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 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.

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.

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.

Operation Ivy "Energy"

Lookout 10


The influence of the Operation Ivy's debut and only full length "Energy" cannot be overstated. Originally released by Lookout in 1989, Operation Ivy blends a perfect cocktail of melodic punk, ska, and high energy. Truly one of the greatest punk albums of all time, "Energy" is an album is continuously essential. 19 tracks on the original release span the subject of laid back summer days ("Bad Town"), manic ska ("Smiling") and classic East Bay punk ("Big City"). Operation Ivy appeared and disappeared in a flash, leaving behind only a few recordings that were instantaneously legendary within the punk scene (and beyond). Name-checked by many, and loved by many more, "Energy" will always remain an album that has to belong in any self respected music lovers collection. The members of OPIV went on to form bands including Rancid, Schlong, Downfall, The Transplants, Big Rig, and Common Rider.

Groovie Ghoulies "Re-Animation Festival"

Lookout 182

The Ghoulies followed up their first Lookout Records album in 1997 with "Re-Animation Festival" and revealed their strongest full length to date. Armed in battle with the popular rhythm keeper Dan Panic, the Groovie Ghoulies struck gold with this 12 track treasure chest packed to the brim with jewels!! Aided with the masterful production of Mass Giorgini this LP turns out hit after hit of Ghoulie anthems. "Tunnel of Love" kicks off side one with mid-tempo punk goodness. Things quickly get turned up a gear with fan favorite "Graveyard Girlfriend". From this point on the spooky pop punk doesn't let up "School is Out," "Chupacabra" and "Satisfy Me" all do exactly that. A classic 90's full length that goes beyond the call of duty.

Groovie Ghoulies "Appetite for Adrenochrome"

Lookout 148

"Appetite for Adrenochrome" is the classic first full-length from the Groovie Ghoulies, recorded in 1989. This 13 track spooky punk slab of vinyl was originally released on Crimson Corpse Records, and later given the Lookout makeover in 1996. Kepi's trademark horror and sci-fi soaked fun punk anthems stretch out over this 12", with gems such as "Blood Beach," "The Blob," "Do the Bat," "Ghoul Chant" among the strong track listing plus a couple covers and a hidden rock treat!! Each track kicks straight in, leaving no time wasted. This early incarnation of the Ghoulies is an indispensable time capsule of a funtastic band making it's first mark on a long and blood soaked punk trail!

Hockey Night "Keep Guessin'"

Lookout 315

The Minneapolis/St. Paul area has a tremendous and diverse indie rock and punk heritage - The Replacements, Husker Du, Babes In Toyland, Har Mar Superstar, Dillinger Four. Hockey Night is another great new band from this special scene; five guys from St. Paul who take their music and their fun seriously. They're art smart and "Keep Guessin'" is their second album, the follow-up to the eclectic and irreverent "Rad Zapping". Their music is melodic, catchy and quirky, blending influences as wide as kraut rock, 90's indie, 80's new wave with punk sensibilities and arena pop-rock aplomb. Their special twist is an infectious energy that just gets you smiling. Here's how the band describe themselves; "Nonstop mind-zap melodies. Superhooks and shimmery light tones. Harmonized dual guitars and inntertubes. Watery vocal jams, dripping hooks and glops. Giant folk choruses and late evening wood-flutes. Empty fire and echos, blazing over glistening drum shots and slippery hits. Then solo becomes eagle mind soaring over rivers of buzzy pop and fizzy throat hums. A return to melody."

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Mary Timony "Ex Hex"

Lookout 314

In 2004, Timony began work on the songs that would become Ex Hex, her third solo album and first for Lookout Records, with drummer Devin Ocampo (also of the band, The Medications) and producer Brendan Canty of the band Fugazi. She had relocated from Boston to Washington D.C. and most of the sessions were conducted at the legendary recording studio, Inner Ear. Built around a foundation of guitar and drums, the album's 11 songs are a combination of stark art-garage stompers and beautiful spiraling musical landscapes all informed with Timony's signature vocals and lyrics.

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The Oranges Band "The World And Everything In It"

Lookout 313

Setting sonic comparisons aside this time - Here's some interesting facts about "The World And Everything In It." Eschewing limited time in a stuffy studio, the band set up their own in a basement and spent months writing and demo'ing the songs that make up their new album. Roman Kuebler produced, arranged and directed the affair, pulling from Baltimore's greatest talents to add back up vocals, keyboards and lend gear. His neighbor J. Robbins (producer of Jets To Brazil, Promise Ring, Maritime) joined The Oranges Band to mix the albums final eleven songs. What can be said about the music itself? It's fiercely original, it lumbers lurches and rumbles with driving rhythms, soft and personal vocals, and epic portions guitars. Yet, it's fragile and strange, layered with unusual sounds below the hooks and choruses. "The World And Everything In It" is the kind of album that rewards discovery, and then complete and continued listenings.

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Engine Down "Engine Down"

Lookout 311

Engine Down's self-titled Lookout debut is a breath of fresh angst-ridden air for underground rock. Produced by Brian McTernan (Thrice, Hot Water Music, The Movielife, The Explosion many more), "Engine Down" is an incredibly strong and creative album. Tracks such as "And Down," "In Turn," and "Long Time Waiting" reflect the band's mission "to write meaningful music that keeps them driven to share it with the world." Engine Down built an incredibly solid fan base reinforced by almost constant touring. In 2004 alone they toured with Ted Leo And The Pharmacists, Poison The Well, Thursday, Moments In Grace and Sparta. The melodies and power of this album won over new ears as well as satisfying long-time fans. Engine Down disbanded after the release of "Engine Down" in 2005.

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Ted Leo And The Pharmacists "Shake The Sheets"

Lookout 310

Released in 2004, Ted Leo And The Pharmacists' third album for Lookout Records, "Shake The Sheets," is a triumph on nearly every level. Produced by Chris Shaw (Dashboard Confessional, Bob Dylan, Public Enemy) in New York City during the spring of 2004, it was informed by almost every political and cultural conversation happening in our world at the time fused with a message of hope and humility. Ted Leo is a special artist whose previous full length, 2003's "Hearts Of Oak," dominated critics' lists for the year, garnering glowing features and positive reviews in SPIN (9 out of 10), Rolling Stone (3 Stars), Alternative Press (5 out of 5), The New Yorker and Entertainment Weekly as well as tremendous support from the punk press and online music sites. Followed-up by "Living With The Living" (Touch & Go Records) and most recently, "The Brutalist Bricks" on Matador Records.

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Black Cat Music "October, November"

Lookout 307

Blending modern rock n’ roll, garage and punk, Black Cat Music are a force to be reckoned with. Having spent time in bands like The Criminals, The Receivers, Hatebreed, San Geronimo, and The Magnetic, the band members have an eclectic history from which to draw and come together to create some of the most cohesive, interesting and explosive music around. They are intelligent trashy punk rock, conjuring images of rock moderne and methadone chic. They draw comparisons to The Misfits, The Clash, Gun Club, Laughing Hyenas, Morrissey, The Cure, Richard Hell, Nick Cave, Social Distortion, At The Drive-In, Murder City Devils, and (International) Noise Conspiracy. But these are mere comparisons. They are their own. "October, November" is Black Cat Music's second album for Lookout, following up "Hands In The Estuary, Torso In The Lake'. Recorded with Bay Area super producer Jeff Saltzman, the songs on the new album mesmerize, captivate and rock. Stand out tracks include "The Jet Trash" and "The Cloud Of Glam."

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Communiqué "Poison Arrows"

Lookout 305

In late 2003, Communiqué locked themselves inside Sharkbite Studios in Oakland with producer Mark Keaton to craft their debut album. Two months later they emerged with the finished tracks for "Poison Arrows." The album is a potent mix of punk, Bowie-era glam and the jangle of The Smiths - drenched in 80's era keyboards. Extensive touring honed Communiqué into a tight, sharp beast. "Poison Arrows" balances the band's sophisticated instrumentation with a intensity that speaks all the way back to the underground punk that inspired these guys to pick up instruments in the first place. The first single, "Perfect Weapon" is dance music that rocks. Communiqué has captured their essence - equal parts perfumed silk and whiskey-breath kisses - in a way that few others do with their first album.

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The Reputation "to force a fate."

Lookout 304

The Reputation's "to force a fate." is their second album and first for Lookout. The band was fronted by vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Elmore who led the popular band Sarge in the 90's. The Reputation were from Chicago, IL and had a musical style that combined melodic punk with the fragile emotion of alt-country and 70's singer-songwriters. "to force a fate." was produced by Mike Hagler and features 10 songs. The album has the same driving Mid-Western power behind groups like Naked Raygun, Alkaline Trio and Pegboy, tempered with delicate flourishes of piano, strings and horns, brought together by Elizabeth's sultry, captivating vocals.

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The Washdown "Yes To Everything"

Lookout 301

The Washdown have crafted their very own stylish brand of punk by combining punk, disco, no-wave and soul. These Florida boys have catchy hooks you can't get out of your head and infectious rhythms that get your booty shaking.

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The Mr. Experience "Yesterday Rules"

Lookout 299

MTX (known by the long-form The Mr. T Experience) has been a pop-punk powerhouse since their 1986 self-released debut album, "Everyone's Entitled To Their Own Opinion." For their tenth studio album the band, led by eminently witty and talented Dr. Frank, have once again teamed up with producer Kevin Army (Operation Ivy, Sweet Baby) because if it isn't broke, don't fix it. The resulting album, "Yesterday Rules" is a whip-smart 12 song pop-punk affair. This is the band's first new full-length since 1999's "Alcatraz" and marks the debut of new members Bobby on bass and Ted on second guitar and keyboards. Fans of MTX and great melodic punk rock in general love "Yesterday Rules." This album contains a crafted mix of fast pop-punk songs, melodic mid-tempo rock-pop, a ballad or two and a few surprises.

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Small Brown Bike "The River Bed"

Lookout 295

"The River Bed" is the third full-length album from one of punk's best bands, Small Brown Bike. This album fully realizes the ability and vision of these Michigan mavericks. The band was able to make a jump forward in their songwriting and recording without losing the intensity the band delivers in their live shows, and turned out a melodic and anthemic 10 songs. "The River Bed" has a beautiful, haunting quality as well as the super catchy punk tunes the band has integrated into their sound since releasing "Dead Reckoning" in 2001. This record will blow the minds of fans and win new ones with it's powerful punk sound and heartfelt songs. Small Brown Bike broke up soon after the release of this album but came back together to play new shows in late 2009.

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The Oranges Band "All Around"

Lookout 292

The debut full-length from Roman Kuebler's Baltimore MD indie rock powerhouse, The Oranges Band. A twelve-track delight of super-soaring pop wonder, unleashed with forceful vocals, jangly guitars, lush harmonies, undeniable hooks, and exceptional rhythms. Influenced by the likes of Guided By Voices, Elvis Costello, Brian Eno, Television and the Velvet Underground. Originally released in 2003 and followed up by "The World And Everything In It."

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