| Jan. 29th, 2006 @ 11:10 am It's been too long . . . |
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Disposition:  touched
Music: steelers highlights on the TV
So. My favorite pop punk record of all time is Rhythm Collision's Clobberer. It's just great.
I've been on quite a kick lately, and with the recent purchase of the album on LP (finally), I decided that I wanted a shirt, as I didn't get one when I was lucky enough to see them many years ago. So, I tracked down guitarist/vocalist Harlan Margolias and sent him this email:
"Harlan -
Please excuse this email if it's a bit forward. A number of issues ago I chose "Clobberer" as my reviewer spotlight (an album of the reviewers' choice that's at least five years old and a classic in their eyes) for Punk Planet.
I've always been a huge fan of the band, and was even fortunate enough to see you at the Fireside in Chicago (I think with the Bollweevils).
Recently, an LP copy of "Clobberer" came into the record store I also work in and the old merch sheet had me jonesing for some old RC gear. Just thought I'd email and see if you happened to have any in a box somewhere for sale.
Hell, I'd even meet up with you in Rosemont in March.
Any information is appreciated! Thanks for reading this!
Dave Hofer
King of Metal / Reviews Editor
Punk Planet Magazine
4229 North Honore
Chicago, IL 60647
773.248.7172"
Throwing around that Punk Planet "clout," I know. A few days later I received this:
"Hello Dave
Thanks for the email.
It's always good to hear from old RC friends/fans.
A number of issues ago I chose "Clobberer" as my reviewer spotlight (an album of the reviewers' choice that's at least five years old and a classic in their eyes) for Punk Planet.
Thanks for remembering RC, I appreciate the good words.
By chance do you have a copy of that review (I don't need the mag, just want to read the review).
Maybe online or something?
I've always been a huge fan of the band, and was even fortunate enough to see you at the Fireside in Chicago (I think with the Bollweevils).
Ahhh yes, I do remember that show at the Fireside with fond memories. Chicago was always one of the best
towns and especially with our pals the Weevils. What ever happened to those guys? Is Ken weevil still doing music? (I Figure you might know since you are in Chicago--------if you have any news, please pass it along. I lost contact with him years ago).
Recently, an LP copy of "Clobberer" came into the record store I also work in and the old merch sheet had me jonesing for some old RC gear. Just thought I'd email and see if you happened to have any in a box somewhere for sale.
You know what, actually I do have small box with some shirts in it. I also have a good amount of CDs (Collision Course, Now/Pressure, CrunchTime (live CD---did you ever get that one?), and the last CD "All Bombs Away" which came out after the band was defunct and incidentally didn't get much push/attention (but it's pretty good). If you're collection is missing any of these CD's let me know. Also have some hard to find singles, etc.
What shirt size do you wear? I think I have some Medium and some Large.
Let me know your size and address and I'll send you a package with a bunch of stuff.
Thanks
Harlan"
So, I responded:
"Harlan -
Below is the spotlight on "Clobberer." Maybe you'll get a kick out of it.
Here's the records/CDs that I have, so let me know if you have anything I'm
missing:
LPs:
Clobberer
Now
Crunch Time
7-inches:
Happy as a Clam
Holiday
Irrepressible
Too Long
Girl With the Purple Hair
I wear a size large.
The guys in the Bollweevils are up to the following:
Brian, drums: He was actually a reviewer for Punk Planet, but left before I
took over as reviews editor. He works a a tiger sanctuary in Florida
Bob, bass: I'm not too sure what he's up to.
Ken: He played in this band the Feds for a while, but I don't think he's in
any bands right now
Daryl: is a doctor.
They played a reunion show a few years ago (I think two) as a benefit for
something. They had a different drummer, though.
I found that live LP at a record fair I was working for Punk Planet here in
Chicago. We had a table with shirts and whatnot. This distro from the city
also had a table and I saw that LP and was like "HUH?" I had never even
heard of it before. What's up with that last CD, All Bombs Away? Was that
another Collision Course type thing? I seem to remember hearing about two
posthumous releases, but never saw another after Collision Course.
Also, I'd be willing to pay money for any test presses you have of this
stuff. Any extras, that is. You wouldn't have to worry about them ending up
on eBay or something. They'd be permanent additions to the collection!
Thank you so much for getting back to me!
Dave
p.s. This was written like a year and a half ago . . . I swear I'm a better
writer now.
Rhythm Collision, Clobberer
I've struggled for years within myself as to whether it was this record or
Zoinks! "Bad Move Space Cadet" that wore the crown of pop-punk king, and I
think that I've finally decided on this one. You know it's going to be good
from the get-go with the drum fill and pressing drum beat, and you know
you're hooked once you get to "Hippie Now" and its lyrical diatribe against
a former punk turned granola-head. Recorded over the space of a few years
and some different members you can hear production differences, but it just
makes me nostalgic of the days when a band recorded when they could afford
it and gave their ALBUM time to grow (a nearly extinct art). "Clobberer!" is
harmonious, snotty, and fun all at the right times and never lacking in the
general punk rock feel. Lyrically, Harlan Margolis contemplates daily
frustrations and the will to persevere over life's endless mediocrity. On
"Happy as a Fucking Clam" he sings: "Got holes in my socks but shoes on my
feet" and you just know that he does. With so many bands writing carbon copy
songs about the girl that got away, it's refreshing to hear about a band
sing about the exhilarating stirring of ones heart when you meet someone
cute and you miss your single chance to hang out with them. That, and
"Clobberer!" has a great song about quitting your job ("Too Long"). A
perfect example of what punk rock should be all about."
Finally, the other day, I got this back from him:
"Hello Dave
That review was right on the money, and I don't just say that because it was a good review, but because
everything you said was accurate. That Zoinks album is also one of my top 2-3 from that period as well, still listen to it once is a while. And you are correct, we did record that album over a period of years and in several different sessions, partially because of the financial thing but also partially because it just took a period of years before we could put together an album of songs, all of which I felt were grade A stuff. We could have recorded an album every year like a lot of bands but I'm sure half of each album would end up with songs that were mediocre (like most albums by other bands). With all time factored in (song writing, recording, etc) , I bet that album took about 2-3 years to complete.
I preferred to weed out any stuff that I didn't feel was top of the line.. Basically I wanted to do an album where every song was good enough that it could possibly have been a single. And also, where every song , put in the perfect order would fit together like , well, an album. I spent weeks just picking the song sequence, listening closely on how certain songs sounded back to back, etc. SO that when listed to end to end, it all flowed together well .
ANyway, thanks for noticing and appreciating the album. I'm proud of it and although I have an obvious bias, I too feel it is one of the best from the period and it's gratifying to know that others agree.
You def know your stuff.
What's up with that last CD, All Bombs Away? Was that another Collision Course type thing? I seem to remember hearing about two posthumous releases, but never saw another after Collision Course.
Actually, it was a regular full-length release full of NEW songs. It came out after the band had split and when I was busy with other things, so it never got any push or attention.
It's not as good as Clobberer! but in my opinion there are definitely some Clobbereresque type songs on there, songs which I wrote right after or around the same time. I'll send you a copy and let you decide for yourself.
I think it will be a treat for you. And actually, since you have a real sense/appreciation for the band, I would be curious to hear your opinion of the album.
Also, I'd be willing to pay money for any test presses you have of this stuff. Any extras, that is. You wouldn't have to worry about them ending up on eBay or something. They'd be permanent additions to the collection!
I 'll send you a bunch of other rare RC stuff , singles, test pressings, etc,
Give me your address and I'll get it out. YOu can pay me after. Once I figure it all out, shipping, etc.
It will be like a belated Xmas or Hanukkah for you (Hofer sounds Jewish, is it?------I'm Jewish and I can usually recognize a Jewish last name) or Kwanza, whatever the case may be.
Give me the address and I'll hook you up!
thanks
Harlan"
Needless to say, I AM BESIDE MYSELF WITH EXCITEMENT.
Just thought I'd share with you all. |
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