Cool punk fusion from Tacoma, WA
intro
to My Name!
For Cryin'
Out Loud
Megacrush
A
Woman's Touch / My Wife single
Wet
Hills and Big Wheels
Rocks
for the Jocks in '96
My Name was one of those bands you couldn't ever paint into a categorical corner. Their musical stylings toppled the borders between funk, jazz, rock, spoken word, vocal harmony, and good old-fashioned punk.
I first saw My Name in Seattle back in 1991. They were one of three relatively forgetable opening acts perfoming at the OK Hotel. They failed to make an impression on me then only because of who they were opening for: The untouchable NoMeansNo, a band so cool they make you forget all of the bands that open for them.
Over the course of the next year and a half, My Name's demo tape For Cryin' Out Loud and their first cd, Megacrush, had wandered into my music collection and earned an impressive amount of stereo time with which to address my ear cells. Those releases grew on me and I became hooked. In September 1992, my friend Rob and I drove several hours East from Seattle to the C/Z Indian Summer Festival at Moses Lake, WA just to see My Name live among 30 other bands scheduled to perform on two different stages. This time they left an impression alright. These guys played a brand of tight, from the heart (and the 'nads) rock 'n roll that only truly skilled and inspired musicians can play. No slop here, no sir! These guys knew their shit. I saw them live several times after that, picked up all of their releases, and was sad when they broke up in 1996.
Two members are now in the Colorado punk outfit Wretch Like Me and another member did time in Victim's Family.
Reader Comments
sjohn173@qwest.net. (johnschuller)
Hey it is good to see another My Name fan out there and the only one with good information on them. My name is John Schuller originally from Gig Harbor (My Name's original hometown). I have been a fan of My Name since 87 or 88 whenever it was. Got to jam with them a few times, some of the best times I ever had. The most inspiring band I have ever known and the reason I play music today.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know what My Name stuff I have because it looks like you would like to hear it.
Practice Tape from 87 or 88. 30 Minutes in length. Has amazing songs that never made any other demo or album. "what I want from you is" is an amazing song. A version of Dear Percy Roth that is way different. You will hear all kinds of riffs that ended up in Token Protest coming from various points in this tape. Awesome relic.
Rap Cholo's and Oi! 1988. This is a demo they recorded with Bill and Stephen from ALL from way back. I wish I had the song titles but don't. 3 songs with lyrics and about 4 instrumentals all blended together. Also has the instrumental versions of the songs with lyrics, which was never released on the actual demo. I got that version so I could learn some of the songs for possible consideration of joining My Name. (never happened...poop) Another great tape.
1994 Demo. 1. Why Do I Fight 2. Voice of a Generation Gap 3. No Chocolates 4. I'm Gone 5. Fuck Man, I Came Here to Rock 6. Right to Life (unreleased) All songs from Rocks For the Jocks with the exception of #6. BUT Trevor Lanigan is playing guitar instead of Fred Speakman.
1995 Demo. 1. They Took My Shit and I Hope They Die 2. It's a Miserable Life 3. Hey You 4. Check Please (I believe this is Fred era)
Also a side note--- I have a copy of For Cryin' Out Loud but it is titled "Dear Percy Ross" The cover art is a picture of the World Joker...
Anyway, I am burning all of these to CDR so that I have them available to listen in my car and I can stash the tapes away. Let me know if you want a copy.
John Schuller
www.johnschuller.com
Tobelove777@aol.com. (John Jackson)
On a whim I looked up My Name on the internet! I was blown away! I had dreams of being a rock star when I was in High School.( I too lived in Gig Harbor and was a Tide) However, I did not play an intrument and my singing is reserved for road trips. Anyway, Dave Gleza was a friend of mine and he invited me to sing with his band back in 84 or 85. I was so intimidated by Trevor and the budding talent of Dave and Rob. I remember they came over and jammed in my garage once. Very very cool to see these guys follow there dreams. I wish I had had the balls to do what they did. I am going out tomorrow to by some My Name. Peace
anr@swafo.com. (RyanG)
My Name was at the very first punk rock show I ever attended. I think it was in 1988 at Natacha's Dance Hall in Bremerton. I think the other bands on the ticket included Hester Prynne, Two Foot Small, and The Doughboys (headliners). Even then I was impressed with their exhuberance and budding musicianship. I remember Abe was wearing an old faded football jersey and he remarked at how cool it was that a little mosh pit had formed. He said the Seattle folks didn't show their appreciation as well as we did. I caught My Name again a few years later opening for All and happily snatched up a copy of Megacrush which quickly became one of my favorites. I then got the chance to see them play every time All came back to town with my final concert being their opening slot on the Descendents "Everything Sucks" tour. To this date My Name holds a place of high regard in my musical collection/live show memory. I still wear my slightly faded "Wet Hills & Big Wheels" concert T with pride from time to time. I even got the DJ on Seattle Station KEXP to spin "Assorted Sordidness" for me just a few days ago. It was cool hearing them on the airwaves in 2004. I'm glad to know there are other My Name fans still kicking around out there, and was really happy to find this site.
Jsr935@aol.com. (Scott Raley)
Aloha, I've been a fan of my name since the late '80s. I grew up in the Harbor and knew dave and rob from school, shit i've know rob since junior high, Abe, Trevor and I lived together in a pit of an apt. in Tacoma back in '89 or '90. i paid to get copies of there first tape made so trevor and i could sell them at shows, not sure i ever made my money back on that one but it sure was fun. i have all of the cds and all of the wretch like me stuff. love to find a copy of that early tape!
anr@swafo.com. (RyanG)
My Name was at the very first punk rock show I ever attended. I think it was in 1988 a Natacha's Dance Hall in Bremerton. I think the other band's on the ticket included Hester Prynne, Two Foot Small, and The Doughboys (headliners). Even then I was impressed with their exhuberance and budding musicianship. I remember Abe was wearing an old faded football jersey and he remarked at how cool it was that a little mosh pit had formed. He said the Seattle folks didn't show their appreciation as well as we did. I caught My Name again a few years later opening for All and happily snatched up a copy of Megacrush which quickly became one of my favorites. I then got the chance to see them play every time All came back to town with my final concert being their opening slot on the Descendents "Everything Sucks" tour. To this date My Name holds a place of high regard in my musical collection/live show memory. I still wear my slightly faded "Wet Hills & Big Wheels" concert T with pride from time to time. I even got the DJ on Seattle Station KEXP to spin "Assorted Sordidness" for me just a few days ago. It was cool hearing them on the airwaves in 2004. I'm glad to know there are other My Name fans still kicking around out there, and was really happy to find this site.
For Cryin' Out Loud- demo 1991
You'll probably never find this, but I'll try to describe what's on it for you anyway. I'm fairly certain For Cryin' Out Loud is recorded using a four track and several mix-downs. The sound quality is pretty much what you'd expect from a four-track demo: lackluster if not poor.
There are seven tracks; three of them made it on to Megacrush and the remaining four just disappeared. The unique tracks are: 'Maque' (pronounced "Mackie"), instrumentals called 'Don't Wear it Out' and 'Jamin' and a track that probably would've sounded better in an actual studio mix – 'Samantha Black' – but unfortunately was abandoned after this demo. A pre-lyric version of 'Dear Percy Ross' is on here and it's interesting to hear the complex instrumentation unobscured by a vocal track. The other two songs on this demo are early versions of 'Famegator' and 'Carrots'. Singer Abe Brennan doubles up his vocal tracks to the point of distraction on 'Famegator' and also on 'Samantha Black' where he may actually have been attempting to sing a duet with himself. Abe's a strong enough singer where he doesn't need to go apeshit with the effects. But, seeing as how this is the first demo from what is probably his first band, these flaws are forgivable.
What stands out, even in this early phase of their existence, is the bands' great musical depth. They set the bar pretty high for themselves by cranking out these transition-filled, multi-influenced tunes on a demo. It must have taken years to learn to perform this well. Fortunately for everyone involved, Abe's vocals caught up to that high standard on the debut studio release that followed.
Reader Comments
lightrods@winisp.net. (Jay Clements)
I'm good friends with the guys but am looking to get the "Demo" and "For Cryin' out Loud" burned onto CD. Sadly, both tapes have been worn out/eaten. If you have access to this e-mail me. I could mail you a live tape from Gig Harbor, WA. Thanks, Jay.mattro@raptorial.com (Mattro)
Yo gang... I have no problem posting plugs for your personal projects. And yes, I will post your questions so that others may answer them when I cannot. It's all part of of this whole DIY networking thing. BUT... all I ask is that you send me your reviews!! Tell me what you like or hate about this band or why you like one of their albums over another. After all, this is a REVIEW website. Thank you for your consideration! -mattro
Though My Name's attitude is most definitely punk, the music they play on Megacrush is not limited to that genre. Every track has its thrashing let-your-hair-down-and-jam moments for sure, but there is always something else happening in the song... metal, jazz, acoustic, experiments with timing or the vocals, or rhythmic syncopation. The disc starts out in fine form with the auto-biographical 'Megacrush' about Abe's forbidden love for a cousin of his who has "great hair and a great pair of... hair". Nothing is more punk than admitting lust for your cousins.
(Quick note about Abe: he is a lay it on the line kind of guy with a unique sense of humor. Have the lyric sheet handy... you'll crack up. He's smart too. Abe sings like he's arguing in a college seminar. Example from 'Famegator': "Why does the status quo exist? / Because those who benefit from it most perpetuate it! / A layman's explanation, granted / but it rings a bell doesn't it?").
'Token Protest Song' is a great instrumental that allows Trevor Lanigan (guitar), Robb Williamson (bass), and Dave Gleza (drums) to stretch out and show you what they're best at: tight jams with smooth transitions. This is followed by 'Skerik' guest-starring the legendary Seattle area saxophonist, Skerik (currently touring with Les Claypool's new band the Flying Frog Brigade). And there are half a dozen other excellent tracks on here including: Abe's thankful to be alive anthem called 'Pragmatic Mouth'; grateful to women song called 'A Woman's Touch'; and his grateful to Percy Ross song known as 'Dear Percy Ross'.
All in all, a great sounding debut CD from some adventurous young musicians.
A Woman's Touch b/w My Wife- C/Z records 1992
Their single from Megacrush plus the track 'My Wife' which doesn't show up anywhere else. 'A Woman's Touch' giving props to the gender that carries all of us into this world.
As it's always a good idea to have access to Brennans lyrics, it's worth noting that the lyrics to 'A Woman's Touch' are only available with this single (they were intentionally left off the album for some reason).
Wet Hills and Big Wheels- C/Z records 1993
The band is so confident on this album they almost swagger. Great sounds coming from these Tacoma boys. The transitions are inspiring even though they draw hardly any attention to themselves.
Starts out swinging with the crunchy guitar of 'Rumpled Blanket'. On this track Abe is in fine form as well: "I love me / I love you / and if we get a dog, I'll love it too / If you leave / I will grieve / But in the end there's always me / (and hopefully the dog)". On the autobiographical 'Another Token Protest' Abe tells of his night spent in jail to a driving beat sponsored by his good friends and bandmates. 'Heads Up Penny' has a slinky-jazzy-thing-interspersed-with-Ramones-thing going for it. I like the moody echoey slide guitar in the opening of 'Sickrooms'. 'Sticky' rocks with pride and assurance. The final three tracks 'Utter' and 'From a Gnat's Perspective/Jolt" harken back to the fascinating experimental mid-song style shifts we grew accustomed to on Megacrush.
I like this disc so much it actually gets a 9.5 from me (hope that's not cheating!)
* Rocks for the Jocks in '96- Instant Records 1996 *
Lead vocalist Abe Brennan sings about personal moments in his life with humor and honesty. 'Stole Abe's Shit' is an ode to some jerks who robbed the singer's house: "I had records / punk rock records / Black Flag and Johnny Thunders too / They took all of them / and my Tascam 4-track / and I know I'm never getting any of it back". This song goes nicely (as an autobiographical piece) with 'Another Token Protest' from My Name's previous release Wet Hills and Big Wheels. On that track Abe sang to the world about his night in jail.
Rocks for the Jocks in '96 is fast and frenetic. If you aren't paying attention, you could miss the first two tracks, 'It's a Miserable Life' and 'Six Years' both punk anthems clocking in at just under two minutes a piece. The disc's mix is tight and there are transitions galore. The band even saw fit to include a hilarious nameless track at the end of the album, about 40 seconds after the last listed song. On this track, Abe sings to his ex-girlfriend who dumped him for another guy: "You have to know that I would never take you back / Unless of course, you actually tried to come back."
As for the 10 rating, I have to admit I had a tough time choosing between Rocks... and Wet Hills... on that one. Ultimately, I decided to give it to this one because the band feels like they're as comfortable in the studio now as they are performing in a club. And this disc just barely edges out Wet Hills... in the out-and-out fun department.
FYI: Much of the music on Rocks... was co-written with the band's former guitarist Trevor Lanigan, an excellent talent. New guitarist Fred Speakman filled the guitar void and seemed to have melded nicely with the unique style My Name created for itself. But shortly after this disc came out, singer Abe Brennan disolved the band, moved to Colorado and hooked up once again with friend and guitarist Trevor Lanigan. Together they formed the singularly dedicated punk band Wretch Like Me. In 2001, drummer Dave Gleza signed on with the newly re-formed Alternative Tentacles band Victim's Family.
Reader Comments
ssmt@chedsey.com (Satan Stole My Teddybear)
Thanks for the info on Dave Gleza...kinda cool to hear he ended up there.hellfrick@libero.it
Robb Williamson, the bass player for the band, now is living in L.A. and playing in a band called Bats Of Artifice. He kindly sent me a copy of "Rocks For The Jocks In '96" which was impossible to find here in Italy. He sent me a mp3 of Bats Of Artifice too.robbyrockstar@yahoo.com (Rob Takehara)
It's kind of interesting I'm adding my thoughts here, considering my connections to My Name and the guys in particular go back towards 1982-1989. I can honestly say that nobody shaped my life musically more than Trevor. From turning me on to Black Flag(1st 4 years), and Suicidal's first back in the early 80's to Victims Family, Rythm Pigs, Nomeansno, etc...most of which I saw not only because of them, but WITH them. I really hope Abe,Trevor, and Dave actually read this sometime because I probably saw them play as much as anyone, and the memories that blow my mind would probably blow theirs a bit too. I was actually searching for Victims Family only to find out that Dave had hooked up with them for a spell(for me this was a crazy surprise-a great one), and ended up here. I actually got my copy of JOCKS from Dave himself in the parking lot of the long gone Tower Records in Tacoma after not seeing him for quite a few years, right from his trunk. And I really love this album and regretted not seeing them play in this later period. I have seen Rob most recently but really miss them all. I don't just like My Name's music, I experienced My Name practically as a lifestyle for awhile. They are part of a lot of my most treasured memories(and lost brain cells?).