Various Artists

Founded in 1981 by Wax Trax Records owner Duane Davis, Local Anesthetic Records documented a scene that didn't make much noise beyond Colorado's borders but stirred up plenty of racket within them. Today, much of the material sounds blatantly imitative of artists who actually got out of their home state. Nevertheless, even the lesser cuts evoke the period's overwrought angst in an oddly charming manner.

Related Content

• Super Bowl commercials: Elton John, Flava Flav, Echo and the Bunnymen and more
  February 5, 2012
• Naeem Juwan of Spank Rock on "#1 Hit," Bowie, Prince, James Brown, and the perils of nostalgia
  October 25, 2011
• Jump Back in Time With Howl
  December 29, 2011
• Five infamous monuments named after musicians of questionable moral character
  August 5, 2011
• Bootsy Collins on his unique persona and getting his start in funk playing with James Brown
  June 6, 2011

More About

• Duane Davis
• Jeri Rossi
• James Brown
• Sciences
• Science and Technology

Although the audio quality here is highly variable, dubious sonics can't entirely obscure the verve of the Young Weasels, the wit of the Nails or the hysteria Jeri Rossi exhibits while eviscerating James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World." Best of all is the Gluons' now-hilarious "Birdbrain," during which guest ranter Allen Ginsberg issues nonsensical proclamations like "Birdbrain is the ultimate product of capitalism!"

Wax Trax is celebrating such commerce on Saturday, February 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. The festivities include guest appearances by Local Anesthetic artists and sales of original singles. Capitalism rules!