While the original catalog wasn't huge, I realized I’ve owned pretty much all of it. And yes, that includes the elusive U.S. Bombs 2x7" and the Exploding Fuck Dolls 7". I let them go for cash when times were tight years ago, and man, do I regret it today. Here's to a long, prosperous second coming for Vinyl Dog Records—because the world needs all the punk rock it can get right now!
10. Sensitive Side - Moon Kids 7" EP VD-019 (2011)
You get a value packed 6 songs of pretty great anxiety riddled, abrasive, yet melodic post punk here on this one. As far as I can tell, this is Sensitive Side's only release. I don't know if they changed their name or what, but it's too bad it they just up and called it quits. I would have liked to have heard more.
9. Naughty Monkey - Pill Mama 7" VD-006 (1994)
Members of The Junk, The Pushers, and The Smut Peddlers vomit out some seriously snotty, vile, tunes crammed with style and swagger. Two songs of this sloppy 70's Killed By Death style punk is all you get.You may need a deep cleansing after listening to this one.
8. The Starvations - Shut Up Sirens 7" #010 (1996)
This band features members of Lipstick Pickups, Jail Weddings, and Crazy Squeeze churning out some killer goth/rockabilly tunes that can make the perfect soundtrack to your next drag race or knife fight. Maybe VD didn't put out a ton of records, but you certainly can't say they all sounded alike!
7. Ciril - Pink Cave 7" VD-017 (2006)
This band has been described as "Long Beach CA's answer to Christian Death meets Rudimentary Peni." Sounds pretty spot on from where I'm sitting. Ciril plays some dark, fractured, schizophrenic post punk that's sure to reinforce your already alarming state of paranoia and disdain for the world.
6. The Orphans - Electric S 7" VD-016 (2005)
Jenny Angelillo's pre Neighborhood Brat's more chaotic punk band. Not too dissimilar to NB mind you, but The Orphans seemed a bit more wild and out of control. The Orphans released a couple of other 7"'s and an LP on Unity Squad Records in 2004. This I believe was their final release. Not a bad way to go out!
5. Neon King Kong - Get What's Going Around 7" VD-010 (2002)
Two 7"'s is all us ravenous fans got out of Hot Rod Todd's post Le Shok band Neon King Kong. This one and another one on GSL Records. Same deal as Le Shok: tense, abstract, post punk with hooks that are not easy to find, but well worth it once you do.
4. The Crazy Squeeze - S/T LP VD-019 (2012)
Teenage Frame's Frankie Delmane and The Stitches' Johnny Witmer front this amazing glam/junk shop/pub rock band. This was their debut LP and it's power packed to the very top with charisma and strut. Essential.
3. U.S. Bombs - Put Strength In The Final Blow LP VD-005 (1995)
Seeing the original lineup of the U.S. Bombs live and in their prime was more than an experience, I walked away forever changed. At one time, long ago, this band was a hurricane and this record stands as a testament to that.
2. The Stitches - 8 X 12" LP VD-004 (1995)
One of the best punk records by one of the best bands to EVER play the game. Period. I remain as big a fan now as I was the first day I heard them over thirty years ago. Music this powerful doesn't ever leave you. It feeds you and it anchors itself to your soul forever.
1. ???
I'm leaving this top spot open to honor the return of Vinyl Dog Records! Could upcoming releases from the Nu-Viles, Youth Liberation Front, or FRI claim the #1 spot next? Only time will tell. But you can bet your ass I'll be there on day one, ready to listen and find out!