Customer Reviews

Living in Darkness

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Agent Orange is a punk band unlike any other. Everything about them is unique. It could be argued that this is a "hardcore" album (It was realeased in 1981, a year when hardcore classics like "Damaged" and "In God We Trust" were released), and Agent Orange were definately a "punk" band, but they really dont sound like your typical harcore band (The Germs, Minor Threat, MDC). They sound somewhat like Pennywise, except without the metal influence and the monotonous, droning vocals. But what makes them especially unique is these three factors.

First off, the guitar. It is very twangy and generally less distorted than the guitars on most hardcore albums. The reason for this is because before the recording of this album, the singer/guitarist Mike Palm was robbed, and his equipment was stolen, so he had to record through a Fender Bassman amp,giving the guitar that special sound.

Secondly, the lyrics are much more positive than the anti-Reagan lyrics present in virtually every punk band of the '80s. The lyrics mostly reflect on the fall of the punk scene, and they are by no means political (except for the song "America").
The lyrics for the classic song "Bloodstains" might also suggest that they were straight-edge, though I doubt it.

Lastly, they throw in a real treat: Three classic surf tunes, including "Pipeline" and "Miserlou". I would also like to mention the talent these men have. Sure, I love the whole 3 chord, no nonsense deal present in almost every punk band, but it's always nice to hear a guitar solo every now and then.

If you want music that is simple, catchy, and unique, Living in Darkness is for you. Standout tracks include: The title track, America, Bloodstains, and the sweet cover of Dick Dale's "Pipeline".

This band has been overlooked since punk became a media-viable youth culture and the copy-cats began cashing in. These guys defined California Surf-Punk, putting interesting little twists on surf classics made popular by the Ventures and Dick Dale. This was years before Pulp Fiction, mind you. In comparrison to a lot of music that came after them (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Descendents, etc.) and in the present climate of what is presently out there (a bunch of snot-nosed kids who want to sound like Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Dead Kennedys, Descendents, etc.) they come across as poppy and melodic. Trust me, these guys are classic. They're still togther and gig. Buy this album. Go see their show. They've paid more dues than most. END

from orange county cali.comes this surf/punk power trio garage band.this album is one of my fav full of the old school punk sound that was some of the best in the 80s.not a hardcore band but some of the true punk .one album i just cant seem to stop listening to it.it is a very addictive album.still seems fresh some 20 years later .if you are in search for some of the forgotten leagends of punk..search this one out.the album just makes me think of the summer and what it would be like to slam dance or pogo on the beach or cruz the beach searching for some punk babes.so oh the highlights on this one are the songs to young to die/bloodstains,the great 2 covers of classic surf tunes buy of course dick dale and the awesome version of pipeline .this re-release on the rhino version of the cd also has some great storys and a interveiw at the end of the disc to let you in on the bands ideas and sound .so for the cheap price you can not go wrong at ALL.just fun fun fun till my dady took my surf board away...

I don't think Agent Orange got a whole lot of attention back in the 70s. In the interview I have on my disc they go on about how they weren't really accepted into the hardcore scene, and yet were too hardcore for the art-school punker-types. Square pegs... I mean, the bass player's smiling on the cover!

"Bloodstains" is a classic... but my ultimate favourite here is "A Cry For Help in a World Gone Mad." If you're into a bit more melodic hardcore, like The Wipers or Husker Du, check this surfy/hardcorey record out.

A big deal has been made about how this album is some kind of bridge between surf and punk or whatever genres people like make up to try to describe their music. I think ,though, like any great album it goes well beyond defining any genre.
I have hundreds of albums and this album and (I'm talking about the cuts that originally made up the Posh Boy release) this album suceeds into diving into depression, feelings of alienation and loneliness like no other. The title says it all.
It's a concept album walk through the dark side.
It's just one of those rare moments where everything fits into place. Mike Palm's guitar tones fit perfectly with the stuff he's singing about....while taking an evolutionary step in rock n roll. You can literally put this recording along side any of the heavy weights and it will sound just as important and just as vital as anyone. It's just too bad the group never captured this studio magic again.

I recommend this so highly because it is just essential. The songs crackle and buzz with life and they throw in this really cool interview with the fellas from back in the day. Their sound takes me back to 1985 every time I hear it.

I could specify a million reason to buy this album, but I'll settle for one. This is the greatest surf/ skate punk album ever, with rip-roaring tracks, incredible covers, and some interesting demos and extras.

I really didn't expect this album to sound this powerful !!! While it's true the music is surf-tinged,the overall sound is a storming punk/hc one with massive riffs and a skull splitting guitarwork,making this cd a nice addition to anyone fond of more ferocious punk rock.No resemblances to the Beach Boys as I was told,dude !!!!! The remastered sound is gorgeous except for the drums that are a lilttle muddled up,but hey,this is originally a low budget punk recording,so what the f@kk !!!!!.As bonus tracks 3 non album tracks from 91 have been added,along with some studio live songs,all very nice and coherent with the album.

I first heard Agent Orange through my brother and his friends during their skate-rat years. I got a tape copy of the original Posh Boy tape release and wore it out. I got a copy of the CD rerelease a couple of years back and the songs held up superbly.

This album still hits a good nerve in me, and the song "Everything Turns Grey" just washes over me with one of the coolest guitar riffs and solos I've heard. Every song on this CD (except for the interview, which is kinda cool but could have been discarded) is implanted in my mind. During college, my garage band decided to cover "Cry for Help in A World Gone Mad."

Just awesome. One of my top 5 favorite records ever. I'll never be without it.

This is the first Agent Orange CD I've gotten and I'm very happy with it. Great music. I don't know why I never got any of their music before.