SECOND WAVE

THE STRANGLERS "WALK ON BY" (1978)

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:53:00 -0400

originally recorded by Dionne Warwick (1964)
cover version appears on Black and White, 1978

My beloved Stranglers and their glorious cover of the Bacharach standard. Dave Greenfield’s keyboard solo is so very excellent on this (they always were—Dave’s totally my favorite “Man in Black”). This song is heavy for me presently, coming to me again at the right time. Enjoy!

FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND “BLACK SABBATH” originally recorded by...

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:41:51 -0400

FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND “BLACK SABBATH”
originally recorded by Black Sabbath (Black Sabbath, 1970)
Appears on Anywhere (Phillips, 1970)

R.I.P. Joe Yamanaka

Flower Travellin’ Band were, for all intents and purposes, Japan’s answer to Black Sabbath, though their style was slightly more discursive. FTB enjoyed a resurgence a few years ago with the reissue of SATORI, their second album (an all around banger, though I prefer 1972’s MADE IN JAPAN). ANYWHERE is mostly comprised of covers, including versions of “House of the Rising Sun” and “21st Century Schizoid Man” (!!!).

GALAXIS “I WANT MORE” (1978) I know, long time no...

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:14:24 -0400

GALAXIS “I WANT MORE” (1978)

I know, long time no post.

Here’s a weird one…a pretty straight cover of Can’s “I Want More” aka my mom’s favorite song from a mixtape I made her years ago.

AKSAK MABOUL “THE MOOCHE” (1977) originally recorded by Duke Ellington (b/w...

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:09:24 -0500

AKSAK MABOUL “THE MOOCHE” (1977)

originally recorded by Duke Ellington (b/w “Mood Indigo”, 1933)
Cover version appears on Onze Danses Pour Combattre la Migraine (1977)

WOW. Did not know this was a cover. Very exciting, and further testament to Marc Hollander’s (founder of Crammed Discs; member/founder of Honeymoon Killers, Cos, Les Tueurs de la Lune de Miel; frequent collaborator of Fred Frith) genius.

COIL “TAINTED LOVE”(1985) originally recorded by Gloria Jones (1964); popularized...

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:00:08 -0500

COIL “TAINTED LOVE”(1985)

originally recorded by Gloria Jones (1964); popularized by Soft Cell (1982).
Cover version available on b/w “Panic” (12”, 1985)

A little late… but rest in peace, Sleazy.

More information on Coil

MINIMAL COMPACT “IMMIGRANT SONG” (1987) originally recorded by Led Zeppelin (Led...

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:58:00 -0500

MINIMAL COMPACT “IMMIGRANT SONG” (1987)

originally recorded by Led Zeppelin (Led Zeppelin, 1970)

cover version appears on The Figure One Cuts (Crammed Discs, 1987)

Been jamming the best of Minimal Compact for a few weeks now. Had heard their name for years, but only just got around to giving them a listen. An intriguing cross-section of Israeli/Mediterranean rhythms and instrumentation, new wave, and post-punk. Must admit, this cover is kind of hilarious…and excellent, though relatively toothless compared to the original.

LEATHER NUN “GIMME GIMME GIMME (A MAN AFTER MIDNIGHT)” (1986) originally recorded by...

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 22:27:00 -0400

LEATHER NUN “GIMME GIMME GIMME (A MAN AFTER MIDNIGHT)” (1986)

originally recorded by ABBA (b/w “The King Has Lost His Crown”, 1979) cover version available on “Gimme Gimme Gimme” 12” (1986)

ABBA covers done by industrial acts…well, if it tickles someone’s fancy, go with it! “Slow Death”, their first release, also on The Industrial Records Story, seen here:

Much better yeah?

PINK SECTION “MIDSUMMER NY” (1980) originally...

Sat, 02 Oct 2010 23:27:00 -0400

PINK SECTION “MIDSUMMER NY” (1980)

originally recorded by Yoko Ono (Fly and “Mrs. Lennon” b/w “Midsummer NY”, 1971)
cover version appears on Pink Section (Modern 12”, 1980)

WHY HELLO THERE.

I almost forgot I had this blog.

Since the last time I posted, much has changed, chief among which being my zip code! I am now back in the slimy pits of despair known as New Jersey. Fear not, dear reader—I am close enough to New York that I forget all about that small detail!

In honor of my move, and many other things, I bring you Pink Section’s “Midsummer New York”, a manic cover of Yoko Ono’s honkytonking slow burner from 1971. It’s a real toss up between Yoko’s electronic drum thuds and dramatic “aching”s and Judy G’s Ono-esque, new wave weirdo banshee warble. Pink Section, aside from inspiring the name of a space I ran in Chicago back in 2001, were a San Francisco based act, peers to Tuxedomoon and others. The quartet released one 45, “Shopping” b/w “Tour of China” and a self-titled 12”. The ladies of Pink Section, Judy Gittelsohn and Carol Detweiler went on to form an equally charming, albeit short-lived outfit, The Inflatable Boy Clams. The first 15 seconds of IBC’s melancholic “Boystown” was my outgoing voice mail message for nearly a year.

At any rate, enjoy!

LEMON KITTENS “SHAKING ALL OVER” (1979)originally...

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:39:00 -0400

LEMON KITTENS “SHAKING ALL OVER” (1979)
originally recorded by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates (1960)
cover version appears on Spoonfed & Writhing (Step Forward, 1979)

from Wikipedia:

“Shakin’ All Over” is a rock and roll song originally performed by Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. It was written by frontman Johnny Kidd and reached #1 in the United Kingdom in August 1960. Themusicians who performed on the recording were Johnny Kidd (vocals), Alan Caddy (guitar), Brian Gregg (bass), Clem Cattini (drums) and Joe Moretti (lead guitar).

The original recording was not a hit outside of Europe. Instead, “Shakin’ All Over” gained fame in North America after Chad Allan and the Expressions covered it in 1965, where it was a #1 hit in Canada. Several months later, concerned that the effect of the British Invasion might eclipse the potential for success in the US by a Canadian act, the record label issued the song to radio stations in the States on a white label, with the artist listed as Guess Who? This became the first hit for the group in the states, reaching #22 and leading Chad Allen and the Expressions to change the group’s name to The Guess Who.

The song became a #27 hit in Australia, but another “Shakin’ All Over” cover became a national #1 hit in late 1965 for Normie Rowe. Rowe’s version of the track (backed by “Que Sera Sera”) was one of the biggest-selling Australian singles of the decade.

Kidd was quoted as saying:

“When I was going round with a bunch of lads and we happened to see a girl who was a real sizzler we used to say that she gave us ‘quivers down the membranes’. It was a standard saying with us referring to any attractive girl…..I can honestly say that it was this more than anything that inspired me to write ‘Shakin’ All Over’.”

Lemon Kittens was the project of multi-instrumentalists Karl Blake, Gary Thatcher, and later Danielle Dax. LK’s sensibilities stood somewhere between that of industrial music and the prevailing post-punk sounds of late 70s Britain. In a word, they were considered “avant-garde”. Blake later participated in The Reflections (mentioned here elsewhere) and Shockheaded Peters, in addition to releasing solo recordings; Danielle Dax has enjoyed a rather prolific solo career.

HIATUS

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:39:28 -0400

Hello readers,

I’m taking a break from Second Wave.

Hope to start reposting again later in the summer.

Thanks for your support and interest.

Much,

THE SCREAMERS “AND THE BEAT GOES ON” (1978) Originally recorded by Sonny & Cher,...

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 22:23:47 -0400

THE SCREAMERS “AND THE BEAT GOES ON” (1978)

Originally recorded by Sonny & Cher, 1967
Cover version appeared on Scuzzy the Death Cone clown Demos (Death Cone, 1978)

Hello again.

I know I’ve posted another version of this song by the Primitive Calculators, but I’ve been listening to the Screamers a lot as of late, having gotten back into late 70s California punk.

Other gems:

For a band who eschewed traditional instrument configuration, favoring waves of wheezy treble, they are SO HEAVY.

CRISPY AMBULANCE “UNITED” (1985) originally...

Sat, 15 May 2010 00:37:00 -0400

CRISPY AMBULANCE “UNITED” (1985)

originally recorded by Throbbing Gristle (b/w “Zyklon B Zombie”, 1978)

cover version available on Fin (Les Temps Modernes, 1985/1990)

Hi.

Manchester’s Crispy Ambulance have fast entered into heavy rotation around these parts. Their debut full-length, The Plateau Phase (Factory, 1982), is a stunning document of better musical times, though, it was seriously maligned by most major British press at the time of its release as “plagiarizing Joy Division”. Alan Hempsall is a compelling and charismatic vocalist, and CA’s sound demonstrated experimental leanings moreso than pop. We all know that had Joy Division made it across the pond in 1980, they would have blown up…sort of like Nirvana—a weird “alternative” act that crosses over. The mythology around Curtis’ life and death burnished Joy Division for posterity, and sadly, they may always overshadow the other amazing Factory talent. While great and dear to me, they are not my favorite Factory band, and (dare I say it?) I find them terribly overrated. I listen to Section 25 (another act labelled as a JD ripoff), New Order, A Certain Ratio, and now Crispy Ambulance far more. Luckily, Crispy Ambulance are one of the few Factory acts that are still active—sadly, since I last updated, Larry Cassidy, the leader of Section 25 died—so hopefully, we’ll eventually be afforded the opportunity to give this band some long overdue support stateside.

ps. Who the hell else has covered Throbbing Gristle?

more Crispy Ambulance:

“Travel Time” (my absolute favorite) from The Plateau Phase

“Sexus” available on 12” and reissues of The Plateau Phase (a bonafide jam)

LAUGHING HYENAS “SOLID GOLD HELL” (1992) originally...

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:07:16 -0500

LAUGHING HYENAS “SOLID GOLD HELL” (1992)

originally recorded by The Scientists (This Heart Doesn’t Run on Blood, This Heart Doesn’t Run on Love, Au Go Go 1984)
cover version appears on Covers: Stolen Tapes 92-94 (Not On, 1995)

I actually hadn’t realized that this Laughing Hyenas song was a cover until I was listening to podcasts on WFMU, and came across a show entitled “Solid Gold Hell”, the theme song for which is the Scientists’ original.

About the Scientists:

The Scientists are an influential post-punk band from Perth, Australia, led by Kim Salmon, initially known as Exterminators and then Invaders. The band had two primary incarnations: the Perth-based punk band of the late 1970s and the Sydney/London-based swamp rock band of the 1980s. The Scientists were much more influential than their minimal commercial success would indicate, lending their influence to artists such as Mudhoney and New York’s downtown indie scene of the early 1990s…(more)

About Laughing Hyenas:

Unlike labelmates Die Kreuzen and Scratch Acid — who were merely abrasive and unsettling — Detroit’s Laughing Hyenas were, at the outset anyway, an actively threatening outgrowth of Midwestern hardcore. Banshee John Brannon (ex-Negative Approach) rolled his eyes back in his head and smashed mics into his teeth; dressed in bad-luck tattoos, the scowling Kevin Strickland wrestled his bass; Jim Kimball menaced his drums like a criminal. Larissa Strickland (ex-L-Seven) was the only member with a smile, but her chilling, isolated guitar playing was an equally intimidating part of the group’s violent makeup…(more)

Laughing Hyenas’ version is extremely faithful to the original; Larissa Strickland, may she rest in peace, was a total shredder. Enjoy.

Laughing Hyenas discography available through Touch & Go/Quarterstick

THE CHILD MOLESTERS “DON’T WORRY KYOKO”...

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:47:00 -0500

THE CHILD MOLESTERS “DON’T WORRY KYOKO” (1978)

originally recorded by Yoko Ono as “Don’t Worry Kyoko (Mummy’s Only Looking for Her Hand in the Snow)” on Fly (Apple, 1971)

cover version appears b/w “(I’m the) Hillside Strangler” (Ace & Duce, 1978)

I figured it was about time to update old Second Wave in anticipation of Yoko Ono’s 77th birthday, and to pour more salt in my own wounds that I did NOT go to the Plastic Ono Band extravaganza at the Brooklyn Academy of Music last night and see this song performed live by Yoko, original Plastic Ono Band members Jim Keltner and Klaus Voorman, and Ono’s son, Sean Lennon. OH, the agony of being a working stiff 200 miles away!

Not my favorite Child Molesters song (the A-side here), but an interesting take. I can’t remember where I found the entire CM discography before Sympathy for the Record Industry reissued it—a quick Googling will direct you accordingly. Good, old-fashioned snotty dirt punk similar to Really Red and pretty much anything you’d find on Killed by Death.

ABWÄRTS “MOON OF ALABAMA” (1979) written by Bertolt...

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:10:30 -0500

ABWÄRTS “MOON OF ALABAMA” (1979)

written by Bertolt Brecht; set to music by Kurt Weill (1927); popularized by The Doors as “Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)” (s/t, 1967) and David Bowie (b/w “Space Oddity (Acoustic Version), 1982)

cover version available on Computerstaat (Zick Zack, 1979)

Abwärts are (still ?!) a German Neue Deutsche Welle (new wave)/post-punk band. Members later went on to join Einstürzende Neubauten. I just heard the Doors’ version of this song for the first time earlier today, and while both version have their charm, I’d have to say the Doors’ cover is infinitely better.

That said, Computerstaat is an incredible record—really, anything from Zick Zack’s catalogue is (personal picks: Palais Schaumburg, Geisterfahrer, Die Tödliche Doris, Front, Die Raderer, Ti-Tho, so on and so forth until infinity). Do yourself a favor and find EVERYTHING you can from this era.

more on Abwärts at Abwärts’ official website (in German)

THE MO-DETTES “PAINT IT BLACK” (1980) originally...

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:11:00 -0500

THE MO-DETTES “PAINT IT BLACK” (1980)

originally recorded by The Rolling Stones (Aftermath, 1966)

cover appears on “Paint It Black” b/w “Bitta Truth” (1980) and The Story So Far (Deram, 1981)

The Mo-dettes were a girl punk group founded by Kate Korris, a former member of the Slits and the Raincoats. When filesharing was a relatively new concept, their only record, The Story So Far, was among the first records I downloaded, 10 years ago.

They are probably best known for “White Mice”, which (along with the b-side “Masochistic Opposite”) still holds up some 30 years after it was recorded. Their straight-forward cover of “Paint it Black” is absolutely glorious. For fans of Kleenex, Delta 5, but NOT fans of the Go-Gos or Dolly Mixture (there was some beef, apparently). Cherry Red has reissued pretty much every recording made by the Mo-dettes, with the exception of their Peel Sessions, which if you can track them down, are excellent.

THE GET HUSTLE “MOUNTAIN HIGH, VALLEY LOW”...

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:39:53 -0500

THE GET HUSTLE “MOUNTAIN HIGH, VALLEY LOW” (2000)

written by Raymond Scott; popularized by Eartha Kitt (1953)

cover version available on Earth Odyssey (5 Rue Christine, 2000)

For heavy times.

UNREST “WINONA RYDER” (c. 1991) originally recorded...

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:52:00 -0400

UNREST “WINONA RYDER” (c. 1991)

originally recorded by Family Fodder as “Debbie Harry” (“Debbie Harry” b/w “A Version”, Fresh 45 1980)

cover versions available on B.P.M. 1991-1994 (Teenbeat, 1995)

I can’t begin to tell you how important the music of Family Fodder has been to me this week. They make me so very happy. You should run out and pick up their entire discography, post haste.

Family Fodder’s “Debbie Harry” (1980)

Mark Robinson’s Unrest, a long-time favorite (along with pretty much everything that Mark Robinson’s ever done), did a send-up of this new wave classic—their version, an ode to 90s teen screen queen Winona Ryder. They recorded two versions, one with Mark singing (XX version), and the other with Bridget Cross (XYversion). Included here is Mark’s version, which I think is a little bit saucier, and really, I just love his voice to bits.

Enjoy!

NEONBABIES “BIG SPENDER” (1981) popularized by...

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:31:29 -0400

NEONBABIES “BIG SPENDER” (1981)

popularized by Peggy Lee in 1966; written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical Sweet Charity

cover version available on Neonbabies (Good Noise, 1981)

A lesser known gem from the NDW (Neue Deutsche Welle) era in Germany. Neonbabies released 3 records in the early 1980s, and have since disappeared into the ether. Also featured on their debut is an excellent cover of the Rolling Stones’ “Jumping Jack Flash”.

Recommended blogload: Neonbabies on Egg City Radio

FLIPPER “PROBLEM CHILD” originally recorded by...

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:14:00 -0400

FLIPPER “PROBLEM CHILD”

originally recorded by AC/DC (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap Albert, 1976)

cover version appears on Sex Bomb Baby compilation (Infinite Zero/Subterranean, 1995)

AC/DC and Flipper totally don’t need any sort of introduction or explanation, other than to say they both KILL (well, Bon Scott-era AC/DC to be specific). Not to say that this song is exceptional (see below), but I can’t think of another band from whom I’d want to hear a cover of this song.

More about Flipper on Wikipedia

Flipper on Youtube:

“Sacrifice” from 1983

“Love Canal” from Target Video (God….THIS SONG!!!! You don’t even understand.)

FACT: Nirvana would probably not have existed if it were not for Flipper. Krist Novaselic knows!