The Best of Rodney On the ROQ

iTunes Review

Tastemaker and KROQ DJ Rodney Bingenheimer was pivotal in championing punk during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The Best of Rodney On the ROQ culls the cream of his three compilations that also included power-pop, new wave, rockabilly and paisley underground bands. Brooke Shields introduces the album before a couple of covers kick-start the party with famed rock ‘n’ roll photographer Henry Diltz singing a festive version of Loverboy’s “This Could Be the Night” and Nina Hagen turning The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” into an angular pogo-friendly tune. Skatepunk legends Agent Orange bestow “Bloodstains” in its original 7” recorded version, while Circle Jerks also deliver an original rendition of their anthemic “Wild In the Streets.” Jodie Foster’s Army (J.F.A.) recalls a time when popped polo-collars and embroidered alligators were punished with the punk-rock disdain of “Preppy.” The Seeds’ Sky Saxon similarly rails against female conformity with the synthesizer tinged “Barbie Doll Look.” Redd Kross’ DEVO-esque “Annette’s Got the Hits” and the Vandals’ “Urban Struggle” represent an era when skinny jeans had to be pegged by hand.