Originally released as two 7-inch records in October 1987, it served as a benefit to raise money for the Berkeley, California DIY punk scene (known as the Gilman Street Project).

[3] The title, Turn It Around!, was chosen by Maximumrocknroll founder Tim Yohannan in reference to the members of the Gilman Street Project trying to "reestablish a sense of community" within the underground punk scene.

[3] "At a time when the scene is plagued by mindless violence, intimidation, vandalism and general stupidity" Yohannan said, "when it's all becoming more like the mainstream than an alternative, there are groups of dedicated people who are determined to fight back and revitalize things.

[3] Hayes handled the layout and packaging, and put together an extensive booklet of the bands' pictures and lyrics to all of the songs and sent the artwork to Positive Press in Oakland to be printed.

Many people of the scene have given it praise as well, including Larry Livermore and Chris Applegren of Lookout Records, who both called the compilation "legendary" on their blogs.

[6][4] Billie Joe Armstrong, vocalist-guitarist of Green Day, has also cited it as an influence, stating in an interview with Time magazine in 2010 that it was a "pretty big record for [him]".

[2] Corrupted Morals Sweet Baby Jesus Isocracy No Use for a Name Crimpshrine Operation Ivy Stikky Nasal Sex Yeastie Girlz Rabid Lassie Sewer Trout Buggerall