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.

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!!

Various Artists "Punk USA"

Lookout 77

Released in 1994, Punk USA marks a time when the much loved compilation full length was coming to an end to be replaced by the “sampler”. Truly a compiled album in its essence, Punk USA presents a cross section of so many great and important punk bands from the mid 1990’s. Compiled by Screeching Weasel’s Ben Weasel, this album holds 15 standout tracks, and a hidden treat. Classic cuts from The Queers, Screeching Weasel, and The Vindictives, all exclusive to this LP. Favourites of the day Face to Face blast through a track reminiscent of their early days, and the ever legendary Jawbreaker submit an unreleased anthem in the form of “Sea green foam” that was always destined to become a future classic. Punk USA also goes the length and breadth of the punk spectrum from this time period with swinging sounds of Thankless Dogs, the tight melodies of Sinkhole and the peppy chimes of Beatnik Termites. Other just as noteworthy performances come in the form of Moral Crux, Scratch Bongowax, 8 Bark, The Pist, Submachine, Garden Variety, Scratch Bongowax and pre Squirtgun outfit Rattail Grenadier! Quite possibly one of the last great compilation releases of this era, and utterly essential!

Various Artists "The Thing That Ate Floyd"

Lookout 11

This huge 1988 compilation is like a history lesson for those uneducated about the world of the Gilman Street and Californian punk scene of the time. Compiled by David Hayes and originally spanning 4 sides of 12” vinyl (and later on a remastered double CD) there are few chinks in this musical armor. Unreleased material comes in the form of such Lookout! artists as Crimpshrine, Operation Ivy, Isocracy, Mr. T Experience, Plaid Retina, The Lookouts, Stikky, Sewer Trout, Nuisance, Sweet Baby, and that’s only scratching the surface. This iconic release, packed with 34 tracks of goodness also has such favorites of the day as Cringer, No Use For A Name, Capitol Punishment and Steelpole Bathtub. An amazing representation of the fertile California underground scene that went on to define punk into the 90s. Housed in unique packaging wrapped around a huge booklet, file this release under: Essential.