Tales From The Misfits' "Crypt"

What is a misfit? A misfit is someone who does not fit into the mainstream-an oddity or eccentric figure. It usually has a bad connotation. Well, four guys from New Jersey changed all that. They picked an excellent moniker for their brand of fiendish hard-edged punk, and were wellcomed with open punk arms. In 1977 The Misfits joined forces to create what would eventually be one of the most infamous bands in metal history. Four hulking muscle-heads, sporting ghoulish makeup and combat boots, they cranked out roaring, metal-fueled punk. Singer Glenn Danzig and bassist Jerry Caiafa (known as Jerry Only) formed the group with drummer Manny and put out a single called Cough Cool (with no guitar player). They continued to release other singles and spread their brand of hardcore tunes to the underground masses-establishing their own record label, Plan 9. Mr. Jim Catania later replaced Manny and guitarist Frank "Franche´ Coma" LiCata was added to the mix. Jerry Only's brother Doyle later joined the band as guitarist.

After a round of cascading lineup changes and other singles, the band released their debut in 1982. Glenn Danzig left the group in 1983 and formed his self-titled band Danzig in 1987. Jerry Only and Doyle got the band back together in 1996 with singer Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud, releasing American Psycho and Famous Monsters.

Now we have Cuts From The Crypt to dig into. It's a series of 17 (mostly unreleased) Misfits' songs dating from 1995 to 2001. Several rarely heard B-sides are included on this historic CD. For misfit-pumping listening pleasure there's Dead Kings Rise, 1,000,000 Years BC and The Monster Mash. Iggy Pop's I Got a Right is pumped out in true punk glory. (Leave it to the Misfits to add a legendary punk master's song.) That cover originally appeared on We Will Fall: A Tribute To Iggy Pop. The CD was a compilation fundraiser for AIDS research, put out in 1997 on Royalty Records.

Further material on Cuts From The Crypt stem from songs written by the band and submitted to director Tim Burton for his flick "Mars Attacks." They were never used in the movie, but some graced later releases by The Misfits. Other highlights on Cuts include Rise Above, which features Rob and Dez from the hardcore group Blackflag (recorded live in Brazil). A version of the 1950's classic Monster Mash is perfect for The Misfits, with their true rock backbone underlying it all. For an added treat, artist Pushead, of Metallica albums fame, contributes his work to the CD's insert.

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