Grapthar's Song of the Day: The Vandals 'Live Fast, Diarrhea'

grapthar (74)in #music • 6 years ago

The Vandals - Live Fast, Diarrhea

The Vandals are a really interesting band

in the world of American Punk Rock. They begin in the early '80s, with the only current member being Joe Escalante (on drums at the time), and always had an irreverent, comical element to their music. Over time, a new line-up solidified, with Dave Quackenbush on vocals, Warren A. Fitzgerald on guitar, and Josh Freese on drums, with Joe moving to bass guitar. Warren and Josh are both truly amazing musicians, and have played with all kinds of bands and as studio musicians. Warren toured with Oingo Boingo when they reformed in the '90s as Boingo, and Freese has played with hundreds of artists, including becoming the permanent drummer of both Devo and The Replacements, and was a major part of A Perfect Circle for a long time.

Listen to Live Fast, Diarrhea by The Vandals here.

The band had a second life

in the new wave of punk bands that partially broke through into the mainstream in the '90s, although these guys didn't stick to the punk cliches, like a lot of others. They tried some really interesting, often complex musical ideas, and this song is no exception, despite it's silly title. It appeared on an album by the same name in 1995. The guitar parts really showcase Warren's ability and willingness to try strange, unique things. They have a really cool, angular sort of quality at times, and the key changes in this song prove that the band has a serious grasp on music and songwriting.