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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Ted Leo "Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead"

Lookout 298

Ted Leo distinguished himself in 2003 with an acclaimed album, "Hearts Of Oak," sold-out tours and coverage from Rolling Stone, Spin, Punk Planet, Mojo and other music magazines. In addition to playing with his band, The Pharmacists, Ted is also an accomplished solo performer. "Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead" is an EP built around the second single from the album, "Hearts Of Oak." Apart from the title track this record consists of new solo recordings by Ted Leo - over 25 minutes of music. In addition to new songs, this EP features recorded versions of cover songs that have become live show favorites and illuminate some of Ted's inspirations, The Pogues'"Dirty Old Town," "Six Months In A Leaky Boat" by The Split Enz and The Jam's "Ghosts." This is an opportunity for fans to hear a different side of Ted Leo.

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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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Ted Leo And The Pharmacists "Hearts Of Oak"

Lookout 290

Ted Leo returned in 2003 to follow-up "The Tyranny Of Distance" with "Hearts Of Oak." Produced by Nicolas Vernhes and Ted Leo himself, "Hearts Of Oak" takes off where "Tyranny" left of, with passionate moments and moods inspired by Generation X, Dexy's Midnight Runners and The Ruts. The album references the intensity and politics of late 80's DC Hardcore scene as well as the political dance pop of Chumbawumba. The basic facts are these: Ted Leo used to be in Chisel and The Sin-Eaters. His songwriting and performances are compared to the likes of Thin Lizzy, Paul Weller, Elvis Costello and Billy Bragg and informed by his love of punk rock. Ted Leo is one of the most important, original and earnest of the underground/indie punk scene. "Hearts Of Oak" is a vital record that defies categorization and is undeniably great on every level.

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Communiqué "A Crescent Honeymoon"

Lookout 289

Communiqué are a band from Oakland that spent 2002 developing their sound after the end of their other musical projects. All the band members have served time in the band, American Steel. "A Crescent Honeymoon" is the brilliant debut of a fully realized band. This EP is six clever, intricate songs reminiscent of the soaring melodies of the 80's with nods to The Smiths, The Fixx and Roxy Music. Communiqué are also more than that. They're a unit made up of five personalities with one maverick music idea, exemplifying the independent ethos by stripping away pretense from their music and performances. Their voices and musicianship deliver the honest song itself unencumbered by the hollow clichés many bands hide their songs behind. Lyrically they tackle emotional and political ideas with intelligence and eloquence.

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The Oranges Band "On TV"

Lookout 287

The Oranges Band caught the attention of Lookout Records when Roman was touring with Baltimore MD's The Thumbs. Recognizing a shared aesthetic and appreciation for no nonsense rock music, the Lookout / Oranges Band relationship fell together without a hitch and the plan was formed. In anticipation of a tour of the US with Spoon and to introduce the band to Lookout's audience, the band put together it's third EP entitled "On TV." Released in 2002 and followed up by the albums "All Around" and "The World And Everything In It."

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The Washdown "S/T"

Lookout 286

From Tampa, FL, The Washdown have crafted a truly original style of 60's-informed modern punk. The Washdown mixes the youthful intensity of bands like The (International) Noise Conspiracy and At The Drive In with the swagger of The Starlite Desperation and Jon Spencer. Twangy, distored guitar-driven punk'n'roll that's angular, intelligent and compelling.

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The Pattern "Real Feelness"

Lookout 285

Oakland CA's The Pattern deliver a rattle and shake all their own - one that mixes the chaos of punk with the manic energy of the best rock'n'roll. Having shared stages with The Strokes, X, The Donnas and others, The Pattern have honed their chaotic, sweat-soaked live show. The band's only LP, "Real Feelness" was produced by Alex Newport (At The Drive In), and is a fully realized statement of The Pattern's intent and mission. Originally released in 2002.

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The Cost "Chimera"

Lookout 284

From Oakland, The Cost were a powerful, original, interesting punk band. Their heavy, intricate, dark songs are completely engaging and fresh, but very much in keeping with what many post-"emo" punk bands are striving for - music that is melodious buy not poppy, lyrical but still raw. Their music was an original punk style that incorporated sounds from the mid-eighties DC scene (Gray Matter) the early nineties San Diego scene (Drive Like Jehu) and contemporary bands such as Alkaline Trio and Jets To Brazil. The band's only full length, originally released in 2002.

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Bratmobile "Girls Get Busy"

Lookout 280

In 2002 Bratmobile released their third album, "Girls Get Busy." The album is an expression of a band with a storied history and important body of work. On "Girls Get Busy," Audrey Marrs, (Mocket, Gene Defcon) adds keyboards that help give the album its distinctive new sound. Roadie extraordinaire Marty Violence (Young Pioneers) also contributed bass - a Bratmobile first. Allison’s lyrics are timely and critical of the current political climate with songs such as the ironic "Shop For America" and "United We Don’t," plus "Shut Your Face," which touches on the Chandra Levy disappearance. Molly steps up to the mic to sing lead on "Pagan Baby," and Erin really breaks out and goes to the next level with her incredible guitar style throughout. The record sounds like just what it is; "Girls Get Busy" is the product of an important and influential American punk band in its 11th year.

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Pretty Girls Make Graves "Good Health"

Lookout 279

"Good Health" was the debut album by Seattle WA's Pretty Girls Make Graves. Seattle, WA is well known for its creative and self supporting music community. All members have done time in well known and respected Seattle bands before joining forces as Prety Girls Make Graves. Singer and lyricist Andrea Zollo was in the highly regarded Death Wish Kids and Area 51, guitarist Jason Clark was in Kill Sadie and Sharks Keep Moving, drummer Nick Dewitt and Nathen Johnson were both in The Bee Hive Vaults, and bassist Derek Fudesco was a founding member of the much loved Murder City Devils as well as pairing with Zollo in Area 51. While many musicians outgrow the rough and furious genre of punk, one thing that made this band so special is that the musicians involved honed their playing for many years before returning to reinvent what they initially loved about punk music. So while they do have the music history to refer to, what the band accomplished with PGMG was so much more. Always keeping sincerity and emotion as a primary force guiding their music, but combining that with stellar musicianship and exciting song writing, Pretty Girls Make Graves were an amazing and unforgettable band. "Good Health" features the incredible single, "Speakers Push The Air."

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The Enemies "Seize The Day"

Lookout 278

The Enemies were a punk band from Oakland, California led by singer / guitarist Mike Pelino and featuring Dave Edwardson (Neurosis) on bass. This is their second full-length album, following up their split CD with Pitch Black, released on Lookout Records in 2001. "Seize The Day" shows how The Enemies continued to develop their refreshing original sound, gaining ingenuity and intensity. The music is dark, yet catchy and the melodic songs get stuck in your head while the powerful, hardcore sensibilities make you clench your fits and throw punches at the sky.

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The Pattern "Immediately"

Lookout 276

Out of the ashes of great east bay punk bands The PeeChees, Nuisance, St. James Infirmary and Black Fork, The Pattern blast out six great punk-fused blues rock songs in less that 12 minutes. Originally released in 2001. Followed up by the band's sole full length "Real Feelness" in 2002.

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One Time Angels "Tricks And Dreams"

Lookout 274

One Time Angels' Singer and guitarist Doug Sangalang was a member of Screw 32 and Limp, lead guitarist Scott Hay was in The Receivers and The Plus Ones, bassist Mickey Dunegan was previously in Fury 66, and drummer Eric Alexander was in San Francisco's great Saint James Infirmary. "Tricks And Dreams" features melodic and sometimes delicate punk with pop hooks in the vein of Jawbox and Jawbreaker. This was One Time Angels' final release after their excellent Adeline Records full-length "Sound Of A Restless City."

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The Mr. T Experience "And The Women Who Love Them (Special Addition)"

Lookout 273

The Mr. T Experience "And The Women Who Love Them" was originally released in 1993. It's tight production, no-nonsense arrangements, clever lyrics and giant melodies helped set the benchmark for punk rock with pop sensibilities in the 1990s. This special addition contains the original 6 song EP, MTX's "Alternative" EP including previously outtakes from the original sessions, demos, b-sides and compilation tracks, all remastered with updated and expanded artwork. The Mr. T Experience's Dr Frank and longtime producer Kevin Army have combed the vaults to piece together a comprehensive look at the band's non-album output from 1993-1997. Featuring an extensive 12-page booklet with liner notes by Chris Appelgren and Dr Frank. This 24 track CD-only release is a must-have for MTX fans.

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Black Cat Music "Hands In The Estuary, Torso In The Lake"

Lookout 269

This is what happens when punk rock grows up. "Hands In The Estuary, Torso In The Lake" is Black Cat Music's third album, from 2001. Their unique brand of rock and roll begain thrilling audiences and listeners in the summer of 1998, and this album reinforces their enduring popularity. The group has extended the reach of their hard driving, nervous breakdown rock and roll, and at the same time developed their own pained blues. This is not a band whose influences are easily traced. Time spent playing in punk bands certainly leaves its mark. But as is usually the case when it comes to Black Cat Music, nothing is what it seems. This is a dark album, but never nihilistic. It is rock, it is blues, it is frantic, it is a portrait of the darker side of modern life. With prior bands including the Criminals, the Receivers, Multi Facet, and the Magnetic, all four members know their way around a stage. But it's the sum of these four parts that creates such urgent rock and roll. Black Cat Music speaks to the loss, regret, beauty, and passion in all of us.

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Ted Leo And The Pharmacists "The Tyranny Of Distance"

Lookout 268

Ted Leo is a rare gem in the indie rock world. Having labored for years in the mod pop outfit Chisel, he released his first solo effort in 1999 fusing his influences from such artists as The Jam, Elvis Costello and Squeeze with his love of reggae and dub music. His second solo album "The Tyranny Of Distance" takes this one step further and is a brilliant showcase of Ted's incredible vocal and guitar playing talent and amazing song writing skills. Produced by Brendan Canty (drummer of Fugazi, producer of The Make-Up), Leo's first Lookout Records release has moments of such pure musical happiness it is difficult to stop listening to it once you hear it for the first time. This is a special record that combines pop purity with a unique rock assault that recalls both Elliott Smith and Thin Lizzy. The recording has a hyper-energetic, almost-live sound but with the polish of the accomplished musicians who performed and produced it, including James Canty (Nation Of Ulysses, The Make-Up), Seb Thomson (Trans Am) and former members of Golden, Tsunami and The Telegraph Melts. Originally released in 2001, this album was followed by Ted Leo And The Pharmacists' "Hearts Of Oak" and "Shake The Sheets," both on Lookout Records.

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American Steel "Jagged Thoughts"

Lookout 265

While clearly influenced by the East Bay sound, American Steel's song structures on "Jagged Thoughts" show the band's love for the musical traditions of Motown soul, folk, and early rock as well as punk and hardcore. This combination of traditional music and punk rock - the subtlety of the former with the power of the latter - defines and reconciles this diverse group of songs. Having fully absorbed their punk influences in the process of making "Rogue's March," American Steel set forth to create a more uniquely personal follow-up. An exciting take on rock'n'roll tempered by punk's hardness, swagger and crunch and melodic pop's irresistible essence, "Jagged Thoughts" is a masterwork by an important band.

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Lookout 262

Ann Beretta created their own brand of straightforward catchy rocking tunes that were influenced by such classic punk bands as The Clash, Green Day and Hot Water Music. With insightful, personal and political lyrics, Ann Beretta created a formula that works incredibly well within their genre. The catchy choruses, and amazing hooks come through in their music and live shows and this second album from 2001 was no exception.

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The Enemies & Pitch Black "Split"

Lookout 261

In 2001, Lookout released an all-new classic punk rock split record in the spirit of the Code Of Honor / Sick Pleasure split, the Faith / Void split and "The Shit Split" featuring Blatz and Filth (originally released on Lookout Records in 1991). This time around it was The Enemies and Pitch Black, two incredible East Bay bands. The Enemies are a dark yet melodic trio that successfully balances pop melody with hardcore sensibilities. The Enemies also features Dave Edwardson from Neurosis on bass. Pitch Black are an awesome broodingly brutal threesome that literally  blew up stages throughout the Bay Area with pyrotechnics, blood spitting, and smoke machines.

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The Donnas "Turn 21"

Lookout 255

"Turn 21" picks up where The Donnas' previous album "Get Skintight" left off, kicking the rock engine into even higher gear. The Donnas celebrate coming of age with 13 songs that declare their undying love for rock, punk and glam on tracks like "40 Boys In 40 Nights," "Play My Game" and a blistering version of Judas Priest's "Living After Midnight." Released in 2001 and produced by The Donnas with Robert Shimp.

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The Mr. T Experience "The Miracle Of Shame"

Lookout 254

"The Miracle Of Shame" is an MTX EP from 2000, that blends Dr Frank's unique songwriting with a new recording style (and new bass player Gabe Meline, formerly of Tilt). This five song EP was cut at various studios in the San Francisco bay area and features great Hammond organ work by Erik Noyes. Includes "Mr. Ramones," and "I Don't Know Where Dan Treacy Lives," about the elusive leader of the cult British band, Television Personalities.

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Bratmobile "Ladies, Women and Girls"

Lookout 252

In 2000, Bratmobile released their second full length studio album, "Ladies, Women and Girls," to an audience who had never forgotten them and never found a replacement for their poppy, sassy, smart, bratty, sexy punk. The album delighted critics and earned Bratmobile new fans as they toured with Sleater - Kinney, The Donnas, The Locust, and more. "Ladies, Women and Girls" was released on Lookout Records and produced by Tim Green of Nation of Ulysses and The Fucking Champs. Jon Nikki (Prima Donnas, Gene Defcon, Sarah Dougher) added guitar, bass and keyboard parts to flesh out the famously minimal Brat sound.

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The Smugglers "Rosie"

Lookout 236

"Rosie" boasts thirteen hot new songs produced by Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks, Young Fresh Fellows and Grammy nominated producer for Nashville Pussy) in The Smugglers' hometown of Vancouver, BC, Canada. It's easily the band's most intense effort to date. Rosie's title track features a duet with Grant Lawrence and guest vocalist Rose Melberg, one of the queens of indie rock (Tiger Trap, Go Sailor, The Softies). The Smugglers enlisted long time friend and mentor, The Mr. T Experience's Dr. Frank, to pen them the great tunes "She's Another Thing" and the hilarious and verbose "Coffee, Tea or Me?." "Teen Mob!" features a homage to Lookout label mates and teen heartthrobs, The Donnas, Kepi from the Groovie Ghoulies contributes some vocals to "Death at Disneyland" and other ferocious rockers like "Booze Can" and "Rock Thy Neighbour" will be sure to rip the roof right off your emergency shelter. Released in 2000.

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Ann Beretta "To All Our Forgotten Heroes"

Lookout 234

From Richmond VA, Ann Beretta combined straight forward punk rock with rockabilly, a little country, and a whole lotta rock-n-roll to create cool, rocking’ and catchy music in the vein of Rancid, The Swingin’ Utters and The Clash. Led by Robbie Huddleston (Foundation), the band’s debut album was originally released in 1999 after a debut EP on Fueled By Ramen. Followed in 2001 by the band’s second album “New Union, Old Glory.”

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The Mr. T Experience "Alcatraz"

Lookout 232

The Mr. T Experience's 1999 album, "Alcatraz" was termed symphonic pop by Lookout Records at the time of it's release. The album showcases Dr Frank's compelling and unique style of songwriting which seems to reach new heights with each MTX release. Sonically, "Alcatraz" owes debts to Noel Coward, The Ramones, an array of overlooked underground music and AM rock from the 1970s. Features "Naomi" about Beauty Myth author Naomi Wolf and "I Wrote A Book About Rock And Roll" about a certain controversial Bay Area rock critic.

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American Steel "Rogue's March"

Lookout 231

American Steel are an incredible band that carries on the tradition of East Bay punk rock bands that are melodic without sacrificing hardcore intensity. In the sonic tradition of Crimpshrine, early Rancid, Leatherface and The Rudiments, American Steel brings their tough, insistent melodic punk to the masses with their first Lookout album, "Rogue's March." Originally released in 1999.

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The Mopes "Accident Waiting To Happen"

Lookout 230

The Mopes are either past or current members of some high pedigree bands from Chicago, Lafayette and Boston (namely, Screeching Weasel, Squirtgun and The Queers) but they don't want you dwell on that fact. Separately they are all known for writing and/or performing some of the greatest pop-punk ever. So if these four are so amazing in their other bands, what happens when they get together? In February 1999, they answered that question when they put the finishing touches on their debut album. Sure B-Face had to drive all the way from Massachusetts to Lafayette, Indiana to spend one day doing his bass parts, and Jughead had to drive down each day to record his parts and then drive back to Chicago to do a nightly show at a local theater, and sure they only had one proper rehearsal with amps and real drums before recording the first EP and no real practice before doing the album, but somehow the Mopes managed to make one of the best pop punk records ever. Combining the pop elements of Green Day with back-beat punk of the Riverdales into a concoction that is unique, catchy as fuck, and totally original.

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Common Rider "Last Wave Rockers"

Lookout 226 (Panic Button)

Ex-Operation Ivy frontman/lyricist Jesse Michaels returned in 1999 with his first real band in ten years, Common Rider, joining forces with Mass Giorgini and Dan Lumley from Squirtgun and Screeching Weasel. "Last Wave Rockers" is not just for Operation Ivy fans but the album is an extension of that band, showcasing the same insightful, beautiful lyrics and the same kind of musical intensity. Combining heartfelt punk and rock-steady reggae influenced tunes in the the spirit of The Clash with Buddy Holly-esque stripped down rock'n'roll. Produced by Brendan Burke. "Last Wave Rockers" was followed up by "This Is Unity Music" released on Hopeless Records in 2000.

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The Donnas "Get Skintight"

Lookout 225

From 1999, "Get Skintight" was produced by Jeff and Steve McDonald from Red Kross and features Ace-worthy guitar licks, irresistable pop hooks, big hooks and a rowdy cover of Motley Crue's "Too Fast For Love." Don't miss smash hits like "Hyperactive," "You Don't Wanna Call" and the power-ballad "I Know."

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Dr. Frank "Show Business Is My Life"

Lookout 222

The founder and leader of The Mr. T Experience, ventures out to write and perform his first solo album, from 1999. "Show Business Is My Life" showcases Frank's witty songwriting as it explores various music styles including folk, country, bossa nova and of course, punk rock.

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The (Young) Pioneers "Free The (Young) Pioneers"

Lookout 206

One of the best punk records released in 1998. The (Young) Pioneers' had a unique ragged musical style, that fuses hardcore ferocity to blues, folk and gospel sensibilities.  This fiercely original brand of songwriting was powerfully pounded out by Adam (Born Against), Marty Violence and Fred in supertight arrangements. Includes their gorgeous anthem, "We Ain't Even Married," Curtis Mayfield's "Meeting Over Yonder," and (Impatient) Youth's "Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition."

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The Hi-Fives "Get Down"

Lookout 205

1998's "Get Down" starts out with the wonderful "I'd Be So Pleased," a song that shows just how much The Hi-Fives grown since their 1995 debut while staying true to the band's love of 60s surf, punk and pop. Strong production, playful lyrics and unforgettable hooks highlight the Hi-Fives final full length offering.

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The Mopes "Low Down Two Bit Sidewinder"

Lookout 202

The Mopes started out with some silly songs written by Dan Vapid and B-Face while on the road with the Queers. They promised each other they'd record them at some point but both of them were pretty busy with their other bands, Screeching Weasel and the Queers.  Then one afternoon in early 1997, Vapid showed up at John Jughead's house with an acoustic guitar and no explanation. Jughead was no slouch, so he invited him in and they started messing around with some of the songs Vapid had written with B-Face. It kept happening. After working out some songs together, John and Vapid invited Squirtgun's Dan Lumley over to accompany them on drums. Since they were playing together in an apartment with neighbors, Lumley fashioned a drum set out of cardboard boxes. From an original idea by B-Face and Vapid, and filled out by John and Lumley, the Mopes were officially born. Fast forward to Thanksgiving weekend 1997 when they laid down the tracks for this CDEP full of poppy punk rock, catchy instrumentals, and goofy 60's style stuff - plus a hidden track - with Mass Giorgini at his Sonic Iguana Studio in Lafayette, Indiana. Originally released in 1998.

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The Donnas "S/T"

Lookout 201

This CD-only release collects The Donnas' debut self-titled album from 1997 and the band's early (and extremely rare) Super*Teem 7" singles including classics like "Let's Go Mano," "Everybody's Smoking Cheeba," and "High School Yum Yum!"  Great low-fi rock in the vein of Nikki & The Corvettes and The Ramones.

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The Donnas "American Teenage Rock'n'roll Machine"

Lookout 191

These four teenage rock'n'rollers don't care about your rules. With catchy buzz-saw guitar songs about doing whatever the hell they want. It's an all-new sure-fire classic in the tradition of Kiss, The Runaways and The Ramones. The Donnas' first album for Lookout Records, originally released in 1998.

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The Mr. T Experience "Revenge Is Sweet And So Are You"

Lookout 180

After declaring "Love is Dead," MTX return with a few new tricks up their sleeves. From 1997, "Revenge Is Sweet and So Are You" is a fabulous feel-bad album that exposes emotions more distorted than a fun house mirror. Dr Frank outdoes himself as a smart, funny songwriter that does not bite his tongue as you break his heart, with Joel and Jym providing an excellent musical foundation. This album includes MTX fan favorites "Swiss Army Girlfriend," "Love Is Dead," and "Hella Dumb."

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The (Young) Pioneers "On Trial"

Lookout 179

Lookout Records encountered Richmond, VA's The (Young) Pioneers -  one of the most exciting, though underrated, revolutionary rock'n'roll outfits in existence of their time - in 1995 and released "On Trial" as well as an excellent follow-up LP. With strong political ideas and personal sentiment and powerful music. The (Young) Pioneers were led by the guitar growl and voice of Adam Nathanson (Born Against, Life's Blood) with the mighty rhythm section of Marty on bass and Brooks (Universal Order Of Armageddon, Wrangler Brutes, ) on drums. 9 Songs.

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Auntie Christ "Life Could Be A Dream"

Lookout 176

Auntie Christ was formed in 1996 by Exene Cervenkova after X disbanded. Exene then joined forces with D.J. Bonebrake (her long-time drummer from X and solo projects) and Matt Freeman (Rancid/Downfall/Operation Ivy founder). Matt was a huge fan of X and had studied their music so closely, he was a perfect fit to the rhythm section. Their demo of 2 songs became their first single on Lookout (LK173). They gigged briefly in Northern California before heading into the studio in Los Angeles to record "Life Could Be A Dream" with producer Sally Browder (Rocket From The Crypt, Red Aunts, Humpers). Auntie Christ was an incredible project band driven by Exene on guitar and lead vocals and the rhythm section section of D.J. and Matt. As always, Exene, (who wrote almost all the music and lyrics) is unflinching in her portrayal of the corrosive world around her, whether she's examining social hypocracy or getting inside thorny romantic issues. Fittingly, Exene met D.J. Bonebrake and Matt Freeman at the same place- only 20 years apart. The location: the legendary Los Angeles punk club The Masque. In 1996, Exene reopened The Masque for one night only for a party to celebrate the release of the "Live From The Masque" (a 3 cd live set on her Year 1 Records label that chronicled the early Los Angeles punk bands including X). One of the guests that night was Matt Freeman. Upon meeting each other, Exene told him of her plan to form a band that was in the truest spirit of punk, and one with a modern outlook. "I asked him if he knew of any bass players for my band," recalls Exene. At that point, Matt was in. After the release of "Life Could be a Dream," Auntie Christ continued to play shows with Stone Fox's Janis Tanaka on bass.

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Black Fork "Rock For Loot"

Lookout 172

Black Fork was a "punk rock garbage disposal" featuring members of east bay bands including The Clams, Bumblescrump, Stolen Face, The Pattern and Ferly. "Rock For Loot" is a blizzard of unkempt rock'n'roll, Hollywood punk terrorism, and cheap beer. This album sounds like a party in an Emeryville alley with a hand puppet and a bottle of Thunderbird.

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The Wynona Riders "Artificial Intelligence"

Lookout 162

A more mature Wynona Riders for their final 12" EP from 1997, with a focus on rock and new wave that includes a cover of Berlin's "Masquerade." This was the band's last release before vocalist Skip and guitarist Joe, went on to form Toyboat.

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Sweet Baby "It's A Girl"

Lookout 157

Sweet Baby, formerly The Sweet Baby Jesus, began in 1986 at the behest of Dr. Frank who needed to organize some entertainment for his then-girlfriend’s eviction party. He even offered to play drums if his college pals Dallas and Matt would perform for the party-goers before his band The Mr. T Experience played an acoustic set. Not once since their chance meeting in high school had Dallas and Matt shirked an unusual challenge. So they did it: songs were written; their friend "Crispy" Jim was recruited to play bass; with Dr. Frank on the snare drum, The Sweet Baby Jesus had begun... And incredibly, it continued! Taking no heed of the hessians screaming "You suck!" during their first show, Dallas and Matt proceeded to churn out amazing music that would later define a well-known genre called "pop punk." With an eventual name-change to Sweet Baby the band was joined at one time or another by past and future members of Samiam, Crimpshrine, The Wynona Riders and Soup. Many people look to their debut album "It's A Girl" as the record that should have been on everyone’s turntable, but fell victim to the tragedy that major labels can cause when your A&R dude gets a better job. When all is said and done; when the last votes are tallied; when you are forced really to decide for that "desert island" scenario - Sweet Baby's "It's A Girl" is undeniably one of the best pop-punk records of all time.

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Go Sailor "S/T"

Lookout 153

There is something magical about Go Sailor that makes you want to describe their efforts, perhaps inaccurately, in simple terms. They wrote and played great song: basic and beautiful. The songs themselves, however, are not at all simple. They just sound so damn honest, so pure, that they resonate with those simple ideas. Some measure of this effect can be attributed to the people who create it; Rose sings beautifully and stirs a charming guitar, while Amy’s skillfully dynamic and textured drumming strolls and skips hand in hand with the bounce of Paul’s electric bass lines. By the by, Rose used to sing and play guitar in Tiger Trap, Paul beat the bass in Crimpshrine and Amy was in Aisler Set and Henry's Dress, But Go Sailor is much more than the simple sum of these parts. This self-titled CD, originally released in 1996, collects all the songs from the three vinyl-only EPs and various compilation appearances by this short-lived but much-loved band.

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The Mr. T Experience "Big Black Bugs Bleed Blue Blood"

Lookout 145

MTX's final Rough Trade release from 1989 was originally a seven song 12" EP but was reissued by Lookout as a 10" EP. "Big Black Bugs Bleed Blue Blood" includes Mr. T Experience classics like "Gilman Street," the prophetic "The End Of The Ramones," and "Dictionary Girl," which was penned by Dr Frank at the tender age of 13. The CD contains a number of bonus cuts bringing the total number of tracks to 31.

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The Mr. T Experience "Night Shift At The Thrill Factory"

Lookout 144

Look into the history of The Mr. T Experience with the band's second album from 1988, originally released on Rough Trade. This remastered version includes bonus tracks and extensive liner notes, old photos and show fliers.

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The Hi-Fives "And A Whole Lotta You"

Lookout 135

The Hi-Fives "venture" out of the garage to produce a smooth shiny second album. The title of this album refers to the overwhelming use of the word "you" in the songs. "A Whole Lotta You", from 1997, is a more refined sounding Hi-Fives. The music is fast, catchy and thoughtful garage pop that feature keyboards on a few tracks and a great cover of "Tainted Love." 16 songs.

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The Mr. T Experience "Love Is Dead"

Lookout 134

The Mr. T Experience pay tribute to the unrealized dreams of a million broken hearts with their watershed 1995 album, "Love Is Dead," a collection of pop punk songs that speak to how good you felt before your love abandoned you as well as how crummy you felt afterwards. Dr Frank, Joel Reader and Jym create perfect pop for now people with a sonically devastating and lyrically bittersweet album that has become of MTX's most enduring releases yet.

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The Hi-Fives "Welcome To My Mind"

Lookout 113

These 15 songs introduced the world to the Hi-Fives in 1995. Fast early Beatles-esque garage punk songs by John, Jess, Chris and Julie. Features two Billy Childish covers and thirteen more by John and Chris including a great song about going on tour with The Queers - "Let's Hear A Cheer (For The Queers)."

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The Wynona Riders "J.D. Salinger"

Lookout 104

Garagey and sometimes experimental pop punk full of youthful angst and humor. A variety of instrumentation backs up vocals by Skip that range from ferocious roaring to delicate crooning. Includes a great version of "Kids In America." Featuring former members of Juke, Soup, Filth and The Vagrants and originally released in 1995.

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