Billy Karloff & the Extremes

  • Billy Karloff & the Extremes
  • The Maniac (unknown) 1977 
  • Let Your Fingers Do the Talking (Warner Bros.) 1981 

In 1977, Billy Karloff & the Goats regularly gigged at the Roxy, London’s fabled punk venue, and made an obscure album called The Maniac. Having been enjoined from using the name Billy Karloff & the Supremes, a later incarnation (including ex-Tom Robinson Band drummer Dolph Taylor) ultimately became the Extremes. For reasons unknown, this unreconstructed Sham 69-like punk band wound up with an American label deal and recorded a glossily produced batch of sarcastic shouters. No big deal.

[Ira Robbins]