Monster Zero at the Double Down, Thursday Aug 30, 2018

Atomic Video Jukebox hosted another fun Thursday night at the Double Down for National Frankenstein Day (who knew?) by presenting the original Frankenstein movie along with the return of the costumed cohorts that make up Las Vegas' Monster Zero - back from a multi-year hiatus. Back in our LA days as members of the secret society known as the Black Widows, we played together with MZ and enjoyed their antics so looked forward to their return.

As that afore-mentioned gig was nigh on 20 years or so ago, I had actually forgotten quite what MZ sounded like, but remembered that we dug their disguised trip. I was thinking that they were surf-instrumental-ish, but that isn't quite right - they are actually far more 70's rock - in the best way - with monstrous lyrics. Hard edged guitars that performed harmony-driven twin leads, cool keyboards and a hot rhythm section (most likely literally, as they were completely covered up in their elaborate costumes) with plenty of appropriate cowbell in catchy songs.  Top-notch musicians all around although not much between-song banter, but good attitude overall and an abundance of fun - and the crowd (packed, especially for a Thursday night) loved 'em. An Oingo Boingo cover made an appearance, as did a keytar!

They said that they were planning on playing again regularly, so dig 'em when they return - one of the better bands in town!

Thank you to Haanson, Atomic Video Jukebox and the Double Down for a terrific Thursday!

recommended gigs

Thursday Aug 30 - Monster Zero at the Double Down

Friday Aug 31 - the Mapes, the Sheiks of Neptune, 1/2 Ast, Undercover Monsters, Lean 13 at the Dive Bar

Saturday Sept 1 - the Psyatics, Vigil and Thieves, Analog Law, the MFA at the Double Down

Sunday Sept 2 - Howlin' King Crawdad at Saddle'n'Spurs

Wednesday Sept 5 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast with Fallen Out at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 6 - Sunday Sept 9 - the Las Vegas Tiki Weekender at the Thunderbird Motel with Thee Swank Bastards, Durango 66, Franks'n'Deans and more

Friday Sept 7 - Hot Tuna at Brooklyn Bowl
Friday Sept 7 - the All Togethers and the Unwieldies at the Huntridge Taveern for Kate's Birthday!
Friday Sept 7 0 Los Carajos and No Que No at Broadacres Marketplace

Saturday Sept 8 - Stagnetti's Cock, Negative Nancys and more at the Double Down
Saturday Sept 8 - the Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Thursday Sept 13 - The Psyatics at TV Party at the Double Down

Saturday Sept 15 - the Unwieldies, the Riflemen, Whiskey Breath, Lawn Mower Death Riders at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 20 - David Liebe Hart with the Time Crashers and Sheiks of Neptune at the Beauty Bar

Monday Sept 24 - Shonen Knife at the Beauty Bar

Thursday Sept 27 - the Psyatics with Ancient River at the Griffin

Saturday Sept 29 - Negative Nancys, Laissez Fairs, Implosions, Stagnetti's Cock at the Double Down

Friday Oct 5 - Goddam Gallows at the Dive Bar

Sat Oct 6 - The Swamp Gospel, the Implosions, Water Landing, the Psyatics at the Double Down for Nikki's birthday

Friday Oct 26 - Negative Nancys, Shanda and the Howlers, the Pluralses, Cromm Fallon at the Double Down

Saturday Oct 27 - the Gentlemen of Four Outs at the Bunkhouse
Saturday Oct 27 - the Damned, the Darts at House of Blues

Wednesday Oct 31 - Nekromantix, Messer Chups, Los Carajos at the Fremont Country Club

Friday Nov 2 - the Rayford Bros at Clark County Library
Friday Nov 2 - the Meteors at the Beauty Bar

Friday Nov 16 - Billy Gibbons (solo) at Brooklyn Bowl
Friday Nov 16 - The Psyatics, North by North, the New Waves, Cromm Fallon at the Starboard Tack

Saturday Nov 17 - Ghost at the Joint
Saturday Nov 17 - the Heiz and the Implosions at Evel Pie

Mon Dec 31 - Tenacious D at the Joint at the Hard Rock

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

RIP Marie Severin

Marvel Artist Marie Severin Dies at 89
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No, she wasn't a rock'n'roller, but Marvel Comics influenced everyone, especially rockers in the 1960's and 70's. Marie was a highly talented artist at a time when it was very much a men's world and she proved herself many times over.

Bob Seger - Early Seger Vol 1

When Bob Seger's "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man" came poundin' out of the radio in 1969, damn near every rock'n'roller became a fan of this Detroit purveyor of "Heavy Music". Of course, he had a quieter side, as well, and his later ballads are what he is now known for, but early on, this man was part of the same scene that brought us everyone from Grand Funk Railroad to the Amboy Dukes to the MC5 and the Stooges. Seger has apparently been somewhat ashamed of his early music and was at one time blocking any reissues, but hopefully with the advent of this CD, he is seeing the light and understanding that there is a big fan base for this time period.

This package begins with a fast, tough take on the Allman Brothers' "Midnight Rider", quiets down a bit for his dynamic version of "If I Were a Carpenter" that builds nicely in intensity, he "borrows" from Chuck Berry for the ravin' road trip of "Get Out of Denver", goes full-on ballady for "Someday" and a bit of slightly mellow, wah-wah'd r'n'r for his sarcastic ode to selling out in "U.M.C. (Upper Middle Class)".

He's more straight-forward in his chooglin' rock for "Long Song Comin'" (nice horns and female backing vocals here), gives another moody ballad with "Star Tonight" (not particularly a winner), but "Gets Ya Pumpin'" is a hip piece of heavy, guitar-driven funkiness with a slight hint of Zep's rendition of  "When the Levee Breaks" in the groove, "Wildfire" is quick-paced but sorta wimpy road/groupie number, and unfortunately, instead of going out with a bang, another ballad, "Days When the Rain Would Come", was chosen to ends things on a quieter, "Night Moves"-styled, note.

I don't know who picked the songs or what criteria they used, but I would certainly have made some different selections for this comp. It's not bad, but could easily have been a lot stronger. I would pick up Lucy Blue (aka Ramblin' Gamblin' Man, as the record company made them change due to the hit) or Smokin' OP's for great introductions to his early work. (I dig the pix of young Seger and his band in the booklet - dig the crazy drum kit - you'll know what I mean when you see it!)

Jack White at the Chelsea, Friday August 24, 2018

Due to either the Chelsea's or White's decision to make this a "no phone" night, I have no pix and was not able to take notes so some basic impressions.

Got there in time to see the opener, Olivia Jean (I believe) - a female fronted four piece, alt-rock band with hints of Lene Lovich (Olivia's style) and a good drummer, but not particularly memorable songs.

An acoustic guitarist, William Tyler (again, I think that's his name), followed, playing all instrumentals. Talented player, but it got a bit same-y after a set's worth of material. We both thought it sounded like good backing tracks that needed melodies on top - whether vocal or instrumental. Of course, being one person, he was limited, even with the occasional use of a looper pedal.

Jack came out with a full band that included two keyboardists, bass and a female drummer (quite good). He was the sole guitarist and was a little self-indulgent at times, but I like his style, overall, and he changed up the guitars, including playing an acoustic for a couple of numbers, such as a new arrangement of "Carolina Drama". No "I'm Shakin'" this evening, which was too bad, as I dig his version of that great song, but the final encore was "Seven Nation Army" that had the crowd bouncing and singing along.

Obviously, very different from the time we saw the White Stripes 20 years ago with a couple of dozen people and his dress style was pretty poor this time out (unusual for him), but he still entertains. Not amazing, but still good. We'll see what he comes up with next in his ever-changing career.

(It was kinda funny that the majority of the audience was older and pretty square - and that's this old man saying that. Does he not appeal to young people any longer since he plays guitar? Or has he become yesterday's news to them?)

RIP Ed King

Of Strawberry Alarm Clock and Lynyrd Skynyrd
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RIP Lazy Lester

Blues Hall of Famer Lazy Lester Dead at 85
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I've just recently become familiar with Lester and, truthfully, did not know that he was still around but still, sad to hear of the passing of this talented man who mixed rock'n'roll with his blues.

recommended gigs

Thursday Aug 23 - Michigan Rattlers with the All Togethers, Paige Overton and Jeff Mix and the Songhearts at the Bunkhouse

Friday Aug 24 - Jack White at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan
Friday Aug 24 - the Delta Bombers, the Rhyolite Sound, Franks'n'Deans at the Bunkhouse
Friday Aug 24 - Killian's Angels at McMullen's
Friday Aug 24 - Negative Nancys, Donkey Jaw, Go Bold, Two Bit Johnnys at Evel Pie

Saturday Aug 25 - Lita Ford at the Cannery
Saturday Aug 25 - Cashed Out with the All Togethers at Cornish Pasty

Sunday Aug 26 - Cracker with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar
Sunday Aug 26 - Swinging Utters with Franks'n'Deans, Lost in Society, Brock Frabbiele at the Dive Bar

Monday Aug 27 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday Aug 29 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Thursday Aug 30 - Monster Zero at the Double Down

Friday Aug 31 - the Mapes, the Sheiks of Neptune, 1/2 Ast, Undercover Monsters, Lean 13 at the Dive Bar

Saturday Sept 1 - the Psyatics, Vigil and Thieves, Analog Law, the MFA at the Double Down

Sunday Sept 2 - Howlin' King Crawdad at Saddle'n'Spurs

Wednesday Sept 5 - Franks'n'Deans Weenie Roast with Fallen Out at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 6 - Sunday Sept 9 - the Las Vegas Tiki Weekender at the Thunderbird Motel with Thee Swank Bastards, Durango 66, Franks'n'Deans and more

Friday Sept 7 - Hot Tuna at Brooklyn Bowl
Friday Sept 7 - the All Togethers and the Unwieldies at the Huntridge Taveern for Kate's Birthday!

Saturday Sept 8 - Stagnetti's Cock, Negative Nancys and more at the Double Down
Saturday Sept 8 - the Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Saturday Sept 15 - the Unwieldies, the Riflemen, Whiskey Breath, Lawn Mower Death Riders at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 20 - David Liebe Hart with the Time Crashers and Sheiks of Neptune at the Beauty Bar

Monday Sept 24 - Shonen Knife at the Beauty Bar

Thursday Sept 27 - the Psyatics with Ancient River at the Griffin

Saturday Sept 29 - Negative Nancys, Laissez Fairs, Implosions, Stagnetti's Cock at the Double Down

Sat Oct 6 - The Swamp Gospel, the Implosions, Water Landing, the Psyatics at the Double Down for Nikki's birthday

Friday Oct 26 - Negative Nancys, Shanda and the Howlers, the Pluralses, Cromm Fallon at the Double Down

Saturday Oct 27 - the Gentlemen of Four Outs at the Bunkhouse
Saturday Oct 27 - the Damned, the Darts at House of Blues

Wednesday Oct 31 - Nekromantix, Messer Chups, Los Carajos at the Fremont Country Club

Friday Nov 2 - the Rayford Bros at Clark County Library
Friday Nov 2 - the Meteors at the Beauty Bar

Friday Nov 16 - Billy Gibbons (solo) at Brooklyn Bowl
Friday Nov 16 - The Psyatics, North by North, the New Waves, Cromm Fallon at the Starboard Tack

Saturday Nov 17 - Ghost at the Joint
Saturday Nov 17 - the Heiz and the Implosions at Evel Pie

Mon Dec 31 - Tenacious D at the Joint at the Hard Rock

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

Vulcher #4

Vulcher #4 is out - get it now via the Vulcher Facebook page.

This ish is 100 jam-packed pages of Gizmoidal glory - most of the Gizmos contribute text (myself included - the Sloths and the Psyatics) and/or art and there is an insane amount of Giz-related material (a huge, 10 page article on Eddie Flowers' band Crawlspace, for instance, as well as numerous writings by Eddie, along with ramblings by Kenne Highland, interviews by our drummer Kelsey with Richard Lloyd and Trina Robbins, and artwork by guitarist Sam Murphy) but also LOTS more. Cover gal and all around cool kitten Claude Bell writes about vinyl run-off grooves, Jay Dobis reminisces about his friendship with Johnathan Richman, David Laing contributes, as does Next Big Thing's Lindsay Hutton, Gary Pig Gold, Carl Biancucci and on and on and on and on!

This is rantin'n'ravin' on paper like the good ol' days of fanzines, when they were the form of rock'n'roll communication in the 70's, but it ain't nostalgia - everything is covered here!

Dig it now so you won't regret it later!

The (International) Noise Conspiracy - Bigger Cages, Longer Chains

Yes, I have been on a T(I)NC kick lately and just found this 2003 Epitaph EP. The title track had previously been appeared on the great New Morning, Changing Weather, but re-released here as part of an extended political rant'n'rave by the band. I tend more towards socialism than communism personally but you don't have to agree with their politics to enjoy their brand of no wave-y/funky/ garage-punk.

Opening with the title track, you get all of the elements of the Conspiracy - alt-rhythms that still rock, James Chance-y horns, catchy tunes and garage-punk fury. The rest of the EP consists of previously unreleased songs, and all of their components continue in the powerful sing-along "Beautiful So Alone" that includes torturously terrific guitar work. Apparently, "Baby Doll" was originally recorded by something called N.E.R.D. (I have no idea), but it appears here as a ballad-y, reggae-ish number - not as potent as their originals, but alright, with some lyrical nods to "Midnight Hour". Back to the high energy garage rock'n'roll in the spiritually painful "Waiting For Salvation" and the frantic "A Textbook Example" before the closing post-punk power of "When Words Are Not Working".

These cats were one of the more unique guitar-based combos happening and I am really diggin' on discovering their various releases.

The Unwieldies, The All Togethers and Brandon Madejek at the Huntridge Tavern

The Huntridge Tavern has always been a fave place of mine to see bands as well as to play. Great staff, cheap drinks, and the intimacy of a small, generally packed bar. The bands set up in a tiny alcove with patrons sitting and standing directly in front of them so that the "audience" is as much a part of the show as the "entertainers". 

This evening of acoustic music opened with a solo Brandon Madejek, aka Whiskey Breath, a gentleman with a powerful, whiskey-soaked yet melodic voice and a writer of songs about, yes, whiskey, as well as relationships, audiences ignoring the entertainers, a new one about a "Mountain Man" and a non-pc number about domestic abuse that has gotten him into trouble with some people without a sense of humor. Whether alone of with other members (Whiskey Breath has at times been a full band, a duo and a solo, and he has played in the All Togethers, as well), Brandon has the singing and songwriting talent to always entertain in a fun and funny manner. For this set, Brenna, from the All Togethers, sat in on cello for a couple of numbers and Ken AT sang some background, as these friends all know each other's material.

The All Togethers were up next with their self-described Hillbilly Jazz with husband/wife team of Ken (vocals/mandolin) and Cindy (upright bass/vocals) joined by Brenna (cello/vocals) and Michael (guitar vocals) in this permutation. I've ranted'n'raved about these cats'n'kittens innumerable times as they are one of my fave acts in town, acoustic or otherwise. Terrific songwriting (they performed tunes from their various recordings, as well as a couple of new numbers), kind of amazing four part harmonies and some fairly wacky covers, like a Salt'n'Pepper track (so I was told, as I know nothing of the genre and this kind of silliness goes over my head usually) and a mandolin driven "Baba O'Reilly". The AT's believe in imbibing the hooch as they play and encourage the audience to do so, as well (not that much encouragement is needed at the Huntridge) and everyone came together for a hip'n'happening good time.

Another of my fave acoustic acts are my friends in the Unwieldies. With another husband and wife team (Danielle on vocals and guitar and Rob on vocals'n'bass) joined by Jack on violin (and usually Richard on dobro, although he couldn't make it this time out), the Un's own style of singer/ songwriting "acoustic derangements" are driven by the contrast of Dani's pure'n'lovely voice and Rob's gruffly melodic tones with Jack's violin soaring sweetly'n'dramatically over it all. More fine songwriting about relationships and the world in general and their own weird'n'unexpected covers of numbers like "Billy Jean". As with everyone else this night, their personalities'n'humor brought the crowd together for a frolicking and rollicking funtime.

Thank you to Kate and the Huntridge Tavern for hosting nights of amazing local music, from acoustic interludes like this to wild punk rock and everything in between. Support these bastions of musical merriment and inebriation whenever you can!

recommended gigs

Thursday Aug 16 - Nobodys, Jerk!, Three Rounds at Evel Pie
Thursday Aug 16 - Brandon Madejek at the Double Down

Friday Aug 17 - the All Togethers and the Unwieldies with Sissy Brown at the Huntridge Tavern

Saturday Aug 18 - Dirk Vermin and the Hostile Talent at the Double Down
Saturday Aug 18 - Punk Rock Flea Market at the Fremont Country Club with Franks'n'Deans, Time Crashers, Los Carajos, Battering Ham

Sunday Aug 19 - the Hellacopters play Psycho Las Vegas at the Joint with lots more bands

Monday Aug 20 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday Aug 22 - Thee Swank Bastards with the Gunrunners at the Double Down
Wednesday Aug 22 - Girl Haggard at Jack's Place

Thursday Aug 23 - Michigan Rattlers with the All Togethers, Paige Overton and Jeff Mix and the Songhearts at the Bunkhouse

Friday Aug 24 - Jack White at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan
Friday Aug 24 - the Delta Bombers, the Rhyolite Sound, Franks'n'Deans at the Bunkhouse

Saturday Aug 25 - Lita Ford at the Cannery
Saturday Aug 25 - Cashed Out with the All Togethers at Cornish Pasty

Sunday Aug 26 - Cracker with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar
Sunday Aug 26 - Swinging Utters with Franks'n'Deans, Lost in Society, Brock Frabbiele at the Dive Bar

Monday Aug 27 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday Aug 29 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Thursday Aug 30 - Monster Zero at the Double Down

Friday Aug 31 - the Mapes, the Sheiks of Neptune, 1/2 Ast, Undercover Monsters, Lean 13 at the Dive Bar

Saturday Sept 1 - the Psyatics, Vigil and Thieves, Analog Law, the MFA at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 6 - Sunday Sept 9 - the Las Vegas Tiki Weekender at the Thunderbird Motel with Thee Swank Bastards, Durango 66, Franks'n'Deans and more

Friday Sept 7 - Hot Tuna at Brooklyn Bowl
Friday Sept 7 - the All Togethers and the Unwieldies at the Huntridge Taveern for Kate's Birthday!

Saturday Sept 8 - Stagnetti's Cock, Negative Nancys and more at the Double Down

Saturday Sept 15 - the Unwieldies, the Riflemen, Whiskey Breath, Lawn Mower Death Riders at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 20 - David Liebe Hart with the Time Crashers and Sheiks of Neptune at the Beauty Bar

Monday Sept 24 - Shonen Knife at the Beauty Bar

Thursday Sept 27 - the Psyatics with Ancient River at the Griffin

Saturday Sept 29 - Negative Nancys, Laissez Fairs, Implosions, Stagnetti's Cock at the Double Down

Sat Oct 6 - The Swamp Gospel, the Implosions, Water Landing, the Psyatics at the Double Down for Nikki's birthday

Friday Oct 26 - Negative Nancys, Shanda and the Howlers, the Pluralses, Cromm Fallon at the Double Down

Saturday Oct 27 - the Gentlemen of Four Outs at the Bunkhouse
Saturday Oct 27 - the Damned, the Darts at House of Blues

Friday Nov 2 - the Rayford Bros at Clark County Library
Friday Nov 2 - the Meteors at the Beauty Bar

Friday Nov 16 - Billy Gibbons (solo) at Brooklyn Bowl
Friday Nov 16 - The Psyatics, North by North, the New Waves, Cromm Fallon at the Starboard Tack

Saturday Nov 17 - Ghost at the Joint
Saturday Nov 17 - the Heiz and the Implosions at Evel Pie

Mon Dec 31 - Tenacious D at the Joint at the Hard Rock

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

RIP Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, has died
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She truly deserved the title. There will be no one quite like her again.

Pink Floyd - Ummagumma

Although I have never been too much of an experimenter, I have always held a fondness for mind expansion/altering and psychedelic (although not usually progressive) music. I discovered Pink Floyd in the early 70's, after Sid, but well before their commercial success with more pop-oriented songs. This, their fourth album, was an exercise for the members in that they were all given a portion of the record to perform solo pieces with no input from the others. Being a double-album set, they also included a live record of the group performing selections from Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Relics and Saucerful of Secrets.

The live record consisted of a total of four songs, as they opted for long pieces where they could stretch out on solos, work with dynamics and incorporate hypnotically repeating riffs, ambient noises, echo'd slide guitar, and hair-raising shrieks. The set opened with "Astronomy Domine", Syd Barrett's intro to Piper... that moved into the murderous "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" and, on the flip, "Set the Controls For the Heart of the Sun" and "A Saucerful of Secrets".

The studio album is home to the member's personal workouts, starting with keyboardist Richard Wright's "Sysyphus (Parts I-IV)", a somewhat classical treatise, utilizing several different styles of keyboards along with percussion, which he also performed. In "Part 3", he adds sound effects and affected vocals before returning to spacey/noisy keys for the final, "Part IV", and reprising the theme from "Part I". Bassist Roger Waters is up next and opts for an acoustic ballad in "Grantchester Meadows" in which he plays guitar and bass and harmonizes with himself. In his humorously titled "Several Species of Small Furry Animals Gathered Together in a Cave Grooving With a Pict" he also combines percussion and treated vocals for a very trippy piece.

Dave Gilmour's "The Narrow Way (Parts 1-3)" also commences with a ballad-y acoustic guitar piece (with some extraneous, psychedelic flourishes) which segues into "Part 2", the heaviest bit on the second record, with a ferocious'n'evil-sounding electric guitar riff that has more trippy elements running over it. In "Part 3", it quiets down again for a harmony-driven tune reminiscent of his work on Dark Side of the Moon. For drummer Nick Mason's segment, "The Grand Vizier's Garden Party" he has a little help from an uncredited flautist (his wife, Lindy) and proceeds to run his drum kit through a number of different effects for the three parts of this odyssey.

Definitely for acid-rock/psych-heads only, but quality stuff. This has always been one of my fave post-Syd albums.

The (International) Noise Conspiracy - Survival Sickness

This is T(I)NC's debut album and it is a much more fully realized group than the one who recorded the singles that were compiled in The First Conspiracy. The sound is powerful and the mix of garage, punk and noise is in full force, as is their lyrical bent, which is described in fuller detail in the liner notes.

Frantic, rollickin' riffs launch "I Wanna Know About U", that mixes singalong lyrics with punk rock energy and dynamics. The rhythms in "Subversive Sound" are somewhat off-kilter, but still damn catchy, even as they switch segments of the song and damn near smash the chords out of the speakers. "Smash It Up" (not the Damned song, but it does steal from B-52's "rock Lobster", of all places!) starts with a slower, mellower groove that percolates and pulsates and alternates with some raucous screams, "(I've Got) Survival Sickness" moves from almost a ballad to a garage rocker with plenty of proper accents, "The Reproduction of Death" is somewhat Kinks-y in its frenzied garage-ness (dig the quiet mid-sections and repeated "Yeahs!"), and there's a plethora of punk in the garage of "Impostor Costume".

"Intermission" is pretty much ambient sounds, "Only Lovers Left Alive" is a tough, rhythmic rocker, "Do I Have To Spell It Out" is kinda bouncy, of all things, and reliant on an insistent bass drum and percussive vocals, "Will It Ever Be Quiet" is, appropriately enough, an atmospheric ballad but they are back with an agitated pace in "Enslavement Blues" and the delirious off-time of "Ready Steady Go!" (nothing to do with any other song of that title).

These cats are highly original, highly political and highly rockin'! Really dig what they were doing and hope that they will do more one day.

The Implosions, Lambs to Lions at Evel Pie, Friday August 10, 2018

Unfortunately, outdoor shows in Las Vegas are rarely a good idea, but especially so when it is 100 + degrees at 10:00 pm. At Evel Pie the bands play in a outdoor back patio, but at least you can go inside for some a/c, drinks and even some pretty darn good pizza.

We got to the venue a little late and just caught the tail end of Lambs to Lions, a self-described "drunk punk" band that has a keyboard player which gives them a variation on the sorta typical LV punk rock sound. Sorry to say, I did not hear enough to really form a strong opinion on the band - next time! 

Of course, we came out to support our pals, the Implosions, as they tried to avoid heat stroke during their set of 70's styled punk rock with a bit of garage and Cramps-ian influences mixed in. It had been a little while since we had last seen this new combo and they have obviously been working hard at pulling their sound together and becoming more cohesive and tighter. Husband'n'wife rhythm section Clay'n'Denise hold down the fort while husband'n'wife guitar'n'vocal team Dave'n'Adrienne layer different sounds (Dave have a board of home-made pedals give him various fuzz, tremelo and mystery tones) and move from croons to harsh screams, as the songs demand. All lyrics are based on Las Vegas, from casinos imploding, to playing the ponies, to photos with a million dollars and lots more. Super fun and sounding better all the time! Dig 'em!

I'm sorry to say that the heat got the better of us and we split before we could see the co-headliners of the Pluralses and Jerk! as they celebrated the release of their split CD. Hopefully, I will pick up a copy soon to review.

The (International) Noise Conspiracy - Armed Love

I am an extreme late-comer to T(I)NC, but have become a huge fan of their poppy, high-energy, garage-punk'n'roll. This one is their third studio album and the first that was produced by Rick Ruben. I do think that Rubin was on a roll about this time (2004) and did a great job capturing the sound of a number of different artists.

Powerful guitars blast out the opening two-note riff and heavy chords of the stompin' "Black Mask", an impossibly catchy, head-boppin' punk'n'roller and an amazing intro to the record. Pumpin' bass and 60's styled organ introduces "The Way I Feel About You", a terrific pop-rocker - man, these guys could write memorable melodies! There's some 70's-rock chords and more energetic catchiness in "Let's Make History", guitars are set to stun in the title track, more sing-along rockin' in "Like a Landslide", a cool, stuttering rhythm drives "A Small Demand" and a hip sax solo appears while "The Dream Is Over" is another of their wild mixes of 70's rock'n'punk, with accented rhythms and piano-poundin'.

Keith Moon-ish drums propels "This Side of Heaven", there's a breather in the almost ballad-y "All in All" (that still has plenty of edge), their politics come to the forefront in the organ-driven  "Communist Moon", an excess of intensity compels "A Voice of Our Own" that has more cool Jon Lord-like B3 organ and call'n'answer choruses and it all comes to a end with the rock-groove of "Guns For Everyone".

Damn, I wish I had a chance to catch these cats in their prime! Highly recommended!

Foghat - Energized

I confess to being a fan of blues/boogie/rockers Foghat and their simple, twin-guitar attack. Back in the 70's you were always grateful when anything with edgy guitars appeared on the radio, and Foghat managed to rack up a few hits, starting with their classic take on "I Just Wanna Make Love To You" from their debut album. For a while there, they were on a roll and had numerous rockin' hits and while this album isn't quite as consistent as some of their others, it's still a rocker!

Opening with their take on the "Train Kept A'Rollin'" rip of "Honey Hush", they smoke it out with fiery guitars, lots of energy, cool riffs and catchy chorus. They change course dramatically for a funky/pop/disco number in "Step Outside", an experiment that really didn't work. "Golden Arrow" is a decent Foghat-styled blues-boogie, followed by one of their catchier tunes, the hard rockin' sing-along "Home in my Hand". "Wild Cherry" is a frantic, Chuck Berry-ish, harmony-lead-guitars'n'slide romp, "That'll Be the Day" is the Buddy Holly number rocked up with some new, Foghat-y sections, "Fly By Night" is nice but not too special offering from their bassist, Tony Stevens, and the finale, "Nothin' I Won't Do" is a fun, riff-laden 70's boogie/rocker.

Not incredible, but a solid, 70's-rock offering from their blues-based combo. Certainly worthwhile!

Ugly Things #48 - Summer/Fall 2018

Of course, you know by now that Ugly Things is the zine to get for the low down on cool'n'obscure - and sometimes well known - rock'n'roll from the primordial past, and occasionally the primitive present. As the years and decades go on, Mike Stax and company have expanded their musical reach and rant'n'rave about music from earlier'n'later than the original 60's garage theme. In this jam-packed ish, there are stories on the heavy psych of the Other Half, then back in time for an overview on Elvis (making Elvis interesting in the millennia is difficult, but Harvey Kubernik does a good job), the Skulls (punk rock from Vancouver), 60's psych from Moby Grape and considerably more, including plenty of garage groups. Of course, there are also offering on the Pretty Things, the Flaming Groovies, the Choir and others, as well as an insane amount of reviews of books'n'records that will, as I always say, make you run to wish list with tons of additions.

C'mon, it's Ugly Things! You know that you want'n'need it - go get it!

recommended gigs

Friday Aug 10 - Jerk/the Pluralses and the Implosions at Evel Pie
Friday Aug 10 - Strange Mistress, DomiNiki, and Tracey Hope at the Beauty Bar

Saturday Aug 11 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down
Saturday Aug 11 - the New Waves at the Golden Tiki
Saturday Aug 11 - the Unwieldies at the Dillinger

Monday Aug 13 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday Aug 14 - Gold Top Bob at the Sand Dollar

Thursday Aug 16 - Nobodys, Jerk!, Three Rounds at Evel Pie

Friday Aug 17 - the All Togethers and the Unwieldies with Sissy Brown at the Huntridge Tavern

Saturday Aug 18 - Dirk Vermin and the Hostile Talent at the Double Down
Saturday Aug 18 - Punk Rock Flea Market at the Fremont Country Club with Franks'n'Deans, Time Crashers, Los Carajos, Battering Ham

Sunday Aug 19 - the Hellacopters play Psycho Las Vegas at the Joint with lots more bands

Monday Aug 20 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday Aug 22 - Thee Swank Bastards with the Gunrunners at the Double Down

Friday Aug 24 - Jack White at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan
Friday Aug 24 - the Delta Bombers, the Rhyolite Sound, Franks'n'Deans at the Bunkhouse

Saturday Aug 25 - Lita Ford at the Cannery
Saturday Aug 25 - Cashed Out with the All Togethers at Cornish Pasty

Sunday Aug 26 - Cracker with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar
Sunday Aug 26 - Swinging Utters with Franks'n'Deans, Lost in Society, Brock Frabbiele at the Dive Bar

Monday Aug 27 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday Aug 29 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Thursday Aug 30 - Monster Zero at the Double Down

Friday Aug 31 - the Mapes, the Sheiks of Neptune, 1/2 Ast, Undercover Monsters, Lean 13 at the Dive Bar

Saturday Sept 1 - the Psyatics, Vigil and Thieves, Analog Law, the MFA at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 6 - Sunday Sept 9 - the Las Vegas Tiki Weekender at the Thunderbird Motel with Thee Swank Bastards, Durango 66, Franks'n'Deans and more

Friday Sept 7 - Hot Tuna at Brooklyn Bowl

Saturday Sept 15 - the Unwieldies, the Riflemen, Whiskey Breath, Lawn Mower Death Riders at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 20 - David Liebe Hart with the Time Crashers and Sheiks of Neptune at the Beauty Bar

Monday Sept 24 - Shonen Knife at the Beauty Bar

Thursday Sept 27 - the Psyatics with Ancient River at the Griffin

Saturday Sept 29 - Negative Nancys, Laissez Fairs, Implosions, Stagnetti's Cock at the Double Down

Sat Oct 6 - The Swamp Gospel, the Implosions, Water Landing, the Psyatics at the Double Down for Nikki's birthday

Friday Oct 26 - Negative Nancys, Shanda and the Howlers, the Pluralses, Cromm Fallon at the Double Down

Saturday Oct 27 - the Gentlemen of Four Outs at the Bunkhouse
Saturday Oct 27 - the Damned, the Darts at House of Blues

Friday Nov 16 - Billy Gibbons (solo) at Brooklyn Bowl

Saturday Nov 17 - Ghost at the Joint
Saturday Nov 17 - the Heiz and the Implosions at Evel Pie

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

Peter Perrett - How the West Was Won

Truthfully, I am not that knowledgeable about Perrett's legendary 70's/80's band, the Only Ones, other than their terrific "Another Girl, Another Planet" (that Jeff Dahl turned me onto when we covered it together). This 2017 release is his debut solo release, so I had no idea what to expect from it and on first listen it did not knock me out, but it has really grown on me after just a few turns around the CD player.

As I said, I had no expectations for this, but was initially a little disappointed in the overall mellowness, but I realize that belies a bit of a controlled intensity and some damn good songwriting and playing.

Opening with the title cut, this reminds me of a mix of Lou Reed (solo) and Mott the Hoople (oddly, with a little George Harrison) doing "Sweet Jane" - right down to the guitar licks. This is not a complaint though - I really enjoy this variation on the theme and his imagery and lyrics are strong, even the weird shout out to Kim Kardashian! "An Epic Story" switches back and forth from a mellow ballad to a drum smasher (although the guitars lack an edge), "Hard to Say No" is a bit moody and dramatic, almost gothic, but with nice rhythmic touches, "Troika" is odd pop and "Living in my Head" is another atmospheric number, that is simply but well written and has some excellent, almost psychedelic, guitar work (I think this song is the one that stuck out to me initially).

There's more of his own brand of pop in "Man of Extremes", "Sweet Endeavour" is reminiscent of something that eludes me, but has nice dynamics and energy, "C Voyeurger" is quiet and ethereal yet still catchy, "Something in my Brain" is somewhat of a combination of the Velvets and Patti Smith, with some properly heavy guitars punching through for dynamics and another great solo, and "Take Me Home" somewhat appropriately concludes the deal with another generally delicate number that benefits from powerful guitar interludes.

Probably not something that I will listen to all of the time, but I do appreciate the songwriting and the guitar work here. Nicely done!

The New York Dolls - Paris Le Trash

Just one more Dolls for now! This is a live recording of the band in 1974, on the verge of their final breakup, but coming up for air one more time, showing that they could still deliver the proverbial goods.

The sound here is actually pretty damn good (was this a radio show? There is a lengthy French introduction to start things off..Ah yes, I see that it was.) and the band kicks in with proper power'n'swagger on "Personality Crisis" and waste no time blasting out the two-guitar  terror of "Bad Girl" with both Johnny and Sylvain playing especially well and Nolan propelling things into the rock'n'roll stratosphere. After a brief "merci" they kick into an explosive'n'dynamic "Looking For a Kiss", then David tries out some French to announce their super-fun take on "Great Big Kiss" with a rave-up that incorporates a little bit of "Shout!", as well, Johnny ribs Johansen's attempts at French as he introduces Nolan for a fun romp through "Stranded in the Jungle" (where David forgets some words, but pulls it together).

This is actually a pretty remarkable set for a band that was on the brink of destruction - the playing is fantastic all around and they are playing as a band - working together, showing off their strengths and covering up their weaknesses. "Pills" is damn near perfect, as is "Vietnamese Baby" with its extended, frantic solo sequence, there's more amped up fun in "Trash", Thunders takes lead vocals for his wonderful "Milk Me"/"Chatterbox", then there's a break for technical difficulties that is long enough that the announcer comes back in for a second before they blast through "Puss'n'Boots". They weren't writing much at this point so for something new (to them) they went back to their bluesy roots for a pretty straight-forward "Hoochie Coochie Man" (which is kinda out of character for them, in that it doesn't have the humor that their other bluesy covers did, although they do a good job) that segues right into the finale, "Jet Boy", that stretches out a bit as it rants'n'raves righteously.

For some reason, the studio versions of "Looking For a Kiss", "Who Are the Mystery Girls", "Chatterbox" and "Human Being" are tacked on the end of the CD - no idea why and there is no explanation in the insert. (These are actually other mixes, but the differences are pretty minute with the exception of "Human Being", which is either a divergent take altogether or just a variation on the sax and vocal overdubs.)

In any case, this CD shows just how incendiary and damn near perfect this band could be when they were "on", as they were this night. Yes, David's attempts at french are pretty silly, but otherwise, everyone is locked in and there to give a great rock'n'roll performance. I will forever be bummed that I never got to see them in their hey-day.

New York Dolls - Lipstick Killers

This compilation of 1972 NYD demos was produced by their manager Marty Thau with original drummer Billy Murcia in the hopes of capturing the ears of a record company PR man. Of course, Billy's untimely death scuttled their momentum and almost put an end to the band before gaining the terrific Jerry Nolan as his replacement and resurrecting the band to greater heights before succumbing to an untimely and unbecoming demise.

All of the songs here were eventually re-recorded for their two albums with the exception of Otis Redding's "Don't Mess With Cupid", which would end up on their Rock'n'Roll compilation in 1994. (Actually, now that I am listening to this, I'm not sure if that is the same version. If it is, it was remixed dramatically.) Of course, the sound is not polished and my personal belief is that Murcia was nowhere near the drummer that Nolan was (although I only have these demos to go by, so it could simply be the way that he was recorded), so the songs suffer from a lack of rhythmic dynamics.

The mix is also pretty dreadful with the guitars buried to the point of almost being inaudible and Johansen's untrained'n'strained voice considerable louder than everything else combined - to the point of drowning out everything and removing any of the punch'n'power of the band. It actually sounds more like someone set up a tape recorder in a rehearsal space and Johansen sings straight into it, overpowering everything else. Songs are slower than the later versions ("Bad Girl" particularly drags), as with Back in the USA some of the lyrics and melodies are not finalized ("Looking For a Kiss"), David's harp is strong in "Don't Start Me Talking" but the guitars don't seem as confident and the arrangement isn't as dynamic as it would become, the afore-mentioned "Don't Mess With Cupid" is tons of sloppy fun, and "Human Being" is lacking in intensity as they sound more like they're trying to remember everything rather than letting loose and rockin' (although, oddly, you can hear Arthur better here than in most of the songs).

More of the same in the rest of the songs - "Personality Crisis" is again slower and the band actually sounds like the lose their place and stop (accidentally) more than once here, "Pills" actually ain't bad, comparatively, but the lack of almost any instrumentation, naturally, makes "Jet Boy" difficult to listen to until the solo, where Thunders breaks through for a minute before David takes back the mic, and the same problem plagues "Frankenstein".

Obviously, this is only meant for fanatical fans, but even so, it's really just for completists - certainly not essential and probably not a fair representation of Billy Murcia, since the sound is so dreadful. I love this band, but this does not show them in their best light.

New York Dolls - Back in the USA aka Seven Day Weekend

Not sure where I first acquired this one, but my version is titled Back in the USA, with a different cover, although it is the same collection of 1973 demos from Planet Studios. Obviously, not as polished as the records and the sound isn't perfect, but there are 5 tracks that were not on either of their official records and the demos are just different enough that fans will want to hear the early takes.

The previously unreleased cuts are all covers, starting with the opening rave-up of Gary U.S. Bonds' "Seven Day Weekend". Johansen's vocals are pretty rough'n'ragged (as they would tend to be), but Nolan gives it plenty of punch and Thunders' guitar cuts through with appropriate bite (he would cover this later in his career, as well). "Frankenstein" is a little shambolic, but is pretty similar to the "official" version though, again, Johansen's vocals are a bit more strained'n'garbled than on record. This trend continues into "Mystery Girls", with him sounding particularly hoarse and at times barely even singing, but the backing sounds strong until it just trails off (as opposed to a fade out, I suppose), "Showdown" was sounding good until it suddenly fell apart, "Back in the USA" has a muddy mix with buried guitars but is rockin', "Endless Party" (another that Thunders would later revitalize) does indeed sound like a blast with cool group vocals, even with the harmonica too high in the mix and a ramblin' ending, "Jet Boy" is pretty damn rockin' with its two guitar attack and "It's Too Late" has a few issues as it starts'n'stops due to some screw-ups and David's lyrics'n'melody weren't yet finalized, nor was the solo section or ending.

Back with plenty of fun in "Bad Detective" - again a bit more anarchic than the recording, especially in all of the vocals and the breakdown - while "Lonely Planet Boy" is even slower than the record but otherwise pretty solid, and while they were on the ballads, they do a good "Subway Train", as well, that builds nicely. They seem to be picking up steam as "Private World" is quite strong (even David is in top form here), the momentum continues for "Trash" and "Human Being" and they're well warmed up for a maniacal "Don't Start Me Talking". They continue with more blues in a fairly straight-forward'n'tough "Hootchie Cootchie Man", then successfully update the Shangri-Las in "Great Big Kiss" (a genius move and again one that Johnny went back to later on) before moving back to originals for a spot-on "Vietnamese Baby" and a smashin' "Babylon".

Obviously, only meant for fans, but pretty good, overall, especially after the guys warmed up a bit. This really shows that the band could be pretty damn tight (particularly after Nolan joined) and they had solid arrangements - they were just a bit too far ahead of their time, a bit too New York-y, a bit too rock'n'roll-loose and they lacking in their vocal finesse for the 70's rock crowd. Regardless, or because of all of this, they were geniuses (or idiot savants) that helped to bring rock'n'roll back from the precipice that it was on.

New York Dolls Too Much Too Soon (Book) by NIna Antonia

The New York Dolls story has been told numerous times and there isn't a lot of new info in this book, but it does give some salacious details and a good, overall chronology of the ups and (many) downs of their self-destructive careers. Nina wisely does not delve too deeply in any of the characters' childhoods (most kids live unremarkable lives and thus that part of the story can be fair dull) but we meet up with everyone as they become rock'n'roll adled teenagers. There are various permutations of the band until it settles down with the wacky bunch that we all know and love - Arthur, Syl, Johnny, David and Jerry.

Of course, first there was Billy, their original drummer who died tragically of an overdoes in England, the first casualty of their careless, over-the-top lifestyle. Although this could have been the end of their career, they came back stronger than ever with Jerry Nolan keeping the beat and pulling them together in a way they never could before. But excesses continued to plague the band and, even as they managed to get a record deal (which gave us two legendary albums) and tour support, they never stopped shooting themselves in their feet.

It's a truly sad story that could have been very different if they had a better support team behind them who could have kept them in line, kept them from the drugs, developed their strengths and polished their weaknesses. Or, maybe everything was inevitable and it had to happen this way - a quick rise and a massive burnout. Even the help of the then-unknown Malcolm McClaren couldn't revive their career and, in fact, probably hastened their demise.

Antonia brings in a lot of detail and a lot of gossip with interviews with band and crew members and her own personal remembrances. It's a tale mixing lots of rock'n'roll originality and fun with horrible self-destruction and incredibly bad choices. Oddly, Johansen, whose voice was one of the biggest shortcomings of the band (to this day I think with a more traditional singer they would have been much bigger, although not necessarily better), became the biggest star after the fact, although everyone become legendary. In any case, this is a good distillation of the story and something that any fan will want to devour.

RIP Lorrie Collins

Lorrie Collins, Rockabilly Singer (Collins Kids), Dies at 76
 ---
The Collins Kids were tons of campy fun, and had plenty of ultra-corny songs, but were still super talented. Lorrie's fine voice and rhythm backed up Larry's frantic footwork and remarkable guitar playing. Sorry to say that I never got a chance to see any of their reunion shows.

recommended gigs

Thursday Aug 2 - Dirk Vermin and the Hostile Talent at Rusty Spur

Friday Aug 3 - the Psyatics, the New Waves, Stagnetti's Cock, Scorpion vs Tarantula, Question? NO Answer at the Double Down

Sunday Aug 5 - Howlin' King Crawdad at Saddle'n'Spurs

Monday Aug 6 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Friday Aug 10 - Jerk/the Pluralses and the Implosions at Evel Pie
Friday Aug 10 - Strange Mistress, DomiNiki, and Tracey Hope at the Beauty Bar

Saturday Aug 11 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down
Saturday Aug 11 - the New Waves at the Golden Tiki

Sunday Aug 12 - Smokin' Sundays at the Dive Bar with the Scoundrels and the Psyatics

Monday Aug 13 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Tuesday Aug 14 - Gold Top Bob at the Sand Dollar

Friday Aug 17 - the All Togethers and the Unwieldies at the Huntridge Tavern

Sunday Aug 19 - the Hellacopters play Psycho Las Vegas at the Joint with lots more bands

Monday Aug 20 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Monday Aug 22 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Friday Aug 24 - Jack White at the Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan
Friday Aug 24 - the Delta Bombers at the Bunkhouse

Saturday Aug 25 - Lita Ford at the Cannery
Saturday Aug 25 - Cashed Out with the All Togethers at Cornish Pasty

Sunday Aug 26 - Cracker with the All Togethers at the Beauty Bar

Monday Aug 27 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Golden Tiki

Wednesday Aug 29 - Thee Swank Bastards at the Double Down

Thursday Aug 30 - Monster Zero at the Double Down

Friday Aug 31 - the Mapes, the Sheiks of Neptune at the Dive Bar

Saturday Sept 1 - the Psyatics, Vigil and Thieves, Analog Law, the MFA at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 6 - Sunday Sept 9 - the Las Vegas Tiki Weekender at the Thunderbird Motel with Thee Swank Bastards, Durango 66, Franks'n'Deans and more

Friday Sept 7 - Hot Tuna at Brooklyn Bowl

Saturday Sept 15 - the Unwieldies, the Riflemen, Whiskey Breath, Lawn Mower Death Riders at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 20 - David Liebe Hart with the Time Crashers and Sheiks of Neptune at the Beauty Bar

Monday Sept 24 - Shonen Knife at the Beauty Bar

Saturday Sept 29 - Negative Nancys, Laissez Fairs, Implosions, Stagnetti's Cock at the Double Down

Thursday Sept 27 - the Psyatics with Ancient River at the Griffin

Sat Oct 6 - The Swamp Gospel, the Implosions, Water Landing, the Psyatics at the Double Down for Nikki's birthday

Friday Oct 26 - Negative Nancys, Shanda and the Howlers, the Pluralses, Cromm Fallon at the Double Down

Saturday Oct 27 - the Gentlemen of Four Outs at the Bunkhouse
Saturday Oct 27 - the Damned, the Darts at House of Blues

Saturday Nov 17 - Ghost at the Joint
Saturday Nov 17 - the Heiz and the Implosions at Evel Pie

What have I forgotten? Lemme know

Portraits and Observations - Truman Capote

Certainly not a rock'n'roller, but definitely a cultural icon, Truman Capote's expressive, almost poetic, style of writing made him a household name as far back as the 1940's. This books compiles essays and short stories of his observations from around the world. Starting with a chapter on New Orleans, his home town, he travels throughout the United States and Europe and his 1950's insights are particularly enlightening in the 21st Century.

Of particular interest, and the main reason I purchased the book, is his tale of traveling with the touring company of Porgy and Bess to Russia over Christmas time to chronicle their performances there. The culture shocks that everyone encounters, as well as the oddities of Russia at the time, is a story in and of itself, but the mixed race company provides plenty of fuel for the tale, as well, especially the hep-cat Earl Bruce Jackson and his jive talk.

His “portraits” are entertaining and informative also - Marlon Brando in 1957 in Japan for a film, Richard Avedon in 1959 preparing a book, and his "observations" (that were the text of the book) of the photographs that Avedon had taken of John Houston, Charlie Chaplin, Picasso, Duchamp, Mae West, Louis Armstrong, Humphrey Bogart and many more. I enjoyed the chapter on the filming of In Cold Blood, the portraits of people as varied as Elizabeth Taylor and Bobby Beausoleil (where Capote reveals that he knew John and Bobby Kennedy as well as both of their killers), and even a couple of self-interviews. There's a story of a serial killer (separate from the In Cold Blood story) followed by a tale of him following his maid around on her daily stops and getting quite stoned with her. There's an amusing conversation with Marilyn Monroe at a funeral and remembrances of numerous others. His style is always beguiling and intriguing and is practically prose writing at times.

I really enjoyed this collection and will certainly be looking into other works of his. I suppose I need to broaden the authors that I follow!