The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs

Straight outta the grueling, sweltering streets of steamy, seedy Los Angeles, the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs emerged in 1995 with their neo-Detroit high-energy sound ala Stooges/MC5, anticipating the high-energy trend that would soon sweep the rock'n'roll nation. Over the years, the band has released two full-length studio albums, one rarities collection, one double live album , one EP, two split CDs (with the Bellrays and Broken Teeth), and a slew of songs on compilations, soundtracks, tribute albums, and vinyl singles. Maximum Overdive is the expanded reissue of the Cheetah's 1997 Overdrive CD, and it handily outstrips its earlier incarnation as a blast of trashy garage punk with a definite nod to the old school. Besides the Overdrive tracks, you get singles tracks with Radio Birdman's Deniz Tek, and the Runaways' Cherie Curie ("Cherry Bomb," natch) and another cover, of the Dead Boys classic "Ain't Nothin to Do." Mostly, though, you get blazing swagger rock played with unmatched ferocity and an ear for brash pop hooks. It's an infectious sort of alchemy that really makes you feel like every band in the world is supposed to sound like this, like rock and roll is more divine mission than cheap thrill, like every powerchord is an unanswered prayer, and respecting your elders means getting the fuck outta the way so they can rip into a triple speed guitar solo. If you like dirty punk'n'roll, then you really can't look past the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs.