Music Notes: February 2023
Things to hear then…mostly older stuff, as I haven’t gotten out too much lately.
1 Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
Currently my favourite album title. Saw Yo La Tengo once with Superchunk or Teenage Fanclub (can’t remember which ) at Lee’s Palace. This one’s a bit louder than other YLT stuff, but just as irresistible.
2. Stiff Little Fingers – Inflammable Material
SLF were 2nd generation Irish punks. Originally named Highway Star, after the Deep Purple song, they were changed by punk. After two furious singles “Suspect Device,” and “Alternative Ulster,” and an aborted deal with Island, the band released this monster of a debut. A re-recorded version of “Suspect Device” opens the album and it never lets up. The version of “Johnny Was” is still incredible, and while “White Noise” is a song from another time, four decades on, the album is still incredible.
3. The Redskins – Neither Washington nor Moscow
I mentioned this box set earlier, but have now had a chance to listen to it. Only bought one Redskins release before this, the Peel Sessions record, so this was a bit of a curiosity buy, but got to say, it’s a pretty solid album. The original album, an alternative version, Peel sessions, and loads of live stuff. Along with a pretty informative booklet. Good job.
4. Bobbie Gentry – The Girl from Chickasaw County
A 2-CD set culled from a larger box set, but just as essential. The first song is of course Gentry’s best-known song “Ode to Billie joe,” but the rest of the record is a pretty amazing blend of country, folk and pop. You might also seek out the 33 1/3 book Ode to Billie Joe.
5. Depeche Mode – “Ghosts Again”
Never seen Depeche Mode live, never owned any of their records, but pop on a track and I’ll listen. They write good pop songs, sometimes a bit dark, but good pop songs nonetheless. This track from the Memento Mori hits the spot.
6. Television – The Blow Up
I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Television over the last month. After the studio stuff, I moved on to the live recordings. I’m not certain which is my favourite, but The Blow Up with its rougher sound is a current fave. Another great band I never saw live.
7. Gord Lewis
I wrote last year of the death of Teenage Head guitar player Gord Lewis. Lewis was the victim of a fatal assault by his son who suffered from mental illness. His son was charged with second degree murder, but was found not criminally responsible for his actions.
8. Vive le Rock
I have subscriptions to Mojo and Uncut, but have recently picked up some issues of Vive le Rock. A little more punky that the other two, but if you like the recommendations in this column, it might be worth checking out.
9. Brian James – The Guitar That Dripped Blood
One of those guys who never quite got the dues he deserved. The guitar player and songwriter for the Damned, James wasn’t a part of the second and more successful version of the band. He was a founder of Lords of the New Church, and has also recorded a series of fantastic garage rock punk albums. This one from 2015. I almost saw him when he toured wit Rat Scabies a few years back. Apparently I was the only person who bought a ticket from Soundscapes. The show did not happen.
10. Extraordinary.
Not a music show at all. Extraordinary is the story of a young women without superpowers in a world where everyone else has one. The Guardian mused it was like Derry Girls filmed by the MCU. Anyway, great soundtrack. I’m surprised they had any budget to pay the actors.
And for those of you keeping track, I am at #35 on the Uncut 300. Today’s listening was OutKast’s Stankonia.
Till next month.
Notes from Underground 