Another one from Ralph...
I dropped the idea on Mick to do something a little different. He's reviewed songs off compilations but never a full album/CD. So it is my great honour to review one of the greatest collections of California's best bands in 2021.
The legendary Hostage Records (https://www.facebook.com/hostagerecords) has released a brand new VINYL only comp called "Unusual Suspects". 12 bands, 12 unreleased gems. All killer - no filler! When was the last time you heard a comp where EVERY band was great? Since this LP contains the best of the Old School with the New Dogs coming out of H.B./O.C. I suppose you all want some names. Well how about this lineup - The Crowd, The Pegs, Decry, Loose Trucks, The Berzerkers, Love Canal, Shattered Faith, Channel 3, The Vulturas, (the previously unheard) The Plagues, 16 Again and Infamous Stiffs!
Rick and Paul who run Hostage Records have been the heartbeat of the Beach Punk scene forever. Releasing 4 previous comps that have documented their scene and putting out countless vinyl only 45's and albums from local bands. I've on countless occasions compared Hostage Records to the modern version of Posh Boy Records.
How much do I love this album AND Hostage Records - Well in the early 2000's I did a full page ad for them and named my FB group The Switchblade New Wave! Which if you didn't know is the name of a Smogtown song. Just one of the many classic bands in the Hostage Family. If you are lucky enough to own a turntable/stereo I can't recommend this album enough. This is The New Beach Alliance 2021!
You can get it here : https://www.hostagerecords.com/product-page/hr081-unusual-suspects-compilation
As Rick is very protective of his releases the only song I can post is a video that Channel 3 did for their song "Better Than This". Enjoy this beautiful song!
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