Welcome to Review Revue, where every Thursday I dig through the KEXP stacks to share DJ reviews and comments written on the covers of LPs (and occasionally CDs) in the ’80s and ’90s, when the station was called KCMU, the DJs were volunteers, and people shared their opinions on little white labels instead of the internet.
It's been almost five years since I covered an album by BC punk legends D.O.A. in this space, and it just so happens it was Let's Wreck the Party, the album they released before True (North) Strong & Free, today's offering. This, the band's fifth album, was released a mere decade into what is now a 40-plus-year (and counting) career. In fact, just last year the band released their 18th (I think?) studio album, Fight Back. And it sounds like it might be just the kind of record we need these days.
It turns out D.O.A. have just begun a European tour, so if you're on that side of the Atlantic, make sure to check them out. Since they don't live too far away, we should have a chance to see them live before too long . . . if they're allowed across the border.
"Cleanly produced rock from .D.O.A. The punk edges are gone altho Joey rants OK. Cover of BTO's 'Takin' Care of Business.' Check out the other stuff tho, Neil."
"You're the one that says 'Punk is Dead.' This is Rock 'n' Roll, w/an attitude. A good record, but not enuff sense of humour. I think the BTO cover is a big improvement on the orig. But there's lots of other good stuff on here . . ."
"Attitude, sloganeering, soapox, pillbox. And besides, New Model Army has a better '51st State.'"
"And Test Dept's '51st State' is better yet."
"Q: What's the difference between DOA & BTO? A: About 10 lbs."
"Q: How do you make them weigh the same? A: Focefeed B.T.O."
This week's Review Revue spotlights the album Thrillsphere by Girl Trouble. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights the Circle Seven EP Suburban Hope. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights the Billy Bragg album Workers Playtime. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
