Holy Shit its almost 2020 already? Where the hell have I been? Oh that’s right here writing album reviews till the cows come home. Well over 2019, CPRA has accomplished a shit ton. We wrote over 70 news, reviews and concert related items, started our own TV show, and started CPRA Skates! Don’t forget also our team up with AKA Just Miggy and The Kids Are Alright All Ages At Goosetown! On that note don’t miss the next Kids Show with the Potato Pirates on December 15, 2019, 2pm! Check out my Top 5 List of the year below!
COLORADO PREMIERE “PUNK THE CAPITAL; BUILDING A SOUND MOVEMENT” At AztlanTheatre Bar $9.00 October 17th, 2019! Screening and In-person Discussions with Filmmaker James June Schneider and special guest
CALENDAR LISTING : Time & Date : 7:30 pm, Thursday, October 17th, 2019 Location : Aztlan Theatre Bar Address : 974 Santa Fe Dr, Denver, Colorado 80204 Ticket : $9 Facebook Invite: https://www.facebook.com/events/374945340114000/
Event Description : Music documentary “Punk the Capital” about the punk music scene (1976-1983) in Washington, DC. Screening and in-person discussion with filmmakers James June Schneider and special guest.
Best of 2018 Albums and Ep/Lp Picks by CPRA’s Skabones
It’s been a crazy year here at CPRA. We’ve reviewed so much amazing music this year. We debuted our very first show, “Happy Skanksgiving” at Tennyson Tap. By the way our last show of the year, “Merry Punxmas” is on December 29, 2018. I know we all get a bit tired of these end of the year lists. As admins we all couldn’t possibly agree on overall favorites. So we are going to individually announce our own personal picks.
We reviewed almost 100 albums in 2018. So picking only a few was very tough on me. Happy Holiday and don’t let Krampus get ya! Be sure to pick up a CPRA shirt, patch, or sticker before Christmas! Email soon if you want one by Christmas!
Favorite Tracks: Crazy Kids, Damn Your Soul, London Boys, She Doesn’t Love You Anymore, Little Black Book, and Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day
Sounds Like: The Heartbreakers, New York Dolls, Ramones, Bruce Springsteen, The Jam, Sham 69, and The Damned.
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
In 25 years a lot can change. We’ve lost some legendary punk pioneers like, David Bowie, Steve Soto, GG Alin, most of the Ramones and sadly the list continues to grow. This leads me to Johnny Thunders and the legacy he left with his iconic sound.
Of course you’re like Ska Bones. This isn’t about Johnny Thunders and his legacy? This review is about Walter Lure and the Waldo’s. Well Yes I say on both accounts. Johnny’s unique sound left an unforgettable impression throughout the punk world.
Walter Lure and Johnny Thunders photo by Justine Fitzpatrick
Walter Lure and Johnny Thunders photo by Justine Fitzpatrick
From his start with the New York Dolls, Johnny aka John Anthony Genzale, was changing the face of North American rock. In my opinion punk was direct spit in the face to so called, “Pop” music. His guitar riffs and style can still be heard today through various other bands.
Per Johnny’s Wikipedia page, he formed the Heartbreakers after the New York Dolls began to have issues. Thunders formed the Heartbreakers with Jerry Nolan, Richard Hell and Walter Lure. Ratch replaced Nolan shortly after.
The Heartbreakers would go on to tour after with such acts as the Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Damned. Their popularity was stronger in Europe and there they recorded their iconic album, “L.A.M.F.”. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. They would sadly breakup shortly thereafter.
Walter Lure and Johnny Thunders photo by Justine Fitzpatrick
Sadly we lost Johnny Thunders to a drug overdose and some people may argue foul play. Let’s fast forward 25 years later. The punk scene has changed, but the Heartbreakers have remained in our hearts. Walter Lure has picked up the pieces of the Heartbreakers to form Walter Lure and The Waldos. His new album, “Wacka Lacka Boom Bop A Loom Bam Boo” drops August 17, 2018 via Cleopatra Records.
We decided to give the record proper spin and also because it contains the introduction track, “Crazy Kids”. Per Lure, “Crazy Kids”, is about the final days of Johnny Thunders. This song will be featured in the upcoming full-length film ‘Thunders: Room 37’. So let’s go ahead and start the review here!
“Crazy Kids” starts off with an amazing drum intro. The guitar and bass soon join in. This is really a fitting tribute to Johnny Thunders. It maintains that classic punk sound with edgy and steel like riffs. This song is extremely catchy and sure to strike some nostalgia from the CBGB days.
“Damn Your Soul”, this one has some great lyrics and that steel sound from the guitar. This one really reminds me of more of an English pub rock style song. The guitar solo midway through is quite impressive. “Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day)”, is up next on the track list.
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
This cover of Lloyd Pierce’s song is backed with trumpets. Who says trumpets don’t belong in punk rock? I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. Haha! Lure’s voice on the track really adds the needed edge to this one. “London Boys” is a cover of the original Thunders/Heartbreakers tune.
You should definitely read the history of this song over at Punk 77. This song brings a cleaner version to it, yet continues to pay tribute to Johnny. “Lazy Day”, follows it’s probably the slowest track on the record. Yet it’s catchy and fun. The chorus pushes in that classic punk sound. “Take A Chance On Me” and no this not an ABBA cover, thank God
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
This one has more of a Pittsburg/NYC sound to it. It reminds of something Bruce Springsteen would compose. The harmonica sends the message of power, but sends in the sexy. The chorus is almost addictive. “Wham Bam Boo”, keeps the harmonica style from the last song. The drums are really prominent on this one. Is Walter Lure really the Wanderer? I kid of course.
“Bye Bye Baby”, is up next on the record. The lyrics make this a great anti love song. The guitar chords and progressions are remarkable. This is probably my favorite next to “Crazy Kids”.
“Bye Bye Baby,
I ain’t that crazy,
I know that it’s time to go,
I ain’t that lazy,
You’ll be the first to know”
“She Doesn’t Love You Anymore”, this one has melodies reminiscent of the Ramones. Considering Lure worked with The Ramones on their albums ‘Subterranean Jungle’ (1983), ‘Too Tough To Die’ (1984) and ‘Animal Boy’ (1986) this sounds fantastic.
“Little Black Book, comes next with a kick ass opening bass line. This song has sort of a jazzy southern/City Of Steel sound to it. The combination of the bass, guitar riffs, harmonica, and saxophone contribute to this blues like anthem. “Don’t Mess With Cupid”, comes ripping back to set the album tone. The trumpets in the background, along with the background vocals push the progression along. This one is catchy and fun jam.
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
Now let’s talk a cover song. The classic song, “You Talk To Much”, by Joe Jones, gets a proper cover treatment from Walter Lure And The Waldo’s. This version sounds almost like some kinda rockabilly sock hop version. The sax comes in blasting to join the popular melody. Lure has definitely made this song his own.
In conclusion I am absolutely honored that CPRA received this review. This album pays tribute to Thunders, while proving Walter Lure is still an absolute punk icon. Lure has compiled a record that will appeal to old and new punks alike. Be sure to hit that preorder button on this one!
Track List
Crazy Kids
Damn Your Soul
Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day) (Lloyd Price cover)
