Description
Painted Willie – Mind Bowling – Vinyl Record
Painted Willie’s Mind Bowling, released in 1985 under SST Records, is a standout album from the burgeoning punk rock and alternative scene of the mid-1980s. The band, formed in 1984 by drummer, filmmaker, and creative force Dave Markey, emerged from the dissolution of his previous group, SIN 34. With Mind Bowling, Painted Willie showcased a distinctive blend of hardcore punk energy and experimental, often quirky elements that set them apart from their peers on the SST label, which also included acts like Black Flag and Minutemen.
Formed from the ashes of Sin 34, Painted Willie debuted on SST with the label’s trademark sense of adolescent humor, though tied more to straight-ahead rock than punk or hardcore. Guitarist Vic Makauskas, bassist Phil Newman, and drummer Dave Markey formed in Los Angeles in the early ’80s, released Mind Bowling in 1985, then recorded a live EP in nearby Van Nuys one year later. Upsidedowntown followed in 1987, after which the band broke up, though SST released the Relics compilation in 1988.
The album features an eclectic and dynamic tracklist, including songs like “405”, a high-energy opener that captures the chaos of urban life, and “Pig Farm,” a raw and unfiltered punk track with biting social commentary. Other highlights include “Little Red Book,” which incorporates ironic humor and satirical lyrics, and “January,” a more introspective piece that reveals the band’s ability to balance intensity with thoughtfulness. Throughout the album, Painted Willie’s sound blends aggressive guitars, driving basslines, and Markey’s punchy, rhythmic drumming, creating a layered and engaging listening experience.
The lineup for Mind Bowling included Dave Markey on drums and vocals, Phil Newman on bass and vocals, and Vic Makauskas on guitar and vocals, each contributing to the band’s unique chemistry. Recorded at Spinhead Studios, the album was co-produced by the band themselves, with assistance from Greg Ginn, guitarist of Black Flag and founder of SST Records. Ginn’s involvement lent the project an air of creative credibility while emphasizing Painted Willie’s experimental edge. This collaboration resulted in an album that was both raw and innovative, reflecting the DIY ethos of the Southern California punk scene.
Mind Bowling captures a moment of transition within punk rock, as bands began to push beyond the genre’s early limitations to explore more diverse sounds and themes. Painted Willie’s willingness to experiment with structure, tempo, and lyrical content makes this album a compelling artifact of that evolution. Tracks like “Chia Pet” and “Monkey Mia” showcase the band’s sense of humor and knack for integrating unconventional ideas into their music, while still maintaining the raw energy of punk.
Though Painted Willie never achieved the mainstream success of some of their SST labelmates, Mind Bowling remains a cult favorite and a testament to the creative possibilities of the 1980s underground punk scene. For fans of experimental punk rock and those interested in the intersection of hardcore energy with alternative and avant-garde influences, Mind Bowling is a must-listen. It offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the artistic vision of Painted Willie and the dynamic spirit of the SST Records roster.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic seal but promo cut in spine
SST Records
Track Listing
405
Response
Pig Farm
Chia Pet
Monkey Mia
Moonchild
Little Red Book
Used
January
Cover Girl
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