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2LP
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TMR 509LP
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2018 reissue, originally released in 1987. "2xLP edition will include all 6 cuts from the 1987 vinyl debut, as well as the 5 bonus tracks that were included on the 1995 CD release. With their roots firmly planted in Detroit's Cass Corridor punk rock and hardcore scene of the early 80s, John Brannon (Negative Approach) and Larissa Strickland (L-Seven), along with the locked in rhythm section of Kevin Strickland and Jim Kimball, the Laughing Hyenas took it to a completely different plane. Taking pointers from The Birthday Party and Funhouse era Stooges as well as early blues and jazz artists, the Laughing Hyenas were a fierce, sulfuric blast of noise. Kevin's sinister and hypnotic bass riffs and Jim's tribal swing laid the perfect framework for Larissa's (she only picked up a guitar a couple months before the band was born) slicing, jagged, she might even be murdering that thing guitar playing and John Brannon's devilish howl. The Hyenas travelled to Smart Studios in Wisconsin to record Merry Go Round, marking the start of a creative partnership with producer/engineer Butch Vig that would result in three of the most groundbreaking, game changing and scariest records to ever come out of Detroit...or anywhere."
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2LP
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TMR 473-4LP
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"By the time the Hyenas went back into the studio, Kevin Strickland and Jim Kimball had left to form Mule and had left John and Larissa without a rhythm section. Many people thought this marked the end of the band. Not the case. Todd Swalla (founding member of Necros) stepped in on drums and Kevin Ries on bass. Todd is a much more subtle timekeeper than Jim and Ries had no problem locking in with him, but stayed in the background a little more than Strickland leaving Larissa to take up a little more of the slack. She rises to the occasion, her leads a bit more melodic than before, although still blanketed in a sheet of noise. Brannon's anguished vocals will still peel the paint of the walls and over the new slightly toned-down direction, somehow seem even more extreme. Crawl is notably the only of the Hyenas records recorded in Detroit at White Room Studios. Liner notes by Bob Bert (Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, Chrome Cranks) and Allyson Baker (Dirty Ghosts, Teen Crud Combo). Hard Times saw one more line-up change: Kevin Ries left and one time Necros Ron Sakowski stepped in, the Hyenas went down to Memphis to the legendary Easley Studios to record their final LP with the one and only Doug Easley. On Hard Times, we see the Hyenas influences are more Howlin' Wolf/Muddy Waters than they are Nick Cave/Iggy Pop. The full-on sonic assault of the first three records has given way to a hard-hitting groove that has a graceful Exile-era Stones vibe. Larissa's simple and one-of-a-kind guitar playing has never been better. Brannon does more crooning than screaming on this one, giving us their most 'musical' offering yet. Every bit as emotionally ruthless as their previous releases, the Laughing Hyenas went out on a high note with Hard Times. Released in partnership with Touch and Go Records. Liner notes by Bob Bert (Sonic Youth, Pussy Galore, Chrome Cranks) and Allyson Baker (Dirty Ghosts, Teen Crud Combo). Includes unseen photos and flyer reprints."
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LP
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TMR 472LP
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"With their roots firmly planted in Detroit's Cass Corridor punk rock and hardcore scene of the early 80s, John Brannon (Negative Approach) and Larissa Strickland (L-Seven), along with the locked in rhythm section of Kevin Strickland and Jim Kimball, the Laughing Hyenas took it to a completely different plane. Taking pointers from The Birthday Party and Funhouse era Stooges as well as early blues and jazz artists, the Laughing Hyenas were a fierce, sulfuric blast of noise. While their style didn't change much over the course of their first three albums, they kept improving on the formula and on Life Of Crime, they reached their peak! Kevin's thick and agile basslines and Jim's bone-breaking drumming make a rhythm section that is incomparable. Larissa's blistering guitar somehow builds haunting melodies out of the sonic chaos. Brannon is a punk rock whirlwind with the conviction of an old bluesman, his relentless howl makes this one of his finest vocal performances to date and make this a truly disturbing and terrifying listen. This is the last record of the 'Butch Vig Trilogy' -- a beautiful, creative partnership that resulted in three untouchable records and helped point bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth in Butch Vig's direction. Released in partnership with Touch and Go Records. Liner notes by Mark Arm (Mudhoney) and Julia Cafritz (Pussy Galore and Free Kitten). Includes unseen photos and flyer reprints."
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