More than three decades after putting out the seminal Berserkley Chartbusters Vol. 1 compilation – the album that introduced the world at large to power pop heroes like the Rubinoos, Jonathan Richman and Greg Kihn – the label’s founder Matthew King Kaufman is at it again. Continue reading ‘MP3 Jackpot Winners! – Reviewed for SF Chronicle by Aidin Vaziri, 1-25-09′
1. I Want to Kill Everybody by Ed Haynes
2. It Takes Money by Hobo
3. Penetrating Love Ray by Sex for Moderns
4. Radiation Boy by The Uptones
5. Fell In and Out of Art by Stiff Richards
6. Sick by D Compose
7. Sex Pig by Repulsa
8. Piñata by Critical Mass & The Lazy American
9. P.M.F. by Black Pole
10. Mr. Ed by Sex for Moderns
11. Fish In a Tree by Hobo
12. Hobbit Love by The Gazillions
13. I Am a Janitor by Surface Music
14. I Want You Dead by Repulsa
15. R.A.D.I.O. by Count Slowly and The 4 Twenties
16. They Cheat, They Steal, They Lie by McBain
17. Meditations from a Father by Subverse
18. Ridiculous by The Uptones
19. Tony Alva by Opal Book Club
Own it!
The title says it all. This song makes as much sense as anything else going on in the world today. At least Ed is honest about his intentions.
1. I Want to Kill Everybody by Ed Haynes
This is a very timely song about a subject there seem to be an awful lot of opinions about. Great song, great singer is such a winning combination.
2. It Takes Money by Hobo
This Berkeley band’s guitar rock song about projecting direct love feelings really rocks my world. This track has great musicianship, compelling songwriting, and a raw edginess that I recommend.
3. Penetrating Love Ray by Sex 4 Moderns
The Uptones’ classic tale of the metamorphosis of an ordinary kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or right place at the right time, depending, I guess, on how you feel about ambiguous supernatural powers. A timeless hard rockin’ punky ska anthem.
Check out a live video
4. Radiation Boy by The Uptones
Stiff Richards got it right. I fall in and out of things all the time. I only wish I could write a song this good about it.
5. Fell In and Out of Art by Stiff Richards
Truly sick! I first heard D COMPOSE spinning at a house party last year and I’ve been diggin his stuff ever since. This slippery track oozes bass, and the loops swirl subversively like alien cough syrup. Enjoy! ;~*
6. Sick by D Compose
It’s tough to label this one of a kind star. Repulsa, one of the earliest heavy agro-rock women, was so far ahead of her time that her career remains largely unknown.
7. Sex Pig by Repulsa
An instant classic, this ebullient party track has all that a bunch of kids or grown up kids could ask for. West Coast ska fans are familiar with Critical Mass’ amazing live show, but few are prepared for this brilliant slab of casiotone-inspired latin ska candy.
8. Piñata by Critical Mass feat. The Lazy American
Bloody timeless track from east bay champs of the 90’s thrash funk era, Black Pole. They do say “punk motherfucker” quite a lot so yeah, parental advisory or whatever. This band was truly amazing live, and this track was recorded live in the studio. That’s right, no pro-tools tomfoolery, kidz, this went down, just as you hear it. Was really glad Matthew picked this for the first MP3 Jackpot comp. Enjoy.
9. P.M.F. by Black Pole
