Smart Shoppers “Leftovers From Tomorrow” 2023. Bulge Records. Fun and a bit dorky punk (or as they call it “Dweebcore”) from Green Bay. We finally caught a Smart Shoppers set this past weekend at X-Ray Arcade when they performed as part of Dirtnap Records 25th anniversary fest. Definitely one of my favorite acts of the weekend, especially for the weird entertainment factor. A Rev. Norb (aka Norbie Shopko, Norb Rozek, plus a million more aliases of Boris the Sprinkler, Rev. Norb & the Onions, Nøb Dylan And His Nøbsøletes, Suburban Mutilation and more) project so it’s gonna be weird, it’s gonna be good and you will absolutely be entertained. Leftovers From Tomorrow is the band’s second (of three) LP’s – its lo-fi bouncy punk, with an occasional key-tar moment courtesy of bonkers frontman Joey Shops. Fun story that lies squarely in the Wisconsin is a small town category: when I texted my friend Melissa about the weekend and how great Smart Shoppers were she told me that she was Joey’s 8th grade music teacher. Anyway, despite not having heard this LP before the show (we picked it up from them day-of), I recognize several of my top picks: “Store” which is bat-shit crazy and hilarious, “Saltwater” with a slide whistle and “Slacks” – always love a good song about pants. I’m not sure if they played “So Clever” but it’s got a great high speed snappy groove with an 80’s hardcore vibe. “Snow Blower” is funny in a very Midwestern way; the lyrics are about not wanting, needing or being able to afford one but feeling good when you get one (also the words “snow blower” never actually show up in the song). “Big Love” is high speed poppy punk, like the Ramones on a triple dose of speed.