MAIN MAN RECORDS IS PAYING TRIBUTE TO ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL BANDS OF THE 70’S;
Album features performances & collaborations by legendary rock icons. Includes material from original Runaways
band members and the last recording by Sandy West
Before Hole, before The Pretenders, before The Slits, there were The Runaways… Whether you consider them to be protopunk rockers or heavy metal guitar heroes, there is no doubt that they helped to change the shape and perception of women in the male dominated field of rock n’ roll forever. Cherie Currie, Lita Ford, Joan Jett, Sandy West, Jackie Fox, Vicki Blue; these teenagers spoke to a whole new generation- some of whom consequently turned to playing rock ‘n’ roll too. Arguably,The Runaways kicked down the door for future female fronted bands such as The Go-Go’s, The Bangles, L7, Bikini Kill,Sleater-Kinney and The Donnas, but they have also been named as an influence by numerous male fronted acts like Redd Kross, The Germs, Motley Crue, The Beastie Boys, The Adolescents, Guns N’ Roses and Smashing Pumpkins to name a few.
Now Main Man Records is releasing “Take It Or Leave It: A Tribute To The Original Queens of Noise: The Runaways”. This 2-Disc collection features 36 tracks and over two hours of music which spans the entire Runaways catalog. The album represents not only their best known songs, but obscure fan favorites as well. “Take It Or Leave It” also features two songs from original Runaways band members Cherie Currie and Sandy West on her last original recording “Dirty Magazines”.
Artists from numerous musical backgrounds participated on “Take It Or Leave It”; each donating their time and resources to help honor The Runaways and raise money for a great cause. The tribute features well known rock bands from the 70’s to the present as well as young, up and coming bands. Artists who participated include Shonen Knife, The Dandy Warhols, Peaches and Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill/Le Tigre) whose track features production by Hanna’s husband Ad-Rock (Beastie Boys) in a first ever musical collaboration- Care Bears On Fire, Kittie, The Donnas, Bebe Buell, David Johansen (NY Dolls), Earl Slick (David Bowie/NY Dolls), Starz, The Adolescents and White Flag as well as members of Generation X, Monster Magnet, The Fastbacks, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts and many more.
In addition to the classic line up of bands, the album features retro radio spots by broadcast legends Carol Miller and Rodney Bingenheimer, plus commentary from Meg Griffin on the Runaways debut at CBGB’s, candid comments from Johnny Ramone and interview clips from the Electric Ballroom radio show with members of The Runaways.
In honor of Sandy West who lost her fight with cancer in 2006; Main Man Records will be donating a portion of the proceeds from “Take It Or Leave It” to the American Institute For Cancer Research. Since 1982, the Institute has committed more than $82 million for research and education.
For over 10 years Main Man Records has been the home of cutting edge compilations and original releases. Main Man was formed in 1998 in Asbury Park, NJ. Well acquainted with the struggle that artists endured while trying to get their music released; musician and producer Keith Roth and some fellow players decided to form their own label. Originally conceived as a vehicle to release their projects, Main Man is now a thriving independent label that’s helping to revitalize the Tri-state area music scene.
“Take It Or Leave It: A Tribute To The Original Queens of Noise, The Runaways” will be released nationwide June 28, 2011 and will be available in stores and via online distribution (iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon). Licensing for the release is being provided by RightsFlow (www.rightsflow.com), leading experts in music licensing.
Since work began on this tribute the producers have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support that they’ve received for the project. “This is a really special record” says a Roth, “It’s got so many amazing collaborations; it’s really taken on a life of its own.”
Source: Mainman Records – http://mainmanrecords.com
