The Vamps Used to Be Cool LP
A glaring omission in typical proto-punk conversations, the VAMPS began penning their original jams in the early ’70s and are regarded by some as “the first punk band from San Antonio, Texas.” Playing a soulful take on ’60s garage, classic R&B, and looser rock’n’roll acts of the era, the band’s music was adept but delivered with a marked irreverence for critical expectations. These early-to-the-game dudes left us with the eight smooth tracks on this archival LP collecting their four 7” releases. Fusing smoky blues (“I Need Somebody”) and CHUCK BERRY-style piano jump (“Nowhere to Go”) into their world-weary and organic rock stylings, they forged a compelling sound that has aged particularly well. Whether intentional or not, singer Frank Pugliese’s vocal intonation is strikingly Johanasen-ian, making the NEW YORK DOLLS one of the group’s most apt comparisons, though the STOOGES influence is also particularly obvious. Cementing their relevance in the history of the burgeoning punk movement, they landed a gig as the sole opener at one of the SEX PISTOLS few US gigs at San Antonio’s Randy’s Rodeo venue in 1978—the stuff of legends. Standout songs on this comprehensive compilation include the wildly catchy title track (whose sentiments are all-too-relatable for myself and most others who would be interested in this record) and the scathing cool of “What’s Your Excuse,” but every tune here is solid, and I can safely deem this an excellent and essential slab for fans of the oldies.