Saturday, June 11, 2022

Beyond Everything: An Interview with Dion Lunadon & Shows # 938, 937


Beyond Everything
is the second full-length album by Dion Lunadon. Previously of The D4 and A Place To Bury Strangers, the album was released via In The Red Records in June 2022. Pulled from a large collection of songs written between 2017 and 2019, Beyond Everything adds more of a dynamic element to Dion’s sound building on components of his 2017 album, while not forgetting them completely. “Goodbye Satan” starts off Beyond Everything. With a drum machine and organ sounds, the song builds while the vocals display an element of isolation as synthesizers and fuzzy sounds arrive closer to the songs end. A 50s rock element creeps into the vocals, echoing a doo wop sound, but also creating a world of sounds that pulls from the band Suicide, Crocodiles and the world of David Lynch. Guitar arrives near the last minutes of the song as lyrically throughout Dion sings “And you tried to take me away/Rip me limb from limb/Tried to drive me insane,” the song seems to offer a glimpse into a cinematic world of temptations, personal demons and inner strength.

“By My Side” begins with a drumbeat and wild, unhinged guitar sounds. Lyrically the words in the song lend themselves to the interpretative side of things as they rise and waver between the guitars, drums and distortion prevalent throughout the vocals. When the music video was released for this song Dion described it as: “Lyrically, it evokes cinematic images more than a feeling. Musically, it all started with the idea of a strange dissonant hum that gives way to the song dropping. I love Hitchcock and crime movies, so the video is placing pictures to the score...Crime and dissonance.” “It’s The Truth” cuts through with distorted guitar, thrashy sounding drums and a smooth bassline that glues it all together. This untamed injection of garage and psych rock balances itself with lyrics that evoke a feeling of absence that makes the heart grow fonder.

“Screw Diver” is one of the longer tracks found on Beyond Everything. With pummelling drums and guitar riffs, the song contrasts this with a calming, yet unnerving vocal melody. “Elastic Diagnostic” is another highlight found on this album. Starting with a fuzzy, driving bassline and the lyric “Hungry just to be alive,” the song builds around the hums and tones conjured by the guitars on this track. As it captivates with its deep spellbinding groove, noise and abstract lyrics “Close my eyes/Get lost in the fall,” the song gets lost in the moment as Lunadon summons up shades of a Fun House-era Iggy Pop vocally. “Glass Doll” attacks with a distorted punk rock fragility as “Too Hard To Love, Too Young To Die” digs into a 60s garage pop meets punk atmosphere. With its repetitive lyrics, use of space and undeniable intensity, lyrically it seems to address a desire to overcome difficult hardships.

“Pink X” gets more experimental with its sleazy basslines and drums mixing with other effects. The guitar adds texture to the song with tremolo in parts and rusty abrasive sounds in others. “Living and Dying With You” ends Beyond Everything, fittingly being the last track recorded for the album, this song is a more dynamic garage punk track with travelling basslines, Chuck Berry-styled rhythms, catchy melodies and lyrics that bring forth images of downtown sprawls, the city at night and a sense of till death do us part romanticism.

The press release for Beyond Everything reads: “Beyond your skin, beyond your screen, beyond what you think you know. What lies in this area? An area with no opinions, motives, sides or divisions. An area where governments and capitalists have no currency and the absolute truth reigns supreme.” The songs that make up this album don’t adhere to any specific theme other than themselves. They illustrate a use of space that only adds to their intensity, melody, noise and overall impact. Beyond Everything resonates in more ways than one. 

Listen to the interview that Revolution Rock did with Dion Lunadon: 


Show 938 (Originally Aired On June 11th, 2022)(Dion Lunadon Interview):

1. Kamikaze Nurse – Pet Meds
2. Spencer Krug – River River
3. Frog Eyes – A Speck of Dust
4. The Orange Kyte – The Modern Day Saints
5. The Trophies - Idle Threats
6. Active Dog - Nothing Holding You
7. Paul Jacobs - The Tree Outside My House
8. Dion Lunadon - Goodbye Satan

DION INTERVIEW PART ONE

9. Dion Lunadon - It’s The Truth

DION INTERVIEW PART TWO

10. Dion Lunadon - Elastic Diagnostic
11. Angel Olsen - Big Time
12. Wilco – Mystery Binds
13. Tess Parks – Old Life
14. Big Thief – Blue Lightning
15. The Smile - We Don't Know What Tomorrow Brings
16. Cate Le Bon - Pompeii
17. Destroyer - June
18. Port Juvee - Motion Control
19. Dion Lunadon - Hate
20. Dion Lunadon - Negative Energy
21. Dion Lunadon & Kate Clover - When Will I See You Again 

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.

Show 937 Playlist (Originally Aired On June 4th, 2022)(Ziggy Stardust and Roxy Music 50th Anniversary):

1. Roxy Music – Re-Make/Re-Model (Roxy Music - Island Records/Reprise Records - 1972)
2. Roxy Music – Bitters End (Peel Session - 1972)
3. Venus in Furs – Ladytron (Velvet Goldmine OST - London Records/Inner-State Recordings - 1998)
4. Spizzenergi – Virginia Plain (Soldier Soldier - Rough Trade - 1979)
5. Roxy Music - Chance Meeting (Roxy Music - Island Records/Reprise Records - 1972)
6. Roxy Music - Would You Believe (Roxy Music - Island Records/Reprise Records - 1972)
7. Roxy Music - Sea Breezes (John Peel Session) (Roxy Music Deluxe Edition - Island Records/Reprise Records - 2018)
8. Roxy Music - Virginia Plain (Outtake) (Roxy Music Deluxe Edition - Island Records/Reprise Records - 2018)
9. David Bowie - Five Years (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars - RCA Records - 1972)
10. David Bowie - Soul Love (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars - RCA Records - 1972)
11. David Bowie - Moonage Daydream (Arnold Corns Version) (Ziggy Stardust 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition - EMI Records - 2002)
12. David Bowie - Starman (Jonnie Walker - Lunchtime Show - 1972)(Bowie at the Beeb 1968-1972 - EMI/Virgin Records - 2000)
13. David Bowie - It Ain’t Easy (Bowie at the Beeb 1968-1972 - EMI/Virgin Records - 2000)
14. David Bowie – Lady Stardust (Demo) (Ziggy Stardust 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition - EMI Records - 2002)
15. David Bowie – Star (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars - RCA Records - 1972)
16. Arnold Corns – Hang on to Yourself (Ziggy Stardust 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition - EMI Records - 2002)
17. David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust (Demo) (Ziggy Stardust 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition - EMI Records - 2002)
18. David Bowie – Suffragette City (Live in Santa Monica ‘72 - EMI - 2008)
19. David Bowie – Rock n’ Roll Suicide (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars - RCA Records - 1972)
20. David Bowie - Velvet Goldmine (Ziggy Stardust 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition - EMI Records - 2002)

DOWNLOAD/LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE HERE.

Tuesday, May 31, 2022

The Supreme Cool Beings and Shows # 936, 935, 934, 933


Survival of the Coolest is the first and only album to be released by The Supreme Cool Beings. This post-punk influenced band with experimental elements, described as playing “off kilter pop songs,” formed in the summer of 1982 in Olympia, Washington. The group’s beginnings started when Heather Lewis was hanging out with her friend Gary May. He asked her to join a band that he was forming. Gary’s apartment turned into a rehearsal place and a place to see live shows at the time as well. After hearing them play at an apartment party that summer, radio DJ Calvin Johnson asked them to play a live set of music on his radio program Boy Meets Girl on the campus radio station KAOS FM. Unbeknownst to them, Johnson recorded their eight song set. Inspired by a series of cassette compilations that were released through Sub Pop, which Johnson helped with, Johnson decided to release the eight songs that they recorded on cassette. With artwork by Lewis, this cassette would be the first official release on the K Records label. 

The Supreme Cool Beings consisted of Heather Lewis on drums/vocals, Gary May on guitar/bass and vocals and Doug Monaghan on saxophone. Survival of the Coolest opens with the song “Who’s That?” a loose guitar, drums and sax song that features Lewis on vocals with lyrics revolving around paranoia and boredom. “Your Name Here” features May on lead vocals and guitar reminiscent of Wipers-like chord structures. Dual vocals featuring May and Lewis and lyrics such as “Plastic potato/The spud’s a dud,” contrast the plasticity of Mr. Potato Head with adolescence. “Don’t Panic” features watery sounding chord structures, with a steady drum groove and a catchy pop influenced chorus. With Saxophone filling in the gaps intermittently, May howls like Jeffrey Lee Pierce in the second verse.

“Um” is an experimental piece. As saxophone and guitar play dissonantly in the background, Lewis sings abstract lyrics before drums come in around the last minute of the track with surf sounding guitars. “Liberal Art” features jagged, yet reverb heavy guitar as the drums follow and saxophone paints an uneasy mood in the background. Heavy drums and garage-like guitars sounding almost like The Troggs dominate “Big Bombs.” With abstract lyrics “Sun goes up/Sun goes down/Water goes up/Water goes down,” and “I don’t want to hear it anymore,” this song sounds like it could be about an argument, but is left open to interpretation. “Our Advice To You” ends Survival of the Coolest. It is a more up-tempo guitar and drum track with saxophone parts that lock in the songs dynamics. It has an undeniable movement and dance-ability to it.

While only ever released on cassette and now long out of print, Survival of the Coolest is a loose sounding album with experimental elements that adheres to the DIY counterculture that was new and burgeoning at the time. It is a short, exuberant and spontaneous album. There is one more song that appears in the band’s discography. A longer danceable instrumental track titled “Survival of the Coolest” is a very lo-fi sounding track. Recorded at one of the band's live shows, it appeared on the Let’s Together compilation album. This compilation album was released on K Records in 1984. The Supreme Cool Beings time as a band was short lived. Shortly after this Gary May moved out of Olympia and the band broke up. Following this, Heather Lewis would go on to play with Calvin Johnson and Bret Lunsford as The Beat Happening in 1983.

Show 936 Playlist (Originally Aired On May 28th, 2022)(K Records and The Supreme Cool Beings):

1. PRIORS - Expelled Virtue
2. Trash - Priorities
3. The Art Attacks - I’m A Dalek
4. Property - Running Away
5. Trampoline Delay - In Your Head
6. Horsegirl - Anti-Glory
7. Lushings - Something
8. Vivienne Wilder - Ricky (Heart)
9. Gus Englehorn - Run Rabbit Run
10. Tuxedomoon - Jinx
11. Tuxedomoon - No Tears
12. DNA - Blonde Redhead
13. Soul Glo - We Wants Revenge
14. Girl Trouble - Tarantua
15. Apollo Ghosts - Acid Jenny
16. Christopher Sleightholm - Acid Cowboy
17. Tim Swaddling & Before the Flood - Pay In Blood
18. Bob Dylan & The Band - I Wanna Be Your Lover (Take 6)
19. Tess Parks - Happy Birthday Forever
20. The Sadies - Cut Up High and Dry
21. Wilco - Tired of Taking It Out On You
22. Seldoms - Trees of Mysterie
23. Young Pioneers - Round and Round
24. Beat Happening - Down At The Sea
25. Beat Happening - I Spy
26. Supreme Cool Beings - Your Name Here
27. Supreme Cool Beings - Big Bombs
28. Supreme Cool Beings - Who's That?

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the May 28 file to
download/stream the episode.

Show 935 Playlist (Originally Aired On May 21st, 2022)(The Flashing Lights, Randy Newman, David Byrne, Elvis Costello & The Imposters):

1. Ty Segall - Hello, Hi
2. The Flashing Lights - Highschool
3. The Flashing Lights - Rotary Hotel
4. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Tidal River
5. Weird Nightmare - Lusitania
6. Cola - So Excited
7. Porridge Radio - Back to the Radio
8. Susan - $50 Dream
9. Otoboke Beaver - I Won't Dish Out Salads
10. Rick White - Another Season Again
11. B.A. Johnston - Why Can't Tonight Be Wing Night?
12. The Urinals - I’m A Bug
13. The Normals - Almost Ready
14. Osees - Funeral Solution
15. Black Midi - Welcome To Hell
16. Fontaines D.C. - Skinty Fia
17. Kamikaze Nurse - Come From Wood
18. blackoutbeach - Deserter's Song
19. Destroyer - My Mystery
20. Randy Newman - You Can Leave Your Hat On
21. Randy Newman - God's Song
22. Pink Mountaintops - Nervous Breakdown
23. TOPS - Janet Planet
24. Talking Heads - Moon Rocks
25. Talking Heads - I Feel It In My Heart
26. David Byrne & Brian Eno - Everything That Happens
27. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Farewell, OK
28. Elvis Costello & The Imposters - The Man You Love To Hate

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the May 21 file to download/stream the episode

Show 934 Playlist (Originally Aired On May 14th, 2022)(Yves Jarvis, The Clash Combat Rock 40th Anniversary):

1. Baby Giant - Yeah!
2. Mike Krol - Red Minivan
3. Martin Schiller - Future Prints
4. By Divine Right - St. Leon's
5. Black Country, New Road - Basketball Shoes
6. Tunic - Common Denominator
7. Cellos - The Downward Gaze
8. Tea Leaves - Cicada Song
9. Paul Jacobs - Show Me Something
10. Soft Plastics - Rope Off The Tigers
11. Yves Jarvis - Prism Through Which I Perceive
12. Yves Jarvis - At the Whims
13. Wet Leg - Supermarket
14. Heaven For Real - Sweet Rose
15. The Glass Picture - Horses On A Postcard
16. Parquet Courts - Marathon of Anger
17. Damaged Bug - Jet In Jungle
18. Sunglaciers - Out of My Skull
19. School Damage - In Love With A Chump
20. The Clash ft. Ranking Roger - Rock The Casbah
21. The Clash - Inoculated City
22. The Smile - You Will Never Work In Television Again
23. Kevin Morby - Rock Bottom
24. Broken Social Scene - Not At My Best
25. The Clash - Over Powered By Funk
26. The Clash - Ghetto Defendant (Extended Unedited Version)

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the May 14 file to download/stream the episode

Show 933 Playlist (Originally Aired On May 7th, 2022) (Tom Waits, The Birthday Party, The Cure, Young Guv, White Fence, Cate Le Bon):

1. Apollo Ghosts - Soft American
2. David Bowie - Diamond Dogs
3. Tom Waits – Everything You Can Think
4. Tom Waits – Starving in the Belly of a Whale
5. The Birthday Party – The Dim Locator
6. The Cure – The Hanging Garden
7. Iceage - All The Junk on the Outskirts
8. Steven Lambke - Bats in Blue Twilight
9. The Sadies - Cut Up And Dry
10. Julie & Dany - Deglele
11. The Burning Hell - Birdwatching
12. Arcade Fire – Lightening II
13. Frog Eyes – I Was An Oligarch
14. Young Guv – Same Old Fool
15. Young Guv – Maybe I Should Luv Somebody Else
16. Pinch Points – King Rat
17. Yikes - Pink Cigars
18. Thee Oh Sees - Heavy Doctor
19. Drinks - Corner Shops
20. White Fence - Beat
21. Cate Le Bon - Remembering Me
22. Belle & Sebastian – Unnecessary Drama
23. Linda Lindas – Nino
24. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – My Echo
25. Pup – Puptheband Inc. Is Filing for Bankruptcy
26. Psychic Void - Denim Daddy
27. Psychic Void - Alley Dweller 

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the May 7 file to download/stream the episode

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Chris Bailey (of The Saints) & Shows # 932, 931, 930, 929 & 928


In April 2022, Australian musician Chris Bailey passed of natural causes. Bailey was the singer and along with guitarist Ed Keupper the founding members and songwriters of the band The Saints. With Ivor Hay on drums and Kym Bradshaw on bass, the band released their first single “(I’m) Stranded” independently in September of 1976 on their own label Fatal Records. The song exploded with its buzz saw guitars and the soulful sneering vocals of Chris Bailey that clashed against the conservative norms in Australia at the time. Like all great bands that are different from the norm, there was little interest in them from record labels, but shortly after its release, the single became the Single of the Week in the UK based Sounds Magazine. In fact reviewer John Ingham declared the song “Single of this week and every week.” This led to greater attention towards The Saints and a three album record deal with EMI. Predating singles by The Damned, The Clash and even the Sex Pistols, this pioneering single is important in Australian music history and in general as it influenced so many. Nick Cave recently posted about the influence of Bailey’s voice and the early Saints albums on his Red Hand Files website, which also includes a photo of Bailey with The Saints in 1977 and a stunned Nick Cave in the Crowd. The album (I’m) Stranded followed in 1977.

Following their EMI deal the band would move to the UK where their label tried to get them to adopt to the punk image, which they wanted nothing to do with. Refusing to adopt the “Saints suit” which was apparently designed for them, they kept their own low-key style that many bands nowadays still dress like. Their 1977 “This Perfect Day” single reflected their difficulties with the label at the time and would climb to #34 on the UK singles album charts, but stalled due to it being out of stock nationally for two weeks. Their album Eternally Yours was released in 1978. Often viewed as their best within the early days of the band, it incorporated horn sections and R&B elements to their already established sound. Shortly after the release of their third album Prehistoric Sounds, Bailey and Keupper went their separate ways. Bailey continued with The Saints in name and would change their sound and musical direction. He also recorded as a solo artist. Keupper would form the jazz influenced post-punk band Laughing Clowns, The Aints and record as a solo artist.

The Saints would wind up releasing 14 studio albums. Bailey would bring the band and his solo work in a musical direction that has been described as having a more roots rock and folk sound. It would draw comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and Van Morrison, however, Bailey had his own way of presenting the music. Chris Bailey would release five studio albums as a solo artist between 1983 and 2005. The Saints song “Just Like Fire Would” originally released on the 1986 album All Fools Day would find a new audience when it was covered by Bruce Springsteen in 2014 for his album High Hopes. When All Fools Day was originally released, it was The Saints commercial breakthrough to the US. Videos for “Just Like Fire Would” and “Temple of the Lord” received airplay on MTV at the time. All Fools Day, which was also The Saints seventh studio album charted at #29 on the Kent Music Report (the Australian music charts at the time). In 2001, the “(I’m) Stranded” single was name one of the 30 Best Australian Songs of all time by ARPA AMCOS (Australasian Performing Right Association).

News broke of his passing on the band’s social media page. Ending with this statement: “Chris lived a life of poetry and music and stranded on a Saturday night.” 

Show 932 Playlist (Originally Aired On April 30th, 2022)(Chris Bailey of The Saints tribute, McClusky, Beastie Boys, Wilco):

1. McClusky - Alan is a Cowboy Kilelr
2. Beastie Boys - Time For Livin'
3. Beastie Boys - Funky Boss
4. Foxhart Fishman - Ramblin Dan’s Righteous Manifesto
5. The Ding-Dongs - Blood! Blood! Blood!
6. Paula - Susan & Linda
7. The Saints - (I’m) Stranded
8. The Saints - Know Your Product
9. The Saints - (I’m) Misundertood
10. The Saints - Take This Heart of Mine
11. The Saints - Just Like Fire Would
12. Neko Case - Oh, Shadowless
13. Tea Leaves - Stray Dog
14. The Retail Simps - End - Times Hip - Shaker Pts 1&2
15. Snake Noise - The Way You're Wired
16. Wilco - Jesus, Etc.
17. Wilco - I’m the Man Who Loves You
18. Linda & Richard Thompson - Wall of Death
19. Big Thief - Spud Infinity
20. Father John Misty - Funny Girl
21. Kurt Vile - Palace of OKV in Reverse
22. Tops - Empty Seats
23. Pottery - Spell
24. D-Vices - Adequte
25. Susans - Nine
26. Wet Leg - Oh No
27. Fontaines D.C. - Roman Holiday
28. Viagra Boys - Ain't No Thief

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the April 30 file to download/stream the episode.

Show 931 Playlist (Originally Aired On April 23rd, 2022)(Orville Peck, Pavement Slanted and Enchanted, Chris Bailey mini set, Paul Jacobs):

1. Orville Peck - C’mon Baby, Cry

2. Andy Shauf - Satan

3. Men I Trust - Poodle of Mud

4. Mac DeMarco - Dreaming
5. Makeout Videotape - Exercising With My Demons
6. Pavement - Summer Baby
7. Pavement - Two States (Live)
8. Pavement - In The Mouth of a Desert (Live)
9. Pavement - Here (Peel Session)
10. Pavement - Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite at :17
11. Pavement - Conduit For Sale
12. Pavement - Zurich is Stained
13. Pavement - Fame Throwa
14. Pavement - Our Singer
15. Silver Jews - Trains Across the Sea
16. The Saints - Let’s Pretend
17. The Saints - Simple Love

18. Chris Bailey & The General Dog - Ghost Ships (Acoustic)

19. Brat Kings - Control

20. Jon Spencer & The HITmakers - Push Comes To Shove
21. Dion Lunadon - Living and Dying With You 

22. The King Khan & BBQ Show - Love You So

23. Lychi - Freelance Therapist

24. Roye Trout - Dreamers

25. Jesse Fellows - He Is Here

26. Returners - A Toast For The Bugs

27. Pale Lips - Get Up and Go

28. Priors - NEWNEWNEW

29. Paul Jacobs - After Dark

30. Paul Jacobs - Born In A Zoo 

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the April 23 file to download/stream the episode.

Show 929 Playlist (Originally Aired On April 9th, 2022)(PJ Harvey, The Beatles with Stuart Sutcliffe, Tobin Sprout, Foo Fighters):

1. PJ Harvey - O Stella
2. PJ Harvey - Dress
3. Kamikaze Nurse - Boom Josie
4. Destroyer - It Takes A Thief
5. Yves Jarvis - Bootstrap Jubilee
6. The Beatles - You'll Be Mine (Home Demo 1960)
7. The Beatles - Cayenne (Home Demo 1960)
8. The Beatles - Like Dreamers Do (1962 Decca Audition)
9. The Beatles - From Me To You (Live)
10. The Seeds - Lose Your Mind
11. The Stonemen - Faded Colors
12. Foo Fighters - Stacked Actors (Live)
13. Tobin Sprout - The Natural Alarm
14. Tobin Sprout - The Man I Used To Know
15. Ducks Ltd. (Featuring Illuminati Hotties) - Head On
16. The Leather Uppers - Mr. Googally Eyes
17. The King Khan & BBQ Show - Love You So
18. Laurie Anderson - From the Air
19. 3 Teens Kill 4 - Tell Me Something Good
20. 3 Teens Kill 4 - Hold Up
21. 3 Teens Kill 4 - Hunger
22. Soul Glo - Thumbsucker
23. Tunic - Reward of Nothing
24. Metz - Demolition Row
25. Q and Not U - Black Plastic Bag
26. Teenanger - Hot Rods at the Loser Convention
27. Louder Than Death - Scum of the Moon
28. The Ketamines - Ketamine Babies
29. Fifth Column - Imbecile
30. The Rapture - Out of the Races and Onto the Tracks 

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the April 9 file to download/stream the episode.

Show 928 Playlist (Originally Aired On April 2nd, 2022)(John Dwyer, Bob Dylan, Daniel Romano, Gang of Four, Sloan):

1. Black Midi - Moonlight On Vermont
2. Necking - Stop Singing
3. Century Egg - Moving On
4. Adrian Teacher & The Subs- Pop Medicine
5. Cool TV - Weird Buzz
6. Dumb - Tumbling
7. The Chats - Struck By Lightning
8. Reigning Sound - I Don't Need That Kind of Lovin'
9. Osees - The Ceiling
10. Lammping- Home of Shadows
11. Mangon - The Williow
12. Fontanarosa - Way In Out
13. John Dwyer - Oneironaut
14. Bob Dylan - Song To Woody
15. Nick Drake - Parasite
16. Neil Young - Are You Ready For The Country?
17. Ray Charles - Half As Much
18. Steven Lambke - Sea Level
19. Daniel Romano's Outfit - They Haven't Got A Word For That Yet
20. Daniel Romano - Nobody Sees A Lowered Face
21. Shotgun Jimmie - Too Many Flowers
22. Gang of Four - We Live As We Dream, Alone
23. XTC - Fly On The Wall
24. The Fall - Jawbone and the Air Rifle
25. The Misfits - 20 Eyes
26. Bad Brains - Banned in D.C.
27. Guided By Voices - Some Drilling Implied
28. Flipper - Ever
29. Sloan - Gimme Sopar
30. Sloan - Hot Cars
31. Baby Giant - Westbound and Down
32. Mudhoney - Flowers of Industry
33. The Dirtbombs - Sherlock Holmes

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the April 2 file to download/stream the episode.

For those keep track, episode 930 was a repeat of an episode (#878) that originally aired in April 2021. You can find the playlist to that episode here and download/listen to the episode here.

Friday, March 25, 2022

Julie Doiron I Thought of You & Shows # 927, 926, 925, 924

Julie Doiron released I Thought Of You in November of 2021 on You’ve Changed Records. This is the first full-length solo record Doiron has put out since 2012’s So Many Days, but Julie has been busy between these years releasing EPs and collaborating. She has released critically albums with Julie & The Wrong Guys (featuring members of Cancer Bats and Eamon McGrath) and Mount Eerie. In addition to this Doiron has been reinterpreting and releasing her songs in Spanish for the Cante en Espanol series on the Acuarela label. With a stellar backing band featuring Daniel Romano (guitar/keys/percussion), Ian Romano (drums) and Dany Placard on bass, Doiron delivers an honest spontaneous and an in the moment sounding album. With her vocals as the centre point as the band captures different musical strands behind her, Doiron’s I Thought Of You also encapsulates her masterful songwriting abilities.

“You Gave Me The Key” opens I Thought of You. With its folk and country meets indie rock swagger, Doiron brings forth an honest intimacy. With lyrics “There was never a plan/Starting over again” and “And your words they made me believe/That there’s life all around me/And there’s life all within me/There’s no need to explain,” that relate to aspects of Doiron’s musical output, while it also features a combination of mixed emotions and themes of inspiration from the every day that uplift this opening track. The title track has been described as a psychedelic western track and features contemplative lyrics such as “It’s been so long/I haven’t had a lot to say,” and “But honestly/I felt ashamed,” that operate on several levels. It sounds as if Julie is speaking directly to the listener who has been neglected, but also it could operate as a reflection on a lost connection to a person from the past. The music and lyrics blend so seamlessly. The song seems to end too soon before “Dreamed I Was” begins. Starting off with slower watery sounding guitars, this track floats with vivid striking and ruminative lyrics. “Just When I Thought” dips into psychedelia with a surreal quality before it gets heavier and more distorted towards the song’s ending moments. “Et Mon Amour” drifts with a shuffling beat. The song’s title translates into “And To My Love” and is a track sung in French. This adds another storytelling through song element to I Thought of You as it delves into a bittersweet and nostalgia tale of young love.

“Good Reason” is a song that originates from Greville Tapes Vol.2 EP, as with “I Thought Of You,” “Ran,” and “Cancel The Party” these tracks were recorded earlier by Dorion with different projects and reworked here for this release. The country-folk of “Good Reason” is introspective about the emotional and physical distance of a relationship as well as the strain and complications that come with it. With this track the band seems to hang on Julie’s every word intensifying, speeding up and also pulling back at the right moments. “Cancel The Party” is a shorter, but heavier track. Seeming to dip back into Dorion’s 90s rock beginnings, it features abstract lyrics with words such as “It’s time to sleep now/My dream is calling me/Cancel the plans/Forget the party.” “Darkness To Light” features haunting pedal steel played by Michael Feuerstack. As Dorion grabs hold of the listener with her vocals, lyrics such as “I made it through the darkness/Was stuck there for a while/And I know that some of my friends are stuck in there right now” tackle existential themes. “Ran” comes in with a weary determinedness, as the band builds behind the vocals advocating for the exit from an ended relationship, but one that is a bit more complex than that.

“Letters We Sent” conjures up Neil Young & Crazy Horse vibes, as Doiron sings lyrics such as “And the letters we sent are covered in snow/Beneath are the fears that I might be better off alone/And everyone is telling me to stay,” and “Well, I wasn't looking/My heart wasn't open yet” that captivate with a poetic honesty. “Back To The Water” ends I Thought Of You. This track features just Doiron and an acoustic guitar as she sings a folk tale that addresses her place in the world. As she states in the lyrics “I don’t need to know the answers/I don’t need to be alone,” “I know that there’s a lesson/Here for me to learn/I’ve been here before,” which end I Thought Of You on a bit of an ambiguous, yet graceful note. Throughout this album, Julie Doiron sounds revitalized. I Thought of You shows an elegance, addressing the chaotic moments we can all go through, while at the same time it revels in a motion of healing and moving forward.

Show 927 (Originally Aired On March 26th, 2022) (Returners, No Fix, Cowboy Junkies, Al Oster):

1.  Returners - Get
2.  Returners - #1
3.  No Fix - Neon Dreamz
4.  Psychic Void - Gutter Butter
5.  Priests - Puff
6.  Fruit Tones - Igloo   
7.  Destroyer - Suffer
8.  Modest Mouse - Wooden Soldier
9.  The Darcys - Peg   
10. Cowboy Junkies - Five Years
11. Cowboy Junkies - 17 Seconds
12. Bill Callahan & Bonnie “Prince” Billy  - Deacon Blues   
13. Al Oster - Midnight Sun Rock (Alternate Recording)
14. Al Oster - Yukon Gold
15. Sam Coffey - Worried Mary
16. Willie Dunn - Crazy Horse
17. Hank Williams - There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight
18. Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues (Live 1968 - Show 2)   
19. Sonic Youth - In/Out/In
20. Preoccupations - Off Duty Trip
21. Celia's Dream - You   
22. Sunglaciers - Avoidance
23. Public Image Limited - The Suit
24. Bush Tetras - Punch Drunk
25. Susans - Impress Your Neighbours
26. Swell Maps - The Helicopter Spies

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the March 26 file to download/stream the episode.

Show 926 (Originally Aired On March 19th, 2022) (Apollo Ghosts, Guided By Voices, The Wipers, Parquet Courts):

1.  Apollo Ghosts - But I'll Be Around (Electric Version)
2.  OMBIIGIZI - The Once Child
3.  Motorists - Turn It Around
4.  Dummy - Fissured Ceramics
5.  Animal Collective - We Go Back   
6.  The Skaliwags - 365 Days A Year
7.  Melenas - Ciencia Ficcion
8.  The Mystic Tide - Why
9.  Alex Chilton - Every Day As We Grow Closer
10. Jay Reatard - Don’t Let Him Come Back
11. Weird Nightmare - Searching For You   
12. Superchunk - Endless Summer
13. Guided By Voices - Come North Together
14. Hot Garbage - Everything Stops
15. Liquid Liquid - Optimo
16. Seth A. Smith - Silver
17. John Doe Trio - Never Coming Back
18. Baby Giant - She's A Queen
19. The Wipers - What Is
20. The Revelons - 97 Tears
21. Rough Francis - Deathwire   
22. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - Animal X   
23. Thus Owls - Balconies
24. Rent Boys Inc. - Pictish
25. New Vogue - Daylight Eraser
26. Kinetic Ideals - Life In Shadow
27. Viagra Boys - Blue Bone
28. Parquet Courts - Just Shadows
29. Parquet Courts - Sympathy For Life
30. Mick Futures - In Case We Learn

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the March 19 file to download/stream the episode.

Show 925 (Originally Aired On March 12th, 2022) (International Women's Day Episode):

1.  Riff Randells - Parker Place
2.  Deerhoof - Hitch-Hike
3.  Big Thief - Certainty
4.  Beach House - ESP
5.  Faith Healer - 2nd Time   
6.  Mary Simich - Problems of Your Past
7.  Blonde Redhead - 10 Feet High   
8.  Blonde Redhead - This Is the Number of Times I Said I Will But Didn't (4 Track Demo)
9.  The Delmonas - I’ll Use Evil   
10. Betty Davis - Feelins
11. ESG - UFO
12. ESG - You Make No Sense
13. Tanya Tagaq - Birth
14. Basia Bulat - Your Girl   
15. Weird Lines - Malibu
16. Julie Doiron - Good Reason
17. Julie & Dany - Mayo
18. Julie Doiron & The Wooden Stars - Dance Music
19. Julie Doiron - Nice To Come Home   
20. Joni Mitchell - Night in the City (Live)
21. Nina Simone - Four Women   
22. Cate Le Bon - Harbour
23. Mitski - Should’ve Been Me   
24. NOBRO - Bye Bye Baby
25. Amyl and the Sniffers - Hertz
26. Visibly Choked - Mother Tongue
27. Delta 5 - Anticipation
28. Kleenex - Ain't You
29. Bush Tetras - You Can't Be Funky   
30. Au Pairs - Come Again

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the March 12 file to download/stream the episode.

Show 924 (Originally Aired On March 5th, 2022)(Betty Davis, Syl Johnson, Mark Lanegan, Dallas Good/The Sadies):

1.  The Anomayls - Panik
2.  Jon Spencer & The HITmakers - Junk Man
3.  Ty Segall - Los Angeles News Service
4.  Betty Davis - If I'm In Luck I Might Get Picked Up
5.  Betty Davis - 70's Blues
6.  Betty Mabry - Get Ready For Betty
7.  Syl Johnson - Soul Drippin'
8.  Syl Johnson - Black Baloons
9.  Syl Johnson - Wind, Blow Her Back My Way
10. Screaming Trees - Sworn and Broken
11. Mark Lanegan - Mirrored
12. Mark Lanegan - Carnival
13. Mark Lanegan - Hanging On (For DRC)
14. The Armed Feat. Mark Lanegan - The Music Becomes A Skul
15. The Sadies - Cut Corners
16. The Sadies - As Much As Such
17. The Sadies - Friendly Devil
18. The Sadies - Anna Leigh
19. The Sadies - Questions Never Asked
20. The Sadies - Lay Down Your Arms
21. The Sadies - Within A Stone
22. The Sadies - Flash
23. Career Suicide - No Sleep
24. The Unintended - Beautiful Things
25. Andre Williams & The Sadies - Busted
26. John Doe & The Sadies - Detroit City   
27. Black Country, New Road - Concorde
28. Spoon - The Hardest Cut
29. Destroyer - Eat the Wine, Drink the Bread 

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the March 5 file to download/stream the episode.

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Revolution Surf 2022 & Show # 923

On this year's Revolution Surf we featured some sets of music in tribute to two musicans that passed in 2022. Don Wilson guitarist of The Ventures passed in January at the age of 88 and Toronto musician Dallas Good of The Sadies passed unexpectedly in February at the age of 48. On the show, which features 40 surf and instrumental tracks, we had a set of Ventures tracks in tribute to Don Wilson and The Ventures adventurous style to tackle different genres of music and some music in tribute to the surf side of Dallas Good and The Sadies music.

Don Wilson (1933-2022)

Don Wilson co-founded The Ventures with Bob Bogle in Tacoma, Washington in 1958. His guitar style combined with the music that The Ventures created would be instrumental and highly influential on the future of rock music. Before the first full lineup of the band formed, an early version of The Ventures existed with just Don Wilson on rhythm guitar and Bob Bogle on lead guitar. They played clubs and bars and it has been said that Wilson’s very distinctive rhythmic playing style originated due to the fact that they had no drummer when they started out. Regardless when The Ventures found Nokie Edwards (bass) and Skip Moore the first incarnation of The Ventures was in place. Wilson continued his driving rhythmic guitar style. The band were on their own label initially before being signed to Dolton Records. Their first hit was “Walk Don’t Run” in 1960. It would climb to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts changing their status as a band forever. The song itself was a cover of a cover done by Chet Atkins. Originally a jazz song by Johnny Smith, the way that The Ventures played it was different than both the original and Atkins version. When the band recorded this track in 1960, the drummer Skip Moore wasn’t interested in touring with the band and was not a full-time member of the band, but is featured on the recording. They would re-record a different version of this song called “Walk Don’t Run ‘64” which would also re-chart at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The classic lineup of The Ventures featured Don Wilson on guitar, Bob Bogle on bass (he and Edwards would switch instruments shortly after the recording of "Walk Don't Run"), Nokie Edwards on lead guitar and Mel Taylor on drums.

The Ventures tackled multiple styles throughout their career recording country, 50s rock, 60s pop and psychedelic albums. They would also drift into some disco music in addition to experimenting with recording on albums such as The Ventures In Space. The Ventures also released records at a fast pace, sometimes having as many as four records released in a year. They even released a series of albums for people interested in learning guitar called Play Guitar with The Ventures. The Ventures also recorded songs for TV shows and soundtracks for films. One of the most notable is their recording of the "Hawaii Five-O" theme song. In addition to their US success, they would have a greater success in Japan where they still have devout followings. Their instrumental and surf sounds went on to influence many. They were called “The most influential, best-selling instrumental band in rock and roll history” by the Grammy Museum in 2019. While a new version of the band plays today, Wilson played with The Ventures throughout many lineup changes until 2015. His rhythmic guitar style helped drive the music of The Ventures.

Dallas Good (1973-2022)

Dallas Good’s mark on music is deeply embedded in a lot of Canadian and non-Canadian independent music over the last several decades. Whether with The Sadies or in some other capacity he had an influence and impact on music that wasn’t always directly in the mainstream spotlight. Dallas and Travis Good are the sons of Bruce Good, who played in the Juno award winning bluegrass group The Good Brothers alongside his siblings and Margret Good, their mother was also a singer/musician. Introduced to punk by his brother Travis, Dallas initially played in a series of punk bands, but it wasn’t until Sadies bassist Sean Dean got an upright bass that he switched his musical interests to country music. The Sadies first formed in Toronto in 1994. The band consisted of Dallas Good (on vocals/guitar), Travis Good (vocals/guitar), Sean Dean (bass) and Mike Belitsky (drums). Their first album was 1998’s Precious Moments produced by Steve Albini. The Sadies developed their own take on country and western music, incorporating elements of surf and garage rock with a punk infused energy. The band operated as a collective unit with their shows having been described as transcendent. Forging their own path, The Sadies built a following for approximately the last two decades by collaborating and backing up several other artists in addition to releasing their own material. The Sadies have also collaborated, performed and recorded with other musicians such as Andre Williams, Neko Case, Blue Rodeo, Garth Hudson, John Doe, Neil Young, Buffy Saint-Marie, Mary Margret O’Hara, Gary Louris, Kurt Vile, Justin Townes Earle, Jon Langford and Gord Downie. They have also toured and recorded with Jon Spencer and Matt Verta-Ray’s Heavy Trash. 

In 2004, The Sadies along with Rick White (of Eric’s Trip) and Greg Keelor (of Blue Rodeo) formed The Unintended, releasing a self-titled album the same year. One more release followed in 2006, featuring Gordon Lightfoot covers that was split EP with the band Constantines called Constantines Play Young/The Unintended Play Lightfoot. Dallas also produced and played with other groups in addition to The Sadies. He played with Phono-Comb, an instrumental surf band featuring Don Pyle and Reid Diamond of Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet, played with Toronto hardcore band Career Suicide, Half Japanese and played live shows on bass with Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet starting in 2012 when they reformed. He also performed in several punk bands prior to being in The Sadies such as The Satanatras, Guilt Parade and The Rat Crushers. The Sadies also provided the surf inspired soundtrack to 2006’s Tales of the Rat Fink and appear in the Carmine Street Guitars documentary. 2007’s New Seasons and 2010’s Darker Circles were both nominated for the Polaris Music Prize. A forthcoming full-length album is set to be released in 2022. It was produced by Arcade Fire’s Richard Reed Parry. 

 Revolution Surf 2022 Playlist (Originally Aired On February 26th, 2022):

1.  The Surfrajettes - Couch Surfing (Roller Fink - Hi-Tide Recordings - 2022)
2.  The Surf Hermits - Out Beyond the Dune Sea (Hang Zen - Sharawaji Records - 2022)
3.  The Green Reflectors - Rip Rap (Tune Up - 2018)
4.  Teke::Teke - Ai No Kizuna (Jikaku - Ray-On - 2018)
5.  The Ventures - Fuzzy and Wild (Wild Things! - Dolton Records - 1966)
6.  The Ventures - San Antonio Rose (Play The Country Classics - Dolton Records - 1963)
7.  The Ventures - Psyched-Out (Super Psychedelics - Dolton Records - 1967)
8.  The Ventures - Sealed With A Kiss ($1,000,000.00 Weekend - Dolton Records - 1967)
9.  The Ventures - Ten Over (Surfing - Dolton Records - 1963)
10. The Ventures - Walk Don't Run '64 (Walk Don't Run Vol. 2 - Dolton Records - 1964)
11. The Sadies - Rat Creek (Live) (In Concert Vol. 1 - Yep Roc Records/Outside Music - 2006)
12. The Sadies - Snow Squad (Live) (In Concert Vol. 1 - Yep Roc Records/Outside Music - 2006)
13. The Sadies - Same Song (Precious Moments - Bloodshot Records - 1998)
14. Phono-Comb - Enchanted (Fresh Gasoline - Quarterstick Records - 1996)
15. Jad Fair & Phono-Comb - TV Guide (Monsters, Lullabies… And The Occasional Flying Saucer - Shake The Record Label - 1996)
16. Phono-Comb - Phonebone (Fresh Gasoline - Quarterstick Records - 1996)
17. Phono-Comb - Cliffhanger (Fresh Gasoline - Quarterstick Records - 1996)
18. The Sadies - Rubber Bat (Precious Moments - Bloodshot Records - 1998)
19. The Sadies - Venison Creek (Pure Diamond Gold -
20. The Sadies - The Pyramid (Tales Of The Rat Fink - Original Soundtrack - Yep Roc Records/Outside Music - 2006)
21. The Sadies - Wolf Tones (New Seasons - Yep Roc Records/Outside Music - 2007)
22. The Sadies - The Very Ending (Internal Sounds - Yep Roc Records/Outside Music - 2013)
23. Les Krakmen - Krakmen Twist (Pebbles Vol 4 - BFD Records - 1979)
24. Os Kriptons - Manga Mandura (Paula EP - Lello & C - 1965)
25. Os Kriptons - Billy Boom (Paula EP - Lello & C - 1965)
26. Os Rebeldes - Murder By Contact (Tiro Liro - Orfeu - 1966)
27. The Pyramids - Pyramid Stomp (Play The Original Penetration - Best Records - 1964)
28. The Pyramids - Sticks and Skins (Play The Original Penetration - Best Records - 1964)
29. Bo Diddley - Surf, Sink or Swim (Surfin' With Bo Diddley - Checker - 1963)
30. La Luz - Yuba Rot  (La Luz - Hardly Art - 2021)
31. Blue Stingrays - Zuma Sunset (Surf-N-Burn - Epitone Records - 1997)
32. Blue Stingrays - Echo Park (Surf-N-Burn - Epitone Records - 1997)
33. Stereo Donkey - Shuvit (Shuvit Single - 2022)
34. The Cosmic Sand Dollars - Dunked (Let's Go Insertion! - Old Comet - 2022)
35. The Garrys - Heavy Flow (Get Thee To A Nunnery - Grey Records - 2021)
36. The Treblemakers - The Grudge (Time Machine: The History of Canadian 60's Garage Punk and Surf (1985-95) - Stomp Records - 1996)
37. HJ & The Constellations - Dawn of a New Day (Tubular Spectacular - 2021)
38. Atomic 7 - Your Ironic T-Shirt (Gowns By Edith Head - Mint Records - 2002)
39. Los Astros - Atomica (Latin American Surf Sampler Pt.2 - North Sea Surf Radio - 2015)
40. The Chewbacca's -  Echo Lake (The Return From Echo Lake - Sharawaji Records - 2019)

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the February 26 file to download/stream the episode.

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Still YC: An Interview with Steven Lambke Show # 922

In February 2022, Steven Lambke released a new two-track single in advance of his upcoming full-length, Volcano Volcano. “Every Lover Knows” has been described in a press release as “a song of celebration. The most profound moments in a life are often experiences of love, of connection, to another, to the world, to a shared moment. It is love that teaches the full scale of what can be experienced and of what can be lost.” The song balances elements of 2019’s Dark Blue with a forward momentum. This track has folkier elements mixed with jangly indie rock vibes. The B-Side to this track is a song called “Deep Water.” This non-album track is a louder track with squealing feedback in between Lambke’s catchy raspy vocals that state “There’s something inside that’s only grown colder/And bold as spider trapped under glass/A left-handed rhythm like a street corner drummer/One arm swinging wild, one lost at the shoulder.” The song has also been said to have been influenced by the lyrics and message of Johnny Cash’s “The Streets of Laredo.” These two tracks (along with the songs from the upcoming album) were recorded at Camera Varda in Toronto shortly after Cobra Poems by Daniel Romano’s Outfit. These two tracks serve as a preview for Lambke’s anticipated follow up to Dark Blue

This episode of Revolution Rock focused on the music that has been released from the You’ve Changed Records label. Formed in 2009, it was co-founded by Steven Lambke (also of Constantines/Baby Eagle) and Daniel Romano (previously of Attack In Black). Since its beginnings, You’ve Changed Records has been a label devoted to quality, not quantity. The first release on YCR was Still Jimmie by Shotgun Jimmie in 2009. Also around this time Baby Eagle and Attack In Black released a split album, which was the second official You've Changed Records release. The label has released music by Shotgun Jimmie, The Weather Station, Marine Dreams, Partner, Nap Eyes, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Fiver, Jon McKiel, Status/Non-Status, Julie Doiron, music from Steven Lambke and Daniel Romano and other bands that he has been a part of or collaborated with such as Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Ancient Shapes, Baby Eagle, Julie Doiron. In 2020, Daniel Romano released numerous albums at an amazing rate. Nine albums, an EP and a 22-minute track with Tool’s Danny Carey were released by Romano in 2020. A major feat for any artist and all of them are great.

We had a chance to speak with Steven Lambke (co-founder of You’ve Changed Records) for this episode. He talks about the labels formation, meeting Shotgun Jimmie, recording albums Dark Blue and his upcoming release Volcano Volcano, in addition to working with Daniel Romano on the Spider Bite album and more.

Listen to the interview that Revolution Rock did with Steven Lambke here:


 You've Changed Records Playlist (Originally Aired On February 19th, 2022):

1.  Shotgun Jimmie - Mind Crumbs (Still Jimmie - 2009)
2.  Shotgun Jimmie - Late Last Year (Transistor Sister - 2011)
3.  Shotgun Jimmie - Cool All The Time (Transistor Sister 2 - 2019)
4.  Daniel, Fred & Julie - No One Knew My Name (Daniel, Fred & Julie - 2009)
5.  Steven Lambke - Moonshine Brother (Days of Heaven - 2015)
6.  Fiver w/The Atlantic School of Spontaneous Composition - Leaning Hard (On My Peripheral Vision)
(Fiver w/The Atlantic School of Spontaneous Composition - 2021)
7. Nap Eyes - Dull Me Line (I'm Bad Now - 2018)
8. Leanne Betasamosake Simpson - Failure of Melting (Theory of Ice - 2021)
9. Marine Dreams - Blank Moods (Lemon Tree - 2014)
10. The Weather Station - Time (What Am I Got To Do With Everything I Know - 2014)

STEVEN LAMBKE PART ONE

11. Steven Lambke - Every Lover Knows (Every Lover Knows Single - 2022)
12. Steven Lambke - All Days Are Light and Gold Dark Blue (Dark Blue - 2019)

STEVEN LAMBKE INTERVIEW PART TWO

13. Adrian Teacher and The Subs - Terminal City (Terminal City - 2016)
14. Ancient Shapes - I Wanna Put My Tears Back In (Ancient Shapes - 2016)
15. Ancient Shapes - Political Rain (Silent Rave - 2018)
16. Ian Daniel Kehoe - What's A Liar Know Anyway (Secret Republic - 2019)
17. Jon McKiel - Management (Bobby Joe Hope - 2020)
18. Julie Doiron - You Gave Me The Key (I Thought of You - 2021)
19. Baby Eagle - Crooked Coin (Dog Weather - 2010)
20. Apollo Ghosts - Spilling Yr Guts (Pink Tiger - 2022)
21. Partner - Hot Knives (Healthy Release - 2016)
22. Daniel Romano - Helen's Restaurant (Sleep Beneath The Willow - 2011)
23. Daniel Romano's Outfit - Green Eye-Shade (How Ill Thy World Is Ordered - 2020)
24. Daniel Romano's Outfit - Even In The Loom of A Caress (Cobra Poems - 2021)
25. Daniel Romano - Half Moon (White Flag - 2020)
26. Spider Bite - Spider Bite (Spider Bite - 2020)
27. Spider Bite - Blood and Suffering (Spider Bite - 2020)
28. Daniel Romano's Outfit - Sucking The Old World Dry (Okay, Wow - 2020)

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the February 19 file to download/stream the episode.

Saturday, February 12, 2022

The Dirtbombs Ultraglide In Black & Show # 921


The second full-length album by The Dirtbombs is Ultraglide In Black. Released in 2001 on In The Red Records, this album followed 1998’s Horndog Fest and a series of singles. Fronted by Detroit musician Mick Collins, this album and the band (made up of two bassists, two drummers and Collins on vocals/guitars) play a series of 60s and 70s soul and funk covers in tribute to the black music that Collins grew up with. These songs are reimagined brilliantly in a garage, gritty and fuzzy Dirtbombs style. The album’s cover pays homage to a 1967 album by Stevie Wonder called I Was Made To Love Her. Having also been in The Gories, Blacktop, The Screws and others, The Dirtbombs were a band that started as a side project in 1992. In 1995 they began recording and in 1996 started releasing singles. The first Dirtbombs single was the incendiary High Octane Salvation. The Dirtbombs lineup has altered during the years, but on this recording The Dirtbombs featured Mick Collins on vocals/guitar, Jim Diamond (bass), Tom Potter (fuzz bass), Patrick Pantano (drums) and Ben Blackwell on drums.

During this early 2000’s period, there was a burgeoning garage rock scene in Detroit. In 2000, The Dirtbombs released two singles (Brucia I Cavi & Headlights On) in addition to a split single with The White Stripes (Cedar Point ‘78/Hand Springs). They also toured extensively in the US, Europe and parts of Canada around this time. The Dirtbombs released Party Store in 2011. Seen as a sequel of sorts to Ultraglide In Black, this album is made up of covers of early Detroit techno songs. In 2013, they released a bubblegum pop record featuring all originals in this style called Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-blooey! The Dirtbombs have released seven full-length albums, not counting singles, EPs and compilations. Collins has also recorded and released music with King Sound Quartet, The Voltaire Brothers, Danny Kroha, Wolfmanhattan Project and others (in addition to doing production work for other groups and his own).

“Chains of Love” starts off Ultraglide in Black with an undeniable fuzzy, yet soulful groove. A cover of a song by J.J. Barnes from 1967, The Dirtbombs begin this album with a song tackling themes of love and love lost. “If You Can Want” originally by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles comes next comes next in all its soulful, fuzzed out glory. “Underdog” is a song originally by Sly & The Family Stone, executed here with raved up garage, funk fashion. With lyrics such as “I know how it feels when you know you're real/But every other time/You get up and get a raw deal” and “I don't mind/I'm the underdog/No I can handle it/I'm the underdog,” this song brings forth a social commentary message of underdogs that have to prove themselves to be “twice as good.” “Your Love Belongs Under A Rock” is a short soulful track with ? and The Mysterians styled-organ sounds. Filled with enthusiasm and uninhibited Detroit rock and rock sounds, this track is the only original song found on Ultraglide In Black.

Other highlights include their take on Parliments “I’ll Wait,” Curtis Mayfield’s “Kung Fu,” Marvin Gaye’s “Got To Give It Up,” and “Living For The City.” Originally by Stevie Wonder and released in 1973, this song features some altered lyrics further emphasizing the urban struggle message and social commentary in the song with a fourth verse sung in Spanish. “Ode To A Black Man” is a song originally by Phil Lynott (of Thin Lizzy). This song is another strong moment with a bass heavy, moving rendition performed by The Dirtbombs that celebrates black leaders and cultural icons. “Living For The Weekend” is a raved up garage punk rendition of The O’Jays 1976 hit single that features a blues breakdown towards the ending moments. “I’m Qualified To Satisfy You” originally by Barry White features bouncing soulful bass with an unmistakable groove, while “Do You See My Love (For You Growing)” ends Ultraglide In Black. Originally by Jr. Walker & His All-Stars, it is found here by The Dirtbombs in a loose, yet spontaneous feel. Infusing garage with soul and a funk style, lyrics such as “Look into my heart baby/Look back at the memories/Tell me what do you see/Do you see my love for your growing” end Ultraglide In Black with a message that revels with possibility. 

House Rockin' Playlist (Originally Aired On February 12th, 2022):

1.  The Gories - Baby Say Unh! (Baby Say Unh! - Estrus Records - 1992)
2.  The Couvairs - Shake Baby (Shine On Sweet Starlet (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Sympathy For The Record Industry - 1998)
3.  The Voltair Brothers - The Mother Ones (I Sing The Booty Electric - Fall Of Rome - 2003)
4.  Mick Collins & Danny Kroha - Welcome To The Cemetery Club (Winter Blues and Greens - Epitaphs and Elegies by Vincent Kim Fowley - Norton Records - 2013)
5.  Wolfmanhattan Project - Sticky (Blue Gene Stew - In The Red Recordings - 2019)
6.  The Dirtbombs - Jump and Shout (Ooey Gooey Chewy Ka-blooey! - In The Red Recordings - 2013)
7.  The Dirtbombs - Alleys of Your Mind (Party Store - In The Red Recordings - 2011)
8.  George "Wild Child" Butler - Gravy Child (Keep On Doing What You're Doing - Mercury Records - 1969(
9.  Mel Brown - Chicken Fat (Chicken Fat - Impulse! - 1967)
10. Howlin' Wolf - How Many More Years (Moanin' In The Moonlight - Chess Records - 1959)
11. Lonnie Johnson - There's No Love (Blues  - Bluesville - 1960)
12. The Meters - Funky Miracle (Look-Ka Py Py - Josie - 1969)
13. The Meters - Ease Back (The Meters - Josie - 1969)
14. Eddie Bo - Every Dog Gets Its Day (Tell It Like It Is/Every Dog Gets Its Day  - Ric Records/Quality - 1960)
15. Jackie Shane - Comin' Down (Any Other Way - Numero Group - 2017)
16. Jackie Shane - In My Tenement (Any Other Way - Numero Group - 2017)
17. Nina Simone - Mississippi Goddam Nina Simone (In Concert  - Phillips - 1964)
18. Salome Bey - Song From Blue S.A. (Salome Bey - CBC Radio Canada - 1970)
19. Andy And The Bey Sisters - Revenge (Andy And The Bey Sisters - RCA/Victor - 1961)
20. Yves Jarvis - Body of Work (Body of Work  - 2021)
21. Un Blonde - Understanding (Tenet - Bruised Tongue - 2015)
22. Faux Fur - Laundromat (Faux Fur - 2013)
23. Souvenir - Ransom (Collapse - 2021)
24. The Gories - Charm Bag (House Rockin' - Wanghead Records - 1989)
25. The Gories - Sister Ann (House Rockin' - Wanghead Records - 1989)
26. The King Sound Quartet - I Wouldn't Put It Past You (The Getdown Imperative - In The Red Recordings - 1997)
27. The Screws - Jesse Lee (Hate Filled Classics - In The Red Recordings - 1998)
28. Blacktop - Blazing Streets (I've Got A Baaad Feelin' About This: The Complete Recordings - In The Red Recordings - 2003)
29. The Dirtbombs - Burnt To Cinders (Horndog Fest - In The Red Recordings - 1998)
30. The Dirtbombs - I'll Wait (Ultraglide In Black - In The Red Recordings - 2001)

To hear this program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and click the February 12 file to download/stream the episode.