DMZ

There were some strange mismatches between punk bands and producers in the late 70's. Sometimes record companies assigned a "name" artist to a young band, maybe to drum up record sales or to do some creative accounting. Some of these "big names" knew how to produce records, and some didn't. 

Nick Mason was allegedly chosen to produce The Damned's ill-fated Music For Pleasure after the band couldn't get Syd Barrett. Sandy Pearlman was probably supposed to make The Clash sound radio-friendly. Same with the Dead Boys and Felix Pappalardi. 

The members of Generation X were Ian Hunter fans, but there wasn't much Ian could do about the overwrought songwriting on Valley Of The Dolls. Mick Ronson's production of the Rich Kids album disappointed fans and critics, which is why my Rich Kids comp is heavy on demos, Peel Sessions, and live tracks. 

One of the biggest "WTF?" pairings of the early punk years was Flo & Eddie producing DMZ's 1978 debut album. It's not like there was a potential audience for DMZ among Turtles and Zappa fans (or vice versa). I don't think F&E did a terrible job, but Mono Man hates the album, and it sounds like late 70's hard rock recorded by dudes in leisure suits with coke spoon necklaces. 

Stinky assembled a set of live tracks and demos that capture DMZ's primal energy and the 60's garage rock vibe that they loved. If you dig this one, don't miss the stellar Peter Greenberg career overview that Stinky put together last year!