The Denizens single has been released on Young Soul Rebel records. It contains the following three songs:
Danger in Disneyland
I Know You Hate Me
It's Gotta Be Her
The Denizens Record Release Party was held on Thursday, December 30th, 2004 @ the Lager House.
Thanks to Dean, here is a link to pictures of the Valentinos and Denizens from the Lager House.
Looking over all the compilations and records from the late 70s/early80s Detroit scene I'm struck by one thing - there is nothing recorded by two of my favorite bands from that era - the Ramrods and the Denizens. The Ramrods finally saw the light of day on the Motor City's Burning CD, but till now the Denizens were only fondly remembered by those lucky enough to see them. This has finally changed - thanks to Mike Murphy and Bob Mulrooney's "shocking expose" in White Noise - the story of the Denizens can finally be told.
The Denizens (at the Roostertail)
(left to right - John, Dean, Timmy, Mike, Rob)
John Sullivan (rhythm guitar)
Dean Bonarek - (bass)
Tim Butler - (vocals)
Mike Murphy - (drums & backup vocals)
Rob Sullivan -(lead guitar)
The Denizens hailed from the music hotbed of Livonia, Michigan where a typical group of bored teenagers formed a rock band after school. In typical fashion Bishop Borgess High School quickly drives the young Denizens to be into the basements after the school dance committee rejects their music (didn't we all have this same experience in high school?). Influenced by such bands as the Stooges, Flamin' Groovies, Standells and the Count Five the Denizens retreat to the basements of Livonia and re-emerge when punk/new wave comes along to save the day. Soon the Denizens had become staples on the small but thriving Detroit punk scene and play such places as Bookie's Club 870 on Six Mile near Woodward. In fact, the Denizens played the first shows ever at Bookie's on March 17th and 18th in 1978.
Their set consisted of classics such as "Danger in Disneyland", "Twisted Brain", Abbra Cadabra" and "I Know You Hate Me". These songs dealt with topics that kids were interested in - like what happens when somebody's mom has access to a neutron bomb. Other songs dealt with the pitfalls of mixing deadly chemicals in chemistry class and then drinking them before dinner at home. Not surprisingly, the Denizens were way ahead of their time and vanished without leaving us a single recording - until now.
With a simple mouse click you can go back to the days when Bookies was home to the coolest music on the planet and come listen to the rocking sounds of the Denizens. !!!!
Dean Denizen is now playing with the Sillies.
Here is a link to download more Denizens songs.
(Thanks to Deanne Nichols) - the Denizens official matchbook cover.