The Makers' first release for Kill Rock Stars features re-recorded versions of songs originally done between 1991 and 1998. It was the veteran garage punk act's switchblade-chomping Estrus era, before the richer scope of Sub Pop releases like Rock Star God and Strangest Parade. Those albums were welcome after almost a decade of trashy, sweaty, two-chord stompers. But on Stripped, it's cool to hear their tighter songcraft, glammier overtones, and -- most of all -- more volatile instrumentation applied to the Makers' formative material. Let Him Try (from 1994's Howl) was a tinny nod to the '60s frat rock tradition; it's reborn here as a twin-guitar scowl comparable to the Go's own updated rock swagger. Tear Apart, Fair Game, and Take a Ride all come from the strong 1997 effort Hunger, an album that suggested the Makers' turn toward something sonically meatier. As such, Stripped doesn't have to re-imagine them completely. But the new recordings (courtesy of Jack Endino) give Mike Maker's vocal an impressive depth. He's not there just to sneer tell-offs at the audience; instead, he teams with lead guitarist Jamie Frost to give these recordings real dynamic range. That's what Stripped offers throughout, to both rookies and veteran listeners -- versions of the Makers' storied and sleazy past that make a real commitment to craft. Some might equate less dirt with weaker vitality. But in reality, the fuller sound on these trashy classics only makes the Makers' swagger sweeter. ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi

1		Intro
2		Hot Kiss
3		Sharp Leather Walkin' Shoes
4		Leopard Print Sissy
5		Little Piece of Action
6		Fair Game
7		Tear Apart
8		Let Him Try
9		Take a Ride
10		Long Love
11		Four Button Suit
12		Out of Your World
13		Do What I Wanna
14		Razorblade
15		White Bred
16		Sad Little Bug