Adrenochrome

The Groovy Ghoulies may be the most obscure band on the Lookout weekend, but they a have a following of very dedicated fans, that were devestated when they broke up eight years ago. I was glad to see them on their tour through Winnipeg, but even happier when they released a new album in 2006. However I'm going way back to their first release Appetite For Adrenochrome. This album actually was released in 1989, but it was rereleased in 1996. The recording quaality leaves a little to be desired, but tunes like 2000 Man, or Armageddon 2000 make you forget about that with great lead vocals, and a sing-a-long feel that explains why they are so entertaining live. The best track I would say is My Computer Said "Kill".
I find it hard to explain the way the Groovy Ghoulies sound but maybe a good description is highway driving party punk. If you like fast power chord driven tunes that are a little Groovy check out these Ghouls.

Long weekend

This weekend was a little hectic so I am declaring this a Blue Bomber Streeter long weekend, Await my next two flashbacks.

Screech n' Wiggle

I didn't know which album to chose from Screeching Weasel; their albums are all dynamite, but "Wiggle" goes above and beyond even their first release "My Brain Hurts". "I'm not in Love" is one of the more unique tracks, becuase it is about dandruff shampoo, and it is written in a choppy chorus that repeats "I'm not in love -love-love", then really kicks in between. Their are too many awesome tunes to mention them all "Automatic Rejector", or "Teenage Psycopath" are my favorites, becuase of the speed and aggression in each, plus the guitar is unique.
A cool thing about Lookout records bands are how close they seem to be to each other. F**k the World which was on the Queers album, is also on Wiggle, because the lead singers wrote it together. I find that these bands seem to write more songs about their friends. The title of one track "Jeannie's got a Problem with Her Uterus" tells all you need to know about the tune, and you get the feeling that the band really cares for their friend.
Screeching Weasel has always been experimental, and it might take a second listen to get into this album, but once you get it you are in for a treat with Screeching Weasel's Wiggle.

Love is Dead

One of the staples of 90s punk albums is an element of humor, and the Mr. T Experience follows that trend. Dumb Little Band is a catchy tune that compares their career to that of their friends. The thing that fascinates me about this album is how much better than their other releases. That is not to say that the others are bad, but these songs are the perfect blend of speed, melody, and edge. Deep Deep Down is the tenth track, and is beautiful lyrically even though I'm still not sure what it is about other than a death, and right after the guys crank the tempo and feeling by hitting their audience with Can I Do The Thing?
I almost get the feeling that Blink 182 was inspired by this album because I think a fair description of the Mr. T Experience is that they are the rich man's Blink 182. (I base that off a ratio of rariety, and song to grounded reference ratio.

The Queers

The first Lookout album I am reviewing is The Queer’s “Love Songs for the Retarded”. This 1995 release is the first from this California based surf-punk triad. The album starts out fast with “You’re Tripping” The Queers anti racism anthem, and is filled with Beach inspired tunes that are the kind of tunes that can get you through a long day at work. The highlights include “Feeling Groovy”, F*** the World (which is love song), and Teenage Bonehead. The variety of tunes doesn’t range to far, but the tempo is great, and the Queers do slow it down with ditties like Debra Jean.
The only issue I have with this album is that it was recorded while the three were still minors so some of the lyrics suffer from being dated, and even get creepy with songs like “Ursula Finally has Tits”.

Lookout Weekend

　
I have been slacking on this blog, and these bands I am covering deserve better. This weekend is the LOOKOUT! Records best of weekend. This is the best record label you may have never heard of, and I am honouring the memory of this label by doing reviews on Screeching Weasel, the Mr. T Experience, Groovy Goulies, the Queers, and a mystery band.
Reply and try to guess who the mystery band is. A hint is that they have become on of the biggest punk bands ever.

Check Twitter - /@nicholsanian

I had to claw my way onto Twitter, but I'm there now. It seems like it might get addictive, but if you like movie, music, and sports thoughts check it out  - /@nicholsanian.

First Review - NoFX's "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean"

The first punk album I ever bought was NoFX's "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean", and to this day it still get a regular listen. The second track "Stickin' in My Eye", is great tune that eases the listener into serenity before guitarist Eric Melvin cuts in with power chords that don't stop pumpin' until the next track "Bob" starts. "Bob" tells the story of a alcoholic that cannot drink anymore. The lyrics are good, and the use of horns really gives this song another level that many bands in the nineties skate punk genre lacked.
"White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean" is 13 songs that go from comedy to punk to ska, including a cover of Minor Threats song "Straight edge" converted from its hardcore origin, into a jazz piece. This album is also the first to feature El Hefe who added a ska feel to the band, which expanded into every album following "White Trash, Two Heebs and a Bean". If there was one album that I thought could turn a rapper into someone that listened to music it would be this release from way back in 1992.

this is a test post

This is a test post. NOFX review coming soon.