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Back in Blackhead

by The Zits

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Opera Show 03:32
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Euh Baby Euh 03:19
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about

The Zits were a short-lived phenomenon, forming in February 1981 and disbanding upon graduation from Oakton High School in late May. Initially dubbed Nic Beery and The Zits, the group quickly shortened things to The Zits while rehearsing and playing a mix of basement parties, high school events, and community centers. Within a few months, The Zits had a solid repertoire of punk originals and covers, which included The Ramones and The Undertones (see track 5 for a great version of "Can't Get Over You"). Inspired by a classmate who had pressed a solo 45, The Zits pre-sold copies of their very own single, and booked time at Eastern Recording in Glen Burnie, Maryland to record their two strongest tracks. Produced by Scott Watson of regional new wave act The Intentions, the two tracks - "Sick on You" and "Beat Your Face" were quickly mixed and sent off to be released as a 45 on singer Nic Beery's own Olympic Records. Both tracks are total teen punk hits with great snotty vocals, crunchy guitar, keyboard, and some of the best dry heaves ever committed to tape! Nearly 40 years later, the single - and it's appropriately low-brow picture sleeve - has gained a reputation as a bonafide Killed By Death/Bloodstains-comp level hitter, and appears here remastered from the original 8 track tape.
But that's not all! The Zitmusic archives yielded an incredible cache of unreleased cassette material taken from rehearsals and live shows. "Back in Blackhead" also features 7 previously unheard cuts, including what could have been the second Zits single - the killer "Bertha Was a Slut", the warped twelve bar "No Dough Blues", and several other exuberant teenpunk anthems. The Zits may have not had the sex or the drugs, but they certainly tackled the rock'n'roll better than most other class of 1981 bands can claim. After receiving a promo copy of The Zits 45, Greg Hawkes of The Cars replied via postcard, "I played your record and thought it was pretty ridiculous." Thankfully that ridiculousness has been preserved on "Back in Blackhead" - the ultimate Zits collection.

"Back in Blackhead" includes a printed inner sleeve featuring liner notes from Zits members Nic Beery + Bill Sykes and tons of unreleased photos & ephemera from the Zitmusic archives, plus a download code with bonus tracks, and "1981 World Tour" sticker.

credits

released September 25, 2020

All songs performed by The Zits, Nickey Beery, Billy Sykes, Joey Rogers, Stevie Smith.
Songs written by Nic Beery and Bill Sykes. Opera Show written by Nic Beery and Jim Sweeney
Can’t Get Over You written by John O’Neill. Sick on You and Beat Your Face recorded on April 26th, 1981 at Eastern Recording Studios in Glen Burnie, MD. Engineered by Hank Burnett, Produced by Scott Watson and The Zits. Re-mixed from the original 8-track source tape in 2020 by Grahame Davies. All other tunes recorded live at Oakton High School, and around the school March-May 1981.
All songs Re-Mastered in 2020 by Grahame Davies.
Album design by Sam Richardson and Nic Beery.

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The Zits Vienna, Virginia

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