The Strait-Jackets, by The Strait-Jackets

The Strait-Jackets

by The Strait-Jackets

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rdansby A look at real period work from Tampa late 70's punk pioneers. One of my fave bands ever to share a night/stage with. So glad these tapes finally saw the light of day - they needed to be heard. Congrats Lester, Allen, Darren & Robert.

Curation Records “This IS rock n roll sweetheart!”
The best comeback to some clueless heckler by Bobby (bass player singer)…Nobody did it better LIVE than The Strait Jackets—- best dance band ever! You should hear the songs that weren’t recorded!! These’ll do just fine! Pay this band!!!

bcarey59 It’s so great to finally hear these songs again! The Straight Jackets were such a crucial part of the vibrant Tampa scene in the late 70’s/ early 80’s - we shared a stage with them on many occasions and always went to each other’s shows at whichever dive bar would have us. If you were there you won’t need convincing, if you weren’t, what are you waiting for?!

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1.	Don't Like to Be Alone 03:56	buy track
2.	Romantic's Dream 03:10	buy track
3.	Teenage Frustration 02:33	buy track
4.	Fool Protection 03:17	buy track
5.	American Way 03:55	buy track
6.	The Interpreter 01:28	buy track
7.	Cause for Alarm 02:10	buy track
8.	I Don't Know Why 02:56	buy track
9.	I Wanna Be Lost 03:30	buy track
10.	It's Not a Fantasy 04:42	buy track
11.	Because (Live) 02:08	buy track
12.	It's Not a Fantasy (Live) 04:33	buy track
13.	Jamaican Lovers (Live) 07:49	buy track
14.	Wonders of Travel (Live) 02:10	buy track

about

About the Strait-Jackets

The Strait-Jackets were an American rock band from Tampa, Florida. They are often referred to as one of Tampa’s first punk rock/new wave bands. The band was formed in 1978 by brothers Lester and Allen Esser, when they were in high school and junior high, respectively. They later recruited high school friend Robert “Bobby” Woodrich and fellow musician Darren Rademaker, giving the Strait-Jackets the lineup for what would be their only studio recording in 1980.

The Strait-Jackets’ original music was influenced by a steady diet of the Ramones, the Damned, the Jam, and the Sex Pistols. The band quickly became a staple of the Tampa music scene, playing regularly at clubs, theaters, and universities. They had the honor of opening for the following national acts: Pat Benatar, John Cale, Ultravox, 999, The Records, and Herman’s Hermits.

At the height of their popularity, they were approached by investors who were interested in financing a studio album. After the band recorded the album, they lost touch with the investors, and, therefore, the master tapes. All that remained from the session was a cassette recording of the basic tracks, which was never mixed or produced.

The band dissolved in early 1981, with each band member starting a new group. The Esser brothers formed the post-punk band Primitive Romance three months later, but that's a story for another time.

Over the past few decades, members of the Strait-Jackets have attempted to locate the master tapes to no avail. Eventually deciding that the songs deserved to be released—even in their raw, unproduced state—the Esser brothers had it mastered and self-released it in September 2022 on Strait-Jackets Records. The Strait-Jackets' unique punky power pop is just as relevant today as it was 42 years ago.

Robert Woodrich – Bass/Vocals
Lester Esser – Guitar/Background and Lead Vocals
Allen Esser – Drums
Darren Rademaker – Guitar/Background Vocals

credits

released September 2, 2022

Recorded at Paul Hayes Studio, Tampa, FL, 1980
Live tracks recorded at Tampa Theatre, 1980
Mastered by Richard Marr at Galaxy Park Studios, 2022

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The Strait-Jackets Brookline, Massachusetts

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