This Are Music

MANIMALS - Blood is the Harvest (US, 1985)

Have you heard this record? It’s a relatively short one, I guess qualifies as an EP. For all the ridiculously shitty bands the Misfits inspired, including those by former members (Bobby’s The Undead, Jerry’s Neaveau Misfits), the Manimals managed to be one that didn’t quite suck. Maybe it’s because they managed to release this when the ‘fits, and hardcore in general, were still fresh in punk fans’ minds.

Sure, take one look and they’re obviously one step away from a tribute band, but their metallic sound manages to capture some of the campy menace that all the whoa-whoa-whoa bands left for dead in a sea of half-baked Ramones-isms. Hell, even the Ramones themselves are more bad-and-menacing (think “53rd and 3rd”) than most of these bands that are too pussed-out to be called power pop (even Cheap Trick had a psychotic streak).

If you only need to hear one song, it’s the fucking awesome title track. Take the three best hooks Glenn never wrote, expand them into a 6-minute thrash metal rumble-fest, and pump your fucking fist in the air.

If you’re into crossover stuff like Suicidal or DRI, and if you sometimes need to be reminded that the Misfits’ legacy to punk is more than just Michale Graves, seek this out and feast on the blood of the unbelievers.