Square pegs stuck in round holes

Happy fucking Wednesday, boys and girls, and thanks for tuning in to this week's episode. We got some choice tracks today spanning across multiple eras of sound, from iconic champions Minor Threat and Bad Brains to brand spankin new acts like Modern Baseball and Curse Words, and everything in between. Open your favorite beverage, give in to your darkest desires and let's get this hootenanny started.




...and of course, the web player link for all you folks who don't have the spotify app: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/3LOt6FOkAMvq5eAfVqqdcB

Down By Law – Gruesome Gary

We kick off this week with a schoolyard singalong from influential punk band Down by Law. Part of the Epitaph family in a flourishing 90s punk scene, DBL quickly made a name for themselves through thoughtful songwriting, technical prowess and dedication to their live sound and their fans. Founded in 1989 by only original member Dave Smalley (who already made a huge impact through his former bands Dag Nasty, DYS and All), Down by Law is back in business after a long hiatus in the 00s. Gruesome Gary tells the story of the rise and fall of a school bully, and is off DBL’s 4^th full-length, All Scratched Up.

Modern Baseball – Tears over Beers

Tears for Beers comes off Philly outfit Modern Baseball’s debut album, Sports. This 12-track release was recorded and produced in the Free Studios at Drexel University, where the two founding members were attending at the time. Artfully blending diverse stylistic elements, ranging from indie folk to emo to rock, and with an inescapable bittersweet timbre, these guys keep you guessing where they’ll go next. Modern Baseball has made plenty of waves, especially in underground music circles, through their devotion to their fanbase and unwavering commitment to stay unpretentious and rooted in their music.

Minor Threat – In My Eyes

Jesus, I may as well turn this playlist/blog into an Ian MacKaye fan club. Arguably, he has enough groundbreaking material and diversity in his art to still make it interesting each week. In My Eyes is a blistering and unrelenting anthem from iconic DC hardcore act Minor Threat. The kings of DIY, Minor Threat released all of their material through their own Dischord Records label. Crack open a beer and enjoy this tune from the founders of the straight edge movement!

Bad Brains – I and I Survive

Next up is a track from equally important member of the DC hardcore community, the rastacorian (see, it’s easy to make up words) dudes of Bad Brains. I and I Survive is off their 1983 sophomore album Rock for Light, which is a schizophrenic mélange of breakneck-speed hardcore and an off-tempo groovin’ calypso reggae. This particular song embodies the latter style, with meandering guitar and vocal melody lines layered over a rocksteady rhythm section. Although I and I Survive provides the listener a glimpse into the stylistic diversity of lead vocalist H.R., it really doesn’t do him justice. Go check out more Bad Brains songs and you’ll see what I mean.

The Offspring - LAPD

It is my hope that oftentimes as you listen to these playlists, you’ll discover new artists, maybe fall in love with a band you had no idea existed. Well, that certainly is not the case with our next track, from uber-famous The Offspring. LAPD is featured off their 2^nd studio album, Ignition, released in ’92 on the Epitaph label.  Pulling from the sounds and themes of the times, this song contains elements of grunge and punk, with some surf undertones, to create a jarringly jangly reproach of the nation’s third largest police force. Unfortunately, this is quite a propos with everything we’ve been seeing in the news lately…Happytimes fun Wednesday fact – some dicktard skinhead stabbed lead guitarist Noodles at one of the band’s earlier shows in the 80s. Nazis definitely make Orange County way less fun.

The Cure – Fascination Street

Now it’s time to get weird with British gentleman Robert Smith and his omnipresent band, The Cure.  The West Sussex rock group was a cornerstone of the burgeoning new wave and post-punk movements in the UK, famously pushing stylistic boundaries and delving into gloomier and more introspective content. Fascination Street, a single off their 1989 Disintegration release, is notable for its extended bass intro and for further establishing The Cure’s gothic pop sound .

Curse Words – Strange Shapes

Stoner punk goofs and self-described “beer models” Curse Words proves that punk rock is alive and well in our nation’s capital. Drawing from a wide range of influences, from bubblegrunge to forward-thinking pop punk, the dudes of Curse Words have created a unique sound that’s getting a lot of attention. Irreverent to the end, and dedicated to the art of the face-melt, they pack a punch at their live shows. Strange Shapes is off their 2016 EP Better Luck Next Time, recorded at the legendary Inner Ear Studios, and walks us through one of their more chemically-enhanced journeys. If you’re in the DMV, go check these guys out next time they play!

The Bouncing Souls – True Believers

True Believers is a hook-driven tune from Bouncing Soul’s 5^th studio album How I Spent My Summer Vacation. Built around lead man Greg Attonito’s delightfully unique melodies, and complemented by thoughtful bass and guitar parts, True Believers underscores why these boys from New Jersey have built such a strong and committed national (and even global) following. Bouncing Souls have been around since 1989 with only a couple small line-up tweaks, and they show no signs of slowing down, releasing their 10^th studio album to date this past July.

Blondie – X Offender

Up next we have new wave group Blondie, led by the incroyable ex-playboy bunny and punk symbol Debbie Harry. X Offender (originally titled ‘sex offender’ before THE MAN shut that down) is the first single off their eponymous debut album. “You wanted the love of a sex offender”…provocative and sarcastic, X Offender details a lady of the night’s crush on her arresting officer, and her schemes to perpetrate love with him. Hugely popular, both commercially and critically, Blondie has sold over 40 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

7 Seconds – Busy Little People

We conclude this week’s shitshow with the song Busy Little People, from melodic hardcore legends 7 Seconds. Formed in Reno, NV in 1980 by brothers Kevin Seconds and Steve Youth, 7 Seconds were influenced by, and experimented with, multiple genres, including west coast hardcore, funk, new wave and punk, to create a long-lasting and hard-earned legacy in the biz. This track is from their LP Soulforce Revolution, released through the Restless Records label in El Segundo. 7 Seconds are themselves busy little people – they are still recording and touring today.

Alright Dragoons, that’s it for us this week. Parting ways is always hard but we’ll do it all over again next Wednesday. Keep in touch, feel free to throw out song requests, and if you’re a band or label and want me to play your shit, just let me know. Andrew out.

Just grrrly things…

This week, I am super excited to put together an exclusively female-fronted playlist. With some of the backwards-ass health/temperament conspiracy theories surrounding the current US presidential election, which essentially amounts to thinly veiled sexism, it got me thinking of all the insidiously subtle, tired old obstacles women face every day; pay inequality, occupational sex segregation, pregnancy discrimination, sexual violence and the list goes on and on and on…to be honest, as a male blogger, it’s tough for me to sit here and write a post about feminist-related movements and try to not come across as disingenuous; or share my thoughts without making it sound like I am in any way a victim, expert, or otherwise in the matter. All I know is that, like many other aspects of life, women were/are forced to endure and surmount a lot of preconceptions to make a name for themselves in the rock music industry. Although punk has consistently provided an outlet and audience that gives voice to underrepresented groups, it’s still a scene traditionally dominated by acts and fans consisting of young white males. So today, we celebrate the rowdy women of punk! Side thought: Angry Ovaries would be a great band name.

Web player link: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/0mJA3H9Lmai1gAQGF5Xobg

The Distillers – Drain the Blood

What better way to open up this commemorative playlist than with the indefatigable Brody Dalle and her Distillers.  Originally from Australia, Brody formed The Distillers in 1998 in Los Angeles, recruiting the help of bassist Kim Chi, guitarist Rose Mazzola and drummer Mat Young. Influenced by both 80s hardcore and the 90s skate punk movement, The Distillers created a sound very much their own, raw, aggressive and melodic, while displaying a brazen energy and defiance. Drain the Blood comes off their third and final record, 2003’s Coral Fang. Keep listening to the playlist for another chance to catch Dalle’s addictive growly vocals!

Tsunami Bomb - Lemonade

Powered by the sweet lead vocals of Agent M, California skate/surf punk band Tsunami Bomb unleashes a torrent of poppy goodness in their track Lemonade, originally released on their 2001 EP The Invasion From Within! I remember going to see them decades and decades and decades ago (like 2004 maybe) open for Bouncing Souls and Strike Anywhere in DC’s former notorious, scuzzy nightclub Nation, and I remember them practically stealing the show. Their hooky anthemic sing-along set combined with an unrelenting energy wowed everyone in the club. Side note – the spot where Nation existed is now the parking garage for the Washington Nationals, laaame.

X – Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not

Next up we have the opening track from seminal rockabilly punk outfit X’s debut album Los Angeles. Produced by ex-Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, this album quickly propelled X to national prominence after receiving rave critic reviews. Sharing songwriting duties, vocalist/poet Exene Cervanka and vocalist/bassist John Doe shaped a distinctive sound through their just ever so slightly-off harmonies. Noted for her contributions to the world of art, music and advancement of weird conspiracy theories, Exene Cervanka left a lasting mark. Interesting fun fact – she was temporarily married to pre-Aragorn Viggo Mortensen in the 80s and 90s!!

Hemlines – The Bear

Shout out to @karenish for suggesting we include Hemlines, an up and coming force in DC’s rock scene, for this week’s episode. Incorporating elements of garage rock and lo-fi punk, while effortlessly weaving from catchy 4-chord choruses to beautifully-toned guitar runs, Hemlines is sure to win over your earbuds with their All Your Homes EP. Go check them out! I’m fucking lovin’ it.

Screaming Females – Ripe

Coming in hot now is the song Ripe, off thrashing indie punk rock stars Screaming Females’ latest release, Rose Mountain. Born and bred in the garden state, Screaming Females have been around since founders Mike and Marrisa met in high school. Fuzzy, angry, and technically ON FLEEK, Ripe showcases all the features that have rocketed Screaming Females onto the national scene, earning them critical recognition and numerous spots on impressive tours.  They’ve kept busy too, recording  7 albums over the course of 9 years, including one engineered by infamous noise god Steve Albini. Bangs for days grrrl

Dance Hall Crashers – Lost Again

Alright, I think we need to turn it down a notch so we can catch our breath and regroup.  Hopefully the contagiously positive vibes of Lost Again by Bay Area ska punk band Dance Hall Crashers can do the trick. Originally formed by the legendary Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman (of Operation Ivy and Rancid fame), some hasty lineup changes morphed DHC into the dual-women-fronted band that they remain to this day. Through a steady diet of gigging, gigging and gigging, they grew their following and became a national act. Lost Again comes off DHC’s third studio album, Honey I’m Homely!, and reflected a move by the band to a faster and more pop-driven flare of ska punk.

Bikini Kill – Rebel Girl

Up next is Rebel Girl from Washington state punkers Bikini Kill, a group from the early 90s that is often cited as the pioneers of the riot grrrl movement. Produced as a single by Joan Jett and later featured on their first full-length studio album Pussy Whipped, Rebel Girl encompasses the thematic and stylistic components that defined Bikini Kill’s essence. The riot grrrl movement is supremely significant, paving the way for future female-fronted acts and shining a light on important and often overlooked societal issues, from rape and domestic abuse to sexuality and female empowerment.

Fabulous Disaster – Final Stab

A later incarnation of the riot grrrl scene, and once labeled as “the best female punk band of all time” by NOFX frontman Fat Mike, is Fabulous Disaster.  Final Stab delivers a heartfelt punch, lacing beautiful melody lines with shouting protests and a thoughtful rhythm section arrangement. Although they disbanded in 2007, Fabulous Disaster left a large and storied legacy.

Retching Red – Battery Acid

I TOLD you I was gonna be featuring another Cinder Block band this week. A Lannister always pays his debt motherfucker (disclaimer – I am not team Lannister, definitely a Stark/Dany fan). This song, Battery Acid, comes off short-lived feminist hardcore band Retching Red. Sit back and enjoy as frontwoman Cinder Block unapologetically screams at your face through your speakers. This track is featured on Retching Red’s first studio album, Get Your Red Wings, released by Rodent Popsicle Records in 2004.

Tacocat – I Love Seattle

I don’t know if I love Seattle, only cos I’ve never been, but I do know I can get behind this track from (you guessed it) Seattle-based pop punk band Tacocat. Incorporating those familiar surf vibes reminiscent of acts like Best Coast and Wavves, Tacocat infuses their own style of sarcasm and humor to create a unique sound that is attracting a lot of attention. I Love Seattle is off their latest album, Lost Time, released in April of this year on Hardly Art Records.

Spinerette – Ghetto Love

YAAAS Brody Dalle. God, her voice, it’s like…it’s like if scratching your nails down a chalkboard was really pleasing to listen to. I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s beautiful and incredibly jarring all at once. Ghetto Love is a single from Brody’s new outfit, Spinerette. It’s catchy as hell, so you probably will have this song stuck in your head for a while.

Le Butcherettes – I’m Getting Sick of You

We close out this week’s episode with Guadalajara-based garage punk band, Le Butcherettes, and their hate song/anthem I’m Getting Sick of You. My buddy Whitney, who’s currently living in Mexico City, showed me Le Butcherettes recently and I am 100% on board with this shit. Founded by the artistically gifted Teri Gender Bender (hobbies include: screaming her lungs out, ripping out her enemy’s hearts, and guitar solos) at the tender age of 17, Le Butcherettes have gradually become a staple of Mexico’s rock scene, while continuing to build out a strong international cult following. If you’re reading this blog in Europe, look them up for their upcoming European tour!

Alright, GRRRLZ and boys, that’s it for this week. I hope you all enjoyed the tunes, and please continue showing support as we shine a light on traditionally under-served music markets. Follow along on facebook.com/wednesdayswithandrew and I’ll smell ya next week!

Never Punt!

Well, howdy there folks, and welcome to another edition of Wednesdays With Andrew. We got some spicy little numbers this week, so I think you'll be pleased. Listen below and follow along with my hastily assembled notes....comportez-vous bien, chulos!

Here's the web link: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/2FY1YSsCBTfLjvxuO6QHA4

88 Fingers Louie – 100 proof

Chicago has a long and storied history of churning out great punk rock acts, and melodic hardcore outfit 88 Fingers Louie is one of my personal favorites. 100 proof is off their 1998 album Back on the Streets, and stays true to the band’s melancholic and rhythm-driven spirit. Between the haunting melody lines, chugging guitar and colorfully-toned bass (including a dope ass solo), this song has something for everyone. Although the band went through their fair share of internal struggles (including alleged golden showers and fist fights), members of 88 Fingers Louie went on to be core members of more renowned acts, including Rise Against and Alkaline Trio.

Meat Wave - Network

Speaking of Chicago, I am throwing in this next track from Illinoisans (I thought it was Illinoisers, but I was autocorrected. It should be Illinoisers) Meat Wave, last minute. These guys opened up for Australian anthem rock powerhouse Violent Soho at last night's DC9 all-ages show, and goddam they were good. It's like if Igor Stravinsky was in a noise rock band. Seamlessly blending a sound at times math rock, hardcore, garage-y punk, or all of the above, Meat Wave continued to build up the dynamic throughout the set, ultimately whipping up the packed room into a frenzy. This track is called Network and is off their latest release Delusion Moon. P.S. - big ups to DC9 for continuing their tradition of all-ages shows...there were a lot of young bloods in the crowd, which is always great to see. P.P.S. - if you're upset that I didn't also include Violent Soho in the mix this week...don't worry, I'll be featuring them a lot in future episodes.

Descendents - Hope

Next up is Hope, from old and familiar heroes Descendents’ debut full-length, Milo Goes to College. Released in 1982, the album is named after biochemist and lead singer (Dr.) Milo Aukerman, and his caricature for the cover art would go on to become the Descendents’ long-standing and infamous mascot. The rise of the irreverent band in the 80s and early 90s signified a big turning point for punk/hardcore scenes, and led to the increasing popularity of the pop punk and melodic hardcore subgenres. Fun fact – I never realized they spelled their band name wrong until Microsoft Word just now informed me! I guess I’m not great at spelling!

Lagwagon – May 16

Now we turn to seminal punk rockers Lagwagon and their catchy-as-hell track May 16. Part of the punk revival movement in southern California in the early 90s, Lagwagon quickly rose to popularity while making a conscious decision to not pursue the same type of commercial success some of their contemporaries, like Green Day and The Offspring, achieved. Turning down multiple offers from major labels, Lagwagon instead decided to stick with Fat Wreck Chords, and have produced 10 releases to-date through the label.  May 16 is off their 5^th studio album, Let’s Talk About Feelings.

Tilt – Annie Seagall

Tilt is yet another example of a great punk band that emerged from the 90s west coast skate scene, and was a shining and lauded member of the Fat Wreck family until they disbanded in the early 00s. Distinguished by the gruff and unrelenting vocals of leading lady Cinder Block, Tilt quickly made a name for themselves, and would eventually be one of the supporting acts for Greenday’s Dookie tour. Annie Seagall is a haunting tale about the despair and desperation of a young girl from Victorian years whose precociousness and sensuality led to a label of “hysteria” and a life in the loony bin. Pro tip – we’ll be featuring Cinder Block on next week’s all-grrrl show so make sure to tune in.

T.S.O.L. – Code Blue

This song is about as gross as you’d imagine, given its central theme of wanting to fuck the dead. Alright sickos, if you really want, you can follow along with the lyrics here. But Code Blue is a hell of a tune, underscoring 80s horror punk T.S.O.L.’s unique blend of musical styles, hook-driven melodies and their ‘I don’t give a fuck and neither should you’ attitude. Interesting tidbit of the week – T.S.O.L. (True Sounds of Liberty) keyboardist and songwriter Greg Kuehn went on to procreate, and his sons Max and Elvis are both founding members of one of my favorite current bands, FIDLAR.

Streetlight Manifesto – A Moment of Silence (into) A Moment of Violence

Last week I featured Tomas Kalnoky’s Catch 22, and this week I have included a couple tracks from his new/current band Streetlight Manifesto. Back-to-back tracks off their debut release, Everything Goes Numb, A Moment of Silence and A Moment of Violence act as the perfect counterpoints for each other, transitioning from a soulful, thoughtful and chill vibe to an aggressive, at times chaotic, cacophony of sound. Composed of many well-known and experienced ska musicians, Streetlight Manifesto continues to pull large draws for their shows in New Jersey and beyond.

Fat Randall – Letting Go

This next track comes from rowdy Dubai punkers Fat Randall. Letting Go, off their 2016 release Keep It Down, is an infectious tune that brings a fresh perspective to pop-driven skate punk. Speedy, loud and melodic, Fat Randall at once provides a sonic homage to its influencers/predecessors, like Lagwagon and NOFX, while bringing youthful energy and irreverence to a scene that hasn’t had enough of it lately. Keep an ear out for them as Fat Randall continues to build off their success and grow their global fanbase.

Ruth – Polaroïd/Roman/Photo

I randomly stumbled across this tune recently. I can’t find too much on these guys, but I did discover that Ruth was a short-lived, 3-piece act out of Paris, France.  Blending their interests in krautrock and synth pop, and driven by a strong desire to make people dance, they created one album in 1985, Polaroïd/Roman/Photo, before disbanding shortly afterwards.  Although they only sold about 50 copies after its release, this album was re-discovered in the 2000s, and is now a must-have for collectors and dance enthusiasts alike.  Watch the slowed down Pulp Fiction gif as you listen! It makes sense, kind of!

Pinhead Circus – Foghat

Next up is Pinhead Circus, hailing from the beautiful state of Colorado. With their growling vocals, jarring drums and focused guitar runs, Pinhead Circus provides us a refreshingly distinctive and fun sound. They have been quietly playing, recording, breaking up, getting back together, playing, breaking up, getting back together, and on and on through the mid-90s to today. Foghat, off a self-titled EP release in 2005, is the result of one of these many brief reunion stints.

Toxic Narcotic – I’m so Thirsty

OK so I am personally not a huuuuge fan of this song by Boston crust punkers/environmental activists Toxic Narcotic. BUT it was one of the theme songs for our college flag football team, Scrawny White Boys (side note: our career record was something like 1-16. We only won once because the other team didn’t show up.  NEVER PUNT!) Toxic Narcotic developed a large fanbase through their speedy rhythms and unwaveringly gritty, raw sound, and were very active in many punk and hardcore scenes throughout the 90s and 00s.

Fury 66 – Blue Strip

We round out this week’s playlist with a little diddy from 90s melodic hardcore act Fury 66, a band that shared 3 of its members with Good Riddance. This tune comes off Fury 66’s album For Lack of a Better Word…, released through Session Records. Fuzzy but soulful, with a gritty somberness, Blue Strip winds us through an emotional tale of a young girl coming to terms with her pregnancy.


Alright kiddos, that's all for this week. I hope you were marginally amused, and please let me know if you have any feedback or song requests. For all you social junkies, follow along on facebook.com/wednesdayswithandrew for extra treats. 

Wild in the Streets

Happy Pakistani Air Force Day! I hope you enjoy this week’s tunes; listen to the playlist below and feel free to read along as you stumble through it. Shout out to my bro, Evan MCGEE, for pointing out that 3 out of my 4 last posts contained songs off soundtracks from Guy Ritchie movies; “I Wanna be your Dog” and “Police and Thieves” from Lock Stock, and “Ghost Town” from Snatch! To keep the trend, I threw in a lil’ last-minute bonus track, an obvious easter egg of sorts – medium ups to you if you recognize which one!

Web player link – https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/2mkCaTGinAmM9hpOnS31eY

Ramones – Warthog

We kick off this week with a track from ubiquitous 70s icons the Ramones. Forged on the gritty suburban streets of Queens, the Ramones are arguably the band that spearheaded the punk movement in the United States. Warthog is off one of their later releases, Too Tough to Die, but exemplifies a return to their roots, less glazey and more teeth. Sad fact of the week – all 4 original members, Joey, Johnny, Tommy and Dee Dee, have passed away.

Deviates – Come With Me

Come with Me is the opening song off the Deviates’ much-anticipated second album, Time Is The Distance. Melodic hardhitters and part of the early 90s punk revival on the west coast, the Deviates preferred to focus on heavy touring and honing their live sound, and so they took 7 years between their first studio release and this one. Unfortunately, the band will break up soon after the release of Time Is The Distance, and we haven’t been graced with their youthful and introspective sound since.

Catch 22 – Keasbey Nights

The title track from their debut album, Keasbey Nights, incorporates all the distinctive sounds that coalesce to make Catch 22 the unique ska band it is. From the speedy tenor parts to the chorus anthems to a rocksteady rhythm section, Keasbey Nights shows us why these Jersey boys enjoy such widespread popularity. Although band leader and founder Tomas Kalnoky bailed to start a new outfit, Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22 still plays shows here and there.

Misfits – Horror Business

Speaking of New Jersey…up next we have the crown prince of horror punk, Misfits. Before lead ghoul Glenn Danzig left the group to pursue a Freudian solo career, he recorded a number of singles, EPs and full lengths with Misfits. Horror Business is their third single, released in 1979 off Danzig’s label Plan 9 Records. This track highlights the trademark sound of Misfits, a driving, melodic pop force interlaced with themes and imagery from horror movies.  Oh, and who can forget the mighty Danzig’s appearance in Aqua Teen Hunger Force??

Demond Dekker & the Aces – 007 (Shanty Town)

Now we head to the Caribbean for some early ska from widely influential Jamaican artist Desmond Dekker. 007 (Shanty Town) was the title track and first single off Desmond Dekker & the Aces’ 1967 debut studio album. The song makes allusions to spy and cat-and-mouse films, like James Bond and Ocean’s 11, which was a very popular pop culture phenomenon at the time in the rude boy scene. This song went on to be very influential in later reggae and ska circles, and was consistently covered by big acts, including versions by The Specials and Musical Youth.

Frenzal Rhomb – Let’s Drink a Beer

Since we’re globe hopping, may as well take a trip down under to hang with our Aussie friends, Frenzal Rhomb, and their mouth-watering track Let’s Drink a Beer. This song is off their commercially successful 1999 album A Man’s Not a Camel, and showcases their frenzied and melodic, lead guitar-driven flavor of music.  By the way, what the hell is a Frenzal Rhomb? Well apparently the name is derived from a Fresnel rhomb. What the hell is a Fresnal rhomb? I’d explain it but physics isn’t my forte – read about it here.

Scissor Sisters – Tits on the Radio

Next up is a track from fuzzy glam rock /nu-disco pop sensations, Scissor Sisters.  Fronted by lead singers Ana Matronic and Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters are well known for their outlandish live performances and quickly gained a cult following, first in Europe before they got big in their native United States.  Tits on the Radio is a track off their debut studio album, and some have speculated that it may serve as a vague homage to the Bugles’ Video Killed the Radio Star.

                                          

Slick Shoes – Lucky

Lucky is off pop punk Slick Shoes’ third album, Wake Up Screaming, released under the Tooth & Nail banner. They gained a following by touring extensively with other bands on the Christian label, most notably MxPx. The band name is an homage to cult movie The Goonies; ‘slick shoes’ is one of the character Data’s many homemade gadgets.

Circle Jerks – Wild in the Streets

Possibly the best name for a band ever, and our second sexual band name so far in this week’s playlist, Circle Jerks were a huge part of the late 70s/80s hardcore scene.  Formed in Los Angeles by former members of Black Flag and Red Kross, Circle Jerks embodied the energy and anarchistic counter culture that was becoming increasingly popular, especially in skate and surf scenes. Wild in the Streets is their cover of Garland Jeffreys’ original tune, and is the opening track and namesake for Circle Jerks’ sophomore studio album.

Pennywise - Bro Hymn

We end today’s playlist with the super catchy anthem Bro Hymn, off of Pennywise’s fourth full-length album Full Circle. Named after the monster clown from Stephen King’s It, Pennywise is (and continues to be) a leading force of the 90s punk revival sound, while guitarist Fletcher Dragge is consistently recognized as one of the great guitarists in the scene. Bro Hymn was originally released on Pennywise’s first album, as a tribute to bassist Jason Thirsk’s friends. After Thirsk took his own life in 1996, the band re-recorded the song (this version) as a dedication to him. “Jason Matthew Thirsk, this one's for you!” Random knowledge knugget - This song is (or has been) the ‘goal song’ for at least 3 different NHL teams.

Alrighty folks, that’s a wrap. Hope you enjoyed every last minute of it, and please share, follow, like, and all that.