DS Interview: John “Jughead” Pierson on his Fictional Band Semi-Famous, Brought to Life with the New Full-Length “Destroy Ourselves”

John “Jughead” Pierson, known most prominently, alongside Ben Weasel, as a founding member of Screeching Weasel, has reentered the so-called punk rock spotlight through his new band Semi-Famous. First devised as the fictious subject of Pierson’s not-so-fictitious novel Weasels in a Box, Semi-Famous has been brought to life by the release of Destroy Ourselves, a […]

John “Jughead” Pierson, known most prominently, alongside Ben Weasel, as a founding member of Screeching Weasel, has reentered the so-called punk rock spotlight through his new band Semi-Famous. First devised as the fictious subject of Pierson’s not-so-fictitious novel Weasels in a Box, Semi-Famous has been brought to life by the release of Destroy Ourselves, a 14-track pop-punk debut of Rare Bird/ Duck! records featuring the “supergroup” lineup of Ryan Rockwell of Mixtapes, Poli van Dam (formerly of The Bombpops), Billy Brown, and Tyson Cornell.

Based loosely on Screeching Weasel, “Weasels in a Box” toed the line between fictitious dialogue and real-life experience. Now living in Japan, Pierson has scratched his creative musical itch by teaming up with permanent members Rockwell, van Dam, Brown and Cornell, along with other pop-punk heavy hitters such as Dan Vapid.

As a sort of delayed twenty years anniversary for the original release of ‘Weasels in a Box”, not only has Pierson emerged alongside others with Semi-Famous, but the book is being re-released for the very first time on paperback and audiobook, voiced by Pierson.

We touched on a whole lot of interesting stuff during our brief chat including Pierson’s initial encounters with each bandmate, including Billy Brown whose unfortunate passing predated the record’s release.

“[The emotions are] mixed. I mean, I’m very excited,” said Pierson when asked about emotions following his passing and this release. “This got Tyson to actually get to know Billy and put out one of Billy’s unreleased records that finally got the light of the day right before he passed, so I know he was super excited about that. We became family. Him and Poli and Mike and their kid Adler got really close, so it was very sad that we lost him. But in a weird, cosmic way, we still feel like he’s there with us.

This interview was chock full of great stuff including Pierson really complementing his bandmates, personal favorites off of the record, possible shows surrounding this release, and a whole bunch more. We’ve got the full-length linked below, along with the full interview. Cheers!

So where did this idea come from for bringing this band from your book to life?

Rare Bird Lit came to me with the idea, like hey, why don’t we make your fictional band real? So we did, they’re actually re-releasing the paperback too, but the audiobook is what I’m excited about. 

And so what was kind of the turning point then for you deciding to take this to a full-scale record?

Probably just the enjoyment factor, you know? I went to LA and Tyson for Rare Bird Lit has this like amazing studio that they just use for their publishing company. So when sitting there, Ryan Rockwell, who I’ve always wanted to work with from the Mixtapes, drove out and that was exciting. No, he wasn’t there for that one, but he wrote a song with me. And then me and Billy Brown, who was in LA, recorded it. And afterwards, I just had so much fun. Then Christopher Applegren jumped on to do the art and my friend, Paul Russell, who did the Weasel logo was all excited. So we just decided to, I asked Tyson if we could do another, like a full length, and he said, yeah, of course. So it was just all about excitement level. There wasn’t like any big kind of a financial or any other backing behind it besides everyone was just excited.

When I hear the term supergroup, I’m kind of hesitant sometimes because I’ve heard supergroups before where it’s obviously one guy writing the songs, just a side project for this one band. And I didn’t get that at all with this. It seems like so many different people were contributing to it. You weren’t hearing just Mixtapes, you weren’t hearing just Bombpops, you weren’t hearing just Screeching Weasel. It just sounds like so many people are contributing.

I agree. I don’t even like using the word supergroup, I mean, ever. Even the Mopes was considered a supergroup too, but we were just a bunch of friends hanging out and having fun. So I think this was the same thing. I just was really excited to get Poli involved too. And I did a podcast with her and she had announced that she quit the Bombpops and I always had that in the back of my head. I was like, well, I got to get her to do something. 

Has she been doing much since Bombpops?

Well, she took a long break because she had a lot of hard life things happen that she’s more open about now. You know, she has diabetes and it was getting rough. So she started doing a solo project, I think she’s opening up for some of the NOFX shows, I think in LA. I think it’s just called the Poli Van Dam Band. But yes, I agree with what you were saying and I’m glad you picked that up. We’ve just agreed to do another record in February and Poli’s actually going to be writing now too with her husband, Mike, who is actually a great writer too. So I’m more excited to get even more into that “everyone contributing” sort of idea. Because she was frustrated with that in Bombpops too. All of us had sort of frustrating breaks with our former pop-punk counterparts, so that’s kind of what it was about. And just one more thing on that, when I went to Mass Giorgini to mix and produce it, I had said I wanted everyone’s voices to be equally displayed there. And he says, “well, that’s a really difficult thing to do.” And I said, “well, let’s see how it works, see if we can do that.” Like if Poli and Ryan are singing at the same time, I want them singing at the same time, not like one backing the other. And I think it really shows like that. When me and Billy are singing, it’s featuring both of us, but when it’s Poli and Ryan, it features both of them. That was probably the hardest mixing process of that, trying to figure that all out, how to make that work. 

So how did you connect with everybody kind of initially? Was your first thing with Poli with the podcast, or how did you kind of, I guess, connect with her? And then how did she kind of get involved with this project, was it, you just taking note of her leaving Bombpops? 

Well, originally, I had been a fan of the Bombpops for years, and then I saw them at the Reduno Festival. But I was disappointed, I just thought they looked a little bit too LA for me to like, kind of like schmoozy on stage and I didn’t like the vibe. But then I just kept on looking over at Poli and go, “that girl, she’s real, she’s the real deal.” So then I went after her to do an interview on the podcast, and after that podcast, it was a done deal, we already felt like family after that. Her husband, Mike, was a huge fan already, so she was already excited. And Ryan, I’ve been wanting to work with him since I heard the Mixtapes years and years and years ago. And then I was oddly doing a puppet show in Cincinnati, I had a job there and I ran into him at a video store, and we just hit it off really well. And I always thought he was underrated like a writer, so I wanted to have him help me and me help him. It was kind of like a mutual helping each other type of thing.

Yeah, what really got me into them was that, I think it was a split. I don’t know, the one song they did with the Direct Hit, “Werewolf Shame”. That’s what initially introduced me to them and I fell in love with those guys. And that ultimately introduced me to some of what Maura Weaver’s released and projects she’s been a part of. I really dig some of her solo stuff.

Yeah, him and Maura had a rough time of it, but they’re both, they’re great musicians. They’ve both gone on to do some great stuff separately. 

So I’m curious, a lot of people know you obviously from Screeching Weasel. But writing for this project, has that spurred your creativity elsewhere with any of these other things you’re involved with?

Well, I’ve called myself an artist because that’s how I’ve lived my life for like 45 years. I always use a different media to affect the other media. So like I’ve used now the excitement of the music to spark me to continue working on my new book, they’re all interrelated to me. They’re all, they work together.

Got it, okay. Was this difficult for you writing sort of like a concept album? I know for my songwriting personally, when I’m writing songs, I struggle with a preconceived subject sometimes. I kind of just go wherever the song goes, but I start to struggle when I have something in mind initially to write about. Was that a struggle at all with you?

Well, this is a concept in the fact that it was sparked by the Weasels in a Box and influenced by Screeching Weasel, but the songs as a structure aren’t really the concepts together, you know. But it is a false label, like Duck Records based on Lookout and the name is even based on Kill the Musicians. So it does have that conceptual feel, but I wouldn’t consider it like musically conceptual. But it was difficult for me because I promised myself, when I started even Blackouts, that I wasn’t gonna do a pop-punk band, a straightforward pop-punk band because I just, I worked with some of the best. Ben and Vapid are some of my idols as to songwriters and I didn’t even want to compete with them for years and years and years. But when Tyson approached me with this idea, I was like, oh, okay, maybe I’m ready to try it. I did a little bit of dipping my feet in the water with the Mitochondriacs, which was more of like a angry, comical, just a release of energy I had. And then I was like, okay, I can do this. So I felt a little bit more confident going into it, especially with Ryan and Poli and Billy by my side, who you might not know him, but [Billy] was in The Unseen and a lot of other great hardcore bands, Crash and Burn. But he passed away. He passed away in January, so we lost him. 

What kind of emotions and feelings are you having with releasing this after he’s passed? 

They’re mixed. I mean, I’m very excited. He had quit music. He’s another one that had kind of quit music for a while and had some bad times, so we were all looking forward to the release of it. And this got Tyson to actually get to know Billy and put out one of Billy’s unreleased records that finally got the light of the day right before he passed, so I know he was super excited about that. We became family. We all flew out to Chicago and did two shows, the only shows we’ve done, and Billy was very sick then, so we were all gathered around him, and we really became a family. Him and Poli and Mike and their kid Adler got really close, so it was very sad that we lost him. But in a weird, cosmic way, we still feel like he’s there with us. 

Do you have any favorites off the record? Any that Billy contributed too that you guys really like?

We were actually just now working on a video for “Obvious”, which I think it’s a great song that Ryan wrote, and when Poli came in to sing it with him, I was like, oh, yeah, this is really good. I think I sensed that Ryan was missing writing for a woman’s voice. Him and Maura’s parts together are so great that I made sure that he would write some songs with him and Poli. So that one, I think, really strikes a nice balance between the two of them singing together. And of my songs, I really like “What’s a Metaphor?”  It was kind of like a clash, early Screeching Weasel influence, and it was talking about a friend of mine that passed away. And then it related to Billy, who was dealing with cancer, so singing that with him was kind of intense. So it has a lot of powerful memories for me in it, and I think it has that intensity in it. I was trying to do a part from “Slogans”, that was my favorite part that kind of got buried in the record My Brain Hurts, so I wrote that one to sort of bring that part out a little bit more. So it has a bunch of different elements in a minute and a half song, so I like that. 

What do you think the record gained from Dan Vapid contributing? 

Probably one of the best songs that I couldn’t have wrote myself. Yeah, and it was really fun to emulate Vapid, because he, I mean, I’ve worked with him for years, but he can get really, really specific. Like he sent many videos and audios of him playing it and showing us how to do things, and we just stuck to that. We pretty much did exactly what he wanted, all the backing vocals were all our ideas, but everything else, even the way he sang it, I tried to emulate how he was singing it, too. It was quite a pleasure to have, to kind of feel like I was working with Vapid again. It’s been years. 

It’s really cool seeing his name attached, because I love the guy, I love anything he puts out also. It’s really cool seeing him contribute as well among all these other people. I really, and I’ve enjoyed all the bands that everybody’s been with kind of throughout the years. Are there any kind of scenarios in your life that parallel to any of these songs? Any favorites that you’re referencing, I guess, in some of these songs? 

Well, I have, in my art and writing in general, I have a dark side, but I don’t have that dark side like Ben did. And Billy would say that to me, he would actually call me up, he would get drunk and call me in the middle of the night, and be angry that our album doesn’t have enough anger and bitterness in it. So I’m kind of disappointed, because we were gonna work on a song like that. But I felt I got a little bit of that in there. I’m not really big on self-deprecation, but it’s such a big punk thing to do, so I got a little taste of that. Like, even that song, um, I just forgot the name of my own song. It was really short, it’s a love song to my fiancee, Nanako. “There Is Always You”, that’s it. It’s kind of funny, because I wrote it as a love song to Nanako, but it actually, I had that, I got that grit that Ben had sometimes of criticizing himself. So it ended up being like, “yes, I love you because you’ll stick with me because I’m an asshole” type of song, you know? So when I showed it to her, she wasn’t really very impressed with it. “It’s not really a love song, John.” “No, no, no, not really. It’s about being an asshole. I guess that’s fine.” 

So this is an interesting question I kind of came up with. I know you said you’re working on another book. Has there ever been any thought, or is there any thought of kind of continuing what Semi-Famous is turning into, continuing that into another book or into a type of series or something else?

Well, there was an idea, and I just don’t know if I can put the work in, but me and Tyson had, he thought the book is like a world to its own, like I did a good job of creating a world is what he told me. So our idea was to kind of get my friends like Dr. Frank and Joe Queer to actually do the bands that I have in the book  and actually have a label called Duck Records. So there is some ideas in the back of our head to do that. I wanted to get Kody [Templeman] to do like a Lillington’s-like song. We have the studio, I just haven’t really put enough thought into it, I’m gonna get this record out and then start thinking about it. So there is an idea to build a world, but I don’t know how likely that will be. 

So when you mentioned the record in February, is that a Semi-Famous record you’re talking about?

That is, yeah. And we have like seven or eight of the songs already written. Poli’s working with her husband, Mike, and then me and Ryan sort of write together now, like me and Gov did with Even in Blackouts, we sort of share ideas. We’re all flying out in February. We probably will do a show sometime during that time too. It’ll be recorded at the same studio, it’s the Rare Bird lit recording studio that they have in the middle of nowhere, down the street from where Charles Manson’s farm was.

Yeah, that kind of answers my next question. I was gonna ask if this was like a one and done thing or if this was more than that, more than just a band for this record, for this book. 

Yeah, we’re all getting older now and there’s not enough money in punk for us to like survive on it. So we can’t, I don’t think any of us could commit to it as like a full-time band, but there definitely is, I was surprised that Poli was so excited about continuing on. And then I knew Ryan and I would do it, but Tyson’s excited and Mike, Poli’s husband, is joining to take Bill’s place as also another, he’s another great singer. So yeah, we’re gonna be doing something, but we don’t know to what degree. And, you know, Polly has her whole other thing, she’s the youngest one and she still has like probably a stupid great career in front of her. So we’re just trying to have her time when we can.

You kind of mentioned it, you said maybe a show here and there. Are there any solidified show plans you’ve got? 

No, but we’ll be in the studio from, I think it’s through my birthday, like the 17th of February through the 22nd. And so we will probably have a show maybe on my birthday on the 21st, but it’s not scheduled yet. But that probably will happen.

What about tour thoughts or plans, not necessarily set in stone, but any tour ideas? 

Yeah, I mean, I’m in Japan, so I’m the farthest one away. And I’m under a contract here with Universal Studios. So it’s all up to whether I get another contract. I find out in November. So November might be the magic moment before we start announcing things about the band. 

Any Japanese shows or American shows? 

That’s one of the ideas. Like Tyson is obsessed with Japan and wants to get us all out here. We don’t have anything scheduled, but that’s one of the plans. I’ve done it with Even in Blackouts and I jump shows with lots of friends here. There’s a great Ramones-style band called So-Cho Pistons here that are really great from Hiroshima. 

We just had, I had some guys I know that went on tour with Guitar Wolf, which that’s Japan, right? 

Yeah, they’re a classic band here. They’ve been doing it forever, but they were incredible, them and Shonen Knife, I think, have been around like the beginning of punk, you know, they’ve been around a long time. High Standard is still around, too. Oh, yeah, I love those guys. They just played with NOFX. 

So how did you, I’m interested with Billy Brown. How’d you kind of connect with him initially, had you known him for a while?

I’ve known Billy since, I don’t know, maybe 2000, maybe 2001.Yeah, he was in a band with my drummer from Even in Blackouts, they lived in Boston together and I flew out for a wedding and we kind of hit it off pretty great. Then whenever he was in town with one of his bands, he’d always stay at my house. And then he worked at a bar in LA, and whenever I was out there, I’d just spend the whole night with him, drinking and having a good time. And we always talked about doing something, because he’s a great musician, and also a great singer, too.

And what about with Tyson, was he another guy you’d known for forever?

No, Tyson, the funny thing is, is he’s on the, what do they call it, the inner folder of killer musicians. And he was in a band called Scooby-Dunk, which I didn’t know about, but there is like a small, rabid audience of people that still like those guys. But no, no, Chris Barrows from the Pink Lincolns had put out a photo book about all, I mean, the photos he’s been taking of the bands since like the 70s, and I thought it was done really well. And I talked to Chris about who put this out for you. And he said, this guy, Tyson Cornell. And then Tyson called me and said he’d like to put something out by me. So our relationship was, it was over the phone for quite a few years, and then when I flew out to do the seven-inch, that’s when I actually met him, I think. And he was a good drummer, too, I didn’t even know that.

So what else kind of outside of this do you have going on? Has this kind of taken up most of your time right now? 

No, I wish it was. I had music always, for some reason, I’ve been cursed with being in, I think, really good bands, but cursed with either being with someone who doesn’t like playing, or doesn’t want to anymore, or it’s just no one likes the bands. Also we’re all over the world, so it’s kind of frustrating, so I don’t do that as much. But I am working on my new book, which is called A Plight of the Lampoons. I’m pretty excited about that, it’s gonna be another year, still, at least. 

Is there any other music stuff you’re kind of dipping your toes in?

No, me and Eddie from the Mitochondriacs are talking about doing something just to keep him busy, because, you know, with the Cobain’s. He’s another one that’s cursed with bands that don’t seem to want to do anything. So we play around every once in a while, and me and Gubb keep hemming and hawing about doing another record, too, but yeah. But Liz just had another baby, so it’s a little bit more busy. It’s a little bit more difficult, so not really. This is kind of the thing I’m writing for, the next record. 

Well, that’s pretty much everything I’ve got written down. Was there anything else you wanted to add, kind of, about what’s coming up? 

About the record, my last words about that is that I had, it’s probably the, with Even in Blackouts, I didn’t care as much what people thought. This one, for some reason, I cared more, and yet, I could also listen to it and not have any idea if people would like it or not. So it was probably the most, like, black sheep of all the records I’ve done, where I just do not know whether it’s good or not. I don’t usually, like I said, I’ve stayed away from pretty straightforward pop punk for a long time, and I just, I’m excited to see what, hear what people think, but it was really difficult for me to admit to trying to write like that again. I feel like I’m exposing myself. 

Well, I can tell you, I’ve enjoyed it. It was fresh, I couldn’t tell who wrote it, if that makes sense. I couldn’t tell, oh, Poli wrote this song, this is a Mixtapes song, I couldn’t tell any of that with any of it. It’s very fresh, and I really enjoyed it.

Oh, well, thank you, and thank you, Nate, that means a lot to me, because that’s what we were trying to do.

Well it was just, it was a pleasure talking with you, I really appreciate you taking the time and I wish you the best of luck with everything you’ve got going, not just in music, but your other projects as well. 

Oh, thank you, thanks a lot. I appreciate the questions, I’ll see you later. 

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DS Record Radar: This Week in Punk Vinyl (Screeching Weasel, The Young Rochelles, A Wilhelm Scream & More)

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly* column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold […]

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly* column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!

Check out the video edition of this week’s Record Radar, presented by our friends at Punk Rock Radar:

Screeching Weasel gets us started this week with the 30th Anniversary reissue of How to Make Enemies and Irritate People. The record has been remixed and remastered (just like their recent Anthem For a New Tomorrow reissue) and is available on yellow and red colored vinyl here (US) and here (EU). These Striped Music variants are about to sell out, but more colors will probably be coming soon.

German melodic punks Snackwolf have announced their debut album Lunch Breakdown, due out December 1st on 30 Kilo Fever Records. The latest single “Falling Apart” is now streaming and it’s fuckin bad ass – check it out below! If you’re in the US, you can get the record on green w/ yellow splattered colored vinyl from Punk Rock Radar. Our Bri’ish readers can get it from Cat’s Claw Records. If you’re in Germany (or elsewhere in Europe), Snackwolf’s Bandcamp is probably your best option to grab a copy of the record.

New York ramonescore trio The Young Rochelles have a brand new record out now on Sounds Rad Records. Kicked to the Curb is the band’s second LP, following their 2017 self-titled debut. Check out a few tracks below and get the record on beautiful colored vinyl here.

Austrian punk powerhouse DeeCracks are celebrating their 20th Anniversary with a 50-track 3×10” set featuring re-recordings of fan favorites and a few new songs. 20 Years: A Frantic Effort comes out next Friday on Pirates Press Records and is available on two different color variants here.

Also from Pirates Press: A new 7” from The Drowns! “Just The Way She Goes” and “1979 Trans Am” will both be appearing on the band’s upcoming album Blacked Out. But you can get them both now on this 7” (Ltd to 250 copies on green / 250 copies on gold wax) here.

SoCal power pop-punk band Odd Robot‘s new album Deathmates is out now on Wiretap Records. Featuring members of legendary Greenland pop-punk band The Maxies, this is their 3rd record! Get it on spearmint and/or crystal clear colored vinyl here.

Creator Destructor Records is reissuing A Wilhelm Scream‘s Partycrasher in honor of its 10th birthday. In addition to being remastered, this reissue limited to 500 copies features three bonus tracks and new cover art. Listen below; pre-order here.

Speaking of anniversaries, Drive Thru Records is bringing RX BanditsThe Resignation back in print for the first time in 20 years, with a 2xLP reissue on six(?) new color variants. You can get three of them on the label’s webstore; the others are exclusive to Hello Merch, Urban Outfitters (this one’s sold out) and Banquet Records.

Fall Out Boy’s debut album Take This To Your Grave also just turned 20 and is also getting an anniversary reissue. Hit up my man Bezos for the Amazon Exclusive black ice color variant. Also available on normal, non-iced black vinyl.

1979 San Francisco mayoral candidate Jello Biafra announced some records this week. Up first is a reissue of Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors, which features Mr. Biafra backed by D.O.A. Go here to get it on split yellow/black, solid yellow, or black colored vinyl (or all three variants if you’re sick in the head).

Alternative Tentacles also has a new pressing of Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine’s The Audacity of Hype up for pre-order on their webstore. This one’s back in print for the first time since 2009, with split red/blue, solid blue, and black colored wax coming in February, 2024.

The Wonder Years released a 12” acoustic EP for Record Store Day earlier this year. They pressed like 3,000 copies of that shit and considering you can still get it for like $20 on Discogs I assume there are still plenty floating around. Nonetheless, Hopeless has issued a second pressing of Burst & Decay (Live from New York), with 1,000 copies on some unnamed white-ish color variant. You can get that here.

Quebecois melodic punks Twenty2 are celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their debut album Dudes of Hazzard by releasing it on vinyl for the first time ever. The album has been remastered for vinyl and our friends at Thousand Islands Records are releasing it on pink colored wax. They’ve got a bundle with the band’s new record Dismissed on their webstore so you can get both LPs for just $30!

Ska Punk International continues their run new releases with killer variants that are very limited, with a new 10” EP from Long Island’s Mega Infinity. Check out the title track from Chaos Magick below and get the record on Magick Cornetto colored vinyl here / Chaos Splatter colored vinyl here.

Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace has a new solo album on the way. Hole in My Head is due out February 16th, 2024, and there are almost as many color variants of this as the new Green Day record. Check out the lead single below and go here for links to all the places you can buy all the pretty colors.

A few weeks ago we told you about the first-ever vinyl release of Frenzal Rhomb‘s Forever Malcolm Young. Now SBÄM Records is double dipping into your wallet with this “Creation Splatter” (not sure what that means but the mock up looks sweet) color variant, limited to 100 copies and only available on their EU webstore.

And batting cleanup this week is No Use For A Name‘s More Betterness, which is once again available on colored vinyl on Fat’s webstore. It’s worth noting this isn’t a new pressing, these are just “leftover” copies from the recent NUFAN Black Box box set, so if you already have that save your money. This record will probably be getting a 25th Anniversary reissue next year regardless.

Well, that’s all, folks. Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs (or do, I’m not your father). See ya next week!

Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!

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DS Record Radar: This Week in Punk Vinyl (Blink-182 “The Mark, Tom & Travis Show” repress, Pennywise, Richie Ramone & more)

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. After taking a one week hiatus to observe the resurrection of our […]

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. After taking a one week hiatus to observe the resurrection of our lord and savior Jesus H Christ, we’re back in action with a ton of awesome colorful plastic music discs on tap. So kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!

If you don’t feel like reading, check out the video edition of this week’s Record Radar, presented by our friends at Punk Rock Radar:

At long last, Blink-182‘s classic live (but not actually live) record The Mark, Tom and Travis Show is back in print! I think it’s been 7 years(?) since this was last repressed. Finally, you can get your hands on this bad boy for less than the $100 it fetches on Discogs. If you wanna grab a copy of this new pressing, this eBay listing looks like the cheapest option.

Also new from Blink this week: Buddha gets its like 30th color variant, thanks to Cleopatra Records. There’s an undisclosed number of copies on Blue w/ Red Splatter colored vinyl (it looks pretty sweet honestly). Get it from the label’s webstore; everything on there is 20% off right now, so this is only like $22.

Pennywise‘s 1993 classic Unknown Road turns 30 this year! Naturally, Epitaph is marking the occasion with a 30th Anniversary reissue. There’s a bunch of color variants; here‘s where you can get all of them.

German skate punk veterans Not Available are getting in on the reissue action, with a new pressing of their 2001 LP V8. They made 99 copies of this new Orange Marbled color variant, get yours here. Very underrated band.

Left Alone‘s debut album Streets of Wilmington is getting a 20th Anniversary reissue! There are 300 copies on Coke Bottle Clear colored vinyl – and 20 test pressings – available here.

The reissue train rolls on! (we’ll get to this week’s new releases soon, I promise). Striped Music has issued a second pressing of the 30th Anniversary Screeching Weasel Anthem For A New Tomorrow reissue. The first pressing on hot pink colored vinyl is long sold out, but now you can get it on blue wax here.

One of the most critically acclaimed releases of 2022, Soul Glo‘s Diaspora Problems, is back in print once again. 500 copies are available on this new Gold / Transparent Green / Pink Split color variant. This LP moves fast (I think this is the sixth pressing in just a year), so act fast and get it here if you want a copy.

Last reissue / repress, I pinky swear! Anywho, Chuck Ragan‘s 2016 solo album The Flame in the Flood is getting repressed. There’s a few variants: “Sunshine” (Canada), “Swamp Green” (US), “Flame” colored, and of course, black wax.

Alright you’ve all been patient, time for some NEW releases! First up is Italian skate punks Wasei, who just put out their awesome new record Vulgar Misplay of Burkett. 100 copies on black wax, 100 copies on colored vinyl. Listen below and grab the LP here.

Suicide Machines singer Jay Navarro’s side project (one of many) J Navarro and the Traitors have a new album coming soon on Bad Time Records. Check out the first single below and pre-order All of Us or None here.

My favorite Ramones drummer Richie Ramone is putting out a new solo record! It’s called Live to Tell and it’s due out on April 21st. Listen to the title track below; get the record here. Available on black wax, as well as 250 copies on autographed, clear colored vinyl.

Teenage Bottlerocket has a new four song 7″ coming soon on Pirates Press Records. There are three color variants: Hot Pink (1,200 copies) and “Evergreen & Blue Jay” (500 copies) are available on the label’s online store. Kelly Green w/ Black splatter (300 copies) is the tour variant. Check out the A-Side title track “So Dumb” below.

California punk supergroup Versus The World (members of Good RiddanceLagwagon, etc.) has a new album due out May 26th on SBÄM Records. Listen to the latest single below and pre-order The Bastards Live Forever here (US) / here (EU).

Another awesome upcoming release from SBÄM: The Dead Krazukies have announced their new album From the Underworld will be released on June 16th. Check out the first single “Maniac” below and pre-order the LP here.

Juno Award winning Canadian rockers The Dirty Nil have also thrown their hat into the ring with a new record called Free Rein to Passions. The album is due out May 26th on Dine Alone Records. Check out the lead single below; pre-order here.

Michigan pop-punks the Zoanoids are releasing their long awaited sophomore album Effigy on Hey Pizza! Records. You can check out a handful of tracks below and grab the LP here; also available on cassette here! For fans of horror / sci-fi themed pop-punk like the Lillingtons.

Asian Man Records has launched pre-orders for the debut LP from Doki Doki (members of Dog Party, Grumpster, etc.). Check out one of the singles below and pre-order the record here.

And last but most certainly not least, former Face to Face, No Use For A NamePulley, etc. bassist Matt Riddle’s new band Fire Sale has launched pre-orders for their new 7″ A Fool’s Errand. Listen to the EP below and pre-order the record here.

Well, that’s all, folks. Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs (or do, I’m not your father). See ya next week!

Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!

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DS Staff Picks: Dylan’s Favorite Punk Albums, EPs & Things of February, 2023 (Presented by Punk Rock Radar)

Hello, and welcome to the February, 2023 edition of Dylan’s Favorite Punk Albums, EPs & Things! This is the column where I, Dylan (otherwise known as Screeching Bottlerocket), tell you what new punk rock albums, EPs, singles, etc. I enjoyed the most this month. I’m happy to announce that starting this month, this will be […]

Hello, and welcome to the February, 2023 edition of Dylan’s Favorite Punk Albums, EPs & Things! This is the column where I, Dylan (otherwise known as Screeching Bottlerocket), tell you what new punk rock albums, EPs, singles, etc. I enjoyed the most this month. I’m happy to announce that starting this month, this will be a collaborative effort with our friends at Punk Rock Radar. If you like discovering awesome new punk bands as much as I do, I highly recommend following them on Instagram and YouTube.

All that’s changing (aside from the spiffy new few graphics) is John from Punk Rock Radar and I will be doing a podcast-style video where we’ll talk about all my picks included in the written column, as well as his favorite releases every month. In other words, that means even more awesome new punk rock for all you awesome people to enjoy!

Here’s our video for February (let us know what your favorite releases of the month were in the YouTube comments):

(THE) RIMMINGTONS
Rocket to Rimtown

I’m a sucker for a good Ramonescore record, and this debut LP from Sydney, Australia’s Rimmingtons is a really fucking good Ramonescore record. Check out Rocket to Rimtown below and grab it on beautiful colored vinyl here (US) or here (AUS).

HELLAPHANT
Crumble and Rise

I learned a long time ago not to judge a band by its name, folks. Ontario’s Hellaphant is the latest awesome band I discovered thanks to my strict adherence to that rule. If you’re into hooky pop-punk, their new album Crumble and Rise is required listening. Hit ’em up on Bandcamp to get the album on LP, cassette, etc.

WRONG LIFE
Self-Titled LP

I’m a longtime fan of Fraser Murderburger’s work and his latest project Wrong Life is absolutely not an exception. I really enjoyed the band’s first two EPs that culminated in 2022’s Early Workings of an Idea. This new self-titled is another step up when it comes to songwriting and production quality. These are some of the most sincere songs Fraser has ever put out. “The Quartermile” is probably my favorite track, but “Living in the Key of Hope” is a close second since we got to host the exclusive premiere for its music video. Listen below, buy the record here (US) or here (UK) / CD, cassette & digital available here.

EMPIRE ME
I’m Out

Our next stop on this punk rock trip around the globe is Germany, where we are greeted by Empire Me. These guys have been around for a decade, but this is the first time I’m hearing of them. The band brings the heat on their debut full-length I’m Out. This is an excellent melodic punk album; it reminds me a lot of another great band whose name I can’t remember right now. Download it for $5 on Bandcamp.

FAT HEAVEN
Trash Life

So I guess Fat Heaven‘s new record isn’t really a “new record”, it’s a compilation album of previously released EP tracks… but there’s four new songs, too! Anyway, I hadn’t heard of these guys before their music video for “Quarter Life Crisis” caught my eye while doom scrolling Instagram at 3am. Trash Life is a great introduction to this super fun Brooklyn pop-punk band. Listen below and get it on colored vinyl here.

WHEN THE WALLS FELL
Build Back Better

When The Walls Fell is one of many bands John from Punk Rock Radar introduced me to this month. Perhaps you saw our Band Spotlight on them? Build Back Better is the second full-length album from this “transatlantic punk band” with members in New York and Poole, England. It’s very good! The guitar playing is great (actually, it’s very intimidating to me as a mediocre guitar player). Name your price for this one on Bandcamp.

SCREECHING WEASEL
Anthem for a New Tomorrow (30th Anniversary Reissue)

Alright this one probably don’t count, but I don’t give a fuck, I’m counting it. Anthem for a New Tomorrow is my favorite Screeching Weasel album (and one of the greatest pop-punk records of all time in my humble opinion). Mike Kennerty and the gang put a shiny new coat of paint on this beast and, though it may seem sacrilegious, I like it a lot. Check out my review.

BARGAIN BIN HEROES
Waiting for so Long

I’m letting my Floridian bias show here, but I can’t help it. There’s something about Florida and ska that just works. The songs on Fort Myers ska-punks Bargain Bin Heroes‘ new EP Waiting for so Long are their best yet. If you’re a Less Than Jake enjoyer, you’ll like these guys. They actually just played with LTJ at the Culture Room in Ft. Lauderdale; hopefully everyone showed up early and skanked it up for Bargain Bin Heroes!

SPRAINER
Can’t Fix Everything

It’s awesome when music grabs you right from the get-go. Something about this debut EP from Peterborough, England’s Sprainer just clicked with me. I love it and can’t wait to hear more from these guys (blokes?). Listen below, buy it here.

STRUM 101
Trial and Error

Mixing skate punk and ska is something you’ve gotta be real fucking good to pull off. Finland’s Strum 101 is real fucking good. Their new EP Trial and Error is excellent and inspired me to go back and check out their back catalog, and you know what? That stuff’s real fucking good, too! Check ’em out, all their shit’s on Bandcamp.

FRENZAL RHOMB
“Where Drug Dealers Take Their Kids”

Frenzal Rhomb is coming off two of the best albums in their illustrious career. Does The Cup of Pestilence have what it takes to top those records? Of course it does! How dare you question Frenzal’s excellence. This lead single is killer, I can’t wait to hear more.

FAKE NEWS
“Rise & Fall”

Before we leave Australia, let’s take a moment to appreciate this new song from Frenzal Rhomb’s countrymen in Fake News. These guys are a great up-and-coming band that needs to be on your radar if you like skate punk as much as I do. “Rise & Fall” is the second single from their upcoming EP Take Me Away. Check out the music video below and keep an eye out for that EP.

FAINTEST IDEA
“Kill Em Dead”

This list needs some more ska, and our Bri’ish friends Faintest Idea are the right band for the job. “Kill Em Dead” is from their long-awaited new album The Road to Sedition, due out March 31st on TNS Records and Jump Start Records. Recommended listening if you’re into harder edged ska-punk like the Suicide Machines.

BRIDGE THE GAP
“Road Less Traveled” & “Over The Target”

February saw the release of two new singles from the hottest new band in skate punk: Bridge The Gap. Their highly anticipated debut LP Secret Kombinations was recorded with Bill Stevenson at The Blasting Room. All the singles have been top notch; the hype is deserved. Check out the tracks below and pre-order the record here.

LONG DISTANCE
“Left for Dead”

And back to Australia we go! Newcastle’s Long Distance make a very good first impression with their debut single “Left for Dead”. These skate punk (are you sensing a theme here?) newcomers have a bit of a poppy slant that I enjoy. Check ’em out and stay tuned for their second single “What You Want” and eventual debut EP.

OMNIGONE
“Against the Rest”

Skate punk and ska: that’s apparently all I fucking listen to. Anyway, here’s another ska song. It’s the first single off Omnigone‘s new album Against the Rest, which is due out March 31st on the ska powerhouse that is Bad Time Records. Two former members of Link 80 are in this East Bay ska-core band, and if you like Link 80 (or Against All Authority, Voodoo Glow Skulls, or any other hardcore-infused ska bands), I can say with full confidence you will like these guys. Music video down there, pre-order over here.

DEAD ALRIGHT
“Parasites”

Alright, now that our monthly ska quota has been met, time for some more skate punk! I’ve been pimping this (one man) band out for a few months now and I’m not stopping any time soon. Montreal’s Dead Alright is dropping new singles all the time. The latest one “Parasites” is a great song. Listen to it below and stay tuned for more on their debut album; release date TBA on Thousand Islands Records.

DEB CEMETARY
“Let’s Murderlize ‘Em!”

Look, it’s another Canadian skate punk band on Thousand Islands Records! I promise they’re not paying me to heap praise on their bands, that label just puts out really good shit. Debt Cemetary‘s new single is awesome! I think it’s time these guys released an album, eh? Fun fact: the singer from this band makes a guest appearance on that Dead Alright song I just talked about.

RED ATLANTA
“Reaching Out”

Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s Red Atlanta reminds me a lot of early 2000’s pop-punk but faster and with really cool lead guitar parts. Their new single “Reaching Out” has a kinda Slick Shoes-ish vibe. Check it out and if you like it, go back and listen to the band’s 2019 debut album Unsettled. Also keep an eye out for a next album coming soon.

MAKING FRIENDS
“Damage Control”

Brighton, England’s Making Friends are either named after a No Use For A Name album or a Lagwagon song, so that should give you a good idea of what their music sounds like. They just put out a great new single called “Damage Control”. Check out the music video for it below and stay tuned for more on the band’s upcoming album.

In case you didn’t already see it (and actually give a shit), I posted a list of my Top 10 favorite punk albums of all time. It’s hardly a definitive list, most of the shit’s from the 90’s and later. I guess if you want a better idea of the kinda shit I’m into, this is a good way to find out! Check out my list here.

February was a busy month for the Dying Scene Record Radar! The biggest announcement in the world of punk rock vinyl was probably the 25th Anniversary reissue of ALL‘s Mass Nerder. I got my copy (actually I bought two variants because I have no self control), did you? Go here for more info on where to send your money.

Have you checked out the awesome interview Dying Scene’s Jason Stone did with Jason White of Green Day, Pinhead Gunpowder, The Influents & a million other bands??? Stop what you’re doing and check that shit out, it’s awesome! Read the interview here.

That concludes the February installment of the column. Thanks for checking it out! Keep your eyes glued to Dying Scene for all things punk rock and follow our friends Punk Rock Radar on Instagram, YouTube, etc. And be sure to join us again for the March edition; it’s already shaping up to be a killer month for new releases!

Here’s a Spotify playlist with songs from all the releases featured in Dying Scene & Punk Rock Radar’s Best of 2023 series so far:

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DS Record Radar: This Week in Punk Vinyl (NOFX, Mad Caddies, Osker & more)

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. And it seems like I say this every week, but I think […]

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. And it seems like I say this every week, but I think this is actually the biggest installment of the Record Radar so far. It’s fucking yuuuuugeee!!! Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!

Alright, lots of NOFX shit this week. Too much, honestly. Up first is this new variant of Eating Lamb (otherwise known as Heavy Petting Zoo). They pressed 2,000 copies(!!!) on “Ruby/Baby Blue” colored vinyl. Grab a copy here.

Epitaph also made 2,000 of these “Apple/Baby Blue” colored Pump Up the Valuum LPs, which you can purchase here. Boy oh boy are they milking you NOFX variant collectors, or what?

More NOFX!!! A few months ago, these 3xLP live records for the band’s final shows in Barcelona and Austria were announced. The art and color variants for these have finally been revealed… so I guess if you were on the fence about paying for live albums that haven’t been recorded yet, maybe this will sway you? Yes? No? Maybe so? I don’t know. Buy ’em here (Barcelona record) and here (Austria record).

Alright, from this point forward, no more NOFX. I pinky promise. Hey, look! It’s the Mad Caddies. You guys like the Mad Caddies, right? 2001’s Rock the Plank gets its first-ever colored vinyl release. Fat repressed it on black vinyl, too, if you don’t care about colors but want this record. Get yours here, they’re going fast.

If you haven’t heard of The Mopes, the band was fronted by Dan Vapid and also included his Screeching Weasel / Queers bandmates Jughead, B-Face, and Dan Lumley. Lookout! Records released their debut EP Lowdown, Two-Bit Sidewinder! on CD in 1998. 25 years later, Radiation Records is releasing it on vinyl for the first time. Pre-order here if you’re in Europe / Sounds Rad is distributing the record in the US, you can call “dibs” on it here.

Radiation Records is also releasing a 25th anniversary reissue of Italian pop-punk band Retarded’s debut LP. If you’re into Ramonescore, these guys are pretty fuckin’ tight and they’re still kicking. And just look at that color variant! Get the record here.

There certainly isn’t a shortage of reissues and repressings this week. Osker‘s debut album Treatment 5 gets its first new pressing in over 20 years thanks to our Spanish friends La Agonía de Vivir. Colored vinyl already sold out, but you can still get it on black wax here.

Here’s another one from La Agonía de Vivir: 22 Jacks’ debut album Uncle Bob gets released on vinyl for the first time, 25 years after it was brought into this god forsaken world. Steve Soto and Scott Shiflett played in this band, in case you weren’t aware. Buy the record here!

We covered this earlier in the week, but maybe you missed it so I’ll circle back. ALL’s 1998 classic Mass Nerder is getting a 25th Anniversary reissue. There’s a shitload of retailer-specific color variants, so I’ll just direct you to this post where I’ve aggregated links to all the places you can get all of them.

And since we’re already on the subject, have you pre-ordered the new NOT record? I did! These guys started a band for the sole purpose of writing songs that sound like ALL / Descendents songs that haven’t been written yet. And yes, it is as fun as it sounds. Their debut album Stop the World is out April 14th on Wiretap RecordsBrassneck Records, and Waterslide Records. Check out the awesome new single “Alien” below and pre-order the LP here (US) or here (UK).

The Briefs‘ sophomore album Off the Charts is getting a 20th Anniversary(?) reissue. It’s been remastered and has two bonus tracks tacked on the B-Side. There are three color variants and they’re all pretty limited. You can get your hands on all of them here.

We Are The Union‘s 2018 LP Self Care is back in print thanks to the friendly people at Bad Time Records. There are a few variants of this one – BTR has some on their webstore and there’s another one that’s only available on Bandcamp. There’s also a “Royal Blue” indie variant / band version; not sure where you’re gonna find that one.

And putting a bow on this week’s massive Record Radar is a new pressing of NYC ska legends The Slackers‘ 1998 album The Question from the fine folks at Pirates Press Records. They pressed 1,000 copies on “Electric Blue & Doublemint Galaxy” colored vinyl, and another thousand on black wax. And I gotta say, $25.99 for a double LP in this economy is a pretty fuckin’ good deal, too. Get it here.

RECORD OF THE WEEK!!!

This week’s Record of the Week comes from a newer band that I’ve been really stoked on lately. Winnipeg skate punks One of Us caught me by surprise with their incredible debut album back in January. It seems like a lot of other people like it as much as I do, because the first pressing sold out really fast. The good news for those who slept on this record is that Melodic Punk Style recognized the demand and is issuing a second pressing of this beast. Check it out below and pre-order the LP here.

And that’s all, folks! Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs. See ya next week!

Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!

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DS Record Radar: This Week in Punk Vinyl (The Chinkees, Alkaline Trio, Groovie Ghoulies, Samiam & many more)

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold […]

Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!

Asian Man Records is starting this week’s column with a bang 💥 The Chinkees‘ three full-length albums are getting their first new pressings in over 20 years! Or, in the case of 2001’s Searching For A Brighter Future, the first vinyl release ever. The Chinkees are coming! Pre-order these ska masterpieces here.

In case you somehow missed the news earlier this week, Samiam announced their first new album in over a decade. Stowaway is due out March 31st on Pure Noise Records. On the vinyl side of things, there are a ton of color variants. Our friends at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records have an exclusive (ltd. to 300 copies), which you can get here. Pure Noise has one variant left in stock on their US store and UK store. If you’re fine with plain jane black vinyl, Amazon‘s the cheapest place to grab a copy.

About a month ago Striped Music launched pre-orders for their first pressing of Screeching Weasel‘s 30th anniversary Anthem For A New Tomorrow reissue. It was limited to 500 copies on pink vinyl and it sold out in a few hours, with Striped promising a second pressing will be coming. Good news! You don’t have to wait for that second pressing because some more copies have popped up here. I’m sure shipping to the US is horrendous, but this is good for our European friends who missed out initially. Recess Records should be putting up pre-orders for their variants at some point.

Check out my review of the fully remixed / remastered 30th anniversary Anthem For A New Tomorrow!

Epitaph Records repressed a bunch of stuff this week, so we’re filing all this under Epitaph Stuff. The first piece of Epitaph Stuff is a Choking Victim‘s No Gods / No Managers, back in print on clear vinyl, limited to 500 copies. Like the other Epitaph Stuff we’ll be covering, the only place to get this is the label’s Kings Road Merch store.

Our next piece of Epitaph Stuff is a long awaited repressing of Alkaline Trio‘s This Addiction. This bad boy’s back in print for the first time since its 2010 release (can you believe that was 13 fucking years ago?! 🤯). It’s limited to 1,000 copies on “Toxic Green” colored vinyl and you can buy it with money here.

Off With Their HeadsHome turns 10 this year (time sure does fly), and it’s getting repressed for the first time since its initial release. They’re also playing the album in its entirety on their upcoming tour. Get the new black w/ gold swirl color variant (limited to 500 copies) here.

And our last piece of Epitaph Stuff is actually a new release! Santa Cruz hardcore punx DRAIN announced their new album Living Proof. It’s due out on May 5th. Check out a few tracks below and go here for links to buy all the different color variants. Or save some money and grab the black wax on Amazon.

Alright, now that Epitaph’s finished hogging the spotlight, here’s an awesome new record we told you about earlier this week, but we’re circling back to because maybe you missed it. It’s a brand spankin’ new LP from UK ska-punks Faintest Idea, due out March 31st on TNS Records and Jump Start Records. Check out the first single “Nose Dive” below and pre-order the record here (US) or here (UK).

Newbury Comics has a colored vinyl reissue of the Groovie Ghoulies‘ 1999 LP Fun in the Dark (limited to 300 copies) up on their store. Our European friends can grab an ever-so-slightly different color variant on Stardumb Recordswebstore. Shit, with how much Newbury charges for records, it might even make sense for my fellow Americans to order from Stardumb (shipping might kill it idk, it’s worth looking into though). This Lookout! Records classic is another record that’s been out of print for 20+ years.

Bringing up the rear on this week’s Record Radar is a brand new release from our friends at Punk Rock Radar. They’re putting out British punk band Clayface‘s debut LP Ailments with a bunch of other awesome labels like Cat’s Claw Records and White Russian Records. Check out the music video for the killer lead single below and lookout for pre-orders launching March 10th.

And that’s all, folks! Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs. See ya next week!

Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!

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DS Album Review: Screeching Weasel’s “Anthem For A New Tomorrow” gets a face lift with 30th Anniversary reissue

Screeching Weasel‘s Anthem For A New Tomorrow turns 30 this year, so naturally a reissue was in order. The album has been remixed by Mike Kennerty who, in addition playing guitar for the All American Rejects, has produced the last few Weasel LPs. I’ve seen plenty of people online taking exception to this record being […]

Screeching Weasel‘s Anthem For A New Tomorrow turns 30 this year, so naturally a reissue was in order. The album has been remixed by Mike Kennerty who, in addition playing guitar for the All American Rejects, has produced the last few Weasel LPs. I’ve seen plenty of people online taking exception to this record being “remixed” (and remastered by Justin Perkins at Mystery Room Mastering), which isn’t surprising. It’s a classic 90’s pop-punk record, one of the untouchables of the era. I understand the skepticism, but sometimes change is a good thing.

The sonic difference from the original release is instantly recognizable within the first few seconds of “I’m Gonna Strangle You”. The guitar tone is much cleaner, both the drums and bass are a lot more punchy and Pro Tools-ish, and Ben’s vocals cut through like never before. It almost sounds like they completely re-recorded the album, especially when you hear the keyboards on songs like “Totally”, “Peter Brady”, and “Every Night”. Purists will likely be turned off by the fact that the record has a much more polished feel; the sound is very similar to the band’s last three studio albums. Whether you like the direction they took on this reissue depends on your opinion of modern Screeching Weasel. If you’ve read my review of their latest LP, you know I’m a big fan of the band’s recent output.

Anthem For A New Tomorrow has always been my favorite Weasel album, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t benefit from this face lift. The crunchy guitars and overall muddy sound never bothered me too much, but this high fidelity reissue has given the record new life 30 years after its initial release on Lookout! Records. If you disagree, that’s cool. I get it. The good thing is the original version of the album still exists, so you can continue to listen to that and pretend this one doesn’t exist.

The 30th Anniversary Edition of Anthem For A New Tomorrow is available now on all major streaming platforms. Striped Music is releasing it on vinyl in Europe (the first pressing sold out but a second pressing is coming soon). Recess Records is handling US distribution, but hasn’t launched pre-orders yet. You can also get it on CD here, thanks to Rum Bar Records.

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DS Record Radar: This Week in Punk Vinyl (Screeching Weasel, Pennywise & more)

Greetings, fellow degenerates! Welcome to the latest installment of the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. So kick off your shoes, pull up […]

Greetings, fellow degenerates! Welcome to the latest installment of the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. So kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!

In case you missed our story about it earlier this week, my favorite Screeching Weasel record Anthem For A New Tomorrow is getting a 30th Anniversary reissue. Italy’s Striped Music is pressing the record on pink vinyl (limited to 500 copies). All copies come with a poster and CD; pre-order here. If you just want the compact disc 💿 for some reason (I mean, it does have bonus tracks!), you can buy it here.

Another one to file under “new pressing of an old record” is this new “Apple/Lemon” color variant (1,000 copies btw) of Pennywise‘s About Time. This LP came back in print a few years ago and Epitaph‘s been milking the fuck out of these variants ever since. But that’s cool, it’s a great album! Get your copy here.

How about some new music? We like new music, right guys? The Bar Stool Preachers have a new album called Above the Static due out March 31st on Pure Noise Records. Check out their music video for the latest single below and pre-order the LP here (they’ve got a bunch of cool color variants for those of you who are into that kinda thing (I’m into that kinda thing)).

Back to new plastic with old music etched into it… The Bronx‘s IV is back in print for the first time since its initial release in 2013. The variant in the picture appearing on your computer monitor (or the screen of your cellular device) is limited to 500 copies and can be obtained for fungible currency here. Go get ’em, tiger!

Oh shit! More new music! Ramones-worshiping Australian pop-punks the Rimmingtons are releasing their debut album Rocket to Rimtown February 6th on Hey Pizza! Records. Check out a few tracks below and pre-order the LP here (US 🗽) or here (AUS 🦘).

Rounding out the column this week is Something To Do Records with a new compilation featuring 15 awesome pop-punk bands, including the Budweisers, Goin’ Places, the Travoltas and many more (12 more to be exact 😉). You can pre-order this killer LP here.

And that’s all, folks! Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs. See ya next week!

Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!

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DS News: Screeching Weasel announces “Anthem For A New Tomorrow” 30th Anniversary reissue

Screeching Weasel has announced a 30th Anniversary reissue of their 1993 LP Anthem For A New Tomorrow. The iconic pop-punk record has been out of print for over a decade, having last been repressed by Recess Records in 2012. The new reissue was remixed by Mike Kennerty, who produced the last four SW albums. The […]

Screeching Weasel has announced a 30th Anniversary reissue of their 1993 LP Anthem For A New Tomorrow. The iconic pop-punk record has been out of print for over a decade, having last been repressed by Recess Records in 2012. The new reissue was remixed by Mike Kennerty, who produced the last four SW albums.

The CD version, which features four bonus tracks, is available to pre-order here. Italy’s Striped Music is pressing the record on pink vinyl (limited to 500 copies). All copies come with a poster and CD. You can pre-order that here. Recess Records will have orange, blue, and green color variants available in the US soon.

This incarnation of Screeching Weasel boasts what many consider to be the band’s definitive lineup: Ben Weasel on guitar and vocals, Danny Vapid on bass, John “Jughead” Pierson on guitar, and Dan Panic on drums. This album’s tracklist is brimming with classic songs like “Falling Apart”, “Peter Brady”, “Every Night”, “Claire Monet” and, of course, the penultimate title track. When I think of Lookout! Records and 90’s pop-punk, Anthem For A New Tomorrow is one of the first records that comes to mind.

Screeching Weasel released their 14th studio album The Awful Disclosures of Screeching Weasel in 2022. Here‘s our review of that LP.

For a weekly rundown of all things punk rock vinyl, check out the Dying Scene Record Radar every Friday!

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DS Staff Picks: Dylan’s Top 10 Albums Of 2022

Hello, friends! My name’s Dylan, but you might know me better as “Screeching Bottlerocket”. I write stuff for Dying Scene. I also write snide replies to your comments on our Facebook page. For some reason you’re supposed to care what my favorite albums released this year are (at least I think that’s why you clicked […]

Hello, friends! My name’s Dylan, but you might know me better as “Screeching Bottlerocket”. I write stuff for Dying Scene. I also write snide replies to your comments on our Facebook page. For some reason you’re supposed to care what my favorite albums released this year are (at least I think that’s why you clicked on the link). On the off chance that you do, in fact, care, here are my Top 10 Albums of 2022:

#10 Cigar – The Visitor

Remember how Duke Nukem Forever took like 20 fucking years to come out? This album’s kinda like that, except it doesn’t blow complete ass like Duke Nukem Forever. Cigar released their debut album Speed is Relative in 1999 and kinda just peaced out. Then they came back and released some demos of new songs… and kinda peaced out again. Then they signed to Fat, and we finally got this skate punk beast. They haven’t lost a step. This is a great record. For more eloquent analysis, read my full review here.

#9 No Quarter – Fear and Loathing on the Pacific Highway

One of my favorite things about the revival of Dying Scene has been seeking out lesser known bands and, in turn, discovering some great albums nobody’s talking about. No Quarter‘s Fear and Loathing on the Pacific Highway is one of those albums. These Australians don’t fuck around. If you’ve got a hankering for fast, melodic, no frills skate punk, listen to this. “Long Distance” is the best song.

#8 Friends With the Enemy – Divide & Conquer

Two Australian bands. Band to back. What’s going on down under? Those Aussies make some great music! I like this Friends With the Enemy album a lot. These guys (and girl) have been around a long time, but this is by far the best thing they’ve ever done. I’m a sucker for riffy melodic punk, and that’s exactly what Divide & Conquer delivers. I reviewed this album, too, so you can read that here if you’d like.

#7 OFF! – Free LSD

Look, it’s another album I reviewed! Are you seeing a pattern here? Anywho… OFF! makes their triumphant return after eight years without releasing a new album. Keith Morris is one of the best do ever do it, folks. Their new drummer Justin Brown is pretty fucking awesome, too. This is OFF!’s best record.

#6 The Flatliners – New Ruin

After years of being a hardass about not listening to The Flatliners‘ non-ska output, I finally decided to give them a shot with New Ruin. And you know what? It’s a great album! I also went back and listened to Inviting Light, and you know what? That’s a great album, too! I’m usually not a fan of slower shit, but I’ll make an exception here. And on an unrelated note, I think New Ruin‘s cover art is really cool. Kinda reminds me of Insomniac.

#5 Pulley – The Golden Life

Pulley has never released a bad album, and The Golden Life certainly doesn’t buck that trend. This is the veteran SoCal melodic punk band’s seventh LP, and their first with Sean Sellers of Good Riddance on drums. It’s not radically different from their previous output, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Pulley still kicks ass! (oh yeah, I reviewed this album by way).

#4 Screeching Weasel – The Awful Disclosures of Screeching Weasel

In case my username isn’t a dead giveaway, Screeching Weasel is one of my all-time favorite bands. The Awful Disclosures of Screeching Weasel sounds a lot like First World Manifesto and Some Freaks of Atavism. And that’s a very good thing, because I love those records. I enjoy this album a lot as well. That’s why it’s in my Top 5 (and also why I gave it quite the positive review).

#3 The Manges – Book of Hate for Good People

Alright, folks! We’re in the Top 3. No more fucking around. On the cusp of their 30th anniversary, Italian pop-punk mainstays The Manges released their best album ever. Book of Hate for Good People is a near perfect pop-punk record. “Lucky Tiger”, “Back to Bangkok”, “High On Stress”, “The Hate Parade”, “I’m Not A Sissy”, “Red Flags”… all bangers. If you have not listened to this, you’re a god damn idiot. Read my fuckin’ review, too, while you’re at it.

#2 The Windowsill – Focus

I thought I had my Top 10 list locked in about a month ago, then I found out The Windowsill had a new album coming out in December and I knew my list was about to be blown up. My fears were confirmed when I hit play on Focus for the first time. Dear lord, this album is incredible! I’ve listened to it at least once a day since it came out. This album deserves to be on a lot of Top 10 lists. Did I mention that I reviewed it? Because I did.

#1 No Fun At All – Seventh Wave

No Fun At All is one of the greatest skate punk bands of all time, in my opinion. Seventh Wave is the band’s seventh full-length album, and I think it’s one of their best. This is right up there with their 90’s output, rivaling classic records like Out of Bounds and The Big Knockover. NFAA never disappoints. Seventh Wave is easily my favorite album of 2022.

READ MY REVIEW!!!

Honorable Mentions

Rehasher – Open Roads (single)

In case you didn’t already know, Less Than Jake‘s Roger Lima has a killer side project called Rehasher. They came through with a new single in the 11th hour of 2022. “Open Roads” is excellent. Shit sounds like Motorhead gone skate punk. How bout a new ‘Hasher record in 2023, Roger?

Megadeth – The Sick, The Dying… And The Dead!

I like Megadeth. This is a pretty good Megadeth album. I think Anthony Fantano gave it a bad review, but fuck that guy. Long live MegaDave!

Florida Men – Self-Titled

What’s that? You thought I was done plugging my album reviews? Think again, motherfucker! I thoroughly enjoyed Dutch pop-punk band Florida Men‘s self-titled debut album, and gave it a glowing review. Perhaps you, too, will enjoy it.

Handheld – A Canadian Tragedy

2022 saw Canadian skate punks Handheld making a triumphant return with their first new album in 14 years. I had actually never heard of these guys before, but when I saw they were on Thousand Islands Records, I knew A Canadian Tragedy would probably be a good record. I was right!

The Bruce Lee Band – One Step Forward. Two Steps Back.

Mike Park does it again! The latest album from the revived Bruce Lee Band also features Jeff Rosentstock, MU330‘s Dan Potthast, and former Chinkees drummer Kevin Higuchi. Best ska record of 2022 right here.

I REVIEWED THIS ALBUM 🙂

Thanks for reading all that bullshit. Here’s a neat little Spotify playlist with a song from each of these albums!

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