Telephone Free Landslide Victory

In June 1985, Camper Van Beethoven's debut album "Telephone Free Landslide Victory" was released though Independent Project Music/Rough Trade. The album featured the alternative classic "Take The Skinheads Bowling," which was recently featured in Michael Moore's "Bowling for Columbine" as well as a cover of Black Flag’s "Wasted." The re-issue includes the long out of print "Take the Skinhead’s Bowling Ep" and the previously unreleased "Wasting all your Time."

This is a manifesto of a strange sound that didn't last long enough. David Lowery's pre-Cracker days were spent with this semi-punk, semi-ska, violin-driven combo and their debut stunner remains a staple, mainly because of the now-immortal "Take the Skinheads Bowling." But with gems such as "Opi Rides Again" and a wonderful cover of Black Flag's "Wasted," the album begs for numerous listens. --Marc Calhoun