A limited-edition split 12" involving Midwestern powerhouses the Beatnik Termites and The Putz certainly grabbed my attention in a very big way. The Putz is one of my favorite current-day pop-punk bands. The Beatnik Termites are legends in their own right and certainly one of the biggest influences on the "oldies-core" sub-genre of pop-punk that I am quite fond of. This split, out on Mom's Basement Records and the Italian label I Buy Records, is, in fact, an oldies-core fan's dream. The two bands team up to cover some of their favorite songs from the golden age of rock 'n' roll — mostly from that post-'50s, pre–Beatlemania period of the early 1960s. This record goes for a very particular vibe. Think soda shops, drive-ins, jukeboxes, hot rods, leather jackets, and pretty girls in poodle skirts. And musically, this is a great tribute to the harmony-laden radio hits that were so foundational for pop-punk music.
On this record, the Beatnik Termites and The Putz transport you back to the time of Brill Building pop, teen idols, surf rock, Motown, and the early British Invasion. The Beatnik Termites tackle Neil Sedaka's classic "Next Door to an Angel" (1962), The Who's "I Can't Explain" (1964), and the Beach Boys' "Surfer Girl" (1963). The Putz covers The Contours' "Do You Love Me?" (1962), Manfred Mann's "Do Wah Diddy" (1964), and Buddy Holly's "Rave On" (oddly enough, the only song on this '50s-themed record that came out in the '50s!). You pretty much know what this record is going to be. Both bands give these songs a little bit of a pop-punk twist, but they don't stray too far from the original versions. Both bands play to their strengths. The Beatnik Termites are all about the harmonies and the perfect execution of timeless rock 'n' roll. The Putz put a little bit more attitude and oomph into their tracks while still keeping that golden oldies appeal. For anyone who misses what oldies stations used to be (before they tarnished the format with songs from the '80s, ha ha!), this album will hit all the right retro notes. It's a super-inspired throwback to a glorious time in music and culture. You'd have to be in your 80s to have actually lived through these times as a teen. But I defy anyone of any age to listen to The Putz's version of "Do You Love Me?" or "Rave On" and not immediately start to dance like a maniac. Grab this record, fix yourself a malted milkshake, and have yourself a party by the turntable. The Fonz would absolutely give this split a resounding "Ayyyy!"
