Something I Learned Today

Punk Rock and Other Assorted Bullshit

Barefoot & Pregnant

June 17th, 2005 | Posted by: Eric | Category: Various Artists, 80's Hardcore, 80's Punk

conceived as quick and cheap way to promote local Minneapolis punk bands, Barefoot & Pregnant was released in 1982 as a hyper limited (20o copies), cassette only compilation on Reflex records. Consisting of live recordings, demos, and outtakes Barefoot & Pregnant often sounds like shit, but serves as an interesting historical document. Some of the bands (Husker Du, Replacements, Loud Fast Rules (pre-Soul Asylum) left an indelible imprint on the ’80s music world, while others such as Rifle Sport, Man Sized Action, and Mecht Mensch have become cult favorites. Any info on additional participants include Lou Santacroce, Idol Threat, In Decision, and Red Meat, was beyond my googling capabilities. Anyhow, here is the cream of the crop:

Husker Du - Target.mp3
an earlier version than that which appeared on Everything Falls Apart.

Idol Threat - Sick On England.mp3
midtempo melodic sound with definite britpunk ovetones. Check out that X-Ray Spex style sax.

Rifle Sport - No Money.mp3
a different sound than the Rifle Sport I remember. I love the chaotic organ, reminds me of “Land of the Living” by the Thought Criminals

In Decision - I Wanna Be Black.mp3
a Lou Reed cover with speed and attitude

Man Sized Action - Yea!.mp3
great sounding stuff in the Burma/Wire post-punk vein

Mecht Mensch - Functional Riot.mp3
Pre Tar Babies from Madison, WI. Driving early 80’s hardcore.

  • Barefoot & Pregnant was reissued in 1998 on Garage D’Or by original producer Reflex Records label guy Terry Katzman
  • Original insert from Paul Hilcoff’s amazing Husker Du Discography
  • Failed to mention Tulsa Jacks, which was studio project featuring Bob Mould, Chris Osgood, and Tommy Stinson. The track on the comp is “Let’s Lie” and it is pretty freaking disappointing, given the participants. 

    • 9 Comments so far

    1. Chaz June 18th, 2005 4:24 pm

      Thanks for these tracks, just like to say what a great site you have and congrats about your kid. loved the Husker track.

    2. cliff June 18th, 2005 7:11 pm

      Wow - never expected to see this compilation surface. Cheers on the Husker Du and Man Sized Action!

    3. KS June 18th, 2005 8:06 pm

      Sad news for Loud Fast Rules fans, Karl Mueller died yesterday: story

    4. Thomas June 19th, 2005 12:22 pm

      This is some offtopic stuff: I’ve posted an mp3 by German Punk Band “Fasaga” (means something like “loser” but it’s written very very false, like “luza” :-D ) called “Pogo in der Strassenbahn” (”pogo in the tram”) and it’s pretty stupid but fun! If you wanna listen to it, go here (yousendit.com)

      And then there was this Joy-Division-Cover-thing going around here some time ago. My fav J.D.-cover is Warsaw by Swing Kids (post-Unbroken/Struggle, pre-Locust, as most will know) and it was terribly forgotten then. Upped it here for everyone’s listening pleasure (yousendit.com as well).

    5. Mpls Yngstr June 20th, 2005 3:52 am

      Wow. Floored. Thanks. Amazing to finally hear this.

      If you could give us a “part two” (or more), that’d be beyond sweet.

    6. wedge March 31st, 2006 10:25 pm

      would anybody know if the TULSA JACKS mentioned from this compilation; would this be the same band with the same name which had a 45 scheduled for release on Cleveland’s DROME label (pagans, lepers, X–X, etc) ca~1981 that never happened??

    7. Mitch Griffin April 7th, 2006 6:30 am

      yes…….and “Let’s Lie” featured Bob Mould on bass guitar and Chris Osgood on lead guitar. The only such collaboration, being that they weren’t so fond of each other.

    8. Mitch Griffin April 7th, 2006 6:33 am

      addendum……..The Tulsa Jacks released a limited number off cassettes in 1982….”Walters Vacation” that had Tommy Stinson on bass and Bob Mould on guitar.

    9. Mpls almost-50-guy July 18th, 2006 6:46 pm

      Idol Threat just released a CD compilation of two demo sessions and some live material from First Avenue and the 7th Street Entry from 1981-1982. Nineteen tracks.
      Can be purchased at www.gojohnnygo.com. Both tracks from Barefoot and Pregnant are on the CD.

      Thanks for posting the Barefoor and Pregnant compilation.

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