The Jean’s Blog: Twinkie Force 101: Influences

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Twinkie Force 101: Influences – Part 5

Growing up together in our small town, my friend Toast and I inspired and supported each other in good times and bad. We both believed in being creative, challenge authority, and not taking life too seriously and Twinkie Force was simply a reflection of that credo. In addition to the band, Toast and I also started a satirical fanzine Suffolk Suffocation which allowed local bands and kids to express themselves and keep tabs on the underground music scene (remember, this was before the Internet). Being in a band and writing and publishing our own zine allowed Toast and I to display confidence at a time in our lives when there wasn’t much for us to be confident about and I think that inspired other kids.

Ramones

Perhaps what I miss most about being in Twinkie Force is the whole punk attitude we employed to provoke, protest, and generally shake things up in our little corner of the world. Being rebels can be fun and if as a punk band you're not bothering some people then you're probably doing something wrong. TF definitely stood for the underdog but whether our actions inspired people or made enemies we didn't really care- we just did whatever we wanted to do and let the chips fall where they may. Whether it was the band, the zine, or school, Toast and I were for pushing the envelope, having fun, and making the best of our situation and I think I still live by those principle wherever I am.

The Mr. T Experience

I recently contacted Toast and asked him to send me his list of songs that inspired Twinkie Force and even after 30 years our lists are very similar (Part 5 in particular has lots of songs from Toast’s list). Toast's favorite TF song was “Myth Bound to Be a Legend” which tells the story of the band and lays out our manifesto. The goal of Twinkie Force was to make people smile, laugh, and get some fun out of life and I am thankful to all the artists who inspired us. I hear our friend (and former TF drummer) Mike is currently making a Twinkie Force documentary. Can't wait to see it! Here are some (more) of the bands and songs that influenced Twinkie Force. Enjoy!

The Dead Milkmen

01. Ramones – “We’re a Happy Family” (1977)
02. Screeching Weasel – “Hanging Around (25th Anniversary Remix)” (1993)
03. Minor Threat – “Good Guys” (1985)
04. Bad Religion – “No Direction” (1992)
05. Circle Jerks – “Golden Shower of Hits (Jerks on 45)” (1983)
06. Fugazi – “Margin Walker” (1989)
07. Social Distortion – “Like an Outlaw for You” (1988)
08. X-Ray Spex – “Identity” (1978)
09. Operation Ivy – “Hoboken” (1988)
10. Circle Jerks – “Wasted” (1980)
11. Crimpshrine – “Summertime” (1988)
12. The Mr. T Experience – “Book of Revelation” (1992)
13. Jawbreaker – “Chesterfield King” (1992)
14. The Mr. T Experience – “So Long, Sucker” (1989)
15. Rites of Spring – “For Want Of” (1985)
16. Circle Jerks – “Another Broken Heart for Snake” (1985)
17. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones “Someday I Suppose” (1993)
18. Circle Jerks- “Group Sex” (1980)
19. Fugazi – “Repeater” (1990)
20. Angry Samoans – “Lights Out” (1980)
21. Green Day – “At the Library” (1990)
22. Minutemen – “History Lesson – Part II” (1984)
23. The Queers – “You’re Tripping” (1993)
24. The Dead Milkmen – “Guitar Song” (1988)
25. The Dead Milkmen – “Beach Party Vietnam” (1985)