SEE a QUICKTIME VIDEO of BERT SWITZER on DRUMS from the
SECOND CHANCE DVD.

http://bertswitzer.com/bertvideos/bs_blue_02.htm

New Review from Bog-Gob, Issue #30 - October, 2004

Raw, unbridled, garage-punk metal with Johnny Rotten/Iggy style vocals and wild outta-control drumming. The original Destroyed broke up in 1979. This CD features original vocalist J.D. Jackson a.k.a. Joe Rainbow, and gonzo drummer Bert Switzer reunited for the first time since '79.
They've recorded ten new songs with Jackson on guitar as well as vocals. The spirit of the old Destroyed is still there and you get ten bonus tracks from 1977-79 so you can judge for yourself. The bonus tracks are ballsy and distorted and sound somewhat like the early Stones or Chocolate Watchband. Recording levels are very similar to that of the Nuggets compilations series. '60s punk from a '70s band reunited in the next century.
-Richard Oliver

Check out these PHOTOS of HENRY KAISER playing guitar and scuba diving in Antarctica.... http://bertswitzer.com/hk/

Here are some lost lyrics from Joe Rainbow, written in 1979, newly found:

Tonite I feel like a dangerous gun
Ain't nobody gonna stop me under the sun
I feel gifted; I feel number one
I wanna see the world run.

For all you Henry Kaiser fans, the November 2003 issue of Relix contains a great 3-spread on him, includig some terrific pictures.

The Destroyed –Outta Control

I like reading the year in review letters that family and friends send out during the holiday, it's a nice way to catch up. Outta Control is drummer Bert Switzer's "my year in review" disc, and the better you know Bert the more you'll like it. Last year he released a CD that sampled the various bands he has played in from 1977 to 2002. Then two of his former bandmates contacted him with reunion plans. So the first batch of songs is from a revamped version of the Destroyed, Bert's 70s punk band (who sound like Iggy when they play fast, and Crazy Horse-style Neil Young when they play midtempo). Then he heard from guitarist Henry Kaiser, with whom Switzer had been in the band Monster Island, and they cut two new songs. Bert's gonzo drumming is better suited to the free jazz/rock that Kaiser cooks up (even if it was collaboration by mail). The balance of the disc is devoted to old Destroyed demos (from 77-79). I think the story of Outta Control exceeds the music
(hence all the exposition here), but dig some of The Destroyed songs (especially "Ill Treatment") and both of the songs with Kaiser.
Go Metric! #18 – Spring 2004

New Review from Mediasearch.com.au (Australia)

The Destroyed - Outta Control

To be honest I wasn't sure what to make of this one. On the one hand it could be a work of pure genius, on the other just a bunch of forgettable tracks most likely to be heard at a battle of the bands competition. Outta Control has all the makings of a genuine classic, 70's punk rock attitude, unabashed lyrics, and excellent guitar riffs, however something is missing. There is a distinct line running straight through the middle of this album, a line that marks the new tracks from the old. The first ten are new, performed by the reunited members of the Destroyers, and the second ten are 1970 originals. It's here the problem lies. To put it simply the 70's tracks are gold, and show the band at their peak, performing with an exuberance and raw energy the new tracks just do not possess. Tracks such as We Need A New World and Don't Worry, That Train Ain't Gonna Hit You are perfect examples of the bands excellent past works. When listening to them there is an immediate feeling of experiencing something special, the rough recordings relaying to the ears some punk rock at its very best. The originals have an authentic quality about them that unfortunately does not carry over. There seems to have been no progression in the bands music, and thus they have created what can only be described as a 'nostalgic release'. Basically, if you liked the Destroyers in the past you will like them now

Independent Reviewer: Mike Mutsaers
Mediasearch.com.au

Haiku Review from Regular Wiglar #29

answering the call
seventies punk pals unite
to destroy again

"NOW YOU KNOW" VIDEO

J.D. Jackson of The Destroyed
on Vocals and Guitar

Jamming out a new song in his
garage studio in California.

Internet-Only Video Release.
Check It Out: http://thedestroyed.com/jdj

Catch a sneak peek of THE DESTROYED - LULLABY VIDEO from upcoming DVD.

Bert Switzer - Drums
J.D. Jackson - Guitar / Vocals

Check Out: http://bertswitzer.com/videos/lullaby.htm

New Review from Impact:

The Destroyed • Outta Control • self-released • The opening to this release asks the question "is you with us, or is you against us?" If they were asking me I'd have to say I'm neither. 25 years after this punk band recorded tunes to cassette, is this collection of those very tracks kicked off with 10 new tracks to make it all worth the wait. What the reunion brings this time around is a mono-rock sound that comes off as if they're once again meeting up at the garage. It's worth pointing out that the three tracks Bert Switzer pounds the drums are well worth a listen. (JC)

New Review from All Music Guide

Twenty-four years after the Destroyed splintered, drummer Bert Switzer and guitarist vocalist J.D. Jackson key members of the original band reunited for the six song session that starts Outta Control. In doing so, they've managed to capture a raw, likable and at times sloppy feel on tracks like "Let's Go Electric," an incendiary proelectrocution rave up, and "Lullaby," which is anything but. "You think I'm A.D.D.," barks Jackson, coughing out Ramones like lyrics in a fashion aficionados of classic punk will have a hard time dismissing. If the gutteral, Stooges soundalike "London Town" is the best of these collaborations, Jackson's "Jail House Demo" of the same tune is certainly redundant. But Outta Control doesn't end there, as Switzer and guitarist Henry Kaiser contribute three instrumentals. Yet sadly, concoctions like "Punk Outlaw" and "Armed and Dangerous" lack any real structure, amounting to little more than practice room noodling. Although punk archivists will be pleased that Switzer has appended ten bonus tracks culled from Destroyed practice sessions dating back to '77, '78 and '79. These are very crude basement recordings likely recorded on a boom box that make extended listening difficult. But, in bite size pieces, powerful excerpts like "War Planes" and "Reactor" are out of sight.

~ John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide

NEW REVIEW

Horizontal Action
Issue # 13

The 1st half of this is a reunion of the singer and drummer of the DESTROYED, with the help of Henry Kaiser on a couple tracks. The 2nd half is old unreleased recordings from the late 70s of this 4-piece. These recordings have lots of great 60s-snot garage attie-toods, especially in the vocals while the reunion songs are raw and amateurish, with Bert Switzer drumming like he's in a loud 5-piece band instead of just him playing with a singer/guitarist. That's A-OK with me. I like it when drummers sound like they might lose their place at any moment, either through overexuberant drumfills or just plain ol
confusion. Anyone who knows me knows this. Bert Switzer is a great drummer. Better than Neal Peart. Better than you jerks who take lessons and practice daily. Better than I will be when I'm his age. So…here's whatcha do: break your foot at a SPITS show, good meds, and check out THE DESTROYED.

-Cozz McThrob

J.D. Jackson has written a fantastic new song called "Coming Home" and has videoed a new version of "Lullaby" that will be included in the new DVD "Bustin' Out." Also, Henry Kaiser is working on video footage for this DVD as well.

NEW SWITZER ON DRUMS VIDEOS....

Bert Switzer is working on some videos of his drumming that will be compiled into a limited edition DVD. Bill T Miller is shooting and editing the footage. Stay tuned for more info on the DVD release later this year.

In the meantime, see some quicktime video previews of the footage with Bert jamming live in his rehearsal studio that were shot Spring 2004. This is the first video of Bert Switzer in a quarter of a century.

Check out: http://bertswitzer.com/bertvideos/

Here's what reviewers are saying about Bert Switzer's drumming, soon to be seen on the new DVD Bustin' Out.

From Impact: ...well worth a listen.

From Horizonal Action – Issue #13 : …a great drummer.

From Rock Beat International (Issue #25, Summer 2004)---explosive drumming

From Independentmind.com (April, 2004): …still and impressively energetic and hard-hitting drummer.

From Soundnova.com: …the drumming is brutal…

From Demorama (April, 2004):…the drums exist not so much for strictly rhythmic purposes as they do for causing bruises on your brain.

From Scram #19: …Switzer's dense, meaty rhythms.

From Verbicide #11: Switzer's playing is always powerful

From splendidzine.com : [Switzer} remains as wild and manic as they come…he demolishes his drum set.

From The Big Takeover (Issue #52 – 2003): ….Boston drummer extraordinaire Bert Switzer.

From The alternative News (2-3-2003): Totally insane drummer.

From Ink 19 (3-18-03): Furious drumming.

From Razorcake (3-13-03): .a damned fine drummer

From punk planet (March-April, 2003):…A great Boston drummer…. amazing drumming

From Chaotic Order #16 (December, 2003): ….[Switzer has] obvious ability and inventiveness as a drummer.

Rock Beat International (Issue #24, Winter 2004): Switzer is a human dynamo…tirelessly unleashing a barrage of rapid-fire drum fills and cymbal crashes….manic drumming…

From punkhardcore.com: ….amazing drumming

From Roctober (Issue #37 – January, 2004): scrambling, ambitious drumming ….[Switzer is] a unique drummer.

From Reviewer Magazine (Issue #19, January-February 2004) ….Somebody should make a documentary on this guy.

From www.punk-information.com …. an impressive drummer.

From antimusic.com -…Bert Switzer, who plays drums like Keith Moon's octopus…insane drums (think John Bonham falling down a flight of stairs in rhythm)

From Rock Beat International – Issue #25 – Summer 2004

Outta Control
The Destroyed

The recent release of Bert Switzer 1977-2002 showcased archival material from The Destroyed, the Boston-based punk band with which Switzer played drums during the late seventies, and brought renewed attention to the band. Now two of the Destroyed's core members – Switzer and singer, songwriter, and guitarist J.D. Jackson (formerly known as Joe Rainbow) – have reunited to record new material as The Destroyed. (The third core member of the band, guitarist Tony Pavadore, is pursuing a solo career.)

Outta Control contains six new songs recorded by Switzer and Jackson during March 2003. This isn't merely an exercise in nostalgia – the new material shows that, in spite of the passage of time, the Destroyed still have a lot to offer. The songs have a fairly straightforward punk sound, featuring Jackson's singing backed by fuzzed-out guitar chords and Switzer's explosive drumming. "London Town," "1-2-3," and "Lullaby" are particular standouts.

Switzer also recently reunited with avant garde guitarist Henry Kaiser, with whom Switzer played in the band Monster Island during 1977. Outta Control contains two tracks, "Outta Control" and "Punk Outlaw," newly recorded by Switzer and Kaiser. Both of these tracks are fantastic, with Kaiser unleashing a barrage of unearthly shrieks and wails from his guitar overtop of Switzer frantic, manic drumming.

Outta Control also contains 10 archival tracks by The Destroyed, recorded from 1877079. With the exception of an alternate version of "Nothing Wrong with Tears," these do not repeat any of the songs that appeared on Bert Switzer 1977-2002. Songs such as "War Planes," "We Got It," and "Reactor" are sharp blasts of raw and abrasive punk. Definitely not for the fainthearted. "It's Love" is a surprisingly catchy and poppy number – some power pop band should cover this one. "Jump Bad" and "Don't Worry That Train Ain't Gonna Hit You" provide showcases for Tony Pavadore's considerable prowess on the guitar.

This album shows that, whether it's the original lineup from the late seventies or the newly reunited lineup, The Destroyed are a force to be reckoned with.

-Geoff Cabin

From HereandThere.net
Jun 2, 2004


Bert Switzer - Bert Switzer 1977-2002 (self released)


Boston's The Destroyed were and are punk legends and the backbone of this top notch outfit was drummer Bert Switzer. On this album,,Bert has put together the very best of his ass kicking drum playing for the past 25 years. Starting way back in his days with Monster Island in 1977,then his days in The Destroyed in the late 70's and finally what he has been doing in the past few years,this is a drummer's delight to listen to. I thought his take on Ozzy's "Crazy Train" was just insane and the weird trippy vibe with Monster Island just has to be heard to truly know just how talented Switzer is.
And at 19 tracks,you get your money's worth of a master at work.
My favorite tracks were the above-mentioned "Crazy Train" ,"686-6" and "Hoh".

Highly recommended for punk rock fans and drummers.

want to know more?
www.bertswitzer.com

We are delighted to announce Outta Control was chosen as #9 on the Top Twenty Albums for 2003 of Neufutur.com. Thanks!

From Neufutur. Com
Top Twenty Albums of 2003
20)Quasi – Hot Shit (Touch and Go)
19)Rocky Votolato – Suicide Medicine (Second Nature)
18)Drive Til Morning – Self/Titled (Deep Elm)
17)The Network – Money Money 2020 (Adeline)
16)Death On Wednesday – S6ngs to _____ to. (SideCho)
15)Mike Park – For the <3 of Music (Sub City)
14)Virus Nine – Blastin' Away (A-F)
13)Street Dogs – Savin Hill (Crosscheck)
12)The Offspring – Splinter (Universal)
11)Atom and His Package – Attention! Blah blah blah (Hopeless)
10)Desert City Soundtrack – Funeral Car (Deep Elm)
09)The Destroyed – Outta Control (Self-Released)
08)Thought Riot – Sketches of Undying Will (A-F)
07)Cruci-Fetus – Demo (Self-Released)
06)Rancid – Indestructible (Hellcat)
05)NoFX – The War on Error-ism (Fat Wreck)
04)The Charlestons – ? LP (Self-Released)
03)Brand New – Deja Entendu (Triple Crown)
02)Strike Anywhere – Exit English (Jade Tree)
01)Defiance, Ohio – Share What Ya Got (Self-Released)

Demorama Reviews for April 2004

The Destroyed: Outta Control
www.thedestroyed.com
bert@bertswitzer.com
I like me some grimy old punk rock stuff. Are the Destroyed grimy? Yes they are. Are they old? Half the tracks on this CD date from the heady days of 1977-1979, back when "hardcore" referred to porno and Richard Hell still had a music career. Are they punk rock? Indeed they are, albeit of the unstereotypical nebulous safety-pin-less garage rock/new wave/doom rock/general racket type. The old-school bonus tracks that make up the last half of the CD are definite highlights; if Demorama existed back in the Carter administration this stuff would get Top Honors faster than you could say "I don't need a cure, need a final solution." It's so Stoogey it ain't funny, but it ain't bad, either -- muddy '70s home-taping production notwithstanding, it's likeably sloppy and raunchy and almost incoherent, perfect for running around damaging public property with bicycle chains. But the first half of the CD is occupied by new material, and while the band's overall energy hasn't dissipated after a quarter century -- the guitars still sound like they can give you tetanus, and the drums exist not so much for strictly rhythmic purposes as they do for causing bruises on your brain....it's worth getting this CD for the cool-as-hell old stuff (and a couple new instrumentals that make the incidental "Space Ghost Coast to Coast" music beds sound like Muzak). Aging punks are still less embarrassing than 50-year-olds in every other genre, so give this one a shot.
(Nate Patrin)

Distorted reviews - 13/04/04
Sorted Magazine
Distorted
Ken McGrath

Bert Switzer - 1977-2002 (CD Baby)
Vomit, vomit, vomit, vomit, vomit, vomit, vomit, vomit. This is shit. No songs, no substance, nothing. It opens with what sounds like a drum kit in a washing machine trying to tune up, then Bert "Bastard" Switzer and a young companion proceed to murder "Crazy Train." This isn't music. Call it avant-garde if you want, but do it someplace far away from me or I will break your knees. Now fuck off and get a job. Stop wasting my time and let me tell the people about some proper bands.


Dear Ken,

This is my favorite negative review. I have posted it on my website (www.bertswitzer.com). To refer to me as Bert "Bastard" Switzer knocks me out. "Drum kit in a washing machine" is also killer.

Thanks for such a creative review.

Best wishes,


Bert Switzer

Review from Verbicide #11

Put this disc in the "News of the Weird" category. Ostensibly, Outta Control is the reunion effort of the 1970s Boston punk outfit, The Destroyed. Their claim to fame had more to do with being dragged off the stage by security at Boston's famed Rathskeller in '78, essentially for pissing off headliners, the J. Geils Band than it had to do with their music. Still, they made some pretty intense noise back in the day, as witnessed by the 10 "bonus tracks" of unreleased stuff. In fact, I think all their shit was unreleased. If memory serves, they broke up without ever having released even a single. It's not a bad sound. Certainly, the old stuff kicks the crap out of the new. Think Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers with a sledge-hammer drum track. Still, it's all very odd. The newly reincarnated version of the band has only two members: Bert Switzer on drums and J.D. Jackson (aka Joe Rainbow) on guitar. Switzer's playing is always powerful but occasionally strikingly ragged – like he took, oh, say, 20 years off or something?

Perhaps even weirder are the two new tunes featuring the great Henry Kaiser on guitars. It seems that he and Switzer had jammed together in a band called Monster Island in the mid-70s. Kaiser, a mainstay in the American avant-garde, has played with musicians as diverse as Herbie Hancock and Jerry Garcia. His improv here is absolutely stellar and for my money he is the finest work on the album. He and Switzer should do an entire record.

It's probably pretty obvious that I'm not sure what to make of The Destroyed. A recent review of Outta Control referred to them as the "great unknown Boston uber-punk band." Part of me really respects that. Greatness and obscurity are cardinal virtues in certain sets of circumstances. But, then, what is the sound of one hand clapping? If a tree falls in the woods, and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound? If no one knows who the hell these guys are, do they warrant a reunion album? I feel funny all of a sudden. Like maybe I'm achieving sartori. Or like maybe that cheeseburger I just ate is comin' back up on me.

-Mark Huddle

New Review from Scram #19
The Destroyed – Outta Control

After Boston punk/noise drummer Bert Switzer self-released his career survey Bert Switzer 1977-2002, former seventies bandmates J.D. Jackson and Henry Kaiser got in touch and separately joined Bert in the studio The stripped down Switzer/Jackson Destroyed offer six servings of instant punk, newly written and barely rehearsed expressions of old school angst delivered with a nasty leer. The Kaiser Switzer sessions are free jazz freakouts, Kaiser's limber, rubbery guitar twining around Switzer's dense, meaty rhythms. The package is filled out with a vintage 77-79 Destroyed practice tape, a raw document of their ugly Stoogey swagger.

New Review from Neus Subjex (#61)

THE DESTROYED "Outta Control"

This is a pretty cool release but yet one that a lot of people would dismiss because it dont fulfill current music standards. Outta Control is loose, mean and spirited. There's twenty tracks total here that serve as the reunion between JD Jackson and Bert Switzer who were in an old punk band called The Destoyed from around 1977-1979. The first six songs consist of newer work from Jackson and Switzer. Sounding like THE PAGANS or maybe even THE ELECTIC EELS at times. These tracks are minimal and full of angst. Sounds great. There's a couple outtakes like a demo from Jackson doing a solo-demo of a song that he and Switzer do earlier on the disc and a Bert Switzer drum solo that strikes me as odd as to its inclusion on the release. A drum solo? Who would have thunk it? Too weird even for me. I need more beer...The remaining ten songs are survived cassette recordings of the original Destoyed from "back in the day.." They sound rough. In fact, they are very impressive and sound even closer to THE ELECTRIC EELS than their newer stuff. Listening to "Ill Treatment" or "We Need a New World" I can definitely see a Cleveland influence shining through. I'm glad all this older stuff was on here cause even though the newer stuff is pretty cool, the older stuff made it all worth it.
-Shawn Abnoxious

New Review from splendidzine.com:

One of Boston's first punk bands, The Destroyed play tough cartoon violence ("Let's go electric / Let me set you on fire") for pure pleasure. Their passion will overwhelm you more than the songs themselves; Switzer's drumming, unheard for nearly two decades, remains as wild and manic as they come. On songs with JD Jackson, {Switzer} he demolishes his drum set according to each track's simply-structured melody, but the three noisy instrumentals with Henry Kaiser fly all over the place, reaching crazier musical dimensions than even the hilarious cheerleader chant that introduces "War Planes" ("Two four six eight, Who do we appreciate / The President!").

The group's primary setback [is] are poor sound quality. Many historical demos from the seventies, attached to the end of the disc, were recorded directly to boombox, but all of the songs have that vibe. It basically turns the band into B-grade Dictators, or an even sloppier Dim Stars, neither of which are bad things. Just follow the lead of smalltown punks and treat The Destroyed like an Elks Lodge band -- live, loud, and in front of drunks -- and party hard to them.

The Destroyed CD "Outta Control" is or has been played on the following radio stations:

Chart Action

WSFR - Boston, MA - charted in top ten
WMWC - Fredericks, VA - charted at #23
WYBC - New Havent, CT - charted at #18
KZMU - Moab, UT - charted at #24
KMBR - MIT - Cambridge, MA - charted at #22
WFMU - Hoboken, NJ - charted on Loud Rock chart at #6
WLCH - Wilkes-Barre, PA - charted at #14
WMFO - Medford, MA - charted at #8
WSCW - Worcester, MA - charted at #28
CFBX - Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada - charted at #25
KZSU - Palo Alto, CA - charted at #5

Airplay

WREK - Atlanta, GA
KPNT - St. Louis, MO
WTBU - Boston, MA
WNUR - Evanston, IL
WUWG - Carrollton, GA
CFBX - Kamlopps, British Columbia, Canada
KMSA - Grand Junction, CO
GU2 Radio - Surrey, United Kingdom
CHSR - Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
CKMS - Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
KAMP - Tucson, AZ
WEOS - Geneva, NY
WMSE - Milwaukee, WI
KSTM - Indianola, IA
WMCO - New Concord, OH
KFHS - Hays, KS
WECB - Boston, MA
WZLY - Wellesley, MA
WRGW - Washington, DC
WAUG - Rock Island, IL
CJLX - Belleville, Ontario, Canada
KDVS - Davis, CA
WCWM - Williamsburg, VA
KSMR - Winona, MN
WRMC - Middlebury, CT
WJCU - University Heights, OH
WKHS - Philadelphia, PA
WXPX - Worcester, MA
KUWS - Superior, WI
KAGA - Ephraim, UT
KMSC - Morehead, MN
KGNU - Boulder, CO
WRFL - University of Kentucky
CHMA - New Brunswick, Canada
CFUR - Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
CIUT - Toronto, Canada
NVWR - Reno, NV
WBRS - Waltham, MA
WCCH - Holyoke, MA
WNBY - Brookline, MA
WCDB - Albany, NY
WPSC - Wayne, NJ
WESU - Middleton, CT
WNUR - Evanston, IL
WGDR - Plainfield, VT
WARC - Meedville, PA
WHNU - West Haven, CT
WXIN - Providence, RI
WAHS - Auburn Hills, MI
WIVR - Bethelehm, MA
KCSN - Los Angeles, CA
WBSF - Clemson, SC
WMWC - Fredericksburg, VA
WVFS - Tallahassee, FL
KTEK - Socorra, NM
WBUQ - Bloomsburg, PA
WNDY - Crawfordsville, IN
KDNE - Crete, NE
WQKE - Platltsburgh, NY

Internet Radio
Deviation Station (Netherlands)
Rock Hell Radio (Rock Hill, SC)
Radiotakeover.com
Sub6Radio.com
ZHT 97.1 (Salt Lake City, UT)
One Way Productions Underground Radio
Z100 (New York City)

The Destroyed's CD, Outta Control, has been nominated for Album of the Year by Kweevak.com.

Outta Control just hit its highest position ever when it went to NUMBER FIVE at KZSU (Stanford) in Palo Alto. Thanks, guys!

HENRY KAISER and BERT SWITZER
"OUTTAKES" CD

This is a rare glimpse into hearing Kaiser's mind, fingers, and
heart at work on guitar and bass stretching out in several different
improv modes over top of Switzer's amazing outta control drumming.

Switzer was the drummer in Kaiser's band, Monster Island in 1977.

DOWNLOAD FREE MP3s of ALL TWELVE of the OUTTAKES
from this 2003 collaboration available as an INTERNET ONLY RELEASE.

http://bertswitzer.com/kaiser-switzer

Bert Switzer's new CD Single, entitled Bombs - Parts 1 and 2, is now available as a free MP3 Download. Check out: http://www.bertswitzer.com/mp3s/

Bombs - Part 1 was recorded on Bert's 55th birthday, December 27, 2003; and Bombs - Part 2 was recorded January 4, 2004. This CD is also available as a very limited edition CD. Email bert@bertswitzer.com for details.

Here are some excerpts of reviews of "Bert Switzer 1977-2002"

From Soundnova.com…the drumming is brutal, so are the guitars…

From muzika.bosnia.ba:…a remarkable piece of history

From Skyscraper Magazine (Issue 14): This band [The Destroyed] had enough energy to make almost anyone pay attention.

From Better Best column, Hartford Advocate (10/31/02): Most Welcome Best – Bert Switzer 1977-2002

From Careless Talk Saves Lives (July/August 2003… A little avant-garde but mostly with the bestial, early US punk band, The Destroyed. Raw and Nice.

From Readmagazine.com:….I'd recommend this album."

From www.nuvo.net:….Fueled by alcohol, rage, and a desire to destroy everything in their path, the Destroyed played sledgehammer punk…Old school punk at its finest….a rare find.

From The alternative News (2-3-2003):….A punker's dream…Boston punk in its earliest, rawest, most insane form….Totally insane drummer. The Destroyed were one of Boston's earliest and wildest punk bands to devastate the local scene…Power, insanity and noise….19 mind-shattering, ear-bleeding punk tunes….awesome release.

From The Big Takeover (Issue #52 – 2003): ….Boston drummer extraordinaire Bert Switzer.


From Ink 19 (3-18-03):….A powerful live energy….Furious drumming.

From Razorcake (3-13-03): ….(The Destroyed, who would have made a killing if only they had bothered to record single….a damned fine drummer


From kindamusik.com:….totally outstanding

From 100Punks.com (9-8-03):….this is a rare treat…street punk from the 70s. It's real; it's raw, and extremely engaging.

From Indieville.com (9-15-03): [The Destroyed] casually blend melodic hooks with explosive guitars and primitive noise….lots of good music…much to enjoy here.
80% rating – Matt Shimmer

From zeitgeist-scot.co.uk:…this CD…is firmly aimed at the punk is dead brigade who will foam…at the mouth when they hear the raw brutality of one of Boston's earliest and wildest punk bands, The Destroyed….Bertmania has swept the nation.

From Ugly Things (October 2003):….good thug rock

From Northeast Performer (July 2003):….An enviable body of work….The Destroyed, the great unknown Boston uberpunk band….extremely loud, compelling stuff
-Jesse Fisk Cravens

From Rocktober (Issue #35 – 2003):….an obscure, but impressive 70s band, The Destroyed, who…produced some unique, ambitious, raw, Rock-ish underground music.

From Scram (Issue #17, April 2003): Bert Switzer 1977-2002 opens with a skronk fest that will peel the paint off your shoes….insane stuff recorded by Boston's The Destroyed 1977-1979. Snot-nosed, Stoogy grunt.

From punk planet (March-April, 2003):…A great Boston drummer….This CD showcases Switzer's amazing drumming and makes some rare Destroyed recordings available (including some fantastic live tracks).

From Reviewer Magazine (Issue #17 – Fall, 2003):…brilliant, obscure Boston punks The Destroyed….highly recommended.
-ES

From Chaotic Order #16 (December, 2003): Thoroughly absorbing collection….[Switzer has] obvious ability and inventiveness as a drummer…[The Destroyed has] a raw and exciting sound.

Rock Beat International (Issue #24, Winter 2004):….savage punk…Switzer is a human dynamo…tirelessly unleashing a barrage of rapid-fire drum fills and cymbal crashes….manic drumming….a savage onslaught of powerhouse and feedback-infested guitar…a 1985 jam session…of Crazy Train...is totally amazing.
-Geoff Cabin

Excerpts of Reviews of "Outta Control"

From Mediasearch.com.au (Australia) - Reviewer's comments on The Destroyed
70s Tracks - a genuine classic… excellent guitar riffs… the 70's tracks are gold… We Need A New World and Don't Worry, That Train Ain't Gonna Hit You are perfect examples of the bands excellent past works. When listening to them there is an immediate feeling of experiencing something special.


From All Music Guide: …raw, likable….powerful excerpts like "War Planes" and "Reactor" are out of sight.

From Horizonal Action (Issue #13): ...great 60s snot garage....check out THE DESTROYED

From Rock Beat International (Issue #25, Summer 2004): Outta Control and Punk Outlaw {are}…fantastic…. This album shows that, whether it's the original lineup from the late seventies or the newly reunited lineup, The Destroyed are a force to be reckoned with…explosive drumming.


From Neus Subject (#61): Outta Control is loose, mean and spirited....sounds great...very impressive.

From Demorama Review (April 2004) - it's likeably sloppy and raunchy and almost incoherent, perfect for running around damaging public property with bicycle chains...the band's overall energy hasn't dissipated after a quarter century...the drums exist not so much for strictly rhythmic purposes as they do for causing bruises on your brain...give this one a shot...Top Honors

From Neus Subjex (#61): loose, mean, and spirited...minimal and full of angst. Sounds great...very impressive.

From splendidzine.com: The Destroyed play tough cartoon violence.

From frigidember.com: …raw as it gets, 70s style punk rock. With just guitar and drums on most tracks, this CD puts current acts like the White Stripes to shame…These songs are poorly recorded, noisy, sloppy, and damn good…the Destroyed prove that they have not lost their original spirit.

From antimusic.com: Old, Loud and Snotty…essential listening for anyone who cares about punk rock…2 songs feature Switzer with avant guitar terrorist Henry Kaiser…sting like killer bees…reckless abandon [and] focused anger that mostly escapes the grasp of what passes for punk in the 21st Century…Buzz saw guitars and insane drums abound, coupled with Jackson's eternally teenage voice
Rating: 4 out of 5


Performer Magazine:….just as vital and intelligent as anything that came out of, amen, the seventies….Bert and company have done it again. Outta Control is just as loud, insane, and wholly satisfying to the rock connoisseur as his last compilation.

From The alternative News: Bert Switzer and the Destroyed have done it again with another great, true punk release. …If you are a fan of true, original punk rock from a time when punk had balls and meaning, you'll love Outta Control….Awesome guitar work, great lyrics, and Bert's usual insanity on drums. Great work, guys. I'd have to give this one an 8.75.

From www.serge.com: New music that makes you want to throw a brick at the House of Parliament. Rowdy, raw and laden with f**k you attitude, this music is what punk really was by guys who really did it.

From dfbpunk.com: The utter rawness of these tracks is definitely part of their charm….damn rowdy and fun.

From punkhardcore.com: For three years in the late seventies, Boston's The Destroyed tore up the mean streets of the East Coast playing a raw brand of punk rock that went unrivalled….Great old punk rock…Behind the wall of noise is such amazing drumming that it's just as strong as Jackson's lyrics which are just as impressive in their own respect….There is a reason why some claim this band to be the American Sex Pistols. Outta Control is a breath of fresh air.

From kindamusik.com: Between 1977 and 1979, The Destroyed threatened the East Coast of the United States….The Destroyed…have a legendary status….Outstandingly good….Excellent raw songs.

From neufuter.com: Rating: 8.6/10. The Destroyed play a splashy type of punk rock that has not been really seen since the late 70s….Killer disc… Everything sounds so fucking good….The Destroyed haven't slowed down much in their old age.

From Reviewer Magazine: ….Wild, flailing, and utterly devoid of pretension…this is the riveting and raw real deal….Just when you think it's safe to say punk is dead Bert jumps out from the woodwork to say: "not as long as I'm still fucking breathing." Truly inspiring. Somebody should make a documentary on this guy.

From www.bulletproofpopemobile.com: Classic punk sound….highly recommended.

From Roctober (Issue #37 – January, 2004): ….ragged and raw…impressive….Minimal, ugly guitar mixed with scrambling, ambitious drumming and flat, disaffected yet audibly disgusted vocals is a winning combination…. [Switzer is} a unique drummer.

From Sound-riot.com….Along with 10 new songs, the album [Outta Control] also contains 10 previously unreleased songs by The Destroyed from the 70s. They're very raw, but in this case raw is good.…you will definitely love the raw drum beats and guitar riffs that this reunion CD has to offer.

From Shredding Paper (Issue #17)….good anti-music….timeless.

From punk-information.com…. This material, old and new, reeks of the proto-punk rock 'n' roll thunder of Iggy and the Stooges or Rocket From the Tombs—music that was raw, real, and way ahead of its time. The archival stuff on this package is aces, but the big surprise is the new material…I'll be damned if 7 of the 10 new songs on "Outta Control" aren't winners.

A review from webzinenameless.net

Albummars 2004

Sans doute que les archivistes et autres dénicheurs infatigables de perles obscures connaissent The Destroyed, pratiquant alors un excellent rock'n'roll brut et qui ont splitté en 1979. Que ceux-ci m'excusent mais je n'en suis pas, je m'incline donc. Mais je suis ravi de découvrir ce groupe punk garage sans avenir mais qui a bien un passé au vu de cet mini compilation reprennant des titres parus entre 1977 et 1979. The Destroyed semble être surtout l'affaire de deux types, Bert Switzer et JD Jackson, que les années n'ont pas assagis quand on écoute les dix nouveaux titres proposés en début de disque. Leur son de l'époque est sale et minimaliste, le groupe devant sans doute opérer dans l'urgence. On pense alors rapidement aux Dead Boys et aux Stooges. Ce qui a de vraiment frappant c'est que les titres récents bénéficient d'une production à peine plus léchée et on sent le groupe têtu et attaché à une empreinte bien définie. La reformation de ce groupe de Boston est la plus surprenante et terrible qui soit...

Translation (sort of)
+ Site web : http://www.thedestroyed.com
Without doubt that the archivists and other untiring dénicheurs of obscure pearls know The Destroyed, practising excellent a rock' then roll gross and who splitté in 1979. That those excuse me but I am not, I thus incline myself. But I am delighted to discover this punk group garage without future but which has well a reprennant past within sight of this mini compilation of the titles published between 1977 and 1979. The Destroyed seems to be especially the business of two types, Bert Switzer and JD Jackson, that the years do not have assagis when one listens to the ten new titles proposed at the beginning of disc. Their sound of the time is dirty and minimalist, the group undoubtedly having to operate in the urgency. One thinks then quickly of Dead Boys and Stooges. What really has striking it is that the recent titles profit from a production more licked hardly and one feels the group obstinate and attached to a well defined print. The reformation of this group of Boston is more surprising and terrible which is... + Web site: http://www.thedestroyed.com

A review from: www.wilrecords.com

The Destroyed "outta control"

Les 10 dernières chansons sont les plus intéressantes. Un live complètement destroy et rock'n'roll enregistré entre 1977 et 1979 qui nous plonge dans des ambiances à la Iggy Pop and the Stooges. Un véritable document qui fout la chair de poule. Les 10 premières chansons sont des choses plus récentes très binaires avec un petit son sauf que les mecs ils sont encore en 77… La batterie est bien classe car souvent en contre temps ce qui donne un côté bien destroy ! Une véritable curiosité et un bon moment de pure rock'n'roll décadent ! (Chris) Contact : bert@bertswitzer.com
GENRE : Punk Rock


Translation (sort of)

The 10 last songs are the most interesting ones. A live completely destroy and rock'n'recorded roll between 1977 and 1979 that we dive in moods to the Pop Iggy and the Stooges. A true document that screws hen flesh. The 10 first songs are very binary more recent things with a small sound except than the guys they are again in 77… The battery is well classifies for often in against times this that gives a side well destroy! A true curiosity and a good moment of rock pure one'n'decadent roll!

The Destroyed
Outta Control
(self released)

Band Site: www.thedestroyed.com

This CD marks the reunion of Bert Switzer (drummer), and J.D Jackson (guitar/vocals), members of the the Destroyed, who broke up in 1979. The result is10 brand new, raw as it gets, 70s style punk rock. With just guitar and drums on most tracks, this CD puts current acts like the White Stripes to shame. Together, Jackson and the 55-year-old Switzer embody what punk is (or was) all about. These songs are poorly recorded, noisy, sloppy, and damn good. "Outta Control" also includes 10 bonus tracks, all recorded by the Destroyed from 1977 to 1979. This makes it easy to compare the two sets of songs, and the Destroyed prove that they have not lost their original spirit.

http://www.frigidember.com

.A New Review from www.antimusic.com



The Destroyed
By Tim Byrnes



Old, Loud and Snotty

The Destroyed were part of punk rock's first wave, bringing anarchy to the USA by way of Boston in those heady days of 77-79. Unfortunately, they never recorded anything then, except live cassette tapes, portions of which can be found on this CD and are essential listening for anyone who cares about punk rock. Original members Bert Switzer, who plays drums like Keith Moon's octopus and J.D. Jackson (formerly Joe Rainbow), who adds guitar duties to his singer/songwriter gig herein, have returned with a passel of new and old material that's at once a postcard from the past and a portent of the future possibilities of punk rock.

Legend has it that the Destroyed were banned from the Rathskeller, Boston's answer to CBGB, that they rehearsed on stage and that their one claim to fame was an opening slot for the J. Geils Band (shudder) in, I believe, 1978, where they were bottled by the audience and had the plug pulled on them when they refused to leave the stage after their allotted time. Drums not being electric, Switzer commenced to play, in his words, "...a wild drum solo" and the band was ultimately taken offstage by Security. Listening to this CD, I believe every word of the legend. Old school in the best sense, ˜Outa Control' is a breath of fresh air in these days of ˜punk is dead'. Punk isn't dead, it's just aging disgracefully and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The CD features 6 new songs from Switzer and Jackson, played with one guitar and drums, like the White Stripes without the artifice. 2 songs feature Switzer with avant guitar terrorist Henry Kaiser, with whom Switzer played in Monster Island, back in ‘77. These tunes, "Punk Outlaw" and "Outa Control", sting like killer bees in ripped t-shirts and safety pins. The aforementioned live cassette recordings (featuring Switzer, Jackson on vocals alone, original guitarist Tony Pavadore, now a solo artist, and that most famous of bass players Ever Revolving) round out the set with the kind of reckless abandon, focused anger and purity of purpose that mostly escapes the grasp of what passes for punk in the 21st Century.

This is not to undermine the power of the new stuff. Switzer, 54 and Jackson, 48, have come up with a winner here. This isn't some filthy lucre reunion based on cynicism or a failed attempt to recapture past glory. This is essentially a debut record from a band that has lived it, unrecompensed, for 25 years. Buzz saw guitars and insane drums (think John Bonham falling down a flight of stairs in rhythm) abound, coupled with Jackson's eternally teenage voice (think early Iggy or Johnny Thunders) which sing simple, direct lyrics that speak to an alienation that knows no age. The martial feel of "London Town" with the memorable line ˜Is you with us or is you against us" is complemented by the shaky voiced, 2 chord ballad "Lullaby", which harkens back to the 1st Stooges record in a way the ˜reformed' Iggy Pop and the Stooges have become too big to touch.

This CD has gone a long way in restoring my faith in the beauty and power inherent in DIY punk and makes me realize that age is just a number (mine's 48) and has nothing to do with one's ability to rock. Go to CD Baby and buy this CD and then tell me punk is dead! I'm going to email the guys a copy of this review and see if they need a guitar player for the tour I hope they're going to do.

Rating: 4 out of 5

From Punk Planet (Issue #60) – March- April 2004

The new tracks from Boston's short-lived punk pioneers, The Destroyed, have the guttural drive that made raucous nights in sweaty clubs the stuff of punk legend. Even better are the previously unreleased bonus tracks from 77-79. Their primal sound and buoyancy can't be recreated.
-C.C.

New Review from Shredding Paper – Issue #17 (www.shreddingradio.com) -
A reunion of two members of The Destroyed (Bert Switzer and J.D. Jackson), extant from 1977-79. They do six new songs and include ten unreleased vintage tracks. Avant-guitar artist Henry Kaiser guests on two songs. Among the new stuff, "Let's Go Electric," and "One, Two, Three" have a minimalist tint with tuneless vocals. The songs with Kaiser are Zappa-esque noise guitar with crazy drums. The old stuff is crude, basement muck with distorted vocals, and it holds up well. "Warplanes," "We Need a New World," and the horribly recorded "Jump Bad," are proof that good anti-music takes many forms, yet remains timeless.
-Anthony

New Review from www.punk-information.com


This CD begins with the strike of a single guitar chord and a question: "Is you with us, or is you against us?" It only took me a matter of seconds to answer: I is with you, fellas. The Destroyed were a Killed By Death-era punk band from Massachusetts who, like many of their peers, didn't stick around very long. According to the liner notes for this CD, the Destroyed's shelf life lasted all of two years, from 1977-1979. Thankfully, the band had enough sense to hit "record" on the practice room tape deck some 25+ years ago and document the noise they were making. "Outta Control" is a follow-up release to a Destroyed retrospective compiled by drummer Bert Switzer entitled "Bert Switzer: 1977-2002." It includes ten unreleased cassette tape recordings of the Destroyed from the 70s, and reunites Switzer with Destroyed guitarist J.D. Jackson and one time bandmate, Henry Kaiser, for some new collaborations. I'd never heard of the Destroyed prior to this release, and that's a damn shame. This material, old and new, reeks of the proto-punk rock 'n' roll thunder of Iggy and the Stooges or Rocket From the Tombs—music that was raw, real, and way ahead of its time. The archival stuff on this package is aces, but the big surprise is the new material, which ain't too shabby at all. Let the record state that I'm "Mr. Skeptic" when it comes to band reunions, but I'll be damned if 7 of the 10 new songs on "Outta Control" aren't winners. Switzer and Jackson's new tunes are sludgy, four-chord arrangements peppered with mid-70s punk influences that rely on a healthy guitar buzz, fill-oriented drumming, and nasally vocals heavy on the 'tude to get the job done. And they succeed. I'm less enthusiastic, however, about the two cuts on which Switzer reunites with guitar god Henry Kaiser, with whom Switzer played in another outfit, Monster Island, in 1977. Unfortunately, both Switzer/Kaiser tracks descend into the sort of self-indulgent wankery that interested me 15 years ago, when flawlessly executing hot-shit guitar licks meant something to my bright-eyed, guitar-totin' pals and me. Now, this feeling-up of the fretboard exercise bores me to tears. The drum solo that rounds out the new tracks is ill-advised and marks a lull in the disc's energy level as it nears its halfway point. While Switzer is an impressive drummer, I prefer to appreciate good musicianship in the context of good songs. Point me in the direction of top quality, raunchy rock 'n' roll the likes of which appears on the ensuing cassette tape recordings! Give me more primo, tape hiss-laden, gritty, mid-tempo punkers! Fans of 70s punk take note: "Outta Control" is worth the search.

The Destroyed
Outta Control
One Way Productions

New Review from http://www.sound-riot.com/reviews/index.html


Let's face it – punk rock as we know it has changed a lot since the 70s when The Destroyed first came together as a band. 25 years after their break-up in 1979, The Destroyed reunited to release a new CD Outta Control. Along with 10 new songs, the album also contains 10 previously unreleased songs by The Destroyed from the 70s. They're very raw, but in this case raw is good, because it's a flashback to a time that most of us weren't even born in, to see the roots of the "punk rock" out there today. For those of you who aren't fans of the "old school" punk rock or aren't familiar with it, I wouldn't recommend this as a first album for you, because you definitely need to be used to the sounds of the time before you can appreciate them. If you are familiar with those sounds and love them, you will definitely love the raw drum beats and guitar riffs that this reunion CD has to offer.

The Destroyed will be recording a new CD. J.D. Jackson is writing songs for the next Destroyed album which will be recorded in September. Some of the demos will be posted on www.bertswitzer.com shortly.

The Destroyed are looking for an engineer and a studio in Boston to do the recording. Contact bert@bertswitzer.com if you're interested.

From Roctober, Issue #37, January 2004
www.roctober.com

"Outta Control"
The Destroyed

On the heels of The Destroyed/Bert Switzer retrospective CD from last year we now get this disc with 10 tracks of raw, absurd, somewhat experimental puink from 1977-79 and ten new tracks featuring Switzer (a unique drummer) playing with the original Destroyed vocalist J.D. Jackson and on several tracks with experimental guitarist Henry Kaiser. The new tracks are as ragged and raw as the stuff culled from a 25-year-old cassette, which is impressive. Minimal, ugly guitar mixed with scrambling ambitious drumming and flat, disaffected yet audibly disgusted vocals is a winning combination. Noisy music fans will appreciate the Kaiser tracks as they have HK getting really classic Rock-like in his solos, but with a twisted twist, and Switzer Bonzo-ing it up behind him. Bonus: Switzer is wearing White Sox fan on the cover, perhaps to piss off Red Sox fans, perhaps because he heard that Magglio Ordonez is an excellent drummer.

A New Review from www.bulletproofpopemobile.com

Outta Control
The Destroyed

Classic punk sound, new tunes, and a sweet reunion of this band after 25 years have passed. All I can say is that this is punk rock - raw, lo-fi, and good music. See what the MA punk scene knew about, and you probably didn't. Even more, there are bonus tracks on here from The Destroyed from 1977 to 1979. This should be in any true punker's collection. Fans of early Husker Du might like this as well. Highly recommended.

First, J.D. Jackson and Bert Switzer reformed The Destroyed and recorded "Outta Control." Now J.D. Jackson will reunite with original Destroyed guitarist and songwriting partner Tony Pavadore on an original song. Stay tuned.

Here's a review we just got from Bog-Gob Magazine.

Bert Switzer
1977 - 2002
(self released)
Switzer himself describes this CD as his "best musical performances with all the musicians and bands I have played with over the last 25 years." He has worked with renowned avant garde guitarist Henry Kaiser under the moniker of Monster Island as well as being a member of early punk pioneers The Destroyed with a few odd recordings in between. The Destroyed tracks are
my personal favorites with "Power" being my favorite of the bunch. Any time you put together 25 years of work there's bound to be a few moments that, let's just say, wear a little thin. The 10:39 cover of Ozzy's "Crazy Train" comes to mind here, but I enjoyed the majority of the compilation and you will too.
-Richard Oliver,
"Bog-Gob" magazine

"Outta Control" is currently being featured at www.clickspin.com (right at the top of the page). Check it out!

Bert Switzer and J.D. Jackson will be doing an interview with www.neufutur.com soon. We'll post it here when it's available.

From Reviewer Magazine
Issue #19, January-February 2004
www.reviewermagazine.com

The Destroyed
"Outta Control"

More bedroom, punk-rock madness from Bert Switzer and Co. Effectively the reunion of Bert's 70's punk band, The Destroyed. Wild, flailing and utterly devoid of pretension (or production, for that matter), this is the riveting and raw real deal. In addition to the new songs Bert and J.D. have created together there are several more vintage Destroyed tracks included here. The infamous Henry Kaiser makes another appearance on two tracks as well. Just when you think it's safe to say punk is dead Bert jumps up from out of the woodwork to say: "not as long as I'm still fucking breathing." Truly inspiring. Somebody should make a documentary on this guy.
-ES

"The songs are mid-paced, cacophonous and chock full of attitude... the utter rawness of these tracks is definitely part of their charm....damn rowdy and fun."

From www.dfbpunk.com

....if you like punk drumming, this would be the CD for you.

From: www.dimestoreproductions.com

Here's a new review of Bert Switzer 1977-2002 from issue #24 of Rockbeat International.

This CD documents the musical history of Boston-based drummer Bert Switzer, through the varioius bands and solo projects in which he has been involved. The music on the disc ranges from avant garde jazz fusion to savage punk. Whatever the musical context, Switzer is a human dynamo who keeps the beat while tirelessly unleashing a barrage of rapid-fire drum fills and cymbal crashes.

The earliest two tracks on the disc date from 1977 and capture Switzer with the band Monster Island, which also featured guitarist Henry Kaiser. On these tracks, Switzer's manic drumming provides a rhythmic foundation for Kaiser's guitar explorations, which combine elements of jazz fusion and avant garde noise.

Following Kaiser's departure from Boston, Switzer joined a punk band called the Destroyed. The band also included singer Joe Rainbow, guitarist Tony Pavadore, and a number of different bass players. The bulk of the CD is comprised of recordings of the Destroyed from 1977 to 1979. These tracks feature Rainbow's booming voice backed by a savage onslaught of powerhouse drumming and feedback-infested guitar. Songs such as "686-6," Power," "and "The Ocean" have a bluesy, garage-rock feeling, and are actually quite catchy beneath all of the cacophony.

The Destroyed broke up in August 1979, and Switzer retired from public performance. However, he continued to rehearse and participate in some jam sessions. The disc contains a recording from a 1985 jam session that features Switzer and a 13-year-old guitar player named Bobby Powers performing Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." This is totally amazing! Powers matches Switzer's drum pyrotechnics with a barrage of rapid-fire picking and screeching feedback.

In 1993, Switzer gave up the drums altogether. He began playing again in 2001, however, and the CD is rounded out by a couple of new tracks recorded in 2002. The tracks show that Switzer hasn't lost any of his prowess on the drums. They also show that he hasn't mellowed any. "Outside Reality" features Switzer doing his thing on the drums while guitarist Bill T. Miller cranks out some screeching feedback. "Out of the Straight Jacket" features Switzer alone at the drum kit.

Following Bert Switzer through his musiclal history on this disc proves to be quite an interesting history.

-Geoff Cabin

Fans of The Destroyed who especially like Bert Switzer's drumming will be happy to hear that some all-new drum tracks will soon be appearing at www.bertswitzer.com/mp3s/ as MP3s. Enjoy!

From Northeast Performer – January 2004
www.performermag.com

The Destroyed
Outta Control

Phone surveys are always a damned inconvenience. Doubly so if they concern things you know nothing about, like arthritis. Triply so if the Advanced Telephonic Surveying Device (ATSD) decides to war dial your number while you're trying to review the Destroyed's new album Outta Control. However, in times like these, one cannot help but be moral about even the most inane telephone conversations. So, against my better judgment and despite my duty to Northeast Performer Magazine, I put down my pen and paper, gritted my teeth and answered about three billion questions that will, no doubt, be used to determine Federal Arthritis Policy (FAP) for the next three decades. I did crank Outta Control, though, and I'll be damned if the Advanced Telephonic Surveying Technician (ATSD-TEK) didn't compliment me on my taste.

And who could blame him? As the ATSD-TEK put it, in his own inimitable hothouse phone operator drawl, "It hain't every day you hear such tunes." I quote further, "Tunes like that make a man think there's a musical future in this here land of ours." I couldn't agree more. Why, just knowing there are people out there than can lay down true rock 'n' rock grit that's just as vital and intelligent as anything that came out of, ahem, the seventies is enough to put a smile on my face. Put a compact disc of self-same true rock 'n' roll grit in my hands, and you've just about made my day. Do so twice in one year and, well, you're Bert Switzer. That's right, folks, Bert and Company have done it again. Outta Control is just as loud, insane and wholly satisfying to the rock connoisseur as his last compilation, and, what's more, it's mostly new stuff. So rush out and buy it today, dear reader, lest you be caught with nothing to offer when ATSD comes calling 'bout the FAP. (self-released)

-Jesse Fisk Cravens

Review from www.PunkHardcore.com

The Destroyed - Outta Control (Self-Released)
By Lance Conzett

For three years in the late 70s, Boston's The Destroyed tore up the mean streets of the east coast, playing a raw brand of punk rock that went unrivaled. Drawing their sound from fellow American Punk bands like Dead Kennedys, The Destroyed reached acclaim from fans and critics alike until they broke up in 1979. For more than 20 years, the members of The Destroyed went their separate ways only to meet back in the same place in 2003.

Bert Switzer (55) and J.D. Jackson (48) reunited to record 7 tracks once again as The Destroyed, bringing the old sounds of punk back into the modern age, with Outta Control. The band has no concern for anything but bringing out the most honest possible, no pro-tooling their music into something that it's not, not attempting to jump through hoops just to make people like them. All that they do is play some great old punk rock. But, over all, the clear focus of this album is Switzer's drumming. Behind the wall of noise is such amazing drumming that it's just as strong as Jackson's lyrics which are just as impressive in their own respect. "No Cruel Mishaps" is an excellent example of how the two work together as if they'd never split in 1979. The one problem with this album is that there's no bass in the band, which leaves the bottom of the end of the sound to be desired—not that you could tell very often.

To go along with the 7 new songs, there are two featuring, esteemed solo guitarist, Henry Kaiser, a drum solo from Switzer and ten never before released live tracks straight from the late 70s. This album is like a trip back in time when punk had meaning to it more than the disaffected youth give it today. There's a reason why some claim this band to be the American Sex Pistols. Outta Control is a breath of fresh air from a band that was once thought lost forever.

Band Site: The Destroyed

Here's our latest review from Chaotic Order #16
December 2003

Bert Switzer 1977-2002

Thoroughly absorbing collection of cuts from the past 25 years by this Boston-based drummer whose work includes collaborations with improv. guitarist Henry Kaiser, Bobby Powers, and Bill T Miller and playing for both Monster Island and, in the late '70s, punk group, The Destroyed. Because the 18 tracks are all culled from performances, the sound quality wavers toward the rough at times, but nothing here detracts from Switzer's obvious ability and inventiveness as a drummer.

The very last time Switzer performed live was with The Destroyed in 1979, and thirteen of their songs are included here to capture a very obviously raw & exciting sound that unfortunately never got committed to vinyl. Before working with that group, he was involved with Kaiser's Monster Island, whose two selections proffer something virtually pre-empting New York's No Wave scene to wonderful effect.

Between his last concert in 1979 and packing away his drums in 1993, Switzer simply played & recorded himself or jammed at home before then. 8 years later, feeling compelled to dust off his kit and continue with some business unfinished and undoubtedly warranting further attention.

As such, it'd be good to see what else unfolds. In a world of increasing sterility and tedious slop attempting to pass itself off as being interesting, I for one could use more of Switzer's work right now (RJ).

Bert@bertswitzer.com

Bert Switzer will turn 55 on Saturday, December 27. He just wants you to know he plans on playing drums until he's 100, maybe more!

Happy Holidays from The Destroyed to all of our fans!

Bill T Miller, of Headroom Studios in Boston, MA, will be shooting new video footage of Bert Switzer playing the drums that will be available on the website (www.bertswitzer.com) early in 2004.

J.D.Jackson, singer, guitar player, and songwriter for The Destroyed has written 3 new songs for the band: You Don't Like Me, Kangaroo, and Devil Rules the World.

Here's our latest review from www.serge.org

The Destroyed - Outta Control
Bert Switzer and J.D. Jackson know you're never to old to rock. Original members of this late 70's punk act reformed after nearly a quarter of a century and came up with new music that makes you want to throw a brick at the House of Parliament. Rowdy, raw and laden with f**k you attitude, this music is what punk really was by guys who really did it, not the poser music we hear too much these days. If that's not enough for you, the CD also has ten songs from their early days as a bonus.

URL: http://www.thedestroyed.com
E-mail: bert@bertswitzer.com

We were pleased to find outselves on the November 11, 2003 playlist of WUWG's Appalachian Trail Vaguely Folk Music Show (State University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia, USA).

The host, Steve Sedberry, had this comment: "I liked this drum solo by Bert Switzer but I usually don't like drums accompanying folk style songs. A creative drum solo can be very interesting, though."

Thanks, Steve!

Tons of FREE MP3 DOWNLOADS from both CDs have been added to the site.
Check out: http://bertswitzer.com/mp3s

THE DESTROYED | OUTTA CONTROL
CD, eigen beheer
Tussen 1977 en 1979 maakte de punkband The Destroyed de oostkust van de Verenigde Staten onveilig. Zoals zoveel punkbandjes dat in die tijd deden. En ach, The Destroyed hebben inderdaad een legendarische status. Drummer Bert Switzers trommelde onlangs oud-gitaristen Joe Rainbow en Henry Kaiser op en nam een tiental nieuwe nummers met ze op. Het eerste gedeelte van Outta Control is het matige resultaat vol gedateerde, fantasieloze punkrock.
De bonustracks van oud The Destroyed materiaal klinkt echter behoorlijk goed. Het laat een band horen die aan de ene kant wil klinken als de Amerikaanse Sex Pistols maar aan de andere kant uitstekende ruige liedjes spelen in de stijl van de oude Kinks en Stooges. Luister maar eens naar 'Reactor' (uitermate cool) en het new wave achtige 'Jump Bad'. Switzers had het beter bij een heruitgave kunnen laten.
tekst: Theo Ploeg
Bezoek The Destroyed's website

From: www.kindamusik.net


Here's a translation of the above:

Between 1977 and 1979, the punk band The Destroyed threatened the east coast of the United States, as did many punk bands during this time. And yes, The Destroyed actually have a legendary status. Drummer Bert Switzer recently drummed up his old guitarist, Joe Rainbow, and Henry Kaiser to record ten new numbers with him. The first piece from Outta Control is a huge success, full of early fantasy punk rock. The extra tracks from the older Destroyed material actually sound outstandingly good. Listening to the band, on the one side intending to sound like the American Sex Pistols but on the other side are excellent raw songs played in the style of the early Kinks and Stooges. Listen once to "Reactor" (tremendously cool) and the new wave attention of "Jump Bad." Switzer has had the best comeback one can have.

KCMU in Moab, Utah recently played 48 minutes of music from The Destroyed. We can't thank them enough.

Here's a new review from our friend Branimir Bane Lokner in Serbia & Montenegro


Branimir Bane Lokner
Recenzije rock / indie, garage, punk, HC, rock'n'roll,
industrial, electro, world music... izdanja

http://bosnia.ba/muzika/Bane/bane_other020.php3

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BERT SWITZER
"1977- 2002"
(Self-released - 2002.) CD
Punk/noise - USA


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U ovom delu Evrope manje je poznato delovanje onoga što se sa druge strane Atlantika naziva američkim punkom 70-tih godina. Termin punk na tamošnjoj teritoriji nastao je nekoliko godina ranije, i na ondašnjem tržištu kao "epitet" etablirao se par godina pre no što su Britanci počeli da ga usvajaju na jedan, u žanrovskom smislu, drugačiji način. Američki punk, pre svega u muzičkom smislu, kroz sebe vuće elemente garažnog rocka, noisea, sirovog rocka, i naravno, u određenoj meri i onakvog punka kakvog ga znamo iz perioda ostrvske priče.

Bert Switzer je bio bubnjar tamošnjeg respektabilnog sastava - The Destroyed, koji je delovao tokom druge polovine 70-tih godina. Grupa je ostavila traga u tamošnjem undergroundu, a kritika onog perioda govorila je da su u Bostonu predstavljali "najdivljiji" sastav na tadašnjoj lokalnoj punk sceni.

Bert Switzerova karijera nije bila vezana samo za bend The Destroyed. Tokom 80-tih radio je razne sejšne, koji nisu imali nekog jačeg odjeka. Posle dugogodišnje pauze, decembra 2001. godine, ponovo počinje da svira bubnjeve i snima dve nove pesme, koje su se našle na ovom kompilacijskom i retrospektivnom izdanju.

"1977-2002" predstavlja intersantan retrospektivni presek, koji je, što se ponuđenog materijala tiće, najviše orijentisan ka periodu delovanja u sastavu The Destroyed. U svakom slučaju, izdanje predstavlja fini komad istorije, sa
pokušajima sagledavanja i nekih budućih koraka.



Ocena: 8 / 10

www.bertswitzer.com
www.thedestroyed.com
email: bert@bertswitzer.com

Branimir Lokner
Bežanijska 33, 11080 Zemun
Serbia & Montenegro
e-mail: lokbis@eunet.yu


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Here's a sort of translation of the above:

BERT SWITZER
" 1977-2002 "
( Self-released )

In this part of Europe less known is existence of genre, which on the other side of Atlantic, critics call - American punk of 70-is.The term punk on their terithory has been established few years before, and British captured word in little different meaning.American punk in musical direction consists of elements of garage rock, noise, rough rock, and also in some per cent punk which exist in British way.

Bert Switzer has been drummer of respectable outfit - The Destroyed, and mention band works during the second half of 70-is.The group took trace in American underground, and critics from that era wrote that Destroyed,were one of the wildest acts on scene.Bert Switzer caraerre, wasn't orientired in one way,during the 80-is, he create himself as a session musician, but unfortunatlly, without remarkable results.After the period of hibernation, in December of 2001, he started to play drums again, and briefly record two new songs, which existence can see on this album. "1977-2002" is interesting retrospective issue, which generally direction mostly looks on period with The Destroyed.
This is a remarkable piece of history, with some possible futuristic steps.

Here's a review of our first album from Reviewer Magazine:

Bert Switzer 1977-2002 An eclectic compilation of
recordings that include the drumming talents of Bert
Switzer. The CD opens with a recent experiment in
free-jazz and moves into a 1985 boom box cover/jam of
"Crazy Train" that goes on for over ten minutes just
to get you ready for the abrupt shifts in style and
fidelity you're going to have to endure. The bulk of
the tracks feature brilliant, obscure Boston punks the
Destroyed and also includes his work with Henry Kaiser
as Monster Island. A bizarre release, but actually
one of the coolest things I've heard in a long while.
Highly recommended to fans of obscuro, no wave, lo-fi
and noise. [www.bertswitzer.com] --ES

http://www.reviewermagazine.com

The Destroyed – Outta Control / 2003 Self-Released / 20 Tracks / http://www.bertswitzer.com / http://www.thedestroyed.com / Reviewed 22 November 2003

By far the oldest punks that I've ever heard, the average age of each member in The Destroyed is 48. Doesn't mean that they can't play some hard-rocking music, though. The Destroyed play a splashy type of punk rock that has not been really seen since the late seventies, not giving a shit about poor recording or trying to have always on-key harmonics. Influenced by Neil Young and the Sex Pistols, The Destroyed even incorporate newer influences like Black Flag and Dead Kennedys to their repertoire. "1-2-3" is the crux of tracks on the disc, mixing in a catchiness that would rival any Boomtown Rats song. The recording on this disc provides some weird echo to the songs, but the entire band puts together a killer disc. While everything sounds so fucking good, I have one major thing to complain about. In the pure vein of the Sex Pistols and their ilk, the drums seem awfully vanilla in this context. It seems like the drummer, Bert, has just lost any technical innovation in the time between his first go at The Destroyed in 1977 and the current day. This is not to say that the drums don't work with the tracks in any way, but the simple fact that the drums are singularly linear – Bert goes one way with the drums, and that's about it. However, all this goes out the window during "Armed and Dangerous", which is an orgasm of guitar and drums in which a melody cannot be taken from the ensuing chaos. People always get on punk bands for this experimental, but what can be more punk than just breaking down the rules of what music is supposed to be and what it supposed to sound like? I'm not really sure about this extended breakdown [in "Armed and Dangerous"] being about 10 minutes long, but The Destroyed rapidly get back into the scheme of things with "Punk Outlaw", which begins the bonus part of the disc – a number of live versions of their songs from the original days of The Destroyed. What I am personally surprised at is the amazing recording that a number of these tracks enjoy, providing me with an insight into the earlier incarnation of the band that really shows me that The Destroyed haven't slowed down much in their "old age". Check out "Ill Treatment", which is as much of a punk anthem as "Gary Gilmore's Eyes" or even "Orgasm Addict". This disc is testament that bands can take an extended period off from each other and still put out a disc that is eternal.
Rating : 8.6/10

From Neufutur.com

Review from www.nuvo.net

Bert Switzer
1977-2002
Self-released
This one has been around for a while, but it seems unable to leave my rotation of favorite discs. It's a collection of music from the various groups that Switzer, a Boston-based drummer, has been in or hung out with in the past 25 years. There's some really strange stuff here, from a 1985 cover of "Crazy Train" played by a 12-year-old guitarist and recorded on cassette to several cuts from a Zappa-like band in which Switzer was briefly a member.
The real treasures here are from The Destroyed, a punk group that briefly flourished and quickly flamed out c. 1977-'79. The group was apparently hated by "club owners, other bands and even the punk audience," Switzer says. It's easy to see why. Fueled by alcohol, rage and a desire to destroy everything in their path, The Destroyed played sledgehammer punk à la the Dead Boys: young, loud and snotty.
"The band never rehearsed between performances," Switzer says in the disc's liner notes. "Instead, the rehearsal started when we hit the stage."
Beautifully captured for posterity on cassette recordings from the audience, the live songs on this disc capture old-school punk at its finest. A rocking cut called "686-6," the Ramones-like "Animal Disease" and "KO" are the highlights. The execrable audio quality only enhances the pleasure received from this disc.

Strictly a homemade affair, this album is so DIY that the name of The Destroyed is even misspelled on its cover! A rare find. (See www.bertswitzer.com for more information.)
—SH

Review from www.askreviews.com

BERT SWITZER- 1977-2002 (Site) Drummer Bert Switzer has compiled a bunch of songs he's played on over the past 25 years, and there are definitely some keepers among them. Most of the tracks are from his days with Boston punk forefathers The Destroyed and these are the highlight of the disc. I think my favorite is "Power" from 1978. It's a dirty, nasty groover that sounds sort of like early Iggy meets The Trashmen, and there ain't nuthin' wrong with that. Another one that stands out is "In the Room," a Joe Rainbow song Switzer drummed on in the late '70s that had it been recorded 10 years earlier would have surely ended up on one of those great Pebbles or Nuggets compilations. I'm not so thrilled by his 1977 collaborations with his friend Henry Kaiser when they were recording as Monster Island. Arty, "mind-bending" instrumentals just are not my cuppa. Bizarrely, ol' Bert has included a 10+ minute jam/cover of "Crazy Train" that he recorded on a boom box with his then-13 year old neighbor in 1985. It's sorta interesting of him to do this, but I can honestly say I couldn't make it all the way through it and have promised myself never to listen to it again. Bert opens and closes 1977-2002 with a couple drum thrashers recorded in 2002 that show he ain't lost none of his chops. More power to you, Bert. –Ben Hunter

Review from The alternative News
November 15, 2003

The Destroyed
"OUTTA CONTROL"
(Boston, MA)

By: Bob Donovan

Bert Switzer and The Destroyed have done it again with another great "true Punk" release. Although I'm not a punk rocker myself, I remember the day when Punk meant something; their music and lyrics had a "fire" like no other style of music. It seems a lot of that has gone by the wayside. However, the new release "Outta Control" by The Destroyed," one of Boston's earliest and most original punk acts, brings this original punk sound back. This release is a combination of some new material as well as old, unreleased material from the original Destroyed from the 70's. It reunites Bert Switzer with J.D. Jackson, the original vocalist of The Destroyed. This is the first time they've worked together since 1979. Also featured on this release is a reunion with world renowned guitarist Henry Kaiser for the first time since 1977. Kaiser is special guest on two tracks. Overall, there are 10 new tracks and 10 bonus tracks from The Destroyed's 1977-1979 recordings. If you are a fan of true, original Punk Rock from a time when Punk had balls and meaning, you'll love "Outta Control" by Bert Switzer, J.D. Jackson and "The Destroyed!!" Awesome guitar work, great lyrics, and Bert's usual insanity on drums! Great work guys! I'd have to give this one an 8.75!

Bert Switzer and J.D. Jackson both appeared live on Thursday, November 13 at
WBRS 101.1 FM at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA

An in-person interview with Bert Switzer, "drummer extraordinaire" of "Boston uberpunk band" The Destroyed, and J.D. Jakcson from The Destroyed, who joined the conversation by phone from California were heard, along with songs from The Destroyed's new CD "Outta Control."

http://www.wbrs.org

A Punkers dream! This recording screams BOSTON PUNK.

Reviewer: THE ALTERNATIVE NEWS
CD REVIEW from THE ALTERNATIVE NEWS --- Feb15 - March 14 2002 Issue --------- Bert Switzer - 1977-2002

A Punkers dream! This recording screams BOSTON PUNK in it's earliest, rawest, most insane form! For those of you who aren't famiiar with Bert Switzer, he is the totaly insane drummer for the long defunct punk band "The Destroyed." They were one of Boston's earliest and wildest punk bands to devasate the local scene. After being spotted by Perter Wolf at a performance at Boston's renowned punk palace "The Rathskeller," The Destroyed were asked to open for the J. Geils Band at a performance in Maine. --- This CD has a rather "underground", punk feel about it right from the get go: from the recording quality to the vocals to the power, insanity and noise! This just reminded me how mellow and refined is today compared to the Boston punk of old. This is a collection of material from the hey days of Boston Punk along with a few newer numbers showing Bert is as crazy as ever. With tracks like "Outside Reality," Power," "Animal Disease," "The Rebel," "The Killing," "Out Of The Straight Jacket," and many more this, this release is packed with 19 mind shattering ear bleeding punk tunes that will send any true, hard-core punker into ecstasy. It features material with Bert and The Destroyed, Bill T Miller, Henry Kaiser, Joe Rainbow, Bobby Powers and Monster Island. Awesome release, great packaging, and a sure favorite for hard-core, underground punkers and all those who want to be! ------- The Alternative News

Bert-mania has swept the nation, and I scarcely think we'll ever be the same.

Reviewer: Northeast Performer Mag - Reviewer -Jesse Fisk Cravens


Bert Switzer - 1977 - 2002 Recorded at various places. Produced by various people. There seems to be something about largely unknown, extremely loud music that just captures the imagination of the American public. Take for example the recent deification of Bert Switzer, the extremely loud and largely unknown Boston drummer. Before, he was a footnote. Part of Henry Kaiser's annotated bibliography, perhaps. Now, with the release of his new compilation, 1977-2002, he's become a superstar of Neil Diamond proportions. Women burst into his dressing room, begging for autographs and a bit of the nasty. You can scarcely walk down Rodeo Drive without seeing studio executives imitating his carefully maintained coiffure. He's showered with praise by the national sporting press. Bert-mania has swept the nation, and I scarcely think we'll ever be the same. If only it were true. Mr. Switzer is certainly deserving of such adulation. He's cobbled together an enviable body of work and this compilation represents an excellent cross-section of it. Therein one will find, most notably, the work of a young Henry Kaiser, whose excellent playing suggests shades of Crazy Backwards Alphabets to come. Second in line are the Destroyed, the great unknown Boston uberpunk band, whose sound can, perhaps, be best described as "Mick Jagger fronting the Stooges with a largely unknown Ginger Baker hittin' the skins." Also included are a few choice cuts from some of Switzer's lesser known musical collaborations, all of which shine brightly when set against the more famous fare, especially the Switzer-Powers Freak-Out version or Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train." All in all, its extremely loud, compelling stuff, and more than enough to convert the weary denizen of lo-fi English-language rock'n'roll. Give it a spin, dear reader, and you may just find yourself outside Mr. Switzer's dressing room some night, begging for hair-care tips from the Man Himself. Contact: www.bertswitzer.com

First ever Bert Switzer interview/article is up at CHORUS AND VERSE WEBZINE.

Check it out:
http://chorusandverse.com/content/200309/20030928_BertSwitzer.htm

Plus, three new reviews of the Bert Switzer 1997-2002 compilation CD
from Indieville, 100punks, and Zeigeist WebZines.

Check it out:: http://bertswitzer.com/cd/press.htm

(click on link or copy and paste urls to view websites)

Thanks for all the support.

The Destroyed - Outta Control CD is Out Now!
Please LISTEN to MP3 Sounds Files and BUY the CD at :
cdbaby.com/destroyed and onewayproductions.com

70s punk band, The Destroyed, re-forms after 25 years, releases new CD,
Outta Control. The CD is follow-up to last year's underground success: Bert Switzer, 1977-2002

Bert Switzer, 54, and J.D. Jackson (formerly Joe Rainbow), 48, former members of 70s punk band The Destroyed, play together for the first time since 1979, on the new CD, Outta Control. Ten Destroyed tracks from the 70s are included as bonus tracks, released for the first time ever.

"Except for our original guitarist, who is pursuing a solo career," says Bert Switzer, drummer, "this CD is effectively a reunion of The Destroyed."

Promo CDs available for PRESS and RADIO... email: bert@bertswitzer.com

The Destroyed - Outta Control CD release date is September 15, 2003.