Weekly Nostalgia: Teen Idols
 

Imagine if the Ramones had at least one female vocalist backing them up while Ben Weasel wrote their songs. Now you know what Teen Idols sound like, a rotating four-piece based out of Nashville (now Chicago) that always played second fiddle to their skate-punk peers. Perhaps it was due to their powerpop-infused harmonies or lack of political awareness, yet no matter how you spell it, their four full-length albums were something to celebrate. While the band plans to return later this year with new material, it's been nearly eight years since the band recorded anything at all. Their jubilant three-chord sound that mixed traditional punk rock with powerpop, rock n' roll and surf has been sorely missed as the new face of pop-punk has taken over. Join us in the replies to share your fondest memories of the band's music or hey, if you aren't familiar with Teen Idols at all... what are you waiting for?

"20 Below" and "Insanity Plea" are two phenomenal pop-punk gems. Something tells me these guys will have a decent reaction to their latest release given the "resurgence" this "genre" has seen over the past few years a la the Ergs!, the Copyrights, etc.

At least, y'know, that's what I'm hoping for. That being said? Bullets To Broadway is phenomenal and features ex-members of this band. Whoo'hah!

Teen Idols Self-Titled is one of my 40 favorite punk records of all time. really vastly underrated and overlooked. I always enjoyed them more than the bands they're compared to. I'll take the Idols over Screeching Weasel, the Queers, Ramones, Lillingtons, Riverdales, etc. any day. yea, I said it. Something about Heather's backups and the catchy hooks and nostalgic greaser vibe. it all works very well

thanks for calling attention to such an overlooked and outstanding straight-forward punk band.

They signed a contract with Fat quite awhile ago -- hope they do release something soon!

Teen idols were awesome back in the day. I saw them on the first tour after their record in like 1997 I believe. Great show.

i miss them

20 Below is an amazing song - brings me back to the good ol days of NOFX, Lagwagon, Pulley and Unwritten Law.

One of my favorite bands. Still listen to their records constantly!

their guitar player got jumped while trying to help someone who was getting robbed or something from what i remember. he was in the hospital in pretty bad condition. not sure when teen idols will be playing again, but i hope soon.

Never heard of this band. Will definetly have to check their records out after hearing these songs.

i saw this band with Less Than Jake, Anti Flag, and New Found Glory.
LOVED this band, probably one of the most underrated farwreck bands at that time.

:thumbup:

I always remember their song Ketchup Soup on the short music for short people CD