THE GRUESOMES Jack The Ripper 7” EP

THE GRUESOMES
Jack The Ripper 7” EP
Fuzz Overdose 2010

This is an exact re-issue of The Gruesomes very first chunk of wax that came out in 1986 on Primitive Records, except for the Fuzz Overdose logo additions on the cover and it’s on thicker vinyl. All of the snot and fuzz of the original is intact on these 4 songs (“Jack The Ripper” Parts 1 and 2, “Things She Does To Me” and “No More Lies”) that bring back that magical era when garage punk was worshipped across the nation. If you don’t have an original of this rare record, this is your chance to complete your Gruesomes collection, as just about everything has been re-issued on CD by Ricochet Sound. (Dave O’Halloran)

THIS REVIEW ORIGINALLY RAN IN MONGREL ZINE #9. BUY IT HERE

THE GRUESOMES Gruesomania CD

THE GRUESOMES
Gruesomania CD
Ricochet Sounds 2008

For those who don’t know, The Gruesomes were Canada’s finest entry in the mid ‘80s garage wars that raged worldwide. And a great combo they were. Hailing from Montreal The Gruesomes not only had the look: that being bowl cuts, tight black trousers, and black turtlenecks, they had that sound of fuzz, snot, and snarl that would make cave girls swoon and cave men go wild! Grrrr! And it’s all jam packed into this here re-ish of their classic 1987 release, Gruesomania. From the sing along ode to satan/video that used to get played on Much Music, “Way Down Below” to the sad minor chord lament of “Heart Full Of Pain” you get the entire album in all of its glory. And not only that, but you get all 6 songs from the rare Unchained! EP originally released on Primitive Records. So get out there and grab this sucker to liven up your next party and watch out for the next Gruesomes re-ish coming out real soon, Hey! You’ve been warned!! (Dave O’Halloran)

THIS REVIEW ORIGINALLY RAN IN MONGREL ZINE #5. BUY IT HERE

The Gruesomes Tyrants Of Teen Trash CD

The Gruesomes
Tyrants Of Teen Trash CD
Ricochet Sounds 2008
www.ricochetsound.com

Back in the late ‘80s, The Gruesomes were ruling, not only the college radio charts across Canada, but the stages of every seedy bar and dive they played on, as they continually toured Canada.  Gruesomania was sweeping the nation! At least for a little while and while it lasted, it was a blast. And now you too can find out what all the commotion was about on this just released CD. Originally released in 1986 on Og Records (Canada’s coolest record label ever!), The Tyrants Of Teen Trash has finally made it to the CD format. And not only do you get the first album, but in addition you get all four songs from the ultra rare Jack The Ripper EP that originally came out on Primitive Records.

And what does it sound like: pure snot vocals, fuzzed out distorto guitars, throbbing bass runs and pounding drums… in other words a whole lotta noise in the ‘60s garage punk vein that’ll  put a shit eating grin on your noggin’! And not only that, but it’ll get your feet movin’ and groovin’ as the level of fun that The Gruesomes brought to their live show comes across quite nicely here. A definite must have for your next beer bash! (Dave O’Halloran)

THIS REVIEW ORIGINALLY RAN IN MONGREL ZINE #3. BUY IT HERE

Fuad and the Feztones Beeramid CD

Fuad and the Feztones
Beeramid CD
Ricochet Sound 2008
www.ricochetsound.com

This is the first full length CD from Montreal-based Fuad and The Feztones and it also contains their debut CD EP as bonus tracks. If you dig the R&B sounds of Booker T and The MG’s, and The Mar-Keys then this is right up your alley. Pure mid ‘60s styled rhythm and blues sounds with lots of keyboards, a bit of horns and the usual guitar noises that are mixed together just right for dancing. And if you check the liner notes out carefully, you’ll see that there’s a couple of familiar faces involved in this band, Bobby Beaton and John Davis, both former members of Canada’s finest ‘80s garage combo, The Gruesomes (see the review of The Gruesomes latest CD in this issue)! That alone makes this platter an essential purchase as you know it’s gonna be cool!  (Dave O’Halloran)

THIS REVIEW ORIGINALLY RAN IN MONGREL ZINE #3. BUY IT HERE