I missed the one and only LP from Los Angeles’ L.A. DRUGS when it came out in 2003 (update: I am told in the comments below that they were from Boston, whoops) – it existed first as a CD-R and later was put out as a one-sided affair on Twisted Village. It has the potential to both anger and dazzle all comers, given that it’s simultaneously one of the most annoying and yet most crazed and unhinged, dirty, noisy, lo-fidelity records I’ve ever heard. I think they were around for less than a year, tops. Obviously they found a lot of comedic value in early 80s LA punk (as we all do), given that the album is bookended with verbal clips from “The Decline of Western Civilizationâ€Â (“I swear, I hate cops to the MAXâ€Â) and the Germs’ final show (“We’ll see you all at Oki Dogâ€Â). The singer has a bratty, whining tweener voice that she uses to fine effect on tracks like the ones I’m posting for you today – sorta like what one might have called a quote-unquote “riot girlâ€Â fifteen years ago, but even more annoying. The band exudes learning-to-play confidence, utilizing cheapo keyboards, fucked-up guitars, and all manner of crashing & bashing to get their point across. It sounds like a goddamn lights-out teenage pajama party with peanut butter smeared all over the floor and pharmaceuticals piled high in punchbowls. See what you think by clicking the links below.
Download LA DRUGS – “High School”
Download LA DRUGS – “Casual Sex”
Download LA DRUGS – “Sinful Youth”