Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels - Wheels of Steel 10"

Label: PRT Records; Year: 1983; Format: 10" Vinyl

Today I've had a long and busy day at work so when I got home I just wanted to have a bite to eat and kick back for a little while. I promised myself that I would do another entry for the blog tonight but when it came to it I wasn't particularly in a punk rock mood so I opted for something lighter and more soulful so to speak. Mitch Ryder (nee William Lewis Jr.) is a Detroit Rock'N'Roll legend who recently turned seventy eight years young. From 1964 to 1967 Mitch Ryder used the Detroit Wheels as his back-up band releasing a number of Top 20 hits. This little 10" that came out in 1983 on PRT (Precision Records and Tapes, formerly known as Pye Records) in the UK collects some of the bands greatest hits such as "Jenny Take A Ride", "Sock it to Me Baby" or "Little Latin Lupe Lu" to name a few. It's a great little compilation when it comes to the music, but not so much when it comes to the packaging as there is absolutely no info about the recordings to be found. I suppose the people behind Precision weren't so precise and forthcoming about that and expected the music hungry consumers to make a trip to the library to find out about Mitch Ryder but in all fairness not much has changed to this day except that we have the intranet and can find everything with a few clicks. Well, goal achieved for tonight. I had a good twenty minutes of shaking my arthritis ridden knees to the soulful rock'n'roll smashers coming out of Motor City and that put a smile on my face. Keep on wheeling! 

Chocolate Watch Band - No Way Out LP

Label: Unknown (Counterfeit); Year: 20??; Format: Vinyl LP

Music is a wonderful thing, and records such as "No Way Out" by California band Chocolate Watch Band are proof of that. Many years ago my interest in music started to change direction and I no longer wanted to just be listening to anything punk rock related but discover music and the many genres that pre-dated the punk rock explosion, because let's face it without those records said explosion might have looked totally different. The other day I walked into my local record stores and had a good chat with the proprietor. I was sat in the chair sipping on a much needed bottle of water after walking for about two miles to get my exercise in and nearly walked out of there without buying anything until I heard the magic sentence "I think I know a record you'll like". When I heard the name Chocolate Watch Band it did ring a bell as I have some Nuggets Compilation LPs in my collection so I must have heard them before, but it's not like I knew the record or much about the band at all. After hearing the opening track "Let's Talk About Girls" I said immediately I'd buy it. We ended up listening to the entire record in the store and today I decided to put it on again for this blog entry and to learn a bit more about the band and the history of this record. For all you record junkies out there the version I bought is a counterfeit but sounds actually incredibly good for a boot. Sundazed reissued this classic a few years back officially hence unless you are wealthy you'll have to grab a repress to get your kicks. Originally the record came out in 1967 on Tower and was supposedly mistakenly distributed through more blues oriented channels which didn't help the band nor the sales figures. Still, by the early '70s the album was out of print and since then has gradually gained interest amongst crazy folks like myself. It doesn't surprise me at all since the songs are a perfect mixture of psychedelic rock and garage rock ultimately leading to a strong influence for proto-punk acts down the road. Reading up about the making of the record I was intrigued to learn that the full band participated only on a handful of the songs with original singer Dave Aguilar being replaced with session singer Don Bennett. The members in Chocolate Watch Band were young kids, all under the age of twenty, and quite frankly weren't quite ready to record a full length, especially after being rushed to do so. No matter what though, the record itself is a masterpiece and one of those records that will take you on a journey where you don't need to take any mind-altering drugs. It's simply a killer record and my mission will be to get their 2nd LP as well. 

Back Cover of the LP where the band listed hundreds of names this LP is dedicated to, including Jackie Kennedy, All Playboy Bunnies, Jack The Ripper, Jack Kerouac, Ghandi and the list goes on...

Jakkpot - "Just One Fix", "You Ain't Shit" and "3,2,1 Go" 7" Singles

Label: American Punk Records; Year: 1995; Format: 7" 45 RPM Single

Many years ago I parted with most of my '90s records and included were some of the Jakkpot 7"s. Luckily a few years ago on a trip to the West Coast I found the first three of their total of six singles at a store in Orange County and spent a whole twelve bucks on them. The funny thing is that with the knowledge of hindsight the '90s produced some excellent records, especially on 45s. There sure as hell was an abundance of releases coming out during that decade including a million and one horrible pop punk, emo or crust records, but buried underneath all that garbage were releases by bands like Jakkpot from Baltimore, Maryland. The first single was put out by the band themselves on their American Punk Records label and both tracks are equally strong with "Insomnia" being the winner for me. The band started out in '91 and was according to an interview in Germany's 3rd Generation Nation fanzine somewhat of an 'All Star' line-up of Baltimore's who's who when it comes to old school punk rock. A winner!

Label: American Punk Records; Year: 1996; Format: 7" 45RPM Single

On their second single Jakkpot continue where they left off and deliver yet again a mean and in your face punk rock smasher in the form of "You Ain't Shit". On the B-Side they top it off with a great cover version of DC's Black Market Baby hit "Nobody Wanted Us". I have the slight suspicion that Jakkpot chose that song for a reason and interestingly enough Keith Campbell of Black Market Baby joined Jakkpot for their later singles. A match made in heaven me thinks! 

Label: Junk Records; Year: 1996; Format: 7" 45RPM Single

Out of the three singles I currently have this is probably their best even though they are all fantastic and worth having. "3,2,1 Go" and "Burnin' in 77" are just two perfect songs where the band delivers their brand of high octane punk'n'roll influenced equally by 77 Punk, Garage Punk and 'Feel The Darkness' era Poison Idea. While the songs are fast and furious they never lack melody and it must be said that these guys must have listened to a lot of good records throughout their young years as I can hear AC/DC, Motorhead, Dead Boys and Candy Snatchers to name just a few influences. The funny thing about records is that people are often after the super rare and expensive ones while the gems are sitting in the bins to be had for a few bucks. Do yourself a favor and pick up anything by Jakkpot as you won't regret it. I for one will make sure I get the three remaining singles for myself and shall review them at some point in the future. 

Rude A, Singer of Jakkpot on the Cover of Germany's excellent 3rd Generation Nation Fanzine from 2000

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Jukebox Explosion Rockin' Mid-90s Punkers!

Label: In The Red Records; Year: 2007; Format: Vinyl LP

The Special Note on the back of the record states: The music on this album is wild, low-tech rock'n'roll, and although it has been mastered from the best possible original discs and master tapes there will still be slight surface noise noticeable on some tracks. Couldn't agree more. I have heard of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion for years but never had sought out any of their albums or music. Not too long ago I stumbled across a sealed copy of this album for a few bucks at my local record store and spontaneously decided to get it. Tonight I thought I'd give it a spin for the blog and I must say for the most part I dig this shit, referring to the song that the band was supposed to play live on NBC's Saturday Night Live, which of course never happened as an argument over the use of profanity broke out. This LP basically compiles rare tracks off of the band's early singles with some of them being taken from the In The Red Records Jukebox singles series. I am no expert when it comes to noise rock but I would definitely say that first and foremost The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion can be described as such. On the other hand they certainly drew influences from lots of genres and styles such as blues, garage punk, rockabilly and even hip hop. A lot of the song arrangements are definitely crazed but absolutely interesting and in some ways innovative. I will see if I can find more of their back catalogue for cheap as songs like Ghetto Mom from 2002 are absolute boogie punk scorchers. If you plan on wrecking a party and need the right soundtrack keep this one in mind. 

 

 Mojo Nixon And Skid Roper - S/T LP

Label: RBI Records; Year: 1985; Format: Vinyl LP

I recently bought this album as it was for one sitting for a cheap price at my local record shop and secondly I had a vague knowledge of Mojo Nixon hence why not. I wasn't disappointed when giving this a spin this past weekend. This album will take you on a wild ride on a mixture of blues, country and rockabilly with Mojo handling the guitar, singing and the foot while Skid is operating the washboard and a stick drum. Throw in some hilariously funny and witty lyrics reminiscent of literally madmen of the past and you get an album that never gets boring. The first track "Jesus at McDonalds" sets the tone music and lyric wise and other hits include "I'm in love with your girlfriend" and "Art Fag shuffle" amongst others. Enigma Records marketed this album worldwide but I doubt it made any waves whether it's here Stateside or anywhere else. It is one of those albums that in my opinion most likely went under at the time and needs to be rediscovered decades later. Glad I grabbed this one, and so should you. 

Update 2-8-2024: RIP Mojo Nixon (1957-2024) Below find link to a nice obituary:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mojo-nixon-dead-obituary-1234964257/?fbclid=IwAR0Im4eevm7k2MIiivBgGnpdFynbo8tgISSm-Ms1CZG-IUZXEoVfoAAXXF0

Steve Miller - Detroit Rock City: The Uncensored History of Rock'N'Roll in America's Loudest City

Publisher: Da Capo Press; Year: 2013; Format: Book

I am glad to have found this book very recently for close to nothing at a place I've never been to before in Manhattan. Rest assured though that the price tag does not reflect the quality of the contents in this book. I have heard about Steve Miller's book a while ago, and I certainly wanted to improve my knowledge of Detroit based Rock'N'Roll so having to read this one book one day was definitely inevitable. Many of you will know Steve Miller as the vocalist for much famed Lansing, MI hardcore punk band The Fix, or as the editor of the Touch and Go book that was published a few years back. Some of you might not know that he's actually a veteran when it comes to investigative journalism, and author of several books outside the music genre covering real crime. Needless to say that for a massive project such as writing on the rich history of Rock'N'Roll out of Detroit he was the right person to succeed at it. There are not many books that manage to cover as much ground as this book does, and let's be honest which other book will give you the pleasure to read about bands and artists such as MC5, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent, Mitch Ryder, Destroy All Monsters, Negative Approach, Laughing Hyenas, The Gories or the White Stripes, all at the same time? My guess is as good as yours, ladies and gentlemen. What I find really fascinating about this book is the fact that Steve has not only found a way to describe many anecdotes for the reader to feel like one is right there in the middle of the chaos, but at the same time he has done an outstanding job when it comes to the chronology of the debauchery that took place in Detroit and its surrounding towns. The only part I didn't really enjoy in this book was about Bob Seger, and this was when he was already a well known act on the national circuit. I yawned a lot through that part only to be awaken by more crazy stories from Wayne Kramer and other luminaries that were fed up with the status quo, and were starting to form new bands. And believe me, that was the only slow part in this book as the rest of it will take you through clubs such as Bookie's and bands associated with that scene, the early '80s hardcore punk explosion with Negative Approach on the forefront, the aftermath of hardcore and some crazy drugged stories involving John Brannon and Larissa Strickland of Laughing Hyenas, and the start, or shall we say return to garage rock from Detroit with The Gories and bands and scenes that evolved out of that time including Bantam Rooster, White Stripes or Von Bondies. Have I told you this book covers a lot of ground? Okay, there are two omissions I was disappointed with. For whatever reason the bands Death and Cinecyde get very little to no mention at all, and members from those two bands contributed little to nothing for this oral history. That sucked but still, it takes very little away from what this book gives the reader, and that is a detailed and at times mind blowing account of what was happening in Motown. This is widely available, and even your local library has probably a copy of this book, hence I really don't see an excuse for any of you out there for not reading this!

Testors - Original Punk Recordings New York City 1976 - 1977 Ten Inch

Label: Incognito Records; Year: 1995; Format: Vinyl 10"

There are truly not that many original punk rockers still touring the world, year in and year out. Sonny Vincent is one of the rare human species that is not only still doing that, but is still rather damn good at it too to this day. Back in 1975 Sonny formed the Testors in NYC with a guitar in his hand and lots of anger in his stomach. The band named itself after the Testors glue company, which would eventually get them into legal trouble, and set out to provoke the audience, sonically and physically. They did that with two guitarists, a drummer, and no bass player, and that seemed to work fine at venues like the CBGB’s or Max Kansas City but at one point Sonny got himself even arrested in Philadelphia for inciting a riot. The band never had any ambitions to record so thank god Incognito Records from Germany unearthed the recordings of this wild bunch that created some damn fine noise all these years back. Four studio songs, and two live songs are to be found on this 10”, and they not just kick ass, but are delivered with such furiousness and aggressiveness that many hardcore punk bands years later must have taken note of. The liner notes were penned by Cheetah Chrome and a second volume with more madness from this trio was also released on 10”, and will be reviewed in the not so distant future. 

The Sevens - S/T LP

Label: Feathered Apple Records; Year: 2005; Format: Vinyl LP

Sixties garage rock has started to grow on me a number of years back when I developed a strong interest in pre punk bands and the various styles of music dating back to the '50s and '60s in particular. The Sevens hailed from the wonderful border town of Basel in Switzerland, ideally located next to Germany, and France. I am not surprised that the original of this LP is on many wants lists, and can fetch several hundred dollars. Fact is that this LP is a superb collection of songs which were for the most part written by the Sevens bar three great cover versions thrown in. Thank god music fanatics started to take things into their own matters, and invested their hard earned money into reissues of records they wanted the world to hear as presented here by Switzerland's own Feathered Apple. Originally released in 1966 on the Layola Records this 2005 reissue comes with a huge and incredible two sided poster with the history of the band, and some fabulous shots from way beck when. Not only is the packaging outstanding but it is the music itself that will get you off of your lazy ass, and dancing in your living room. Each one of the original nine songs is a hit on its own, whether it be a faster garage rock smasher, or a slower and more poppy song, they are all recorded to the highest quality and will have you want to play this record over and over. Sixties garage punk aficionados consider this LP as one of the best of said genre, and I can see why. Highly recommended!

The Humpers - My Machine LP

Label: Slusaj Najglasnije; Year: 1990; Format: Vinyl LP

Many people out there are probably familiar with the Humpers' output on Epitaph Records, due to said labels' international distribution deals and high sales volumes. Before being signed to one of the best known labels in punk rock, the Humpers' beginnings were far more modest though, and after The Suicide Kings' break-up (pre-Humpers '80s band) the band got together in 1990, and in the same year recorded this magnificent piece of a debut full length for the underground Croatian record label Slusaj Najglasnije (Listen Loudest). In fact, the bands' second full length from 1991 entitled "War is Hell" was released on a cassette on the same label as well, and then again as a CD-R in the early '2000s after people in the war-torn regions of the former Yugoslavia were able to start new lives. At some point I will also review the 2nd album, for sure. Now back to the origins of this album, the Humpers' debut, which contains twelve songs recorded live in one day, resulting in a true garage sounding production which only adds to the greatness of this album, and will most definitely kick your ass. All songs are just pure dirty and unfiltered punk'n'roll hits, filled with great guitar leads and hooks, and of course Scott Drake's incomparable vocals. Anybody out there reading this that is interested in the early stages of this bands' output should try getting a copy of this killer album even though it has become rare and hard to get. Even better, some label should really reissue this as I am sure many more people would just love to hear this one!

The Spastics - Cherry Pop/I wanna be a cop 7"

Label: Rip Off Records; Year: 1996; Format: Vinyl 7"

Greg Lowery's Rip Off Records started as a label promoting his own band, the Rip Offs, and like minded bands playing a similar style of primitive and snotty garage punk'n'roll. In the early to late '90s he was known to release singles by bands such as the Registrators, Rip Offs, and others such as the Spastics whom were from San Francisco and came out of the ashes of the equally great Spoiled Brats. On this one sided little platter you get two great garage punk hits that can't be beaten when it comes to snottiness and a 100% pogo factor. I don't suppose I need to really add anything more as this will appeal to anyone into 77 punk with a good dose of garage punk thrown in there. Greg's label continued to be active until the latter stages of the '2000s but in my opinion lost the magic of its early days once he started to release full lengths and no longer such modern day classics as this one here.

Lime Spiders - Out of Control/Save my Soul 7"

Label: Citadel; Year: 1985; Format: Vinyl 7"

The Lime Spiders are one of the heavy weights in regard to the '60s garage punk revival that hit the 1980s and apparently Jello Biafra once referred to them as 'the best time-warp '60s garage revival band' he's ever heard. This single boasts two great songs, one original, and the other a '60s cover. 'Out of Control' is a powerful '60s garage influenced stomper, and maybe the Aussies are just the world champions at this sort of thing. Just great! On the B-Side one can hear an excellent cover version of 'Save my Soul' which was originally recorded by British Psychedelic Rockers Wimple Winch in 1966.
Highly recommended!

V/A - Teenage Shutdown "She's A Pest" CD

Label: Teenage Shutdown!; Year: 2000; Format: CD

If you were like me a few years ago, and just started to really get into '60s garage punk, then the Teenage Shutdown series is definitely a good choice to start you off with, or at least one of the better ones. The songs on this particular installment are about girls, as the title "She's a pest" wisely suggests. Granted, the lyricists haven't had the best experiences with the fairer sex at that point, and I sure hope that in all those past decades since those songs were written things have drastically improved. The 18 songs are all revved-up garage punk hits, and there isn't a single song on here I don't like, but of course some tracks stand out, such as "Your Man is gonna leave you " by the Wind from California, or "I've gotta way with Girls" by the Lavender Hour, whom hailed from Texas. I promise you that I will review more Teenage Shutdown comps in the future, and even though I have this particular volume on CD, it is of course available on fine vinyl as well. All you need to do now is get a copy for yourself!

Nervous Eaters - Just Head 7"

Label: Penniman Records; Year: 1999; Format: Vinyl 7"

The Nervous Eaters from Boston, MA were one of the earliest punk'n'roll acts emerging from the 'Rat-scene' in Boston. Steve Cataldo on vocals/guitar was the main force behind this band, and originally this two-song gem was released in 1979 on Rat Records. None of the two songs are pure '77 punk, but rather a mixture of the punk-energy mixed with the raw sound of early '70s hard rock and glam rock, resulting in two hook-laden killer tracks that will blow your speakers. This is one of my favorite late '70s releases from the US, and everybody that equally loves the Real Kids or DMZ needs to have this in their collection.

GG Allin & The Jabbers - Occupation EP

Label: Blood2000 Records; Year: 2000; Format: Vinyl 7"

Who really needs an introduction to GG Allin, this true rock'n'roll legend from New Hampshire who would have turned 58 years of age yesterday. Many people will associate GG with his musical output and especially his antics from the latter stage in his career, the years leading up to his death in June of 1993 in New York City. A growing number of music fanatics will never the less know that in his early days GG produced some great '77 punk inspired punk'n'roll songs. This weird EP, apparently limited to 302 copies, is home to one rare track that was in the vault for nearly twenty years before this EP came out. 'Occupation' was recorded with MC5'ers Wayne Kramer and Dennis Thompson, and was originally planned to be included on the 'Gimme some head' EP. Needles to say that the song is an absolute scorcher, and testament to the greatness of the MC5. On the B-Side of this you'll find a decent live version of 'You hate me & I hate you' and a filler in the form of 'Pills', also live. Both sides also contain a few seconds of GG talking, but that's not what you need this EP for. 'Occupation' alone is worth tracking down this record, although it is scarce, and probably not cheap. I would presume though that the song can be found on another GG record...?

V/A - Pebbles Volume 1 LP

Label: BFD Records Year: 1979 Format: Vinyl LP This is the first post for this blog so please do not expect anything mind blowing. Speaking of mind blowing though the record I am going to briefly review for this post is nothing else than mind blowing. I bought this one not too long ago at a shop in Basel, Switzerland and it was worth every penny I spent on it. The Pebbles series concentrated in stark contrast to the better known Nuggets album on regional acts from the 1960's. 16 Original '60s Punk Rock Classics describes this record as accurately as possible and comes nothing short of the expectations the listener should have. Fact is that the Nuggets hardly scratched the surface of 60's Punk Rock and this LP is a great example of it. So should you like myself be someone that is still discovering lost hits from the vast archives of the 1960's than do yourself a favour by tracking down a copy of this album. And trust me my dear reader, all 16 songs on this album are absolute belter songs by bands such as the Litter, The Haunted, The Elastik Band, The Soup Greens and so on.... Highly recommended!