Review: Knockabouts - Angry Young Men (LP)

 

I remember talking to other punk rockers in like 1997 about how hard it was to find a studio in or around Alabama that could (or would) record punk rock. Much less allow it to sound like a “proper” punk record. So how the fuck did teenage “Alabama” Donnie Sharp and friends pull it off in 1983?? Legend has it that the Knockabouts were the first hardcore punk band in Alabama. If they weren’t, I’d say they were the most important. Underground bands to in the Huntsville area, to this day, have hints of it in their sound. Whether they know it or not. And this isn’t one of those bands we mention cuz they were just the first ones there. I mean they really kiiiiiiiicked ass! Nuclear blasts of thrashy sped-up punk. Noisy and chaotic and super slam-danceable. Included on this definitive collection are straight-up classics like “Where’s My Vietnam?” and their vicious take on Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama”.  Lots of fast punkery for sure, but with cool experimentation on tracks like “Angry Young Man”. Not a bad song on here. The live version of “Sweet Home” that wraps this platter is even crazier than the studio version!! Prank Records has done the lord’s work and delivered us the best sounding versions of the previously released stuff (which was hard to find) AND great-sounding unheard recordings. This is a must have. Good luck finding a copy on vinyl. They’re going faaaaast!

-Harmless  


Order from Prank Records

Knockabouts on Spotify!

Knockabouts on Bandcamp!

 

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