Artist description The world's straightest straight edge band, from lovely Holmdel, NJ. In action from 1986 thru roughly 1990. Please email feedback, praise, abuse to us .. we MAY do a few shows this Spring (2000) ! crucialyouth@hotmail.com

Music Style Hardcore Punk

Musical Influences Minor Threat, Youth of Today, Uniform Choice, SSD

Similar Artists Typical late 80's CBGB's afternoon matinee mosh core straight edge

Artist History Crucial Youth was formed by Joe Crucial, Maynard Krebs and Melvin Berkeley during the hot summer of 1986 in response to the general poor attitude,hygiene and nutrition habits of the New York/NJ hardcore scene. The initial product was cassette, entitled the "United Way", which featured the "posi-machine" - a fictional machine that transformed negative punks, druggies and metal heads into cleancut straight edge youths .. and loosely based on Dr. Suess' "star belly sneetches" machine. Gentleman Jim Norton was recruited for his generally positive outlook, and his ability to haul large speaker cabinets (and unruly skinheads) effortlessly. After a few days (ok minutes) of bass lessons, the CY rhythm section was complete. Countless gigs, cassette tapes, obscure 7 inch records and an album and a half later, Crucial Youth embarked on a European tour in 1989. What can we say, but after playing the "Yeoman's Seafarers Hall" in Whitstable, England .. we pretty much figured we had hit the pinnacle .. and after a few odd gigs .. Crucial Youths members went their separate, but friendly ways.

Group Members Joe Crucial - vocals, Maynard Krebs - guitar, Gentleman Jim - bass, Melvin Berkeley - drum (Crucial Youth also featured at various times Tex Mex X on bass, Rob Edge on guitar, his brother Bob Edge on 2nd guitar, Tom Ball on 2nd guitar, and pretty much whoever else we could get to show up to gigs ! )

Albums PosiMachine - New Red Archives, 1988 (reissued 2000), Singles Going Straight (comp of old 7"s), 2000

Press Reviews Dear CRUCIAL YOUTH,I think your demo is the best. My favorite song is 4 rules. Mr. T is a blast.Most people think C.Y. is the most possitive S.E. band alive, but when they hearyour demo they say you suck. Not me, I think you're great. And I'm S.E.Dear CRUCIAL YOUTH,I've always admired all S.E. bands, but you guys have made a commendable point - "Why Curse?" I'm glad you are spreading your message because others seemto rely on cursing way too much. Great Job.Dear Crucial Youth,My only hope is that in sharing and exposing my C.Y. merchandice with// - to others,so I can have the same profoundly positive impact on them as your musicand lifestyle has had on me.P.S. You guys are Mormons, right???Dear C.Y.,I used to think that Minor Threat was it except for their language! Are you guys Christians? It's great to see a positive band like yourselves to get the centerpage of Max R&R. God bless you.Dear Crucial Youth,It's really cool to see a straightedged band once in a while. I like your motto: Physically Strong, Mentally Awake, and Morally Straight.It sounds a lot like the Boy Scout oath. Are you any religion or are you straightedge because of your conscience?

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Location Somerville, MA - USA

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