Mucky Pup began as an American hardcore and crossover thrash band formed in Bergenfield, New Jersey in 1986, when brothers John (drums) and Chris (vocals) Milnes joined up with Dan Nastasi (guitar). The band went through various incarnations and several musical style changes while gaining minor success in both the USA and Europe. Arguably, their breakthrough moment occurred when Berke Breathed picked their songwriting contest entry for release with a 1987 Bloom County comic strip book "Billy and the Boingers" Bootleg. However, their European success, based on strong tours and charting for the 1989 a Boy in a Man's World album, surpassed all recognition achieved in their home country. "Can't You Take a Joke?" was their first release and was only available on LP and Cassette until the band re-released this later on CD for the first time.