Turning Japanese

The Zoo Crew is spinning a real gem today with No Use For A Name's cover of "Turning Japanese," originally by The Vapors, from their 2017 compilation Rarities Vol. 1: The Covers. This track, released through Fat Wreck Chords, transforms the new wave hit into a punchy, melodic punk anthem. According to a Punknews.org review, the band took the delicate-sounding original and infused it with "big, melodic vocals" from frontman Tony Sly over "blaring power chords," making it feel like a hidden track from their 1995 album Leche Con Carne. The song’s iconic riff remains intact, but the Zoo Freaks will notice how No Use For A Name’s signature vocal harmonies and faster tempo give it a raw, skate-punk edge. Interestingly, PopMatters pointed out that the lyrics, tied to a quirky early '80s take on desire, might feel a bit uncomfortable today, but the band’s straightforward approach—speeding it up with drum flourishes—keeps it fun and unpretentious.

Another layer of trivia comes from the album’s context. Fat Wreck Chords shared that Rarities Vol. 1: The Covers was a labor of love, collecting every non-album cover No Use For A Name recorded between 1996 and 2005. "Turning Japanese" stands out as one of the more recognizable tracks, but longtime drummer Rory Koff, in a comment on a Bad Copy review, hinted at the band’s playful spirit during these sessions. The Zoo Crew might appreciate knowing that this cover was part of a broader effort to honor Tony Sly, who passed away in 2012, with Fat Wreck combing through archives to keep his legacy alive. Fans on Bandcamp have raved about the album, with one user, Maccaa31, calling it a "great EP" that constantly shifts their favorite track, showing how this cover resonates with the Zoo Freaks’ eclectic tastes.

No Use For A Name got their start in 1987 in Sunnyvale, California, as a hardcore punk outfit. According to Amazon’s bio, the original lineup included singer/guitarist Tony Sly, guitarist Chris Dodge, bassist Steve Papoutsis, and drummer Rory Koff. They debuted with the track "Turn It Around" on a 1987 Maximum Rocknroll compilation, embracing the raw energy of the Bay Area punk scene. By 1989, they released the single "Let 'Em Out," followed by their first full-length, Incognito, in 1990. The band’s sound evolved after signing with Fat Wreck Chords in 1993 for The Daily Grind, shifting toward melodic hardcore and pop-punk. Tony Sly became the band’s heart, writing songs that balanced catchy hooks with introspective lyrics. Despite lineup changes—most notably Chris Shiflett’s departure to join Foo Fighters in 1999—the band built a loyal following through relentless touring and albums like More Betterness! and The Feel Good Record of the Year. Sly’s death in 2012 marked the end of the band, but their music lives on through releases like Rarities Vol. 1.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, the band’s official presence is still active. Check out their music and merch on Bandcamp, which serves as their primary online hub. Their Facebook page keeps the community alive with updates and fan discussions, while the Instagram account shares throwback photos and tributes to Tony Sly. On X, you’ll find posts celebrating the band’s legacy and Fat Wreck’s ongoing releases. Fans can also connect through the No Use For A Name Fan Club on Facebook, a vibrant group where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, share rare tracks, and keep the punk spirit burning. While no official website exists beyond Bandcamp, these platforms offer plenty for fans to explore the band’s enduring impact.