The Gruesomes

Anyone wondering what the missing link between the Stooges, New York Dolls and Black Haloes could possibly be would do well to check out this re-release of the Gruesomes' 1987 cult classic. Ottawa's premiere garage rock outfit, the Gruesomes — and by default, Gruesomania — are an endless stream of twangy, kitschy pre-punk soaked in as much attitude as reverb. Despite the album's questionable sonic clarity, with production levels below that of farting into a ghetto blaster's built-in microphone, the plethora of upbeat soul/rock/pop gems are endless. Gruesomania is a surprisingly dirty affair, topping out at 20 bouts (the Unchained EP is tacked on as bonus material) of infectiously greasy fluff. From the bouncy, light-hearted jangle of "Leave My Kitten Alone" to the driving grimace of "Way Down Below" and surf-twang of "Whirlpool," this early Rolling Stones-meets-the Ramones trash rock sounds even more relevant two decades after its creation than it most likely did at the time.