In the Hall of Fame

That the Smugglers cover Billy Childish's "Miss Ludella Black" is indicative of what you're in for. Like a less manic, more flexible, thicker-sounding Didjits with more variety, these guys put Chuck Berry riffs through the big-guitar punk grinder and add a sense of humor that says they take nothing (and everything) seriously (simultaneously), much like Childish. With songs such as "My Morrissey Shirt" and "Your Mom's the Devil," this is what "party" bands would be like if America had any taste. They sure sound like they've ingested enough classic early rock & roll, R&B, blues (they also cover Muddy Waters), and punk records, as well as a case of beer (or some "Bourbon '92"), added some ridiculous head gear, cranked up both the volume and the licks, and had such a great time they all passed out for a snooze on the couch. Stylish yes! Fun yes! Sheet, man, invite me to any party these Joes are playing at. Note: Twelve out of these 20 songs were previously released from a host of records on various labels, so this is a little like Pop Llama's Fastbacks retrospective.