A Bunch Of Jerks – “White Girl Wasted”
Stabitha is the lead singer of this band- A Bunch Of Jerks.
Andy Bang and I created Thrash N Bang and most, right thinking people often refer to us as a bunch of jerks. But, to clarify, two rotting bananas don’t make a bunch and once again- No! We are not part of this band.
Given a name like Stabitha by her parents, one can only surmise that they were hoping to raise a female serial killer.
And she isn’t that, at least to the best of my knowledge, but I can’t fathom her parents being disappointed in how she turned out- any way.
The first time I saw this band play at the Midway she was decked out in vinyl/dominatrix gear. Which, when I thought about it, was not an uncommon dress for ladies at punk shows- late seventies into the eighties.
“Goodbye Mistress,” I called out to her as she sauntered out of the Midway later as she laughed.
So just to clarify, she’s (probably) not a serial killer. She’s (probably) not a dominatrix. But her and her band do play killer music that slays you with excitement and hurts so good in all the right spots.
Though I guess it’s actually time to talk about their music, which I guess I’m supposed to do at some point-
They are probably a bit more new wave than punk which is fine with me. ‘Cause a lot of the eighties new wave bands had as much punk attitude and worth as the great punk and hardcore bands during that time.
And if we’re talking female led bands from that era- I’d offer up Siouxsie & The Banshees, Blondie, Jonn Jett, The Pretenders, Romeo Void, Bush Tetras, Au Pairs, Lene Lovich and many more.
So let’s listen to what these jerks have to say and play:
“Tryin’ to look cool while I fall on my face…Give me one more vodka/lemonade. It’s making me feel a certain kind of way. Hey, I’m so drunk.”
So the evening begins with “White Girl Wasted.” This song slithers in like a snake coiled to strike its prey. The verse leads into a boisterous chorus with background vocals that recall the classic ska/punk band Madness to me.
“I can’t feel feelings anymore…A couple more shots of that peppermint schnapps. Flirting with everyone ’cause WTF!”
Then there’s a breakdown while the party calms and quiets down.
“The room is spinning but I don’t care. And I’m having so much fun so I’ll grab a beer. I’m somehow crying naked on the stairs. Hey, where are my clothes!”
I may be a little bit drunk right now…Okay, I’m wasted. But I’m much more intoxicated by this song!
“Your tribute never made it to heaven…And the things I didn’t die (from) and it’s all because of you.” So starts “Tribute,” a rockin’, bouncin’ tuneful song that sounds like it’s a tribute to a fallen soul while one’s self barely escaped demise. This song contains rock solid rhythm section playing, a simple, but very effective guitar solo and is truly, a great tribute to whomever it was written about.
The coolest rockabilly song that I know is “Flying Saucer Rock’N’Roll” by Billy Lee Riley & The Little Green Men. And be aware that’s Jerry Lee Lewis playing piano on that song. So, yes indeed, he was in fact one of the Little Green Men! This song “Flying Saucer Attack” starts with some hard driving rock met up with some great, wild, Johnny Thunders via Chuck Berry guitar licks.
And what follows is some frantic, full-frontal assault of vocals sung in an almost, faux British way. This song ends in a barrage and collage of energy, excitement and joy. And reminds me of the early Blondie Song “Attack Of The Giant Ants.” Now, two great songs this great tune reminds me of!
A Bunch Of Jerks is probably not the most applicable name for this band as, I’m pretty sure, they’re a bunch of pretty nice folks, notwithstanding probable serial killer Stabitha.
Though I do feel strongly that their name would fit quite nicely with the current, male administration in Washington.
And I will say that this band has a tight, energetic, entertaining live show and though, I wouldn’t say there’s a bunch of songs on this release. There sure is a bunch of fun and passion and spirit and life in this recording.
Which is more than I can say for Andy or me.
(Slimedog)
