9-27-2015

Setlist:
1. Godz - White Cat Heat
2. David Montanye - Moses Put Your Pants Back On
3. The Galactic Symposium - YMCA
4. Bipolaroid - Karmic Engines
5. Sparks - Amateur Hour
6. Moolah - Mirrors
7. Sleep - Confusion
8. Caterpillar - Bus 6
9. Les Rallizes Denudes - Night Of The Assassins

Godz - "White Cat Heat"

Off the "White Cat Heat" LP, released on ESP Disks in 1966.
Cult band "Godz" were pretty well received among the late 1960's New York City music scene, but much like The Fugs, they became subject to underground-somewhat-obscurity after their friends, The Velvet Underground, hit it huge and left them and the rest of the NY scene in the dust - not like that was the VU's intent. The Godz debut LP of their special brand of freak folk still remains a cult favorite today - mumbled singing, so non-mumbled singing, some harmonica, atonal acoustic guitars and more await you in what could possibly be the weirdest album the mid 60's.
In White Cat Heat the Godz attempt to become Cats. Listen and believe.

David Montanye - "Moses Put Your Pants Back On"

Off the "Slices" compilation, released on Orange SLS Records in 2014.
Previously featured on 8/15/2015
Lo-Fi technician and enthusiast David Montanye unsurprisingly worked his way onto the V/A compilation Slices, he's been a staple act on Orange SLS for so long that it'd be a crime not too. The song clearly has his "style" of low mixed vocals, acoustic guitar and overall Lo-Fi production - most likely recorded right onto a tape deck, or onto a cheap contact mic. All we can do is hope that Moses put his pants back on.

>> Buy the "Slices" Tape Here <<

>> Stream the "Slices" Tape Here <<

>> Visit The Label <<

The Galactic Symposium  -  "YMCA"

Off the "Money / YMCA" single, released on Vague Records in 1979.

The Galactic Symposium, as they claim, were a group of talented musicians that all switched to instruments that they'd never played before. Instead of recording their own songs, they recorded a whole album of them covering Top 40 hits of the time, which caused one of the best "Fuck You, Mainstream music" happenings in all of music history. The album was never officially released - all the got pushed out was a single with their covers of Pink Floyd's "Money" and The Village Peoples "YMCA." The full studio session was unofficially (or, possibly officially, information is skewed) released on LP in 2005 - and copies now get a some pretty pennies.
Now to the music - inept, but beautifully so. Infinitely hard to tag down - too sarcastic and anti-establishment to be New Wave, too fun and upbeat to be Punk - the symposium finds themselves in a league all their own - more intense and intentional then The Shaggs, less crazy and all out then The Silver, the Symposium remain one big question mark till this day.

Bipolaroid - "Transparent Make Believe"

Off the "E(i)ther Or" LP, released on Surreal But Kind Records in 2008.
Previously featured on 8/25/2015
Louisiana's finest contemporary Psych band 'Bipolaroid' have put out 4 great records, and I plan too feature the key track on each one. Why? Well, I don't have a life and I get my kicks by looking at the statistic boards for this blog while looking at the wall. Life really is a blast.
A somewhat poppy yet all the more trippy psych explosion of energy, Bipolaroid are the millennial psych band you should be listening to - not that stupid Animal Collective bullshit.

Sparks -  "Amateur Hour"

Off the "Kimono My House" LP, released on Island Records in 1974.

Much like Godz, Sparks are a band that released solid records and while doing it, built up a following of fans and critical appraise - despite never seeing any "hits" in the states, (some singles and albums of theirs charted in the UK, however) Sparks have been running since the late 60's, and are still releasing albums till this day.
Originally formed as "Half Nelson" in 1968, the original 5-piece released 2 records but then became the 2 piece of Ron and Russel Mael, who wrote and composed all the songs on Kimono My House. In order to follow out their full artistic vision, 3 musicians were hired to record in the studio with them; the musicians being Adrian Fisher (guitar), Martin Gordon (bass), and Dinky Diamond (drums), with Muff Winwood's fabulous production team. I have no idea what the song is about, but I still love it.

Moolah - "Mirrors"

Off the "Woe Ye Demons Possessed" LP, released on Atman Music & Recordings in 1974.

This really seems to be a "cult band" episode... woops!
Moolah's debut album of outsider-noise-prog has amounted a cult following, and that's not too surprising - given the circumstances. American atmospheric ambient progressive Krautrock influenced jams for 7 minutes a piece is a guaranteed way to make a great album. An illusive, mysterious second album to make the fans go crazy for more, too? Even better!

Sleep - "Confusion"

Off the Untitled EP released on New Moon Records in 1985.
Not the Sleep that most of you are familiar with, but instead an obscure 80's Indie / Alt. Rock band from Michigan. They released a full length in 1988 called Brainchild, and the trail runs cold after that. 4 pretty interesting tracks that hints at future efforts - that most likely being their LP.

Since I can't find any mention towards this EP on the net (I bought it originally at Cheapo Discs in Minneapolis) I'll allow you good folks to download it in full here.

Caterpillar - "Bus 6"

Off the "Bus 6 / Whiskey Priest" single released Neck Records in 1993.

Some weird intersection between Noise Rock, Post-Hardcore and Indie Pop, Caterpillar a surprisingly neglected Indie group from the 90's, Caterpillar are the result of spinning Atomizer and Doolittle non-stop for 4 years straight. Wouldn't be surprised if that is how this came to be. If anyone can help me understand what's going on on the cover, that'd be pretty great.

Les Rallizes Denudes - "Night Of The Assassins"

Off the "77 Live" album released on Rivista in 1991.

The raw, psychedelic, Lo-Fi and noisey explosion of energy from Japan's noise-psych extraordinaires Les Rallizes Denudes. The Japanese band with the Spanish name get their kicks by recording 10 to 30 minute jams that slowly lead up to a true moment on transcendence. Phish meets Index with the production of a Daniel Johnston basement tape made as envisioned by Japanese Communists? Count me in!

9-22-2015

Setlist:
1. Cyborg And Droids - The Extinction
2. Coneheads - Out Of Conetrol
3. Throbbing Gristle - Maggot Death - Studio + Maggot Death - Southampton
4. LOTION - Welcome To The Civilized World
5. F/i - Trauma At The Beach
6. DNA - Not Moving
7. Residents - Satisfaction
8. Rudimentary Peni - Tower Of Strength
9. The Coltranes - Distant
10. Rusted Shut - Jesus Christ Inca
11. Neutron Rats - Eczema
12. Chrome - Zombie Warfare / Can't Let You Down

Cyborgs And Droids - "The Extinction"

Off the S/T album released independently in 2015. 

The somewhat ambitious release (as ambitious as mixing OG Industrial and Synth Punk can get) from the Sci-Fi obsessed Irish ensemble is a mish mash of 10 tracks - the longest being 3 and a half minutes. Wacked out synthesizers and sequencers, the occasional atonal guitar and the Lo-Fi vocals accumulate into what alot of Synth Punk bands aspire to be - The Screamers, Mark 2. C&D take themselves away from that by rebooting the genre with the overly Sci-Fi, Dystopian aesthetic and sound.

>> Bandcamp <<

Coneheads - "Out Of Conetrol"

Off the "Total Conetrol" tape released independently in 2014. 
Dada-Punk? I think so. Building off the aestheticism of 80's Art Punk / Experimental groups like Devo and The Residents and using the Noise philosophy on musical distribution (i.e, extremely limited cassettes with sardonic, and usually minimalist artwork) with the clear 
Lo-Fi execution of the music, The Coneheads, much like Cyborgs and Droids, are trying to invent a new musical subculture with no commercial quality by building off of noncommercial movements from the past 40 years. The extremely limited cassettes and old school aesthetic hint at a nostalgia of the Pre- Internet music underground, and they seem like they don't even want to be on the internet at all. It's a wonder anyone not from Indiana (Conehead's homestate) is even aware of them. I'd recommend downloading their tapes off the internet - most are blasts of art punk that runs under 10 minutes, and due to the nature of these releases - most Coneheads releases, despite being only released a couple years ago, sell for hundreds of dollars. Although I'm sure The Coneheads are nicely asking their live audiences to buy these tapes for $3 each.

Throbbing Gristle - "Maggot Death - Studio + Maggot Death - Southampton"

Off the "Second Annual Report" LP released on Industrial Records in 1977.

Previously Featured on 8/9/2015 and 8/30/2015.
Well, I know I've featured TG 2 times already, and I know that they don't really need much more exposure, since they're considered legends within their scene. I just really like these 2 tracks and wanted to write about, because I have nothing better to do. The studio take of Maggot Death and it's very fitting segue into the Southampton take are genius, the blasts of Industrial energy on the studio take and the beautiful droning sound on the Southampton take is really transcendent. TG have a reputation for being hit or miss, but when they get the "hit," it's absolutely amazing. Peter "Sleazy" Christophersen usually doesn't get to show us his amazing tape collages, but in the middle to near end of the song were all the random samples are flying at you generates an awesome atmosphere. The saddest thing about TG is how neglected Sleazy was, most of TG's key tracks include his stellar tape collages.

L.O.T.I.O.N - "Welcome To The Civilized World"

Off the "First Audio Document" album released independently in 2013.
Not much to say on this one since I don't know much about it, but L.O.T.I.O.N seems to be the closest thing to a contemporary for Cyborgs & Droids, but the Industrial aesthetic and the Sci-Fi fetishism (this is pretty much the sonic representation of Tetsuo: The Iron Man) is in full force here. Almost like 50's B-Movies getting thrown in a trash compactor with The Deutsch-Amerikanische Freundschaft, long story short: this is certainly not normal.

F/i - "Trauma At The Beach"

Off the "Space Mantra" LP released on RRRecords in 1988.
The musical ensemble simply known as "F/i" have done many things since their formation in the early 80's - industrial punk to ambient jams to what could be described as "the Dave Matthews band if they didn't suck," F/i have built up a cult base and it's not hard to see why; their way of operating, recording and executing their unique artistic vision is quite interesting; everything for over-arching themes right down to the song titles evoke a certain mood unique to them. Stuck somewhere between No Trend and Hawkwind, F/i can head in any musical direction and find a way to pull it off.
Trauma At The Beach and some other choice cuts of Space Mantra see a very bleak, disturbed form of Industrial music taking place. The song title brings some odd thoughts into the brain, and the music more so. Something so distant, yet so relatable. As it goes on, its gets more spacey, more dissonant and more outlandish. Definitely something to show your grandma.

DNA - "Not Moving"

Off the "DNA on DNA" compilation released on No More Records in 2004, recorded from 1977 to 1982.

I think I played DNA on a very early show but I can't remember - and I'm too lazy too look for it. This isn't Hits 1 Radio, folks. I figured while I was showing off Synth Punk and Industrial I may as well throw some No Wave on - just so everyone is (dis)pleased. Built around a seemingly simple keyboard line, Not Moving gains an unbelievable amount of propulsion, pace and energy, and instead of slowing down, it gets more disconnected and atonal. It's no wonder DNA are considered one of Outsider Music's finest acts, they sounded like no one else in 1977 - not even the other No Wave acts of the time came close. For some reason, DNA makes my headaches go away, to quote someone I saw on the internet. Another good internet comment about DNA is "this bullshit inspired me to make a band with a schizophrenic homeless dude." Joke or not, I'd like to hear that!

The Residents - "Satisfaction"

Off the "Satisfaction / Loser = Weed" single released on Ralph Records in 1976.
Insane guitar fuckery and satire from the lords of satire - The Residents take the classic Stones A-side and turn it inside out to the point that it doesn't sound like a feel good Top 40 hit, but a bleak cry for help. I'd like to think the vocals are The Residents poking fun at Mick Jagger for trying to sound like an American Bluesman, (despite being from Metropolitan Britain) but I doubt they were thinking of that, although the way the vocals are mixed is interesting, to say the least. Sounds like a 90 year old chain smoker trying to sing the song. Even the percussion sounds hellish, although you can barely hear it. All I can say is, hats off to the Residents! 

Rudimentary Peni - "Tower Of Strength"

Off the S/T EP released on Outer Himalayan Records in 1981.

Probably the most "Cacophony"-sounding effort, although that album was 7 years down the road. RP's first EP presents 11 outsider punk blasts in around 13 minutes - and Tower Of Strength is a really awesome sounding song - Blinko's vocals, the solid basslines that follow the drums and the guitar-work are euphoric. Pure love to the UK's weirdest Punk trio.

The Coltranes - "Distant"

Off "The Cat Of Nine Tails" tape self-released in 2015.
Talk about classy! Named after John Coltrane, The Coltranes certainly aren't classy artsy jazz. As the cover indicates, they're about orgies, drugs, and being abducted by aliens. Oh, what goes on in The Coltranes studio (AKA a squat-house) must be pretty different. Anyway, The Coltranes are a more recent noise rock group, playing intense live shows and making angular Hardcore tunes, (as do many modern acts in this niche) which allows them to not only become a niche product but also to appeal to alot of people, from Mayhem fans to Deerhunter fans. Weird how that works.

Rusted Shut - "Jesus Christ Inca"

Off the "Rehab" album released on Emperor Jones Records in 2004.
Originally formed in 1985 with a clear influence from Noise Rock (specifically Flipper) and full on Noise music (like Ramleh's guitar generated noise music), Rusted Shut built up a reputation in their home state of Texas for being crazy, fucked up and possibly mentally ill. They never got around to releasing an album 1996, their self titled album. Before 1996 their only appearances on physical media was on 2 V/A comps. There next release was 2004's 50 minute assault now known as Rehab, which starts off strong and never lets up. Jesus Christ Inca, the first track on the album, is a no-fi blast of sound in which the guitar and drums clip and blend together and the vocals are screamed with confused hatred - which is the best way to sing a song that revolves around Genocide, (the Spanish killing and warring with the Incan people) Rusted Shut land in an awkward yet amazing place between Noise Rock and full out Noise music. This becomes abundant in the last 4 tracks on the album - recorded live sometime in the 90's, the tracks feature the guitar freaking out with insane shrieks and dissonant pedal fuckery. Good stuff, for fans of the weirder side of Noise Rock.

Neutron Rats - "Eczema"

Off the "Feral Dogs" EP released on Loud Punk Records in 2012.
Not much to say on this one - Neutron Rats are some pretty millennial Noise Punk with influence from Thrash and Hardcore thrown in. Easily the best track on the whole EP, Eczema can be described the way I described most noise rock - some sick feedback with a guy yelling about shit and a solid rhythm section. In case you guys couldn't tell - I have a PhD in Journalism.

Chrome - "Zombie Warfare / Can't Let You Down"

Off the "Half Machine Lip Moves" LP released on Siren Records in 1979.

If I was to make a list of songs that ruled it would be this and "Amateur Hour" by Sparks written down a hundred times over. I can't stress how great this track is, some awesome, spacy / psychedelic punk guitars with some industrial mixer blurps are what makes up most of the songs, and it's glorious. I'm gunna listen to this 'till I go deaf.

9-17-2015

Setlist:

1. Demmier and Nico - Morning Cigarette
2. Debris' - Leisurely Waiting
3. Butthole Surfers - Hey
4. Bleach Boys - Chloroform
5. Blank Veins - Soaking Text
6. The Mentally Ill - Gacy's Place
7. The Electric Eels - You're Full Of Shit
8. Stick Men With Rayguns - Swastikas For Christ
9. Blue Sabbath Black Fiji - The Mixing Ship
10. Waves Crashing Piano Chords - Young Mouth / It Wasn't Even Worth My Back Seat
11. Cult Ritual - Cancer Money

1. Demmier And Nico - "Morning Cigarette"
Off the "Yelling At Sailboats" EP, Released on Orange SLS Records in 2014.

The "demo" EP that would later be aesthetically, sonically and ideologically when they'd go to record a full length album later that year, also named "Yelling At Sailboats." The Floridian Duo signed to Upper NY's finest Orange SLS have so far recorded the EP and LP, along with Demmier releasing a solo album , although future releases by Demmier and Nico are not out of the question. Although they aren't my favorite Orange SLS band, (that'd be The Cleptos) they are worth checking out.

>> Stream "Yelling At Sailboats" EP here <<
>> Buy the LP here <<
>> Buy Demmiers solo album here <<
>> Check out the label! <<

2. Debris' - "Leisurely Waiting"
Off the "Static Disposal" LP released independently in 1976. 

Debris', along with many other Proto-Punk band, have maintained a cult following, despite having only one release. Debris' aren't your average Proto-Punk band, though - they're different. Most Proto-Punk bands are from huge metropolitan areas with a "scene," - Electric Eels and Mirrors in Cleveland, Stooges and MC5 in Detroit, Modern Lovers from Boston, and so on. Debris' however, came from Chickasha, Oklahoma; which today has a population around 16,000.
Debuting around the same time as the Ramones, I bet it took a while for Debris' to get wind of the "Punk" movement - to me this sounds like a Sparks and Zappa influenced mesh that propels itself at Art Punk. Hard to go wrong.

3. Butthole Surfers - "Hey"
Off the "Brown Reason To Live" EP released on Alternative Tentacles in 1983.
13 years before "Pepper" invaded the charts and the radio, the Butthole Surfers ('Butthole Surfer' being old slang referring to Gay men) were a mysterious and equally infamous group from Texas. The album does very little to elaborate, the front cover is a repeated photo of a statue of a pregnant man whilst the back hosted a still from a Mexican TV show. No mentions to the band aside from their name - no names of the band members, no mailing address, no mention to their hometown - the only way to get a clue was to see them live.
In all its mystique, Brown Reason To Live tops it all of with 7 mind-blowing tracks. A blatant parody at Hardcore whilst an early example of their psych / noise rock influence, the album is wall to wall perfect - although I'd argue "Hey" is the best track. Strangely beautiful in a way that only the buttholes can pull off, "Hey" is BHS's strange way of a love story; with symbolic hints at the devil and hell thrown in for added drama.

4. Bleach Boys - "Chloroform"
Off the "Chloroform" single released on Tramp Records in 1978.

An infamous and highly sought out single from Britain's "The Bleach Boys," the oddly dissonant and sludgey Oi tune "Chloroform," with it's classic line "I feel like I'm bout to shit mine." The Bleach Boys would go on to be a full out Oi! group and lose this odd sound they had in their early days. Sad; as is life.

5. Blank Veins - "From One Head To Another"
Off the "From One Head" Tape released on UNC in 2014.

A Hardcore / Noise Rock explosion of sound, Blank Veins is a newer group that  is based out of Greece. You have to get that bankrupcy anger out some way, and Blank Veins does it by releasing walls of noise at the listener.
With a clear influence from the Brainbombs, (the trumpet, the guitar, the bass, the accent... all very Brainbombs reminiscent) Blank Veins takes an even more Lo-Fi and Free Form approach to this breed of Noise Rock. The 4 track cassette tape does hint at a great future for Blank Veins - definitely a group I want to hear more from!

6. The Mentally Ill - "Gacy's Place"
Off the "Gacy's Place" Single released on Autistic Productions in 1979.

The single that set the Chicago Punk scene in a confused frenzy, the purposely mysterious and oddball band made sure to never include any names of band members or play live shows - very little was known about them as people until they're reunion which saw them playing a few live shows. Oddly enough, an address is included on the 7" - reading "Join Our Fan Club - World Head Quarters - 180 N. Wacker 209 Chicago, IL." Some back covers hosted a different image - Lyrics and a different address, reading "If you want more of these records but can't find them send $2.00 for each copy to Autistic Productions, 26 Greenbriar, Deerfield IL 60015 (Allow 1 week for delivery)"
I guess they were so mysterious they couldn't even remember their address. 

7. The Electric Eels - "You're Full Of Shit"
Previously featured on 8/20/2015.
Recorded sometime from 1973 to 1975, released on the "Die Electric Eels" Comp released on Subterranean Records in 2014.
The legendary Cleveland, OH based Proto-Punk band have presented us with many recordings from their early to mid 70's sessions and they've almost always been superb. "You're Full Of Shit" is probably the Eels at a more cathartic moment - who can't relate to wanting to tell everyone that they're full of shit (and more importantly, that they know it's true.) and they're sick of it? The Electric Eels aren't about bullshit passive aggressive attitudes - they're pissed off and want you to know about it, and 40 years after the initial recording we still know that you're full of shit, and you know it's true, full of shit, full of shit, full of fuckin horseshit!

8. Stick Men With Ray Guns - "Swastikas For Christ"
Recorded sometime in the early 80s; Off the "Some People Deserve To Suffer" Album release don Emperor Jones Records in 2002.

Speaking of forward aggression, Stick Men With Ray Guns were the last band the world wanted, needed, or deserved. But still, this dissociated musical slur has been looked back as some of the finest of American Noise Rock - the Flipper-esque crunch of their music has found itself amongst the small group of Hardcore and Industrial (usual the Industrial sound was accidental) influenced Noise Rock bands such as Flipper, No Trend, early period Swans, Chrome, F/i, amongst others. A very unique aesthetic, sound and idea. 

9. Blue Sabbath Black Fiji - "The Mixing Ship"
Previously featured on 7/31/2015.
Off the "Mistake Of A Small Bird" LP released on Feeding Tube Records in 2010.
The French / Scottish duo end the A-side of their album in the best way possible - by being loud as shit. Well, thats how the whole album is - but the Whitehouse sound blasts of high frequency feedback is what makes it triumph over the rest of this nonsensical noise. Shame I have no clue what the fucks going on aside from that.

10. Waves Crashing Piano Chords - "Young Mouth / It Wasn't Even Worth My Back Seat"
Off the "Young Mouth" single released independently in 2014.
A more notable Power Electronics group to spring up the past few years, WCPC is a one man project spearheaded by one man; who happens to act and look like a Juggalo. As far as I know, he isn't. He also seems to favor his anonymity since I can't find reference to his name anywhere. WCPC is - in short - what Rochester, NY has been able to bless us with since their Punk scene burned out. 

>>Stream Here <<

11. Cult Ritual - "Cancer Money"
Off the "LP1" LP released on Youth Attack Records in 2009.
An ambitious Noise Rock / Hardcore release on a Powerviolence label, Cult Rituals fittingly named "LP1" hosts an A-side of Hardcore Tracks, while the B side hosts another Punk tune, but also gives us the 15 jam "Cancer Money" - clearly taking conceptual inspiration from White Light / White Heat - with "Cancer Money" being Cult Rituals "Sister Ray." What seems to start off as another Hardcore blast slowly progresses into a full on Noise jam, as it slowly loses its pace and ends. How elegant!

9-12-2015

Setlist:
1. VOM - Too Animalistic
2. Gibbous - No Elevators
3. Cleaners From Venus - F.U.N
4. Specel Lesters Shoes - Another Cold Night (Rock N Roll)
5. Awesome Snakes - I Want A Snake
6. Capital Punishment - Confusion
7. Half Japanese - Firecracker
8. Verdun - Pourqui Faire?
9. Helen Keller - Surfin' With Steve & E.D. Amin
10. Twin Stumps - Serbia
11. The Deviants - Deviation Street

VOM - "Too Animalistic"

Off the "Live At Surf City" EP released on White Noise Records in 1978.

The pre-cursor to the now infamous Angry Samoans, VOM was a 5-piece punk group from California. With only one EP and a live tape to their name, they have still become one of the most notable and most loved of the KBD punk bands. The band contained 3 soon to be members of the Angry Samoans, music critic Richard Meltzer (who would be a member of Smegma) and some other guy. Hey, I never said I was a music journalist.

Gibbous - "No Elevators"
Off the "Mortal Crust / No Elevators" single released on Lumpy Records in 2010.
After seeing this single recently received a well-deserved 2nd pressing, I decided to celebrate by throwing the B side on here. The A-side is fine, but this track is the real winner. Tight Art Punk with some sweet Saxophone - and I've seen some bands on the Lumpy Records Catalog have adopted this fine formula. The accompanying music video is just as odd as the track - and I'm glad the sampled PSA video helps me understand the songs "point."

>> Buy the 2nd press from Lumpy << 

Cleaners From Venus - "F.U.N"
Off the "On Any Normal Monday" LP released on Calypso Now records in 1982.
Previously featured on 8/15/2015.

It was hard to pick a song from this album to throw on since the B side is complete perfection. The A-Side is pretty great, too, but nothing compares to this song along with "Marilyn On The Train" and "Be An Idiot Pop Star." Only the Captured Tracks repress has that excellent version of Marilyn On The Train, though.
Not much to add, as said in the 8/15 show, Cleaners From Venus are solid jangle pop, 
lo-fi post-punk that you can't go wrong with. Listen to this 'till you die!

Specel Lesters Shoes - "Another Cold Night (Rock N Roll)"

Off the "Love Will Find You (II)" LP released on Orange SLS Records in 2014.
Previously featured on 8/20/2015.
As discussed on the 8/20 episode, Specel Lesters Shoes were a Punk Rock / Lo-Fi group from upstate New York. Member Scotty Shoes founded Orange SLS Records in order to released their albums, which has now become a full blown label releasing albums from artists all across the East Coast. 
Although "Love Will Find You (II)" is not the genesis of the label, it is one of many SLS releases that came out after the unofficial disbandment of the group. As pointed out in the 8/20 show, "Love Will Find You (II)" is really an album composed of electric and non-unplugged versions of tracks that appeared on "Love Will Find You (I)"

>> Buy "Love Will Find You (II)" here <<
>> Stream the album here <<
>> More Specel Lesters Shoes! <<
>> Check out the label! <<

Awesome Snakes - "I Want A Snake"

Off the "Venom" LP released on Crustacean Records in 2006.
An absolutely stellar release from The Soviettes side project Awesome Snakes' 2006 album "Venom" highlights an absolute fascination with snakes, Little Ceasers and food in general. "I Want A Snake" gained a bit of popularity since it was featured in the video game "Skate 2." Must be a good game if it has Awesome Snakes on the playlist!
Awesome Snakes was composed of Soviettes drummer Danny Henry and Soviettes bassist Annie Holoien. Although Awesome Snakes disbanded in 2010, they still have 'Venom' to their name - one of the finest Minnesotan Punk records.

Capital Punishment - "Confusion"

Off the "Roadkill" LP released privately in 1982.
Capital Punishment recently received a good bit of attention since it was revealed to the public eye that movie star Ben Stiller was involved in the project. He played drums on all the tracks, (as well as some backing vocals and lyric credits) having only been 16 at the time. Captured Records plan on releasing a full remastered vinyl set sometime this fall, but who knows. The record, despite having had a media frenzy over it, still remains obscure to many. Not many have expressed any interest in listening to it - which is a shame! 
Clearly influenced by Art Rock and Goth Rock, (the Captured Tracks page on them references Chrome and Throbbing Gristle as possible influences) "Roadkill" is a (possibly accidental) outsider / avant-rock album. Who ever would've thought Ben Stiller made No Wave music?

Half Japanese - "Firecracker"

Off the "Sing No Evil" LP released on Iridescence Records in 1985.
Previously featured on 8/9/2015.
One of Half Japanese's signature tracks, (as if they have signature tracks) "Firecracker" is a surprisingly tight song (keep in mind that they have released some of the most skeletal rock music in history) with nice guitar, drums, bass and even a Sax! Jad Fair still is summoning his inner Daniel Johnston for his vocals here, something that he does till this day. 

Verdun - "Pourqui Faire?"

Off the "C'est Pour Demain" LP released on Plastic Doll Records in 1988.
I know very little about Verdun and I don't know what to make about their lyrics - clearly a political band of sorts, as hinted by the name, the image of Jews lined up in a line at a Nazi concentration camp on the back, as well as the word "Anarchie" plastered all over. Verdun were a key part of late 80's French punk. Shame that no one gives a shit about late 80's French Punk. Beautiful female vocals, sweet guitar and some nice drumming, its hard to go wrong with Verdun.

Helen Keller - "Surfin' With Steve & E.D. Amin"

Off the "Surfin With Steve & E.D Amin / Dump On The Chumps" released on Blitz in 1978.
Another infamous KBD single, Helen Keller are tight, yet sloppy, ripe yet rotten, and so much more. Odd female backing vocals, a lead singer that sounds indifferent towards the concept of being in a band and that sweet 3-chord shuffle, this track has everything!

Twin Stumps - "Serbia"

Off the S/T Album released on Dais Records in 2009.
A pretty notable release on the outstanding "Dais Records" label, (most known for reissues of old Industrial and TG related records, along with Genesis P-Orridge projects) the Twin Stumps S/T LP is one large crush of sound that never lets up. The noise is best highlighted in the opening track (bit of a bummer) in which muffled vocals are accompanied by piercing feedback and some very sparse drumming and bass playing. This album is a must-get for any noise / noise rock enthusiast. They ain't no No Trend, but they're still pretty good.

The Deviants - "Deviation Street"

Off the "Ptooff!" LP released on Underground Impresarios Records in 1967.
An unsung hero of Proto-Noise Rock, (usually "Sister Ray" gets all the credit) "Deviation Street" is the Deviants' ultimate statement, it has no flow, the instrumentals and samples go all over the place as Mick Farren explains his counter-culture paradise. 

"Hey man, just like Jimi Hendrix!"

9-7-2015

Setlist:
1. The Cleptos - I'm On Fire
2. Trace Hafner - Me And MC Ride
3. Index - Eight Miles High
4. Tender Lugers - Come on Baby
5. Craving - Poor Ray
6. Plates - Pop Country Blowjobs
7. Chemotherapy - All My Friends Are Dead
8. Citizen O - The Sounds Of The Sea
9. Ramleh - Product Of Fear
10. Flipper - Sex Bomb

The Cleptos - "I'm On Fire"

Off "Collection Volume 1" recorded late 70's / early 80's and released on Orange SLS Records in 2015.

Previously featured on 8/25/2015 and 8/11/2015.

The music of The Cleptos jumps all over the place - from Dub, Punk, Folk and Disco, their eclectic taste and musical output is best summed up on the compilation "Collection Volume 1" released in March of this year. 

"I'm on Fire" is a fun, gimmicky psychedelic dance explosion of a track. Just as fun and estranged as the rest of The Cleptos discography, this one sticks out do to an added rhythm machine along with the drum machine.

Not much to add - most of The Cleptos story and legacy is summed up in the 8/11/2015 post. But, if you want to know the whole story of The Cleptos, than consider purchasing this 40 page zine dedicated to them.

>> Download and stream 'Collection Volume 1' here <<

>> Buy the 'Collection Volume 1' CD here <<

>> More Cleptos! <<

>> Visit the label <<

Trace Hafner - "Me and MC Ride"

Off of the "Ramsey" EP released independently in 2015. 

The debut 5-track solo EP from my friend Trace Hafner released only about a week ago. Mostly sweet melodies of melancholy, I decided to put the most kind-hearted and humorous track on here as to not bum any of you out right away.

An assumed homage to the lifestyle of Death Grips fans or Death Grips themselves, mixed in with some beat poetry about personal suffering (or so I assume), The Ramsey EP perfectly sums up the feeling that you get in late August / early September: Pure, unadulterated regret and Nihilism towards your miserable excuse of a life in some shitty small town. Some of us can relate more than others. If you have a shitty life in a metropolitan area, than don't worry, Ramleh is coming up.

>> Stream the full Ramsey EP here <<

Index - "Eight Miles High"

Off the "Black Label Album" released on DC Records in 1967.

Previously covered on 7/31/2015.

The cult-band known as Index may have only released 2 albums during their lifespan as a band, but they also recorded 2 more albums that were released in the 90's on some compilation CDs. Despite having only about an hour and a half of material, Index have to be one of the best psych / garage groups of the late 60s, if not the best.

Index's cover of The Byrd's hit A-side is more dreamy, floaty and transcendent than the original. These 17 year olds from the Detroit suburbs really knew what they were doing, every track off the Black Label Album is just as beautiful, ahead-of-its-time and transcendent as the next, despite only having been recorded on one microphone in a basement. Truly an amazing album from an amazing group!

Tender Lugers - "C'mon Baby"

Off the "Closer To Heaven" compilation, recorded sometime from 1984-1987, released on Blue House Records in 2012.

Previously covered on 7/22/2015.
One of many "ballads" done by the Tender Lugers, "C'mon Baby" is probably the least whiney of their songs about girls, of which there are a few. More proto-grunge ultra-obscure Post-Punk musings from Ipswich's finest, and sadly, I have very little too add.

Craving - "Poor Ray"
Off the "Poor Ray" EP released on Revolution Inside Records in 1996
Mclusky worship before Mclusky was even a band! What a concept! 
Craving was a 90's German Post-Hardcore band that probably listened to too much Rapeman... kind of like Mclusky! 
Craving seems to be lacking Mclusky's awkward and non-effective sense of humor, but both seem to have great musicianship. In fact, I could say that for most 90's Post-Hardcore. 
There's a reason you don't see an abundance of Post-Hardcore on here.

Plates - "Pop Country Blowjobs"
Off the "Garth Butcher" EP released on Feral Kid records in 2009.
Another great act from Rochester, NY (the others being Bad Taste, Brain Car and Tapehead) Plates are still pretty good, but I'd say they're more sterile than the other Rochester acts. Don't seem to have the 'edge' that Bad Taste and Brain Car did. Oh well. Not everything can be awesome.

Chemotherapy - "All My Friends Are Dead"
Off the Self Titled EP released on Uprising Records n 1983.
Atonal, dumb and out of tune, it's a wonder Chemotherapy were able to get their act together to be able to release this EP. It's clear they wanted to be the next DRI - short songs, political lyrics - they only thing that kept them from meeting their wish is that they were absolutely terrible. Well, in a good way. This is far more entertaining than DRI, its all over the place, sloppy as all hell and a lobotomized hippo yelling about things, it's a real treat. If I've learned anything in the past month, its that Indiana makes some really weird music.

Oh, and they performed live, and some crazy bastard taped it! 

Citizen O - "The Sounds Of The Sea"
Off the S/T album released on Orange SLS Records in 2015.
A double feature for Orange SLS! I previously played the opener on the 8/9/2015 show, and now I've decided to expose you to the 11 minute song, which takes about about a third of the album. Why? Well because every noise act needs to have a long drone at least once every album. I guess the formula of one long song and a few 3-6 minute songs is more effective than some noise acts that fill up an entire side of a tape or record with a 20 minute drone.
Incoherent rambling aside, Citizen O, as said in the 8/9/2015 show, Citizen O dances on the border of Harsh Noise and Power Electronics, and at times, sounds kind of like Wall Noise. Thankfully, this isn't wall noise. Because Wall Noise is for no one. Citizen O is even an outcast amongst the Orange SLS roster, since the OSLS carries mostly Folk / Punk / Rock acts, it's a little weird to see a harsh noise act on the label. Life can't always be predictable. Neither can it be ever lasting, so listen to this before you die!

>> Stream the album here <<
>> Buy the CD, makes a great birthday present for granma <<
>> Give the label a visit <<

Ramleh - "Product Of Fear"
Off the album "Hole In The Heart," released on Broken Flag records in 1987 and reissued with bonus tracks in 2009.
Previously covered on 7/31/2015.
The sounds of an Industrial Nightmare, Hole In The Heart has to be one of the most beautiful, tragic and listenable albums to come from the British Power Electronics / Industrial scene in the 1980's. Accomplishing the same goal as Whitehouse and Throbbing Gristle, Ramleh take long, loud and melancholic drones to make you feel true desperation. Ramleh accomplish their goal better than Whitehouse or Consumer Electronics could ever dream too.

Flipper - "Sex Bomb"
Off "Album: Generic Flipper" released on Subterranean Records in 1982.
I'm sure the most of you are familiar with Flipper, both the band and the dolphin, but I felt obligated to throw this one for 2 reasons. 1, Ted Falconi's (Guitarist) birthday was last week, (2nd of September) and Flipper are going to reunite with David Yow on vocals for an American and Italian tour, which will be happening from early October to sometime at the end of the year. But until then, we must party to "Sex Bomb" on loop!