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Worst of Lust Control 
Artist: Lust Control 
Label: Millenium Eight Records
Length: 30 tracks, 70:30

The fine folks at M8 Records have done us a great service by resurrecting the late, great Lust Control.  These pranksters of punk, hiding behind ski masks, got their start in the late eighties as a bit of a joke, but soon learned that their fast-paced, old-school approach to sin could have a positive impact on kids in the church.  Originally released on Blonde Vinyl, Lust Control included Doug Van Pelt (of HM Magazine) and Paul Q-Pek (later of One Bad Pig).

This collection of thirty songs (all on just one CD!) is a fun, tongue-partially-in-cheek, look at sex, drugs, rock & roll, and a variety of issues related to sin and a call for Christians to live a holy life.  Kinda like a punk rock revival complete with fire and brimstone, as well as an occasional swipe at the Christian establishment.  The compilation includes songs from three of the band's CDs (This is a Condom Nation, Dancing Naked,  and Feminazi).  Classics include "Madolyn Murray O'Hair," "Jesus Washed Judas' Feet," "Dancing Naked" (later done by Pek with OBP), "Big Bang," and "John Styll" (a 14-second ode to the head of CCM Magazine).  Most of the songs are in the one- to three-minute range, though some last a lot longer, and a few clock in at just under 15-seconds.

While many of the titles and topics are enough to make your pastoral staff cringe (if not run and hide), there is something to be said for a band like Lust Control.  They were not afraid to tackle the issues that the church was afraid to deal with (when was the last time you heard a sermon on masturbation?).  Two bonuses include a punk version of the hymn "There is a Fountain" as well as Lust Control's version of Steve Taylor's "I Blew up the Clinic Real Good."

And like most of the stuff coming out of Millenium Eight, this is a limited edition of  only 2000 copies, so get 'em while they're hot.

Ken Mueller 6/4/2001

Presented by the staff of HM Magazine, it’s Lust Control!.  This limited edition CD features songs from three releases, This is a Condom Nation, Dancing Naked, and Feminazi.  Suffice it to say this is not a CD for those without a sense of humor.  Lust Control is the Christian answer to fans of The Ramones and The Dead Milkmen.  

No target is safe from these guys.  With titles such as “Madolyn Murray O’Hair,” “ The Big ‘M’” (a rant about MTV), “Jesus Washed Judas’ Feet,” “John Styll,” and “Planned Parenthood,” Lust Control takes on any and all comers who would oppose what Jesus said.  Atheism, abortion (“Operation Rescue”), lukewarm Christianity (“You Make Me Puke”), and New Age philosophies are all covered here.

The influence of The Ramones is apparent with the same three-chord guitar work, repetitive drums, and droning bass work in almost every song.  At times, you expect to hear “1,2,3,4” serving as the only break between songs.   Although it seems like this album must be taken tongue in cheek, it serves to remind us about the dangers of taking our relationship with God for granted.  “Rude Awakening” tells us to “wake up and smell your sin!”   Three times the album segues into the chorus “Grace” pointing us to the source of our salvation.  

“Planned Parenthood” show how pointed these songs can be:

Planned parenthood, planned parenthood 
 You’re on a path to brainwash the nation
 Planned parenthood, you ain’t no good
 You justify murder and fornication...

You are pro-abortion
 You are pro-gay rights
 I know one thing you’re against - 
 You are anti-Christ!

“Big Bang” stands out musically, as it could be a mid-80’s Police or U2 single.  The album closes with a cover of “I Blew Up the Clinic Real Good,” previously done by Steve Taylor.  With Taylor as an influence, how can you go wrong?  

Brian A. Smith 6/15/01

   
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