Drunk In A Dumpster - Pt. 1

I received the coolest sonic surprise today.  Delivered to my door in a flat 12 inch by 12 inch protective shipping box.  The first LP from punk band Drunk In A Dumpster.  It's good I know the singer from our pre-kindergarten days or this audio treasure would have been scoffed at.  Even in punk rock circles, the name Drunk In A Dumpster feels cashed.  Several listens later, the name is growing on me.  Though we drifted apart by age 7, we have kept in touch sporadically over the last 35 years and I have been the grateful receiver of his musical offerings.  Also noteworthy, he and I have twin tastes in music.  We can both clear a room by acting the part of DJ at holiday parties.  What is interesting about this band is that they're a hardcore outfit, yet are in their 40's.  Crowd surfing might be ancient history for them, but I have to give respect where it is due.  These guys are still belting it out. 

Drunk In A Dumpster - Money $hot

LP reverse

When I opened the mailer, I was confused at first.  Inside a clear protective sleeve is what appears to be a garage sale LP.  Across the top reads "John McCormack Sings Irish Songs".  Below the title is a generic black and white photo of Mr. McCormack.  Scrawled in fire engine red nail-polish across the Irish crooner's face is DRUNK IN A DUMPSTER. To defile John's image further, the title of the record - MONEY $HOT - is hashed in black marker over his mouth.  The presentation lives up to the name of the record label - No Profit Records.  The reverse side of the cover faithfully lists songs scribbled in pen on a shred of brown paper sack and is adhered with God knows what.  Cheap.  Disgusting.  Inspired.

Circle Jerks - Skank man

The real treat comes when removing the sleeved record.  This is where the the money was spent.  The sleeve has two sides - a drawing of four spiky-haired miscreants getting plastered in a dumpster.  Barf, booze and beer bongs.  Reminiscent of The Circle Jerks' Skank Man - but more tongue in cheek.  On the flip - song lyrics and thanks to family members for putting up with the early onset mid-life crises.  Removing the emerald clear record from the sleeve is unexpected.  How could something so pretty be dry-heaved from something so punkishly filthy?  Leave it to the boys in the dumpster.

To be continued...