Life In A Bungalo

Various Artists
For Blood: A Tribute of Jason Mashburn
Hairball8

Nearly a year ago, the news broke that Jason Blood, singer of popular psychobilly band Demon City Wreckers, had died and the world of the wrecking dead was forever turned upside down. A tribute/charity show followed with a who’s who of modern psychos performing in memory of Mashburn.

This is a compilation of new and old songs performed in homage to Jason Blood and his legacy. Every song on here is a keeper, but the record’s highlight is easily “IIII” by the Koffin Kats, a turbocharged rocker that calls out “One blood we sing, in honor of our taken brother” through the chorus. The song is bone chilling but not in the usual Koffin Kat way.

There’s a handful of other great songs on here from bands like Keyside Strike and Stitch Hopeless, as well as the last song recorded by the Demon City Wreckers before Jason died. The untitled bonus track is another shining moment on the record—an acoustic solo song sang almost as an epitaph to Jason. “Oh Jason, give them hell in heaven… J A S O N that’s how I’m spelling friend today, now that you re gone.”

Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks

Head
The Complete Discography 1992-1997 CD
Evil Clown Records
“Spend the Night Alone”/”Killed By Death” 7″
Goner Records

Man this is my lucky year as far as Head goes! Not only did I find out they put out a new LP (reviewed earlier here on LIAB) and see them live at Gonerfest, but now they have a new 7″ and CD discography of most of their old recordings (left off is a 7″ from 2000).

The two-song 7″ on Goner Records is more of what you’d expect from Head (sans long time member Giggles, like the new LP) but with a guitar solo? Kurt Bloch (Young Fresh Fellows, Fastbacks) lays down the solo on their cover of the Fatal Charm’s “Spend the Night Alone” so Head doesn’t have to stray from their downstroke-only Ramones-core. The flip side is a knock at collector scum who brag about owning original records from obscure punk bands.

The Complete Discography collects all of Head’s work with guitarist Giggles (a few 7″s, the 12″ EP Street Level Assault and full-length LP The Monkeys) and has extensive (and hilarious) liner notes showing Head to be just a bunch of average guys writing and recording whenever they feel like it. Get both releases and maybe Head will be convinced to be more active in their next 15 years.

Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks

Powersolo
It’s Raceday …and Your Pussy Is Gut!!!
Crunchy Frog

Like a monster hemi in an oversized pick-up, Powersolo play dirty rock & roll that cruises hard on all cylinders only hitting its stride when it’s breaking the law. From honky tonk to punky blues, Powersolo bring roots rock to a new generation of kids and have juice left over to power a few ballads.

“Mr. Suit” is an echo-saturated noise fest, featuring congas, overdriven surf leads, and an intoxicating chorus. Not to be outdone by the rash of gypsy punks taking over the scene, Powersolo cramp an entire CDs worth of shackshaking into “Booty Smoke,” a mile a second ditty that clocks in at the half minute mark. And although the band feels the unnecessary need to bring things down with the country love song “Broken Wings,” everything is made better with “Juanito” a traditional Spanish anthem.

Coming off like the bastard child of Gas Huffer and The Supersuckers, Powersolo’s only flaw is that they try to do too much on one record. The musical styles sound like a ’50s rockabilly compilation, but instead of 14 different artists each song is by Powersolo and these guys are planning to rule it all trying to rule everything that could possibly labeled Americana.

Doesn’t Rock l Kinda Rocks l Rocks l Really Rocks

Nekromantix/ Koffin Kats/ The Choptops/ Toothless George
Asbury Lanes, NJ
November 24, 2007

Click for Full Photolog of The Nekromantix and The Koffin Kats on Flickr!

It’s rare these days to catch a show so loaded that there isn’t enough filler time for a bathroom break or a second beer. Nowadays, promoters fill up a concert with second rate acts, has beens, and crappy local bands. It’s hardly worth getting to a show at doors let alone 15 minutes before the headliner hits stage. Looks like psychobilly legends The Nekromantix actually wanted to give their fans their money’s worth, because they’ve put together a package tour so ferocious that you barely have time to breath, let alone take a piss. Read more »

The Avengers/Pansy Division
Maxwell’s, NJ
October 25, 2007

Last time I caught Pansy Division was at Lookout Records CMJ showcase way back in 1997. Jockcore was huge at the time, and Pansy Division had a blast plowing through a crowd of hardcore douchebags, spraying everyone with silly string while wearing womens’ underwear. It helped that they had classic songs such as “For Those About to Suck Cock, We Salute You.” While not a huge fan, I always regretted not seeing them again and actually absorbing their music, not just their homocharged stage show. Read more »

Tiger Army/Street DogsIrving Plaza, New York City
October 11, 2007

Last time Tiger Army played New York they sold out BB Kings. This time their back with a new album, a subtle new look, but more of the same overdriven psychobilly rock. However, it was the opening act, The Street Dogs, that took the spotlight (and the show) away from Tiger Army mastermind Nick 13. Read more »