Deflowered (Sounds Rad)
Iconic punk band Pansy Division have celebrated the 30th anniversary of the sophomore Deflowered album with a limited edition, red vinyl rerelease. It also marks the first tine the album has been released on vinyl in over 20 years. So we're due a fresh listen.
The songs are magnificent; perfectly constructed, gloriously poetic and very witty slices of gay life. In the sleeve notes, singer and guitarist Jon Ginoli says that the album originally came out during the AIDS crisis, and that "the original inner sleeve provided safe sex instructions, information we thought could save lives." Commendable stuff.
"Chris [Freeman] and fellow co-founder Jon Ginoli (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) reflects on the impact of Deflowered's 30 years in a funny and revealing video, touching on topics as the album’s artwork, the 'dirty and sweet' balance of the lyrics, the inclusion of lesbian/bi/gay youth support group directory in the liner notes, and interpolating 'MMMbop' by Hanson and Cher’s 'Believe' into their live performances of 'Groovy Underwear,'" reads a statement. See that video below.
Shonen Knife
Our Best Place (Good Charamel Records)
Japanese punk-pop (not pop-punk) trio Shonen Knife have released an expanded edition of the 2023 album Our Best Place, with four new tracks and brand new embroidered sleeve art.
The ladies had food on their mind a couple of years ago, as they sang about "Vamos Taquitos," "Spicy Veggie Curry," and even "Afternoon Tea." Whatever they were singing about, the songs are typically fun, catchy and easy to sing along to.
The new tracks include Japanese versions of "The Story of Baumkuchen" and "Girl's Rock." If anything, the new versions are better than the originals.
Whipping Boy
Disillusion (Blackhouse Inc.)
There's a certain segment of the punk-loving population that will be whooping and cheering for this reissue. It's a niche release, sure, but the best ones usually are.
Originally produced by Dead Kennedys man Klaus Flouride over four decades ago as Muru Muru, the renamed Dysillusion is a quite wonderful, experimental slab of SF hardcore.
The influence of the likes of the DKs and also Flipper can be heard in the left field, out of kilter punk rock. But once your mind settles into it, the songs are a joy. "Sunshine Nellie," for example, is a weirdly psychedelic, experimental yet infectious tune. It's followed by the sinister "Myster Magi," and the juxtaposition is wonderful.
Dig in!
