"33 1/3 RPMs" is a new punk comp from Basement Records and it's a great selection of punk, too. Punk isn't the first genre I reach for to listen to but I do like good punk. Which is what this is. Kicking it off is the attitude-ridden grrl rawk of the really groovy sounding The Gee Strings. Gee, says the reviewer, that band name makes me want to see a band photo. Texas Thieves come next with their snarly, angry (but clean, not phlegmy) vocals and mosh worthy punk antics. The Pillz distorted, buzzy sound layers in some nice (punk) melody and tops it with vocals that reincarnate all that sneery attitude brought to us by the Sex Pistols oh so long ago. Then you've got The Nipples (another chick band whose picture, alas, is not in the CD sleeve) lay out some great lo-fi fun from ladies who can probably kick your ass. Take Blondie, remove Debbie Harry, add a shouting dude, and run the whole thing through an old school punk filter, and you're somewhere in the room with Neon Maniacs. Marble-mouthed yell singing and mid-tempo punk rocking are the staples of The Rattlesnakes. In the Red mosh ahead with throat lozenge yelling and grooves to start the pit jumping. An edge of musicality beyond the raw punk ethic (though this is still raw) infuse Try Failing's pre-emo punk potency. Cell Block 5 is as raw as you'd expect from the name, with underproduced riffage and percussion slamming ahead while the high pitched vocalist slings out his lyrics. Finally, vocals similar to GG Allin in his later years (plus some punksing in swapping off with that) growl over the fuck you punk rock speed of Spoiled Rotten's music. This is punk worth listening to. Because, um, it's, well, REAL punk rock. No compromise. If you don't like punk because of Blink 182 or Green Day, then listen to this and get your faith back.
http://www.basementrecords.net
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AUTHOR: Upchuck Undergrind
Upchuck Undergrind listens to a little bit of a lot of things - just note the eclecticism of his reviews. He also reads voraciously and loves movies. He is a very open-minded Episcopalian (and student of Buddhism and Hinduism) who thinks Slayer is one of the greatest metal bands. Ever. In addition to his work with Corazine - for which he has written since its inception (he is a Fishcomcollective veteran) - he also writes for DJFix.com.