Punk Rock Museum - Las Vegas

    Over the summer, I had an opportunity, to spend a little time in Vegas, so I couldn't leave, without checking out the Punk Rock Museum. There's an impressive amount of memorabilia to see, so if you go, I recommend carving out a decent block of time. As you might expect, the majority of artifacts are from the US, and some larger UK bands. Walking through, trying to take it all in; I couldn't help but think how organized, and sterile the environment was. Far, from the primitive, chaotic, origins, most of the stuff came from. I was hoping, I might strike up a conversation, with someone knowledgeable. I talked to a guy for a while, but unfortunately, he didn't know much. Overall, there's lots to look at, and I never felt rushed. They have lots of records, placed in the display cases, throughout the museum. I realized, I have a copy of nearly every record they had. I think I may have a sickness, lol! Anyway, I'd recommend checking it out, if you're in the area. Here's their web site.

Indiscreet - American Nightmare

   Indiscreet were a San Francisco bay area four piece that formed in the late 70's. Far as I know, this was they're only record. There's not allot of info on these guys. I found This Site, with a band bio, announcing a re-union show in 2020. I also found a cool live set Here.

Line Up

John Coinman - vocals, guitar
Tropher Sisson - guitar
Steve Berryman - bass

Ron Tanner - drums

Thin Records 1980

1. American Nightmare

2. Black and White

♫♫►►He Was The Nicest Boy On The Block◄◄♫♫

Lifesavors - Fourteen

 Lifesavors were a Yorba Linda, California, Christian four piece that formed in 1980. Two full lengths and a EP were released. This catchy, double A sided promo was taken from "Dream Life", second of the two. Numerous lineup, and name changes ensued. If you're interested in learning more, HERE'S a good place to start. 

Line Up

Chris Wimber - bass, vocals

Kirk Heiner - guitar, keys, vocals

Brian Goins - Vocals

Kevin Annis - Drums

Refuge Records 1983

1. Fourteen

♫♫►►Just A Lost Young Teen◄◄♫♫

The Enemy - I Need An Enemy

    The Enemy were a Seattle, Washington four / five piece; around from 1978 to 1982. During that span they released two singles, this being their first, the second, "Bang Bang You're Dead B/W Trendy Violence" in 79. Originally called the Fruitland Famine band, a name change ensued, late 1977. The Enemy have been mentioned as one of the west coast's first wave punk bands, as well as one of, if not the earliest Seattle punk bands to release a record. Of course, The bands story wouldn't be complete, without discussing Seattle's short lived, first punk club, "The Bird" Here's another, if you feel so inclined. I've always thought of this record as one of the more underrated punk gems of it's time. Suzi Grants vocals on Want Me, far as I'm concerned is one of the best female fronted punk tunes, period.

Line Up

George Gleason - guitar, vocals

Damon Titus - guitar, vocals

Suzi Grant - Vocals

Paul Hood - bass, vocals

Peter Barnes - Drums

King Tut Records 1978

1. I need an enemy

2. Want me

♫♫►►You Want Me To Be Like You◄◄♫♫

The Neuz - I'm Gonna Pop

The Neuz were from Atlanta, GA. This was the first of two records. The second was a four song EP, on Hib-Tone Records in 1982. I found a video, that shows the second record as being a 2 piece. David Ford on guitar and vocals, and the late Bruce Smith on drums, and vocals. I'm not sure if this record is the same guy on drums?

Ear Records 1980

1. I'm Gonna Pop
2. Take It

♫♫►►I just can't sit and watch you drown◄◄♫♫

The Vers - Without You Single

   The Vers were a Monroe, Wisconsin five piece, around from 78 to 83.The band was formed by members of Yancy Derringer. The name Vers was derived in 1978 on the way back from a gig in Medford, Wisconsin, passing through Colby on Highway 13. They spotted some three-foot high, black letters, on the side of an old garage spelling out “VERS,” which Hall took as a sign from above. This was the bands only single, 500 copies were sold. They also appear on a handful of compilations.

   Jim Hall developed polyps on his vocal cords. Options were: surgery, requiring three months recovery, or stop singing and talking while it healed for the same amount of time. The latter was chosen. Mondo took a forced hiatus while the Vers went on with a temporary replacement; however no one could replace Mondo. Sadly, he couldn’t either; he essentially suffered a nervous breakdown, and upon returning to the group both he and they went into a freefall culminating in an inevitable explosion “in flames of fatigue, frustration and bitter disappointment.

    Jim Hall passed away August 22, 2001 of a massive heart attack, he was 51. Boyd Williamson passed away from heart issues, Feb. 27, 2014. Gabriel Berrafato is a Home Depot sales manager in Beloit. Charlie Kuchler fronts a Zydeco band called the Zydegatorz, and Jim Stein is an event promoter at a club.

***Big Thanks to Video Dave, for his help, filling in many of the blanks for me!***

Websites:

Official Site

Zoids Home Planet

Line up

Jimmy Clayton Hall (Mondo Vers) - vocals

Boyd Williamson (Zoid Asteroid Machine) – lead guitar

Gabriel Berrafato – Bass

C.F. "Charlie" Kuchler (Charlie Calendar) - Keys, vocals

Jim Stein – Drums

Ignorus Records 1979

1. Without You

2. Five Year Love

♫♫►►I bought you diamond rings and pearls◄◄♫♫

Third Floor Strangers - Lorraine

    Originally called The Tourists; Third Floor Strangers were a Buffalo, NY four piece, formed in 1979. They released this single, and a full length titled, "Last Chance" before disbanding in 1983. Lorraine also appears on their LP, but I prefer this version. Sadly, I read Mark Lukich, and Jef Allen passed away.

Line Up-

Bob James - vocals, guitar

Mark Lukich - guitar, vocals

Jef Allen - Bass

Chuck Cavanaugh - Drums

Trelaine Records 1980

1. Lorraine

2. You are the one

♫♫►►You're Gonna Be Mine Till the End Of Time◄◄♫♫

Infidels - 9:25 and seven seconds

   a re-post, by request, new rips and scans. Originally posted, 11- 16-2008, Enjoy!

   The Infidels were an Youngstown, Ohio four piece, that formed around 1982. Their first single, "Mad About That Girl" was released in 1985 on Jim's Records. In all, they released: 3 full lengths, a mini lp, along with a hand full of singles. This was the bands first full length, and a long time favorite. I'm giving you the option between flac and mp3, rather than make one huge download.

Line Up

Pete Drivere -  lead guitar, vocals

John Hlumyk -bass, vocals

John Koury -   drums, vocals

David Lisko -   guitar, vocals


SCREAM RECORDS 1988

♫♫►►I'm surrounded by these walls - flac◄◄♫♫ 

♫♫►►I'm surrounded by these walls - mp3◄◄♫♫ 

The Wimps (Hamburger Radio and At the Discotheque EP's)

Reposted per request, New rips and scans, originally posted 6/21/09
  The Wimps were a London based Powerpop outfit that existed from '77 to '80. They were a bunch of 17 year old schoolboys. They made two records, the Hamburger Radio e.p. and a single called "At the Discoteque.

Sniff Records 1979

1. Caroline
2. Hamburger Radio
3. New Girl At School
4. Modern Girl

♫♫♫...No Music In Your Eyes...♫♫♫

Added by request.

Sniff Records 1979

1. At the Discotheque

2. Blind Minds

3. Gonna Lose

♫♫♫►►And your mother buys your ticket◄◄♫♫♫

The Boxboys (American Masquerade Single)

a re-post, by request, new rips and scans. Originally posted 8-27-2010, Enjoy!

The Boxboys Formed in Los Angeles,around 1978. They're credited as being one of the areas earliest Ska bands. Band members were; Betsy Wiess,(vocals) David Loren Burg,(guitar, keyboards, saxophone) Larry Monroe Monroe,(guitar)Scott Ska Sigman,(keys)Ivan Wong, Jr.,(bass)and Greg Sowders(drums).They recorded two singles, this was their first. Their second Skaletons in the Closet also featuring Betsy on vocals, however when it was released, she had just left the band. After leaving the Boxboys Betsy went on to front the 80's Metal band Bitch.The Boxboys replaced Betsy with a new singer named Lisa Bosch, however shortly after, the band soon came to an end.

Zone-H Records 1980

1. American Masquerade
2. Come See About Me

***DOWNLOAD***

Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes EP

    Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes, were / are a Louisville, Kentucky four piece, formed in 1981. They released this EP, and a mini LP; both on the Hit A Note Records label. There's a stamped paper sleeve that exists for this one, unfortunately, mines not one of them. I believe the bands still around, with Todd Bensenhaver being the only original. In 1990, a CD was released titled, " Thumb Whack" on their own Melvitone Records Label. Copies of the CD and the earlier releases are still around to be had, if you look.

Line Up

Todd Bensenhaver - guitar, lead vocals

Fred Caudill - Guitar

Tobe Liebert - Bass

Jeff Burnett - Drums

Hit-A-Note Records 1982

1. Can't Do Anything Right

2. Rich Smart and Famous

3. Drive-In

4. Facts 'R' Facts

♫♫►►I Wanna Be Happy All The Time◄◄♫♫

The Moondogs - Lets Touch

   Happy New Year! Here's a slab of lo-fi Powerpop to get the new year started. As is often the case, there's little info on these guys. Big thanks to Bruce for his help. The Moodogs were a Los Angeles, CA four piece, around in the early eighties. This was the second, of their three DIY releases. I included a few bonus tracks from their 1980 release, reissued in 2017 on Mighty Mouth Music. If you want to hear the other tunes; you can grab one Here.

 Line Up:

Tom Musick - guitar, vocals
Greg Suffolk - bass

Tim Suffolk - drums, vocals

Danny Clifford - guitar, vocals

Kristine Clifford - vocals on You Have Loved Before

California Records 1982

1. Dance With Me Cheryl

2. You Have Loved Before

3. Your The Girl

4. Home Coming

♫♫►►Nothin Else Can Spark Me Like You Can◄◄♫♫