craigy Threat – drums

1 Live Fast Die by Mistake!! 00:13
2 Rotten 03:02
3 Bastards and Bitches 02:57
4 Greedy 02:03
5 No Time for It 02:47
6 Armchair Anarchist 03:08
7 B.F.F 02:01
8 Todays Youth 01:48
9 Oh Really! (I Don’t Think So!) 02:03
10 Believe 02:19
11 Time 02:34
12 Rejects 03:48
13 Iron Maiden 02:43
14 God is Not with Us Today!! 02:11
15 Untitled Track 03:54
16 Untitled Track 2 07:18

Back in September of 1978, after a year or so of idolizing all the Dogtown guys, my Father took my Brother and I down to Skatercross in Reseda and got us memberships; I was twelve, my Brother was eight.

One of the funniest things about Skatercross, was their application; at the age of thirty you qualified for a discount, because you were considered a senior citizen, my Father was thirty-two, he wasn’t amused. Another of the things I remember most about this application was the three categories “Novice,” “Intermediate,” and Pro.” I was horribly pissed, because my Dad checked “Novice” on mine. I remember freaking, asking my Dad “Why novice?” And he said “Because you are.” I was very disillusioned, hadn’t he seen me hop off of curbs? Grind along the edge of the sidewalk? Obviously, he knew nothing of skateboarding.

Skating into the starting point of Skatercross was frightening, you had your choice of going up to this two-story ramp, and skating down into the bowl at top speed or starting out at ground level. This was my first attempt at a skate park so I started at ground level just putting along as fast as I could go, and suddenly half a dozen kids come barreling down on me from the ramp, everybody’s screaming lookout to your right, lookout left, a few sailing over me via the bowls walls. It was crazy! My Brother and I skated for a few hours, until Dad scooped us up for dinner. I remember feeling very cool after that. Every street skater wants to attempt a park. I remember looking at pictures of Tony Alva airborne in skate parks in Santa Monica, wishing it was me (minus the crazy hair). So, for the next few months I showed everybody and their Momma my Skatercross membership card. I later acquired the nickname Mellow Cat (from Linda “Ziggy” Daniels) taken from the Skateboarder Magazine comic by Ted Richards.

Fast forward thirty years to July 2008, my four-year-old Son and I spent this past Sunday afternoon restoring an old Kryptonics skateboard I had. It was missing a wheel, bearings were rusted, screws and bolts were rusted. So, over the course of an afternoon I replaced the screws and bolts, put on new wheels and bearings, my Son, Lucas, put on the wheels, I just tightened them. Same kind of stuff I used to do with my Dad (when he had the patience) before we lost him in 2005. Eventually, everything comes full circle.

On to the review . . .

This album is definitely great skateboard music, pop this album on and find a pool, or ramp, and tear it up!

This is another one of the few times that I have popped on an album that I have never heard any of the songs from.

The Threats sound kind of like Motorhead if Lemmy had a smoother voice. The bass lines are great.

The song Greedy is kick ass, the guitar riffs sound real familiar (download it below). The Threats have a very cool old school UK punk sound (they were formed in 1978). Time is about the best song on the album.

Check out Dr. Strange’s website, they have this CD on sale for $8.00, for all fourteen songs. A good purchase.

Listen:

Time

Armchair Anarchist:

Video:
http://drstrange.com/info/threats_movie.html

On a separate note, my Brother and I are going to be putting on the Los Angeles Punk Con next June 9, 2009. We have contacted, about, eight “big” names from the world of American punk, and as soon as we get some confirmations, we’ll announce the names; Henry Rollins is still a maybe until the beginning of the year. We have Lisa Fancher founder of Frontier Records, and Dr. Strange Records coming out, so make sure to browse their great selection of merchandise. Danny of Warning Label Records is trying to bring a couple of bands from his label. We are looking for vendors, and sponsors. Check out the site, http://lapunkcon.com. Any questions, feel free to write: punk.con@gmail.com.

If you get the chance to get a copy of this, go get it.

Rating: *** ** three out of five stars.

Currently:
Reading: Two Trains Running by Andrew Vachss
Listening: The Vandals - Peace through Vandalism
Watching: Grandma’s Boy directed by Nicholaus Goossen

Back to normal after missing the past two weeks. Requests or comments? Hit up the Contact section of StrangeReaction.com.

Right Click To Download

Time: 63:19
File Size: 72.5MB

Tracks played:
01. Sons Of Ishmael - Do Something Radical (Mimsy With the Borogoves)
02. Schlong - Jet Song (Punk Side Story)
03. Chinese Millionaires - Spoiled Rotten (Detroit Double Cross)
04. Blood Vessels - Catholic Zombies (Blood Vessels)
05. Terminal State - Your Rules (Your Rules EP)
06. Blanks 77 - Max Alert (Speed)
07. Smiley Kids - Bomb the Hill (Don’t Get Bored)
08. Virus Nine - 77 Threat (What Are You Afraid Of?)
09. Betrayed - The City Lights (Substance)
10. Bullet Lavolta - Because You’re Mine (Bullet Lavolta)
11. Bikini Kill - Rebel Girl (singles)
12. Ashley Von Hurter and the Haters - You Really Shouldn’t Have (EP)
13. The Vicious - Walking Dead (Alienated)
14. Nojons - Living With the Living Dead (Night of The Nojons)
15. Killroy - D-Generation (99 Bottles EP
16. Flipper - Ha Ha Ha (Sex Bomb Baby)
17. Section 8 - Fat, Drunk, & Stupid (Not So Quiet On the Western Front)
18. The Derelicts - Dirty City, Rotten Life (Going Out of Style)
19. Secret Hate - First Straw (Pop Cult Vomit)
20. Out With a Bang - Punches in the Face (I’m Against It)
21. The Business - Smash The Discos (The Singles Collection)
22. Picture Frame Seduction - Old Soldiers (Stop the Bloody Slaughter)
23. Necros - Bad Dream (Conquest For Death)
24. Red Beret - I Can’t Take It (You Can’t Argue With Sucksess compilation)
25. Jerry’s Kids - Bad Trip (Kill Kill Kill)
26. The Sick - Aware (Killing My Hope)
27. Strike Out - Strike Out (Embrace)
28. Terremoto Party - Kids In America (Punk Chartbusters Volume 1 compilation)
29. Terveet Kädet - Star Wars Game (The Horse)
30. The Mob - Upset the System (We Come To Crush)

Whatever
Youngsters
Producer: Bill Korecky
Released: July 15, 1997
Dr. Strange Records

Ben E. Wrecked - Guitar, &, Vocals
Mike Slapface - Bass, & Background Vocals
M. Fish – Drums & Background Vocals

1 Something New 2:45
2 Nothing to Say 2:08
3 Seek and Annoy 3:19
4 Me Against the World 3:31
5 I Can’t Forget 2:39
6 Happy Face 1:53
7 200 Gibson 2:21
8 Ruby Tuesday 2:12
9 Dog 2:18
10 Ratboy 1:41
11 I Want to Be 2:18
12 I Never Needed You 2:13
13 Peterman 2:00
14 Loser’s Theme/Conclusion 4:40

Back in August of 1980 a band called Jethro Tull put out an album called A. When it came out I thought nothing of it, I just vaguely remember seeing the album cover in an ad in, maybe, Creem magazine of something. Well, a month or two later I was at my Uncle Rick’s place, and Rick came walking into the kitchen wearing a white dress shirt with a big red anarchy symbol painted on the back. Rick had created a stencil out of cardboard, and painted this thing on the back. It looked cool as heck. The only problem was . . . I didn’t know, at the age of fourteen, what the hell anarchy was. So, in my ignorance, I ask Rick, kind of disappointed, do you like Jethro Tull? He answers, no it’s anarchy. I, again, answer stupidly, I’ve never heard of them. At this point Rick sits me down, explains the theories of Crass, the meaning of the Black Flag, and how anarchy isn’t truly chaos. It’s a concept of self-governing, the concept of elected government and man’s laws being eradicated. Probably, the deepest conversation I had had at this point in my young life, next to my Father’s very bizarre version of the facts of life that I received two years earlier.

Fast forward two years, 1982. I am wearing a sleeveless t-shirt that Rick had made for me. It was a huge anarchy symbol on the front of the shirt. Rick had used the stencil twice. Sprayed it with red first, let it dry, and then sprayed it with black. It was cool, the black symbol, and it looked like it had a red shadow around it. Anyway, I’m walking to lunch and this long-haired rocker dude walks by me, looks at me and scrunches his face up and says “You like Jethro Tull?” Unfortunately, I didn’t have the patience that my Uncle had with me, so, I said “Hell yeah, Jethro Tull Rocks!” And long-haired kid walked away very confused.

On to the review . . .

This is one of the few times that I have popped on an album that I have never heard anything about. Well, I was reading the press comments about Whatever, and they were described as sounding like old Social Distortion . . . well, do you need to hear more in order to grab this album? In all honesty, they are a great blending of The Offspring and Social Distortion, with a pinch of Bad Religion, a real clean, hard sound. Love it. They do a kick ass version of Ruby Tuesday. The Stone’s music always converts well to punk. Check out Dr. Strange’s website, they have this CD on sale for $1.00, for all fourteen songs.

What are you waiting for? Look in your ashtrays, in between your seats, hell I’ll put in a dime on it for you, order it!

You can download the first track, Something New, from Dr. Strange’s site.

Something New (right click to save)

On a separate note, my Brother and I are going to be putting on the Los Angeles Punk Con next June 9, 2009. We have contacted, about, eight “big” names from the world of American punk, and as soon as we get some confirmations, we’ll announce the names; Henry Rollins is still a maybe until the beginning of the year. We have Lisa Fancher founder of Frontier Records, and Dr. Strange Records coming out, so make sure to browse their great selection of merchandise. Danny of Warning Label Records is trying to bring a couple of bands from his label. We are looking for vendors, and sponsors. Check out the site, http://lapunkcon.com. Any questions, feel free to write: punk.con@gmail.com.

If you get the chance to get a copy of this, go get it.

Rating: **** * four out of five stars.

Currently:
Reading: Post Office by Charles Bukowski
Listening: Dag Nasty - Minority of One
Watching: Strange Wilderness directed by Fred Wolf