Reviewed by Graeme Crawford

When an era of music goes past there's always a tendency for re-issue companies and music nostalgists to suggest that some recording, however obscure, is an unrecognised classic and re-release it for the digital age. In truth, sometimes the music is hardly worth the effort. The Coolers were a short-lived Californian garage band with punk influences fronted by Mark Krischak, who was originally involved with The Lifesavors. '10,000 Bands' is not a particularly professional recording, as you hear Krischak asking for the fuzzbox pedal to be turned down during the opening track's guitar solo, and later on he changes the lyrics to reference the feedback squeal that has just happened. It was "recorded in a family room" according to the liner notes and sounds like it with a severe lack of depth to the sound, especially with the bass and low drums. The vocals are also lacking in volume and some clarity although this may be down to the lazy Ramones-style vocals. Lyrically, it is very 1980s with constant references to dancing, drugs, drink and death, but in a very insipid and blasé manner. This re-issue is available on a transparent, square vinyl. So if you are a collector of unusual vinyl you may have a place for it. But I would suggest you won't listen to it much.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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