Record six songs for Doghouse

As soon as The Fists of Time made its way to American distributor Lumberjack Distribution , As Friends Rust began to be courted by Toledo, Ohio-based record label Doghouse Records (which co-owned Lumberjack Distribution). The record label eventually signed the band to a three-record deal (one extended play and two full-length albums) in late 1998. On May 9, 1999, the band returned to Goldentone Studios to record six songs with McGregor for their Doghouse Records debut. The new material included “Half Friend Town,” “Like Strings (Spell It with a K),” “Fire on 8th and 3rd,” “Coffee Black,” “Scapegoat Wets the Whistle,” as well as a cover of Circle Jerks ‘ “Operation” planned for a split 7-inch vinyl with Hot Water Music. The five original songs were released on an eponymous compact disc and 8-inch vinyl by Doghouse Records on September 17, 1999; the European version, released earlier in July 1999 on compact disc and double 7-inch vinyl, was erroneously promoted under the titles God Hour and 6-Song CD by Good Life Recordings (and included “Operation” as a bonus track once the split was cancelled).