Pioneering Latino punk bandThe Plugzformed in Los Angeles in 1977 with frontmanTito Larriva, drummerChalo Quintanaand bassistBarry McBride. After debut albumElectrify Me, sophomore setBetter Lucksaw McBride replaced byJohn CurryofThe Flyboys; now with better mastery of their instruments, Larriva and Chalo steered the sound into new wave stylings, aided and abetted by guest horns, harmonica, and keyboards. Yet, the band was still a critical force pushing against societal inequalities, as heard on the caustic "American," and "El Clavo Y La Cruz" reminded that the core of the group was 100% Latino. A great LP!
