| SNOTTYNESS... Punk Rock Classic - World Contender - Worth A Listen - Average - Plastic - No Future |
| EVEN WORSE 'You've Ruined Everything' (Grand Theft Audio) CD July 2002 The New York Thrash scene sprang up right along with the 1980s, following the initial Max's/CBGB boom, and tended to be way younger, and scruffier. Even Worse were right there--along with Heart Attack, Bad Brains, Kraut and Reagan Youth--led by drummer Jack Rabid. (Who also began a jam-packed xeroxed fanzine around the same time, called The Big Takeover, which is still published--fat and glossy now--to this day!) Jack supplies the liner notes for this disc, featuring what ended up being the "classic" lineup: R.B. Korbet on vocals, the first woman on the NY Thrash scene besides Beastie Boys' Kate Schellenbach; and Eric Keil on bass and Bobby Weeks on guitar. This CD is extra-special, featuring a "Studio LP" recorded at the 171A practice/rehearsal/after-hours gig space (now known as Brownie's) by NYC recording mentor and guitar whiz Jerry Williams. There's a second, live set at Max's Kansas City from August 1981. Songs include Even Worse classics like "Contaminated Waste," "Last Night's Blimpie," "Major Headache," "Emptying the Madhouse," and their theme song "We Suck." Even Worse also had great taste in covers: "I'm a Machine" (Stimulators); "Solitary Confinement" (Weirdos), "Nervous Breakdown" (Black Flag). R.B. Korbet's charisma and her sweet sort of reverse charm are showcased in the Max's set, and Bobby Weeks busts out the guitar licks that made him the envy of the neighborhood, once and again. A great document of a undeniably appealing band. (Grand Theft Audio Records; 501 W. Glenoaks Blvd., PMB 313, Glendale, CA 91202; USA www.bigtakeover.com (Guest Review by Christeen Aebi) |