The third time's a charm for "Teenage Targets" b/w "Lagoons," a record promised to three different labels in three years’ time.  The backstory is hardly tabloid fare—the usual coulda-shoulda-woulda bullshit is to blame—and really, who cares?  Chew on this instead:  Marvelous Darlings are one of the best bands you'll hear on a 45 these days, even though they're more of a "collabo writing team" than a "band," says frontman Ben Cook (FUCKED UP, YOUNG GOVERNOR, the BITTERS).  These two songs, recorded in 2007, are a primo blend of punk and power-pop permutations; supremely catchy, gloriously played, and instantly classic.  Plastic Idol couldn't be happier to bring them to you on vinyl in 2010, better late than never.  Pressed on blue vinyl, limited to 600 copies.

Three blasts from the past by this Pacific Northwest powerhouse, anchored by members of the FLIP-TOPS, NIX, and DEFECT DEFECT, among others.  These guys and gal left behind an LP and a couple EPs worth of excellent garage-punk tuneage, but it was in the live arena where they truly excelled.  Their travels took them to Europe and up and down the West Coast a couple times before things fizzled.  Like their "We Got The Pop" EP (PIR-005), these songs were documented in the band's basement practice space, resulting in a scrappier recording than their LP.  Take the first few bars of "Knifed!," for example—perhaps the toughest the Minds ever sounded on record, even if some of the power is lost in lo-fi translation.  "Twist It Off" is the more bile-infused of the B-side bunch, while "Never Wanted It," an unclaimed tune from a rumored split with the ENDS, brings down the curtain in a blaze of synth.  And that's all she wrote.  Limited to 300 copies on black vinyl, sleeve by Jonas Norway.

Portland's the FLIP-TOPS are back!  Infused with new blood and a profusion of new tunes, the Flip-Tops have streamlined the sound first heard on their "All Worked Up" LP, released on Rip Off Records in 2002.  Now, the inimitable vocals of Joel Jett (the MINDS, JETPACK) and guitar roar of longtime co-conspirator Rob Felkel (the MINDS, NIX) is augmented with sparkling guitar leads, a beefier rhythm section, and a more explosive sound in general.  The result here--two originals and a SIMPLETONES cover--is powerfully played pop, recorded and mixed exactly like it should be.  Limited to 500 copies on opaque blue vinyl, with another superb sleeve design from Jonas Norway.

DUCHESS OF SAIGON "Hootenanny" 7" EP (PIR-001)

MP3:  "Giddy Up"