The Bollweevils

Led by the sneering vocals of lead singer Daryl (just Daryl), the Bollweevils were direct inheritors of a Chicago hardcore tradition handed down from acts such as Naked Raygun. During the '90s, the group created a stir on the Chicago scene and was a staple opening act for such headlining punk visitors as Rancid and the Queers. The group released its debut, Stick Your Neck Out, on Dr. Strange Records in 1994. That effort sped along with youthful abandon, fiery drum salvos and busy bass riffs, all topped off by Daryl's snotty singing. Nevertheless, the group displayed a sophisticated lyrical bent; "John Doe," for example, wonders what road led a homeless man to become a medical cadaver. (The song was undoubtedly, inspired by Daryl's medical studies.) The debut also featured a hidden bonus cover of Tommy Tutone's '80s hit "867-5309/Jenny." The Bollweevils' second album, The History of the Bollweevils, Part One, collects previously released material from EPs and compilations. 1995's new studio effort Heavyweight boasted a more mature approach, with increasingly complex arrangements and backing vocals. The album concludes not only with a cover of the Bad Brains' "Pay to Cum," but also a 10-minute-plus, audio tour-diary entry. Weevilive followed in 1996, while the compilation The History of the Bollweevils, Part 2 emerged in 1999.