Underground Communique is a small, Chicago based punk label that’s been on my radar for quite a while now. They’ve put out a handful of great records by Motor City bands that I enjoy like Break Anchor, Easy Action, Hellmouth and Rebel Spies!. This release, however, is pure Windy City. Get Off My Lawn is a new two song single from recently re-energized Chicago punk/hardcore legends 88 Fingers Louie.

The A-side is a cover of the Mötley Crüe classic “Red Hot”, from their seminal album Shout at the Devil. The cover art is also an homage to that same record. You might be shocked to learn that many older punks dig the glam heavy Too Fast For Love (1981) and Shout at the Devil (1983). I like both those albums, but have no use for the pop-metal balladry that came later. 88FL does a pretty straightforward version of the song, minus singer Denis Buckley going up to hit the screechy high notes. The guitar solo is right in Mr.Precision’s wheelhouse.

The B-side is “Long, Long Way From Home” from Foreigner’s 1977 self titled debut album. This is another song that I’m very familiar with. It was a staple on classic rock radio when I was growing up. (See also “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice”.) The cover version shortens and simplifies the original a bit. Foreigner was a six piece band back in those days, and the guitar has to pick up a lot of the slack. First it makes up for the lack of keyboard, then it replaces the sax solo with some righteous two handed tapping.

What’s the bottom line? 88 Fingers Louie pull off both songs well, and this is a fun little record to listen to. Thank You for Being a Friend covered some pretty heavy subject matter, and this is a nice change of pace. It also continues the momentum that the band has been building over the last couple of years. While Thank You for Being a Friend is essential listening, this is probably only going to appeal to more serious 88 Fingers Louie fans. If that’s you, definitely check out Get Off My Lawn.