Not Nervous Rare 1980 Demos by The Polecats: A Wild Ride Through Rockabilly and Punk
Alright, buckle up, folks. If you’re into that sweet spot where rockabilly meets punk with a dash of raw '80s grit, Not Nervous Rare 1980 Demos is your ticket to ride. Released in 2007 on NV Records (yeah, it took them a while to dig these gems out), this UK-born album from The Polecats feels like stumbling across an old vinyl at a garage sale—scratchy but full of soul.
First off, let’s talk tracks. There are some real bangers here, but two stuck with me like gum under my boot: “Baby Let’s Play House” and “Slippin’ In.” Now, don’t get me wrong; the whole record has its charm, but these tunes? They’re unforgettable for different reasons.
“Baby Let’s Play House” kicks things off with this swaggering rhythm that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s Elvis-inspired, sure, but The Polecats make it their own—like they snatched his pompadour wig and set it on fire. The guitar riffs have this sneaky little twang that makes you wanna grab someone’s hand and spin ‘em around the room. You can practically smell the leather jackets and Brylcreem. And when those vocals come in? Man, it’s like being punched in the gut—in the best way possible.
Then there’s “Slippin’ In,” which is just straight-up greasy fun. This one slinks along with a bassline so smooth it could slide right through butter. It’s got attitude for days, like the band knew exactly what they were doing—even if it was just demos back then. Every time I hear it, I picture smoky dive bars and kids dancing like nobody's watching. It’s the kind of song that reminds you why rock ‘n’ roll will never die—it’s too damn alive.
Now, about the rest of the album: yeah, there’s repetition. Tracks like “Travelin’ Blues” and “Spin The Bottle” pop up twice, but honestly? That just adds to the charm. It’s like hanging out with old friends who tell the same stories because they know you love ‘em anyway. Plus, how many bands can pull off blending rockabilly and punk without sounding like a hot mess? Not many.
Here’s the kicker, though: listening to Not Nervous Rare 1980 Demos feels less like hearing polished hits and more like eavesdropping on a jam session. These aren’t perfect recordings—they’re rough, unfiltered, and kinda magical because of it. Like catching lightning in a bottle—or maybe whiskey in a mason jar.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. But not just for nostalgia or genre lovers. No, this one’s for anyone who digs music that’s got dirt under its fingernails and fire in its belly. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself air-guitaring in your kitchen at 2 AM.
Oh, and hey—fun fact before I go: did you notice how often they mention rivers and blues? Makes me wonder if The Polecats were secretly planning a fishing trip instead of making music. Either way, I’m glad they chose the latter.
