Album Review

Chronicling the first years of the L.A. hardcore punk scene, American Youth Report features a solid lineup of both the survivors and forgotten names of Southland punk. Bands like Bad Religion, the Minutemen, T.S.O.L., Redd Kross, the Adolescents, and the Descendents all transcended the music's early-'80s hotbed by either becoming icons (due to death or a breakup) or by continuing to slog away in the music industry. And while standouts include more high-profile sides like Bad Religion's "Only Gonna Die" and T.S.O.L.'s "Sounds of Laughter," relatively obscure cuts like Legal Weapon's X-Ray Spex-style "Pow Wow" and the Flesheaters' dramatically delivered "Pony Dress" offer nice surprises. Further complimenting the "hits" are fine tracks by M.I.A., Rhino 39, and Shattered Faith. From a varied mix featuring plenty of wobbly bass licks and breakneck-speed guitar riffs -- not to mention some electric piano and even some vocal harmonizing -- the 17 tracks here presaged future and myriad post-punk styles like speed metal, grunge, industrial, goth, and nu metal. Take notes and enjoy. ~ Stephen Cook, Rovi