The discography of Rocket from the Crypt, a
San Diego
San Diego ( , ; ) is a city on the Pacific Ocean coast of Southern California located immediately adjacent to the Mexico–United States border. With a 2020 population of 1,386,932, it is the List of United States cities by population, eigh ...
-based
alternative rock
Alternative rock, or alt-rock, is a category of rock music that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1970s and became widely popular in the 1990s. "Alternative" refers to the genre's distinction from Popular culture, mainstre ...
band active from 1990 to 2005, consists of seven
studio album
An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...
s, two
EPs, one
live album
An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...
, two
DVD
The DVD (common abbreviation for Digital Video Disc or Digital Versatile Disc) is a digital optical disc data storage format. It was invented and developed in 1995 and first released on November 1, 1996, in Japan. The medium can store any kin ...
s, twenty-eight
singles
Singles are people not in a committed relationship.
Singles may also refer to:
Film and television
* ''Singles'' (miniseries), a 1984 Australian television series
* ''Singles'' (1992 film), written and directed by Cameron Crowe
* ''Singles'' ...
, and eight
music video
A music video is a video of variable duration, that integrates a music song or a music album with imagery that is produced for promotion (marketing), promotional or musical artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a m ...
s.
Rocket from the Crypt was formed in 1990 with an initial lineup of singer/guitarist
John Reis
John Reis, also known by the pseudonyms Speedo, Slasher, and the Swami is an American musician, singer, guitarist, record label owner, and disc jockey. He is best known as the singer and guitarist for the rock band Rocket from the Crypt, which ...
(Speedo), guitarist
Andy Stamets
Andy Stamets (also known by the pseudonyms ND, The Flame, and Black Flame) is an American guitarist who was a member of Rocket from the Crypt,Puls, Eric (1993) "Rocket From the Crypt Is Crankable", ''Chicago Sun-Times'', May 7, 1993, p. 19 Bee ...
(ND), bassist
Pete Reichert (Petey X), drummer Sean, and backing vocalist Elaina. Their debut album, ''
Paint as a Fragrance'', was released in 1991 through the Cargo Music imprint
Headhunter Records
Headhunter Records is an American rock music record label distributed by Cargo Music.Hustwit, Gary (1995)Hard Work and Non-Hype Characterize The Bands And Labels In A Super-Active Underground, ''Billboard'', February 25, 1995, p. 82,86, retrieved ...
. Sean and Elaina then moved away from San Diego and drummer
Adam Willard
Adam David "Atom" Willard (born August 15, 1973) is an American drummer who has been a member of several notable musical acts. Willard's drumming career began in 1990 when he joined Rocket from the Crypt, with whom he remained until 2000. Subseq ...
(Atom) and saxophonist
Paul O'Beirne (Apollo 9) joined. The band released a series of
vinyl
Vinyl may refer to:
Chemistry
* Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particular vinyl polymer
* Vinyl cation, a type of carbocation
* Vinyl group, a broad class of organic molecules in chemistry
* Vinyl polymer, a group of polymers derived from vinyl m ...
singles on various
independent record label
An independent record label (or indie label) is a record label that operates without the funding or distribution of major record labels; they are a type of small- to medium-sized enterprise, or SME. The labels and artists are often represented ...
s, followed by their second album, ''
Circa: Now!'', on Headhunter in 1992. Trumpeter
Jason Crane
Jason Crane (also known by the pseudonym JC2000) is an American drummer and trumpeter notable as a member of Rocket from the Crypt, The Black Heart Procession, and Beehive & the Barracudas.
Musical career
Crane originally performed as drummer i ...
(JC 2000) joined the band just as ''Circa: Now!'' attracted the attention of major record labels. Rocket from the Crypt signed with
Interscope Records
Interscope Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group through its Interscope Geffen A&M imprint. Founded in late 1990 by Jimmy Iovine and Ted Field as a $20 million joint venture with Atlantic Records of Warner Mus ...
, who re-released ''Circa: Now!'' while Cargo released ''
All Systems Go'', a
compilation album
A compilation album comprises Album#Tracks, tracks, which may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one or several Performing arts#Performers, performers. If by one artist, then generally the tr ...
of the band's vinyl singles.
The band's contract with Interscope included the freedom to record vinyl releases for other labels. They had three releases in 1995: The EP ''
The State of Art is on Fire
''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
'', the
LP ''
Hot Charity
''Hot Charity'' is the third album by the San Diego, California punk rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released in 1995 on the fictitious record label Perfect Sound Records (though this name appeared on the record sleeve no such label actually ...
'', and the album ''
Scream, Dracula, Scream!
''Scream, Dracula, Scream!'' is an album by the San Diego, California rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released in 1995 by Interscope Records. It was the band's first major-label release. Music videos were filmed for the singles "On a Rope," " ...
'' The singles "
Born in '69
"Born in '69" is a song by the American alternative rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released as the first single from their 1995 album ''Scream, Dracula, Scream!'' It was released as both a 7" vinyl and CD single by Elemental Records and peaked ...
" and "
Young Livers
"Young Livers" is a song by the American alternative rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released as the second single from their 1995 album ''Scream, Dracula, Scream!'' It was released as both a 7" vinyl and CD single by Elemental Records and pea ...
" reached the
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...
at #68 and #67 respectively. "
On a Rope
"On a Rope" is a song by the American punk rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released as the third single from their 1995 album ''Scream, Dracula, Scream!'' It was released as three separate CD singles by Elemental Records, which combined to for ...
" was a greater success, reaching #12. Music videos for all three singles were played on
MTV
MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...
and
MTV Europe
MTV Global (formerly as MTV Europe) is the international version of the American TV channel MTV, a 24-hour music and entertainment TV channel that began broadcasting on August 1, 1987, as part of the worldwide MTV network.
Initially, MTV serve ...
, and ''Scream, Dracula, Scream!'' peaked at #41 on the
UK Albums Chart
The Official Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales and (from March 2015) audio streaming in the United Kingdom. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the Official Charts C ...
. ''
RFTC
Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is a thermal pain treatment procedure. For example, percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRFT) involves the placement of an electrode or catheter into the intervertebral disc
An intervert ...
'' was released in 1998 but did not fare as well as its predecessor, reaching only #63 while its lead single "
Lipstick
Lipstick is a cosmetic product used to apply coloration and texture to lips, often made of wax and oil. Different pigments are used to produce color, and minerals such as silica may be used to provide texture. The use of lipstick dates back to ...
" reached #64. Rocket from the Crypt left Interscope in 1999 and released the EP ''
Cut Carefully and Play Loud
''Cut Carefully and Play Loud'' is an EP by American punk rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released in 1999 by Flapping Jet Records. It was the band's last recording with drummer Atom, who left the group shortly thereafter due to disagreemen ...
'' independently. Disagreements over the band's direction led to Willard leaving the group, and the band took a hiatus during which Reis founded
Swami Records
Swami Records is a San Diego-based independent record label specializing in punk rock and rock music. The label was founded in 2000 by John Reis, who also has his own radio show, ''Swami Sound System'', on station 94.9FM KBZT
KBZT (94.9 FM, ...
and released ''
All Systems Go 2
''All Systems Go 2'' is a compilation album by the San Diego, California rock music, rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released in 1999 by singer/guitarist John Reis' record label Swami Records. The album collects songs from 13 different recording ...
''.
Rocket from the Crypt next signed to
Vagrant Records
Vagrant Records is an American record label based in California. It was founded in 1995 by Rich Egan and Jon Cohen. The label focuses on rock, but features artists in a variety of other genres including folk, soul, electronic, and pop. It is home ...
and released ''
Group Sounds
, often abbreviated as GS, is a genre of Japanese rock music which became popular in the mid to late 1960s and initiated the fusion of Japanese ''kayōkyoku'' music and Western rock music. Their music production techniques were regarded as playin ...
'' in 2001, including contributions from
Superchunk
Superchunk is an American indie rock band from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, consisting of singer-guitarist Mac McCaughan, guitarist Jim Wilbur, bassist Laura Ballance, and drummer Jon Wurster. Formed in 1989, they were one of the ...
drummer
Jon Wurster
Jonathan Patrick Wurster (born October 31, 1966) is an American drummer and comedy writer. As a musician, he is best known for his work with Superchunk, the Mountain Goats, and Bob Mould. He is also known for appearing on '' The Best Show'' with ...
as well as their new permanent drummer
Mario Rubalcaba
Mario Rubalcaba (also known by the pseudonym Ruby Mars) is an American drummer from San Diego, notable as a member of numerous rock bands including Clikatat Ikatowi, Thingy, Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, Earthless, the Sultans, and Off! H ...
(Ruby Mars). ''Group Sounds'' was their first album to chart in their home country, reaching #40 on
''Billboard'''s
Top Independent Albums
The Independent Albums chart (previously titled Top Independent Albums) ranks the highest-selling independent music albums and extended plays (EPs) in the United States, as compiled by Nielsen SoundScan and published weekly by ''Billboard'' magaz ...
chart. ''
Live from Camp X-Ray
''Live from Camp X-Ray'' is the seventh studio album by American punk rock band Rocket from the Crypt, released in 2002 by Vagrant Records. It was the band's final studio album, as they broke up on Halloween 2005. Contrary to the album's title, ...
'' followed in 2002 and reached #45. It proved to be their final studio album, as the members drifted into other projects over the next few years and decided to disband. Rocket from the Crypt's final performance on
Halloween
Halloween or Hallowe'en (less commonly known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints' Eve) is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Saints' Day. It begins the observanc ...
2005 in San Diego was filmed and recorded, and was released in 2008 as ''
R.I.P.'' ''
All Systems Go 3'' followed that same year, and Reis plans to eventually release a fourth, final installment in the series. In October 2011 the band reunited for the children's television ''
Yo Gabba Gabba!
''Yo Gabba Gabba!'' is a children's musical television series created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz. The series is about five costumed toys come-to-life and their friend DJ Lance Rock ( Lance Robertson). It is co-produced by Magic Stor ...
'' where they would perform a brand new song titled "He's a Chef" which was released as a limited edition single exclusively through
Volcom
Volcom is a lifestyle brand that designs, markets, and distributes boardsports-oriented products. Volcom is headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, U.S. The brand is known for its trademark ''stone'' logo, its slogan ''True to This'', and the '' ...
clothing stores and later on the 2017 compilation ''Yo Gabba Gabba! Hey!''. A reunion tour followed in 2012. In March 2015 ''Vintage Piss'' was released under
Sonny Vincent
Sonny Vincent (born July 7, 1952, New York City, United States) is an American Rock musician. He has been active in music since the 60s and in particular the mid-1970s, when he was part of the New York City punk rock scene with his original band, T ...
and Rocket from the Crypt. Rocket from the Crypt, minus the horn section, served as Vincent's backing band. The album was originally recorded in 2003 but left unmixed and unfinished until Reis, who also produced the album, decided to go back and give the album a proper mixing and release
Studio albums
I ''Circa: Now!'' was reissued on CD by Interscope in 1993, and again in 2004 by
Swami
Swami ( ; sometimes abbreviated sw.) in Hinduism is an honorific title given to a male or female ascetic who has chosen the path of renunciation (''sanyāsa''), or has been initiated into a religious monastic order of Vaishnavas. It is used eith ...
as ''Circa: Now! +4''.
II ''Hot Charity'' was reissued on CD by Swami in 2002 on the compilation album ''Hot Charity / Cut Carefully and Play Loud''.
III Despite its title, ''Live from Camp X-Ray'' is a
studio album
An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...
rather than a
live album
An album is a collection of audio recordings issued on compact disc (CD), Phonograph record, vinyl, audio tape, or another medium such as Digital distribution#Music, digital distribution. Albums of recorded sound were developed in the early ...
.
Live album
I ''R.I.P.'' is a CD/DVD combination package.
Compilation albums
I ''All Systems Go'' was initially released only in Japan. A second version with a different track list was released in the United States by Cargo Music later the same year. This version was re-released by
Sympathy for the Record Industry
Sympathy for the Record Industry (also known as Sympathy Records or Sympathy 4 the R.I.) is a mainly independent garage rock and punk label formed in 1988 by Long Gone John. The first Sympathy release was the Lazy Cowgirls' ''Radio Cowgirl'' LP ...
in 1998.
II ''Hot Charity / Cut Carefully and Play Loud'' combines the LP ''Hot Charity'' and the EP ''Cut Carefully and Play Loud''.
Extended plays
I ''The State of Art Is on Fire'' was reissued on CD in 1996, including the tracks from ''Rocket from the Crypt Plays the Music Machine''.
II ''Cut Carefully and Play Loud'' was reissued on CD by Swami in 2002 on the compilation album ''Hot Charity / Cut Carefully and Play Loud''.
Singles
Rocket from the Crypt released 28 singles on both vinyl and CD formats during their career, but only 6 of these were commercially released singles intended to promote specific songs from their albums. The remaining 22 were
vinyl
Vinyl may refer to:
Chemistry
* Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a particular vinyl polymer
* Vinyl cation, a type of carbocation
* Vinyl group, a broad class of organic molecules in chemistry
* Vinyl polymer, a group of polymers derived from vinyl m ...
-only singles and are listed below under "Vinyl singles". Promotional singles of "Ditch Digger" and "Sturdy Wrists" from ''
Circa: Now!'' were released to radio stations for airplay, but these were not released as commercial singles.
Vinyl singles
Rocket from the Crypt released 22 singles during their career that were exclusive to the vinyl format. Most of these were released in limited numbers and were not distributed to radio stations for airplay, unlike the 6 singles which were released to promote specific songs from their studio albums. Many of the tracks from the vinyl singles were re-released on the ''All Systems Go'' compilation albums, as noted below.
I Denotes songs that were re-released on the US version of ''All Systems Go''.
II Denotes songs that were re-released on ''All Systems Go 2''.
Video albums
I ''RFTC 10/31/05'' is a "rough cut" version of ''R.I.P.'' released in limited quantities.
II ''R.I.P.'' is a CD/DVD combination package.
Music videos
Other appearances
The following Rocket from the Crypt songs were released on compilation albums, soundtracks, and other releases. Some songs were later re-released on the ''All Systems Go'' compilation albums, as noted below. This is not an exhaustive list: songs that were first released on the band's albums, EPs, or singles are not included.
I Denotes songs that were re-released on ''All Systems Go 2''.
II Denotes songs that were re-released on ''All Systems Go 3''.
III "Flight of the Hobo" was also released on ''Circa: Now! +4'' later the same year.
IV Originally recorded in 2003 but never mixed or finished. The band, minus the horn section, serves as Vincent's backing band. Reis went back and mixed and completed the album in 2015.
References
General references
*
Notes
External links
*
*
{{Rocket from the Crypt
Discography
Discography is the study and cataloging of published sound recordings, often by specified artists or within identified music genres. The exact information included varies depending on the type and scope of the discography, but a discography entry ...
Rock music group discographies
Discographies of American artists