Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart – “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight” (1968)
February 27, 2010 by Ethan

For part two of today’s bubblegum kick we have an LP from none other than Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart. The first couple songs would have Slade in awe at their ability to make you wanna clap your hands and stomp your feet.

“I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight” is the perfect bubblegum song. They set the bar a little high for themselves with that one. “Pretty Flowers” brings it down to a more mellow “inside voices”-type hand clapping, foot stomping. Then we get a couple slower jams and come back with a fun back and forth dialogue on “Two For The Price Of One” where we get to learn a little about the two artists on this record.

Side two is much slower and probably helped them to score a little more pussy, but I can’t imagine they needed it and should have just stuck to the upbeat stuff for people like me to enjoy. Couple fun songs here: “The Countess”, “Population” <--this one's a bit lengthy

Looks like Boyce & Hart have the internets well policed as I can't find much in the way of downloading any of their material, save for a single or two. Most of their stuff has been reissued and made available on various CD compilations.

The Hardy Boys – “Here Come The Hardy Boys” (1969)
February 27, 2010 by Ethan

Seeing as I’ve been incredibly lazy for the last 2 months, I thought it only fair that I come back to this thing with a real treat.

“Here Come The Hardy Boys” is a top-notch bubblegum record and none of these tunes are written by Boyce, Hart, Kasenetz, Katz, Chinn, or Chapman. Several of these songs (“Those Country Girls”, “That’s That”) rival the best that the Fruitgum Company had to offer.

I think this record even knocks The Wombles out of my top five favorite “songs written for a tv series” records… sorry Wombles. What’s even better is that they put a band together to look like the animated characters and someone had to be cast for the part of “Chubby Morton”. Someone made their mom proud when they nailed that audition.

Back to the content.. solid record beginning to end. Some pop, some rock, some soul, a little Bo Diddley backbeat, sexual innuendo (“you make me wanna lick you up and give you a whirl”), great song titles, theme song. What more can you ask for in a bubblegum record? The Banana Splits adhered to these rules and knocked it out of the park as well.

Thanks to: Television shows of the 60’s.

If you like bubblegum and haven’t heard this reccord, get it here

Fear – “More Beer” (1985)
January 1, 2010 by Ethan

I don’t really remember making Lauren listen to Fear because she hated it, but maybe that’s because I love it so much (or because it was funny). Anyways, one thing she said is true… misogyny is funny. Always has been and always will be. GG Allin knows what I’m talking about… or did know what I’m talking about when he wasn’t dead. Oh wait, two things she said are true. The album artwork is killer. She really should have made reference to Lee Ving’s performance in “Get Crazy”, rather than “Clue”, though.

On to the album content! First song = AMAZING! It’s a great rocker penned by Philo Cramer and I couldn’t dream of writing a better song to kick off a record with. The whole album is great and very different from “The Record”. My old roommate Michelle once told me about her dream of turning this album into a rock opera/visual performance of a sort and I can only hope to live long enough to see that happen. Now don’t any of you a-holes steal that idea!

It’s obvious I love this record and don’t need to get into a track by track breakdown, but there are a few stand out tracks: “The Mouth Don’t Stop (The Trouble With Women Is)”, “More Beer”, “Have A Beer With Fear” and “Welcome To The Dust Ward”. Most bands need mind altering substances to create something like this, but Fear managed to do it on good ol’ American beer. 1,2,3,4,1,2,3,4!!!

Only complaint… I barely have time to have a beer with Fear (and blog) as I’m guessing this record clocks in under 20 minutes.

You can download the album here

Fear – “More Beer” (1985)
January 1, 2010 by Lauren

For starters, I would like to punch Lee Ving with the fist on the back of this record. My first memory of fear was driving down Ventura Boulevard with Ethan when I was 16 or 17 and him and our friend Brian wouldn’t stop playing Fear because I hated it. I think this is because I was really into women’s rights…which as a band, Fear is not all about. Now that I am older, I don’t give a shit about women’s rights, so its not as terrible as it used to be. Misogyny is a pretty funny thing when you think about it…
Anyway, I love the artwork for this record. Swastikas rule! Also, thanking a major American beer company is funny. I still think Fear sucks though…Ethan would like me to say how great the first song is, but I would really like to say that I enjoy watching the movie Clue much more than listening to Fear.

You can download the album here

Ivy Green – “All On The Beat” (1985)
December 31, 2009 by Ethan

Though I don’t personally own this record, I am borrowing it from Tsubasa and thought it only necessary that I proclaim my love for Ivy Green while hearing this record for the second time.

This is the third album from this Dutch band and nothing will ever be as good as their debut, but this is every bit as good as the preceding “The Quest” LP, which is my second favorite record featuring horns behind The Saints “Eternally Yours”. The horn section is back and this is now my third favorite record featuring horns.

The album continues in the pop direction they went in with “The Quest” and the songs are just as amateur and catchy as ever.

Side A:
They kick things off with the title track (“All On The Beat”) which has the loose vocal feel of a first album track, then move into a very Saints-like tune (“Rainy Day”) which would have fit perfectly sandwiched between any two songs on “Eternally Yours”. The next song (“Waking Up As A Stranger”) has an Only Ones quality to it, that could have been great had they taken it in a Pack “Looking For Danger” direction with a really hyper change after a moody intro. Maybe next time around. We then go a little Subway Sect (think “Ambition”) with the bass driven “Short Cut To Happiness”, followed by one of the catchiest pop/rock songs on the album “Please, Please, Please”. They finish off the side with a real cool mellow jam (“The Art Of Seduction”).

Side B:
“Too Much Pleasure” comes back to pogo speed and sets the pace for this side, leading into my favorite song on the record (if you can get past the opening and closing horn notes) “Never Trust A Memory”. This is just a well written song (there’s like five parts to this song, which is like 3 or 4 more than usual for these guys!) that leaves a Saints taste in my mouth and features a great dissonant horn solo and toy organ lead. We’re back to the old repetitive one part song they’re best know for with “(I Lost) The Sound Of My Heart”. Lots of good noise made here by the guitarist to make you think something else is happening in the song, but they can’t fool me. “Hold As Love” goes back to that Only Ones sound and is the one track on the record I could probably do without. “Killing The Monster” hits on another Saints note and I really like the heavy tom drumming over the chorus. We end on another moody song (“Meeting Of The Waters”) and something about the vocals on this one really worked for me and made the mellow closer seem right.

Ivy Green has one other LP to my knowledge. If anyone has a copy of that, they should rip it because I would very much like to hear it. I’m going to try to rip this record when I get a chance. Can’t seem to find it anywhere on these interwebs.

Urban Dogs – “No Pedigree” (1985)
December 24, 2009 by Ethan

Charlie Harper, Knox, some dude named Turkey on drums and a saxophone (whoops). Sounds like a recipe for greatness right? Well, I thought so at least. It’s not all bad. There just seems to be something missing still, like, great songs. I feel like they put this record together with a bunch of throwaway songs, so every now and then certain things work, but there’s just… something missing…

There’s some pretty obvious Stooges influence going on here and these guys are known for putting out great punk records. Not great proto-punk records. The first track “Wanna World” was decent and I thought it would set me up for some solid progression, but we headed straight in the opposite direction until we got to “Heavy Women” sung by Knox, then took another nose-dive. I’m stopping this one at the end of Side A. I just don’t feel up to taking in the B Side right now.

I’ve heard the first LP they did is better. You can download both albums here

The Yum Yums – “Sweet As Candy” (1997)
December 24, 2009 by Ethan

Rant time… I picked up this record because I’ve always heard about this band being a great modern “power pop” band. What we have here is 10 songs of the cheesiest pop punk clichés and 2 cover songs and no, covering The Pointed Sticks and Jane Wiedlin does not immediately make you a power pop band. These guys have more in common with Green Day and Blink 182 (who I almost feel bad for about making this comparison because I really like Green Day, but hey, it’s something everyone can use as a reference point) than they do with bands like The Pointed Sticks or The Nerves, yet I know the same kids who champion those bands are the same ones raving about The Yum Yums, and I know none of those kids refer to Green Day as saviors of the power pop movement. If you like this stuff, go check out the entire Screeching Weasel/Riverdales catalogue. There’s like 12 records full of these songs and they’re far more interesting. I remember seeing these guys play and thinking the harmonies were really well executed, but I get none of that from this record. I only get Ramones songs flipped around and an attempt at breaking into the mainstream pop charts by jumping on the pop punk bandwagon of the late 90’s. Had Lou Pearlman been watching the scene in Norway, he probably would have jumped all over these young men. If only I could melt this record and turn it into another Material Issue record… Maybe I’m missing something here and the jokes on me, but this was a total disappointment.

Hear it for yourself here

The Sillies – “America’s Most Wanton” (2002/1977)
December 24, 2009 by Ethan

Here’s a grossly under-appreciated early Detroit band I’ve been championing for years, so, what better place to continue that than here? I’ve given away at least two copies of this record and The Sillies are now two fans stronger.

Let’s start with the cover, which is obviously the reason I gave this a shot in the first place. Great logo, poorly laid out, fold over sleeve with liner notes on the back to cut costs on an insert, monochromatic, and an image that brings to mind what the Electric Eels sound like. Perfect!

The music is all encompassing of the Detroit sound, loud, sloppy, garage-y, other adjectives… and the songs run the gamut from MC5 (“Heavy Breathing”) and Iggy (“Apparition”, “If Your Girlfriend Still Loves You When Your Car Breaks Down, You Know Her Love Is True”) to The Electric Chairs (“Sex For The Handicapped”) and first generation Gizmos (“No Big Deal”).

There’s a little something on here for everyone that enjoys that punk/rock crossover sound. It’s the kind of good record you’d expect from one of those “fake” punk bands like The Vacants, but these guys were totally genuine in their approach and it paid off.

Looks like they only ever put out one hard to find 7″, so, you gotta find this LP or the CD that came out at the same time. And you should!

Whoa! Just learned the drummer was also in the Ramrods. I’ll try to get to that record next, but this whole Christmas thing is rapidly approaching.

If anyone knows a place to download this, let me know! Ripping it myself always sounds like butt.

The Action – “Slashing, White Hot” (2009/1978)
December 24, 2009 by Ethan

I absolutely love early punk from Canada and have been looking for The Action’s 12″ on Montreco for years (for a reasonable price, of course), but Rave-Up has gone and made things easy for me again by releasing another “too many songs from a band who put out 1 great record” compilation.

I like to think of these guys as the Radio Birdman of Canada. If that wasn’t the inspiration behind “Do The Strangle”, may He strike me dead right now…………………….ok, still here.

As with any Rave Up release, the lo-fi stuff is a bit tough to listen to, while the properly recorded material on this is incredible. “TV’s On The Blink” has that perfectly crafted, dumb Dee Dee style song writing charm. The singer has a great punk rock howl and there’s plenty of guitar virtuosity, if you’re into that sort of thing.

I highly recommend this as the two songs from the first single are a must-have and there’s enough good tunes to get your money’s worth.

No download link. This just came out and you can order it online or get it at local shop.

Alien Sex Fiend – “Here Cum Germs” (1987)
December 14, 2009 by Ethan

Jesus, when are these songs gonna end. Not sure if anything on here clocks in under 5 minutes and I do not have that kinda attention span. Especially when it does the same goddamn thing the the entire time with a goofy drum machine keeping the beat. I can’t imagine this is what deathrock had in mind.

I did get some giggles when I started to imagine Fred Schneider of the B52’s singing the title track. Other than that, this record is a total snooze fest. Maybe their earlier stuff is better, but I’m not holding my breath.

Download it here

Suburban Lawns – “Suburban Lawns” (1981)
December 13, 2009 by Ethan

Finally, a record I fully enjoy! I’ve had a couple of their singles for a while, but was very happy to hear a whole LP’s worth of material from these (I assume) art school weirdos who owe a thing or two to Mr. Mothersbaugh.

I can’t quite put my finger on what it is that fascinates me about Suburban Lawns. The songs aren’t terribly catchy. I think it’s that I’m never sure what’s going to happen next, during a song, or from one song to the next. Tempo change? Wacky circus synth? Mindfreak!!!

I’d love to hear a conversation between Su Tissue and the gal from The Waitresses, in which they deliver every line in their respective vocal styles, and all the while a jazz band plays quietly in the background. Ultimate cure for insomnia.

Favorites songs: “Anything”, “Prisoners” and “Janitor”

Download it here

Sic Kidz – “No Reason To Complain” (1990/1979)
December 13, 2009 by Ethan

No, it wasn’t the terrible album cover that made me pick this one up. It was this penchant of mine for needing to hear every punk band from the late ’70’s era. Unfortunately, I’ve never been a big Cramps fan and have little to no use for some Philadelphia imposters.

Side 1 is now a coaster… maybe I’ll try to keep my beer can off the grooves of “Needlehead”, but I’m not gonna sweat it too much.

Side 2 picks up a bit with “L.S.D.” and “No Reason To Complain”, but really screws the pooch with “Teen Angel”. I’ll probably never play this again, just in case I am overcome with paralysis whilst listening and won’t be able to shut the record off before “Teen Angel” comes under the needle. Ugh…

No download link available, but Rave-Up Records seems to have an LP of their stuff still available for sale?

Zero Boys – “The Heimlich Maneuver” (1993)
December 13, 2009 by Ethan

The Zero Boys suck in the 90’s… anyone wanna buy a Zero Boys record?

The LP does come with a single featuring a cover of “USA” by Dow Jones And The Industrials. Doesn’t beat the original, but beats the butt off that abomination of an LP they call “The Heimlich Maneuver”.

Don’t buy it… don’t even follow this link to listen to it.

Bebe Buell – “Covers Girl 12″ EP” (1986)
November 29, 2009 by Ethan

Q. Who wants to hear the chick who boned down with the likes of Stiv Bators, Todd Rundgren and Steven Tyler cover classic songs by Love, Tom Petty, The Nightcrawlers, and Iggy?…
A. This guy!

Q. Is she a babe?
A. Yes

Q. Can she sing?
A. Nope

Q. Do I ever wanna hear this record again?
A. Doubtful, though “Funtime” was mildly interesting.

Sorry… Can’t find a download link. You’ll just have to take my word for it.

The Neighborhoods – “…the high hard one…” (1986)
November 29, 2009 by Ethan

This is really one of those records for the power pop enthusiast as it’s totally non-essential but has a couple great moments. The record fits in real nice beside my Outlets “Whole Wide World” LP. Boston power pop had its own sound and The Neighborhoods embody it well.

I was blown away by their live performance at the power pop festival in New York, but the record somehow lacks the energy they were able to drudge up in their old age. Funny thing is, the two live tracks that close out the record are two of the worst moments on here for me. Unless you’re Meat Loaf, I don’t wanna hear about how good she is and how bad you are.

Highlights are “W.U.S.A.”, “Arrogance”, “Real Stories” and “Right As Rain”. If you don’t spend more than $5 on it, you won’t be bummed.

Download it here
Password is “password”

Ramones – “Bonzo Goes To Bitburg 12″” (1985)
November 28, 2009 by Ethan

Here we have the Beggars Banquet 12″ release of “Bonzo Goes To Bitburg”, my all time favorite Ramones song. This may be my last review, as Tsubasa might kill me for saying that.

Regardless, I’m a huge fan of later-era Ramones and they really peaked with this song. Enough said…everyone knows this tune and I suppose what needs to be discussed is the track on the B-side that doesn’t appear on any other Ramones record I own.

“Go Home Ann”, produced by Ed Stasium and Mix by Lemmy (Kilmeister)? Eerie organ intro, glammy drum stomp, catchy chorus… not terribly groundbreaking, but a solid tune that could have easily booted a lesser song off the Animal Boy record. Unfortunately, it is the weakest of the bunch, but when you’re up against two titans, you don’t stand much of a chance, even if you’re the Ramones.

Other song on the B-side is “Daytime Dilemma (Dangers Of Love)” which can be found on the Too Tough To Die album. Another solid serving that I can spin all day long.

Download it here
Password is “masapunk”

The 1910 Fruitgum Co. – “Hard Ride” (1969)
November 28, 2009 by Ethan

Ooh.. The Fruitgum Co. goes a little bit psychedelic on this one.

I love most everything from the Kasenetz-Katz camp and this record is no exception. Perhaps they stray a bit from their bubblegum roots, but there is no denying the sticky goodness of “The Train”. This tune rivals any hit off their earlier records and couldn’t do near the damage of earlier hits if one were to Noriega you with it. Seriously, “Simon Says” for more than 3 plays in a row will have you retching…

Buy the record for “The Train”… the rest is pretty listenable, including some sweet space noises on Side 2, but buy it for “The Train”.

Download the album here