The unusual format of this CD packaging makes it interesting from the start since it fits very well the comic book illustration cover art. It is a compilation of songs of the mid-80s Norwood Park (Chicago) glam/punk scene. BLUE EYED PASTIE WHITES opens the record with a great glam rock song “Coulda Woulda Shoulda”, followed by The TARGADENS‘ “Funk Face” that also has strong 70s glitter influences. “The Addiction” and “Danish Home Girls” by CHERRY BOY have a great ROXY MUSIC/70s ENO vibe with sax and cool arrangements while THROTTLE BODY‘s “23 (Listen For It”) sounds as wild and snotty as a DEAD BOYS song. You’ll also get some hints of American new wave with “Jumpstart” by VAGIANT, and even some funky groove with The SUPREME HUSTLE. It’s a mystery why some of these bands didn”t get any bigger… When you think about it, a song like”129″ by The CEILING INSPECTORS is not that different from early NO DOUBT! Powerpop fans will love The BLACK HERMITS‘ “Watershed” and if you’re more into rockabilly/country/blues influenced stuff, then you’ll get into The CHOCITA BANDITS, CRINKUM CRANKUM, The GADDERWALLS, PATRON TAINTS or PUSS ‘N BOOTS. BACKYARD PROWLERS have a bit of a cryptic blues CRAMPS-like feel, The OUTER RING and LIL JOE & The HOSSTONES are more sci-fi garage/soundtrack, BREAK & ENTER could fit in the death rock scene, and on the punk/hardcore side, you’ll find HELLSTORM with “Something Special”, TURA, GOD MONSTER FLATS and The CHATTERERS (although their song “Scream Blackula Scream” sounds darker.)
27 songs might be a bit long, but this compilation is an interesting document, they weren’t meant to last, but bringing these bands to a wider audience is largely deserved. Better late then never! /Laurent C.
Veglam 