The Crucifucks “Wisconsin” 1987. Alternative Tentacles Records, recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, WI. Just picked up this Midwestern punk album this weekend, though it’s actually a second-time purchase; I bought it back in ‘87 but gave it away as a Christmas present (nothing shows the spirit of holiday giving more than a Crucifucks record). If you weren’t in the Midwest in the 80′s, and into punk, you may not know of The Crucifucks (being from Wisconsin, we certainly did and they played all-ages shows around Northeastern Wisconsin). From Discogs: “The Crucifucks were a hardcore punk rock band from Lansing, MI, USA, formed in 1981 by vocalist Doc Dart. The group was known for Dart’s shrill voice, anti-authoritarian lyrics, and extreme antagonism. Unusual for a participant in the mostly youth-orientated hardcore scene, Dart was 28 years old when the band started. The band’s original drummer was Steve Shelly, who eventually ended up as the permanent drummer for Sonic Youth.” Wisconsin was the band’s second album and they broke up soon after its release, though Dart formed a new iteration of the band briefly in the 90′s and released their final album L.D. Eye in ‘96.

Wisconsin is fast-paced 80′s punk with Dr. Demento-meets-Jay-Tiller (Tiller is from Wisconsin’s Couch Flambeau) level vocals, which is a bit off-putting, borderline ear-bleeding but it does make The Crucifucks unique. The musicianship is surprisingly competent, with lots of big rhythm and remarkable, almost prog-rock level hypnotic guitar riffs and solos (ie “Concession Stand”). There’s also some crazy experimentation, especially on the epic track “When the Top Comes Off” where all of the above-mentioned characteristics are present (and the screechy grating vocals are on overdrive). The tracks “Artificial Competition” and “The Savior” both have great grooves but for home-state solidarity, I’m going to say the title track “Wisconsin” is my favorite on the album though it’s probably the least-punk track on the LP with a rather delightful lilting jangly guitar that morphs into a great blues riff (but it still has Dart’s nails-on-chalkboard screech).