With this latest creation by my buddy Sluggo’s newly formed Wondertaker label, I didn’t want to be unfairly biased by any preconceived notions. So I left the liner notes to this puppy far, far away so’s there wouldn’t be any cheating . But needless to say, right at track three it was “whoa, backup!” time. What was that song with the ROSE TATTOO vibe? I gotta hear it again! Is that slide guitar at the end of the track? Sure enough, it was the GRANNIES “Chain Wallet” grabbing hold of my subconscious and giving it a good shake ‘n twist. Seriously, THE GRANNIES are just about my favorite punk rock 'n roll band right now. They're as subtle as an engine block dropped on yer foot. Plus, they’re even worse after a rowdy day of cruising the mall for moth balls and hard candies.

Now, as punk comps go, there are a few that are sacred to me, and a ton that are dismissible (and flushable, in case you were wondering. Yes, it is possible. Just remember to break twice and you’ll prevent clogging). A lot of these comps have a couple of good tracks, and tons of filler jammed in-between. Well, this smokin’ collection is extremely light on filler….in fact there’s hardly any. What the listener does get with “Death Rattle and Roll Volume One” is a whirling teacup ride of potent riffs, metallic solos, gritty lyrics, and solid songwriting from 30 artists. I particularly enjoyed the two minutes of CHUCK BERRY swellness that is “No Money Down” by the BLACK FURIES. Good drum sound on that track too…meaty and crisp (the same way I like my bacon). And what the hell is with “Work Weak” by the MIDNIGHT BOMBERS? I thought it was one of my long lost LPs by THE FREEZE or something like that! That track, along with many others on this comp, scratches my Reagan-era hardcore itch just like the classics. And I don’t even think I have to describe the coolness of the track “I Drive Like An Ass” by dogman darlings EVERYTHING MUST GO…do I? We’ll just let the bands’ kickass reputation and the song title paint the picture. The bottom line is that “Death Rattle and Roll, Volume One” is going to stay in my player for months, or at least until the new GRANNIES record finally comes out.

- Marchman

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