NAKED RAYGUN - Throb Throb LP

Chicago, the hub of the midwest. Home of some of the best damn meat in the world. But when it comes to punk rock, we are some what lacking. Now granted, there were a few pretty damn good bands from the early 80's, such as the Effigies, and Articles of Faith. But no one could come close to Naked Raygun.

Originaly released in 1985 on Homestead Records, Throb Throb was the debut full length from Jeff Pezatti, John Haggerty and crew. Opening with the infectionous and speedy "Rat Patrol", the album opens with a bang. John Haggerty's guitar intro will make you want to leap out of your seat. The tempo shifts next for "Surf Combat" with it's quasi WWII beach lyrics ("The mid day sun makes you want to kill") and "Gear." These slower numbers, along with "Leeches" and "Roller Queen" show that this wasn't just any punk rock band. They had to have real ideas and ability to pull it off. Another reason why this album sticks out from the pack is the strange song "On." For whatever reason, the band decided to put the song on the LP backwards. When reversed, the songs lyrics come out to

I don't want a pretty girl No no no no no no no no I don't want a small girl No no no no no no no no I don't want a rich girl No no no no no no no no I don't want a smart girl No no no no no no no no I just want a horny girl! I just want a horny girl! I just want a horny girl! I just want a horny girl! yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes

Classic is the only thing that comes to mind. Picking up the pace for one song is "I Don't Know" which then leads into "Libido," a tale about a man who danced till his prostate fell out. The song has a sort of Scat-Jazz feel to the verses, and a hard rockin' chorus. Very well done. Featuring a pretty bitchin saxophone, "Only In America" is another example of the eclectic nature of the band. "Stupid" is easily the fastest song on the record, which walks on well worn ground but still sounds fresh. Closing the original LP was the anthemic "Managua" which sounds like a march almost.

Re-issued in 1999 on Quarterstick Records, an alternate version of "Libido" is tacked onto the end creating a thirteen song wall of sound. Lacking in almost no place, Throb Throb is a masterpiece of the mid 80's punk scene. It's quite a shame that more people don't know about it outside of our fair city.