Reagan Youth Live & Rare Review

Originally appeared in Married Punks 13, which was published in 1998. Reagan Youth Live & Rare Reagan Youth, in its day, was anti-Nazi and pro-anarchy (the two should always go hand in hand), and that's why it's great that New Red Archives, one of the best punk labels around, has released this. Face it, a lot of today's "popular" punk is sorely lacking in the political department. Live & Rare is exactly what it claims to be. It's live cuts from CBGB's and demo versions of songs. The straightforward punk of "It's a Beautiful Day," "New Aryans," "USA," "Are You Happy?" and "In Dog We Trust" are the epitome of good punk music. Sadly, the singer, Dave Insurgent, never got the recognition he and the band deserved. Dave killed himself after his mother's death, his girlfriend's murder at the hands of serial killer Joel Rifkin, and years of drug abuse. This is a fitting way to remember him.

The Pressure Review

Originally published in issue 13 of Married Punks in 1998 The Pressure Is there a bit of Man or Astroman? influence here? Who cares? This spacey, experimental stuff is go in my book. The vocals, what little there is, are similar to the style Doug Evil used in Orgy of One, for all you old-timer completists. On the downside, there's only three songs. I want more! Oh well, maybe next time.

Polar Bear Review

This originally appeared in Married Punks #13, published in 1998.


Polar Bear

Polar Bear is a trio with Thoman Van Wendt, Biff Sanders of Ethyl Meatplow and Eric Avery of Jane's Addiction, which should've broke up after Nothing's Shocking.  That said, I think I can openly admit to finding this band ... interesting.

With a feeling of something almost gothic, this band has put together a slightly unique sound that surprised me.  "Water," the second of five songs, really had some cool samples in it an an excellent groove.

I'm not overly impressed by this band, but I'm not dismissing it either.  That's too premature.  I want to see where it's headed before passing final judgment.

Plantabiss The Color of Foul Thoughts Review

This originally appeared in Married Punks #13, published in 1998.


Plantabiss The Color of Foul Thoughts

At times, this is pure grindcore noise, but then ... it turns and takes on an almost jazz-like feel in tempo.  Yes, Plantabiss has talent, though it won't be apparent from a cursory listen.

Songs like "Flourescent Walls" show a different direction than the usual grind.  It's not screaming vocals and equally screaming guitar.  Instead, it has a subdued techno beat with a singing style that is closer to Frodus than Disrupt.  It's a contender for favorite song status on the CD.

Plantabiss is sure to annoy people, especially those who can't stand anything that deviates from the norm.  It's far from a perfect fusion of grindcore, ambient and techno, but it's damn close.

NOFX So Long and Thanks for all the Shoes Review

This originally appeared in issue 13 of Married Punks, published in 1998.


NOFX So Long and Thanks for all the Shoes

This is NOFX's best release since White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean.  You already know what NOFX sounds like (I'm assuming too much maybe), so I won't bother with heady descriptions.

The CD's title is a take on a popular sci-fi novel (if you don't know it, you need to read more), and the songs have the same humor and insights that the book has.  Songs like "It's My Job to Keep Punk Rock Elite" and "Murder the Government," "Kill Rock Stars," and "I'm Telling Tim" are as humorous as they are telling.  NOFX ain't afraid to slay a few sacred cows, and the guys have fun doing it.

Say what you will about NOFX, but the fact remains that it is one hell of a band that oozes talent like a rancid wound leaks pus.

The Howard Stern bit at the end is great, too.  I miss that aspect of the East Coast.

New Bomb Turks At Ropes End Review

From Married Punks 13, published in 1998.


New Bomb Turks At Ropes End

For those that liked Scared Straight, New Bomb Turks' first Epitaph release, this CD will be equally welcome.

New Bomb Turks is straightforward rock 'n' roll with a punk attitude.  When Eric sings, "I'm a singer, I don't care/Just want your creamy thighs" in "Raw Law," it's more Rolling Stones than it is Sex Pistols.  To quote my dad, "Nothing wrong with that."  And there's not.

New Bomb Turks is synonymous with high energy music.  The title song proves that.  The band, from Ohio of all places, knows that its roots lie as much with old rhythm and blues as they do with bands like The Ramones (if only for the ability to get people moving).  Not many other bands could make a harp, banjo and piano sound so slick.  New Bomb Turks does, though, and that's why the band is so damn killer.  It flows in all the right directions.

The band, like any good rock band (although not necessarily any good punk band) understands that rock music, with all its guitars and primordial ooze, is all just about sex.  It should leave you as breathless as a gigantic orgasm, and just as sweaty.  Unlike many rock bands, however, New Bomb Turks has a firm ground in the punk scene, so I doubt the sexual aspect of the music is discussed, or possibly even realized by the band.  Ask yourself this, though: What's a better band to screw to -- New Bomb Turks or Crass?

Mange Junkie Review

This originally appeared in issue 13 of Married Punks, published in 1998.


Mange Junkie

Mange is equal parts plodding metal and inmate-at-the-asylum vocals.  Pure metal, you could say.  Good deal!

Of the four songs on this demo, it's hard to pick out the best one -- each has something to offer both lyrically and musically, though "Senseless Deceit" is the weakest of the group. 

Word has it that a 7" may be in the works.  That would definitely be a plus.  Mange needs to put something else out soon!

Kosher The CD Review

This originally appeared in issue 13 of Married Punks, which was published in 1998.


Kosher The CD

Kosher is irritating, angry and perhaps a little bitter.  Remi's gruff vocals are reminiscent of a dozen great punk singers (such as the ones who front Gimcrack and U.S. Bombs), while the music is fairly stripped down and drum heavy.

The songs target the usual suspects: Nazis, the rich, etc., but in more of a social manner as opposed to political.

Kosher probably won't become as popular as, say, Jughead's Revenge, but it is a solid band nonetheless.  It'll be interesting to see what the next release is like.

Jughead's Revenge Just Joined Review

This originally appeared in issue 13 of Married Punks, published in 1998.


Jughead's Revenge Just Joined

Jughead's Revenge is always pleasant to listen to.  The mid-tempo punk songs deal with social issues in a way I agree with, though I hope "Corporate Bashing" is sarcastic.  I must admit, the last CD, Image is Everything, was better.

The songwriting on this one doesn't seem as strong as on previous releases.  Is Jughead's Revenge getting stale?  No, but it is in a rut.  It's still a good band that I can listen to almost any day ... even this CD, though it seems repetitive and almost forced at points.  The next CD will decide Jughead's future.  I can almost guarantee it.

The Humpers Euphoria, Confusion, Anger and Remorse

This review was originally published in 1998 in issue 13 of Married Punks


The Humpers Euphoria, Confusion, Anger and Remorse

The Humpers have a song called "Fast, Fucked and Furious" off Live Forever or Die Trying.  That sums up this band quite well.  This new CD is pure, non-political, garage, beer-fueled music.  From the brutal "Steel-toed Sneakers" to "Fistful of Zen," this kicks much butt.

As with the New Bomb Turks, The Humpers' music is sexually active beat work ("Fucking Secretaries" is grand), without being overtly sexual (with the exception of the aforementioned song).  The organ and sax only add to that sexual feeling, too.

The Humpers haven't disappointed in some time.  It may never.  Who knows?  Who cares?  Just sit back and enjoy the fuckin' ride.

Hepcat Right on Time Review

This was originally published in 1998 in issue 13 of Married Punks.


Hepcat Right on Time

"Batman, this is pure Jamaican ska!"

"That's right, Robin.  Don't confuse it with Link 80 or a band like Skankin' Pickle.  This is the real deal."

"Wasn't there another CD with this title, though?  It came out a few years ago, I think."

"Yes.  It was by an obnoxious band called Falling Sickness.  That's different music, though.  You must remember that."

"I will ... if I can ever get over this mesmerizing beat.  What soul, Batman!  Listen to Greg Lee's voice!"

"Don't!  You'll be sucked in."

"The horns.  Batman, the horns!  It's too much!  I can't help but listen."

"No!  Damn!  Too late.  He's dancing away.

"Farewell, friend.  I'll have to fight crime without you.  But, Robin, if the band ever stops playing, come back ... please come back."

Good Riddance Ballads From the Revolution Review

Originally appeared in issue 13 of Married Punks, published in 1998.


Good Riddance Ballads From the Revolution

This CD is excellent.  At times the melodice hardcore songs seal with love, at others -- revolution.  Good combination.  From "Fertile Fields" to the Gorilla Biscuits sounding "Years From Now," this CD kicks much pimpled butt.

Also to be noted is the photo of, my friend and yours ... GG Allin with Chuck and the very fitting cover of Kiss' "I Stole Your Love," which is better than the original.  (That was never my favorite Kiss song.)

Defintely better than A Comprehensive Guide to Moderne Rebellion.

The Fixtures Dangerous Music Defect Review

Originally appeared in 1998 in issue 13 of Married Punks.


The Fixtures Dangerous Music Defect

This is the first two Fixtures LPs on one CD, which is a fantastic idea.  My only experience with this vastly underrated band has been its songs "Welcome to L.A." and "Dangerous Music" from the incredible compilation Welcome to Califucknia.

The Fixtures combines balls out, scorching punk music with biting lyrics dealing with social and political issues.  This band deserves to be heard.  Its early Eighties style of punk is refreshing in the era of skacore (which I'm listening to as I write this) and pop punk.  From "High Dive" to the anti-war "Support the Troops" to the scene critical "Dangerous Music," this CD simply kicks ass.  Play loud; play often.

Filibuster The Means ... Review

Originally published in 1998 in issue 13 of Married Punks


Filibuster The Means ...

Smooth is the first word that comes to mind.  Smooth as a baby's ass.

Filibuster is a reggae/ska/hip hop band that goes the more traditional route while at the same time mixing ambient sounds and scratches into the stew.  The end result being sweet music that is like an extended, laid back jam.  And that's where the fault lies.

As much as I like this, at times it was so laid back that I found it to be nothing more than background music.  I find most reggae to be the same way, but Filibuster is saved by what little bite it has.

The Means ... is recommended by me, but in small doses, or for when one wants to relax in the tub.  It's not gun shooting music, but it's good for massages.

Entropy Tangled Human Complex Review

This originally appeared in issue 13 of Married Punks published in 1998.


Entropy Tangled Human Complex

Entropy is brutal, grinding thrash overpowered by screaming vocals tinged with madness.  When Mark Richard howls, "Born to hate my existence," it leaves no doubt as to what direction the band is heading.

Tangled Human Complex is ten songs of dementia, frustration and fury.  It has social commentary laced with just enough nihilism to give it bite.  Don't dismiss this band as mere head banging noise -- embrace it.  Take comfort in your fear and wind down with the schizophrenic "Chemically Crippled."  It'll take the edge off only to burn you instead.