Kickstand - Kickstand (1994)

      I first heard this band off of the Woosh! comp of Little Teddy Recordings, and had little luck finding more of their stuff online.  There were a couple tracks hosted on different sites, but no reissue to be found, no full albums online.  The band is two sisters, Tammi & Torry Colichio, and Jeff Feuerzeig, director of Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King and The Devil and Daniel Johnston.  Their brand of fem vocal indie pop-rock drenched with a Farfisa organ, Casio Keyboards, and rocking guitar, is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  Their cover version of Colossal Youth is a toe tapper not to be missed.  You'll enjoy it, promise.

Have fun,
-J


Kickstand - Kickstand (1994)
01 How To Make A Girl Cry
02 My Reputation
03 Magic.mp3
04 Lullaby.mp3
05 Colossal Youth
06 I Rode In Saucers
07 Slingshot
08 Wish Upon A Star
09 Not Enough Memory
10 Whisper
11 Teenage Kicks
12 Full Moon
13 Spiral
14 Take The Highway
15 Spinning Top
16 Roller Rink
17 Once Around Town
18 Why Can't I
19 The Card Shuffle
20 Daydream
21 Get-Well Kiss
22 Tally Ho
23 Crumble

Get It Here

Various Artists - A Classic Slice Of Teenage Angst

   I have just one post this month but its an instant classic in all sense of the word.  I've heard mention of Volume 2 of this compilation, which I have a copy of a copy of and would be willing to put up here if people are interested.  But I have never heard any mention of volume 1.  A Classic Slice Of Teenage Angst is an amazing compilation that gives a great idea of what DIY ethos and 150 pounds can accomplish. Made in the wake of the Earcom compilations, 110 copies of this cassette were distributed along with a 16 page zine with information about all the bands as well as whatever the author cared to add. Since this cassette is a copy of an original its got a bit of hiss, but it doesn't take away from the sheer brilliance of this compilation.

have fun,
-j

Bands:

Mr. Domestos & the Bok

The Manchester Mekon

Restless Day

Anthrax for the People

Coventry z z z

les weebs

The Mysterons

From Chorley

Paul Cooksen & Lorraine Hickey

White Steel

Classic Slice cassette

Zine 

The Wilson Brothers - Jesus Will Lead You(1971/1980)?

     Anyone who is familiar with Waxi will know this next one.  The Wilson Brothers with their LP Jesus Will Lead You.  A five piece with guitar, bass, drums and keyboard doing raw gospel tracks that will have you dancing in no time.  The band is four brothers out of Palo Alto California rocking out while their Reverend(Dad?) playing keyboards.  According to the back of the record they started playing in 1971 when they were  10, 9,  8 and 6.  At the time of the recording they were 19, 18, 16 and 15 so that would put this recording around 1980 I believe,  although it looks older so I could be wrong.  Either way, grab it, you will not be disappointed.

have fun,
-j

The Wilson Brothers - Jesus Will Lead You(1971/1980)?
1.  Spirit
2.  Get Up And Serve The Lord
3.  Let There Be Peace
4.  Holy Spirit
5.  Jesus Will Lead You
6.  Up A Little Higher
7.  Who Saved Me
8. God Is Good
9.  Call On Jesus

Wilson Brothers

Ruby And The Dreamers - A Right To Be Free (19??)

       Well its the new year and about time for me to put up a new post.  My new year's resolution is to be posting on here at least once a month. To start off this year I have a goodie I found at the goodwill just this week.  Ruby and The Dreamers with their album A Right To Be Free.  Stellar Gospel with funk tinges.  This was on Pavilion records and distributed by Century Custom out of Oakland California.  Ruby Shield's vocals on the opening track A Right To Be Free are simply beautiful.  Seconded by Willie Shields on Why I Shed Tears.  The album takes a turn with Go On and Move with some funky jams.  One more album coming up soon for today.

have fun,
-j


Ruby And The Dreamers - A Right To Be Free (19??)
1.  A Right To Be Free
2.  I Can't Stand It
3.  Johnny And Mary
4.  Tell It Like It Is
5.  That's The Way It's Meant To Be
6.  Please
7.  Why I Shed Tears
8.  Go On And Move
9.  You've Got To Have Love

Ruby And The Dreamers 

Wheelz of Steel - Volume One (1982/3)

     So I realize I haven't been posting a lot due to work and school eating up most of my time so I thought I'd post something extra for this weekend.  A friend showed me this record awhile back, and its one of of my favorite things in my collection.  Wheelz of Steel was a Rock/Metal, band out of Wisconsin.  The band consisted of Raymond Markowski and Richard Markowski(twin brothers) and "T-R".  T-R was what they called their drum machine, something from the Roland TR series.  This LP is 8 tracks of amazingness, from songs about underage crushes becoming legal, being rock n roll leaders, and traveling through space.   Rumor has it that they used the name Wheelz of Steel because they were in wheelchairs.  At points this LP drifts off into an almost post-punk sound due to the drum machines and ripping guitar styles.  For fans of Hawkwind, Chrome and future metal.

If you choose to download one thing from this blog, this is it.

have fun,
-j

Wheelz of Steel - Volume One (1982/3)
1.  Lady's 18
2.  Outerspace Man
3.  Soul Giver
4.  Cold People
5.  Why Me/Thrills
6.  Rocker
7.  Tortcher City
8.  Madman

Wheelz of Steel

Stew Lane & The Untouchables - Play This Song(1980)

      I think this will be the last post for today, but its a fun one.  I don't think I can quite do a good job of explaining this record or the madness that is Stew Lane( Stewart MacFarlane).  The best i can do is leave one of their music videos here for a demo of what's in store.

Support Stew Lane & The Untouchables and hear their LP on CDBaby.

-j

Stew Lane & The Untouchables - Play This Song(1980)

1.  Play This Song

2.  Perpetrator

Stew Lane & The Untouchables

Los Microwaves - Radio Heart(1979)

    If you haven't heard Los Microwaves before you've been missing out alot.  This EP came out in 79, one year after their first EP.  These tracks appear on their LP as well, Life After Breakfast which is definitely worth a listen..  Los Microwaves members all worked on the  Baby Buddha Music for Teenage Sex LP and David Javelosa had his hands in many projects surrounding Posh boy records.
In a nutshell: fast paced upbeat synth pop party music.

Have fun,
j

Los Microwaves - Radio Heart(1979)
1.  Radio Heart
2.  Coast to Coast

Los Microwaves

The Happy Cadavers - With Illustrations (1982)

   I've got a few EPs for you today.  To start it off we have a Kugelberg Classic coming in a number 74.  If you haven't heard this before or its classic track "I Saw My Baby in the Meat Section" you are in for a treat.  Snotty KBD punk with tongue in cheek morbid lyrics, even some odd keyboards lines to keep you on the edge.  Angst ridden lyrics such as "Things are everywhere, What should I avoid? Don't ask me you idiot, I'm no Freud" will have everyone pleased.

Have fun,
-j

The Happy Cadavers - With Illustrations (1982)
1.  Nothing New
2.  I Saw My Baby in the Meat Section
3.  Images
4.  Rigorous Mortis

The Happy Cadavers

Wet Picnic - Balls Up (1982)

     Last but not least we have Wet Picnic off of Unicorn Records in Santa Monica.  The synth on this album is what really sold me, goofy but fun throughout. It starts off with Cocktailed Sky, a nice track about alcoholism(maybe).  Occasionally the vocals feel a bit overproduced, but the goofy new wave jams that pop up keep it on the right course.  And if new wave isn't your thing, Tensions sounds like a sci-fi soundtrack being layered over a folk balad that goes awry.

have fun,
-j

Wet Picnic - Balls Up (1982)
1.  Cocktailed Sky
2.  She Don't Care
3.  Are You In Touch
4.  Tensions
5.  He Believes

Wet Picnic

Stained Rug Theory - Innocence (1985)

    Second for today we have Stained Rug Theory's Innocence LP from 85.  Art schoolers making art rock.  A chaotic record ranging from just talking over a guitar to post punk jams.  Somewhat novel with tracks like Young Beautiful & Depressed,  I am Communist, and Genetalia(how they spell it).  Surprisingly good even with the comedic nature of the lyrical content but if this isn't tongue and cheek we might have a problem.  You can thank RISD for this one.  They went on to make quite a few music videos which can be seen online.

have fun,
-j

Stained Rug Theory - Innocence (1985)
1.  Go Gentle
2.  Young, Beautiful & Depressed
3.  Genetalia
4.  Ozzie
5.  Bleed For You
6.  Edie
7.  Maybe We Should
8.  I am Communist
9.  Sorry

Link Removed 

Surreal Estate - Curtain Call (1986)

      Three posts coming up today.  First we have Surreal Estate with their 12" EP out of the UK.  This release opens with the track Without which makes one thing you might be listening to the best of Sarah Records comp.  The whole EP is drenched with that Smiths-esque/Twee vibe in all the right ways.  Peppermint and Ivory Towers is the guaranteed heart breaker, with vocals at the end that would feel more at home in a post punk band.  But before it ends Curtain Call brings it all back to the Sarah vibes.

Enjoy,
-j

Surreal Estate - Curtain Call (1986)
1.   Without
2.  Peppermint and Ivory Towers
3.  Curtain Call

Surreal Estate

Virus - Mercy Of Love EP (1993)

      I used to find copies of this record quite frequently in throughout Northern California.  I would pick always pick it up then just give it to a random friend.  I was never able to find out any information about it other than what was printed on the record.  If anybody knows anything about it I'd love to hear more.

      BE WARNED, do not listen to any track other than Change, they are there only to allow the record to remain unaltered.  Change is a great example of someone hopping on the new wave band wagon a little late, imagine Alan J Whitfield's releasing a dance floor new wave killer.  And it's from Danville, CA?! Nuff Said.

Have fun,

-j

Virus - Mercy Of Love EP (1993)

1.  Mercy Of Love (The Lovely Mix)

2.  Mercy Of Love (Vocal Mix

3.  Mercy Of Love (Merciful Mix)

4.  Change (Original Mix)

Virus

Ralph Swickard & Kenneth Heller - Sermons of Saint Francis/Hymn of Creation/Labyrinth (1970)

     For our first post today I have a strange one I found on my last trip to Los Angeles.  An experimental LP featuring Ralph Swickard and Kenneth Heller.  Heller's piece is performed by Douglas Ischar on cello with tape accompaniment, a echo driven piece of sonic soundscapes.  Swickard's piece is narrated by William DuBay reading the sermons of st. francis over sound collage.  I think the story written on Dubay on the back of the record really adds to the story so here you go:

"William Dubay - a native of Long Beach, California - was ordained a Catholic priest in the order of Jesuits after completion of his studies at St. John's College, california, in 1960.  Following several years of parish work, Father DuBay  gained national attention in 1964 when, in writing to Pope Paul VI, he asked for the removal of Cardinal James Francis McIntyre, then Archbishop of Los Angeles, for his failure to offer moral leadership in the civil rights crisis.  After experiencing many ensuing difficulties, partly as a consequence of his rather unorthadox action, Father DuBay was eventually required to relinquish his priestly duties.  Resigning from the Priesthod in 1968, William DuBay is now married, the father of an infant son, and step-father to four older children."

     The back of the LP is filled with great information on all of the artists, although it still does not compare to the beautiful cover artwork on the other side.  Have fun with this one its a strange one but great if your a fan of the electronic music of the late 60's/early 70's.

Have fun,
-j

Ralph Swickard & Kenneth Heller - Sermons of Saint Francis/Hymn of Creation/Labyrinth (1970)
1. Side A: 1.  Sermons of Saint Francis  2.  Hymn of Creation
2. Side B: 1.  Labyrinth

Swickard/Heller

Mission - The Last Detail (1983)

going three for three.

     Here we have Mission, an odd one out of  Maryland.  The 49 cent price tag from Middle Earth is a nice touch.  A bit post punk, a bit punk with a nice  cover of Stepping Stone( a song that was punk prior to the Sex Pistols)  to mix it up.  The track Interogation( yes, they misspelled it) is more of a straight up 80's punk jam, while the rest verges into post punk oblivion. Just listen, you'll like it.

Goodnight,
-j


Mission - The Last Detail (1983)
1.  Dreaming
2.  Reasons Why
3.  Where Were You
4.  What Goes Around
5.  The Girl Next Door
6.  Interogation
7.  Stepping Stone

Mission

Sueños - I'm So Crazy For You (1985)

Number 2 of 3 for tonight

      Here we have Sueños (Dreams) out of Northern California.  This was a recent Goodwill find for me, purchased their LP as well but it just wasn't my dish.  This 12" is solid all the way through, a mix of soul and funk a la keyboards and funky bass lines.  This band apparently had quite a big discography but I believe they changed styles frequently.   This is the only one I've found that is to my liking.  If you only listen to one track off this pick out Strain on my brain, its a guaranteed face melter.

Have fun,
-j

Sueños - I'm So Crazy For You (1985)
1.  I'm So Crazy For You
2.  Strain On My Brain
3.  It's Getting Tough

Link removed by artist request

Mark Beer - Collaborations (1979)

     As promised I will start off this weeks record dump, which is about 3 weeks to late and you have my apologies, but better late than never.  So here we have Mark Beer your ultimate DIY punk, pARTy  school EP, two tracks of odd bliss.  The first track The Man Man Man sounds like an 8 track interpretation of dropping out, the second, After The Accident, a more melodic laid back electronic gem.  Guaranteed to please.  More to come.

After the accident,
-J

Mark Beer - Collaborations (1979)
1.  The Man Man Man
2.  After The Accident

Mark Beer

New music coming soon

So I had to leave town for a bit, but I promise new posts coming soon.
-j

Chinas Comidas - Peasant/Slave Lover/Lover (1979)

     Its late Sunday night but there is music to be had.  Today we have Chinas Comidas out of Seattle Washington, an art punk band who somehow goes between anarcho and synth-punk style as well as doing poetry in 79.  The two sides of this EP are drastically different.  The first track Peasant/Slave has an anarcho style with some of the wimpiest drum machine sounding kick.  The second track, Lover/Lover, takes more of an SF art punk style with keyboards similar to Red Asphalt's sound.  The B-side, which Al Sharp takes part in, I have lumped into one track.  These tracks are spoken word poetry over synthesizer for one part and bass I believe for the second part.  The dark female vocals make this entire EP spectacular and a really enjoyable listen.  One last random fact, El Duce of the Mentors was an early drummer for the band prior to the formation of the Mentors.

Have Fun,
-j

Chinas Comidas - Peasant/Slave Lover/Lover (1979)
1.  Peasant/Slave
2.  Lover/Lover
3.  the alternative vision of the Snake In The Sun
4.  Disease

Chinas Comidas

Mortal Men - Mortal Men

     Heres the last thing on this late night extravaganza. The Mortal Men cassette which was found in the KDVS music library. I posted this release on a very shortly run blog with my old roommate sans images. I finally went down to the station recently and shaped some pictures and thought it deserved a little more listeners. I'll post some of the original description here "Sacramento unknowns mid 80s art school type with keyboard to prove it…. Somewhat reminds me of the laughing apples first EP. Never seen another copy of this thing around, please comment if you have any information on this lost sacramento band. 'I'm not just playing garbage and labeling it as art.'"

I'm not crazy,
-j

Mortal Men - Mortal Men
1.  I'm Not Crazy
2.  Everybody's Mind
3.  T.V. Song
4.  Fast Pace Life

Mortal Men

The Record Players - 60-7 Inches (1979)

     Ok, two more posts tonight then I must be getting some sleep.  As promised here is the final Record Players EP.  More UK DIY fun, with their should-be-famous track 67.  Guaranteed party on every track, nothing more needs to be said.


Have fun,
-j

The Record Players - 60-7 Inches (1979)

1.  Give an Inch
2.  Squirming in the vermin by the bonny banks of clyde
3.  67
4.  Parasite City

The Record Players