Pinhead Gunpowder "Fahizah"

Lookout 58

Comprised of members of Crimpshrine, Fuel and Monsula (among others), Pinhead Gunpowder was Lookout!'s first supergroup. Their debut release, "Fahizah" is comprised of four tracks (clocking in at less than eight minutes) of catchy melodies played with burning punk intensity. This vinyl-only EP was the first of many classic releases on Lookout! by this band. Also features a fantastic rendition of “Big Yellow Taxi!” Totally essential

The Potatomen "All My Yesterdays"

Lookout 160

After an absence, The Potatomen returned in 1996 with a new 12" EP and a new line up providing a rounded-out fuller sound. Joining Larry and Patrick was future Cuts and Howlin' Rain drummer Garrett Goddard along with A.J Stichal on bass. Five tracks of signature Potatomen folk-punk are included on this extended player (plus a dose of Morrissey-style vocal delivery) with Larry's emotive lyrics.

Crimpshrine "Quit Talkin' Claude"

Lookout 15

Crimpshrine graduate from two minute chaotic punk blasts to lengthier introspective tunes on “Quit Talkin’ Claude”, their second EP for Lookout. The band shows a deeper and more emotional side on tracks “Butterflies” and “Situation," with a solid yet slightly restrained beat, compared to chaotic - and awesome - rhythms of “Sleep, What’s That?" From the the whistles on the opening track, to the Hendrix style riffage of “Inspiration," this line-up (featuring Paul Curran on bass) had clearly matured, even if they hadn't grown up. You can easily hear early traces of the musical ideas explored by ex-Crimpshrine members in bands such as Fifteen, Pinhead Gunpowder, and Cleveland Bound Death Sentence.

Various Artists "Can of Pork"

Lookout 44
 

The epic Can of Pork compilation double album is great document of the thriving early 1990's punk scene in the East Bay and other pocket scenes around the US including The Lookouts final recorded appearance, “Kick Me in the Head”, truly one of their more loose, rocking tracks. Also featured are Fifteen, Blatz, the first recorded appearance of Lag Wagon among the rest of this top notch comp along with nuggets from other Lookout artists Mr T. Experience, The Vagrants, Wynona Riders, Brent’s TV, Juke, Jack Acid and Spitboy. Another achievement of Can of Pork, was to capture on record a number of other unsung punk treasures of the day, such as One Man Running, The Lizards, and The Porcelain Boys. Legendary ex-OPIV outfit Downfall contributed “North Berkeley," teasing interest in one of the most anticipated bands that was to never be. Housed in perfect Lookout trademark style artwork, Can of Pork stands the test of time as a document of its day - covered in punk landmines, and littered with the right attitude.

The Riverdales "Back To You"

Lookout 117 

The second Riverdales single taken from their debut album is another quick fire round of straight ahead punk with strong no bullshit production provided by Mass Giorgini. "Back To You" is a Weasel/Vapid number lifted from the album while the exclusive B-side is a cover version of Billie Holiday's "I Can't Pretend."

Samiam "I Am"

Lookout 24

Released in 1990, Samiam’s “I Am” 7” is an excellent perfect peek into the window of the Berkeley underground scene of the time. Active since 1988 when Marty and Jason's other band Isocracy broke up, Samiam released one Lookout 7" after their classic debut EP and LP for New Red Archives. Full of spiky pop chunks, churning melodies and enough gravel to move anyone laid before it, "I Am" captures early Samiam in top form., played with a truthfulness of the time, hearts intact. Jason Beebout’s vocals open up worlds of heat-cracked sidewalks, youthful energy and the feeling that anything is possible. This is the sound of a  band beyond competent at making melodic rocking tunes that don't let up.

The Potatomen "Now"

Lookout 101

Formed in 1992, The Potatomen started as a Lookout Records house band of sorts, as the group was made up entirely of the label staff. Larry Livermore sang and played guitar, Patrick Hynes played the bass and Chris Appelgren was the drummer (though he substituted cardboard boxes for drums as needed). Armed with an acoustic guitar and a battery-powered bass amp, The Potatomen started performing outside of Gilman Street and a nearby doughnut shop frequented by punk kids, singing country-tinged (and Smiths-influenced) pop punk songs about friends and local scenesters like "Aaron Went Shopping," "Davey" and "Punk Rock Boy." It wasn't long before the Potatomen graduated to playing on stages and entered into the studio with Andy Ernst (Green Day, Nuisance) to cut their debut EP "On The Avenue" and the tracks that would constitute their debut album, "Now." The Potatomen went through a number of line-up changes in subsequent years, releasing a number of additional EPs and albums.  

Squirtgun "S/T"

Lookout 128

Squirtgun’s debut self-titled full length picks up where their “Shenanigans” EP left off with 12 tracks of charming sunny punk rock including some faster numbers, and tighter arrangements showcasing bassist and producer Mass Giorgini's skills in the studio. As showcased on “Shenanigans” the four Lafayette locals quickly and effortlessly work its way through a batch of memorable songs that fit perfectly with Lookout's mid-90's artist roster. The familiar “Squirt-boy” character appears on the cover once and isjoined  by some other recognizable Lookout-related mascots on the rear sleeve. Featuring new versions of “Social” and “Frederick's Frost” from the debut EP, this album does not disappoint.

Squirtgun "Shenanigans"

Lookout 118

Indiana’s Squirtgun made their Lookout Records debut with these 4 tracks of undeniably upbeat and catchy punk. Led by former Rattail Grenadier members (and brothers) Flav (guitar) and Mass (bass) Giorgini and vocalist Matt Hart, the “Shenanigans” EP does not let up on its ability to make you smile. From the opening riff of “Social,” Squirtgun kick out their own brand of charming pop punk that never strayed over the coming years. Released in 1995, "Social" was actually featured during the opening titles of 1995 Kevin Smith's movie, “Mallrats." Drummer Dan Lumley (Screeching Weasel, Riverdales, Common Rider) also takes the throne for this morsel of pop goodness.

The Riverdales "Fun Tonight"

Lookout 115 

The Riverdales are a leather jacket and jeans punk trio featuring Screeching Weasel mainstays Ben Weasel and Dan Vapid that originally formed in 1995. With the aid of Lookout Records regular Danny Panic on drums, the band rock through some oldies and Ramones inspired tunes. This 7" is the first of two singles released before the band's self-titled debut album. "Fun Tonight" is a quick-fire party anthem, while "I'm a Vegetable" is a straightforward riffed-out rocker written and sung by Dan Vapid

Sewer Trout "Songs About Drinking"

Lookout 8 

Sacramento’s Sewer Trout were another of the Gilman Street mainstays of the late 1980’s. After initially featuring on Maximum Rocknroll’s legendary “Turn It Around” compilation, Sewer Trout released their first proper record on Lookout, the seven track 7” EP “Songs About Drinking." Sewer Trout’s charm lay in it’s loose rambling pop punk ditties, not unlike early Dead Milkmen. With trademark voice, Jim Maclean warbles though offbeat tracks such as “Sex Trout” and “President of the Anarchy Club." Paired up with brother Hal Maclean on drums, Jim’s lyrics are instantly memorable and, at times, heartfelt and personal (as evidenced on “I’m a Hypocrite." “Songs About Drinking” serves as another crucial piece in the early jigsaw puzzle of Lookout’s catalog, and was the beginning in a line of releases well loved by collectors. Though only active a handful of years, Sewer Trout - and their love of beer and crude humor - live on!

The Vindictives "The Many Moods of The Vindictives"

Lookout 116

“The Many Moods of The Vindictives” is a double album worth of psychotic, troubled, fast punk rock. By the time of their Lookout debut, the “Rocks in My Head” vinyl single, these Chicago crazies had already amassed an impressive collection of self released EP’s. These EP’s along with various compilation appearances were collected into this 28 track collection. Every song is a punch to face of anti-establishment, reclusive, rude and utterly insane punk. “The Many Moods of The Vindictives” fits perfectly alongside early releases by pals (and peers) The Queers and Screeching Weasel, while retaining a trademark sound of schizo vocals with manic and melodic punk rock. Originally released in 1995.

The Vagrants "Gone"

Lookout 32 

The Vagrants bring a feel of mystery and brooding to their brand of punk. The “Gone” 7” EP packs plenty of layered rock on top of punk sensibilities to create a satisfying slice of moody underground rock from 1990 with a slow heavy, (pre-) emo sound that reveals more upon repeated listens and features members of Filth, The Wynona Riders and Pot Valiant. Three tracks designed for an introspective afternoon.

The Mr. T Experience "Alternative Is Here To Stay"

Lookout 126
 
MTX strike back with a new 7" and the debut of the "Starship" line-up on this two track classic (with extra tunes on the CD version). Joel Reader steps up to the bass player's plate along with Jolt drummer, Jim Pittman. This EP (or is it a single?) would be the last release before Dr Frank and band unleashed the album "Love is Dead" upon the world, featuring a title track that played at the then (early 90's) burgeoning 'alternative' music scene.

Boris The Sprinkler "Russian Robot"

Lookout 203

1998 saw the release of this insane piece of 7” vinyl from Green Bay, Wisconsin’s Boris The Sprinkler. Featuring one track from the “Suck” full length and exclusive B-side tracks “Do The Go” and “Got The Time”, the “Russian Robot” 7” jumps maniacally headfirst into the Boris The Sprinklers wacky world of day-glo punk. Led by the ever charismatic and cartoon like Rev Norb, Boris The Sprinkler are steeped in pop culture mayhem and packed with humor that necessitate repeated plays. This 7” EP fits perfectly into the long line of bizarre and addictive louder than life slabs of wax issued by these one of a kind punk rock crusaders!

Sludgeworth "Losers Of The Year"

Lookout 131

"Losers Of The Year," Sludgeworth’s posthumous collection of recordings, is a testament to a great underground band that never received their due during their original run. The roots of Sludgeworth date back to 1989 when Screeching Weasel was on hiatus. Dan Schafer and Brian Vermin along with three other Chicago locals (Adam White, Dave McClean and Mike Hootenstrat), formed Sludgeworth, creating an almost immediate impact  after releasing their first single for Roadkill Records and gaining a strong local following with a score of successful live shows, headlining over future punk rock royalty like Green Day, Jawbreaker and Midwest punk veterans such as The Effegies. As 1991 set in, they set about recording a full length for Chicago’s Johann’s Face records, titled “What’s This?”. Musical differences soon began rearing their head though the band pushed on, clocking in more live shows with the likes of The Vindictives, Pegboy and the Smoking Popes. A self-released two track 7” EP followed, entitled “Brightside,” before the band finally split over direction. Schafer continued as part of a new phase of Screeching Weasel while other members explored funk leanings in a new venture, Pound. Sludgeworth’s "Losers Of The Year" stands as the legacy of a unique band that crafted heartfelt punk anthems, with huge melodies and guts. Every track a sing-a-long classic, capturing the essence of an important time in the history of Midwestern punk rock and still sounding relevant today. Featured on this release are tracks from the “What’s This?” full length, the “Brightside” EP and various unreleased tracks.

Tilt "S/T"

Lookout 61

The partnership of Jeffery Bischoff and Cinder Block, would be a winning punk rock combination that would work its way through almost a decade of activity in Tilt. This 7” EP is their first release, and served as a warm up to their debut full length “Play Cell”. Tight instrumentation featuring drummer Vince Camacho and bass player Pete Rypins, creating a strong counterpoint to the punch of Cinder Block’s powerful vocals. Tilt created a unique brand of energetic melody that worked like a kick to the guts. These four tracks cover a range of tempos and feels, with Pete Rypins taking lead vocals on “Redemption."Originally released in 1992.

Various Artists "Punk Seven Inch CD Volume 1"

Lookout 293


A boatload of early Lookout Records punk is crammed onto this 47 track compilation release. Bringing together six classic early Lookout 7" EP's onto one convenient shining disc, this is a perfect crash course for those unaware of the early label output from 1988/89. Brimming with punk heritage, the "Punk Seven Inch" CD features ALL of original artwork in a beautifully replicated (and thick) booklet. A bargain piece of punk history!!

The Mr T Experience "Tapin' Up My Heart"

Lookout 106

Dr Frank and company blast off two sure-fire hits on this 7" from 1994. Produced by Kevin Army and featuring Sweet Baby's Dallas Denery on backing vocals, this two track 7" would be the last recording with bass player Aaron Rubin (who left to focus on his other band, Samiam). "Tapin' Up My Heart" is a stop-and-start pop punk about the tribulations of love, while "My Stupid Life" is a classic MTX upbeat rocker.

The Skinflutes "Sawhorse"

Lookout 29

The Skinflutes' 7” EP “Sawhorse” marked an early musical endeavor by the prolific Mike Kirsch, who would go onto perform in Pinhead Gunpowder, Fuel, and John Henry West among many more. The three tracks on this 7” fuse East bay melodic punk with early emo and hardcore intensity. Packed with energy and fist-raising anti establishment anthems, The Skinflutes make you wish they'd recorded more (the only other released song being the opening track on "Floyd"). Without a doubt an underrated gem in the Lookout catalog.