Runaways, “Runaways” (Cherry Red, 2003; original release 1976)
Prefiguring L.A. punk, already beyond metal and glam, the Runaways played rock and roll with such spoilt-brat innocence and arrogance you’d think they invented it all by themselves. The rhythm section somehow darts and pirouettes in lead-soled boots, Lita and Joan’s guitars slash melodies like taffy apples with razorblades in ‘em across smog-streaked sunsets, and Cherie and Joan sing the indelible epic poetry of Quaalude kids playing in the wake of Vietnam and mass crime. Only the Dolls even came close to this.
Try 4, 7, 8, 10
3/8/18

Runaways, “Waitin’ For The Night” (Cherry Red, 2003; original release 1977)
With Cherie and Jackie gone, their third and last studio set for Mercury finds them drifting simultaneously towards metal (Lita) and punk (Joan). Barely out of high school, they were, however, already skilled pros and the two divergent styles are here blended into a tense, exciting whole that is as rude and raw as the early Ramones and as commandingly dynamic as early Van Halen (essentially their two ’77 peer groups).
Try 6, 7
7/11/18

Runaways, “Queens of Noise” (Cherry Red, 20xx; original release 1977)
Second LP doesn’t have quite the immediacy of the first, but there are even more classic songs, and a nice, increasingly heavy edge. Oh yeah, this was one of the most crucial bands of the time, teen bubblegum nihilism filtered through anvil-fisted glitter/Stooges hard-rock stomp. The fact that they could be said to have started both L.A. punk and L. A. hair-metal only begins to suggest their glory.
Try 4, 5, 6
2/21/16