Seven inches of Pure music.  Usually the best song a band has is released on these little sheets of vinyl which run at 45rpm's.  They spin, I listen, and hopefully I like.   Staying on the theme I brought up in the albums page... The first 7 incher I ever heard was Purple Rain by Prince.  The first 7 incher I ever got would have been Giulty by the Evil Eyes sometime back in '95.  This one was a gift from the guy who introduced me to the music behind the mainstream.  Wow!  That was over 4 years ago. Perhaps not long to you, but in my history, how short it may be, 4 years is a substantial amount of time.  Just Check out the reviews below and see what I've reviewed.  The ones on top are the newest, and going down they get older and older...

The Drags/ The Peechees~ "Radio Disappears" : This is an intersting concept... have two bands cover each other. This might sound cheesy, but it works. The Drags are always great and this song is no exception "Slick's Living it up". It takes the Drags and Pulls them through a longer song than they usually do. "Well Worth Talking About" Takes a song by the Drags and Cycles it through a band I didn't really like too much before, and makes a great song. I was groovin' over both sides of this bad boy. A GI Productions release. 02/21/98

The Invisible Men~ "Beat Down" : Hmmm.. I'm troubled. Could a band possibly be wierder. I mean when the Mummies dressed like mummies I didn't mind. The Satelliters wear Ski masks to keep their identities a secret. These guys are all covered up like a 20's porn star. Once I get past they're cliched clothing, though , I can apprecitate their music. It's got the same type sound as the Mummies, with the grating vocals and heavy distortion, which of course I can apprecitate. I think that if you've run out of options for single purchases and you want one more to put you to some even dollar amoung, then go for this one. Otherwise, I'd say leave it and wait for their next one which I'm sure will be better. Remember, I waste my money so you don't have to... A Dionysus release. 02/21/98

The Smugglers~ "Buddy Holly Convention" : You hosers, just brush off, heh? These Canadian Freaks have done it again with this Pop punk tribute to Buddy Holly (with other songs included of course). The Smugglers are one of the first bands in the newer, happier, pung genre I was intruduced to (the first being the HiFives). I still like them and in fact, with this single I think they're getting even better. Who'd a thunk it, a band that's still around after this many years without killing themselves or each other. A LOOKOUT/Mint release. 02/21/98

The Vendettas~ "Can't Stop b/w Gasoline" : Well, what is this one missing. It's got the Female lead singer with the Banshee voice. It's got Geeeetar and a steady beat that's semi infectious. It's a twinge bluesy. Oh, hold on I know what the problem is... It's noT LOud ENOUGH! that's better. A 360 Twist Release. 02/21/98

The Mants~ "I Smell Woman" : Hormones... Some use them for good, some use them for evil... Others use them to write raging punk songs about the smell of woman. This band has a lo fi garage sound, but that doesn't mean it's used perfectly. I guess they sound alright, but this band, the Man Ants, don't really strike a chord with me. Sorry guys, but that's the truth. An Estrus Release. 02/21/98

The Insect~ "Hard to Cry b/w Styler and No Next Time" : Another 360 release with that Rock'n'Roll, garage, harmonic whatever sound I adore. Stomp your boot, 'cause their sound crawls up your leg and'll give you the urge to. The only problem with this single is that I can't stop staring at the cover. Oh god, who is that beautiful Baby on there. (AHHH, the torture). Where's the full album from you guys? Hurry up, I want more Insects for my collection... A 360 Twist Release. 02/21/98

The Sons of Hercules~ "Surfing' in the Bars" : This is a band I was introduced to by my Friend Tony (thanks) and it's one of the few "punk" bands I still listen to. I only call it punk, 'cause it has the angst of it. I can't really describe their sound, because it's different than most punk or garage. Surfin' in the Bars is definitely a rowdy drinking song, while Outta your head is more melodic and mellow. If you can locate any of their singles or albums, I'd say go for it. A GetHip release. 02/21/98

Hepcat~ "Bobby & Joe Dollar Dance" : You'll probably notice there is quite a lack of ska in the mix of my reviews. The reason is that most ska I hear doesn't excite me too much. This band is different... They played a show in San Diego with the Hi Fives a few months back and they had to have been the most fun and exciting band I've ever seen live. I cound't believe how they had the crowds dancing with their authentic Ska sound. Now if I take that sound and stick it on a single, I loose a little in the translation, but not all of it. This single captures some of their amazing sound. A Big Daddy release. 02/21/98

King Sound Quartet~ "Annihilate this Week" : Well, I never said that BlackTop wouldn't live on in another form, but here's another incarnation with Tim Kerr in the Mix. This is a great combo with a sound different enough from BlackTop to make it extraordinary. Check out my review of their first album, too. Lo Fi, Blues, Garage, and Rock 'n' Roll, argggg. An Estrus Release. 02/21/98

BlackTop~ "We Desist" : I only found out a few months ago that these guys even broke up, but here's a release from them, post mortem... I don't know if you knew this, but the Album "Up all Night" by these guys is something I think I've listened to more than any other album in existence. There's just something that BlackTop has that I haven't heard in many bands. It's a good mix of Blues and Garage and some special mojo to produce a beautiful and yet still raw sound. This double 45 is no exception. I can't get enough of the beat. I'm doomed eternally to realize this band will probably never be in the same combo again. An In the Red Release. 02/21/98

The Seculars~ "Social Skills" : 360 twist I thing has taken all of the coarse rock 'n' roll in the world and stuck them on their label. This band is another one that fits the bill. Good stripped down RnR (and I don't mean Rest and Relaxation) with a great sound. The band may not have the best vocals, but we know its the feeling you put into it, not always the melody. As with most 360 stuff, I recommend this one. If you liked any of my past reviews like the Mount McKinleys, then you'll like the Seculars. A 360 Twist Release. 02/21/98

The Kent 3~ "2x4" : Typo over at Make Room told me about this band when I wanted some more Lo Fi bands to listen to. Good call on his part, I have to say. This one is a Six Song whirlwind of sound and I love it. It's kind of lo fi goes suburban with songs complaining about basketball and parents (though I hope no one in the band lives with their parents still)... This is a Super Electro (a la SubPop) release. 02/21/98

The Goners~ "Three Bats" : Welcome to America you trash rock ass kickin' Japanese imports. Estrus has another find in this band newly arrived from Japan. They are another piece in the trash rock puzzle that's filling in very well in the US. Bands like these guys, Gasoline, Switch Trout, and older bands like Guitar Wolf and Teengenerate are all kicking ass in a major way with their variety (and yet similar) sounds. Hopefully they'll have a new album out soon... An Estrus Release. 02/21/98

Sawney Bean~ " Aloha from the Interzone" : There are few bands that can get away with an interesting combination of styles. In this case garage with influences ranging in the lo-fi to hi-fi to surf to anything underground you can name (if its a little punk). This band reminds me a little of the Bomboras with their style. I definitely enjoyed this single. These guys are on Buy or Die Records in New Jersey. 02/21/98

Mount McKinley's~ "Genius in Modern Music Vol 2" : This is fuel injected rock 'n' roll with garage infused into the mix. I love the layers of guitar in "Here Comes Last Summer," The only instro on the single. I'd call that song the pick of the single, definitely. A 360 Twist Release. 09/17/97

Frigg A-Go-Go~ "Everything Around Me b/w PreTeen Love" : The lead singer of this band remings me of the Makers with his gritty voice. The A-Side, "Everything Around Me" is a testament to modern garage. Screaming sounds only the best bands can match, while the B-Side, "PreTeen Love", leaves a bit to be desired. Hey, I've bought many singles for one song, so I'd say this one falls under that category: Lo-fi garage with 2 songs, one of which is cool, while the other can't quite match. A 360 Twist Release. 09/16/97

The Quadrajets~ "The Real Fucked Up Blues" : I think I'd have to call this hick garage. A Hillbilly mix of equal parts moonshine, R & B, and garage at a drunken pace, this single grinds. I do feel the band isn't quite together through the 3 songs, though. (Perhaps a little to much moonshine in the brew) I think this band's mix of influences would make them a great band to see live, as long as they don't have too much time to drink before the show. A 360 Twist release. 09/16/97

Fortune & Maltese and the Phabulous Pallbearers~ "Genie in the Lamp b/w Vampira" : I probably woke up the people living in the apartment below me as I blasted this single and danced around my room. A little surf, a little garage, and a lot of fun, "Genie in the Lamp" moves ya, both fast paced and harmonic. The B-Side, "Vampira," is a tribute to the classic comic book of the same name, and it kept me movin' just like the first. I'll have to power nap before listening to that single one again! A 360 Twist Release. 09/16/97

The Others~ " Can't Help But Cry EP" : This 4 song ep is the second I've heard from this band from Italy. Rumor has it that these guys beat the snot out of Fuzzfest partiers with their live show. Their punch may not be captured quite as much in their recorded releases, but this one is still worth a listen. My fav track on this one is the ballad, "You'll Never Know." It's quite sweet, and it's as though the song were snagged in lyrics right from the sixties (though I know it's original). A 360 Twist Release. 09/16/97

The Others~ "About My Town b/w Gimme Love" : This single is a catchy pair of songs by the mod/ garage/ rock 'n' roll band, the Others. This is the first band I can recall having heard from Italy. Great sound and definitely more traditional with a slower tempo. "Gimme Love", the B-Side seems to be a tribute to free love, something we need a little more of here in the 90's. A Detour Release. 09/16/97

The Ray-Ons~ "Lipstick Pickup Lines" : This is a band that I'd say was needed in the garage community. They sound great, they play great, kind of a garage supersuckers type thingy, and they're fun. I got this as an Estrus Crust member, but I believe it's available anyways. They have a funny intro too, but I won't get into that one. Da Da! DA! 09/09/97

The Switch Trout~ "Rod Action" : I've never really been too big on the all instro thing, but with Switch Trout I'm making an exception. I was practically dancing as I listened to this single. It's a great mix of surf/ R&B/ Garage/ and that lo-fi shit I love. Can you dig it!! It's on Estrus and I got this cool little fish you put in your hand and depending on where it bends, it tells you how bad you suck. 09/09/97

The 1,4,5's~ "Planetary Annihilation!" : Well, I don't like this one. Period. I listened to this one twice to make sure I wasn't just in a bad mood, but no that's not it. The beat's okay, but the singing's bad, and the recording sucks (worse than lo-fi 'cause it doesn't seem to be intentional). I may be missing something, but I just don't get them being able to get onto Estrus. 09/09/97

Makers~ "Supa Low Fly" : This is a limited edition release from Estrus (500 pressed I think). I like the single more than any other by the makers because of the b-side, "Crazy Girl", which is the first Makers ballad I've heard. I enjoy hearing harmonies coming out of this wild band. The A-side is amazing as well, of course. If It's not too late, try to get one.09/97

The Untamed Youth: "Minor Chaos" : If I learned one thing this month, it's that I'm definitely not into Frat Rock. I'd heard that these guys were amazing, and I bet they are live, but I don't think I'll buy any more of their singles. It's like they really want to be Garage, but they can't quite get loud enough. 09/97

The Satelliters~ "Oh Yeah!" : This is an amazing single. I'll bet that this single got them big time into their scene. I can't get enough of this one. It came out in '95, but you can still get it thru Bomp. 09/97

The Satelliters~ "Psychedelic Sounds of..." : Well, if you've read the album reviews, you'll know how much I dig the Satelliters. This single, though, I don't very much. Don't get me wrong, it doesn't suck, but it's not the Satelliters I know and love. It's and older single from before they became how they are today in style. 09/97

The Chesterfield Kings~ "Baby Doll b/w I Cannot Find Her" : I've heard that this band was outstanding in their day, so I bought a single and I was dissapointed. I was hoping for fast and furious and I got slow and monotonous. 09/97

The Squares~ "Ain't that Lovin' You Baby" : This is another older release that I picked up from Bomp mail order. It is a great 3 song single by a great band. Being limited to 500 copies always helps, too.09/97

The Crawdaddys~ "5x4" : I got this ep thru a friend who went to the Fuzzfest this year. It's a reissue of the original release from 1980. Honestly, of the 5 songs on this ep, I only like one, "I'm Dissatisfied", and it is nothing short of amazing. Considering I only had to pay two bucks for it, though, I'd say it was worth it.09/97

Gaza Strippers~ "Transistor b/w Stinger" : I got this sucker thru an ad on Banana Truffle. I can say I love it without feeling like a little liar. The band has members from Supersuckers and other power punk bands. They almost sound like Rush Goes Punk with the lead singer's voice (but that's not bad). Definitely powerful tunes on both sides.08/97

Loons~ "Unwind b/w Slow Knife" : Another single by this new band (I think they have 4 now, though this is only the second). I like this one a lot better than "Paradise" 'cause the band's become a lot more solid. My favorite is actually the B side which is Slow Knife, which is a nice ballad, where we get to see Mike's Singing voice (as compared to screaming voice <--- No offense, Mike).08/97

Loons~ "Paradise b/w I Drain the Dregs" : Mike Stax, formerly of bands like the Evil Eyes, the Hoods, and the Tell Tale Hearts is the frontman of the Loons. I've heard that the band kicks ass live, and they're playing at the Fuzzfest this year. This single is pretty good (I've heard they have a new one that's outstanding on Screaming Apple Records), and I'd recommend this one just for the promise of how good they're going to get. 06/97

Letdowns~ "Altlanta b/w Flash & Crash" : At first listen to this newer garage band, I can say I didn't like it. Second time was the same I think, but the third time I listened to it I bgan to appreciate the simplicity of it. The Letdowns are obviously influenced by the 60's scene with their riffs and organ playing. The singing isn't that great, but when can you expect great singing in garage (but usually the bands flaunt their lack of ability). If you're wanting to hear a different type of garage, check elsewhere, but if you like the normal stuff without too many thrills, this single might be for you. 07/97

Muffs~"I'm a Dick": Another Cool Release from Sympathy for the Record Industry. I think it was Rolling Stone Magazine that said these guys don't know how to change their sound. Kim Shattuck screeches out her vocals in an offensive manner as possible and grinds out the riffs and the songs are over before you can say, "Now where did the Damn mosh pit go?" Who gives a crap if their sound hasn't changed dramatically...It's worked for 2 albums and a ton of 45's, why can't we just live with it. I can. You have to love what the band sings about, on the back of the 45, there is a little sign that says, "Be a Dick...It's the American Way!" Ah, life in the fast lane. Ah, send me back to 1963 (no, I wasn't alive then!) and call me hip (just don't call me no damn beatnik).0597

Parasites~"Hang Up": This Pup is another fine LOOKOUT! product. They just got signed by them I guess, because all of their older singles were on other labels. Oh well. These guys are really an under-rated band. I've seen them once and they have a great sound. Not too loud, fairly harmonic, and fast enough to keep you movin'. This single is no exception...all 3 tracks are cranked out at high RPMs and leave ya squeelin' from the feelin'. As soon as they get a durned album out on LOOKOUT!, I'll be happy. Until that time comes though, suck up all of those 45's kiddies.0697

Dragons~"Star Star": This sucker is put out by OUR Records (Outer Universe Research/1257 Ameluxen/Hacienda Hgts, CA 91745). The Dragons are one of those bands that you wonder when you hear them, "Why hadn't I heard of these guys sooner?" Have you noticed that people in the Music Industry and in the Film Industry seem to watch and listen to more obscure movies and music than most people do. The Music Industry is influenced by the bands and writers who don't make a lot of money, because their music is not mainstream material. So the other bands who are influenced by these non-mainsteam artist go out and soften the package to make it edible to the masses and make shitloads of money in the process. Well the Dragons are one of those bands that influence other bands. They are the Younger siblings of a couple of the Zeros (early 80's punk band in San Diego) and they kick serious butt, not that many people know that. They have a full album out called "Painkiller" and another single somewhere and that's about it. This is another High-Quality Dragon's Product. All I Can say is, Gimme a damn tee-shirt of these guys.0597

Gasoline~"Danger Extremely Flammable": Another Fine Estrus Release on this one. I don't know if Fink from Teengenerate has called the band game the quits, but if he has, he's doing a great job as a producer. These guys are one of the newest of the Trash Rock (or whatever they're calling it) scene of Japan of which Teengenerate was a big influence on (if you don't have any of their stuff, it's on Estrus as well). These guys have the speed, and the torque to keep you busy through 4 loud tracks. Totally fuckin' SCREAMING! I bought it for Fink, and I'm leaving with a new band to look out for new material for. Not a bad trade.0697

Gorgons~"Can't Be True": This one is a Dionysus release...the same lable that put out one of my favs, the Satelliters. I see in this band a sound that has become prominent in a lot of garage bands (and may have been for a while, I don't know). They have the low-fi sound down, and a gripping guitar, and raspy vocals. Perfect for a Garage band. The First track, "I Can't Be True", with all honesty, I can't say I'm overly fond of. It may sound harsh, but I think this song got lost in the late 60's on a bad trip. I don't get pulled in enough. For the feel of the song, the tempo needed to be a little faster. But, don't let that discourage you from listening to this single, at least. The second track, "He's Waitin'", is a true piece of art. The Whole Shebang is pulled off, and if anyone in the band is fucked up, even I can't tell.0697

Impala~"Hear Impala Play R&B Favorites": I first heard of this band from an Estrus Single I bought a while back called "Tales From Estrus". They were allright on there, but the whole single had 4 bands all playing tracks live. Cool, but bad recording, even worse than I'm usually willing to tolerate. Oh well. This single, though, was very different for me. As the name implies, it's R&B. Not my normal forte, but I'm not one to run from a challenge. I can say that I have listened to it around 10 times, and I'm not yet bored with it which is pretty good. If you can't stand any of my Garage recommendations, run away from this one, 'cause it has even older influences. HAIL IMPALA!

Smugglers~ "Talkin' 'Bout You b/w Chimo" : These guys are another Canadian band (but we can't hold that against them) and they're great. This happens to be my favorite single by these guys because of the song "Chimo". The damn thing won't get out of my head. AHHHH! but thats a good thing, trust me.0597

Psychodrama~ "Vivid" : This power Trio has a great sound, and I'm not just saying that because all the girls in the band are cute. They have a poppy Ramones feel with a little something extra. I loved them live (they played at Spin Records in Carlsbad, CA and I caught them) but this single does them little justice. Hopefully, They'll pass my way again, so I can see 'em once more.0596

Clique~ "Bareback Donkey Riding" : I can't say exactly what kind of music it is, but it's great. This Dionysus Single I guess is a little garage with a twist of Mod in for flavor. I haven't heard anything besides this single by them, but I know they have other things out there.0396

Zoinks!/No Empathy~ "Split": These two bands are on LOOKOUT and are quite fun. They both have the Poppy/Punk sound of old Green Day with their own blend. I've missed Zoinks a couple of times down here, but I'd love to see them eventually. You should here their song, "Uma 13 Times" on the Punk Uprising Comp. put out by LOOKOUT as well. Zoinks!, No Empathy, The Hi Fives, and tons of other bands (Not just LOOKOUT bands) are on it.0296

Queers~ "Bubblegum Dreams" : This is an outstanding single by this Bay Area band. I love the cover they do of a Beach Boy song on it. A couple of the songs are on their newest album, but it was still worth the $$$.0296

Diablo 44~ "Ruby Memphis b/w Sugar Cube" : These guys are a San Diego band, and I'm sad to say that I've never seen them live. They are a Rockabily/Garage/Whatever band with an almost Elvis style lead singer. I also have an EP (tape) by them called Lonely Girl. Both are well worth it if you can find them.0995

Hoods~ "We Are Your Fear": The band before the Evil Eyes. This band has the same lead singer as the Evil Eyes, and they sound about as good. They have a few singles still available out there (in fact they have a split w/ Fallouts) and they have a full Length CD somewhere out there as well. Good Stuff! Mike Stax (now in the Loons was in here after the Tell Tale Hearts split, these guys formed)0895

Evil Eyes~ "Guily b/w You Burn Me Up and Down": This band was formed out of a few members of the Hoods (formed from the Tell Tale Hearts). They only managed to put out this one single on Screaming Apple Records before they broke up, but it's still amazing. If you can find it, you'll love it... Trust me! (Mike Stax was in this band, too)0595

Brent's TV~ "Lumberjack Dreams": I had never heard this older 7"er before, but I love it. It is the first release of the band who later (with a couple different members) became The Ne'er Do Wells, Judie and the Loadies, Thee Shatners, the Bomb Bassetts, and The Hi-Fives. It's a LOOKOUT release, but I'm not sure if it's still available. I bought it at an outstanding Hi-Fives show on 07/08/97.0797

Squirtgun~"Mary Ann": This is the first LOOKOUT! or any other labels' release from Squirtgun with Matt Leonard (AKA Matt Phuzz). Great single with some catchy tunes. The Title track is about Mary Ann from Gilligan's Island, and supposedly she will be in a video release of the song. Good luck to you guys!0297

Parasites~"Letdown": Never before have I heard a band so unknown that sounds so full together. They have a sound that never quits and yet Where are they? They are a local San Diego band that I have seen nowhere but in a record store playing. They are not necessarily the best band I've ever seen, but they're up there. If you can find there stuff out there, it's great. They do have a song on the Punk Uprisings CD put out by LOOKOUT! records. Check it out!1196

Makers~"Shout On!!": This band is garage to the core. You can't be fooled by their lyrics...they are great. The point of the music is there, to relieve us of the boredom of modern existence or something like that. I saw them on the Estrus Invitational Western Divisions and they were superb. The MonoMen said that if they didn't get laid after their performance, this ain't Rock and Roll anymore.1096

Insomniacs~"Already Down": These guys were a fill in on the Estrus Invitational, and I can't say there could have been a better replacement. These guys even dress '60's and pull it off with the best of them. Great, solid band with enough torque to run a cherry red '69 Mustang. Ah! In the immortal words of Tony the Tiger, "They're GREAT!!"0297

Servotron~"Meet Your Mechanical Masters": This band has members from Man...or Astroman? and a couple of other bands. I am sorry, but all I can say is go back to your own bands. No sir, I didn't like it! Okay! Okay! I think my original opinion of this band was a little harsher than it should have been. I gave it another listen a few days ago and it's pretty darned good. I expected it to be a Man or Astroman? copy band but it turned out to be quite original with a hint of Devo in there. Really a fun 7"er. Sorry Guys!1296

Phantom Surfers~"Istanbul": ARR! This be total surf from the guys at LOOKOUT! I'm not too much for total surf, but this is a good single.XXXX

Smugglers and The Hi-Fives~"Summer Games": Two of my favorite bands together in one sitting. What do you call these guys. Speed Garage/Surf/pop/ Whatever! They are cool. The Hi-Fives are by far the most promising LOOKOUT! band I've seen recently and the Smugglers are pretty darn good, too. XXXX

New Bomb Turks~"Stick it out": What can I say. The Drunken, hardcore louts of punk do it again with style in this short single. Even their patented not so cool recording and (OOOH! AHHH!) blue colored vinyl. Can you dig it? XXXX