Theatre - Wild Boar Records EP

    Theatre were a Chicago four piece, around from 1978 to 1982. Besides this EP, they released a full length titled, " Diamonds" in 1981. Not sure if this is true but I stumbled on a ebay listing that claimed...Some tracks were recorded in upstate NY, while on their way back from a tour. The producer took these four and pressed 100 copies, of which 25 were circulated without the bands knowledge. At any rate, someone believed story, they paid $588.00.. One things certain, " Any time at all" is a great slice of Powerpop!

Line Up -

Donni Bennett - Vocals, Guitar
Steve Staszak - Guitar
Tommy Biondo - Bass, Vocals
Ricky Wilcox - Drums

Wild Boar Records - 1980

1. Just Can't Wait
2. Do It Again
3. Rock and Roll Queen
4. Any Time At All

♫♫►►It Could Happen To You◄◄♫♫

Herod's Race - Something's Not Right Single

   Been hooked on this tune lately, great stuff; been wanting to post it! While researching the band, I realized both of the always excellent blogs: My Life's a Jigsaw and Short Sharp Kick In The Teeth; had already beat me to it many years ago. Their links are since down, so I suppose there's room for me. Make sure to check them out though!
   Herod's Race was a five piece from Ely, Cambridgeshire, UK. This was the bands lone record, it's without picture sleeve and looks to have been self released.

Line Up

Lee Gillett
Mick Gillett
William Bonney
Alan Bailey
Andy Clark

Race Records 1980

1. Something's Not Right
2. Wind Me Up!

♫♫►►Too Much Pressure◄◄♫♫

Scott Wittenburg - Apple, The Retros, The Tickets

   Every now and then, while researching a seemingly unknown record; I’m fortunate to stumble onto  some truly interesting individuals. Scott Wittenburg, without question falls into that category. Besides the musical body of work featured below; Scott teaches Photography and is an accomplished Author, with a dozen published novels to his credit.

   Apple was a three-piece from Portsmouth Ohio that formed in 1976. The band originated as a Beatles cover band, heavily influenced by the British Invasion. Upon moving, original guitarist Alan Huff was replaced by Jack Vetter in 1978. One single, “Holes in the Ceiling b/w Going Back” was released in 1979. 500 copies were pressed, they were sold at shows. Apple disbanded in 1979.

♫♫►►Now It's Started To Rain◄◄♫♫

Line Up –

Scott Wittenburg – Bass, Vocals
Jack Vetter – Guitar, Vocals
Jeff Porter - Drums

   Scott’s next venture was a three piece, also from Portsmouth called The Retros. The band formed in 1980 and lasted for 9 months. During that span, they wrote and recorded 33 original songs. I’ve included a few for your listening pleasure. If you want to hear the rest, there’s a disk titled The Retros Retrospective, you can purchase. I'll leave the links below.

Line Up –

Scott Wittenburg – Bass, Vocals
Mike Bry1an – Guitar, Vocals
Jeff Porter – Drums

♫♫►►I Wonder How Much More I Can Stand◄◄♫♫

   After The Retro’s called it quits, Scott moved to NYC and started yet another three piece called The Tickets. The band lasted for three years and released one single in 1982, “People Next Door b/w Turn Me Away”. Of the couple of hundred pressed, 25 came with handmade sleeves. There’s a Tickets anthology titled, “ Local Heroes”. Links for purchase will be left below.

Line Up –

Scott Wittenburg – Bass, Vocals
George Fonteboa – Guitar, Vocals
Mario Trombetta - Drums

♫♫►►You've Got Nothing To Lose◄◄♫♫  

   There’s a solo effort as well titled, “ Uno Mono Solo”. A collection of songs written over a 15-year span. Scott played all instruments and sung all vocals.
   

   You can purchase the Retros, Tickets and Solo disks, The Apple and Tickets singles as well as Scott’s novels and Photography books from his Etsy Store, BooksByWitt. Scott's selling original Apple and Ticket's singles; at a fraction of what they're selling for on Ebay and Discogs, shipping included. There's a small amount of the ultra rare Tickets picture sleeves for sale as well. 

Other Links –

Scott Wittenburg.com
Uno Mono Solo on You Tube
Scott Wittenburg Tik Tok
Facebook

Romford Stompers - Mary & Ken - Split Single

   The Romford Stompers were a four piece from Glenton Close, Romford, London. I lifted most of this info from the record sleeve itself. They originally wanted to call the band, The Yorkshire Rippers but ultimately decided against it. There were 1000 pressed, with only a small number having sleeves. The record seemed to have been met with some public outrage; over the band making money off the misery of the victims and their families. I couldn't find anything on the flip, Mary & Ken. Three of the members, ( Harding, Dale and Hanson) ended up in a Electronic, Synth band called Famous Rays. They put out a full length in 1990, titled "Ending Beginning.

Line Up

Phil Harding - Bass, Vocals

Dave Dale - Guitar, Vocals

Mick Hanson - Guitar, Vocals

Chris Brown - Drums

Rott, ( Right Over The Top) Records 1981

1. The Romford Stompers - Dead Girls

2. Mary & Ken - Happy

♫♫►►Safe at Home but not Alone◄◄♫♫

Myron Skau - Too Many Movies Single

a re-post, by request, new rips and scans. Originally posted 8-29-2010, Enjoy!

   Myron Skau were a three piece, from (I'm going to assume) the New England area. Unfortunately, as is the case with allot of bands, little or no info is to be found. Both songs are good, but my favorite of the two is definitely the flip side.

Line Up 

Gilbert Prescott - Skins

Johne Maul - Simulated Ivory Tickler

Kevin Donovan - Vocals, and Strings

Destiny Records 1985

1. Too Many Movies

2. Ritzi Anna

♫♫►►You're Looking For Something To Frighten You◄◄♫♫

The Cads - Do the Crabwalk EP

a re-post, by request, new rips and scans. Originally posted 5-16-2009, Enjoy!

   Guessing this is the only release from this Toronto five piece. I like this record, it's lo-fi production adds to it's charm. These guys have a great sense of humor. Reminds me of releases from midwest bands such as the Gizmo's or the Bizarros. Four members of the Cads are or were in a band called the Lost Anglers.

Line Up

John Korvette - Bass

Chris Terry - Drums

Bag Asteroid - Vocals

John Ford - Guitar

Glen Binmore - Guitar

Bi-R Records 1978

1. Do the Crabwalk

2. You Weren't Born Yesterday

3. Over My Dead Body

4. Sex Was the Only Way Out

♫♫►►I Watched Her As She Picked Her Nose◄◄♫♫

The Rattlers - Singles Plus Bonus

 

a re-post, by request, new rips, same  scans. Originally posted 1-17-2011, Enjoy!

    

   I'm sure most of you are familiar with The Rattlers. The On The Beach Single is a classic, and Definitely a favorite of mine. I never got to see the Rattlers live, but I've been told in their early days as a three piece they did these songs much harder, and faster than the recorded versions. They played a show with 999 around 1980, at a place called The Castle Inn, which was a club in my home town of Phillipsburg NJ. The club has since been renovated, and now serves as The Unemployment office. Anyway, I'm sure you all know the leader of the Rattlers was Mickey Leigh, Joey Ramones younger brother. I think it must have been difficult, being in the shadow of The Ramones, but The Rattlers managed to carve out a nice niche for themselves, and were a great band in their own right. The Rattlers formed in NYC, around 1979. Before parting ways in 1988, they left us with Two Singles, and an LP titled Rattled. I included both of their singles in this post as well as I won't be your victim, from the LP. In my opinion, their best songs. 

Ratso Records 1979

1. On The Beach

2. Livin' Alone

Faulty Products 1982

3. What Keeps Your Heart Beatin'?

4. Let's Move

PVC/Gem Records 1985

5. I won't be your victim

♫♫►►I Don't Care About Savin The World◄◄♫♫

Boulevard - Extended Pop EP

    Boulevard were a Chicago four piece that left us with two, self released efforts; this being the second. Although I've never heard it, I read the 1st record has more of a 60's flare.
   Sometime in the mid 2000's; the band surfaced again as a three piece, minus Scott Murray, under The Boolevards. They released a couple of full lengths; with a 60's pop edge.
   One of the more enjoyable aspects of doing this blog is learning things I didn't know about bands. The full lengths titled, " Real Pop & More Real Pop" sound really good. I'm definitely planning on grabbing them up. If you're interested in checking them out, here's a couple links.

Facebook

The Boolevards

Line Up -

Hugh Murphy - Guitar
Scott Murray - Guitar, Vocals
Joe Nowik - Drums, Vocals
John Nowik - Bass, Vocals

Ranger Records - 1980

1. I Got a Feelin'
2. Radio Romance
3. Yeah, She's the One
4. Moron City
5. Coming On Strong

♫♫►►Set The World On Fire◄◄♫♫

The Toes - Heads

   Not much info on this one. Best I can surmise; The Toes were a Hartford, Connecticut, three piece. I found a comp called, " Homespun WHCN - 106 FM"; that features Heads. The band's pictured on the back as a three piece. I'm guessing this was they're only record and it appears self released. Gil Francis Yaskovic gets writing credits for both tunes.

   Under normal light, the record appears black but if you hold it up to the light; it's a dark, translucent, purple. 

   If anyone has anything to add or correct, please let me know. 

No-Zone Recordings 1979

1. Heads

2. Anyway

♫♫►►We're Livin' Our Lives Anyway◄◄♫♫

Boy Elroy and the Jetsons - Don't Know Why

   Boy Elroy and the Jetsons were a Gainesville, Florida four piece; around in the early 80's. This was their lone, self released, single. They also had a track titled, " Silver Sweater" on the Sinkhole Tapes Compilation. 

   Mike posted this on the great Cheap Rewards Blog, 10 years ago already, jeez....

Line Up - 

Mark Mann - Vocals, Guitar

Martin Gold - Guitar

Rick Shafer - Bass

Chas Mann - Drums

♫♫►►I Think You Want it Too◄◄♫♫

Scattershots

 The Heartbeats - Changing

The Roxies - Don't Wanna Dance Because I'm Told To

 Had this one a few weeks now and I've been listening to and liking it quite a bit.

   The Roxies are a Berlin, Germany four piece. Not sure exactly when they started but they've been around since at least 2019. If you're a fan of 70's / early 80's Punk and Powerpop, with a British lean; this one's a must!

Line Up -

Matthew Conway - Vocals
Bruno Werner - Guitar
Imke Wagener - Bass, Vocals
Tim Müller-Heidelberg - Drums

Links

Bandcamp

Facebook
Instagram
Dirt Cult Records

Here's a tune from their new full length; just released last month on Dirt Cult Records.

The Fort Worth Cats - Self Titled E.P.

    The Fort Worth Cats were a Fort Worth, TX four piece, formed in 1978. Besides this EP, I found a full length titled, " Earthquake at the O.K. Corral"; released in 1981. Wasn't able to find much else after that; other than this Facebook page. Sadly, there's an announcement on their page, that John Willett passed away in 2012, R.I.P.

Line Up -

John Siebman - Vocals, Guitar
Michael Neat - Vocals, Guitar
David Daniel - Bass, Vocals
John Willett - Drums

Self Released 1979

1. Get It Off Your Chest

2. Now That I'm A Talking Head

3. Go Blank

4. Fun In The Sun

♫♫►►I Got Everything I Need◄◄♫♫

Scattershots

 Sex Clark Five - I Want You Mine

David Raven and the Escorts - S/T EP

    David Raven and the Escorts were a three piece from Vancouver, British Columbia. I'm guessing the band probably formed around 1979 or so. They released a single, a couple of EP's and a full length titled, " Stab in the Dark". Not sure if it's legit but all three guys are named David?

Line Up

David Raven - Vocals, Bass, Guitars
David Domino - Keys
David Pemberton - Drums

RadioActive Records 1980

1. Keep On Burning
2. One Way Love
3. Dance Dance Dance
4. Somethin' in Our Way

♫♫►►We'll Dance Till the End Of the World◄◄♫♫

Scattershots

 The High Dials - Leaving Alphaville

The First Things - Firsthingsfirst EP

 a re-post, by request, new rips and scans. Originally posted 11-24-2008, Enjoy!

   The First Things were a Champaign, Illinois four piece, around in the early 80's. This was the first of two offerings, ( that I'm aware of anyway). I'm guessing it's self released. A 12" EP titled, " A Nation of Employees", followed in 83 on Hysterical Records. Mel Eberle went on to form The Arms of Someone.

Line Up-

Mel Eberle - Bass, Vocals
Steve Foster - Drums
Pete Govert - Guitar
Mike Majdic - Guitar, Vocals

Skid Records 1982

1. Bodies In the Backyard
2. Pretty Mouth
3. You're Not In LA Anymore
4. Bad Chemicals

♫♫►►Your Golden Coast Is Just A Memory◄◄♫♫

The Tickets - Extended Play EP

    The Tickets were a Calgary, Alberta Canada five piece; that formed in 1979. Looks like this may have been their only release? I found a video of them playing live; you can check it out Here. Sorry but my copy's not in the best of shape..

Line Up

Doug Kuss - Lead Vocals

James Dunlop - Bass, Vocals

Rick Saretsky - Guitar

Ed Kazmir - Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals

Robbie Cooper - Drums

Box Office Records - 1980

1. Hey Geraldine

2. Cutting Out

3. It Don't Matter

4. Dry Ice

♫♫►►Now I Don't Live Anywhere◄◄♫♫

Scattershots

 The Sherlocks - You've Made a Mistake

The Krayolas - Christmas Time

   We're certainly living in crazy times.... That said, I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope you and your families are Safe, Healthy and Happy and Prosperous!

   The Krayolas were a San Antonio, Texas four piece; that were around from 1975 to 1988. If you would like to read more about the band, look Here and Here.

Line Up -

Hector Saldana - Vocals, Guitar
David Saldana - Drums, Vocals
Van Baines - Guitar
Barry Smith - Bass

Saloyark Music 1980

1. Christmas Time

2. Cry Cry, Laugh Laugh

♫♫►►They Grow Up So Fast◄◄♫♫

The Pengwins - Life After High School EP

   The Pengwins were a four piece from Kennedale, Texas, that formed in 1976. They released this EP and a single, (Small Vacation / Don't Be a Girl About It) between 1978-1980. Both releases were small pressing's of 500 each. A 6 song, 12" EP titled, (Mad About the Band) followed in 1988, before the Pengwins disbanded in the early 90's.
   If you're interested in reading more about The Pengwins, go check out Mike's Cheap Rewards Blog; he did a great job researching the band!

Lannie Flowers - Guitar, Vocals
Delbert Raines - Bass, Vocals
Alan Petsche - Guitar
David Bryan - Drums

Fabb Records - 1978

1. Life After High School

2. Look Around
3. It's a Dream

♫♫►►Can I Still Sneak Under The Bleachers With You◄◄♫♫

Scattershots

 Smile - How the Race is Done

The Tearaways - Sounds Like...

    The Tearaways were a four piece from Santa Barbara, California. I'm pretty sure this was the only release with this line-up. The band appears to still be active. The current line-up features Clem Burke on drums. If you want to learn more about these guys, check out the links below.

Official Site

Facebook

Line Up

John Ordazzo - Bass
Dave Humes - Lead Guitar
John Finseth - Rhythm Guitar
Brad Wisham - Drums

Stellar Records - 1981

1. Summer Fashion
2. Don't Feel So Bad
3. Or Something Like That
4. Any Other Girl

♫♫►►Is It Really Worth The Price You Pay◄◄♫♫

Sorry It's Been a While... Help with naming of a new weekly segment

   Here we are. Coming up on the end of another year. I hope you and your families are happy and healthy! I swear, the older I get; the faster time seems to go. I was really hoping to be more active this year but alas, once again, it didn't happen. Unfortunately, my life becomes quite hectic sometimes; not leaving time for anything else.
   I spend allot of time in my truck driving, to and from work. It gives me an opportunity to listen to my sizeable, continuously growing collection. I have a 250 gig flash drive, more than half filled with music and I add to it regularly. I set it to play everything randomly. Songs will hit me and I think about sharing them. Thing is, I'm not interested in putting together a proper post. I'm thinking of sharing one song a week. I've figured out how to make my own player and host the song; it wont be available for download, just for listening. I'll put the name of the band and the song; it will be available for a limited amount of time. If you like what you hear, you can research and pursue it on your own. If anyone has any questions regarding the song; I'll try my best to answer them. The nice thing about not making the songs available for download is; I think it will give me more freedom. The songs won't be of any specific genre or time period. Pretty much, whatever grabs me. These songs will be in edition to my usual post's.
   Anyway, I feel like I should be able to handle one song a week, lol. I've been trying to come up with something to call the weekly segment but keep coming up empty. I'm hoping for suggestions. I'll pick the one I like most and it will be done... Thank You!! here's this week's song.

Fotomatic Take a Ride

The New Breed - 1001 Suburban Nights

   The New Breed were a New Jersey four piece, around in the mid 80's. The contact address on the sleeve is Paramus. Far as I know, this was their only record as The New Breed. A couple years later, another single titled "Teenage Myth" was released under Dennis Michell and the new breed. The band members were the same, minus Tony Romano. A few years later, a cassette was released under Dennis Mitchell and The Wilsons.

Line Up

Dennis Mitchell - Guitar and Vocals

Tony Romano - Guitar and Vocals

Chris Labianca - Bass and Vocals

Jimmy Russell - Drums

Absolute Records - 1984

1. 1001 Suburban Nights

2. Blessings In Disguise

3. Get Yourself Together

4. Place In My Mind

♫♫►►I Look In The Mirror and a Year Goes By◄◄♫♫