Indie-List_V3_N4
"Rusty." Why whould anyone call Bob Weston "Rusty" of all things?
++++++++++++++++++++++
THE INDIE LIST DIGEST.
VOLUME 3, NUMBER 4
January 14, 1993
some-random-list-of-towns-that-nobody-really-cares-about
++++++++++++++++++++++
In this waste of time:
indie live reviews
Red Crayola
Analogue - Shrimp Boat
The Larry Cash, Jr.
Studio Red Benefit, etc.
ajfdkasl;f
Pulp - the hope of the hopeless
W'Hol, Spectrum, DC news, and poop
Another Simple Machines' opinion
NOT random middle-row keystrokes but Cords LP/Gag/Mambo/Jacobs
Even More Reviews
S.F. Surf Pop concert and CD review
+++++++++++++++++++
Editor's Message #0
My apologies for the lateness of this list - It really was supposed to be
mailed Friday night (as explained below) but net connections were down
and the bloofgamatic mailer wasn't behaving itself, so I'm the only one
who actually received the list on time (i think - if you already got
this, then i apologize doubly to you). The next one will probably mail
tonight (Tuesday night) - Monday was a federal holiday in the US
(although you could have fooled me - about the only things not open were
banks and the post office) so lots of people, including Lena, had no net
access over the three-day-weekend. So, here's your first list of the day
- volume permitting, that means 3 will be mailed this week...
Sean
++++++++++++++++++
Editor's Message:
Sorry for the delay...between my exams and other shit going on, we're
getting a little slack. I promise to be a good boy next time and send
out the list on time (if not early).
I'm feeling a little cynical this week, and I want to correct factual
points in people's articles - don't take it personally, I'm just a little
cranky right now. (2 hours of sleep before an 8:30 AM exam is a bad
idea.)
I'm also not quite motivated to write reviews now - but I'll have a slew
for next time, including Kicking Giant, Freakwater, the Terminals, and a
few other things that I want to buy but will tape for now...
Sean
++++++++++++++++++
From: Clark McCabe <beastie@gibbs.oit.unc.edu>
indie live reviews
well, it's been a while since i actually attended these shows, but i
haven't had access to internet because i left town (and university computers).
dec. 18. (i think)
superchunk, polvo, minerva strain at the cat's cradle (chapel hill)
i got to the show (buzz in head) too late to catch the opening band (whom
i can't recall because of that festive night). they were probably good
because lots of people were saying how good they were as i entered.
minerva strain set up next and started to play. their music is difficult
to describe. their overall sound is a bit dreamy, and layered. at the
offset, i decided that the band is shy (in a wierd way). the singer was
practically whispering. but nonetheless, they were excellent. the bass
playing and drumming pounded and kept the rhythm going, underlying the
smooth texture and surreal guitar playing that coated the surface of their
sound. all the musicians were intently into their own worlds as they
played their instuments, barely looking to the crowd. the only thing this
band lacks is stage presense. but this may be a plus factor considering
their non-chalant sound. whatever, they were great live (and good to
dream to). check out their song on the pyloric waves comp. they've a 7'
too.
polvo came on next. words can't really describe the feelings i get from
listening to polvo. generally i haven't really liked these guys as much
live as i do their albums. but the last two shows of theirs that i've
seen (including this) were nothing short of phenomenal. playing a variety
of tracks from their two full length releases on merge including thermal
treasure, vibracobra, and can i ride (my favorites), they also played four
or five new tracks which will probably appear on a new ep coming out in a
few months (with merge i presume). i was utterly fascinated at polvo's
intensity this time around. all four were completely intertwined with the
music that they so forcefully delivered. their physical movements were in
complete accordance with the feelings that they played. at times, they
were almost at a standstill during a slow, building musical phase. but
when they caught that sacred groove that magically puts consciousness in a
flowing rhythm, they were everywhere on stage. the world that they create
with their music always confounds me. i was in awe for the entire hour
and some show.
after this ecstatic bliss, i was subjugated to see superchunk. sometimes
i really like superchunk, and sometimes i don't. that night, i didn't.
maybe i was in an un-superchunk mood. maybe (and most likely), nothing
could ever be greater than polvo. i decided to stay and give them a try
anyway. but, i just couldn't hack it. after about five or six songs, i
had to leave because all their songs started running together. the only
real notable song (in my stay) was "cast iron". the crowd there really
enjoyed themselves though. they even started a mosh pit, started
headbanging, and pass themselves around. maybe that's why i left. who
knows. superchunk were really getting into their set as well. laura was
on her pogo stick kick and mac kept bumping into everyone as he would
continue to blindly back up as he played. it was kind of cool to see the
young crowd feed off the energy superchunk had, but it wasn't enough to
keep me awake that night. by the way, i do like the new superchunk 7"
(ribbon/who needs llight). so maybe i was just not into superchunk that
night.
if you're still reading....
dec. 30
small (23) and chew toy at the cat's cradle
now this was a strange show. i got there and the cradle was practically
empty. maybe it was because of the non-denomenational holiday break and
most of the students were gone. anyway, the people that were there were
people i've never seen at the cradle before. blah blah blah (wierd
atmosphere)
chew toy cancelled :(
i like them and was upset when i found that they weren't going to play.
in their place was a band who's name i can't remember. but it doesn't
matter because they weren't worth remembering. whatever they're called,
they only knew about 2 chords, but unlike nrv*n, they really and truly
suck. at least nrv*n can create catchy rhythms. these guys (freddy's
opinion? a really shitty name) were totally uninteresting. they may have
actually been a high school band who got together because "grunge is
cool". whatever they were, i hope i never see them again. but they're
destined to be mtv boys if they keep it up.
small (thankfully) played next after a genuinely horrible opening band.
so it wasn't hard to like them. that's how it should be for a band like
small. they aren't groundbreaking or great even, but they play good,
catchy, solid, rhythmic tunes. they play that kind of fun, jumpy, (i hate
this word now) gr*ngy music that makes you want to stand up, shake your
head, and scream. they played a lot off true zero hook, but held true
with a few off of their cakes ep. i was really happy that they ended
their hour-ish set with chopsocky. the song accompanied me until
dreamtime. this band may certainly not be for everyone. they're not
really all that innovative, but they are good for what they are--simple,
light-hearted, and fun.
i would have a review for the picasso trigger, geezer lake, archers of
loaf, and clarissa (former members of snatches of pink) at the cradle on
1/7. but a certain car decided that it wasn't going to drive an hour to
wait in a parking lot for me to see a show. instead, it decided it would
rather be towed for $30 and get a free ride to a car garage to be fixed.
so i say "fuck a bunch of cars" and forget about it.
++++++++++++++++++
From: burck@nyplgate.nypl.org, burck@u.washington.edu
Red Crayola
Just a short note kinda in response to what Douglas had to say re: the Red
Crayola show. He was a bit too luke warm -- they were plenty swell and I
didn't get the impression they were unrehearsed at all. There was far too
much playing in unison with far too few obvious mistakes for them not to
have rehearsed a few times at least. My only regret was that most of the
songs were fairly tightly scripted (no "Free Form Freakout" action here)
and the amount of spontaneous guitar interplay was limited. Mayo seemed
to be calling all the shots and even got a little Frippish in expressing
his displeasure at what must have been mistakes (but which sounded fine
anyway). Still, there was an overall sense of lightness and fun that is
often missing from so many shows these days.
Also -- to Douglas -- You bought three of those paintings?! Proof, once
again, that there truly is no accounting for taste :-)
Ben
++++++++++++++++++
From: "Paul R. Cardillo" <prdillo@med.unc.edu>
Analogue - Shrimp Boat
after an eight month hiatus from indie-list i have news from the southern
mecca of indie-music and bad hair-dos.__chapel hill is abuzz with the
reopening of the cat's cradle (Come, Jesus Lizard, Archers of Loaf,
Superchunk and even the newly re-formed Pipe have all played in the last
few weeks - not to mention the Dead Milkmen tomorrow night, January 12.)
Frank Heath has done a nice job renovating an old (but enormous) used book
store in downtown Carrboro - just across the border from C.H.
ANALOGUE - Smokin Joe's - Chapel Hill, NC - December 17, 1993.
i have seen the musical future, and the musical future of North Carolina
is Analogue. Indie-list's own Chris Karloff on bass with a guiTarist and
drummer (sorry. i forgot their names) played to a nearly empty club (the
ratio was two to one audience to band) on December 17 at the now defunct
Smokin' Joe's. In a region that rewards sloppiness, diy, lo-fi ethics -
Analogue may be doomed. The band was tight. well-rehearsed (but not
lacking spontanaiety) and very interesting. Chuck Garrison's local drum
throne is in jeapordy since analogue boasted the Triangle's (Raleigh,
Durham, C.H.) hottest drummer. in a perfect world, the hundreds of folks
crammed into the cat's cradle for the Polvo/Superchunk show would have
been at Smokin' Joe's to see a band that is capable of redefining the
"North Carolina Sound." The guitar work was "Slinty" in sections, but
with a quieter sensibility and the vocals were a mere whisper underneath
the rumble of chris's bass and the start-stop jackhammer snap drumming of
their drummer. I expect great things from Analogue, let's hope more
people are listening next time.
SHRIMP BOAT - CAVALE (Bar None Records, P.O. Box 1704, Hoboken, NJ 07030)
i finally found a copy of shrimp boat's second lp release (at least i
think it's their second - i never bought duende, and i don't think they
released anything before that) in New York over Christmas break. the
promise of their college radio hit "what do you think of love" was
fulfilled by a completely addictive album. from the opening jazzy bursts
of "Pumpkin Lover" to the meat puppet faux cow-poke gallop of "duende
suite" to the falsetto vocals on "creme brulee" and "swinging shell," this
is the most perfect album of 1993. CAVALE is 15 songs worth of
jazz-tinged indie rock goodness that sticks in your head like caramel to a
molar.
ah, i never was any good at this rock criticism stuff. but i sure do like
them shrimp boat people. and analogue, too.
lurid crapolla
(paul r. cardillo)
--------------------------------------------------------------------
++++++++++++++++++
From: snow@minerva.cis.yale.edu
The Larry Cash, Jr.
I was inspired to say a few words about the Larry Cash, Jr., after
the Moo-town Snacker mentioned them in Vol.3 No.3. I had the pleasure of
meeting and working with the members of the band this summer. They are
Dave Trumfio (bass, vocals), J. Niimi (guitar), Mike Hagler (other
guitar), and Dave's brother on drums (I feel really bad, but I forgot his
name). They do play "long songs about geometric shapes, four-wheel drive
vehicles, and power boats," as Mr. Snacker said. I think that their songs
are really good, though, especially considering that they seem to do the
band pretty half-assed (I don't mean that in a derogatory way). They're
more concerned with their studio, King Size Sound Labs, as far as I can
tell. They will be putting out a split 7" soon. It's with the Handsome
Family (another Chicago band), and the fanzine Speed Kills is going to put
it out (I guess in issue #6).
The Larry boys have been doing a lot of cool stuff in their
studio. Dave worked (producing/engineering) on some Barbara Manning stuff
with Stuart Moxham. He also played some shows with her this summer. Dave
and J. (I think) have been playing with Randall Lee as Ashtray Boy. Dave
also recorded the Mekons for Feel Good All Over. Dave and J. and Mike have
worked with DQE, Flap (from Atlanta), and a plethora of lesser known bands
(including mine). They're all especially nice people, and to my mind at
least they are musical geniuses (maybe that's too extreme, but do respect
them highly). I had a wonderful time working and hanging out with them,
plus I was lucky enough to meet both Stuart Moxham and John Henderson
while at King Size.
I hope I haven't rambled on too much.
Matt Snow
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
it's pretty bitter out now
it's getting worse outside
++++++++++++++++++
From: Aaron Schatz <ST000414@BROWNVM.BITNET>
Studio Red Benefit, etc.
Hi, me again. I guess I'm subbing for Steve with all the cool Providence
news while he's in DC. Big news here is Scarce. The new single comes out
tonight on All The Money Records - "Hope" b/w "Something" First side is
loud, Joyce sings the lead and Chick the harmony. B-side is an acoustic
number - I actually like it better. Recording quality is much better than
the first single but I don't think the songs are as good. They're still
the biggest band in Providence, though. Word has it that A&M has won the
big Scarce derby, but I will find out for sure next Monday when I
interview Scarce for a piece for our new WBRU Newsmagazine. (WBRU, by the
way, has been voted number 1 in the Rolling Stone Reader's Poll. Because
of great newspeople like me, I'm sure. But I digress...)
[Um, is this a crock or what? One of the blandest radio stations I've
heard in a long fucking time...then again, we are talking Rolling Stone,
not Speed Kills or Conflict... - Sean]
The record release party tonight at Lupo's has Scarce, Love- box (another
All the Money band - very loud yet ethereal) and Vision Thing from Boston.
I hope some people go, but the snow will probably keep a lot of people
away (including me, cause I live in the burbs during the break and my
commute is hell).
Next Thursday at Lupo's is the Studio Red benefit, which I also will be
unable to attend because I'm flying to California the next day to visit my
father, but it's a great show - 7 bands, 5 bucks, including Scarce,
Helium, Gigalo Aunts, and Versus (I can't believe I'm missing Versus!!!)
That's Thursday the 13th. Then Scarce and Lovebox again at AS220 January
28, and coming to Babyhead in February - Salty Timmy (sorry, I have to
make a weak plug for my band).
[Studio Red is based in Philly, and lots of cool people have recorded
there over the past few years. Red's basement studio got flooded out a
few weeks back, so many musicians and clubs are donating their resources
to get Red back in business. - Sean]
The main indie-rock shows of Providence, Ty Jesso's "Totally Wired" shows
at the Last Call have been down this month. I haven't gone - like I said,
I live a half-hour away with my parents during break - but the names are
smaller. Last Sunday the Bob Jazz Quartet, an avant-jazz noise thing
featuring lots of the regular AS220 crowd (The same guys play in Bob Jazz
Quartet, Linoleum 235, Neo 90's Dance Band, Major Hemisphere's Cheese and
Crackers, Alec K. Redfern's Ameobic Ensemble, etc.). This Sunday
Freakwater, featuring Janet Bean from 11th Dream Day. Ty's shows should
get packed again once school comes around.
One more plug - there's a band around Providence now called Hemp that is
very good. Steady rock - kinda like Urge Overkill, I think. Look out for
them.
Oh well, I'm not on the indie inside like Steve is, but that's the best I
can do from here. Bye.
***********************************************************************
Aaron Schatz "All that is necessary
Brown University for the triumph of evil
ST000414@brownvm.brown.edu is for good men to do nothing."
(401) 863-5599
P.O. Box 3994, Providence, RI 02912 - Edmund Burke
Corresponding Secretary, Zeta Delta Xi
***********************************************************************
++++++++++++++++++
From: Steve Silverstein <ST201268@BROWNVM.brown.edu>
ajfdkasl;f
I figured first I'd include a big comment from the Whol thing both Sean
and I forgot. After his obscure cover, Franklin Bruno offered a free 7"
to anyone who could identify the band that did it originally (excluding
people who he knows). When no one could, he added the hint that a member
now works in A&R, then pointed out "not Envelope". Sharp.
Next up is a review of the Engine Kid CD that I keep putting off. Bear
Catching Fish. When Spin beats you on a review, you know you've been
lazy. Anyhow, it's real solid. Obviously Slint-influenced, but totally
unique and in a different direction. They site Melvins and Neil Young as
big influences, and it's hard to miss either. No Neil Young cover like on
the Astronaut EP, but there is a great, slow, noisy "Mountain High" (yeah,
the John Denver one). In all, a real strong album from the best new
Seattle band in a good little while. (C/Z. 1407 E. Madison #41/Seattle,
WA 98122)
Friendly--Bloodsucking Demons, Machines & Banshees. Their 24 track
sessions recorded at AU with Rob Christiansen. The Eggs influence shows,
not just in his production. One of the people who sings even sounds a bit
like Andrew. But a better point of comparison, with the ever-changing
array of vocalists and instruments (the latter climaxing with the
notorious electric egg beater on "Chubby Little Pinnacle". I like the
thing. It's catchy, and you just can't help but smile when you listen (at
least I can't). Oh, I omitted Very Pleasant Neighbor, who were the
point-of-comparison I'd meant to provide. Anyhow, Trashbox Design/324 S.
Cherry St./Richmond, VA 23220, or send E-mail to Mark, Editor Emeritus,
wherever his E-mail goes right now.
[See below for an update on this point...I'd prefer to nail Mark in this
space rather than his alloted space for moving addresses AGAIN - I think
the moves are up to 13 in the history of the I-L, although he's only had
5 different addresses... - Sean]
Lastly, WPRB has a cool benefit compilation CD of almost all unreleased
stuff, due out in March. I think it's called Dog So Large I Can't See
Past It, and the line-up isn't in front of me, but is quite impressive
(not just cuz it includes Pitchblende). Mail Sean at
skmurphy@phoenix.princeton.edu for more info on how to pre-order or what
the bands contribute.
-Steve
++++++++++++++++++
From: nastyned <DDBAN203G@UNIVERSITY-CENTRAL-ENGLAND.AC.UK>
Pulp - the hope of the hopeless
Pulp - Intro
------------
Godlike pop music, as if technology and stuff like that came a few years
early and mixed with 70s pop. Thus excitement and essential POP!!!
Razzmatazz starts with the immortal line: "the problem with your brother,
he's always sleeping...with your mother" and the rest of this compilation
has similar tales of weird sex and incest and urban depravity et cetera
Hmmm, maybe the 90s are not so bad after all
(**)
Cheers!
++++++++++++++++++
From: cornick@aol.com [Who? - Sean]
W'Hol, Spectrum, DC news, and poop
Greetings once again from Richmond, Virginia, home of Eskimo Pie. Ice
cream on a stick -- great thing to think about in 25 degree weather, I
know.
So here are the final two Working Holiday singles, wowie zowie. November
feaures Pitchblende and the Swirlies. Top track here is definitely from
the Blendees -- "A Penny For The Guy" (about Guy Fawkes Day) galumps along
at a pretty heavy clip, with a slightly less fiery guitar sound than their
older material, but a little more melody makes up for it. Nice. "Trudy" by
the Swirlies on the B is pretty cool too -- they break free of the MBV
baggage and end up with a lo-fi version of the Fastbacks -- but it lacks
the _je ne sais quoi_ of the Drucker-era Swirlies. (Besides, I can't
figure out for the life of me what holiday it's about.) Overall, one of
the better singles in the series. (The liner notes for "A Penny For The
Guy" make rather amusing comparisons between the Guy Fawkes/Gunpowder
revolutionaries and Simple Machines: "Gunpowder Plot: Devout Roman
Catholics righteously indignant over acts of intolerance by protestant
King James. Simple Machines: Devout punk-rockers righteously indignant
over hit albums by bad college/alternative bands, like James."**
Before I review December's ish, let me remind you (or admit to you,
whatever applies) that I'm very jaded on Superchunk. Folks, they bore
me. I'm sorry. That said, "Night of Chill Blue" (written by Martin
Phillips of the Chills) is not so bad, kinda mid tempo and very bassy,
although Mac's voice is particularly grating. Like "Baxter" from _Inclined
Plane_, this is an atypical Chunk tune, one that I can enjoy once in a
while (as opposed to most of _On The Mouth_, which makes me want to put on
Butch Willis as an antidote.) Caterpillar, who apparently have a Compulsiv
45 out that I've never heard (in fact, I've never heard anything from
them), are really soft and acoustic and poppy and blah blah blah, with
those rather annoying indie-boy vocals (you know, the stuff that drives
SpinArt wild.) I sense a Sebadoh influence here, but this lacks any of Lou
& Co.'s drive, wit, or umph. Blecch. At least Courtney Love The Band did
this stuff with a little sarcasm (and Lois.) *
[Whoa - Sebadoh? Live, these fuckers are dull-rock, spearheaded by a 45
year old gtr player. They did a decent version of Bowie's "Moonage
Daydream" last weekend, but in general they're pretty dull. - Sean]
In retrospect, the whole W'Hol deal probably wasn't worth $40, but there
were some real highlights (Versus, My Dad Is Dead, Small Factory, the
Grifters, Pitchblende) mixed in with a couple pleasant surprises (Eggs,
Nothing Painted Blue) and a couple of duds (Rastro, Veronica Lake, Tsunami
[sorry Jenny & Kristin, I've heard much better from you!]) The free
_Duplex Planet_ was OK, and the box is nifty. The calendar, despite having
the wrong days of the week for a few months, was great too. I didn't go to
the party, and probably won't buy the "bonus" 45 with the W'Hol theme
(didn't the Coctails already do that?) and Bricks songs (as much as I like
low-fi, chaotic recordings, I never really did get into Bricks -- must be
that Mac thing.) And I'm verrrrrry disappointed that the Fuckers didn't do
their single. (Their music is mediocre, but their pose is great. Crime
Rock!)
Simple Machines are still at PO Box 10290, Arlington VA 22210-1290. The
latest catalog from the Machinists mentions that they're going to be on
America Online soon, so watch for them on the net and maybe here on
Indie-List as well. Also -- place your bets now -- _The Heart's Tremolo_,
the second long-player from Tsunami, is scheduled for late March. (Which,
of course, means look for it in December, yuk yuk yuk.) And, in other
records- which-have-been-delayed-for-an-abnormally-long-time news, the
second full length from Eggs, Exploder (or _Teenbeat 96 Eggs Double LP
In Gatefold Sleeve Disco Remixes Rhythm Ace Hell Why Can't I End This
Title Exploder_) is, according to Rob Christiansen, now set for release on
Valentine's Day (awwwwwwwww) on Teenbeat (rumored seven-album deal with
some V label not withstanding.)
This space intentionally left blank.
In other news, one of the records my GF Elisa brought with her for her
recent visit was a neat EP of covers by Spectrum, whose title eludes me
for the moment. (Spectrum is, you'll recall, Sonic Boom (ex-Spacemen 3)'s
current outfit.) The EP features the umpteenth cover of "Indian Summer" by
Beat Happening (really, now, why don't more people cover the good stuff,
like "Youth"?) as well as covers of the Beach Boys (?-can't remember), Bo
Diddley and Daniel Johnston ("True Love Will Find You In The End", from
the Sympathy double 45.) Sonic Boom and Calvin Johnson always did seem to
me like they studied at the same vocal school, and the Beat Hap cover is
my favorite thing here (y'know, you could fill a good 20 minutes or so of
a radio show with versions of "Indian Summer" -- the original, Spectrum,
Eugenius, Luna, &c. &c. &c.) Sorry I can't remember the title -- it's in a
pink sleeve, on Silvertone UK. (If someone has this title, enlighten us.)
Unsubstantiated Rumor Department: For the Butterglove/Breadwinner fans out
there, I hear that Ladyfinger, Pen Rollings' current band, is going to do
a 45 on Merge. Ladyfinger continue in Pen's math-rock tradition, and I
expect good things from this record, if indeed it is being released.
(Also, speaking of former Honor Role dudes, Coral signed with Cargo. Why?)
Other stuff I dug recently:
- Medicine, _The Buried Life_ (American) : yeah, it's totally derivative,
but something about it sticks in me. (Whatever happened to the real My
Bloody Valentine, anyway? Shouldn't they be about 33% finished with a
new LP by now? :-)
- Frances Gumm, Cruella (VHF/Landspeed) : this is not for the easily
annoyed, or the talent addict, but it's very likeable Pavement/Nice
Strong Arm-style noise nonetheless.
- Kendra Smith, _Guild Of Temporal Adventurers_ (Fiasco) : hey! this did
come out over a year ago, but I idiotically ignored it until now. Very
nice Cali psych stuff, and I didn't like Dream Syndicate or Rain Parade
all that much, so go figure. (Another Elisa disc.)
- Chickfactor #3 zine (not the most current) : I like their taste, I
like the layout of the zine, and I like that they're girl-oriented but
guy-accessible too. (Even if some of their interview questions are
extremely stupid.)
- Bullets wild cherry milkshake : Bullets is a particularly cheap burger
joint here in Retchmond. The food is tolerable (better than McD's, but it
*is* still animal flesh) but the milkshakes are superb. (Now you're
asking me "You eediot! What are you doing drinking milkshakes in January?"
Uh, I dunno.) I suspect some local fast-food dive in your area probably
gets their shakes from the same place Bullets does, so ask for one today!
This space reserved for Sean's crack at my new address.
[Already done. Ha. - Sean :) ]
Mark "Hooton" Cornick, "mail coordinator" extraordinaire
cornick@delphi.com, cornick@aol.com
(nickname courtesy junior college records -- don't remember how I picked it
up)
++++++++++++++++++
From: Paul H Williams <phwst1+@pitt.edu>
Another Simple Machines' opinion
Simple Machines (Jenny & Kristin) are one of the hardest working duos since
Batman and Robin. So buy Simple Machines!!!
Some of my favorite bands of the Working Holiday shows:
THE COCTAILS "These guys kicked ass!" Friday night was pretty much
the slowest night, but overall THE COCTAILS provided a late night rally
for the crowd. They taunted a jazz influence in which provided something
different than the normal gutiar-bass-drum band. Although, THE TINKLERS
offered the same difference, it wasn't quite on par or near par with THE
COCTAILS. "Hi! We're The Coctails"
EGGS Fact: These guys at 4:57am (1/8/94) did a 360 degree turn,
flipped their van on its roof and played that night with new pairs of
underwear. I always knew EGGS existed, but never in my mind would I buy
their recordings. They offered something besides straight forward indie
rock, more or less something that tingles and makes you tap your toes.
SWIRLIES The hazy and sunshine of "show-gazing" feedback melodies,
they would have surely made My Bloody Valentine blink a tear and say "Oh
my! They have grown up a bit!" "All the babies sing."
SUPERCHUNK North Carolina's favorite band brought out the little
indie-punksters, who would wanted to create a mosh pit. This was the first
time I had seen them, but I really enjoyed their show. Everything they do
is cool with me. "We are going to play some new ones, some old ones, and
some you haven't heard."
TSUNAMI tHey, by far, had the largest crowd for the first act.
Tsunami played, "Water's Edge" and a bunch of new ones from thier new
album "The Heart's Tremelo." This was going to be thier last concert for
at least 6 months, because John is going back to school. Then they to
Europe for a two month trip. By the time they each America again they
should be in full effect. "We got that fucker!!"
[Um, Jawbox had a crowd twice as large on Saturday - all the DC punk kids
had to come out for that show...last time to see them before the MAJOR
LABEL RELEASE. - Sean]
RODAN While MC Jason Noble exchange a late-night humor for a
guitar, RODAN was probably the most interesting band. With only one 7" and
two comp singles, they were anticipated by many. They sounded a bit like
Don Cabellero, I thought, but maybe I'm a bit biased. "Darjeeling" was
the only song I recognized and most likely one of best bands to play the
festival. "AHHHHhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!"
VERSUS Another of the best bands to play. I spent of most the set
sitting in the basement talking to Mark, of the Coctails, and looking at
Bob Weston record the band. However I did see them perform "Tin Foil
Side", one of favorite songs. "Dallas Sucks!"
SMALL FACTORY Alex is full of wit and talk. He denounced Velocity
Girl's Jim heckles, "Play that song in G-D-C!!!" and when a fan [Franklin
Bruno! - Sean] challenged the set with "Scared of Love", he replied "Me
too!" He would have been better MC. Performing "Valentine" and "Junky on a
Day" then won many hearts. "I like to hear more of Pheobe."
ATTENTION: Send favorite of the year (songs, albums, movies, book, etc...)
Eventually a tally will be taken and displayed for every one to see.
Send it the address below!
Paul Williams <phwst1+@pitt.edu> "Indie-rock ain't noise pollution"
"Make Love Rock, Not war"
++++++++++++++++++
From: James Nash <CCX020@raven.coventry.ac.uk>
NOT random middle-row keystrokes but Cords LP/Gag/Mambo/Jacobs
Some of these records might be a few months old (particularly Gag) but
I've only just got them so I intend to enthuse...
Jacob's Mouse - Group of 7 (7" Wiija WIJ027V)
The trouble with Jacob's Mouse - or the best thing, if you like - is that
no-one can get a handle on them beyond wildly eccentric UK grunge yet that
definition is still way off the mark. Title track is an addictive
toe-tapper reminiscent of early Elvis Costello and rails against the group
of 7 "world economic powers", adding a cynical view of politics to JM's
already over-bulging quiver of musical arrows. On side two, "Palace" could
almost be a tuneful Walking Seeds - short and to the point. "Sagbag" mixes
this style with a Clash-like beat to good effect. Another impressive
release. *1/2
The Cords - Taurus No Bull LP (TVT Records TVT 3610.2)
Wow! i LIKE this one. Obvious influences are Ut and "Daydream Nation"-era
Sonic Youth. This album is almost on a par with the truly classic
"Griller" by Ut themselves. Totally rockin' in a SY/Metallica vein with
riot grrl worldviews; maybe I should mention Inside Out and The Sugarcubes
now?! I just cannot believe I managed to pick this up for 3 pounds on the
strength of one half-remembered John Peel session... should I laugh or
cry?
Bad points out the way first... the inner sleeve has a punch-hole through
it, implying I've got a cast-off promotional copy. That's it, really.
Unless you count the wish for Cords to experiment more without losing the
essential musical tightness. And, like, give us more than half a micro-
second's worth of gap between tracks; there's only so much a man can take.
Which leaves the good points - too many to mention. Songs about selling
your soul for stardom ("Taurus (Star)"), arsehole men ("Angellust"),
claustrophobia ("Gasping"), sex ("Mirror"), lost love on a dope downer
("My Dearest Friend") and even a French folk (!!) song about Gaia,
suitably "Ut"-dated. Plus the NoMeansNo meets Seam guitars and the cruelly
competent drums. Plus...
Don't get me wrong, this is no Circus Lupus heads-down mongrel hardcore
nonsense, this is classy stuff albeit lacking a bit of dynamics. BTW
there's an excellent 'Forbidden Planet'-style hidden 12th track which
shows up as track 69 on the CD display. G-huh! G-huh! They got a stoopid
sense of humour too. **1/4
Gag - A Friday Face With a Friday Smile (7" Voice of Shade VOSHED 4)
(from PO BOX 972, London SE24 0AD)
Throw Bogshed, The Fall, Cornershop, Breed and Extreme Noise Terror (well,
almost!) into a melting pot and you might just get Gag. Eight tracks here
but it sounds like 42. Highlights for me are "That Was Really Funny" and
"Decorating". I suspect that this band contains ex-members of Bogshed.
Damn, that means no reform. *1/2
Mambo Taxi - Do You Always...? (Clawfist HUNKA-20-CD EFA 18397-03)
Pure Queen Punk Pop. Unbeatable title track (full name "Do You Always
Dress Like That in Front of Other People's Boyfriends?") which says to
other women, 'I'm gonna dress how I want SO FUCK YOU!'. They also give us
a weird fairground sound on "I Want to Marry A Serial Killer" and a
slightly crap "Sea Monster". *1/2 (I get to see this band Saturday. It's
your turn to be envious now!)
--James Nash <ccx020@cov.ac.uk>
It's a long hard climb up the rockin' path
when you're young, upwardly mobile... and stupid!
Nice 1.
++++++++++++++++++
From: Jon Pecot <pecot@wam.umd.edu>
Even More Reviews
Hello. Here are a few reviews I finally remembered to send in. I was
gonna ramble about the Simple Machines Working Holiday Weekend, but both
Steve and Sean beat me to it. Suffice to say, it was a great time.
McTells Derek/Alice
Yet another single sided 7" from 4 Letter Words. "Budget Rock or
Death," they say. The McTells continue to amaze me with the fact that
they can write catchy pop songs while sounding totally inept with their
instruments and recording techniques. *1/2 (Four Letter Words, 4960
National Ave. #33, San Jose, CA 95124)
Grenadine _Don't Forget the Halo/777_
The latest from Grenadine, in really cool packaging (clear single
in a transparent red plastic sleeve.) "Don't Forget the Halo" could be an
outtake from Goya (it isn't) and "777" is a really cool sorta Unresty
instrumental that goes on about twice as long as it should. OK. *
(Simple Machines/Teenbeat, P.O. Box 10290, Arlington, VA 22210)
Crayon/Veronica Lake split 7"
"This Dream is Gone", the Crayon song (the reason I bought this) is
OK, but the Veronica Lake song is even better. "Sleepyhouse" starts with
a pretty ambient noodling, and then fades into a dreamy pop song. *1/2
(Crayon *, V.L **) (Cher Doll Records, P.O. Box 9609, Seattle, WA
98109)
Barbara Manning with Flophouse _B4 We Go Under, I Love You 1000
Ways_
"B4 We Go Under" was written by Robert Scott of the Bats, and is
one of the best songs I've heard all year. Amazing slice of pop
perfection. The b-side is country ballad with the loping country rhythms
you hear at squaredances. ** (a side ***, b side *) (Teenbeat, P.O.
Box 50373, Washington, DC 20091)
Scrawl _Velvet Hammer_
The long awaited new album from Scrawl. Worth the wait. Great
mix of hard and soft stuff. "Your Mother Wants to Know", "See", "Prize",
"Take a Swing", and "Blue Green Sea" stand out in my mind as being the
best tracks. ** (Simple Machines, P.O. Box 10290, Arlington, VA 22210)
Technical Jed/Twitch Hazel double 7"
I bought this for the Technical Jed songs, which are good. Twitch
Hazel are a pre-Fudge band, and I don't like Fudge too much, so I didn't
expect much, but this is great! 4 really catchy songs. I might have to go
back and listen to my copy of _The Ferocious Rhythm of Precise
Laziness..._ again. ** (Brilliant Records, P.O. Box 17116, Richmond, VA
23226-7116)
[Naaaaahhh, even Fudge admits that "Ferocious Rhythm..." was pretty
boring compared to their 7"s which preceded it... but Dave seems
really happy with the new stuff they've recorded... - Sean]
Deluxx four song 7"
Bob Fay and Mark Perretta. Super-lo-fi drums-guitar-vocals songs.
Sorta like Refrigerator, but much murkier sounding (and of course without
Refrigerator's distinctive vocals). Recommended for fans of lo-fi stuff.
* (Eighteen Wheeler Records, P.O. Box 4256, Dunellen, NJ 08812)
The Bats Silverbeet
After hearing "B4 We Go Under", the Robert Scott composition on
the new Barbara Manning single, I was determined to buy more stuff by this
great songwriter. I saw the Bats open for Superchunk last year and
thought that they were really cool, but I never got anything by them.
Well, I finally sprung for Silverbeet, their latest, and it is quite
good. Hummable catchy compositions that reminds me of the Feelies in
certain places (High praise). Excellent **1/2 (Mammoth Records, Carr
Mill 2nd Floor, Carrrboro, NC 27510)
Working Holidays November 7" (Pitchblende/Swirlies)
Bought this at the beforementioned Three Day Weekend, along with the
latest Franklin Bruno Shrimpertape, which I haven't listened to in depth yet.
A decent single. The Pitchblende song ("A Penny for the Guy") is quite good,
with alternating pop and noise parts. The Swirlies song ("Trudi") is short
and merely OK -- they can do better. *
(Simple Machines, P.O. Box 10290, Arlington, VA 22210-1290)
Godstar Sleeper
I bought this on the strength of Smudge's _Tea, Toast and Turmoil_
which was one of the best albums I heard last year. Smudge's Allison
Galloway and Tom Morgan appear on the album and play on most of the songs,
but most of the songwriting/vocal duties go to Nic Dalton, who is the
current Lemonheads bassist. Throw in cameo's by Bob Weston, Robyn St.
Claire and Sir Dando himself (playing drums!) and you get ... a really
mediocre album. >From the cameos, you can pretty much tell what this
sounds like -- watered down Lemonheads/Smudge pop. Not bad, but not great
either. * (Taang!, P.O. Box 51, Auburndale, MA 02166)
Jon Pecot pecot@wam.umd.edu
++++++++++++++++++
From: Sheard, Paul <pauls@sf.logica.com>
S.F. Surf Pop concert and CD review
The Mermen, The Ultras and The Doolies
This is a bit late, but its been Holiday time. The Paradise Lounge hosted
a Surfing Christmas the Thursday before the holiday, featuring two of the
best surf bands in town, The Merman and The Ultras.
Politics first. The Mermen may have had headline listing, but they played
first, on the smaller stage in the back of the club. The "main" stage was
therefore for The Ultras. The Doolies are a newer band and were located
upstairs in the small, free admision area.
The Merman, what can I say without seeming too disapointed. These guys are
touted as the #1 surf band in town, their stuff on the radio sounds
excellent, but, well, they came up short on the night. The first set
didn't get me dancing at all. The numbers were slowish with those slow
intellectual bits in the middle, where the guitar strums out some
discordant or interesting slow chords. They didn't work too well. The band
also let any atmosphere they had built up, cool, as they took ages between
numbers. I went upstairs to catch the Doolies.
A four piece band. These guys were way cool. I mean they were much better.
Their numbers moved enough to make you want to dance, impossible in the
location. They moved between numbers well, not altering the style and pace
too much, and seemed genuinely suprised that everyone in attendance loved
their stuff. A new band to watch, catch them if you can. They also have a
cool T-shirt, purchased the last one of those !
The Ultras, a three piece band; Eric with a kinda turquoise green guitar,
String Bing with an all white double bass, occasionally electric bass, and
Trey Cool on drums. Some of times I have seen these guys in the past I
have had mixed feelings about them. They can get a surf crowd rocking,
then they throw in some slow number which can sound all cutsie and
summerish, these cools everyone down and sends folks to the bar. Tonight
they rocked. They did a few new numbers and took some from their CD. They
did a fast and furious version of Death Tube which is much better in
concert than on the CD, Chickens on parade had folks down the front
bouncing around. They left out Pulsator, which kinda works on the CD but I
hate to hear live. They didn't play one of my favourites, the theme from
James Bond, (should have put that on the CD, you get a so-so version of
Telstar instead). Night Walk/ Night Run has s slow waltzy part and then
dives into a fast and furious surfing blitz, it work really well in
concert where they have the atmosphere to make the two parts work
together.
Each band did two sets, The Merman's second came alive a bit more than the
first, but I still decided to forgoe the whole set and went upstairs to
check out the Doolies second. The Ultras continued in fine surfing sludge
form throught the second set. I bought the CD, even got it signed, thanks
guys.
So, hows the CD. It works in different ways than the live shows. Tracks
like Nice Face, and Night Walk, don't come off as well, unless you crank
the volume really high. Other songs, like the cutsie Mambo Italiano, and
King of the Sludge Guitar work better. I think it comes down to the time
they spent getting it sounding nice in the studio. It's not all fast
strumming guitar a la Dick Dale, but for lovers of the twangy guitar there
is a lot to love here. Joe Ed says "check it out", its a good enough
example of current surf music to warrent the cost. I'd give it a * on a
scale on 1 to 5.
The Merman's CD is due out early this year. Due in SF 29th Jan. is the
King of Surf, Dick Dale, backed by The Ultras, you can bet I'll be there.
The Ultras have a contact address for those interested;
Info-Ultra-Mation (415)239-5390
Vanilla Sludge Records,
PO Box 460205,
Noe Valley Station,
San Francisco, CA 94146-0205
Paul.
<------------------------------------------------------------>
The Indie-List Digest is published every Tuesday and Friday by the
Indie-List Infotainment Junta, Unltd.
What Who Where
Editor Sean Murphy skmurphy@phoenix.princeton.edu
Moderator K. Lena Bennett keb@carson.u.washington.edu
Mailings Liz Clayton lclayton@uhuru.uchicago.edu
Archives Chris Karlof karlofc@seq.cms.uncwil.edu
FTP/Gopher /pub/music/lists/indie @ ftp.uwp.edu
Consultants: Mark Cornick and Joshua Houk
Indie-List is not copyrighted. It may be freely reproduced for any purpose.
Please cite Indie-List as your source.
<----------------------------------------------------->
please send your articles for the next issue to LENA!
<----------------------------------------------------->
[Submitted by: karlof chris knox (karlofc@seq.cms.uncwil.edu)
Tue, 18 Jan 1994 17:22:47 -0500 (EST)]