Reviews

Posh Boy

Agent Orange Breakdown 12″

Mostly stuff you could find on other 45s or compilations, but nice to have with the 12″ sound quality. Title track is the only cut with vocals and is more contemporary; other three cuts—”Mr. Moto,” “Pipeline,” and “Miserlou” are Surf City Specials.

Channel 3 After the Lights Go Out LP

More of that pop-punk sound so characteristic of LA’s Poshboy Label. The production quality contributes to CH3’s powerful overall delivery, and the songs are as catchy as usual. I’m not too thrilled by the romantic themes that appear here, and it’s depressing that another new band is covering a sexist STONES song, but this album is pretty entertaining.

Pariah Youths of Age LP

The usual excellent Poshboy production adds to the impact of this Northern California punky-pop band. They have a powerful clean sound in the CH3 vein. The songs aren’t real short, but they don’t drag at all. All in all, a fine album.

Redd Kross Annette’s Got the Hits 12″

Posh Boy’s been re-releasing their early catalog in various shapes and forms, and this is one classic you should really pick up. Great garage punk from L.A.’s McDonald Bros. plus Ron Reyes (later to go on to BLACK FLAG) and Greg Hetson (of later CIRCLE JERKS fame). A real treat.

The Calamities The Calamities LP

A folk-rocky pop-punk group from France with cutesy female vocals. The CALAMITIES are competent enough, but not really exciting or emotionally gripping. They do covers of songs by the TROGGS, the WHO, and the DOVELLS, and wish they could be the GO-GO’S.

TSOL Thoughts of Yesterday 1981-1982 LP

It’s about time! This collection of tracks from 1981-2 sports a series of outstanding tunes by vintage TSOL, including one clinker (“Weathered Statues”): the rest is dynamic, upbeat, guitar-oriented TSOL at their best and near-best.

V/A Rodney on the ROQ Vol. 3 LP

Like the earlier volumes, one side is punk and one side is pop. Lots of the bands are new to vinyl, including KENT STATE, ILL REPUTE, CATCH 22, and RED SCARE. The vets are CH3, JFA, NO CRISIS, PARIAH, and RUDI from Ireland. Most of side one is anthemic, melodic punk. I won’t deal with the flip except to say that the BANGLES track is much rawer than their EP.

V/A Posh Hits Vol. 1 LP

A great compilation of tracks from the vaults of Poshboy Records. There are many gems here, but the CIRCLE JERKS’ “Wild in the Streets,” the CROWD’s “Modern Machine,” and TSOL’s “Peace Through Power” rank as highlights in an album that also includes chestnuts by AGENT ORANGE, BLACK FLAG, and UXA. Good variety and quality make this record mandatory if you don’t have the original recordings.