In the Dark

The Winter Solstice was on December 21, so in theory it's starting to get light again in the world, but I work nights so all I see is darkness. I live in a half light and under lamps and overheads and florescents. It's just how it is.

 

 You Are in No Danger (1981)


This post involves the Boston area band popularly known as the Dark.

There is at least one thing we need to get out of the way right off the top.

 

This song by the Maps. The Maps were led by one Judy Grunwald who would eventually go onto Salem 66. This is important because this is the Judy of the song that kicks off this seven inch ep and this is the song that gets referenced in the intro.

Context is important.

Well mostly. Even before I was aware of any of that stuff I was still mildly obsessed with the song as a teenager for quite a while. It's a corker. I mean, the lines "I'm really glad you dumped your boyfriend/He looks like an East German Border guard" are just fucking brill.

The other two songs don't quite rise up to the level of "Judy" but they don't need to.
They just need to fill out the other side.
Which they do that quite adequately.

Darkworld (1982)

So it continued.

The Dark expand on their New Wave Dance groove for a six song, not quite Lp. It's all very early 80's in sound and feel and depending on how you feel about that your mileage will vary as to your enjoyment. I'm a bit on the fence myself. There's a lot to enjoy and a lot that is very dated and doesn't translate as well into the 21st Century as other contemporary things. But "We Can Be Children" is a nice tune and there's a follow up to the previous single with "Judy II" which leaves one wondering if Ms. Grunwald ever sought a restraining order.

Here's Your Hangover Post

Yeah, hopefully you had a good time last night. You may in fact be a tad hungover today.
Perhaps it's all a blur.

Or maybe you went to bed early and today is just another fucking day.

Or maybe, like me, you worked all night.

Any way you slice it this post is for you.

Start 2019 off with something good for a change.

Inflatable Boy Clams

 Inflatable Boy Clams (1981)


Here it is, kids. their sole release ever. A double seven inch so good they didn't need to record anything ever again.

Dangerous Minds has a little history for those who want it.

I don't. I have my own history with this masterpiece and its mystery that any additional knowledge could only taint. It is as it exists to me. I intend to keep it that way. (except that two members had previously been in the band Pink Section whom I also quite enjoy but in a different way.)

Here's Your Party Album

Hopefully this missive gets to you in time to save whatever lame New Year's Eve party you're going to tonight.

Roman Gods (1981)

Here is one of the greatest party records of all time by one of the greatest live acts of all time, the Fleshtones.
This is music made for playing loud and drinking beer to. Its raucous and fun and dumb and everything you need to liven up any festive occasion.

Seeing the Fleshtones lives was a guarantee that you would emerge at the end drenched in sweat from nonstop dancing and probably pretty happy and drunk at the same time. They never failed to deliver and it was always a good fucking time.

Really. There's a documentary to watch about them. It's inspiring.

Do yourself and others a favor and tear whatever lame bullshit is likely to be played and chuck this on.

You're Welcome.

Things Are Not What They Seem

Yeah, yeah. It's Christmas.

Blah to the fucking blah blah blah.

Holly and Ivy (1980)

Here I got you a Christmas single by Hybrid Kids. Happy now?

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy (1980)

 So I guess, there should be a little bit of explanation about what these two are exactly.

Once upon a time there was a musician named Morgan Fisher who at one point in his career played with Mott the Hoople starting in around 1974 (here they are miming poorly in 1974. Morgan on the piano) until they called it quits in 1976.

Three years later on a cover record appears called "Hybrid Kids: A Collection of Classic Mutants" which appears to be a compilation of various strange bands doing covers of popular songs such as Punky and Porky covering the Sex Pistols in a humorous fashion.

The thing is, it isn't.

It's all the work of Morgan Fisher.

That's him doing the vivisection of Rod Stewart here as well as a piss take on the Perry Como hit on the flip. (and it's already been established how I feel about that generic mayonnaise motherfucker of a singer.)

So there you go. We're done. Go back and spend some time with your family.

I'm working Christmas this year.

Cold Pizza

I'm typing with on hand while I use the other to hold a slice of cold pizza.

 Don't Get Mad (1980)

Power Pop from the Bay Area from 1980 by the Imposters.
It's good stuff.

Hey Who (1967)

What would probably have been a Power Pop equivalent for the time by a band from the Chicago area called the Ingredients.

Also the good stuff.