CIRCLE JERKS Wild In The Streets

Artist: CIRCLE JERKS
Title: Wild In The Streets
Year of Release: 1981
Label: Faulty Productions
Format: CD

Not quite as known or revered as countrymen Black Flag, cofounder and original vocalist Keith Morris recorded only one EP with BF before parting ways with Ginn and co to form the Circle Jerks who emerged in 1979.

Though I’m only truly crazy about the band’s first two albums, 1981’s ‘Wild In The Streets’ really hits the spot for me. Raw and edgy, this catchy platter offers cut after cut of to-the-point, well paced anthems guaranteed to satiate fans of the early 80’s punk sound coming out of the US.

There's a great scene in one of my fave movies ever, Repo Man where the Circle Jerks are playing an acoustic show in this sleazy, flea bag bar where you have to check your sawn off at the door, but pretty much anything else goes. They have these really kitsch suits on and they are swingin' it real fine! If you needed a little something extra to understand the band's worth, here it is.

Less than 26 minutes playing time, the album is steeped in political impressions. Not to the extent of say the Dead Kennedys, but enough that you’ll take note. The band close proceedings with a couple of covers by Paul Revere and the Raiders as well as that old standard ‘Put A Little Love In Your Heart’; both demonstrating that their sense of humour is never too far from the surface. A parallel could be drawn of their socio-political stance. It never sounds vitriolic, but it’s there if you’re interested to take note.

The influence of both Black Flag and the Circle Jerks is evident and apparent on the US punk rock sound and if you haven’t dabbled in these records, I urge you to do so!

The band also featured in the first installment of ‘Decline Of The Western Civilisation’. If anyone has this or the second edition on DVD, I’d love to hear from you!