Dive Like Jehu: Bullet Train To Vegas 7", Self Titled LP & Yank Crime

Jehu came along at the perfect time for me. I absorbed sounds from the likes of Nation Of Ulysses, Girls Against Boys, Cop Shoot Cop, Sonic Youth, etc. But then some friends turned me on to this band.

My first introduction to them was seeing a sticker on a friends guitar my freshman year. Then the self titled followed by the 7". I was blown away. Both vocals, the discordant chords, drawn out time signatures...it all made sense and was very uplifting to hear. Granted, a lot of music can do this to you at an early age, but most don't stand the test of time. I can safely say Jehu did that.

Many people, myself included, site them as a major influence in the 90's. They fulfilled a lot of my musical tastes and more. To this day, you can always hear filtered jehu-esque parts in some bands material. One good example was San Diego's scene shortly after their existence. A lot more Hardcore was also adapting their writing style to their music. I thought you could always hear some Reis in Swing Kids guitar parts, as well as many other bands. Bands I was in were definitely included!

Their history is long and complex and still to this day, most members continue with music and, or something that relates.

Forming in 1990 in San Diego, CA, John Reis and Rick Froberg created Drive Like Jehu after the demise of their prior group, Pitchfork. They sounded similar, but differences included Rick playing guitar as well as vocals. Also, the addition of Mark Trombino on drums and Mike Kennedy on bass rounded out the nice complexity that would come from intricate, interweaving guitars and odd time signatures. Kennedy went on to be a chemist and Trombino remained a music engineer. He is known for recording such groups in the day as Boys Life to bands such as Blink 182 & Jimmy Eat World. Froberg continued with his Visual and Graphic arts career. It should be noted that all of Pitchfork, Jehu and Hot Snakes art for their records and merchandise was created by Rick.

John always remained in Rocket From The Crypt during Jehu. The growing success of Rocket is what essentially put an end to the band. Over the years, John played once more with Froberg. That band was called Hot Snakes. You can find more about them, Jehu and several others on Swami Records, John's label.

Jehu recorded and released two full lengths, a 7" and a compilation track for a compilation CD. All of this you will find here in this posting. The compilation track is the last song on Yank Crime.

Enjoy!

Bullet Train To Vegas 7"



1. Bullet Train To Vegas - 2:40
2. Hand Over Fist - 4:24

Self Titled



1. Caress - 3:55
2. Spikes to You - 2:18
3. Step on Chameleon - 5:12
4. O Pencil Sharp - 9:44
5. Atom Jack - 2:24
6. If it Kills You - 7:12
7. Good Luck in Jail - 4:05
8. Turn it Off - 6:12
9. Future Home of Stucco Monstrosity - 3:58

Yank Crime



1. Here Come the Rome Plows - 5:44
2. Do You Compute - 7:12
3. Golden Brown - 3:14
4. Luau - 9:27
5. Super Unison - 7:24
6. New Intro - 3:32
7. New Math - 4:06
8. Human Interest - 3:24
9. Sinews - 9:12

Electric Wizard: Supercoven, Let Us Prey, Witchcult Today

Those of you who love the Doom Metal genre, Electric Wizard must be and most likely is one of your favorites. A few of their 6 LPs & 6 EPs are regarded very highly and thought of as pretty important. "Come My Fanatics..." would have to be one of them.

Electric Wizard had their fair share of up's and downs. There was the obvious, which are loss of members and tensions on tour between members. But random other acts would always seem to interfere.

Such as:

1. Guitarist Jus Oborn was arrested for possession of marijuana.

2. Mark Greening was arrested for assaulting a police officer.

3. Tim Bagshaw served a sentence for robbery.

4. Oborn suffered a collapsed eardrum during a concert.

5. Oborn later severed a fingertip during, what has been described as a"DIY accident"

6. Greening broke his collarbone in a motorcycle accident

Definitely one of my fav's when it comes to this sound. Some call it drone, stoner, stoney, whatever. Very full, hypnotic, guitar fuzzy, ambient at times and some great background records. Always keeps me satisfied.

Lets Us Prey as well as Witchcult Today are LPs. Supercoven is an EP. Supercoven was from 98, Prey came out in 2002, Withcult, their most recent, in 2007.

Check out more for yourselves if you enjoy these.


Let Us Prey




1. ...A Chosen Few – 6:35
2. We, the Undead – 4:29
3. Master of Alchemy – 9:23

I. House of Whipcord
II. The Black Drug

4. The Outsider – 9:18
5. Night of the Shape – 4:02
6. Priestess of Mars – 10:02

Supercoven



1. Supercoven – 13:13
2. Burnout – 18:39

*Extra songs included on the 2000 reissue:

3. Wizards of Gore – 9:02
4. Electric Wizard (live) – 9:53


Witchcult Today



1. Witchcult Today – 7:54
2. Dunwich – 5:34
3. Satanic Rites of Drugula – 6:06
4. Raptus – 2:13
5. The Chosen Few – 8:19
6. Torquemada '71 – 6:42
7. Black Magic Rituals & Perversions – 11:01

I. Frisson Des Vampires
II. Zora

8. Saturnine – 11:04

Discordance Axis: Jouhou

A band that ranks high in the "holy shit, this is brutal" realm is non other than Discordance Axis. Very reminiscent of early Napalm Death(IE: Scum, Enslavement, etc)

The power and intensity of Mr. Dave Witte's percussion in this group is nothing shy of say an M16 machine gun. The vocals can be ranked up their with Eye of early Boredoms. Shrieking to low grunting. The guitars? Well, I can honestly say they"shred" without feeling cheesy. I really enjoy the fact that they're so heavy and played at half or even quarter time of the drum tempo. Something that kept D.A. apart from other Grindcore.

I first heard of this group in 1998 when this LP was released. It was pretty limited and hard to find in some stores. A friend in Richmond, VA played it shortly after he seen them. After that, I had to find one for myself. It took a couple years, but damn it, I found one.

This CD version of the vinyl(originally on Devour in 98, re-released on Hydra Head)features a couple 7" splits as well. Most notable are the Plutocracy and Melt Banana splits.

In my prior post, I mentioned that I listened to His Hero Is Gone if I was "upset/pissed off" I figured someone who is about to commit a serious, vicious and gruesome crime would use this as their soundtrack.

Enjoy!

Jouhou



1. Vertigo Index – 0:53
2. Panoptic – 0:58
3. Aperture of Pinholes – 1:01
4. Information Sniper – 0:41
5. Carcass Lottery – 1:15
6. Come Apart Together, Come Together Alone – 0:45
7. Rain Perimeter – 0:53
8. A Broken Tomorrow – 0:46
9. Attrition – 0:26
10. Nikola Tesla" – 1:02
11. Flow My Tears the Policeman Said – 0:52
12. Jouhou – 0:48
13. Damage Style – 0:51
14. Aether Scalpul" – 0:36
15. A Crack in the Cataracts – 0:28
16. Numb(ers) – 0:46
17. Ashtray Ballpoint – 0:58
18. Typeface – 1:10
19. Reciprocity – 1:12
20. Reincarnation – 1:17
21. Alzheimer – 0:35
22. Flow My Tears the Policeman Said – 0:51
23. Eye Gag – 0:24
24. Area Trinity – 1:11
25. Integer – 1:03
26. Information Sniper – 0:39
27. Tip – 0:59
28. Tokyo – 0:37
29. So Unfilial Rule – 0:09
30. Junk Utopia – 1:15
31. Continuity – 1:26
32. [untitled] – 2:23

His Hero Is Gone: Fifteen Counts Of Arson

His Hero Is Gone. Definitely one of my all time favorites when it came to music that had a Crust Punk/Sludge Metal influence. They formed in 1995 and hailed from Memphis, Tennessee. This was a period of time where I was starting to really get tired of metal. My top 4 Metal bands were eating shit(Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica & Voivod) and I was far more interested at HxC's take on the genre. Bands such as Man Is The Bastard, Neanderthal, Rorschach and many others come to mind. But HHIG really caught my attention.

Their tuned down guitars/bass, huge anvil-esque power behind the drums was so crushing to me. I thought they were the perfect band to listen to if you were extremely upset. Especially anything related to "the man", if you will.

The name came from a newspaper headline that Carl(bassist/vocals) saw. It was to be interpreted in many ways as well as their way of trying to avoid the standard names that you would find in the Crust scene. You could always tell because they had "Dis" at the beginning of their title.(IE:Disrupt)

Their following was rather large at the time of their existence. Never using a website or any form of major, nor college radio play, they would find themselves playing all over the U.S., Europe, Japan and so on. Whenever I would see them live, I knew I had to make it early. Hundreds of people were always expected. And their shows? Brutal. Very tight and coherent changes for such heavy, low ended music.

Hearing this record brings back a lot of good memories of my travels as a teen and early 20's. I instantly think of More Than Music Festival in Columbus, OH, The Michigan Fests that would occur in the spring, Goleta, CA Festivals, basement shows, VFW halls, the works. A time when people really didn't give a shit what you looked like or who you knew, but rather were more interested in figuring out what makes you tick, where the best meals in your town can be located and at the end of it all, you most likely had a new long time friend.

As cheesy as this may sound, it is the truth. It saddens me to see the current state of affairs in similar or like minded scenes. A time of Myspace, flashy banner ads and hi profile tours. Seems the message just got lost somewhere.

Fifteen Counts Of Arson



1. Professional Mind Fuckers - 2:07
2. ...And We Burn - 0:53
3. Unleash - 0:25
4. Leash - 1:54
5. Sterile Fortress - 1:44
6. Good Samaritan - 0:29
7. Hand That Feeds - 0:21
8. Rain Dance - 2:42
9. Voluntary Amputation - 0:52
10. Anthem For The Undesirables - 0:58
11. Scalor - 1:54
12. Concrete Cage - 0:37
13. Abandoned - 1:25
14. Thieves - 1:30
15. The End Result Of 11 Months In The Mental Hospital - 4:42

Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft/D.A.F./DOS: Live in Wiesbaden/Wartburg, Germany. June 18th, 1981

"Dance the Mussolini, move your behind, clap your hands, and now the Adolf Hitler, and now the Jesus Christ, and now the communism ..." Lyric excerpt from the song Der Mussonlini

What we have here is a live bootleg cassette of two shows by DAF(Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft).

Formed in 1978 featuring Gabriel "Gabi" Delgado-López (vocals), Robert Görl (drums, percussion, electronic instruments), Kurt "Pyrolator" Dahlke (electronic instruments), Michael Kemner (bass-guitar) and Wolfgang Spelmans (guitar). Kurt Dahlke was replaced by Chrislo Haas (electronic instruments, bass-guitar, saxophone) in 1979.

DAF were very influential electrpunk/NDW from Düsseldorf, Germany. Starting off more as a punk group that incorporated electronics to eventually becoming, what John Peel referred to them as The Grandfathers of Techno.

Their story is still a little fuzzy to me. I do know they split for some time and reunited. To this day, they still exist, but only featuring two members. Hence the use of DOS at the end of their name towards the middle of their career.

Worth checking out. You can find some of their records and singles on Mute Records as well as Virgin Records.

Live in Wiesbaden/Wartburg, Germany. June 18th, 1981

* I have no artwork for this release. Hit me up if anyone finds one. Thanks!

1. Sato-Sato - 2:29
2. Verschwende Deine Jugend - 2:47
3. Der Mussolini - 3:58
4. Mein Herz Macht Bumm - 3:03
5. Der Rauber Und Der Prinz - 3:39
6. Kinderspielzeug - 2:07
7. Der Muskel - 2:37
8. Nachtarbeit - 1:43
9. Verlier Nicht Den Kopf - 3:05
10. Alle Gegen Alle - 3:46
11. Alles Ist Gut - 2:26
12. Als Wars Das Letzte Mal - 3:59
13. Kebabetraume - 4:07
14. Ich Und Die Wirklichkeit - 2:53

Pussy Galore: Exile On Main Street

As mentioned in the post prior, Pussy Galore released a handful of EP's, 7"s and cassettes. One of the well sought after cassettes they released was "Exile On Main Street."

Yes, the Rolling Stones record!

This was released in 1986 when they relocated to New York. If you manage to find a copy(how much it would cost you is beyond me!), buy it.



Exile On Main Street



1. Rocks Off - 4:22
2. Rip This Joint - 1:29
3. Hip Shake - 3:47
4. Casino Boogie - 2:43
5. Tumbling Dice - 4:16
6. Sweet Virginia - 2:45
7. Torn and Frayed - 3:10
8. Sweet Black Angel - 2:41
9. Loving Cup - 3:26
10. Happy - 2:27
11. Turd on the Run - 2:42
12. Ventilator Blues - 3:58
13. Just Wanna See His Face - 3:56
14. Let It Loose - 4:01
15. All Down the Line - 3:23
16. Stop Breaking Down - 2:37
17. Shine a Light - 5:30
18. Soul Survivor - 3:40

Pussy Galore: Dial 'M' For Motherfucker

Pussy Galore got their start in Washington, D.C. in 1986. The band at the time featured Jon Spencer, Julia Cafritz and John Hammill. A few line up changes came to be over the years which lost/brought back members. The band disbanded in 1990 after releasing their 4th proper LP. The members went on to form Royal Trux, Boss Hog(which featured Jon and Julia) and most notable, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.

Their first few Lp's was nothing but noise, loose percussion and structures all while utilizing samples as well as tape manipulation. Many of the songs actually blended into one another making it hard for some people to know when the songs actually ended.

During 1986 in D.C., the "Emo" and Hardcore movements were flourishing and Dischord Records was on the musical map. Jon, showing deep hate for Ian MacKaye and Dischord Records in general, formed Pussy Galore as a response to the P.C. movements. It's fair to say that he pissed of some folks in D.C.

Pussy Galore relocated to N.Y. where they continued their harsh sounds and brutal live shows. During their time together, they released a handful of limited edition cassettes, 7"s and splits. One of which covered the Rolling Stones "Exile on Main Street."

Definitely my favorite era of Jon Spencer related releases. If you're a fan of any of the groups mentioned post Pussy Galore, give this a listen.

Dial'M'For Motherfucker



1. Understand Me - 4:05
2. SM 57 - 2:04
3. Kicked Out - 3:55
4. Solo=Sex - 3:02
5. Undertaker - 2:36
6. Dwda - 4:21
7. Dick Johnson - 2:20
8. 1 Hour Later - 2:50
9. Eat Me - 2:02
10. Waxhead - 2:19
11. Wait a Minute - 2:53
12. Evil Eye - 3:06
13. Adwd #2 - 2:30
14. Hang On - 5:41

Wayne Jarrett: Showcase Vol.1 (Bubble Up)

Roots vocalist Wayne Jarrett remains relatively unknown, even for many reggae fans. Born in 1956 in Kingston, Jamaica, Wayne relocated to the U.S. with his mother and his 6 siblings.

Showcase Vol. 1(later known as Bubble Up) is essentially three Jarrett tracks, two Lloyd Barnes tracks, and a Horace Andy number all presented in the showcase style.

The showcase style is the vocal track with the dub track mixed onto the end. The tracks are all very well voiced in a manner that hints at Horace Andy without copying him. Owners of Wackies compilations should recognize a recycled rhythm or two, but Bullwackies managed to make an original fresh sounding roots album.

Guitar solos and a strong jazz influence make this an even more interesting album. This is a essential album for all roots fans.

Bubble Up



1. Brimstone And Fire - 5:39
2. Every Tongue Shall Tell - 5:11
3. Magic In The Air - 7:59
4. Bubble Up - 7:18
5. Darling Your Eyes - 7:28
6. Holy Mount Zion - 5:20

Crispy Ambulance: Frozen Blood (80-82)

Like many other groups mentioned in this blog who were inspired by the infamous Sex Pistols show at Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester(IE: Buzzcocks, Warsaw/Joy Division, etc), Crispy Ambulance was another.

Sometimes regarded at the time as "Joy Division copyists", C.A. didn't seem to leave quite a mark worldwide. At least, not as much of one like some others on the label.

Formed in 1978 by Alan Hempsall (vocals), Keith Darbyshire (bass), Gary Madeley (drums) and Robert Davenport (guitar)in Manchester. They disbanded in 1982 after several dozen shows in the UK and a tour in mainland Europe. In 1999, C.A. reformed with the original line up and released 2 more LP's of new material.

This is collection of their first stage as a group. Add it to your collection of bands on Factory Records/Post Punk/British 70's/early 80's music. I'm sure you'll appreciate it.

Frozen Blood (80-82)



1. Not What I Expected - 3:59
2. Deaf - 3:56
3. Come On - 2:10
4. Drug User – Drug Pusher - 6:24
5. October 31st - 3:34
6. Egypt - 5:10
7. A Sense Of Reason - 4:00
8. Eastern Bloc - 5:26
9. Concorde Square - 3:08
10. The Presence - 5:14
11. Headhunters - 2:52
12. Frozen Blood - 4:39
13. Turnbuckle - 5:57
14. The Gift Of Danger - 3:22
15. Hollow Points - 4:30
16. The Grind - 4:28
17. Cult - 3:14

Atlantis Audio Archive Presents: VINTAGE 9/23/08

My friend at Atlantis Audio Archive will be spinning some wax at King & I Thai, here in Minneapolis.

The info as follows:

The music starts around 10 and goes till close (2 am). I will be spinning in a similar groove to the Champion Superior Soundsystem nights from my DC days. Lots of African, Brazilian and other funky grooves.

Vintage
Tuesday July 22nd, 10 pm - close
King & I Thai
1346 La Salle Ave. Minneapolis, MN
No Cover

Blank Dogs: On Two Sides

To keep in the spirit of Blank Dogs approach at keeping the public from knowing too much about him, I will do the same. Provided below is a link to his blog.

Over all, it's a one person project that puts out several releases a year. Mostly released on cassette and vinyl 7"s. He allows all to download said releases from his page. So grab them while you can.

I do enjoy the feel of these Lo-Fi recordings. All done at Mr. Blank Dogs home, he manages to capture a feel of an era of music long gone. Mostly late 70's/early 80's electro/post punk, what have you. You can draw your own comparisons.

Also, let it be known that he played his first show this year. Mr Blank Dog likes to be Mr. Recluse.

Blank Dogs Blog

On Two Sides



1. Ants - 2:55
2. Blaring Speeches - 3:07
3. Twenty Two - 2:21
4. The Crystal Ladies - 4:04
5. Calico Hands - 2:16
6. Pieces - 2:10
7. Epic Moves - 3:36
8. The Lines - 2:09
9. RCD Song - 3:01
10. The Station - 2:03
11. Meltdown Cloud - 3:04
12. Three Window Room - 3:09

Willy - R.I.P. 1981 - 2008

Willy took his life just days ago, I have learned as of last night. At this moment, I can't really wrap my mind around it. He was a very special person to me and many, many others.

I had the opportunity to become friends w/Willy while he was in Plot To Blow Up The Eiffel Tower. Our bands toured together and stayed in touch since. I don't think I met someone who was so warm and open in such a long, long time.

You're missed very badly, friend.

R.I.P.

Birdland: 2004 Demo

This is a demo from the Baltimore group Birdland, which changed their name to Celebration shortly after. The band consists of Katrina Ford(vocals) and Sean Antanaitis(drum machine, sequencers, keys, guitar). These two were also in bands such as Jaks as well as Love Life.

Their sound stayed consistent over the years from band to band to that of Birthday Party, Jesus Lizard and The Bad Seeds. A cabaret feel, dark, spacious, etc.

You can find their current releases under the name Celebration on 4AD Records. Which, to me, is quite fitting. You may recognize Katrina's vocals on TV On The Radio's"Staring At The Sun."

Definitely worth checking out.

Birdland 2004 Demo



1. Waste Time - 4:53
2. Lost Souls - 3:38
3. Tonight - 3:12
4. Stars Don't - 5:02
5. Only One - 4:58
6. Go West - 5:31
7. Run Away - 7:27

Butthole Surfers: Rembrandt Pussyhorse/Cream Corn From The Socket Of Davis EP

Originally slated to be released in 1984 on Alternative Tentacles, 1986 became the "official" release year for the Butthole's second LP on Touch & Go Records. It was also intended to be an EP. As songs were added and dates were pushed back, T&G was the label who offered to have it as it's official home. It was further pushed back when BHS decided to add 2 more tracks.

Originated in Texas, then relocated in California, then back to Texas, BHS brought their acid induced music to the punk world in the early 80's. At this time, the line up changed about an average of two times for every record. Usually holding two stand up percussionists, 2 guitars, vocals and a bass. Recordings often included tape manipulation, violen, horns, samples and plenty of off the wall lyrics.

Disturbing, hilarious, obviously drug influenced, I give you one of my favorite records/bands during my highschool years.

Rembrandt Pussyhorse



Cream Corn From The Socket Of Davis EP



1. Creep in the Cellar – 2:05
2. Sea Ferring – 4:00
3. American Woman (Bachman, Cummings, Kale, Peterson) – 5:33
4. Waiting for Jimmy to Kick – 2:21
5. Strangers Die Everyday - 3:08
6. Perry – 3:32
7. Whirling Hall of Knives – 4:44
8. Mark Says Alright – 4:08
9. In the Cellar – 3:18
10. Moving To Florida – 4:32
11. Comb 1 – 4:57
12. To Parter 2 – 4:20
13. Tornadoes – 2:36

Sun Ra: Lanquidity

Sun Ra and most of the core Arkestra (at least Allen, Gilmore, Patrick and Boykins) left Chicago in 1961, staying in Montreal for a few months before settling in New York City. They initially had trouble finding performance venues and began living communally due to New York's higher cost of living. This frustration fueled the drastic changes in the Arkestra's sound as Sun Ra's music underwent a free jazz-influenced experimental period.

Wikipedia Entry/Sun Ra New York years (1961–early 1970s)

I've heard a lot of Sun Ra records over the years. Definitely no where near the amount of recordings he actually has, but enough to get an idea. But then I heard this record.

A new friend as of this year played me this record and needless to say, I took to it. It may only have 5 tracks, but they hold your attention. This is also a rare moment where you'll hear guitar in his group. Track one and five still remain my favorites. Interesting enough, they happen to be the opener and closers.

Whether or not you're into fusion, it's worth checking out. Even if you use it as"back ground" music.

Sun Ra: Lanquidity



1. Lanquidity 8:22
2. Where pathways meet 6:33
3. That's how I feel 8:06
4. Twin stars of thence 9:34
5. There are other worlds (they have not told you of) 10:57

Isaac Hayes 8/20/42 – 8/10/2008 R.I.P.

I know I'm late in reporting this. Just showing my appreciation.



Wiki Link

The Magnetic Fields: Holiday

Holiday is the record which introduced me to The Magnetic Fields. There was something about their unconventional take on 80's style pop songs. Such use of ukulele, banjo's, accordion, cello's and Marxophone really made their music stand out. Well, that and Stephin Merritt's vocals.

The Magnetic Fields hail from New York and was originally Stephin's studio project. During the early stages of the groups formation, he played all instruments with exception of additional help from Claudia Gonson.

I've been on a big kick lately with their records. It's especially nice to know they still exist. Most groups in this vein, if you will, tend to be broken up, dead, etc by now. At least the groups & performers I enjoy.

Like most music, I have some fond memories with this record. Hopefully you'll enjoy it.


Holiday



1. BBC Radiophonic Workshop – 0:22
2. Desert Island – 3:34
3. Deep Sea Diving Suit – 2:05
4. Strange Powers – 2:41
5. Torn Green Velvet Eyes – 4:22
6. The Flowers She Sent and the Flowers She Said She Sent – 2:26
7. Swinging London – 2:35
8. In My Secret Place – 1:41
9. Sad Little Moon – 2:12
10. The Trouble I've Been Looking For – 2:23
11. Sugar World – 3:19
12. All You Ever Do Is Walk Away – 2:06
13. In My Car – 2:57
14. Take Ecstasy with Me – 3:30

The Pop Group: Y

This is the debut LP, Y from the Bristol, England post-punk act The Pop Group.

The Pop Group existed for just a short period of time from 1978 to 1980. They went through a few line up changes before signing to Rough Trade, which released their sophomore release For How Much Longer Do We Tolerate Mass Murder?

During the Rough Trade era, they shared managers with The Slits. Both bands, at this time, were doing their take on more funk and dub reggae influence while remaining very noisy, jazz influenced, etc.

This record is for anyone who enjoys this period of music from the U.K. Highly recommended.

Y



1. She Is Beyond Good and Evil – 3:23 (CD only: not on the original '79 vinyl album)
2. Thief of Fire – 4:35
3. Snow Girl – 3:21
4. Blood Money – 2:57
5. We Are Time – 6:29
6. Savage Sea – 3:02
7. Words Disobey Me – 3:26
8. Don't Call Me Pain – 5:35
9. The Boys from Brazil – 4:16
10. Don't Sell Your Dreams – 6:40

Swans: Filth + Self Titled EP

The only Swans era I really put forth effort to listen to was their first 3 or 4yrs of existence. I was much more of a fan of the violent and abrasiveness of their music, which can be seen up until their 3rd of 4th release. Their sound started to take a departure and eventually becoming something more of pop music afterward.

Rising from the ashes of the New York No Wave scene in the late 70's/early 80's, Swans made it's mark rather quick.

The live shows were violent in ways of their presence, physical activity with the audience and the volume. It had been reported that some members of the audience would throw up from how unsettling the volume was. And of course, cops were always called.

Anyone fan of The Birthday Party, early Cop Shoot Cop would appreciate this release. It features the debut self titled EP, which had been added once it was re-released in 1990.

Hypnotic and repetitive chords, thick and heavy bass, driving and very thundering percussion all topped with vulgar lyrical content.

Not bad.

Filth + Self Titled EP



1. Stay Here – 5:44
2. Big Strong Boss – 3:07
3. Blackout – 3:49
4. Power for Power – 6:03
5. Freak – 1:15
6. Right Wrong – 4:48
7. Thank You – 3:56
8. Weakling – 5:30
9. Gang – 3:20
10. Swans Live at the Kitchen, N.Y.C. 1982/3 - 24:18†

†The additional track on the 1990 re-release contained a live set from New York City containing the tracks "Strip/Burn", "Heatsheet", "Blackout", "Clay Man" "Stay Here" and "Weakling"

Disco Inferno: Technicolour

I just recently discovered this group this year. At first the name really turned me off. The last thing I wanted to hear was something disco oriented in this day and age. No offense to any of you Disco fans out there. I can respect it, but shit. This is 2008 and I think we got the genre covered. Will I eat my words one day? Doubt it.

Disco Inferno is a group from Essex, England. They released 5 LP's and a mess of singles and EP's.

Technicolour was Disco Inferno's final LP on Rough Trade. Their Wiki page mentions that they formed in late 80's and ended in 96. Heavily influenced by Joy Division and other post punk groups that came from England.

Samples, electronics, some pop elements, fun guitar effects and 100% British sounding.

I like. I think you might, too.

Technicolour



All tracks written by Ian Crause, Paul Wilmott, and Rob Whatley.

1. Technicolour – 3:37
2. Things Move Fast – 3:02
3. I'm Still in Love – 2:10
4. Sleight of Hand – 3:59
5. Don't You Know – 4:48
6. It's a Kid's World – 4:30 * Sample: Iggy Pop, "Lust for Life"
7. When the Story Breaks – 3:11
8. Can't See Through It – 3:53
9. Over and Over – 3:51

Neil Young: Trans

This is a pretty fun record. Very different from his previous releases, this record features Young on Vocoder, synth and electronic percussion.

According to the Wikipedia entry:

Neil Young found that when using a vocoder when communicating to his son (who was born with cerebral palsy), he was able to elicit a better response. The emotional power of this experiment shows in the lyrics, particularly in the track "Transformer Man" with the lines "So many things still left to do / But we haven't made it yet."

At time of release, which was 1982, many reviews thought very poorly of it. Some fans thought he was mocking the current day music. I'm not too positive as to why he decided to release an album as such. Regardless, it's worth checking out if you enjoy electronic music. Especially with a Vocoder.

Trans



1. Little Thing Called Love – 3:13
2. Computer Age – 5:24
3. We R in Control – 3:31
4. Transformer Man – 3:23
5. Computer Cowboy (AKA Syscrusher) – 4:13
6. Hold on to Your Love – 3:28
7. Sample and Hold – 8:03
8. Mr. Soul – 3:19
9. Like an Inca – 9:46

Men's Recovery Project: Frank Talk About Humans CD

This was originally a 3x7" release on Vinyl Communications. It was released about a year later as a CD with many extra remixes/tracks/random shit.

Sam McPheters and Neil Burke were both previously in a hXc group from NY called Born Against. They relocated to Richmond, VA and eventually disbanded. There was several incarnations of groups featuring members of Born Against. MRP had to be my favorite.

The main difference between MRP and BA was mostly the fact that it was a 2 peice originally, used whatever random cheap keyboards, synths, samplers, sequencers they could get their hands on and write 10 to 20 + songs at a time. If you check out their discography, it's quite extensive and much of it is out of print.

Sam(vocals) always had a sharp wit and sense of humor. This only became more extreme and off the wall as MRP existed. Prior hXc fans felt alienated and some just flat out offended by what they thought was absurd, ridiculous or just terrible.

I fucking loved it.

Their first show in Richmond MRP opened for Avail, which at the time was a huge hXc/anthemy"sing along chorus" style band from VA, too. When the lights on the stage came on, a woman walking from the left towards the center stage then off to the right held up a sign, as if in a boxing match, that read"Next up, Men's Recovery Project." She then exited.

At that moment, a figure at both left and right of the stage wearing boxes on their heads with amateurish faces drawn on it arrive, looking at the other. They then ran towards one another, smacked into each other and walked off. Then the lady arrives again, this time with a sign reading"This has been Men's Recovery Project."

Several, several other tales of MRP, but we'll save them for another entry.

Enjoy.

Frank Talk About Humans

Part 1

Part 2



1. Clark In My Car
2. Homo?
3. Slap On Some Pants
4. They Found My Naked Body By The River
5. All Music Is Shit To God
6. Frank Talk About Mutants
7. Problem?
8. Domestic Phone Call
9. Explanation Of Head Troubles
10. Smokin' That Magic Rock
11. Eating Contest
12. Ugly Interracial Couple
13. Frank Talk About Mutants, Also
14. Frank Talk About Mutants (Carl Cullins Remix)
15. Smokin' That Magic Rock (Zionist Remix)
16. Explanation Of Head Troubles (Empirically Verifiable Science Remix)
17. All Music Is Shit To God (Ed Powers Tribal Remix)
18. Homo? (Neighborhood Plumbing Remix)
19. Domestic Phone Call (Exhausted Engineer Remix)
20. Explanation Of Head Troubles (Children's Problem Remix)
21. Eating Contest (Parisian Remix)
22. Domestic Phone Call (Plastic Fruit Cups Remix)
23. Problem? (Owner's Remix)
24. Slap On Some Pants (Trail Mix Remix)
25. Domestic Phone Call (Special Remix)
26. All Music Is Shit To God (Fuck You Remix)
27. Domestic Phone Call (Artificial Leg Remix)
28. Frank Talk About Mutants (Marshall Glickman Remix)
29. Smokin' That Magic Rock (John Wilcox Remix)
30. All Music Is Shit To God (DNA Sequencer Failure Remix)
31. Domestic Phone Call (Inflatable Remix)
32. Slap On Some Pants (Halftime Remix)
33. Eating Contest (Emergency Remix)
34. Explanation Of Head Troubles (Empowerment Pants Remix)
35. Encompass
36. Slap On Some Pants (Trouble Remix)
37. Domestic Phone Call (Cookout Fluid Remix)
38. Homo? ("They Ain't Suing Nobody" Remix)
39. Domestic Phone Call (Negro Remix)
40. Frank Talk About Mutants (Arnold Clausen Remix)
41. Domestic Phone Call (Wankle-Rotary Engine Remix)
42. All Music Is Shit To God (Monoroid Remix)
43. Explanation Of Head Troubles (Malfunction Remix)
44. Slap On Some Pants (Waste Of Resources Remix)
45. Older Men

R.I.P. George Carlin

I just found out this morning that George Carlin died of a heart attack in California at the age of 71.

George was one of my all time favorite comedians. Right up there with Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, Red Fox, etc. He always found ways to make the public think forward and for themselves. Not what an institution demands them to. I am certainly glad I had the chance to see him perform live.

He will be missed.

1937 - 2008

R.I.P.

Ancestors: Neptune With Fire

I just discovered this band recently and really love their debut LP on Tee Pee Records Neptune With Fire.

Ancestors is a psych/progressive/doom metal band from L.A. They formed in 2006 as a three piece slowly adding 2 more members.

This release features only two tracks both of which are pretty long. The first clocks in at 16:46 and the second at 21:38. So you can imagine that with all the sub genre references given, these are pretty epic songs.

Give this a try. If you're a fan of all or any of the Doom Metal sub genres, you'll love this...I would hope.

Neptune With Fire



1. Orcus' Avarice - 16:46
2. Neptune With Fire - 21:38

MUXTAPE MONDAY

Tacos Mix Tape #11

Now you make one.

CNN's "Crossfire" featuring Frank Zappa / 1986

I couldn't resist.

Tribute To Flexi-pop: Vol.1 & 2

Flexi-pop was a magazine that existed in the early 80's. The magazine came with singles, even whole tapes or albums, presenting the "new wave" of modern music. So far there are at least ten "Tribute to Flexi-pop" compilations and ten "Return of Flexi-pop." Each one contains a regular CD length of tracks. Also see the "None Night of Flexi-pop", "New Wave Complex", "Shockwaves" and "Tribute to Some Bizarre" compilations.

I have learned that these comps are not linked to the Flexi-pop magazine in any way besides the use of the name of the magazine. Evidently, the intent was to pay tribute to the spirit of the sounds highlighted by Flexi-pop in the early 80s. These compilations came to be during the late 90's with file P2P file share programs.

These two here are probably some of the best available. Shortly after a few were created, many more people became involved and wanted to contribute to the cause. Knowing this now makes sense to me as to why they became a little further detached from what the earlier compilations sounded like.

Very minimal yet timeless electronic music. Give it a try if that speaks to you.

Vol.1



1. The Vyllies - Give Me A Name
2. Ceramic Hello - Gestures
3. Snowy Red - Never Alive
4. Neon - Dark Age
5. Njurmännen - Stadvisan
6. Indians In Moskow - Singing In French
7. Pink Industry - Time For a Chance
8. Polyphonic Size - Mode
9. Stephen Spera - Sound Of The Crowd
10. Die Radierer - Angriff Auf´s Schlaraffenland
11. ZSKA - Keinen Teddybär
12. El Aviador - Dro - La Chica De Plexiglas
13. Fjose - Nobody Is Like You
14. The Wake - Patrol
15. Doppler Effect - Tim
16. Silvia - Zuerst Ich
17. Nine Circles - What Is There Left
18. Soft Cell - Metro MRX

Vol.2



1. The Metronomes - Ballad Of The Metronome
2. Rational Youth - I Want To See The Light
3. Das Kabinette - The Cabinet
4. The Misz - Even Bad Times Are Good
5. Surplus Stock - Let´s Kill Each Other
6. El Aviador Dro - El Ultimo Asalto A La Bastilla
7. R Steven Moore - What Are You Looking At
8. Träneninvasion - Sentimental
9. x-Quadrat - Kauf Dir Die Freiheit
10. Metamorphus Nex - Die Idee
11. Die Gesunden - Die Gesunden Kommen
12. Christoph Glowalla - Erde
13. Cheiron - Land After Life
14. U Bahn x - Young Hearts Of Erurope
15. Mythos - Robot Secret Agents
16. uv-Pop - No Songs Tomorrow
17. The Actor - Deutsches Mädchen
18. Pink Industry - State Of Grace

UPDATE: Iggy Pop, This Heat, Silver Apples and Amon Düül II available again

I am adding new links for the Iggy Pop, This Heat, Silver Apples & Amon Düül II records. Just select their respected articles and go from there.

Also, you may notice that I have added some links to the right. Please take the time to view their pages when convenient. I'm sure you can find something of interest.

If anyone has any requests, feel free to contact.

Public Image Limited Interviews

A few weeks back I posted a P.I.L. record entitled Flowers of Romance, which happens to be one of my favorite records by them.

In the posting, I mentioned that I enjoyed the banters of Lydon and co. on television. Most people get turned off and I admit, he can be a little over baring at times. Mostly because I think he just doesn't appear to take things seriously. Or, at least not taking the interview serious.

Below are some of the best moments of P.I.L. live on television. I suggest checking them out.

John Lydon and Keith Levene on the Tom Snyder Show 1980

Part 1



Part 2



P.I.L. performing live followed by interview on a British show called "Check It Out"



And finally, PIL on American Bandstand 1980

Naked City: Torture Garden

This band was basically a composition workshop. When I stopped writing for the band, we broke up. Compositionally the challenge I set for myself was to see how much I could come up with given the limitations of the simple sax, guitar, keyboard, bass, drums format. - John Zorn

As mentioned in prior posts, I took a liking to extreme music. Something about growing up in middle America, bored adolescence and over all frustration with a small town that I grew up in.

At some point, a friend of mine in 92 introduced me to Naked City. Knowing that I enjoyed fast, brutal sounds, he thought Torture Garden would be an interesting listen for me, to say the least.

In 1988, Naked City was born. Featuring Zorn on saxophone, Bill Frisell on guitars, Fred Frith on bass, Wayne Horvitz on keys, Joey Baron on drums and occasional vocals from Yamatsuka Eye, Bob Dorough, and later Mike Patton.

In the early 80's, Zorn established himself with the New York downtown musical movement. Although he primarily was playing jazz, he had a respect for brutal hardcore and metal. Such appreciation of hardcore bands like Agnostic Front and Napalm Death, along with his other influences, experimented with compositional form and cover versions.

What you would expect from a Naked City release would be Jazz then at a moments notice, pure white noise, then to Country then to Grindcore or Death Metal. The compositions were so tight and flat out brilliant in my eyes.

Along with this brutality, it became signature of Zorn to use very disturbing imagery. One album cover depicted a live execution of a young woman in Asia being hacked, sliced and mutilated by the general public. Of course, the poor woman was conscience. Another cover shows a severed head from an autopsy and another, a mob style killing showing the victim face down on the pavement in his own pool of blood. Perfect for the sound of Naked City, if you ask me.

This record is a crazy roller coaster of genre mash ups. Give it a listen. Its fun!

Torture Garden



1. Blood Is Thin - 1:04
2. Demon Sanctuary - 0:42
3. Thrash Jazz Assassin - 0:49
4. Dead Spot - 0:35
5. Bonehead - 0:56
6. Speedball - 0:40
7. Blood Duster - 0:18
8. Pile Driver - 0:38
9. Shangkuan Ling-Feng - 1:19
10. Numbskull - 0:32
11. Perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh - 0:29
12. Jazz Snob Eat Shit - 0:28
13. The Prestigitator - 0:48
14. No Reason To Believe - 0:28
15. Hellraiser - 0:42
16. Torture Garden - 0:40
17. Slan - 0:26
18. Hammerhead - 0:12
19. The Ways of Pain - 0:36
20. The Noose - 0:13
21. Sack of Shit - 0:49
22. Blunt Instrument - 0:56
23. Osaka Bondage - 1:18
24. Igneous Ejaculation - 0:25
25. Shallow Grave - 0:43
26. Ujaku - 0:32
27. Kaoru - 0:55
28. Dead Dread - 0:49
29. Billy Liar - 0:15
30. Victims of Torture - 0:27
31. Speedfreaks - 0:52
32. New Jersey Scum Swamp - 0:44
33. S & M Sniper - 0:17
34. Pigfucker - 0:27
35. Cairo Chop Shop - 0:26
36. Fuck the Facts - 0:15
37. Obeah Man - 0:21
38. Facelifter - 1:00
39. N.Y. Flat Top Box - 0:46
40. Whiplash - 0:23
41. The Blade - 0:43
42. Gob of Spit - 0:23

DJ Screw: Codeine Fiend

Here's a mixtape by the late Robert Earl Davis, better known as Dj Screw from the Screwed Up Click.

DJ Screw was known for pioneering the Chopped and Screwed movement, which at the time of this release, as with many others, was only really known in Houston, TX and the south in general. P2P programs such as Napster in the late 90's is what brought his underground cassettes worldwide. This gave him much attention and respect by hip hop artists and fans alike.

This release is one of several hundred cassettes released by DJ Screw. You can still purchase many of them at Screwed Up Records And Tapes.

Codeine Fiend