Search - Dag Nasty :: Wig Out at Denkos

Brings back sketchy memories

OctagonAmbassador | Walla Walla, WA United States | 11/13/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If ever there was a soundtrack for my high school experience, this takes the coke and doritos. Imagine, if you will, a flock of seagulls haircut with one side shaved. How about skull-laden shorts? Not to mention the plethora of logo-ridden t-shirts to prove your moxy. Not brand new, either, it had to be used. Not worn out like a garage rag but comfortably lived in. The fashion police would definitely detect it you had tried the 'ol half cup of bleach in the washing machine trick. Then, picture a 3 foot half-pipe (that's right, 3 f-ing feet) crudely, but methodically constructed with burrito and mt dew-paid labor in the cement basement of the rich kid's house with the original flooring used as flat-bottom. Metal coping on the south deck, then a transition facilitated by duct tape to concrete, then a pump bump/spine combination, (the spine consisting of plastic coping), another transition to concrete floor, then a make-shift quarter-pipe that butted with the north interior concrete wall. The top end of the scoop adjoined with the concrete wall creating vert. However, due to clearance limitations, this was completely moot and was only used as a speed-gainer and a "who can kick-turn highest on the wall" competition. I didn't know it at the time, but, it was one of the most prideful projects I had taken part in. This was the project that was more fun to build than ride since I went to school with an affluent crowd, and had a certain status as a local when the "cool kids" came to play on the ramp, dude. Not that this was the only half-pipe in town. Every fortunate kid with a pension for the alternative tapped his parents for a *cool trust fund* with which they hired a a construction crew and gave them blueprints from the coolest skateboarding magazine they could find. With money not an object and the tired "spare no expense" attitude, of course they had EVERBODY skating on them. I guess that's what made them the best. But I digress. Dag Nasty are obviously one the godfathers of emo and although I don't recognize all the songs, this album is probably the most emo-ish of their collection. Can I Say is harder and more grind-core with emphasis on power chords and direct lyrics. I think they also had a black singer at one time if I'm not mistaken. If this album came out today, it would probably be labeled as emo, but "back in the day" we didn't know such terms existed. You skated or you carried a skateboard and bought the clothing. We all served a purpose. You could always count on some genius who got pissed-off when they couldn't pull off say, a stalefish, and started bashing the coping for entertainment."

Dagnasty's Engineering and Music

punky 301 | CA | 05/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I like how this album sounds like the electronic drums were actually recorded from the amp. I've been trying to tell drumers that if you want to make a hit album learn how to use the drum machine software or at least Garageband but they refuse to listen thinking they'll make more money holding out. I wish it was that way. Anyways this album is one of my favorites it's depressing but in a good way because it's not racist. Alot of the artists I like who people say are so shocking and racist 'aint. I don't see them offending anyone in any disgusting way and this album does a good job at making you feel depressed about it but overall it's still one of my favesbecasue the music and skill is better than alot of retro hardcore influenced stuff coming out today.

I admit that Unfair? is influenced by Brian Baker big time but most our music benefits good American causes and isn't an exact copycat of any Dischord band. In fact Unfair? should've been on Dischord but I wanted all the money which I'm not ashamed to admit - Little shameless spunk fo' ya!"