The Fuzztones “Bad News Travels Fast”

The Fuzztones “Bad News Travels Fast” b/w “Brand New Man (And a Brand New Car)” 1984. Midnight Records. Fuzzy and menacing early 80′s garage rock, too few years removed from the 60′s garage rock movement to be truly called garage rock-revival. The Fuzztones were founded by Rudi Protrudi (singer/guitarist) in 1980 (or ‘82 depending on the source) and he remains the only original member. The Fuzztones are still around – and popular in Europe – and their last full-length LP Preaching to the Perverted dropped in 2011.  “Bad News Travels Fast” was their first single and appeared on the 1992 reissue of their first full-length from 1985, Lysergic Emanations. It’s also appeared on a number of compilations throughout the years, including the 2017 Halloween Garage Blues release; The Fuzztones’ sound is perfect for Halloween – both “Bad News Travels Fast” and its b-side “Brand New Man (And a Brand New Car)” have a distinctly creepy vibe while still being quite ass-shakey. “Brand New Man” in particular with the screams and screeches that punctuate the buzzy guitar and Cramps-esque beat.