Comateens
Danger Zone/elizabeth's Lover
Back in the 1970s, women in punk bands were far outnumbered by their male counterparts, and women who wrote punk songs were even more rare. Ramona Jan formed Comateens in 1978 with Nick Dembling (aka Nick O. Teen). She wrote, played guitar and sang on the 2 songs included on this exciting deluxe reissue, which includes liner notes by both Nick and Ramona. Nick sings lead on 'Danger Zone,' Ramona on 'Elizabeth's Lover' (which was recorded at the same time as 'Danger Zone,' but not previously released). She left the band shortly after the release of the Comateens single to found the more new wave-oriented Dizzy & The Romilars (think Waitresses, B-52s, etc.), who recorded and released their own version of 'Elizabeth's Lover.' In between, Ramona produced the much-loved and sought-after 'Drive My Car' EP by Nastyfacts (Jimboco 1981/2022 Left For Dead reissue). If you like first wave punk, pop punk and alternative music made in a time when genres were still fluid and the rules had yet to be written, you're going to love this record! "Reissue label Left For Dead Records has been a vital reference library for punk scholars since their arrival in the world around six years ago with some fantastic reissues of work by Brooklyn trio Nastyfacts and New Jersey hardcore act TMA. This month, they're dropping a pair of fresh slabs of wax, including this 12" single from late '70s synth-punk group Comateens. Visiting the same musical malt shop as their contemporaries in the B-52's and Suicide, the quartet drew a good deal of inspiration from early '60s rock 45s, especially the dangerous ones about fast cars, heavy petting and unfortunate accidents. In their capable hands, Comateens amplified the sleaze and bile, leading to this tart pairing of tunes. Originally issued as a 7" back in 1979, LFD gave it a nice boost by pressing a 45 RPM 12" single worthy of being blasted out in a DJ set between your favorite Cramps and Rezillos tracks." ~Paste Magazine. Limited to 200 copies on hi-fidelity 45RPM 12".