Features

Few punk lifers have a résumé as bulletproof as Dan Vapid. Every project he’s touched - whether melodic, snotty, or heartfelt - has carried that unmistakable mix of energy, honesty, and hooks that stick with you long after the last chord rings out. Dan was kind enough to list the ten releases he’s most proud of. Every single one of them a reminder of why his name has become a guarantee of quality in our scene. Turn it up, dive in, and celebrate a catalog where every track is worth the spin.

(photo credit: Marc Gärtner)

Sludgeworth - Losers Of The Year (Lookout! Records, 1995)

This was a release on Lookout Records of various songs from other out of print Sludgeworth releases with bonus material. This band had some clunkers but when we were on it was very special. I hold this band near and dear to my heart. 

Screeching Weasel - My Brain Hurts (Monona Records, 1991)

Sometimes I wish there was more bottom end to this record and a song or two didn’t stand the test of time, but other than that, it still resonates and I enjoy it from start to finish. I got to co-write some songs and introduced backing vocals to the band, which became part of the bands sound. I’m proud to have made those contributions. 

Screeching Weasel - Anthem For A New Tomorrow (Lookout! Records, 1993)

I switched to bass from guitar on this record and enjoyed the hell out of it. I love playing bass and singing backing vocals. Ben was on a song writing roll, so I didn’t bother showing the songs I had but one. They wouldn’t have fit. I always wondered if “Leather jacket” was about me and an ex girlfriend at the time. I never asked though. I did end up with her leather jacket when we broke up. Haha… “Every night” has always stuck with me after all these years and love the continuity in this release. 

Screeching Weasel - Bark Like a Dog (Fat Wreck Chords, 1996)

“Bark like a dog” is taken from the movie Caddy Shack. We quoted that movie a lot back then as many do today. The song “First day of summer”’s line “Don’t let it slip by – try to squeeze all the life out of it” is a timeless message. You don’t have to be a punk rock kid to appreciate that sentiment, in my view. “Cool Kids” was about hipster circles. They were probably always there, but it did seem like there was an influx in this period. At least that was my take on it. Lots of others I dig too. 

Riverdales - Tarantula (Recess Records, 2010)

This was the Riverdales record I always hoped to make. It’s my favorite of the 5. It didn’t sell well, but I was happy with the material. The last time I played “Crash of the moons” live, the entire club was singing along. It was pretty cool. The song is now 15 years old. Time flies! “Diabolik”, “Time Chaser”, and “12 to the moon” are my other faves. 

Noise by Numbers - Over Leavitt (Jump Start Records, 2011)

I guess I'm known for being a Ramones guy, which I definitely am, but have always loved all kinds of stuff. The idea with Noise by Numbers was to blend Replacements, Husker Du, Naked Raygun and see what happens. We had a few releases, but by far, my favorite was this record. The others were good attempts, but this one delivered what I had hoped for. Favorite songs are probably “Radiate” or “Disappointed”. 

Dan Vapid - All Wound Up 2 (Asian Man Records, 2018)

I was asked to make a children’s record by Mike Park (Asian Man Records) and thought it was a little weird at first. But once I figured out how to write a children’s song, I couldn’t stop. It lead to a second release of children theme songs, which I liked better than the first release. This record was barely reviewed and didn’t sell well. It was basically ignored. The novelty must have worn out after the first record, which is too bad, because I believe some of my favorite songs I’ve done are here. 

Dan Vapid and the Cheats - Welcome To Dystopia (Eccentric Pop, 2022)

I always avoided politics in my music (yet, I’m a bit of a political junkie). This changed in 2020. To not write what I was actually feeling felt dishonest. So I let the chips fly and had fun doing it. It’s only a third of the record, but I had people writing me telling me “I’m woke” to stop listening to Rachel Maddow. Shit like that. (For the record, I don’t.) Sometimes I told them to fuck off and other times I talked to them. I would go into more detail, but at this point you’re well aware of the messy political landscape. It was organic, hits hard, and is my favorite record from this band. 

Methadones - Not Economically Viable (Thick Records, 2004)

Loosely based on the movie “Falling Down”. I identified with the frustration of the protagonist and a few songs are based on his character. I also had employment issues at the time, and that anxiety was presenting itself in my songs. We had some production and mixing issues with this record, but all of us like the songs. Some of my favorite songs from the Methadones are on this record. 

Mopes - Accident Waiting to Happen (Lookout! Records, 1999)

Most of these songs were originally Methadones songs. Originally, I had a difficult time getting the Methadones off the ground. I did an EP that was based on goofy greats of the 50’s and 60’s. The boys wanted to do it again, so I had these songs on the backburner. These Mopes were the songs I didn’t show Ben when we made “Anthem for a new tomorrow” these songs belong with me singing them here and not there, right? Right. Glad you agree.