We Convinced Underrated Power Pop Punkers To Finally Release Their 2000 Album For Free

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 28, 2015 6:05PM

They should have been huge.

The Tarts disbanded at the turn of the century and we feel, rather strongly, this power pop punk supergroup never really got the credit they deserved.

The band featured guitarists Bill Stephens (Naked Raygun) and Mike Gottschalk (Mister Furley), bassist Fritz Doreza (Naked Raygun, Muchacha), drummer Jimmy O’Connor (Dummy), and singer Stev Walker (My Big Beautiful).

The Tarts were active in the scene, playing explosive live shows in the Chicago area beginning in 1996, and they recorded what was supposed to be their self-titled debut in 2000 with Mike Hagler. The band sat on the recordings, sharing them with just a few friends, while they shopped around for a record deal that never quite came through. So this album has sat unheard by most for the last 15 years.

Until now.

A few months ago we approached the band about getting permission to finally release the album. It seemed criminal that so few had ever heard this collection of sharp edged rock with a pop edge and a punk swagger. Every time we listen to this album, we stumble in the face of its rumbling energy and massive sound. And while the members of The Tarts have always been modest about the band's talents, we have no problem acting as their evangelist. So, with their blessing, we can finally share The Tarts, free of charge, to stream or download. Whichever works best for you.

We think you'll agree that this self-titled album is an instant classic that deserved to be heard long ago.

You can catch a couple members of The Tarts this weekend at Wrigley Field, when Naked Raygun opens for a little band known as The Foo Fighters.