Out
now: The Hefners´ new LP / CD: "Repop" !!!
"Repop!" is the third official release from The Hefners and their
second full-length. "Repop!" sounds a little bit different from the other
two releases. After the Hefners toured Europe for a second time in the
Fall of 2000, "Repop!" received mixed reviews from the European press.
Westzeit, for example, a fine music paper outta the Wuppertal area,
used the following word to describe their impression of the new album:
"Respect!"
The new release is very retro, they admitted, but that's what makes the Hefners cool. They look back at the heros of yesteryear, tip their hats and use it all for musical inspiration--in the present day. While some applauded the new release, others criticized it by claiming that "the Hefners days as a Garage Punk band are numbered." Not that we can't take criticism, but, Dammit, you just can't say such a thing about these boys. The new album shows the growth of the band--they've abandoned some clichés and have allowed themselves to experiment with their sound. You can't compare the Hefners to just Billy Childish anymore. The Hefners have expanded their influences--The Kinks, The Creation, The Standells, The Beatles. The Hefners were always a band that listened to a variety of music--from Jazz, Blues and Soul to 60's Psychedelia and Beat to late 70's Punk. . .and now that they've reached a level of artistic maturity, they are more than just a Punk band--they are a Rock 'n' Roll band.
"Repop!" is the best effort yet from these four Kansas boys. Don't let any flame-covered fanzine tell you any different. You could say that "Repop!" was ignored, misunderstood. Don't let yourself fall into that category--get a copy of it on CD or on thick, smooth 180 gram vinyl. And don't worry--the Hefners may have matured musically but they're always in the mood for a good party--cocktails and girls, cigarettes and cigars. That will never end. The Hefners always put a show you'll never forget. They play 'til they drop. Even people that don't care for this genre love a good Hefners show. After the gig, they'll drink you under the table and steal your girlfriend from right under your nose--and you'll love 'em for it!
Listen to "Hefner Style" (Real Audio File) 
Releases on Middle Class Pig:
"Lay Off, This Is the Old Man's Private Poison" MCP CD/LP 014
The second release, the first full-length. Recorded/Produced by Tim Kerr.
Available on CD or clear red vinyl. Although it's definitely '60s Garage,
others have compared the release to the works of late '70s Punk Bands
like Wire or the Fall. Either way, you can't lose. . .
Here’s what’s been said about it:
´With The Hefners, you don’t dare open the Garage
drawer because you know it would be too small. . .,´Lay Off, This
Is The Old Man’s Private Poison´ is sleazy, heavy and noisy all
at once.´
Persona Non Grata, May 1999 (Germany)
´Heavy-grooving ‘60s Punk with more of an emphasis
on PUNK. . .a kickin’ mixture of Headcoats, Makers and Smugglers. . .´
(Joachim Hiller) Ox Fanzine #35 May-Aug. 1999 (Germany)
´This work, produced by Grampa Tim Kerr, is more
than the average Teen Beat of comparable bands. . .From organ sounds in
authentic ‘60s style to fast, danceable tracks that are almost Punk, this
record offers a wide spectrum.´
Visions June 1999 (Germany)
Listen to "Keep ‘Em On" (Real Audio File)
The Hefners/Schwarz Split-10": MCP 001
The first release on Middle Class Pig Records! On milky-white vinyl.
Artwork from J. Michael McCarthy ("The Sore Losers").
Here's what one zine had to say back then:
"8 very trashy Garage Punk-influenced songs, similar to the Medway
Beat of Mr. Childish, the R 'n'R of the Sonics and Lo-Fi-Punk combos of
the present day. But let's nitpick the Promo-Info that was sent with the
record (which we always like to do--again and again). Such comparisons
were mentioned: Headcoats--yep, it's ok!; Smugglers and the Hi-Fives--too
trashy and dirty (to be compared to them); and, finally, the Statics--no,
The Hefners are quite a bit better and not so Lo-Fi. . .Dirty, fuckin'
cool and butt-shakin' stuff!"
Useless Earlyripes Winter 1998/99
To join the THE HEFNER’S International Playboys Club or THE HEFNER’S
Bunny Club, send $2 (U.S.) to:
THE HEFNERS PO Box 442337 Lawrence, Kansas 66044 USA.