The WASTERS: What a Fast, Strange Trip it’s been.

In 1998, Chuckie-Boy Records Design Guru ART CHANTRY slipped me a cassette of The WASTERS. Who? What? “Never mind...Just listen to it all in one fell swoop” were his instructions. Yes Sir! My thoughts, from the liner notes of the CD we put out later that year:

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“Southbound…

Slid the tape into the Ultra-Deck around Tukwila…by the time I hit Centralia, I was so floored I had to pull over.

The sun came out. Birds were singing. My neck hairs were standing straight up. I was Mr.Toad—fresh off the wild ride.

It is good to be excited by Rock and Roll again. God Bless the Wasters.”

So…who the hell WERE these people?

From the 1998 press release for “The WASTERS” (#CB1006):

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“The Wasters were put together 1994-ish by ace drum-man Ben Ireland (of Sky Cries Mary) and Guitar Star Steve “Mofo” Holyfield, with a whole lotta help from a few dozen friends, loved ones, and a rather large man in a Gorilla suit. These songs, recorded that year, feature Ass-Kickin' Fashion tips, Thrills, Big Black Cars, and long, hallucinatory hikes into the desert. Sin, Redemption, and Wasto the Gorilla (R.I.P.) are also in the mix, all set to some of the catchiest tunes we’ve heard in far too long. In 1994, The WASTERS single, "The Thrill", caused ALTERNATIVE PRESS Magazine to gush, "This may be the best band in the world!" Various explanations are offered for why the album is coming out only now, in 1998...the most credible being that several statutes of limitation have finally passed, meaning this incredible audio document of mid-'90's Seattle Party-Forever-inspired Rock can finally, to our great pleasure, see the light of day. We hope you'll enjoy this memorable trip.”

Review

“Don't tell anyone, but this could be the best band in the world right now. Thrill Kill Kult without the disco...” -- ALTERNATIVE PRESS 6/94

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The Wasters first television appearance on the Dr. Shorts Show, Seattle,1993. “The Thrill” original 45 on Estate Records, 1993, and on “The Wasters” CD, Chuckie-Boy Records,1998 (#CB1006). Video courtesy The Cam Garrett Collection.

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”Cult Classic”, anyone? Secret Handshake? A Top-Shelf Speakeasy for your ears? Well…There are a VERY FEW copies of this jaw-droppingly good CD available (of the original 500), and it will be a pleasure to share it with you. Details in the SHOP.

Hmmm…before we roll the credits, maybe just one more song from THE WASTERS? Sure!

The Wasters on the Dr. Shorts Show, Seattle,1993. “Big Black Car” on “The Wasters” CD, Chuckie-Boy Records,1998 (#CB1006). Video courtesy The Cam Garrett Collection.

The WASTERS:

BEN IRELAND—Vocals, Drums, Keyboards, Samples

STEVE “MOFO” HOLIFIELD—Guitar

CAM GARRETT— Guitar, Art

JASON BOBER—Bass, Vocals

CHARLIE ROWAN—Keyboards

D.J. FALLOUT (TODD ROBBINS)—Turntables, Samples

ANDREA (KIKI RODRIGUEZ)—Vocals

MARTY—Vocals

FEHREN—Vocals

GARY (COSMIC SURFER)—Vocals

JEFFRY—Vocals

Meow