23 Feb 2013

How minimal can you get? #51

ESG

ESG – You're No Good (Live @ Danceteria, 1984)

10 Feb 2013

How minimal can you get? #50

Heavens To Betsy
Heavens To Betsy These Monsters Are Real EP (Kill Rock Stars, 1993)

Heavens To Betsy – Me & Her

Heavens To Betsy s/t Demo Tape (Self-released, 1992?)

Heavens To Betsy – My Red Self
Get it here.

How minimal can you get? #49

The Gist
The Gist This Is Love 7" (Rough Trade, 1980)

The Gist – This Is Love
Get it here.

5 Feb 2013

How minimal can you get? #48

The Better Beatles
“The Beatles were an oppressive influence.” Dave Nordin

“I knew people that were riding Big Wheels when the Beatles broke up who still worshiped them like gods. Omaha has always been slow to change, being insulated by the rest of America's conservative bulk. I felt that the adoration of the Beatles had gone on quite long enough. Better Beatles stripped the songs of their sacred status, like saying 'we're not afraid of your gods!'… actually we had no material, and this is just what we pulled out of our asses. The important thing to us was to be doing something. We started on the first practice with nothing. Jay had Lennon and McCartney songbooks. I just read the lyrics while the guys plinked around. We ended up liking the formula – so it stuck!” Jean Smith

The Better Beatles at Studio B. Fall 1981, Omaha, NE
“It is kind of fun remembering the short life of the Better Beatles.The music made people uncomfortable or they just thought it was lousy.” Jay Rosen

“Mostly we got yelled at and threatened by the Omaha crowd, but we had fun!” Jean Smith

Capitol Punishment. Lincoln, NE circa 1982
“We can't all be huge stars, the world would melt from the heat. Follow your heart and create work that is meaningful to you. You will shine brightly enough to attract the attention of the people that will matter to you.” Jean Smith

The Better Beatles I'm Down 7" (Woodgrain Records, 1981)

The Better Beatles – Penny Lane

Visit their official website here.

3 Feb 2013

How minimal can you get? #47

Dos
“Dos (Spanish for two, as in uno, dos, tres…) is Kira [Roessler] (from Twisted Roots, Sexsick and Black Flag) on bass / singing and [Mike] Watt [from Minutemen, fIREHOSE] on bass. That's it – just two basses and her voice.” Mike Watt

Dos The Bob Lawton EP EP (Ecstatic Peace!, 1991)

Dos – Imagine That
Get it here.

How minimal can you get? #46

Base
“One-man band founded by former Essential Logic bass player Mark Turner. As Base he made his vinyl debut with these three experimental tracks recorded at the end of 1979 and released on February 22, 1980, on his own indie label. A worthy D.I.Y. 7" which includes 'Violent Death' and 'Frenchmen' – two remarkable electronic sketches in the vein of early Human League – and the tortured low-fi 'One-Way Girl ' [available on Messthetics #6] , with echoed vocals and noise-guitar. Picture sleeve is dated 1979; recorded in mono; all copies include an insert.” Mario Panciera

Base Violent Death 7" (Base Records, 1980)

Base – Violent Death

Pop music détournements


The Residents – Hey Jude / Sympathy for The Devil


Big Flame – Testament To The Slow Death Of Youth Culture (Wake Me Up When It's Over)


Culturcide – They Aren't The World