Blistering full collection of this Seattle/San Francisco punk juggernaut’s absolute BEST, spanning 1978-1982. Includes the ultra-rare "Kill Yourself" single AND the entire "American Wino" LP. Re-mastered by Kurdt Vanderhoof, original LEWD Member and founder of ‘Metal Church’, with an essay by Happy Tom of notorious Norwegian punkers Turbonegro.
Released July 22,1998.
FOUR Stars--Top Ranking.
Uglier than yer mama was The Lewd, four real 70s "Punks" from Seattle who churned 3-chord rock into sticky snot, then moved to SoCal and successfully "punked" Posh Boy hardcore without coppin' mucha that sound...like, they was heavier! Um...point bein', the bootleg "Complete Discography" from last summer done got CD'd. Welp, this CD's legit, tho' not complete. HOWEVER--the lack of a coupla previously released tracks is more than made up fo', as "Kill Yourself...Again" got a MESS of extras...a thorough history, an SMOKIN' pre-45 demos 'n outtakes!!
(Mike Nipper) THE STRANGER, Seattle, Aug.13,1998
The Lewd may be most memorable for serving as the first notice to the world of one Kurdt Vanderhoof, known as "Blobbo" when in The Lewd, who went on to mastermind Metal Church. In musical terms, The Lewd were sloppy punk rockers, though in their sloppiness they embraced the form as well as any other West Coast band. Their sound reflected diverse influences like The Who and The Ramones, but their songs always had such a warm sense of humor that they rose above the usual Ramones-wannabes. "Kill Yourself" is a classic, and songs like "Mobile Home" and "Roman Polanski" express the Northwest punk ethos as strongly as it has ever been stated.
(Charles Cross) THE ROCKET, Seattle, Sept.23,1998
The Lewd fucking ruled, and sad to say, except for a few dubbed songs on old tape compilations, this is the first time I've really got to hear them. This is Seattle punk rock from the 70's, totally in the vibe of what was going on in LA and New York at the same time, mixing the nihilistic attitude of "the new wave" and raw punk energy. I can't say how great this shit is, and there are 29 fucking songs! Fast punk songs with basic guitars and simplistic lyrics, the kinda shit that seems ready to jump out of your stereo with the energy of the Germs and the Avengers. Lisa and Alan of "Do The Pop" do a great intro and history of the band in the foldout, which is also plastered with loads of shitty black and white punk photocopy quality images, complementing the overall early punk feel to this release. If you are into Northwest punk history, old punk, or the whole rock'n'roll/punk connection, the Lewd seem like an essential part. Don't miss this, seriously, it beats 90% of the punk you have listened to in the last week.
(dan) 10things.com
Kill Yourself...Again, 29 songs that'll smack you like a glob of spit in the face, includes the bands rare self-released 7-inch slab, 1982s complete American Wino LP, and more than a dozen early demos and recording studio outtakes. The old masters were salvaged from the garbage (literally), dusted off, and put through a labor-intensive tape transfer. The results are clean and mean. With chunky, attitudinal three-chord anthems like "Kill Yourself" and "Mobile Home", and the sneering cynicism of "I'm Not Pretty" and "Pay or Die", the Lewds old-school punk rock reeks of an angry energy that is sorely missed in today's music. Extensive liner notes connect the dots between founder Satz and the Lewd members who came and went over the years, including guitarists Blobbo and Bob Clic and tough girl bassist Olga de Volga. Only a reunion show could top this.
(Beth Ramona Allen) San Francisco Bay Gaurdian July 22, 1998