Bad Copy

Drunk Dial Records refuses to let the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way of their keystone practice of paying bands to record drunk covers. They’ve used their stimulus check to create a quarantine record featuring musicians from around the world. Each artist chose a track from The Ramones’ iconic Leave Home album, but instead recorded at home in isolation with whatever they had handy; Stay Home is the result. All of the proceeds go directly to the bands or a charity of their choosing. It’s a great idea, right? It’s silly and positive all at the same time just like pop punk. It’s fueled by pizza and beer just like Pop Punk. In fact, this record reminds me of the compilations I found in dollar bins at record stores. As a teenager, I discovered some of my favorite bands that way.

I was delighted at the range and variety across the artists. There’s sludgy Pop from Haybaby. There’s Synth Pop in The Hound of Love‘s cover of “You’re Gonna Kill That Girl.” There’s gritty Garage Rock from Spoon Benders. YUVEES gives us a warm summer jam in “California Sun.” My favorite track is Black Lining‘s version of “Now I Wanna Be A Good Boy.” My point is there is plenty to entice you to do a deep dive of each of these band’s discographies just like when you were fourteen with your discount compilation. Other contributing bands include Dark Thoughts, Drakulas, Christian of Mean Jeans, and many more. The best part? We have the internet now and I’ve literally done half the work for you by linking out to their Bandcamps.

Have at it, friends. Stay home. Listen to records.