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.

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.

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 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!

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.

Kamala and the Karnivores "Girl Band"

Lookout 16

Recorded and released in 1989, Kamala and the Karnivores only release, the "Girl Band" EP, features four tracks crafted with intertwined melodies, varying tempos, and enough punch to remain on the right side of twee that can’t help but get clung to the inside of your skull. This EP shows the eclectic talent that was surrounding the East Bay scene around the early days of Lookout Records. If you like quality songwriting, dreamy melodies and heartfelt admissions, then Kamala & The Karnivores deliver. Kamala would also go on to drum for prolific punk revolutionaries, Cringer, while Todd would later cofound and play drums in Spitboy. Bassist Ivy would later replace Richie Bucher in the last incarnation of Sweet Baby.

The Mr T Experience "Gun Crazy"

Lookout 68

MTX drop in between albums for this short sweet offering from 1992. "Gun Crazy" was quickly deleted after its first pressing due to the unauthorized use of a photograph by Larry Clark for the cover artwork. Three of this band's most upbeat and melodic treats are contained within - "More Than Toast" sees Dr Frank at his lyrical best in an ode to female ways, and "Swallow Everything" and "Together Tonight" are classics. These three glorious tunes were so good they were rerecorded for 1994's "Our Bodies, Our Selves"

The Mr T Experience "Love American Style"

Lookout 45   

“Love American Style” is a classic witty MTX, serving as tease of the soon to be released “Milk Milk Lemonade” full length. Dr. Frank’s trademark songwriting rules on the title track, packed with catchy lead breaks, and pop punk goodness. This EP featured two non-LP tracks on the flip, a cover of the “Spiderman” TV show theme, and the rocking “Somebody Wants To Love You”.

Groovie Ghoulies "Running with Bigfoot"

Lookout 177

Bigfoot comes running straight off "World Contact Day" in the form of this 4 track EP. With him he brings us three other Groovie Ghoulies exclusives - "She Hangs Out", "Valentine" and "Planet Brian Jones" - regularly namechecked as many's fans fave Ghoulies blasts! This is the second 7" EP from "World Contact Day," the Ghoulies' debut album for Lookout from 1996. Features cover art by "The Maxx" creator Sam Keith.

Screeching Weasel / Born Against "Split"

Lookout 73

An unlikely alliance comes in the form of evergreen Chicago punks Screeching Weasel and NY hardcore heavyweights Born Against. It all makes sense to the lucky listener as he sets his needle down on these seven inches of glorious rebellion. Ben Weasel and company crank it out hard on two tracks exclusive to this Lookout release, with little space for any foreplay. Born Against counter attack with their trademark raging wall of noise hardcore punk. This EP goes beyond the boundaries, with two tracks penned for each others band. The CD version features two bonus cuts. Screeching Weasel side cover art featured artwork by Erika Hynes