Monday, October 20

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

Sunday, October 19

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

Sunday, September 28

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


Tuesday, September 23

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

Sunday, September 21

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

Tuesday, September 16

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.

Wednesday, September 10

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

Friday, August 29

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

Monday, August 11

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

Monday, July 28

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

Monday, July 14

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


Sunday, July 6

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"

Wednesday, July 2

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

Tuesday, June 24

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

Monday, June 23

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.

Saturday, June 21

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