Fresh Sounds From Middle America (vol 1) was the first in a series of compilations featuring bands from the Midwest region of America.

Volume 1 was a split compilation cassette-only release featuring 22 tracks from 4 bands and is sometimes referred to as "the Buffalo tape" because of the Buffalo imprint on the cover of the tape.

[1] A "tape release party" concert was held on December 12, 1981, featuring all four bands, at Off The Wall Hall (now called The Bottleneck) in Lawrence, KS.

[2] The "Fresh Sounds" series was organized by Bill Rich, of Talk Talk magazine,[3] as a way to promote regional bands nationally.

[4][5] Snippets of the review from "Capitol Punishment":[6] Snippets of the review from "The Offense":[7]