In the 80's it seemed that just about anything was possible. Sunday nights you had a few choices on television, (we didn't have 900 channels back then) and some of the best were found on MTV. YES I SAID MTV.
This was before rap and shoot em up culture became the "in thing" in the commercial entertainment industry. MTV was not sucking up to the lowest case denominator as badly as they were then. Sure, they were showing popular videos and promoting the crap of the hour but they weren't glorifying the killing culture.
In short, music was fun. Pure and simple. It was chaotic and loud and if you watched Peter Zaremba and, "The Cutting Edge" then you knew it wasn't pretentious. This show came on once a month and it featured some great stuff from the IRS label. There was a ton of bands and the show was presented mondo style.
Every month they would pick a town and showcase the bands that made the nightlife work. They also would go into interviews with the bands and show you their day jobs which were far from glamorous. This show was amazing.
The FLESHTONES represented a big part of that mindset. Not only were they the house band for the show but also created the ecstatic legacy that it endured. Sadly, IRS records fell apart in the early 90's. And I missed the ecentricity that this label brought to the music scene. They weren't afraid to shatter the boundaries and create something loud and relevant. They had real balls.
The Fleshtones were a rehash of R&B mixed with loud garage Americana. In short, they were fantastic and brilliant. THey had a huge following in France. They are powerful even today and in fact... a little dangerous. They can really kick out a sound.
AH.. AS PETE WOULD SAY... THE MAJESTIC SOUNDS !!!
Saturday, December 9, 2006
The Young Ones - TIME
The Young Ones - "TIME" is probably one of my favorite episodes in the series. Well, I do like them all but the opening is definately my favorite.
Despite the rapid fire insults and jokes and curious one liners these guys were extrememly talented. Edmonson, (the guy who played Vivian) went on to create quite a few rock videos for Squeeze and directed some 1 hour comedy segments. The cast has also popped up in feature films and television shows like, "Absolutely Fabulous".
This show loses something when you interject it with commercials. The recent episodes on BBC America have been slightly cleaned up a bit. I am a big one for the two second edit. I swear I have noticed some editing on certain scenes but maybe its my imagination.
I dont know if this show works on commercial television anymore with so much competition. It seems that America is brilliant at shouting above anything around it with absolutely nothing.... that is.. no substance. That in itself is disturbing. Perhaps these episodes are best enjoyed on DVD in crystal clear quality with no interuptions and in blazing full color.
The bands they featured on this show were monumental, they had real character. Bands like Motorhead, Madness, 11 Below Zero, and Shakazulu.
This show was featured as Monty Python meets the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and they were right. Its that over the top...... We need more of this type of vibrancy today in comedy. I hear Little Britain is supposed to be very good.
Despite the rapid fire insults and jokes and curious one liners these guys were extrememly talented. Edmonson, (the guy who played Vivian) went on to create quite a few rock videos for Squeeze and directed some 1 hour comedy segments. The cast has also popped up in feature films and television shows like, "Absolutely Fabulous".
This show loses something when you interject it with commercials. The recent episodes on BBC America have been slightly cleaned up a bit. I am a big one for the two second edit. I swear I have noticed some editing on certain scenes but maybe its my imagination.
I dont know if this show works on commercial television anymore with so much competition. It seems that America is brilliant at shouting above anything around it with absolutely nothing.... that is.. no substance. That in itself is disturbing. Perhaps these episodes are best enjoyed on DVD in crystal clear quality with no interuptions and in blazing full color.
The bands they featured on this show were monumental, they had real character. Bands like Motorhead, Madness, 11 Below Zero, and Shakazulu.
This show was featured as Monty Python meets the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and they were right. Its that over the top...... We need more of this type of vibrancy today in comedy. I hear Little Britain is supposed to be very good.
Spinal Tap - Not Too Far From The Truth
"....RRRRROCK N ROLL !!!"
This is a great scene from the film, "Spinal Tap" where the band has a hard time reaching the stage. This actually happend to Emmerson Lake and Palmer according to the documentary by Rob Reiner. The band was trying to reach the stage but was actually trapped underneath it. Finally they reached the top of the staircase after finding an unlocked door.
This documentary doesn't get old and its enjoyable to watch. Which is interesting is that VW has recently featured a commercial with Nigel the guitar player. My mother commented on it -- she thought this was a legitimate rock star. She couldn't tell the difference..... I doubt my father could either. What big league advertisers have figured out is that they are looking at tapping into this Generation X market and are going for the big dollars.
Which in itself is laughable. My generation is not known for its big dollar appeal. The ones in my immediate circle are still reeling from the body blow delivered from the dot bomb movement.
In either case.... this clip speaks volumes on the lunacy of rock music.
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Ted Cantu writes for the FASCUBE network. He works as an art director and has mastered five metropolitan markets including Chicago and New York City.
This is a great scene from the film, "Spinal Tap" where the band has a hard time reaching the stage. This actually happend to Emmerson Lake and Palmer according to the documentary by Rob Reiner. The band was trying to reach the stage but was actually trapped underneath it. Finally they reached the top of the staircase after finding an unlocked door.
This documentary doesn't get old and its enjoyable to watch. Which is interesting is that VW has recently featured a commercial with Nigel the guitar player. My mother commented on it -- she thought this was a legitimate rock star. She couldn't tell the difference..... I doubt my father could either. What big league advertisers have figured out is that they are looking at tapping into this Generation X market and are going for the big dollars.
Which in itself is laughable. My generation is not known for its big dollar appeal. The ones in my immediate circle are still reeling from the body blow delivered from the dot bomb movement.
In either case.... this clip speaks volumes on the lunacy of rock music.
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Ted Cantu writes for the FASCUBE network. He works as an art director and has mastered five metropolitan markets including Chicago and New York City.
Friday, December 8, 2006
THE CLASH - WHITE RIOT
"WHITE RIOT - I WANNA RIOT... A RIOT OF MY OWN"
I like this clip of the Clash, its raw, its vile -- it speaks to me. This is before the polished NBC version on Saturday Night Live --- by then the entire message as well as the look was sterile. They had become accepted as soon as they signed on to CBS records.
It was when they signed up on CBS records that a lot of people claim that the Punk Movement had ended. The rebellious nature of the whole thing had become a commercial, a product, a new thing to categorize.
This has a rawness to it.....
I like this clip of the Clash, its raw, its vile -- it speaks to me. This is before the polished NBC version on Saturday Night Live --- by then the entire message as well as the look was sterile. They had become accepted as soon as they signed on to CBS records.
It was when they signed up on CBS records that a lot of people claim that the Punk Movement had ended. The rebellious nature of the whole thing had become a commercial, a product, a new thing to categorize.
This has a rawness to it.....
The Replacements - KISS ME ON THE BUS - SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
What a great song this is.. was... .. no.. wait.. IS !!!
When the Replacements showed up on Saturday Night Live they were snubbed by the cast.... which is pretty funny since it was 1985. The SNL show in general was not in such a great shape and being offbeat was what made it popular in the first place. But with all those corporate dollars floating in from Coke, Bud, Doritos and McDonalds..... its okay. In my opinion SNL was becoming a product. OR becoming everything that they originally hated.
IT was not Belushi's show anymore.
Still to be fair... the Replacements could have dressed up a bit. Singer Paul Westerberg looks pretty raggedy. The overalls are funny and this once again shows you that New York City IS NOT ANN ARBOR. The Replacements were making a killing in college towns and becoming a household name in every record collection.
The rest of the SNL cast went off to do some pretty forgettable projects. Dana Carvey failed to wow the world with his... "Man of Disguise" motion picture. Jon Levitz is still hawking a product.. most recently, Subway sandwiches.
When the Replacements showed up on Saturday Night Live they were snubbed by the cast.... which is pretty funny since it was 1985. The SNL show in general was not in such a great shape and being offbeat was what made it popular in the first place. But with all those corporate dollars floating in from Coke, Bud, Doritos and McDonalds..... its okay. In my opinion SNL was becoming a product. OR becoming everything that they originally hated.
IT was not Belushi's show anymore.
Still to be fair... the Replacements could have dressed up a bit. Singer Paul Westerberg looks pretty raggedy. The overalls are funny and this once again shows you that New York City IS NOT ANN ARBOR. The Replacements were making a killing in college towns and becoming a household name in every record collection.
The rest of the SNL cast went off to do some pretty forgettable projects. Dana Carvey failed to wow the world with his... "Man of Disguise" motion picture. Jon Levitz is still hawking a product.. most recently, Subway sandwiches.
Thursday, December 7, 2006
THE GHOUL - EVERY WOMANS DREAM MAN
I dont know if the "Chicks" really dig the Ghoul -- in fact.. Im wililng to bet they probably dont. I cannot see them hanging all over him in a sweaty nightclub trying to get photographed for Real Detroit Magazine.... but then again.. this is Detroit.
anywho....
This is real rock and roll television. This was 1977, the same year as the debut of Star Wars. We didnt have MTV then. But after I saw Star Wars, I lost serious interest in the Ghoul.... (sorry Ron Sweed).
I lost interest in him too after seeing Belushi for the first time on late night tv. As a kid though.. before all that stuff... this was what I had to work with.
Scary.
anywho....
This is real rock and roll television. This was 1977, the same year as the debut of Star Wars. We didnt have MTV then. But after I saw Star Wars, I lost serious interest in the Ghoul.... (sorry Ron Sweed).
I lost interest in him too after seeing Belushi for the first time on late night tv. As a kid though.. before all that stuff... this was what I had to work with.
Scary.
That Petrol Emotion - How Quickly We Forget
WHAT A BRILLIANT BAND.. WHAT A BRILLIANT SONG
Yet this video only has 254 viewings !!!! SAD SAD SAD.... When I first heard this tune I thought it was Love and Rockets... I know that sounds ridiculous but this was before the age of CD's. The imported Love and Rocket vinyl releases were super expensive and not in the college budget.....
I had to wait until someone cued me in on the real deal. It came off an album called MANIC POP THRILL. This song is completely amazing.... the solo, the windup... the dramatic post wind up if you will and the fantastic ending.
Yet this video only has 254 viewings !!!! SAD SAD SAD.... When I first heard this tune I thought it was Love and Rockets... I know that sounds ridiculous but this was before the age of CD's. The imported Love and Rocket vinyl releases were super expensive and not in the college budget.....
I had to wait until someone cued me in on the real deal. It came off an album called MANIC POP THRILL. This song is completely amazing.... the solo, the windup... the dramatic post wind up if you will and the fantastic ending.
Echo and the Bunnymen - Rescue - Point of Departure
The kings of escapism. There are two major chapters in my life. One is when I didn't listen to Echo and the Bunnymen, ( i was a little more simple minded -- all for the better some would say) then there was the one where I listened to Echo and the Bunnymen.... and then became more complicated.
I'll never forget when i saw them the first time thats for sure. It was Jan. 1988 at Hill Auditorium. I never seen so many trenchcoat wearing kids in one spot before. I was among them. Rescue.... was the first song they played and I was stunned with the whole thing. I was simply blown away with it.
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Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE
I'll never forget when i saw them the first time thats for sure. It was Jan. 1988 at Hill Auditorium. I never seen so many trenchcoat wearing kids in one spot before. I was among them. Rescue.... was the first song they played and I was stunned with the whole thing. I was simply blown away with it.
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Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE
THE SPECIALS - ALL OUT MANIA
" YOU DONE TOO MUCH.. MUCH TOO YOUNG.. NOW YOUR MARRIED WITH A SON AND YOU SHOULD BE HAVING FUN WITH ME.. ME.... ME !!!"
This is the film DANCE CRAZE.. from 2 Tone records... its rare.. maybe you can find it today in this age of DVD's. But it traces the SKA movement and shows this rather desperate time when music was changing. This was the very next movement after Punk Rock........ Its a high energy blitzkreig...... with bands like THE SPECIALS, BAD MANNERS, and THE BEAT.
But you knew that right? After all... I'm preaching to the choir am I not?
This is the film DANCE CRAZE.. from 2 Tone records... its rare.. maybe you can find it today in this age of DVD's. But it traces the SKA movement and shows this rather desperate time when music was changing. This was the very next movement after Punk Rock........ Its a high energy blitzkreig...... with bands like THE SPECIALS, BAD MANNERS, and THE BEAT.
But you knew that right? After all... I'm preaching to the choir am I not?
THE THREE O CLOCK HER HEADS REVOLVING - VIDEO
This track is from Irs Records, and the Three O Clock... it is beyond brililant. There are tracks on there that to this day have not been duplicated. Its got a ferocious unexpected beat. Then its got this energy surge that rips through it and it ends somewhat extroadinary as well.....
The Bangles dated these guys and they admitted that during this time their music changed because of it. These micro pop stars are truly brilliant. I found myself playing this CD... Arrive without Travelling.... a gazillion times trying to pick apart the construction of the songs on them. I will never get it right.... They made it look so easy.
It has been recently re-released thank God after about 20 years. I honestly believe that after all this time that this type of pop magic has rarely been touched. Instead I had to suffer through endless rounds of driveling riffs and souless beats... Fugazzi and Nirvana and was bored to death with it.
These sparkling gems shine on.... and I am better because of it.
The Bangles dated these guys and they admitted that during this time their music changed because of it. These micro pop stars are truly brilliant. I found myself playing this CD... Arrive without Travelling.... a gazillion times trying to pick apart the construction of the songs on them. I will never get it right.... They made it look so easy.
It has been recently re-released thank God after about 20 years. I honestly believe that after all this time that this type of pop magic has rarely been touched. Instead I had to suffer through endless rounds of driveling riffs and souless beats... Fugazzi and Nirvana and was bored to death with it.
These sparkling gems shine on.... and I am better because of it.
Let's Active - In Little Ways
Ah Mitch Easter..... right? I think he was in this band....
I remember this album proclaimed, BIG PLANS FOR EVERYBODY.. and I heard it playing in Arborland Mall record shop. I couldn't drive a car then but I was chasing these new sounds around town so incessantly that none of that stuff really mattered much to me. What was important was getting my hands on this unique sound. I was a devotee to these guys.... Melodically speaking.
I was later accused of playing "pretty music" when I formed my second band. This was supposed to be taken as an insult. My bandmates for the most part were fairly tuneless. I was always constructing stuff.... Mitch was my idol really. Listen to this guitar solo.... its got a building quality to it... in much the way Squeeze used to play theirs.
I even knew the hidden bar sequence at the very end on this track as it fades out on the album. You won't hear that on this video. But I remember it fondly.
This song has not aged.
I remember this album proclaimed, BIG PLANS FOR EVERYBODY.. and I heard it playing in Arborland Mall record shop. I couldn't drive a car then but I was chasing these new sounds around town so incessantly that none of that stuff really mattered much to me. What was important was getting my hands on this unique sound. I was a devotee to these guys.... Melodically speaking.
I was later accused of playing "pretty music" when I formed my second band. This was supposed to be taken as an insult. My bandmates for the most part were fairly tuneless. I was always constructing stuff.... Mitch was my idol really. Listen to this guitar solo.... its got a building quality to it... in much the way Squeeze used to play theirs.
I even knew the hidden bar sequence at the very end on this track as it fades out on the album. You won't hear that on this video. But I remember it fondly.
This song has not aged.
Howard Stern - Beetlejuice and Sal-Juice
This is some great comedy... I like Stern in limited doses. This is classic Stern during his New York days. Its the NYC people that really made this show..... it added to the weirdness.
I liked the WORLD PREMIER APPEARANCE of Sal Juice.
After years of comedy Stern went to Sirius. His recent statement in Forbes made me almost fall out of my chair. He is holding the public responsible and called the entire fiasco and injustice? These are the words Stern used to describe his lack of audience on the Sirius network.
Apparently it is our public responsibiity to support fading talent. Long after the 15 minutes of fame Stern is clinging on trying to stay relevant. I heard he sued his former network, CBS....a late night Saturday night show that competed with Saturday Night Live and it had a small viewership.
ehhh.. now before i get too political im going to end it here... just enjoy the comedy of what once was.....
I liked the WORLD PREMIER APPEARANCE of Sal Juice.
After years of comedy Stern went to Sirius. His recent statement in Forbes made me almost fall out of my chair. He is holding the public responsible and called the entire fiasco and injustice? These are the words Stern used to describe his lack of audience on the Sirius network.
Apparently it is our public responsibiity to support fading talent. Long after the 15 minutes of fame Stern is clinging on trying to stay relevant. I heard he sued his former network, CBS....a late night Saturday night show that competed with Saturday Night Live and it had a small viewership.
ehhh.. now before i get too political im going to end it here... just enjoy the comedy of what once was.....
THE DESCENDENTS - ARE THE ONE !!!
This is why i love CHICAGO MAN !!!
I was sitting in my tub in my apartment with the radio on one night. I was debating if I was going to go out into the night and have another rock and roll adventure -- maybe hit the blues clubs or the Metro.
Then this song comes on and I lose it. I had no idea the Descendents were still putting out music. I jumped out of my tub as soon as the song was done ... I was naked running around my pad looking for something to throw on. I got my boots on and ran down 8 flights of stairs out into the street. I found Reckless Records and found one copy of this on CD and bought it.
Hows that for manic behavior. I proceeded to play this song like 50 times for the next 24 hours. I as addicted to this song.
Still am.
Now if I had been in Detroit this never would have happened. Thats because 89.X is still touting the same crap as they were in the early 90's..... the same Stone Temple Pilot songs and the same Pearl Jam tunes too.. I am not kidding.
Chicago radio is progressive AND NECESSARY. Always has been and always will be an essential music town... don't believe me? FIne.... Just ask the ROlling Stones.
I was sitting in my tub in my apartment with the radio on one night. I was debating if I was going to go out into the night and have another rock and roll adventure -- maybe hit the blues clubs or the Metro.
Then this song comes on and I lose it. I had no idea the Descendents were still putting out music. I jumped out of my tub as soon as the song was done ... I was naked running around my pad looking for something to throw on. I got my boots on and ran down 8 flights of stairs out into the street. I found Reckless Records and found one copy of this on CD and bought it.
Hows that for manic behavior. I proceeded to play this song like 50 times for the next 24 hours. I as addicted to this song.
Still am.
Now if I had been in Detroit this never would have happened. Thats because 89.X is still touting the same crap as they were in the early 90's..... the same Stone Temple Pilot songs and the same Pearl Jam tunes too.. I am not kidding.
Chicago radio is progressive AND NECESSARY. Always has been and always will be an essential music town... don't believe me? FIne.... Just ask the ROlling Stones.
SCTV - "The Queen Haters"
I remember seeing this when it first came out -- it was pretty hilarious. The audience in this clip pretty much captures the publics opinion on this type of music when it first came out.
The line that kills me that i always remembered was, "I CANT AFFORD ME DOPE"
but now that I see this again, the killer line is,
"I feel sorry for Lady Di, .... having a mother in law like that !!!"
and that is how the song ends.... real abrupt.
There were bands back then in the late 70's that scared the crap out of me. I remember picking up album titles and being too afraid to buy them. The Plasmatics scared me for some reason. The look of the album in general was frightening. That was true added to the fact that radio stations steered clear of bands like that. Most radio stations played Andy Gibb records.
That seems laughable now but this was during the age of Solid Gold. Then later when I became an all out hooligan I couldnt find a band violent or crazy enough to satisfy me. I played everything i could get my greedy mits on.
This is one of SCTV's shining moments. This ran on the segment, "Mels Rockpile" which was a Solid Gold type show led by rockin Mel SLurrup.... (Eugene Levy).
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Ted Cantu writes for Fascube and is the creator of 911copywriters.com
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The line that kills me that i always remembered was, "I CANT AFFORD ME DOPE"
but now that I see this again, the killer line is,
"I feel sorry for Lady Di, .... having a mother in law like that !!!"
and that is how the song ends.... real abrupt.
There were bands back then in the late 70's that scared the crap out of me. I remember picking up album titles and being too afraid to buy them. The Plasmatics scared me for some reason. The look of the album in general was frightening. That was true added to the fact that radio stations steered clear of bands like that. Most radio stations played Andy Gibb records.
That seems laughable now but this was during the age of Solid Gold. Then later when I became an all out hooligan I couldnt find a band violent or crazy enough to satisfy me. I played everything i could get my greedy mits on.
This is one of SCTV's shining moments. This ran on the segment, "Mels Rockpile" which was a Solid Gold type show led by rockin Mel SLurrup.... (Eugene Levy).
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Ted Cantu writes for Fascube and is the creator of 911copywriters.com
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William Hung - Elvis Reinvented
I know I said I would never talk about American Idol on here... okay, so I lied... I am fascinated with William Hung. He is quirky, odd and tone deaf and it doesn't seem to bother him. Its no worse than the tone deaf rap tunes we must endure on commercial radio.
He rocks.... and he never had one lesson in professional training !!!!
He rocks.... and he never had one lesson in professional training !!!!
THE FALL - VICTORIA - AFTER THE KINKS
When I first heard the "frenz experiment" I attacked the person who introduced it to me. I was outraged by the simplicity and outraged by its quirkiness...... I screamed at him for listening to such a moronic monotone album. Then after my rage cooled I was begging him to put it back on the turntable ...... I was hooked on Mark E. Smith and The Fall.
Then I ran out and looked up the original version by the Kinks.....
Then I ran out and looked up the original version by the Kinks.....
JULIAN COPE - EXPERIMENTS IN EGOTISM
Too much to say here about St. Julian -- way too much -- where to start?
After I saw this video I distinctly remember running out of my apartment and jumping on a bus to the record store. I bought the only copy left of this on vinyl... yes.. it was a long time ago... It was a brilliant release. It had a sticker on the cover with about 12 flags from around the world with the words.. WORLD SHUT YOUR MOUTH on the center of it..... and I knew i found my destination.
What a remarkable album -- with a a lot of incredible tracks on it.
What most people don't realize is that Julian Cope kept cranking out songs after this was released. The albums were all pretty interesting and there was also a book on his life... which I bought in a Tower Records store, (ah... i remember Tower).
And now that book is hard to find..
The mic stand he stands on was a real prop he took on tour with him. Cope is incredibly nearsided and one time sang all of his songs to a beautiful woman in the back row. When the houselights came on he realized he was singing to a wooden post on a rickety staircase.... so much for romance.
This man is truly odd.... and well... a floored genius to boot.
After I saw this video I distinctly remember running out of my apartment and jumping on a bus to the record store. I bought the only copy left of this on vinyl... yes.. it was a long time ago... It was a brilliant release. It had a sticker on the cover with about 12 flags from around the world with the words.. WORLD SHUT YOUR MOUTH on the center of it..... and I knew i found my destination.
What a remarkable album -- with a a lot of incredible tracks on it.
What most people don't realize is that Julian Cope kept cranking out songs after this was released. The albums were all pretty interesting and there was also a book on his life... which I bought in a Tower Records store, (ah... i remember Tower).
And now that book is hard to find..
The mic stand he stands on was a real prop he took on tour with him. Cope is incredibly nearsided and one time sang all of his songs to a beautiful woman in the back row. When the houselights came on he realized he was singing to a wooden post on a rickety staircase.... so much for romance.
This man is truly odd.... and well... a floored genius to boot.
The JudyBats - What Gives?
This band popped up in the early 90's and then disappeared near 2000. They may pop back up again you know how things are in rock and roll.......
But whats interesting is that recently people have accused the JB's of ripping off The Pixies. I have never made that distinction so i find that rather amusing. Because if you listen to the Judybats long enough you will find some soulful, in-depth and meaningful songs.....that go beyond bar rock, (bar meaning.... bar chords of course... a term fo endearment from Black Francis himself). Some of the Judybats songs are so emotional you want to break down -- they are intact, solid, you get the point? They're works of beauty.
I saw one of the females from the Judybats on Food TV's Cake Challenge..... She was baking a cake or pastry of some sort for a contest. I was surprised to see her on there, the name slips me at the moment, but she is still involved with eclectic things. This band is worth re-discovering. Horribly underated ... yes... but brilliant nonetheless.
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Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE -- YADDA YADDDA YADDA
But whats interesting is that recently people have accused the JB's of ripping off The Pixies. I have never made that distinction so i find that rather amusing. Because if you listen to the Judybats long enough you will find some soulful, in-depth and meaningful songs.....that go beyond bar rock, (bar meaning.... bar chords of course... a term fo endearment from Black Francis himself). Some of the Judybats songs are so emotional you want to break down -- they are intact, solid, you get the point? They're works of beauty.
I saw one of the females from the Judybats on Food TV's Cake Challenge..... She was baking a cake or pastry of some sort for a contest. I was surprised to see her on there, the name slips me at the moment, but she is still involved with eclectic things. This band is worth re-discovering. Horribly underated ... yes... but brilliant nonetheless.
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Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE -- YADDA YADDDA YADDA
THE JAM - TOP OF THE POPS - TOP OF THE WORLD
The Legendary JAM delivered their last single.... BEAT SURRENDER on Top of the Pops, (a weekly rock show on the BBC). From there Paul Weller created The Style Council and this became somewhat of a favorite with critics.
Weller was accused of ruining everything the Jam created through an enormous Ego. Maybe this is true but he was definately a disciple of Pete Townsend of the WHO. Finding his Quadrophenic sensibilities a little late.... (mid 70's) he expalined that discovering the Mod sound was justifiable, ("By the time i found it, it was new to me....")
This is shown rarely in America..... usually at 4 in the morning on MTV2 if your lucky. You may hear this track on your lunch hour in the car on a flashback radio show........... Its just as vibrant today as it ever was.
Weller was accused of ruining everything the Jam created through an enormous Ego. Maybe this is true but he was definately a disciple of Pete Townsend of the WHO. Finding his Quadrophenic sensibilities a little late.... (mid 70's) he expalined that discovering the Mod sound was justifiable, ("By the time i found it, it was new to me....")
This is shown rarely in America..... usually at 4 in the morning on MTV2 if your lucky. You may hear this track on your lunch hour in the car on a flashback radio show........... Its just as vibrant today as it ever was.
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
SCTV - THE ATTACK OF SAMMY MAUDLIN !!!!!
"OOOOOOOHHH THAT SAMMY... !!!!!" (applause)
Yes the early 80's. Atari, 2600, Traci Lords, MTV, Day GLo everything, Arnold Schwarzegger was carrying a sword an wearing tights, and we had an actor in the white house..... GOod times for sure.
Only one little problem... there as no Comedy Central back then. Okay okay, maybe that wasn't a real problem. But we had to make due.
SCTV, the great Canadian import showcased 8 comedians which kicked the crap out of 200 years of American entertainment. And it was funny.
This showcases the fictional Sammy Maudlin which is a take off of Sammy Davis Junior. Jr., (as he was affectionately known) had a talk show in 1976. His guests did shameless plugs for eachothers live appearances and pontificated over their charity work. "ITS A LOVE THING BABE.... THIS LOVE THING.. YOU KNOW? ITS LOVE.. I FEEL A LOT OF LOVE IN THIS ROOM TONIGHT...CAN I HAVE A BIG HAND FOR LOVE?"
This really was a great bit.. (ah.. Bobby Bitman) that was done on SCTV from time to time. Note that the John Candy character is a take off of Ed MacMahon.. William B.
Enjoy it.. g'wan, "GO TAKE A BIG FAT CHANCE ON .. LOVE !!!!"
Yes the early 80's. Atari, 2600, Traci Lords, MTV, Day GLo everything, Arnold Schwarzegger was carrying a sword an wearing tights, and we had an actor in the white house..... GOod times for sure.
Only one little problem... there as no Comedy Central back then. Okay okay, maybe that wasn't a real problem. But we had to make due.
SCTV, the great Canadian import showcased 8 comedians which kicked the crap out of 200 years of American entertainment. And it was funny.
This showcases the fictional Sammy Maudlin which is a take off of Sammy Davis Junior. Jr., (as he was affectionately known) had a talk show in 1976. His guests did shameless plugs for eachothers live appearances and pontificated over their charity work. "ITS A LOVE THING BABE.... THIS LOVE THING.. YOU KNOW? ITS LOVE.. I FEEL A LOT OF LOVE IN THIS ROOM TONIGHT...CAN I HAVE A BIG HAND FOR LOVE?"
This really was a great bit.. (ah.. Bobby Bitman) that was done on SCTV from time to time. Note that the John Candy character is a take off of Ed MacMahon.. William B.
Enjoy it.. g'wan, "GO TAKE A BIG FAT CHANCE ON .. LOVE !!!!"
u2 - What Came Over The Public?
First let me say.. the band is called ..... u2.... not U2... What difference does it make? A BIG DIFFERENCE.... !!!!!
You see. I saw the band u2 in 1985. That is lowercase "u" and the letter 2. Not CAPITAL "U" AND number 2. Thats how it appeared on the concert t shirts for the Unforgettable Fire tour. I liked that band.
I didn't care too much for the stuff that came out after. The music was different because it attracted a different audience. Somewhere they got categorized as a Christian Rock band which is kind of ... well. .ludicris. You don't need to be a Christian or Catholic ROck band to sing about Nuclear War.....
it never stopped the CIrcle Jerks.
"Gloria" is an interesting tune... its got Latin in it. I have no idea what Bono is babbling about on this track. I sincerely doubt that HE even knows. But it looks good don't it?
You see. I saw the band u2 in 1985. That is lowercase "u" and the letter 2. Not CAPITAL "U" AND number 2. Thats how it appeared on the concert t shirts for the Unforgettable Fire tour. I liked that band.
I didn't care too much for the stuff that came out after. The music was different because it attracted a different audience. Somewhere they got categorized as a Christian Rock band which is kind of ... well. .ludicris. You don't need to be a Christian or Catholic ROck band to sing about Nuclear War.....
it never stopped the CIrcle Jerks.
"Gloria" is an interesting tune... its got Latin in it. I have no idea what Bono is babbling about on this track. I sincerely doubt that HE even knows. But it looks good don't it?
What Does Bozo The Clown Have To Do WIth Rock and Roll?
GOOD POINT !!!
THE ANSWER MAY SURPRISE OR DISSAPOINT YOU !!! (Depending where you are from)
Before the days of ROCK AND ROLL AND MTV my pre-teenage mind had only a few limited choices when it came to entertainment. And they were....
* Hot Fudge TV Show
* International Animation Festival on PBS
(yes I was ahead of my time...)
* The Ghoul, Channel 50 Detroit, Michigan - Friday nights
* and Bozos Circus out of WGN channel 9 in Chicago
At 12 years of age.... Bozo... (pre MTV era) was about as close to a Kiss concert
as I would ever hope to get.
But I had no idea this was being carried on in Mexico.... Why thats.. rather
INSPIRING !!!
VIVA LOS BOZOS !!!
THE ANSWER MAY SURPRISE OR DISSAPOINT YOU !!! (Depending where you are from)
Before the days of ROCK AND ROLL AND MTV my pre-teenage mind had only a few limited choices when it came to entertainment. And they were....
* Hot Fudge TV Show
* International Animation Festival on PBS
(yes I was ahead of my time...)
* The Ghoul, Channel 50 Detroit, Michigan - Friday nights
* and Bozos Circus out of WGN channel 9 in Chicago
At 12 years of age.... Bozo... (pre MTV era) was about as close to a Kiss concert
as I would ever hope to get.
But I had no idea this was being carried on in Mexico.... Why thats.. rather
INSPIRING !!!
VIVA LOS BOZOS !!!
Andy Kaufman
He is hysterical. Its amazing to me how much he still angers so many people. He's been DEAD FOR OVER 20 YEARS!!!! For the ones who really FIND HIM HILARIOUS LIKE ME.... you've been to LA or NYC and actually lived around so much lunacy that you've become used to it.
But for the rest of us, like my father for example, he wanted to reach into the television screen and perform bodily harm to Kaufman. My father hated him.... at least he did then..... Now, he is older and cannot remember even who he was. But I remember at the time when he was alive and popular Kaufman had a way of bringing out the killing instinct in the most unlikely people.
and yes... i thought it was hilarious.
But for the rest of us, like my father for example, he wanted to reach into the television screen and perform bodily harm to Kaufman. My father hated him.... at least he did then..... Now, he is older and cannot remember even who he was. But I remember at the time when he was alive and popular Kaufman had a way of bringing out the killing instinct in the most unlikely people.
and yes... i thought it was hilarious.
Morrissey - Excuse Me While I Sing
This clip is hilarious.... get on with the song already.
Moz takes this all very well.... but the song is ruined by the fans.
Get a grip you lunatics.
Moz takes this all very well.... but the song is ruined by the fans.
Get a grip you lunatics.
MORRISSEY - Enough To Make You Interested
Yes... I am fascinated with this loon.
I grew up with him for crikeys sake.... and in the desolate rain filled streets of my youth.. he was a constant and sometimes necessary companion. Musically speaking of course.
The track.. DISAPPOINTED is beyond brilliant... for what it says and for what it delivers. Its not for the faint of heart. But don't listen closely to the lyrics.. Instead look at the spasmodic dancing and colors of the lights... Don't focus too much on the reality of what he is really saying.
I grew up with him for crikeys sake.... and in the desolate rain filled streets of my youth.. he was a constant and sometimes necessary companion. Musically speaking of course.
The track.. DISAPPOINTED is beyond brilliant... for what it says and for what it delivers. Its not for the faint of heart. But don't listen closely to the lyrics.. Instead look at the spasmodic dancing and colors of the lights... Don't focus too much on the reality of what he is really saying.
Lloyd Cole - Ever Try Listening to Him Sober?
Its easy to get lost in the world of Lloyd Cole and confuse yourself with.... LLOYD COLE. I've done it..... and believed all the gibberish I've heard or thought i heard in his lyrics even the stuff that wasn't there.....(like finding forgiveness while walking through the rain.. and being cleansed of your sins... yes i WAS A WACKO).
Lloyd is brilliant. He will always be brilliant even when he is terrible. There will always be an unshakable genuine quality about him. Now I haven't heard his new stuff with the Negatives but when i was in NYC I can tell you that he was still selling out packed houses, (ex: The Bowery Ballroom..... they serve great booze by the way).
I liked him in the Commotions. I liked him solo and i liked him when he got that gimmicky self centered introspective look off the self entitled album....LLOYD COLE!
HENCE.. I dig Lloyd Cole.
Lloyd is brilliant. He will always be brilliant even when he is terrible. There will always be an unshakable genuine quality about him. Now I haven't heard his new stuff with the Negatives but when i was in NYC I can tell you that he was still selling out packed houses, (ex: The Bowery Ballroom..... they serve great booze by the way).
I liked him in the Commotions. I liked him solo and i liked him when he got that gimmicky self centered introspective look off the self entitled album....LLOYD COLE!
HENCE.. I dig Lloyd Cole.
Lush - Great Fun -- If You Can Find Them.....
COMING TO A DOLLAR BIN NEAR YOU......
Okay, first things first.. I had the mad hots for Emma... not the red head, the other one. Now thats out of the way lets talk about the music.
Due to the fact that there are just TOO MANY FREAKIN BANDS to write about and listen to at anyone time..... (thank you grandpa Sex Pistols for ushering in the new music revolution). LUSH unfortunately got thrust to the side only to get forgotten about altogether. Seriously.... who talks about them anymore?
"Hi Ted.. I just got these two tapes.. Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Lush.. oh well. gotta go.. goodbye!"
Faster than a New York minute that was how i got introduced to this band and then nobody in my circle ever mentioned them again. I found them again belly up in a dollar bin in a used record store. I was entranced by the quirky lyrics and the wide open guitar presence... this atmospheric sound.... the same type of quality that Echobelly can deliver. In a word... stunning.
Okay, first things first.. I had the mad hots for Emma... not the red head, the other one. Now thats out of the way lets talk about the music.
Due to the fact that there are just TOO MANY FREAKIN BANDS to write about and listen to at anyone time..... (thank you grandpa Sex Pistols for ushering in the new music revolution). LUSH unfortunately got thrust to the side only to get forgotten about altogether. Seriously.... who talks about them anymore?
"Hi Ted.. I just got these two tapes.. Red Lorry Yellow Lorry and Lush.. oh well. gotta go.. goodbye!"
Faster than a New York minute that was how i got introduced to this band and then nobody in my circle ever mentioned them again. I found them again belly up in a dollar bin in a used record store. I was entranced by the quirky lyrics and the wide open guitar presence... this atmospheric sound.... the same type of quality that Echobelly can deliver. In a word... stunning.
The Doors - Dead at 27
Morrison was a prophet to the strange. He was an odd choice to be included in Warhols circle. By the time he arrived the scene Warhol commanded had shifted considerably. The Velvet Underground was taken a stronger hold over him and they went on tour with the Exploding Plastic Inevitable...... Leaving Morrison...... alone.
According to who you believe The Doors were the first band to pack em in at Madison Square Garden. This was before Led Zeppelin polished up their sound and hit it in 1973. I'd like to think this was true. The Doors were a definate powerhouse.
What would Francis Ford Coppola had done without them for, "Apocolypse Now"?
Morrison died of a self inflicted heart attack. I think he was drinking about a gallon of whiskey a day..... or something like two fifths etc. That will do it, no question about it. He died when he was 27.
This video captures a hint of the mayhem that existed in his brief but hateful life. I would catagorize his snear between the original Damian in the OMEN, and Linda Blair from the Exorcist. There is something creepy about his appearance in these clips. It was no put on. Morrison hated pretty much everything in this life. And he proved it by destroying himself completely.
Interesting. Strange. But Interesting.
-----------------------------------------------
Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE
According to who you believe The Doors were the first band to pack em in at Madison Square Garden. This was before Led Zeppelin polished up their sound and hit it in 1973. I'd like to think this was true. The Doors were a definate powerhouse.
What would Francis Ford Coppola had done without them for, "Apocolypse Now"?
Morrison died of a self inflicted heart attack. I think he was drinking about a gallon of whiskey a day..... or something like two fifths etc. That will do it, no question about it. He died when he was 27.
This video captures a hint of the mayhem that existed in his brief but hateful life. I would catagorize his snear between the original Damian in the OMEN, and Linda Blair from the Exorcist. There is something creepy about his appearance in these clips. It was no put on. Morrison hated pretty much everything in this life. And he proved it by destroying himself completely.
Interesting. Strange. But Interesting.
-----------------------------------------------
Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE
The PXIES - Debaser - In Review
When the PIXIES broke new ground there was a little interest on my college campus. Only the musically conscious cared about this new release, "Doolittle" but it literally transformed my life.
I became engrossed with anything produced by their record company 4AD. Although I experimented with many of the other bands on the 4AD label none of them had the hold on me the way the Pixies did.
"Doolittle" opens with the track Debaser and it introduced me to their signature graphic design Vaughn Oliver. His photography and graphics grounded the entire look and style for the band. I feel the whole ensemble, (graphics, art, and music combined)were never more tight than they were on this release.
I got lost in this ... artistic twister... tornado if you will. And I got lost in the art movement in Soho that featured Typography in their gallery works. Motley Crue tried this with questoinable yet .... bizarre results. Since when is Motley Crue a celebral band?
BUT ANYWHO..... When Black Francis sang this in St. Andrews Hall in Detroit he got zapped in the mouth off his mic. He then threw a fit and walked off the stage. As best as I remember thats how that particular show ended.
===============================================
I became engrossed with anything produced by their record company 4AD. Although I experimented with many of the other bands on the 4AD label none of them had the hold on me the way the Pixies did.
"Doolittle" opens with the track Debaser and it introduced me to their signature graphic design Vaughn Oliver. His photography and graphics grounded the entire look and style for the band. I feel the whole ensemble, (graphics, art, and music combined)were never more tight than they were on this release.
I got lost in this ... artistic twister... tornado if you will. And I got lost in the art movement in Soho that featured Typography in their gallery works. Motley Crue tried this with questoinable yet .... bizarre results. Since when is Motley Crue a celebral band?
BUT ANYWHO..... When Black Francis sang this in St. Andrews Hall in Detroit he got zapped in the mouth off his mic. He then threw a fit and walked off the stage. As best as I remember thats how that particular show ended.
===============================================
Amma - Dearborn, Michigan 2006
There was a time in history - in the late 1960's to be exact when Indian Culture was all the rage. It was inspired by the Beatles - who in some ways brought it to the west. Peter Sellers embraced it in the movie, "The Party", (a classic if you've never seen it). Ravi Shankar was a top name in the day and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin took an interest in its colorful musical forms.
Where America got it wrong was that to be connected to a higher spritual consciousness you had to be stoned out of your gourd. We believed that being completely wasted on LSD, Heroin and anything else that could be injectable, (like that word?)would bring us closer to God.
Oh Vey.... what a mess.
These are not the roads to a higher sense of self. This topic is too broad for me to get into on here. It is deep.
It is interesting to see celebrities still tout this veil of spirituality, (most notable recently is Madonna with her flamboyant approach to scholarly Kabbalah). They use it as a front to gain a higher acceptance just like in the 1960's.
Still, living saints like Amma keep their messages to the people pure.... Will modern day Hollywood and the entertainment industry ever get it right?
Where America got it wrong was that to be connected to a higher spritual consciousness you had to be stoned out of your gourd. We believed that being completely wasted on LSD, Heroin and anything else that could be injectable, (like that word?)would bring us closer to God.
Oh Vey.... what a mess.
These are not the roads to a higher sense of self. This topic is too broad for me to get into on here. It is deep.
It is interesting to see celebrities still tout this veil of spirituality, (most notable recently is Madonna with her flamboyant approach to scholarly Kabbalah). They use it as a front to gain a higher acceptance just like in the 1960's.
Still, living saints like Amma keep their messages to the people pure.... Will modern day Hollywood and the entertainment industry ever get it right?
NITZER EBB - "I Used TO HAVE ONE OF THOSE HAIRCUTS!!!"
This video is nice...... its comforting. Its got interesting energy.
Still if you get too close to the singer he may bite your nose. He almost fogs up the camera lens as he gets too close... but ah yes, you've been warned.
I have seen these guys open for Depeche Mode in the late 80's before David Gahan tried to kill himself. I even had the black shorts and the Nitzer Ebb haircut during my gallery days.
yes folks... i was frightfull.
Still, bopping around like a Peanuts cartoon character, (see Its a Charlie Brown Christmas Special if you don't remember the dance scene) was preferred. Especially at the Nectarine Ballroom in Ann Arbor where myself and a select few were considered Ann Arbor Royalty.
This video reminds me of a more interesting time.
Still if you get too close to the singer he may bite your nose. He almost fogs up the camera lens as he gets too close... but ah yes, you've been warned.
I have seen these guys open for Depeche Mode in the late 80's before David Gahan tried to kill himself. I even had the black shorts and the Nitzer Ebb haircut during my gallery days.
yes folks... i was frightfull.
Still, bopping around like a Peanuts cartoon character, (see Its a Charlie Brown Christmas Special if you don't remember the dance scene) was preferred. Especially at the Nectarine Ballroom in Ann Arbor where myself and a select few were considered Ann Arbor Royalty.
This video reminds me of a more interesting time.
The Jack Rubies - Be With You
From the Album, " Fascinatin Vacation........... "
Pretty damn brilliant I would say!!!
Before sampling, before BLING, before whiney tarts.....
We had guitar with a little sensibility, punch, straight to the point lyrics, humor and style, (with a little grace). There is a hint of Lloyd Cole here too which I particulary like.
Yes yes.. I like this very much
Pretty damn brilliant I would say!!!
Before sampling, before BLING, before whiney tarts.....
We had guitar with a little sensibility, punch, straight to the point lyrics, humor and style, (with a little grace). There is a hint of Lloyd Cole here too which I particulary like.
Yes yes.. I like this very much
The Smiths - Digging Around The Foundry
Part of the brilliance of growing up - even in a desolate period of the mid-80's - was that nobody really defined what being " cool" was all about. This was something left to the kids on the streets.
Some say it was Heavy Metal, some grew up in rural places and had to accept what ever, "Friday Night Videos" on NBC showed them. Then there were the kids who fell in between the cracks. Those that did stumbled onto bands like, THE FALL, THE SMITHS, THE SAINTS and just about anything else they could get their hands on.
In short life was interesting.
So much has been written on Morrissey and the Smiths so I'll keep it short. This band really spelled out what was waiting for you out there in this world -- adulthood -- the echo of emptiness -- relationships and deviant psychotic behavior. The sad songs were loveable even though the man who delivered them claimed he was not. That was what made this band so interesting.
.... That and the fact that we were constantly reminded of our mortality. This was a heavy concept for a 20 year old when on commercial radio Jefferson Starship was singing, "We Built This City". It seemed like a cruel joke.
Ah yes, but that joke isn't funny anymore.
Some say it was Heavy Metal, some grew up in rural places and had to accept what ever, "Friday Night Videos" on NBC showed them. Then there were the kids who fell in between the cracks. Those that did stumbled onto bands like, THE FALL, THE SMITHS, THE SAINTS and just about anything else they could get their hands on.
In short life was interesting.
So much has been written on Morrissey and the Smiths so I'll keep it short. This band really spelled out what was waiting for you out there in this world -- adulthood -- the echo of emptiness -- relationships and deviant psychotic behavior. The sad songs were loveable even though the man who delivered them claimed he was not. That was what made this band so interesting.
.... That and the fact that we were constantly reminded of our mortality. This was a heavy concept for a 20 year old when on commercial radio Jefferson Starship was singing, "We Built This City". It seemed like a cruel joke.
Ah yes, but that joke isn't funny anymore.
Edie Sedgwick --???? What Does She Have To Do With Rock Music?
Okay... okay, so Edie Sedgwick isn't rock and roll...... She couldn't even hold a guitar much less a heroin needle. So why after all these years after her death are people like me still fascinated with her?
That whole period of Edie and The Warhol Scene continues to fascinate a lot of people because it was so destructive. It was unique too of course but people died during this strange and glorious period from excesses -- drugs for one. The more people danced closer to Warhol's flame they perished.... eventually, one way or the other. Some just lost their sanity - they were the lucky ones.
This song, "If You Close The Door" was actually a Velvet Underground song. And this montage is really kind of haunting. It bothered me for days after I saw it. I think its because I read all about Edie's history and all of her problems. This music is fitting and she is singing it to make matters more disturbing.
I found myself walking the streets of Union Square and Soho at night thinking about the Warhol Scene. I told myself I would eventually get over it. I obsessed over it and tried to crack the chemistry of why this period of history affected so many people since.
It's haunting. This video carries a bit of sadness to it. I want to reach back in time and help this poor woman. But she was not a victim. She destroyed herself willingly. The Velvet Underground painted real pictures in their lyrical landscape and brought that time period to life.
This video is worth watching. But don't let it get you down.
=====================================================
Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE, The Ann Arbor Artists Co-op, MobileCast and half a dozen more off the wall inventions, innovations and notables worth mentioning. He resides in Walled Lake, MI.. and answers to the name Ted Cantu, Oddly Enough.
That whole period of Edie and The Warhol Scene continues to fascinate a lot of people because it was so destructive. It was unique too of course but people died during this strange and glorious period from excesses -- drugs for one. The more people danced closer to Warhol's flame they perished.... eventually, one way or the other. Some just lost their sanity - they were the lucky ones.
This song, "If You Close The Door" was actually a Velvet Underground song. And this montage is really kind of haunting. It bothered me for days after I saw it. I think its because I read all about Edie's history and all of her problems. This music is fitting and she is singing it to make matters more disturbing.
I found myself walking the streets of Union Square and Soho at night thinking about the Warhol Scene. I told myself I would eventually get over it. I obsessed over it and tried to crack the chemistry of why this period of history affected so many people since.
It's haunting. This video carries a bit of sadness to it. I want to reach back in time and help this poor woman. But she was not a victim. She destroyed herself willingly. The Velvet Underground painted real pictures in their lyrical landscape and brought that time period to life.
This video is worth watching. But don't let it get you down.
=====================================================
Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE, The Ann Arbor Artists Co-op, MobileCast and half a dozen more off the wall inventions, innovations and notables worth mentioning. He resides in Walled Lake, MI.. and answers to the name Ted Cantu, Oddly Enough.
The Damned - "You Can't Afford A Cannon !!!"
For the true fans I realize I am getting the lyrics wrong. No worries, apologies are not in order. Getting rock lyrics wrong is a big part of being a fan in all sense. Don't forget it was Ozzy Osbourne who once said, "Excuse Me, While I Kiss This Guy", (his own interpretation to Jimi Hendrix, "Purple Haze").
Where was I? Oh Yes... THE DAMNED.
This is a brilliant band... some would say almost rabid, (for those who remember them in 1977) then some would call them psychedelic, (the early 80's) and others would just call them odd. They had a line up of about 20 people throughout the years coming and going as the band reformed and broke up only to reform again.
Dave Vanian, the lead singer, is quite scary at times as the vampire image. Captain Sensible is flat out insane and the music is surprisingly very good. There was a brief time that this band was creating its own genre within the punk circuit. They became increasingly hard to classify with each new release.
They toured with the Sex Pistols and Clash for the ill fated Anarchy in the UK Tour in 1977 where half the gigs got cancelled. Johnny Thunders played for the opening act. Then this band went back into obscurity......
They are extremely eclectic. And even in this day and age..... with all the drivel being pumped out by the corporate record execs..... extremely necessary.
Where was I? Oh Yes... THE DAMNED.
This is a brilliant band... some would say almost rabid, (for those who remember them in 1977) then some would call them psychedelic, (the early 80's) and others would just call them odd. They had a line up of about 20 people throughout the years coming and going as the band reformed and broke up only to reform again.
Dave Vanian, the lead singer, is quite scary at times as the vampire image. Captain Sensible is flat out insane and the music is surprisingly very good. There was a brief time that this band was creating its own genre within the punk circuit. They became increasingly hard to classify with each new release.
They toured with the Sex Pistols and Clash for the ill fated Anarchy in the UK Tour in 1977 where half the gigs got cancelled. Johnny Thunders played for the opening act. Then this band went back into obscurity......
They are extremely eclectic. And even in this day and age..... with all the drivel being pumped out by the corporate record execs..... extremely necessary.
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
The Kinks - Wind Em Up and Watch Em Go !!!
This is a pre-lude to punk. That is a trite way to talk about the Kinks as an introduction. The song "All Day and All of the Night" is a punk classic in the classic sense. They look pretty punky in this television clip and come off as a bit awkward which is part of their charm.
I cannot tell you where this clip came from but its got Beatles written all over it, (thier stance I mean).the positioning of the band mates, (definately not the sound). The very last shot of the band looking back at the camera man is straight out of the movie, "Hard Days Night". The screaming kids are a nice touch. Gotta love the mania.
The other thing about this video is the goofiness of Ray Davies. I LOVE RAY - DON'T GET ME WRONG but here in this clip his look is very fitting, (his hair is sticking straight up in the back looking a bit like a goofus).
The solo for this track is funny. Its brilliant because it is a reflection of its time its just garbled pop sensibilities in full motion. This solo would make George Harrison snicker..... It is the guitar equivalent of a Keith Moon drum solo, (Moon used to drum differently every time to any song he played, never playing the same rhythym twice) But as a Kinks song -- its well fantastic.
The only thing that would make this better would be to see Ray Davies and his brother Dave slug it out at the end like they used to. They would get into fist fights on stage back in this time era.
Don't you JUST DIG ROCK MUSIC?
===================================================
Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE
I cannot tell you where this clip came from but its got Beatles written all over it, (thier stance I mean).the positioning of the band mates, (definately not the sound). The very last shot of the band looking back at the camera man is straight out of the movie, "Hard Days Night". The screaming kids are a nice touch. Gotta love the mania.
The other thing about this video is the goofiness of Ray Davies. I LOVE RAY - DON'T GET ME WRONG but here in this clip his look is very fitting, (his hair is sticking straight up in the back looking a bit like a goofus).
The solo for this track is funny. Its brilliant because it is a reflection of its time its just garbled pop sensibilities in full motion. This solo would make George Harrison snicker..... It is the guitar equivalent of a Keith Moon drum solo, (Moon used to drum differently every time to any song he played, never playing the same rhythym twice) But as a Kinks song -- its well fantastic.
The only thing that would make this better would be to see Ray Davies and his brother Dave slug it out at the end like they used to. They would get into fist fights on stage back in this time era.
Don't you JUST DIG ROCK MUSIC?
===================================================
Ted Cantu is the creator of FASCUBE
Monday, December 4, 2006
Echobelly - King Of The Kerb
ENTER THE ECLECTIC NOTIONS
1995 - 1996 was the AGE OF ECHOBELLY. Some say this band got too popular too quickly and then they retreated after too much exposure. Which.. in a way I think is absurd.
The one thing i can tell you about them is that I was exposed to them in an issue of David Carson's Ray Gun magazine, (remember Carson?....). He was the graphic designer of choice in the day and was well remembered for his manipulation of typography. Morrissey, (now solo, ex-front for the Smiths) listed Echobelly and Gallon Drunk to be two of his favorite bands of the minute. I ran out and got both releases immediately to see what he was talking about.
As usual my Michigan connections were not up to par with what was happening. I was able to track down some releases of theirs in Chicago, (this was pre e-commerce era so bare with me).
I found two releases, EGO, (Everybodys Got One) and ON both were brilliant albums. I then got as many singles as I could get my greedy mitts on. The graphics for, "King of the Kerb" were printed on the CD-Single -- from this video in fact. I knew then that this had a visual style that flowed through it. This made me want to find out more about the band. So seeing this video comes as no surprise. It delivers.
The direction the band took on later albums was even a little more interesting. I adored LUSTRA and thought it was a brilliant effort. I never did get the story on who the black woman was in this video or why she left. I do know, however, that their music significantly changed. This created a new level of fanship.
I tend to lean towards more of the popier efforts and find this particular track truly astounding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ted Cantu is a freelance writer for the Fascube Network. He resides in Walled Lake, MI and works as a direct marketing gurus.
1995 - 1996 was the AGE OF ECHOBELLY. Some say this band got too popular too quickly and then they retreated after too much exposure. Which.. in a way I think is absurd.
The one thing i can tell you about them is that I was exposed to them in an issue of David Carson's Ray Gun magazine, (remember Carson?....). He was the graphic designer of choice in the day and was well remembered for his manipulation of typography. Morrissey, (now solo, ex-front for the Smiths) listed Echobelly and Gallon Drunk to be two of his favorite bands of the minute. I ran out and got both releases immediately to see what he was talking about.
As usual my Michigan connections were not up to par with what was happening. I was able to track down some releases of theirs in Chicago, (this was pre e-commerce era so bare with me).
I found two releases, EGO, (Everybodys Got One) and ON both were brilliant albums. I then got as many singles as I could get my greedy mitts on. The graphics for, "King of the Kerb" were printed on the CD-Single -- from this video in fact. I knew then that this had a visual style that flowed through it. This made me want to find out more about the band. So seeing this video comes as no surprise. It delivers.
The direction the band took on later albums was even a little more interesting. I adored LUSTRA and thought it was a brilliant effort. I never did get the story on who the black woman was in this video or why she left. I do know, however, that their music significantly changed. This created a new level of fanship.
I tend to lean towards more of the popier efforts and find this particular track truly astounding.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ted Cantu is a freelance writer for the Fascube Network. He resides in Walled Lake, MI and works as a direct marketing gurus.
Oh Mighty Lemon Drops --Where Art Thou?
In the confusing early 90's there was a mad scattering race of thoughts. There were too many bands that had style, substance and solid direction. However, too many of these bands were not easily classifiable so they were uncharasmatically heaped together in one pile and labled "New Music".
It didn't matter that much really in 1989 - we had John Peel, (and at the time I must confess I really beleived that we would have him forever).
Enter the Mighty Lemon Drops. Originally written off by disc jockeys, (the hip ones any ways) as an Echo and the Bunnymen Rip Off, this band proved to be worth a look. At the time the airwaves were being assaulted with the likes of Terrance Trent D'Arby and Go West. IT was also a time that existed before Nirvana.... so lets put things in perspective here.
This band used to tour and the shows were very interesting - lots of energy - and the music was very relevant. "Inside Out" has a way of drawing you back into their sound. But once you get there you will find that a lot of MLD tracks read as somewhat repetitive..... some would even say boring. Maybe I listened to them too many times to know that difference.
"Inside Out" is solid, strong, and the video is vibrant and still interesting after so much time. Dreary? Dreary is good unless it lacks style like a lot of angst riddled bands of the current moment.
The genius lies in its simplicity.
It didn't matter that much really in 1989 - we had John Peel, (and at the time I must confess I really beleived that we would have him forever).
Enter the Mighty Lemon Drops. Originally written off by disc jockeys, (the hip ones any ways) as an Echo and the Bunnymen Rip Off, this band proved to be worth a look. At the time the airwaves were being assaulted with the likes of Terrance Trent D'Arby and Go West. IT was also a time that existed before Nirvana.... so lets put things in perspective here.
This band used to tour and the shows were very interesting - lots of energy - and the music was very relevant. "Inside Out" has a way of drawing you back into their sound. But once you get there you will find that a lot of MLD tracks read as somewhat repetitive..... some would even say boring. Maybe I listened to them too many times to know that difference.
"Inside Out" is solid, strong, and the video is vibrant and still interesting after so much time. Dreary? Dreary is good unless it lacks style like a lot of angst riddled bands of the current moment.
The genius lies in its simplicity.
Blur - Top of the Pops 1991 Performance
"Why is this guy writing about a BLUR performance from 1991? WHO CARES, .. WHAT GIVES.. yeah yeah yeah". If thats whats zooming around in your bean then you got to get some ground dear friend.
With the recent hybrid of white anglo heavy metal music and rap.... a dreary combination - (for more on this go click on KROQ) its nice to see something fluffy, comfy, poppy and vibrant.
Yes yes I know these louts on the Top of the Pops, ( a show that has recently dimished over the recent rise of superior pop culture deliverables - ala IPOD and other hand held media) and are lip synching. HOWEVER. This is the perfect venue to do it on. The spasmodic dancing in this age of martini culture and over the top dance floor sexiness.... is NECESSARY AND SORELY MISSED.
There was a time, however brief, that this band was quite interesting.
With the recent hybrid of white anglo heavy metal music and rap.... a dreary combination - (for more on this go click on KROQ) its nice to see something fluffy, comfy, poppy and vibrant.
Yes yes I know these louts on the Top of the Pops, ( a show that has recently dimished over the recent rise of superior pop culture deliverables - ala IPOD and other hand held media) and are lip synching. HOWEVER. This is the perfect venue to do it on. The spasmodic dancing in this age of martini culture and over the top dance floor sexiness.... is NECESSARY AND SORELY MISSED.
There was a time, however brief, that this band was quite interesting.
Love is the Key - (Saving You From Misery)
A wee bit overlooked by even the Alternative scene... but no less relevant. Ted Cantu was lucky to catch the Charlatans UK in New York City at the Roseland Ballroom. You know of course that it was once used as a roller rink in the 50s and Gene Kelly, (the actor and dancer) used to practice there and show off.
This video comes at you with multi rapid-fire images. Its saving grace is that it is on top of a rooftop. There is a superiority about it, (as with most of their stuff) this song carries it in its bridge. They extend it.
This band has had so many set backs, (original keyboard player was killed in a car accident etc.) and yet has kept coming back. They have really emerged the Madchester scene as true champions, leaving competitive bands like Inspiral Carpets in the dust. The music is still relevant and introverted.
Thats part of its charm.
=====================================
Ted Cantu is a freelance writer for the Fascube Network. He resides in Walled Lake, MI and works as a direct marketing gurus.
This video comes at you with multi rapid-fire images. Its saving grace is that it is on top of a rooftop. There is a superiority about it, (as with most of their stuff) this song carries it in its bridge. They extend it.
This band has had so many set backs, (original keyboard player was killed in a car accident etc.) and yet has kept coming back. They have really emerged the Madchester scene as true champions, leaving competitive bands like Inspiral Carpets in the dust. The music is still relevant and introverted.
Thats part of its charm.
=====================================
Ted Cantu is a freelance writer for the Fascube Network. He resides in Walled Lake, MI and works as a direct marketing gurus.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Make No Mistake About Bauhaus !!! For Crikeys Sake !!
WHAT IS THIS??
In this age of whiney pop bands, (yes yes.. I know, "When weren't they whiney") Its nice to see a band with a set of balls once in a while. Not the mealy testosterone fueled angst but one that will scare the living daylights out you with a little dash of sensibilty and style for crikeys sake.Bauhaus did that with, "Telegram Sam" a remake of the T.Rex Song of the same name.
This venomous attack on the senses, (both audio-wise and visually speaking) offset even the poppier, happier non-sensical stuff of its day, (early MTV generation). The wild one to look out for was obviously Peter Murphy. David J,("I like to drink in coctail bars") and Daniel Ash, ("Love and Rockets") fall under his shadow and are actually tame in comparrison.
There is a sinister look about this too - especially the silhoutte shots took me by surprise. The grimey brown overtones may not be intentional as I hoped, this effect could have been to a simple lack of budget and poor film stock... this is most likely the case. This band got a cult following in the 80's. In the late 70's they were quickly overlooked with the reinvention of the London SKA movement. Still, this is very powerful and eye grabbing.It is in some ways.... perfect.
=====================================Ted Cantu is a freelance writer for the Fascube Network. He resides in Walled Lake, MI and works as a direct marketing gurus.
In this age of whiney pop bands, (yes yes.. I know, "When weren't they whiney") Its nice to see a band with a set of balls once in a while. Not the mealy testosterone fueled angst but one that will scare the living daylights out you with a little dash of sensibilty and style for crikeys sake.Bauhaus did that with, "Telegram Sam" a remake of the T.Rex Song of the same name.
This venomous attack on the senses, (both audio-wise and visually speaking) offset even the poppier, happier non-sensical stuff of its day, (early MTV generation). The wild one to look out for was obviously Peter Murphy. David J,("I like to drink in coctail bars") and Daniel Ash, ("Love and Rockets") fall under his shadow and are actually tame in comparrison.
There is a sinister look about this too - especially the silhoutte shots took me by surprise. The grimey brown overtones may not be intentional as I hoped, this effect could have been to a simple lack of budget and poor film stock... this is most likely the case. This band got a cult following in the 80's. In the late 70's they were quickly overlooked with the reinvention of the London SKA movement. Still, this is very powerful and eye grabbing.It is in some ways.... perfect.
=====================================Ted Cantu is a freelance writer for the Fascube Network. He resides in Walled Lake, MI and works as a direct marketing gurus.
A Ferocious Kick !
Welcome to the first installment of - POUND. This is a collection of music videos and visually charged images positioned to make you stand up and take notice! With so much drivel on the airwaves Americans in general are being automatically lined up to partake in a homogenized cultural experience, (ex. no matter if you live in Nebraska, Oregon or in the bustling streets of Manhattan).
This new collection created by Ted Cantu, (FASCUBE, 911 Copywriters, co creator of the Ann Arbor Artists Co-op) is once again at it... FULL ON. The name POUND is an exact result of you putting on a pair of Doc Martens and hitting the streets and coming face to face with radical street culture, (ex. art galleries, eccentric people and especially live music).
In this age of SUV's, mortgage payments and derivative bands like the ones heard on 89.X its nice to come across something with a little more moxy. This entire project doesn't reek of the corporate dollar. Its off the beaten path and it is something that is delivered with no compromises.
It's interesting. Innovative. Fresh.
If you prefer to have your cultural experience on this Earth and lifetime dictated to you by a corporate sponsor, (see Coca Cola) then go thwack on, "AMERICAN IDOL" or "DANCING WITH THE STARS".
This is NOT for you.
This new collection created by Ted Cantu, (FASCUBE, 911 Copywriters, co creator of the Ann Arbor Artists Co-op) is once again at it... FULL ON. The name POUND is an exact result of you putting on a pair of Doc Martens and hitting the streets and coming face to face with radical street culture, (ex. art galleries, eccentric people and especially live music).
In this age of SUV's, mortgage payments and derivative bands like the ones heard on 89.X its nice to come across something with a little more moxy. This entire project doesn't reek of the corporate dollar. Its off the beaten path and it is something that is delivered with no compromises.
It's interesting. Innovative. Fresh.
If you prefer to have your cultural experience on this Earth and lifetime dictated to you by a corporate sponsor, (see Coca Cola) then go thwack on, "AMERICAN IDOL" or "DANCING WITH THE STARS".
This is NOT for you.
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