Buffalo's True Independent Record Store Serving You Since 2008
1109 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY
716 - 882- 3200
Open Monday thru Saturday 12:00 - 8:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 - 5:00 pm
WE BUY USED RECORDS AND CDS!
spiralscratchrecords@yahoo.com
Did we happen to mention that Spiral Scratch has, once again, relocated? After a brief hiatus, we are settled into our spot right next door to Allentown Music and sandwhiched between Joe and the old HOTH location...or just the old Mondo Video Space. Its 1109 Elmwood and parking can be a challenge (we recommend avoiding the meters and park on Forest either in the public lot or on the street.
Moving can be like starting over...unforeseen expenses, getting reset with distributors and most of all...letting YOU know where the hell we are. Thanks to supporters like Buffalo Rising, THE PUBLIC...the written word is still effective. We sincerely thank them for their support and interest.
Its another new beginning and we will do our best to get that elusive record in for you...or it may already be here. You never know what just dropped in the Incoming Used Bin. We'll try to let you know through our facebook, instagram and twitter accounts--so check out those updates. We promise not to send them too often and be annoying. Just the basics.
1945-2015
Normally this would be the spot for incoming reviews and descriptions...that was until Monday 28 December 2015 when the world was informed Motorhead founder Lemmy Kilmister had passed, succumbing to an aggressive cancer. He was 70.
This surprisingly took my breath away as Lemmy seemed immortal. What will the world be without Lemmy. Motorhead were heavy and gutteral--and hard not to like....whether loud rock and roll (don't call 'em a metal band!) was your thing or not. Motorhead brought everyone together, not unlike the Ramones did. Lemmy felt a sort of connection (whose vocal stylings were often attempted) to the punks who also adored him and Motorhead.
' Lemmy asserted that he generally felt more kinship with punks than with metalheads; he even played with the Damned for a handful of gigs when they had no regular bassist.' But there is no denying the influence he had on metal, though. Motorhead head ushered in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (sometimes not metal at all) while influencing bands lie Metallica who would become major acts.
Perhaps the best spot for a band to be in. RIP Lemmy.
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some high points of 2015:
RADIOACTIVITY - SILENT KILL This was an easy one...the second perfect batch of hooky-punk effortlessly presented by Jeff Burke along with Mark Ryan (both ex-Marked Men and ex-Reds) along with some Bad Sports, these songs are a continuation of Jeff's stint in Japan with the Novice. Jeff moves back to Tejas and a new lineup ushers in a new band name.
Burke has an unmistakable style and delivery. A great live show, to boot--you really cant go wrong with either of their lp's (this, the follow-up to a self-titled crusher.
Not too heavy (except on the hooks), this is catchy pop-punk done the right way.
EX-CULT - CIGARETTE MACHINE
Ex-Cult have been around for a few years now, based out of NYC, they could pass for a west coast garagey rock-punk outfit, which they display on this smoking 5 song ep (possibly recorded a few years ago between their 2 lp's). Their appeal could cross boundaries. So don't hold the NYC tag against them, this record will still sound great another year from now...to who knows when. The title track is particularly grimy, full of guitars and half-barked vocals. Released on John Dwyer's (thee Oh-Sees) label, Castle Face--Ex-Cult has put out on stuff on Memphis "can't miss label", Goner Records.
MIKAL CRONIN - MCIII
A familiar name before he began churning out solo albums, Cronin's been working alongside and with Ty Segall as Segall's bassist. Yet Cronin was a force in the Moonhearts and the few slower numbers gave way to III solid solo lp's...mostly of well crafted pop song's. The band passed through Buffalo and really delivered a fantastic set, sending me back to the album for a few weeks. Cronin and his solo output lean towards indie/college rock more than the other projects he's involved in proving that he is prolific and versatile, even if every song isn't crucial, the good ones make it a winner.
the FUZZ - II
Yes, Ty Segall plays drums and sings in the Fuzz, but the real fuzziness of the Fuzz comes from Charlie Moothart on guitar and the addition of Chad Ubovich (MEATBODIES). As fate would happen, this follow up to the very fuzzed out Blue Cheer worship of the first lp gives way for a more evil and creepy sound on this double long player.
Given the room to move, the band took a more collaborative approach to writing and composition producing a different and darker record than their first, though no less interesting.
BIG BLACK - ATOMIZER
The album that established Steve Albini and BIG BLACK "real dealers", arguably their finest work (though "Songs About..." is nearly its equal, but a definite second place) as they progressed into one of the greatest and most important bands of the 80's. Touch & Go Records was a far different label in those days, housing such twisted (and great) acts like Butthole Surfers, Killdozer and other grimy, sludgy and otherwise twisted bands who didnt play within hardcores strict parameters. Big Black played a huge part in that and ATOMIZER is the reason why. Back in print with mp3 code after years.
Honorable mention goes out to the unreal REALLY RED series which includes their entire recorded output on the 3 seperate lp's. First lp, "Teaching You The Fear" (underground masterwork), the second lp, all the singles and comp tracks with a few live ones tossed in for good measure. Another musical injustice was the obscurity of one hardcore punks tightest, most adventurous outfits (i blame the Texas factor) as they flirted with post-punk as they grew, unfortunately disbanding in 1984. "no regrets". Essential punk rock. PLEASURE LEFTISTS "The Woods of Heaven" is a post-punk powerhouse out of Cleveland that deserve much more exposure. A petite female who comes to life onstage as a killer band backs her odd manerisms and monster of a voice. The band are Clevo vets of varying genres who nail the sound just right--witch great songs to back it up.
I suppose there will be a second part to this, with more 2015 highs and lows....hopefully with more local releases discussed.
This Blog has been absent for far too long and it took a rather tragc event for me to decide to revive it. A few things to review: We are fastly approaching our 6th year and we bow our heads to all of our supporters who make this dream reality much longer than we had expected.
A fire, a sketchy situation with a sketchy person, a br00tal winter and the understanding that we are doing business in a financially strapped town. We are often strapped right with you, for we do no not have the luxury of ordering everything when we'd like to. We are not snubbing you--we just have to make sure the bills (and BILL!) is paid first. Ok, enough of that.
Longtime Mohawk Place owner (he had sold the bar several years before its nosedive and subsequent closing) passed away after battling illness. The Mohawk had long lost it's lustre around the time Pete let it go...and with it, the vibe went with it. The booking braintrust of Marty Boratin, Bill Nehill and a few outside promoters had slowly either been pushed aside or left on their own accord. Either way, the days of Mohawks legend had flown the place long before those final nights. Perrone was called a father figure to so many, a supporter for underdog musicians--and he sure as hell was. His policy of treating bands the way he did was and remains unheard of and very rare. Like any businessman, Perrone didnt want to lose money...but he seemed to "get it". He took some shows on the chin, but this is precisely why the Mohawk had the status it did.
Mohawk Place was the first time my "challenging" band set our feet on a stage. We were rookies, we were older guys playing mid-paced punk rock (not a popular approach at the time) and we did it loudly without knowing our gear well enough ye to avoid the piercing room clearing feedback we became known for. For one reason or another, we were embraced by Pete and always felt welcome (unless someone else was calling the shots).
Pete was a proud ex-serviceman of his country--he served in Vietnam and was in the Air National Guard for years, and he was proud and loved his country. Not unlike my own father, he said the right things to keep us encouraged. When i first opened Spiral Scratch, i;d get an occasional call from Perrone "checking in" om how my crazy idea was going, how his estranged manager Bill N. was doing, and general discussions. I had recently lost my own father and support from those who knew better was minimal. My father was one of the few who believed in it (it caused a major rift in my own family) and the words of encouragement i so desperately needed from my recently deceased father were coming from Pete. Of course, my friends were there for me...but i was desperately seeking encouragement from an elder statesman. Thank you, Peter Perrone...you were well loved outside what i'm sure was a great family of your own.
A documentary on the Mohawk Place was made..but it would have had to be a Ken Burns-type series to touch on the importance of homeless bands like Baseball Furies and their Rustbelt Revolts really transformed the Mohawk for what it would become. Those shows brought in traveling bands, travelling fans and Buffalo a taste of what was happening around the country. No show before or after were more important than these weekend classics. It became apparent, Mohawk was thee place for Buffalo's indie and older punk scenes (though i recall shows as diverse as Cash Only, Mockba, Robot Has Werewolf Hand, TPT AND Abusing the Word. Young bands like the Dirtbombs, Jay Reatard & the Lost Sounds, cult legends like Cheater Slicks and hardcore elders like Murphys Law all loved the treatment, the atmosphere and the owner. there were so many others, too.
Eric G, Mikel Doktor and Pete Perrone.
It's quite pathetic that clubs claiming "the next Mohawk" are totally out of any small time price range, or other similarly sized venues are taking huge sums of money for the "privilege" of playing their bullshit stage. Mistreating and disrespecting the performing bands. There are a few exceptions, but dont think there will ever be another Pete Perrone-era Mohawk Place--there will not. Thank you Pete--we will never forget you, your heart and pulling up and getting the obligatory "how the hell are ya?". In those later years, you would pull up to the club and see a tour bus out front twice the size of the venue. It was clear things had changed. The staff was pretty much a decent and memorable cast of characters--always. And dont forget Jack Hunter, who had an instrumental role in the history. He booked before Boratin and Nehill. Marty became (or has always been) legendary himself for treating bands he booked to a class - A meal and class-A accommodations. Bill was just a classy dude. True hearts of gold ran this joint. Especially the owner.
Get on down to the Town Ballroom this weekend for an evening of music and reflection on Pete's time here on this bitter earth. A celebration of Pete's life. Mohawks heavyweight bands like Irving Klaws, Girlpope, Bill Nehill, longtime happy hour blues rockers Willie and the Reinharts (pete's musical love was the blues, but he accepted the evolution) and other surprises will be playing a few songs and i'm sure some R-rated stories will be retold. Sometimes we didnt all wanna hug each other--but thats how big families can be. At the end, those who were a part of it all along can appreciate each other in retrospect. We were different in our approaches, but we were more alike than we realized at the time. We have a common thread to thank for that. Proceeds will benefit the Wounded warrior Project-- a charity focused on honoring and empowering our veterans returning from their service. Knowing pete, this meant a lot to him.
No, your pre-planned evening is not anywhere close to as important as this...so get there.
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If you use INSTAGRAM to keep up on local happenings incoming stuff--please be aware our original INSTAGRAM (see for yourself!) page was kinda stolen and is used to re-direct internet traffic to a "thing" we are IN NO WAY affiliated with. The real one, well, doesn't direct you to some drifter's "whatever". think about that for a minute and draw your own conclusions. spiralscratchrecords_ will bring you to the real thing. weak. it was brought to our attention that this be addressed, and i am doing so as tactfully as possible. thank you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We would truly like to express our gratitude to BUFFALO SPREE magazine, who voted us 2014 Best Record Store. We tend to agree with this and beats our 2012 Best Hipster Hangout award. lets not alienate our wonderful customers...because in 2014, Hipster has become a dirty word. I'd much rather be a Hipster, than a bitter SQUARE who steals instagram pages! ha!
We even went to the "par-tay" at Shea's and ate and drank and stuck out like the Beverly Hillbillies. But again, we cannot express our appreciation at being noticed a magazine devoted to "pimping" our awesome city. Thank You.
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We'll be posting more about some new stock coming in and letting you know that we've had our largest incomig of quality used stuff coming in at a fever pitch. Abundant classics from metal, grind, death metal, the Smiths, tons of new wave and post-punk stuff, classic punk titles and loads of classic rock, prog and jazz records. We'll also let you know we are having a cool contest to give away a pair of 2-day RIOT FEST passes. Check our (the real0 INSTAGRAM or FACEBOOK pages for details...or if you like, just email us for details. No purchase necessary, but it wouldn't hurt.
some current favorites of the newly released variety:
SKULL DEFEKTS lp CHEATER SLICKS: Live Volume 3 the FUZZ lp SOUL BUTCHERS cd demo FLESHY MOUNDS tape BLOODSTAINS ACROSS BUFFALO BRAIN F lp AUSMUTANTS lp
Adam Mickiewicz was a polish activist and political writer from the 19th century. He is the namesake of Buffalo's oldest ethnic social club--we'll call it the Polish Library (seems like the punchline or set-up to a weak ethnic joke) though it's full name is the Adam Mickiewicz Library and Dramatic Circle. Located at 612 Fillmore on the city's fabled east side, the Polish Library has hosted other shows in the past, though it's yearly Decency Rally is undoubtedly it's biggest. They also boast a bar full of eastern bloc beers at rock bottom prices, a friendly staff and a lonely pool table that is free. Please stay off the piano, brosef.
Aaron Weese is a 21st Century Boy (man, but for the sake of T-Rex...)--spawned (and documented) a hardcore scene in Medina before setting sights on the big city and has been in some memorable bands. He is the curator of this annual showcase of local, mostly aggressive (their are some key exceptions) bands based in the Queen City. Usually, you can see local labels and organizations lining the wall with tables of records, donation buckets, literature and whatever else folks are passionate about. Aaron probably fields many bands hoping to play--though there is never enough ro
om for everyone.
You do, however, get a good chunk of whats happening in Buffalo's underground hardcore, punk and indie scenes with some of the better and serious bands--some established with records out; some in their formative stages.
Outside, you can smoke whatever it is you smoke, or enjoy the excellent Amy's Place Mobile Food Unit aka Amy's Place Truck. This appeases those pesky veggie folk and murderous carnivores alike. Inside, it's more than a show with a bunch of bands. As touched on before, I'd expect a few tables wih local labels and distros and other things to keep you busy. Bands play continuously in the large room downstairs, and the more intimate cove upstairs. Expect times to go as posted.
Mallwalkers recently released their debut lp on local via Albany label, Peterwalkee Records. They have both been written about in detail on this blog and are no strangers to the Rally. Expect a little extra from them on this special occasion. And for christs sakes, pick up their debut longplayer "Shake The Rust Off" from peterwalkee records or yer favorite record shop. Which better be this one, cheese. Mallwalkers are more than a spectacle--they have some great songs, solid musicians, a concise vision which even the most stripped down bands forget is essential.
While Utah Jazz have relocated to Rochester (2/3, anyway) they still are claimed by Buffalo and are one of our favorite acts on the bill. A relentless, bass-less garage punk attack that stretches genre boundaries and has become entrenched as a 'against the grain' band around these parts. They're fantastic and i wish more bands would take a cue. Some have. It's raw, in your face and the rock and roll you need for survival.
They say many people care the Herpes virus, though it is dormant. Which leads us to Able Danger! I first met the AD fellas from the north when they arrived at my home in North Buffalo with a demo for me to listen to. I'll say i was shocked it had been recorded with a laptop in a friends living room in like 2 hours or something. The first song was an "instant hit" and the others followed along. This was just some good, home cooked punk rock with a bratty sneer and a local theme. They haven't been playing much and while I'm unaware of their status, they will surface on saturday night once again. Maybe if they receive a wild, welcome...they will play more often.
Atmospheric rockers Ancients Of Earth took me by surprise at first listen...first heard on the Buffalo Brutality 7" comp offered up by Warm Bath. They bring a less heavy approach, instead (and welcome) offer up a psychedelic, ambient to powerful doomy rock approach to their instrumental vision. They recorded with Mr. Ski Mask at the Electric Pumpkin Patch Studio, though i have not properly heard this recording. Not yet, anyway.
Resist Control have been both delivering the goods via intense hardcore punk for several years now while being a bit overlooked and taken for granted at the same time. These "lady-killers" boast a healthy pedigree of members and seem to be getting a second (or third) wind, as they have laid down a full lp (to be released at this same venue in early 2014) and will be a welcome site at the rally, as their live gigs have become few and far between.
Some newer acts will showcase their results from hours spent in the basement or their overpriced practice room: The all female "gash crew" affiliated Cross Stitch, who just wrapped up a demo recorded by Mr. Matt "heartbreaker" Smith at his Hi-Lo studio. These pretty gals will claw the eyes out of your sockets if you look at them wrong and are another up and coming band with a, hopefully, bright future as they progress. They're off to a killer start if the demo and some live shows we've seen are any indication. I'm a fan, even if it's my eyes that come out of their sockets on saturday! Forget the "all girl" selling point, they're already one of this towns more unique and cool bands. West Side Pride. Real People recently played the Dungeon and kick out some serious DC-style post hardcore with an extreme tightness that is honest and unrelenting. They, like many, are veterans of the 'Rally.
Another new (to me, anyway) band is the Foster-fronted Flood Drinker -- a blast in your face punk rock outfit. Sounds like the way we like it over here and the live show is anticipated. They seem to have a sense of humor, yet the music is no joke. Raging ragers. Meanwhile, Sperm so new i havent heard them or seen them...yet! A quick, yet thorough listen to their recordings unearths an interesting and not-typical Buffalo-core approach. Some neat noisy thud, cool guitar playing and not afraid to slow things down. A bright blip on the radar; a band i'm looking forward to see. Speaking of which, Dream Journal have my attention lately (i was a latecomer to the DJ game...cut a man some slack). One this town should be proud and lucky to have, while you'd never know it but we're experiencing a musical valley. Not too shabby so far. DJ bring a welcome departure from typical by the numbers hardcore with a more-than-proficient gang of pals bringing the noise. They were a last minute add, like Sperm, and will undoubtedly bring their a-game for such a big show. Pick up their tape-only release on Drug Party (Dr. Stephen Floyd-Drinker's cassette only label) from the Drug Party webstore or out own brick and mortar shop. (i hate that term and we ain't just selling buttons)
As annual as the Rally is the avante-garde Cages--Nola and Dave Bailey and a guest-- will be performing as a trio. With a majority of tesosterone dripping from the seams in the hardwood, no voice fills the AMLADC main room with more power than Miss. Nola. Another rare not-so-punk garage psych band formed out of the ashes of the Fucking Hotlights is the Johns--songs by Johnny "Drama" Toohill and backed by some of Buffalo's "in the know" musicians--this band continues to get better with the passing days. Well written songs delivered in their purest form (and catchy at that) should alienate the "punk as fuck set" enough that I can get some photos of this ultra-handsome band. VOC. Brutality from the mouths of babes. I used to know these cats, but they dont tak to me anymore...so be it. They are a band and they bring it fast and br00tal. i shall expect the same from those empowered ladies in ACHILLEA--pay no mind to the controversies and chit-chat.
Mayday!. Another band that is upper level stuff--surf-punk rock with killer guitar shreds and powerful vocals that seem to appeal to a wider audience. They are no stranger to the rally, either...though you should probably check them out anyway. Go on, square--click the link. Own their records. Some day we'll look back and see the bands that mattered and Mayday! will be discussed. Another familiar face at the Decency Rally, by now you should be well aware of the Seasonal Geese; a much more rewarding Google™ search when researching bands like Mayday! They are a long running, hit-the-road band with a handful of cr00sh releases.
Finally, a band i haven't been privy to witness live, SunBlackSmoke will undoubtedly bring more volume and an unrelenting attack of what the kids call "stoner metal" which is an unfair term slapped on heavy, slower bands that have any remote debt to Sabbath or Pentagram. Listening to SunBlackSmoke--there is a lot more going on here. It's not a reinvention of the wheel, but it's not by the book "stoner metal" by any means. I assume they are a newer band--byt unlike many on the bill, this is their first Decency Rally.
The Decency Rally runs tight to the clock. Expect a band to play at their set time and things to run fluidly. Expect the bar to run out of beer towards the end of the night. And no matter what you're into---get your ass down to 612 Filmore at any point and expect the unexpected. this is a night where bands take it a step further, dig a little deeper--and a night for you to discover a part of whats going on underground in Buffalo.
And Spiral Scratch will remain open open regular hours, as well as our Sprial Scratch Radio Program on 91.3fm wbny at 10. It streams at www.wbny.org Thanks for reading. we'll be posting more store news later tonight. from Buffalo north, take 33 Downtown and exit at the Science Museum. take a left and a right on Filmore. 612 will be on the right. Critters will be gathered out front and there is a huge parking lot across the street. From south, downtown and points east or west...use your GPS. Its a close and quick drive from anywhere else you'd be going to in the city tonight. Get Decent, you're running out of time. anchovies 11.15.13
As we approach our 5 year anniversary (holy crap, doo!) a lot is being planned to give back to everyone who has supported us, helped us in anyway, shape or form, didn't screw us over and get all weird with us, and mostly...never forgot about us. A fire couldn't stop us, more powerful retail outlets capitalizing on our true love won;'t stop us...and for that, we have you to thank. Patience while we figured it all out, learned how the game is played while sticking to our ethos. More on that soon.
Ok, let's talk incoming stock, shall we? 2 posts in a week? Someone has nothing to do with their life. We will also begin working in our flagship radioshow-- now known as SCRATCH-N-SNIFF RADIO. It airs every saturday (well, most saturdays) at 10 p.m. to midnight. Click that link and you'll uncover tons of playlists from the last...well, a long time.
Those two turntables are only used by a few dj's these days...more often,students are eating lunch off them, or wondering what the fuck they are! Saturdays feature long-running 80's fanatic Robin "squid explosion" Connell and indie wildman Brian "ski" K. In their wake, I, sometimes joined by Chuck "termbo" Barrels or JD or whoever doesn't have plans that saturday night. We try to play what we love...oldies and new stuff we want you to know about.
Let's get to some new stuff, eh?
DIRTBOMBS - ooey gooey chewy ka-blooey! Another adventourous foray into the world of rock and roll genius, Mick Collins. In addition to the plethora of Dirtbombs albums, Collins has paid tribute to soulful...well, soul and rock and roll via ULTRAGLIDE IN BLACK and most recently, Detroit House Music wih the adventerous PARTY STORE triple. Here, Collins does not cover songs in fuzzy Dirtombs tradition, rather Mick Collins wrote ten new tracks which pay homage to the sound and
style originally popularized in the late ’60s / early ’70s by producers /
exploiters like Kasenetz-Katz and Don Kirschner. While the usual
Dirtbombs’ double-drums, fuzzy guitars and soulful swagger are present,
Ooey Gooey is sugary, sunshiny pop rock that recalls Josie & the
Pussycats, the Banana Splits and Lancelot Link & the Evolution
Revolution, to name but three. It’s all sing-along choruses, childlike
themes and a contrived innocence—not the kind of record one would’ve
predicted from a guy who once fronted The Gories. Top notch.
OLIVIA TREMOR CONTROL - BLACK FOLIAGE/MUSIC FROM THE UNREALIZED FILM...
Two limited double lp's featuring hard to find material from OTC, wonderfully packaged and apparently limited to 1000 copies each. Though these originally came out 2 years ago, we are to assume a few more were pressed. Whatever the case may be, we have them waiting for you.
BATHS - Obsidian After suffering a year long illness, BATHS has produced a follow-up to critically acclaimed CERULEAN (2010), the mood here is a bit more wry, painful yet upbeat in it's overall execution. Bearing the scars of a year bedridden e. coli illness, the scars of that affair are obviously evident here--as could be expected. Still, a cohesive effort that is also receiving high acclaim from music hacks and fans alike. They are due in town soon, so now is the time to do your himework and get ready for the show. We have tickets, too.
EX-CULT - 7" A unique (thank god) spiunning take on punk rock from the fantastic Memphis, TN oufit, EX-CULT (forced to change their name due to some nyc electro-bozo's calling themselves "Sex Cult", too. Anyway, as you gaze through the 7"'s, do yourself a favor and sample this unique, raging attack on punk rock. Then snag that lp, because it's a killer. Goner Records can be depended upon.
Speaking of Goner, check out the line-up of GONERFEST happening this fall in, of course, Memphis.
MIKAL CRONIN - MCII - Once the leader of LA Garage wildmen (err...kids), Charlie and the Moonhearts (later shortened to MOONHEARTS), Cronin was already showing an obvious talent for songwriting on the bands slower, less chaotic numbers. While he plays mostly everything here on this dynamic follow-up tohis highly touted self-titled solo breakout, he is now signed to Merge Records and gets help from Ty Segall, Charlie Moonheart, Petey Dammit--though Cronin did most of it himself. A beauty of a record, worthy of the hype and an example of musician not staying in one place too long. Surely this will be on many "top of '13" lists. And that is well deserved. Get it.
BL'AST - BLOOD Whatever you think of Dave Grohl, i truly believe the guy has his heart in the right place. Take, for example, his help in unearthing the SST hardcore crossover thrash BL'AST. Blood is not a re-issue, though these recordings are from 1987...recently unearthed by former guitarist Mike Nieder in an old storage locker and cleaned up in some fancy studio by Mr. Grohl, most certainly a fan and an influence on, especially, his drumming. The result is a powerhouse album. Check out the trailer Southern Lord has put together.
URINALS - NEGATIVE CAPABILITY In The Red Records, why but of course. Everything you could possibly want by the great URINALS. Amphetamine Reptile put out a retrospective cd back in 1996, but this covers much more ground on one of America's greatest underground post-punk treasures--relesing their own material back during their lifespan from 1977-1980 (they later became the Happy Flowers). 31 tracks in total!
"Want to hear America’s Wire, only twice as primitive (if that’s
possible), with one quarter the sound quality? Even when they are
covering the Soft Machine’s “Why Are We Sleeping?” they sound like a
three-step primer on minimalism, in scratchy, fast, burping, nutso punk
with clipped vocals. You can see why the Minutemen covered “Ack Ack Ack
Ack,” but it’s the real solid, melodic stuff—such as the Last-inspired
harmonies of the great A-sides “Black Hole” (covered by Leaving Trains -ed) and “Sex,” and “Scholastic
Aptitude,” and the instrumental “Surfing With the Shah” (which
foreshadows the coming of 100 Flowers and later offshoot Trotsky
Icepick)—that makes so many Angelinos remember this goofy but great trio
so fondly. Negative Capability has an unrelenting, authoritative
intelligence and sense of humor." —Jack Rabid
(Jack Rabid is responsible for Big Takeover magazine and has been writing about music since the early 80's covering NYHC act Stimulators with his Stimulators Report.)
Last but not least is the soundtrack for BIG STAR documentary NOTHING CAN HURT ME (recently screened at Squeaky Wheel, though you'll want that dvd).
This is an essential for fans because it features ALL unreleased material...instead of being some greatest hits starter kit for an up and coming hep cat, this is 2 albums worth of alternate takes, unreleased tracks and "movie mixes". what else can be said here: this is an absolute must for fans and n00bs alike. We all know the Big Star story by now (or we should). Great band who didn't hit it big when they should have--the sad tale of many great bands. That is a blessing, because we probably wouldn't give to shits about them if they had been shoved down our throats for the last 30 years! Oh...yeah, we probably would. They influenced multiple generations and are among the holy grail of American Rock and Roll. Not a perfect band by any means...but who is? You need this.
More instock, including restocks on Bill Fay, Scott Walker, Daft Punk, Destruction Unit and a new release from NEKO CASE.
Next post will report on some upcoming shows, the 5th Anniversary and another hefty incoming with new releases from MGMT, ARCADE FIRE, DESTRUCTION UNIT, JACUZZI BOYS and more.
It's almost embarrassing how this blog has taken a backseat to nonsense, fantasy/video-game/actual baseball obsessions and other wasted time, a bizarre situation that you can see if you open your eyes, many changes at ground zero, blah blah blah.
Since the last post , our fine city of Buffalo, NY has lost so much of it's music scene in the form of legendary and soon-to-be legendary venues (ask a punk), peak bands either disbanding or lasting mere months, etc. It's old news. A tire goes flat, you get a new one and start pumping air back into it. The mainstays keep it worth living. In a few short months we will be 5 years old. Not bad. We owe it all to YOU and we are grateful to make folks happy while doing what we really love. Maybe lost a few along the way but make no mistake--we've gained more. Make no mistake, our heart is in the right place and we aim to support every band, music fan, record label as we have been supported.
Enough of that masqued middle-finger, let's talk about what prompted me to sign in and write this morning after an amazing double feature (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory b/w Pee Wee's Big Adventure).
Perhaps Buffalo's most anticipated full length lp this year came from the adventurous soul punk "pack" that is MALLWALKERS. I've heard this excellent, talented band led by soul fanatic/dj- Handsome Dan Carosa and Jamie Rowitsch on lead vocals and a serious music machine that includes Stephens' Floyd (bass) and Schmitt (guitar), the towering Andy Dennison on the traps (now replaced by the hard hitting but tender-loving Jordan Nittoli) sometimes unfairly tagged as a "party band" and, with an always growing brass section that is for real, the fact is they have songs--really good ones like "Future Shock" "Going Dowtown" for which they've made videos for. It's no doubt these songs will be remembered, along with much of this great album, years from now. But forget about "party band" and any gimmickry the whole visual/art/music that might cross your mind--MALLWALKERS are for real and they've backed up a killer demo tape (released on bass guy Stephen Floyd's DRUG PARTY tape label) with the epic sounding (recorded at Hi-Lo by Matt Smith and touched up by John Angelo) SHAKING THE RUST OFF (Peterwalkee Records). Right now they are leaving their stain across the midwest in immediate support of this album and the release show which kicked the whole thing off was less "fun" and more "powerful". And that's a high compliment. They sounded like a roadworn band just getting back from a blood-drawn roadie. They hadn't left yet, though.
Musically, the core of the band is littered with serious players. Stephen Schmitt delivers some of the most inventive chops around and the rhythm section is nails. The horn section works so well around that core and toss in two charismatic front-people, and you've got MALLWALKERS. Both live and on record they deliver and their appeal has broad potential. They could fascinate people that buy records in malls along with the smelliest punk kid on the block. See/hear for yourself. Of course, these will be in stock until Matto runs out of them.
BARE MUTANTS crept up on me without warning, often busy chasing down some over-hyped buzz band record whilst blindly ordering whatever it is In The Red Records has released lately (because Larry rarely has an off release, if ever!) and turns out it's a personal favorite that features leader, the towering Jered Gummere (the Ponys, Guilty Pleasures, etc)--also a towering songwriter that has influenced more "popular" yet lesser acts throughout his time slashing guitar for the punk rock Guilty Pleasures and the more restrained, underrated PONYS with whom he really broke out as a fantastic songwriter that entranced punks and indie folk alike for it's honest and driving albums and singles scattered over time. BARE MUTANTS is pure bliss if you know where I'm going with this. Might as well get on the bandwagon now because this disc is continued genius songwritng, a pulsing, droning organ soaked affair that brings fuzzy guitar, Gummere's honest vocals/guitar work and willingness to get heavy on an otherwise laid back approach. It works perfectly. Hopefully they pass through town because the odds are they really kick ass live. I've never seen Jared mail in a show even when a local promoter did the last time the PONYS made it here. Don't say we didn't warn you. One of the years best, so far.
OBLIVIANS are allowed to reunite and play shows and make lots of money wherever it comes from. Why? Not because they were the real punk rock of 90s that was overlooked save the garage punk scene and one of the best bands to walk the earth. No, sir and/or madam. It's not because they deserve it, it's because they effortlessly put out a new album of all new songs--their first in over a decade--and it stands up as well as anything they have ever done, as if those years and the amazing music they have made or released (Reigning Sound, Jack O., Goner Records respectively) never happened, though thank christ it did. Don't call it a comeback.
Australia's contributions to rock and roll, proto-punk, first wave punk (the Saints arguably released the first punk single and were calling out fraudulent punks--disregarding punks fashion and cliche's while blasting out '77 punk that made bands bigger in the UK look silly. radio Birdman, the Scientists, Nick Cave & the Birthday Party, X, etc). Right now the Aussie music scene--speareheaded by Eddy Current Suppression Ring that features some of todays best: Total Control, Royal Headache, UV Race, Straightjacket Nation, etc.
In the early 70's Lobby Lloyd was at the forfront of a heavy rock band so nasty, they mistakenly were a proto-punk band. Often called the father of heavy rock in Australia, Lloyd began Coloured Balls in the early 70s, a band that openly influenced AC/DC, Kurt Cobain, and the excellent, if not superior, first wave of punk that happened in Australia. They call it proto-punk but these guys were just playing the kind of rock and roll that made people want to fight one another.
With so much time between posts, it would be a labor to discuss each one. New releases like the latest Mountain Goats, Superchunk, some Bill Fay reissues, new stuff from deathwish, In The Red, reaper, Drag City, Whats Your Rupture?, Sub Pop, Grave Mistake and more represent an impressive influx of critical newly released records, croosh-l re-issues, loads of new used lp's, a few nice, semi-vintage turntables (ready to go with all working parts and priced nicely) for sale are just a few of the reasons to stroll on in. We have taken a break on orders for a few weeks, but expect that to pick up. And if you placed a special order--that will be part of the incoming. This is just a snippet of whats happened and whats to come.
Daft Punk - Random Access Memories While you can find a few older daft Punk lp's in the used bins, this new 3 piece LP is blowing some minds as this long running french duo had a bit of a critical rebirth (though they've been on the go since their inception) in 2013 with this triple album. Its been a tough one to keep in stock.
Burger Records has re-issued one of the last decades great albums--KING TUFF...WAS DEAD. This 2008 monument was an immediate classic record full of hooks, bowie-esque monets and downright catchy numbers that sounded like nobody else. King Tuff has finally returned via SUB POP with a fine slf-titled follow-up, but ...WAS DEAD is a modern classic and is finally back in print and potentially back in your IKEA record rack.
...and about a month later, this post must be wrapped up. we'll tell you all about the new stuff coming in, upcoming events and crap like that--
last week we had a cool show with the return of The Returners a touring band that rattled the birds nest--To Tremble and the moghty Failures Union (who recently announced a new lp out soon on paper & Plastick (vinyl) and a video has appeared (look closely for our fine boutique! and team playa Bill Nehill in a cameo)--
That's HTML. i hope you can see it...it's a great vid and was put together by Smilin' Dave Dluga--awesome fella and member of a plethora of great bands: White Whale, Red Delicious and more.
Keep an eye and ear open for upcoming events: Shows, Our 5 Year Anniversary!, A special zine opening and of course, records, record players, t-shirts, buttons, books, zines and more!
