Jakkpot - "Just One Fix", "You Ain't Shit" and "3,2,1 Go" 7" Singles
Label: American Punk Records; Year: 1995; Format: 7" 45 RPM Single
Many years ago I parted with most of my '90s records and included were some of the Jakkpot 7"s. Luckily a few years ago on a trip to the West Coast I found the first three of their total of six singles at a store in Orange County and spent a whole twelve bucks on them. The funny thing is that with the knowledge of hindsight the '90s produced some excellent records, especially on 45s. There sure as hell was an abundance of releases coming out during that decade including a million and one horrible pop punk, emo or crust records, but buried underneath all that garbage were releases by bands like Jakkpot from Baltimore, Maryland. The first single was put out by the band themselves on their American Punk Records label and both tracks are equally strong with "Insomnia" being the winner for me. The band started out in '91 and was according to an interview in Germany's 3rd Generation Nation fanzine somewhat of an 'All Star' line-up of Baltimore's who's who when it comes to old school punk rock. A winner!
Label: American Punk Records; Year: 1996; Format: 7" 45RPM Single
On their second single Jakkpot continue where they left off and deliver yet again a mean and in your face punk rock smasher in the form of "You Ain't Shit". On the B-Side they top it off with a great cover version of DC's Black Market Baby hit "Nobody Wanted Us". I have the slight suspicion that Jakkpot chose that song for a reason and interestingly enough Keith Campbell of Black Market Baby joined Jakkpot for their later singles. A match made in heaven me thinks!
Label: Junk Records; Year: 1996; Format: 7" 45RPM Single
Out of the three singles I currently have this is probably their best even though they are all fantastic and worth having. "3,2,1 Go" and "Burnin' in 77" are just two perfect songs where the band delivers their brand of high octane punk'n'roll influenced equally by 77 Punk, Garage Punk and 'Feel The Darkness' era Poison Idea. While the songs are fast and furious they never lack melody and it must be said that these guys must have listened to a lot of good records throughout their young years as I can hear AC/DC, Motorhead, Dead Boys and Candy Snatchers to name just a few influences. The funny thing about records is that people are often after the super rare and expensive ones while the gems are sitting in the bins to be had for a few bucks. Do yourself a favor and pick up anything by Jakkpot as you won't regret it. I for one will make sure I get the three remaining singles for myself and shall review them at some point in the future.
