The Misfits, Walk Among Us (1982 Slash)
One of the most unusual bands on the planet, the are the first to really use the horror punk sub genre.
People tend to be put off now by the look of the band with them adorning skulls and face paint and a look that really only works on Halloween.
But back in the punk years that would have looked normal to most punk fans. But the band seem to take years to get anywhere and mostly due to choice. Singles and EPs were made and released by themselves. They must have had about three albums worth made and pressed but all was split on singles so when the time was right and on a proper label with distribution they made an album.
With the band now in 1982 the style they played was considered hardcore punk but really it is just punk music and one of the best at that.
The guitar sound is sharp and simple with thrash style, rhythm section that could cut through rock the music was loud and gave no apologies to the listener. The album contains some of the best tunes you could ever hear and I mean real dance floor rockers.
A nice mix of 50s and 60s rock n roll and punk music set to the visuals of a horror movie it was a change from the political punk bands of the 70s.
'I Turned Into a Martian' could get anyone jumping about the place. I mean we all want to be a martian for five minutes and for a little while you could think you were as no bugger gets this tune at all. Quick and simple with oooo oo ooo's as a chorus.
'Vampira' is one for the karaoke fans with about three lines and more o's than a bowl of alphabet spaghetti. This song is not hard and nothing here is any more punk than the 70's but it IS all catchy and makes you feel that some bands just did not get that a great tune is not a bad thing.
'Mommy Can I Go Out And Kill Tonight' a live track in the middle of a debut is a risky one but it does work and splits the tempo a little bit. I think of it more as an advert for the band live, like it so far then buy a ticket next time.
The singsongs come again fast and you are air guitar riffing and singing along before you notice there was a change.
'Night of the Living Dead' is a tribute to the classic films and one great song live. Looking at the album now you are two thirds of the way through it and it has only been on for fifteen minutes. And quite right so we all have things to do. Full length debut at 24 minutes no duff track and leaving you wanting more. The production is pretty bad as is the mixing but that is what we wanted right? No money anyhow so get it on tape and get on the road.
The band just never got on and Glenn Danzig leaving the band was a killer blow as he wrote and composed all songs on the albums. The band parted ways just before the release of the second album. With just two albums and a load of singles the band had two collection albums put out as so many fans had missed the indie singles they wanted more.
The band reformed minus Glenn Danzig in the 90s after a lengthy battle over writing royalties was settled.
This for me is still a classic album and one of the best punk albums made. The album was on an indie but had good distribution and sometimes that is all you need to get success. People missed this more due to the metal boom from the UK and the new wave bands that were coming out. Punk was in the past so this could have been a few years late. Such a shame as I think I would have had a "devillock" haircut as well.
Out on CD and Vinyl and easily available online via Amazon.
No comments:
Post a Comment