Don't Be Cruel; Wisconsin Bands-Together for the Humane Society Not until Summer 2007 did the idea of a benefit record for the Humane Society of Wisconsin (my home state) lead the Imperfect label back to a collective consciousness, able to champion the welfare of animals as well as release the years' most innovative record. Looking back, Imperfect's membership have always quietly championed the animals, long before we got organized in 2001. Founder Mike Mortensen used to school me on vegetarianism while we worked together at Pizza Hut while my fellow class mate Dan Wise (Kill Me Tomorrow) would rock his "Wolf Awareness Week" tee shirt for twenty days straight (opposed to the likes of something more popular like Jane's Addiction) as he holed up in his attic practicing guitar with his faithful Black Lab barking along. In 2004 I met my wife, Malissa, at a vegetarian restaurant and it is our overall concern for the living and the endangered that helps keep us close. The Humane Society of Wisconsin has brought thousands of families closer together and even safer through their pet adoption program. More than a string of songs, "Don't Be Cruel" is also an introduction to a new sound from Milwaukee you'll be hearing more of throughout the next year. Despite moments of fine melody and introspective lyrics there's also a dirty, deconstructive, don't-look-back sound that rears it's head for the first but surely not the last time. I don't have to name names here, that's what the music if for. It is our love for music and our care for the living that has kept us veterans on the move all these years and what has given birth to so many like-minded newer kids in the struggle. This is part of Wisconsin history. May it become our legacy. Enjoy the music. Jeff Winkowski, Imperfect Music Chicago, 2007 Available on biodegradable materials as well as on itunes! www.wihumane.org