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In the raucous realm of late ’80s rock ‘n’ roll, Junkyard burst onto the scene with a debut that was as rollicking as it was a tad disjointed.

This motley crew, featuring ex-Dag Nasty/Minor Threat and future Bad Religion guitarist Brian Baker, threw the rulebook out the window in 1989. Produced by the seasoned classic rock maestro Tom Werman, Junkyard’s self-titled inaugural offering veered off the beaten path of the late-’80s hair rock scene.

What set them apart? Their sonic concoction was dirtier, bluesier, and had an undeniable touch of Southern hospitality. They tossed elements of Southern rock, boogie-woogie, and a hearty dose of AC/DC swagger into the mix, creating a compact sound that was as unpredictable as it was captivating.

Take “Simple Man,” for instance; it’s a tune that saunters into a saloon with its piano in tow, making a compelling case for a great idea somewhat marred by uneven execution. I play it every Friday night at my local Happy Hour. Nobody hates it. In fact, response is generally positive.

Then there’s the album’s single, “Hollywood,” a sonic collision that feels like Faster Pussycat jamming through Lynyrd Skynyrd’s thunderous guitar rig. It’s a heady brew of influences that leaves you with a sense of exhilaration and bewilderment.

If you’re a fan of the gritty, no-frills stylings of bands like Rhino Bucket or the unapologetic swagger of the Sea Hags, then Junkyard‘s debut is a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed. 

It may be a bit rough around the edges and a touch disjointed, but that’s part of its charm – a rollicking, good time encapsulated in a whirlwind of rock ‘n’ roll defiance.

It’s lack of Hair Metal sheen sets it apart, but not enough so that Rolling Stone couldn’t name it one of the 50 Greatest Hair Metal Albums of All Time? Number 34!

A great album. I play “Simple Man” every Friday at HAppy Hour on my local bar’s jukebox. It still sounds as fresh as yesterday.

To be honest, I am surprised it hasn’t been covered by a mainstream country/rock act. Food for thought!

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Reviews:

“The band wasn’t just a sign of hair metal’s boom times, but a symbol of punk’s identity crisis at the end of the Eighties.” – Rolling Stone

“Junkyard’s debut is a raucous, bluesy blast of hard rock that stands out from the hair metal pack.  With gritty vocals, swaggering riffs, and a punk rock attitude, this album is a lost classic of the era.” –  AllMusic

 “This album is a straight shot of adrenaline, with no ballads or filler.  Junkyard delivers a raw and honest sound that’s both powerful and catchy.  ‘Blooze’ and ‘Hot Rod’ are essential listens for any hard rock fan.” – The Cassette Chronicles

 “Junkyard’s self-titled debut is a hidden gem of late 80s rock.  It’s a dirty, bluesy, and undeniably fun record that deserves to be rediscovered.  If you like your rock ‘n’ roll with a little grit and a lot of heart, this one’s for you.” –  Amazon customer review

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Szul