I've been wanting to post about a really obscure band from the 90's that I just LOVED at the time: The Junk Monkeys.
But I'm a lazy guy, so I decided to 'borrow' this post from another blog site, The 12th Planet. I give him full credit. It's his, not mine. (Thull, I hope you don't mind!)
So check it out anyway -- great band.
"The Junk Monkeys - Bliss. Released in 1992 by Metal Blade records, "Bliss" was the third major label album by this Detroit foursome. I discovered these guys when they opened for Bash & Pop (featuring Tommy Stinson of The Replacements) in July of 1993. I was immediatly converted. They kicked out their three minute songs with an urgency I hadn't seen since seeing The 'Mats back in 1987. And their songs were good too. Great melodies and hooks that made you feel like you were listening to an old favorite. Though they hailed from Detroit, I think they had more in common with their Minneapolis peers like Soul Asylum and The Replacements. I always said Bliss was the best album The 'Mats never made. Their first two albums, Soul Cakes and Five Star Fling are well worth picking up also. I belive the band seperated in the mid 90's, although they did perform sporadic reunion gigs now and again. All three albums are out of print, but can usually be found in used record stores or on eBay for around $5. They are well worth the search. Click here to see what's available on eBay right now."
Song samples from all their albums:
Sad Letters
Marigold
Everything Remains The Same
I Don't Mind (my favorite song here)
Like A Firecracker
Everyone Can See You
Today Is Summer
I Got Fear
Teacup
(since this was all "borrowed", let me know if a link is broken)
Review From All Music Guide:
On "Bliss," Detroit's Junk Monkeys bash out sloppy, energetic rock in the tradition of the Replacements, Soul Asylum, and the Goo Goo Dolls. In fact, singer David Bierman sounds a bit like a composite of Paul Westerberg, Dave Pirner, and John Rzeznik. Tracks like "I Got Fear," "All in a Day," and "And It Caved In" display the band's affinity for unleashing aggression 2½ minutes at a time. Occasional midtempo tracks, such as "Bliss," "Frayed," and "Rag," are interspersed throughout the album to keep the pace from getting out of hand. Bliss is crammed with driving guitars and beer-soaked vocals, without a weak track in the bunch. The album is capped off by a beautiful acoustic ballad, "Shine," proving that the Junk Monkeys are capable of more than reckless fury.
