Description

Fleshtones- Angry Years 84-86 – Compact Disc

The Fleshtones’ Angry Years 84-86 is a compilation album released in 1993 that brings together unreleased tracks, demos, and rare recordings from The Fleshtones’ mid-1980s sessions. Known for their distinctive blend of garage rock, punk, and new wave energy, The Fleshtones used this album to showcase some lesser-heard material from a period when they were experimenting and navigating the music industry as a largely independent act. Released through Amsterdamned Records, Angry Years captures the raw, unfiltered sound of the band during a phase marked by creative freedom and a DIY spirit.

Recorded between 1984 and 1986, Angry Years highlights an era in which The Fleshtones were honing their unique brand of ‘super rock’—a high-energy blend of 60s-inspired garage rock, soul, and punk-infused attitude. During this period, they were largely under-the-radar in the American music market but were cultivating a strong fanbase in Europe, where they found a receptive audience for their retro, yet forward-looking style. This compilation captures the essence of those ‘angry years,’ marked by the band’s defiance of mainstream trends and their commitment to an authentic, raw sound.

The tracks on Angry Years 84-86 lean into the band’s penchant for revivalist garage rock, infused with a modern edge. Guitar-driven tracks and raspy, energetic vocals dominate the album, while their covers and original compositions demonstrate both an appreciation for and a reimagining of 60s rock sensibilities. Notably, Angry Years includes a remarkable, 13-minute cover of Serpent Power’s ‘Endless Tunnel,’ showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment with extended jams and improvisational style.

Themes across the album touch on classic rock motifs—rebellion, nightlife, and love—while also hinting at a playful sense of irony. The Fleshtones approach these themes with a gritty authenticity and an unabashed embrace of garage rock’s campier side. Songs on this compilation emphasize energy over polish, resulting in a collection that feels spontaneous and intense, often capturing the atmosphere of their live performances.

Angry Years 84-86 is a gem within The Fleshtones’ discography, appreciated by fans for offering a raw, candid look at the band’s creative evolution. Although the album didn’t achieve mainstream recognition, it has since gained respect as a cult favorite among garage rock enthusiasts. Critics praised it for its unapologetic energy and its faithful representation of The Fleshtones’ live performance style, capturing the unrefined, infectious energy that made them a beloved live act. The compilation serves as an artifact of the band’s perseverance in maintaining their unique sound and approach, even as music trends shifted in the 80s.

For fans of garage rock revivalism, Angry Years offers a glimpse into The Fleshtones’ rebellious and high-energy period, reinforcing their legacy as a cornerstone of the American underground rock scene. Today, the album continues to resonate with fans of raw, retro-inspired rock and stands as a testament to The Fleshtones’ commitment to their craft and their uncompromising approach to rock and roll.

Song LIst

1. 5 New Fleshtones
2. Watch This!
3. In Need Of Love
4. I Need Something
5. Disgrace
6. Fighting For A Lost Cause
7. One More Time
8. Killing By Degrees
9. Return To The Haunted House
10. Last Chance
11. Ra Ra Rene
12. Endless Tunnel