Guitarist Greg Sage was a guru of sorts to a generation of budding grungesters, and this 1980 debut from his archetypal power trio leaves little doubt as to why. It's not difficult to see the impact the Wipers had on bands... more » like Nirvana, what with the carefully restrained power that exudes from the grooves of songs like "Return of the Rat." Sage's introspective yet incensed lyrics likewise became the template for Northwest rockers to come, and while this disc is probably the band's most straightforward, tracks like "Tragedy" and "Alien Boy" serve notice that weirdness aplenty is on the horizon. --David Sprague« less
Guitarist Greg Sage was a guru of sorts to a generation of budding grungesters, and this 1980 debut from his archetypal power trio leaves little doubt as to why. It's not difficult to see the impact the Wipers had on bands like Nirvana, what with the carefully restrained power that exudes from the grooves of songs like "Return of the Rat." Sage's introspective yet incensed lyrics likewise became the template for Northwest rockers to come, and while this disc is probably the band's most straightforward, tracks like "Tragedy" and "Alien Boy" serve notice that weirdness aplenty is on the horizon. --David Sprague
CD Reviews
The best punk band you've never heard of
Cameron Brewer | 10/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"the wipers are like black flag with a strong velvet underground influence. this album in particular is beyond description. it is unfortunate that nobody but the the seattle punk scene (nirvana, mudhoney, melvins, etc.) really knew who these guys were. (p.s. neil young IS into punk rock. rust never sleeps has two songs dedicated to the sex pistols)."
Can't stop listening to this
Horse Snakes | Portland, OR USA | 07/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Two weeks ago a friend convinced me to pick up this CD, and from the minute I put it on I was sold. For the next week I couldn't stop listening to it. Every time I put it on there was still something else to notice and discover. First of all, one can't help but notice that they were doing things WAY ahead of their time. And then there is Greg Sage's guitar playing which is incredible. The drummer and bass player also do an incredible job keeping the songs intact and sounding great. For some reason it reminds me of early Cure, when they were still a trio. The late 70's must have been a great time to make music cause there were still so many barriers to break. Well you can tell that these boys were very inspired. Yep, they are one of my newest favorite bands, along with The Dils and Dead Moon. Now if only someone would re-release the Neo Boys LP, Crumbling Myths."
One of the best albums ever!
Gary Goldblum | Santa Fe, NM United States | 10/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This one rocks.... if I were on an island forever this would be in my top 50.... almost perfect!!
enjoy"
The art of catching a tune
Waleed J. Alsuwaimel | Saudi Arabia | 05/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Wipers sound like if Neil Young was into punk rock.
Great guitar work, brilliant song-writing, groovy, trippy, underground sounding.
It's easy to hear how this band had effected bands like Nirvana, The Melvins (whom both had coverd The Wipers) and sure countless others."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1