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Some New (and Not So New) Recordings and Other Odds and Ends
Tesco Vee and Dave Stimson – Touch and Go Fanzine The Complete Hardcore Punk Zine 1979 – 1983 (2010, Bazillion Points)
I just got this one a few weeks ago and boy is it amazing. It’s exactly what it says, which is all 22 issues of the one of the best fanzines of all-time reproduced in a paperback book. This is a treasure trove of historical documents from that heady time period and will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the incredible music that came out during that time period. And given Tesco Vee’s input, it’s also laugh out loud funny at times, too.
Ramesh – EP1 (self-released)
This so-far digital only (it’s streaming at his website) EP is a real mish-mash. Ramesh Srivastava, formerly of the the great Voxtrot, has recorded a 3 song solo EP. The first song “The King” is in the mode of later Voxtrot fare like the “Berlin Without Return” single. “Romeo (Void)” has little if anything to do with the band of the same name, but is a fine electronic-tinged tune that hints at Ramesh’s time spent clubbing in Scotland. “Recording Heathen Earth” sounds like a soundscape from a Wes Anderson movie. All in all, this is a winner and it’s nice to see Ramesh recording again.
The Babies – The Babies (Shrimper)
I bought this because it’s the other band of Cassie Ramone of the fabulous Vivian Girls. In reality, this is a completely different sound, but a satisfying one. This is a collaboration with Woods member Kevin Morby and unlike Vivian Girls lo-fi, surfy, punked-out indie-pop, this is more Pixies/Breeders-ish in feel. Morby handles most of the lead vocals, but Cassie sings lead on a few of the songs as well. She provides some nice instrumental work on a few songs, though, proving that the more confident instrumental and vocal work on the last Vivian Girls album was no fluke. Bring on Cassie’s solo album!
La Sera – La Sera (Hardly Art)
Between this and the Hunx and His Punx full-length (see below), Hardly Art has been churning out some winners lately. This is “Kickball” Katy Goodman of Vivian Girls’ solo project. Sounding a bit like her main band on downers, it’s a lot prettier and better than that description implies. The melodies really come to the surface here and Katy proves a serviceable lead vocalist as well.
Hunx and His Punx – Too Young to Fall in Love (Hardly Art)
Definitely a bit less punk than the other record I’ve heard by them (the “Teardrops on My Telephone” 7”), this is pretty much straight up ’50s/early ’60s sock hop and Grease-inspired pop music, but with a modern (i.e. openly gay) twist. I still like it, though I don’t find myself spinning it as much as “Teardrops on My Telephone” (at least not yet).
Hotel Lights – Girl Graffiti (Bar/None)
Please see my full review here.
Citizens Arrest – “Soaked In Others Blood” EP (Coextinction)
The first new Citizens Arrest recordings in 21 years, this EP rips as hard as anything they did in their original run. Hewing closer to their 7” A Light in the Darkness as opposed the slightly longer song lengths and metallic leanings of their Colossus Lp, this will be sure to satisfy old fans and maybe make some new ones, too.
It’s unfortunately digital-only for the time being, but hopefully this will come out on vinyl at some point. For now, you can pick it up here.
The Wire (HBO)
I know we’re way late to the party here, but we’ve been watching this amazing series via Netflix recently and just finished season 1. I can’t wait to watch the rest!
Gil Scott-Heron – Pieces of a Man (Flying Dutchman)
R.I.P. Gil. In memoriam, I’ve been playing some of his stuff the past week including this gem from 1971 (his 2nd album) which featured his best known song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” along with the great title track as well as “Lady Day and John Coltrane“.
Doomed to Obscurity – Drug Luck (Jizz Mobile)
Please see my full review here.
