L/D --- 12/10/09

Aired December 10th, 2009 from 10-11pm.

**Vincent K. –White Sheet Glory- Festival der Genialen Dissidenten LP + 7-inch Compilation Enfant Terrible Records (2008)
Cover of the infamous Christian Death’s “Romeo’s Distress.” I have had many discussions with folks regarding the subject matter of this song. All interpretations aside, most everyone agrees it’s infectiously catchy. Unfortunately I have not had the privilege to hear what else Vincent K. has put out…..for more information on this record, go here.
**Nervous Gender -Nothing to Hide- Music From Hell LP Subterranean Records (1981)
One of my favorite harsh synthpunk bands – this record is also one of my favorite Subterranean releases. Weird thing is that I always thought this was split LP with a band called Beelzebub Youth; just learned today though that's actually just the title of one side of the record….silly rabbit. So please forgive the references during the airbreak to it being a ‘split.’ For more *correct* information, check this.
**Christian Death -Dream for Mother- Only Theatre of Pain LP Frontier Records (1982)
Felt fitting to play some Christian Death in this set, that is after starting off with a cover of one of their songs. This is their first and most loved full length albums. I find that the majority of the tracks on this record delve into pretty taboo subjects….this song having a sort of incestuous vibe.
**The Jesus & Mary Chain -Suck- Never Understand 12-inch EP Blanco y Negro Records (1985)
First time exploring into Jesus/Mary Chain realm, beyond that of Vegetable Man. I was very happy with what lie in wait.
**Holy Cow -Zucchini Dance- Nobody Gets on the Guest List! LP Compilation Throbbing Lobster Records (1984)
Nice frantic track off of the very first Throbbing Lobster release. The fellow who headed Throbbing Lobster is currently running the Hyped To Death label that features compilations packed full of unknowns. His current Messthetics series is extremely awesome and also the recently released Teenlines [#104 &105] are super rad as well! For more information, check out hyped2death.com.
**Sex Gang Children -Mauritia Mayer- 7-inch Single Clay Records (1983)
Very dramatic, yet upbeat goth number. This is my first taste of Sex Gang Children and I like. Next stop is diving into their earlier material.
**Business Lady -Palace Horsemen- S/T CDR EP Self-Released (2004)
Awesome band that broke-up sometime back. This track is off of a CDR that KDVS got in 2004 before they had released anything officially and it still holds my favorite songs by them. It always gets me a little down to think that this material never made it onto any records. Luckily they have a wiki page….didn’t realize they considered themselves steampunk. Man if all bands that described themselves as steampunk sounded like this, sign me up buds.
**Explode into Colors -Sharpen the Knife- Coffins 7-inch Single M’Lady’s Records (NEW)
New record from the Portland, OR band. Pretty rad moddy song with female vocals – for me I feel like this fits in somewhere in the neo no wave realm. Go here for more information.
**Talk Normal -Grinnin’ in Your Face- Secret Cog 12-inch EP Just for the Hello of It Records (NEW)
‘Grinnin’…’ reminds me somewhat of the band Mars. And I thought all the neo no wave bands had sort of dried up about 2 years ago. Apparently not and I am quite thankful for that. Glad to see some new blood.
**Frustration -Vice- S/T 12-inch EP Born Bad Records (2004)
I think this record may have actually come out on another label called Blind Records, with Born Bad doing distro or being somehow involved – can’t find any information though on the elusive ‘Blind Records’. I’m thinking it must be defunct or something. This is probably my favorite record by this French band…
**Fun With Animals -The Test of Love & Sex- Test of Love & Sex 7-inch Single A&M Records (1980)
Quarky little synth track…can’t find out much about this group.
**Silicon Teens -T.V. Playtime- Music for Parties LP Mute Records (1980)
Favorite track off of this album. Most of the songs on Music for Parties are covers of 50s standards, though I think this track might be one of the few originals. It also appears as a B-side for one of the issues of the Memphis Tennessee single.
**This Mortal Coil -Sixteen Days Reprise- Sixteen Days/Gathering Dust 12-inch Single 4AD Records (1983)
Tasty synthpop record; first release by this British outfit. This group was led by the headman of 4AD with this specific recording featuring Cocteau Twins and Modern English personnel.
**Holy Toy -Solider Toy- Soldier Toy 12-inch Single Uniton Records (1982)
The random pulls this quarter have been quite fruitful. This Norwegian group shares a member with the rock group De Press.

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L/D --- 12/03/09

Aired December 3rd, 2009

**The Passage -Taboodub- Taboos 12-inch EP Cherry Red Records (1981)
Fun little alternative instrumental version to the A-sides ‘Taboos’. The first time I ever played this record, I was surprised to discover that it was released on Cherry Red Records. I recently came across an earlier ‘The Passage’ single which sounds quite different than this. It was more straightforward punk/post-punk sort of sounds. The thing I like so much about this song is that it is so easy to throw in to a lot of different mixes. Yeah!
**Konk -Baby Dee- New York Noise Vol.1 Compilation Soul Jazz Records (2003)
Funky little number off of the very first New York Noise Compilation; a No Wave compilation which featured a variety of acts centralized in NYC, circa 77-83. Originally this song was released in 1983 on the ‘Yo’ LP [Les Disques Du Crépuscule label].
**Dominatrix -The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight- The Dominatrix Sleeps Tonight 12-inch Single Streetwise Records (1984)
Another runner in the No Wave crowd…though Dominatrix made efforts, especially with this semi-hit of a record, to cross into the Electro sphere.
**Dominatrix -City That Never Sleeps- New York Noise Vol.3 Compilation Soul Jazz Records (2006; Orig. Early 1980s)
Dominatrix’s appearance in the New York Noise compilation series – this song is more in line with No Wave sensibilities, but still incredibly rhythmic and hard hitting.
**The Packman -I’m the Packman- Street Sounds Electro No.1 Compilation Streets Sounds (1983)
One of my favorites off of the Streets Sounds Electro No.1 compilation. I especially love the vocal effects in this track - makes for an easy transition into Cybotron. Originally this song was released on a Single that came out on Enjoy Records in 1982. For more information on this compilation check out StreetSounds.co.uk
**Cybotron -Clear- Enter LP Fantasy Records (1983)
Some would refer to this as electro, while others the beginnings of techno. Techno because the two members of this group were from Detroit, Michigan – the birthplace of techno. As well, one of the members was Juan Atkins, who is considered in pioneer of early techno music. Clear was one of the few ‘hits’ off of this record.
**Newleus -Jam on Revenge [The Wikki-Wikki Song]- Street Sounds Electro No.1 Compilation Streets Sounds (1983)
Another track off of the Street Sounds Electro No.1 compilation. This has to be my favorite track off of this compilation. Originally this song came out on both 7” & 12” single on a variety of labels. Discogs has a very developed bio for this group, so for more information check out the Newcleus Discogs Page.
**Drinking Electricity -Superstition- Survival…Mix & Matter / Megamix LP Compilation Survival Records (1983)
Mellow, yet hard hitting minimal synth song which actually made its way on to a fundraiser compilation I put together a while back…one of my favorites at KDVS.
**Deekay Jones -New York New York- Pulse of New York LP Compilation Glass Records (1983)This is an odd compilation that I came across off of the Mutant Sounds Blog a while back. I feel like a lot of these artists must have ran with the No Wave crowd…though 1983 is late for a compilation of this nature to be released. Apparently Glass Records was a label run out of the UK and as far as I can tell, this was the only song ever officially released by Deekay Jones. Word has it this compilation was recently bootlegged…for more information, check out this.

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L/D --- 11/26/09

Featured a few cuts off of the Wierd Compilation Vol.1. This is a 3xLP + 7-inch Compilation which was released sometime back in 2006. Just got my hands on it and am digging it. There are maybe only a handful of songs that are a bit over the top for me. The ones that stand out & I like though, are quite incredible. Some words regarding this compilation's content from the label:

"Wierd Records in New York City is pleased to present as its innaugural release the “Wierd Compilation”(VR001), featuring 32 tracks by 15 bands which have performed live at WIERD - Brooklyn’s premier weekly DJ and live music party showcasing artists and DJs working within the post-wave, coldwave, and minimal synth genres of alternative pop and dance music since 2003. The sound of this international collection of bands ranges from uptempo analog synthesizer based electronic dance music influenced by early minimal synth and industrial dance to post-wave guitar driven music suggesting the influence of the European Coldwave and classic British and American post-punk sounds."

I featured my top likes off this compilation throughout this particular show. Will also throw in some more tracks throughout the next couple of months. For more information, check out the Wierd Records website at WierdRecords.com

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Aired November 26th, 2009

**The Cultural Decay -Brave New World- Eight Ways to Start a Day 12-inch EP Sacred Bones Records (NEW)
**Rondos -A Black & White Statement- Destroy the Entertainment 2xLP King Kong & Red Wig Records (NEW; Orig. 1981)
Album features live performances & previously released material. Fun Brit stuff; this song is strutin’ somewhere between post & art punk for me.
**Band of Susans -You Were An Optimist- Homework #10: D.Y.I / No Wave / Experimental A/B/C CD Compilation Hyped to Death Records (NEW; Orig. 1986)
Fun Joy Division-esk track from this Hyped to Death band.
**Joy Division -Isolation- Closer LP Factory Records (1980)
#1 at the moment in my Joy Division queue.
**A Vague Disquiet -The Lower Lifestyles- Weird Weird Compilation Vol.1 3xLP + 7-inch Weird Records (2006)
This song reminds me quite a bit of a Nothing People song…though can’t name which one at the moment. Surprising considering what else is featured on this compilation. Though it still fits in with its minimal synth vibe.
**Second Layer -Underneath the Glass- World of Rubber LP Cherry Red Records (1981)
Classic record in the world of KDVS. Cherry Red has recently reissued this album on CD. For details, check here: CherryRed.co.uk.
**Dark Day -Window- Window LP Plexus Records (1982)
Hypnotic instrumental track by this legendary No-Wave band.
**2VM -Unscathed- Weird Compilation Vol.1 3xLP + 7-inch Weird Records (2006)
This song for me is quite reminiscent of early ‘80s coldwave or even some of the more mellow Neue Deustche Welle bands. Other than this compilation appearance, 2VM has one single that was released on Genetic Music [Germany] in 2005. For more details, go to GeneticMusic.de
**Metal Boys -Disco Future- Tokio Airport CD Acute Records (Orig. 1980)
Weird minimal electronic track by this ‘79/’80 French New Wave band - shared members with the legendary Metal Urbain.
**Flash Graey Display -Unsurmountable Typification- Weird Compilation Vol.1 3xLP + 7-inch Weird Records (2006)
Dark, dramatic, minimal synth number included on the 7-inch Single that comes along with the Weird Compilation Vol.1.
**Jongbloed Featuring Sofia ER -Disco Nouveau- Festival der Genialen Dissidenten LP + 7-inch Compilation Enfant Terrible Records (2008)
A favorite of mine from 2008…..like the previous song, this track is featured on the 7-inch included in this compilation. Also, like the 2VM track it is quite a throwback to early European synthpop/electro. Collaboration between the boss of Enfant Terrible & a member of the awesome group, Wermut, whom appeared on the Enfant Terrible release ‘Electronic Renaissance.’ NICE! For more information check out Enfant-Terrible.nl
**Aborted -Smoking Clean & Tender Heart- S/T CD Brain of the Jim Records (2004)
As I understand this one man band is a major Severed Heads fan...which I think can be heard in his music. I find this slow dramatic number to be the perfect listening companion on late night drives. Unfortunately this song got cut off because this particular CDR is a bit on the worn side.

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L/D --- 11/19/09

Aired November 19th, 2009

**Talk Normal -Eureka- Secret Cog 12-inch EP Just for the Hell of It Records (NEW)
I’ll call this one a sneaker – this band came and played in Sacramento recently but I wasn’t able to catch the show. When I finally gave the record a spin I was suddenly both pleased & disappointed – pleased by the sounds, disappointed that I had missed the chance to see the performance in the flesh. Catch them if you can.
**Partly Cloudy -Sunlight- Excess Verbiage LP Forecast Records (1987)
I stumbled upon this record a while back when out of nowhere someone called in and requested it. I have to say [sadly] that most requests that come in are from either drunks or hippies and they almost always request Jungle or Techno music…..which is fine, don’t mean to bag on folks who like that sort of music. It’s just not my bag of beans. Well this request came in [specifically for a different track on the record] and I was so thrilled when I heard the tune. Since then I have gone back to this record a few times to sample different tracks off of it. RAD! Thanks to the fellow that turned me on to this….I am in dept to you.
**Ex -Make That Call- & -The Buzzword Medley- Joggers & Smoggers 2xLP Ex Records (1989)Not exactly what you would expect from a punk band….weird, arty, dynamic…I like this album much. Mostly cause it’s not just the same song over & over…..
**Flux of Pink Indians -Tube Disaster- New Smell 12-inch EP One Little Indian Records (1987)Man – what can I say about an anarcho-punk band that makes a 12-inch EP? Well, one thing – the record actually sounds good. My two favorite things about this song [1] the guitar sound & [2] the singers uber cockney accent [That is cockney right? Just guessing…].
**Venom P. Stinger -PCP Crazy- & -Jaws- Meet My Friend Venom LP No Master’s Voice Records (1986)I like the changes in tempo and also the weird spassy ‘Jaws’ portion…what the hell is going on there? Is the guy gargling, cause it sure sounds like it.
**Meathoooks -Cerebral Demolition Units- Cambodia Soul Music LP Disastro Mix Records (1991)
This is seriously in my top 15 of rough, harsh, bad-ass, bass groove wonderment records. Someone once asked me “What would be on your pump up mix?” – This & only this. Um, well….maybe some Chrome too…
**Terminal Cheesecake -Pony Boy- Angels in Pigtails LP Pathological Records (1990)Continuing on with some more excellent bass grooves….I think this record falls into the ‘pigfucker’ music category, I think.
**Neu -Negativeland- S/T LP Billingsgate Records (1973)Classic. Namesake of the beloved Contra Costa County outfit.
**Eternal Tapestry -The Hidden Void- Palace of the Night Skies LP Three Lobed Records (NEW)I was lucky to catch this band’s set the next night in SF. Really awesome stuff. This specific record features their more typical long psych jams. Though live, they have moved more towards playing their shorter, punchier tracks - I dig.

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