Description
Descendents – 9th & Walnut – Opaque Green Vinyl Record
Original Milo Goes To College lineup release their “Lost Album”, with 14 unreleased songs from 1977-1980.
Limited edition green vinyl
Indie Store Exclusive
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Descendents’ 9th & Walnut (2021) is a special release in the iconic punk rock band’s discography, featuring recordings of some of their earliest songs that date back to their beginnings in the late 1970s. Named after the band’s original practice space at the intersection of 9th Street and Walnut Avenue in Long Beach, California, the album captures the raw, energetic spirit of their early days while showcasing their signature blend of fast-paced punk, melodic hooks, and sarcastic, witty lyrics. These tracks were written between 1977 and 1980, before the band released their first official album, Milo Goes to College (1982).
9th & Walnut is pure early punk rock, characterized by fast, short songs, simple but aggressive guitar riffs, and a raw, DIY aesthetic. The album captures the band’s foundational sound: high-energy, no-frills punk with a focus on speed and intensity. Many of the songs are under two minutes long, staying true to the ethos of early punk. Despite the album’s rawness, the Descendents’ knack for catchy melodies is still evident. Songs like “Nightage” and “Tired of Being Tired” combine fast tempos with singable hooks, a formula that would later define much of their classic material.
While the songs are old, the recordings were made in the late 2000s and early 2020s, giving them a cleaner, more polished production compared to the rougher recordings of the band’s early work. This allows the songs’ energy and melodies to shine through while maintaining the gritty punk edge.
Key Tracks
“Nightage”: One of the most recognizable tracks on the album, “Nightage” embodies the classic Descendents formula: fast, catchy, and full of youthful angst. The song features tight, energetic guitar work and showcases the band’s melodic sensibility.
“Baby Doncha Know”: This track is a punchy, sarcastic song that highlights the band’s humor. It’s fast and raw, with driving bass and drums backing up vocalist Milo Aukerman’s deadpan delivery.
“Tired of Being Tired”: With its sing-along chorus and relatable lyrics about exhaustion and frustration, this song stands out for its melodic strength and showcases the Descendents’ ability to write anthems of discontent.
“Like the Way I Know”: A fast, upbeat track with catchy hooks, this song exemplifies the band’s talent for blending punk aggression with accessible, melodic lines.
Many of the songs on 9th & Walnut reflect the classic punk themes of rebellion, dissatisfaction, and youthful frustration. Tracks like “Tired of Being Tired” and “It’s a Hectic World” capture the feelings of alienation and restlessness that were typical of early punk. The lyrics are simple, direct, and often sarcastic, a hallmark of the band’s early material. Songs like “You Make Me Sick” reflect this playful, tongue-in-cheek style, while other tracks like “Grudge” deal with more personal frustrations in a blunt, straightforward manner.
Many songs, such as “Baby Doncha Know” and “To Remember,” deal with relationships, but in a punk fashion—often with a mix of humor, bitterness, and raw emotion. The band’s lyrics capture the intensity and confusion of young relationships, channeling frustration into fast, punchy songs.
Milo Aukerman’s distinctive voice, which is both melodic and aggressive, gives the songs their characteristic sound. On this album, his vocal performance captures the raw energy of the band’s early days while still showcasing his knack for injecting melody into punk. Drummer Bill Stevenson, also known for his work with Black Flag, is a driving force behind the album’s energy. His tight, fast drumming is the backbone of many of the songs, keeping the momentum high throughout the album’s brief but impactful tracks. The guitar work, primarily from Frank Navetta and Tony Lombardo, is simple but powerful, with fast, crunchy riffs that are quintessential to the early punk sound. Lombardo’s bass playing is melodic yet driving, giving the songs both weight and groove.
9th & Walnut offers a rare glimpse into the earliest days of the Descendents, before they became icons of the pop-punk genre. The album serves as a time capsule of the late 1970s punk scene in Southern California, capturing the youthful energy and DIY spirit that would influence generations of punk bands.
The album features contributions from the band’s original lineup, including Frank Navetta (guitar) and Tony Lombardo (bass), who were key figures in the band’s early development. Navetta passed away in 2008, making this album a fitting tribute to his contributions to the band’s legacy. Although the songs on 9th & Walnut are raw and unpolished, they hint at the melodic sensibilities that would later influence the pop-punk genre. Bands like Green Day, Blink-182, and The Offspring have cited the Descendents as major influences, and the melodic punk sound showcased on this album is a precursor to the more polished pop-punk of the 1990s and 2000s.
9th & Walnut by Descendents is a raw, energetic collection of early punk songs that provides a snapshot of the band’s formative years. While recorded decades later, the songs maintain the youthful defiance, humor, and fast-paced intensity that define the early Southern California punk scene. The album serves as both a tribute to the band’s origins and a fitting tribute to original guitarist Frank Navetta. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, 9th & Walnut is a reminder of the Descendents’ lasting influence on punk rock and pop-punk.
Track Listing
Sailor’s Choice
Crepe Suzette
You Make Me Sick
Lullaby
Nightage
Baby Doncha Know
Tired Of Being Tired
I’m Shaky
Grudge
Mohicans
Like The Way I Know
It’s A Hectic World
To Remember
Yore Disgusting
It’s My Hair
I Need Some
Ride The Wild
Glad All Over
