Rat Race...The Active Dog and Ross Carpenter Story plus Interview... Show # 307

The UK Punk scene in the late 70s had an impact all over the world, not just in the UK. One of these other places was in Vancouver, BC in Canada. Like the in Britain, music was boring and nothing was exciting, until Punk came along adding excitement and energy to music. The Vancouver scene produced many bands such as DOA, Pointed Sticks, The Modernettes, and several short lived bands. One of those short lived bands was a band called Active Dog. The Vancouver band had its initial beginnings in a four piece psychedelic Rock band called Steel Breeze. The band lasted from 1975 to 1976 and consisted of Terry Bowes and Jerome Wong on guitar, Ross Carpenter on bass and Robert Bruce on drums. After playing for about a year Wong left the group and Steel Breeze continued as a three piece, renaming themselves Active Dog. The band would gain further members through Carpenters association with Art Bergmann (he was recording his band Schmorgs at the time - Bergmann was in the Young Canadians later on). The band added members Buck Cherry (John Armstrong) on guitar/vocals, Dash Ham (Gord Nichol) on keyboards, and Bill Shirt (William Scherk) on vocals. Active Dog began playing with their new line up after a night of drinking and jamming. Acquiring an unused storage space and converting it into a rehearsal/studio space (Majestic Studios) Active Dog began practicing three to four times a week. In October of 1978, the band played their first gig as a six piece.

Around November of 1978, Active Dog were coming up with songs such as “Rat Race”, “Good Filthy Fun”, and “Fucking Idiots and Garlic Sausage, Digital Watches”, all of which were written by bassist Ross Carpenter. There were also other songs such as “Nothing Holding You”, “Teen Chow” and “The Beach” written by Bill Shirt. Active Dog played numerous live shows and associated with many other Vancouver Punk bands such as DOA, Pointed Sticks, Private School, and Subhumans. In February/March of 1979 they were scheduled to go into Sabre Sound studio to make some recordings. A few days before they were to record Gord Nichol and Robert Bruce announced that they were leaving Active Dog to join The Pointed Sticks. Drummer Robert Bruce agreed to drum on the recordings which resulted in the single Rat Race/Good Filthy Fun, which reflected a Punk and Power Pop nature. With a single done, there was no band to promote it. Despite being available in some shops and being well received, Carpenter decided to pull the single after a couple of weeks. Some of the recordings ("Nothing Holding You" and "Fun While it Lasts") can now be found on the Vancouver Complication Compilation.

While Active Dog seemed to be over following their single in 1979, other band members continued on to other music projects. Buck Cherry started a new group that would be called The Modernettes. Along with John Doe and John McAdams (from a band called Rabid), Ross Carpenter joined on bass. Carpenter left the group in June 1979 to focus more on family related issues, Mary Jo (from Wasted Lives) joined the Modernettes on bass. In 1980, Ross Carpenter and Terry Bowes formed a short lived band called Antheads. The band played faster than any band at the time and around 1981, growing tired of their musical direction called it quits. The band Perky Pat would emerge, with Carpenter on drum duties while Tony Balony played guitar, Gus Vassos covered vocals, Sam Salmon on keyboards, and Jon Moore was on bass.

Another band was also formed in 1981, featuring former Active Dog band members. The Melody Pimps consisted of Randall Carpenter on guitar/vocals, Tony "Balony" Walker on guitar/vocals, Nick Jones (from The Pointed Sticks) on guitar/vocals, Tom Upex on keyboards, Mark Branscome on bass, and Ross Carpenter on drums. The Melody Pimps are still currently in talks of recording an album and play live occasionally. Ross Carpenter runs a new studio called Twilight Sleep Studio.

While the band Active Dog was very short lived, they are an example of band that ended just as quickly as they began. From the ashes of Active Dog other bands stemmed and were created adding more depth to the Punk scene in Vancouver at the time. The recordings they have made are now part of the music history of not only Vancouver, but the country of Canada as well.

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I was fortunate to get an exclusive interview with Ross Carpenter, the bass player in Active Dog. This interview was done between myself (Dave Konstantino the host of Revolution Rock) and Ross W. Carpenter enjoy!

RR: You were involved with the formation of the band Active Dog how did the band form and what were some of your musical influences?

RWC: hmmm.. yeah, we started as 'Steel Breeze'. It was me: Bass, Robert: drums and Terry: Guitar ... playing and drinking beer on weekends and just improvising with strange chords and we didn't have a singer because we didn't have a PA system. We did our own songs because it was basically what we were capable of playing.

Terry was a really good guitar player but I was just learning to play bass so we played a sort of Psychedelic Blues with long demented extended guitar ramblings, we had fun. Our influences were British band stuff like Syd Barrett and early Floyd, The Move, Kinks, The Fish's song 'section 43' made a big impression on me, and all the crazy San Francisco bands. One of my oldest friends is Warren Cann the drummer for 'Ultavox. We went to high school as pals, and had a psychedelic liquid light show together in 1967. I was drumming in my high school band at the time, and we were both poor and 'drum less' so on lunch hours, I used to sneak Warren into the practise area under the auditorium and let him bang on my school rental set of drums.

I was in my first band with a childhood friend Basil Watson when we were both 12 years old, we were called 'Twilight Surfers'. Heh, we had skateboards.

When Active Dog started we were into the new Brit stuff that was hitting Vancouver at that time Pistols, Clash, and the Ramones, big time. I still drum practice daily to 'Rocket to Russia' on my headphones.

RR: What was the Vancouver scene like at the time of the bands formation?

RWC: Hair bands and disco crap, and faux-American style bands singing about highways and cocaine. Quite dismal, actually...we were into Bonzo Dog band and Mayall, Paul Butterfield band, Jim Kweskin Jug Band, then Robert started bringing over this crazy new stuff from England, and we were energized.

I started writing songs like "meat eating Betty'" and "Garlic Watches" and I made the mistake of leaving my song book at the practice space after writing a tune called "Let's go to fucking Hawaii" and ....well let's just say someone thought it was worth stealing. Art (Bergmann of Young Canadians) and I have come to an 'understanding' recently about the song, but not many people realize that I wrote 'Hawaii', but I did. It was going to be an Active Dog song.

RR: Active Dog has recorded several songs and has been featured on the Vancouver Complication compilation. Do you have any memorable recording moments in the bands history?

RWC: I'm just sorry we didn't get to record more songs, but we showed up right at the very beginning of the punk scene. We weren’t punks or anything really, we just played very loud, solid, funny songs and with the additions of Bill Shirt as front-man, Buck on guitar, Gord on Keys, we had a huge stage presence. With two guitar players trading lead, keyboards swirling, super loud twin 15" SVT bass cabs, and driving drums, we really shook the places we played..

Recording the [Vancouver] 'complication album stuff' was done at 'Sabre Studio' in Chris Cutress' basement bedroom, full of super hero models and flannel cowboy pyjamas. We got everything in first takes and it only took about four hours to do vocal overdubs, and mix the two songs. [They recorded] Bill's songs 'Nothing holding you' and 'Fun while it lasts' both fine songs, but they don't really give a good example of what we sounded like. I decided to record two of my songs, the 'Rat Race'/ 'Good Filthy fun' single was closer sounding to what we were musically about. We recorded the single at Sabre Sound too. It was cheap and I liked the 'Tea in Toyland' atmosphere of the place, so I booked the studio time, but when we were ready to record Gord announced that he'd decided to join the Pointed Sticks and so, we had no keyboards. I asked Buck to play Gords keyboard part on his guitar that was my 'Mooch Flammand' moment of producing [ Mooch Flammand was a pseudonym for Ross Carpenter as a producer]. I still like the single, it's a lot more what we sounded like....

RR: When did Active Dog stop playing as a band?

RWC: I think the last time we played, all of us together.. hmmm it might have been at the 'Helen Pitt' art gallery in Vancouver, but I really can't remember a last gig because we never mentioned we were breaking up. Gord was just gone one day, and he took one of my best friends, Robert, our drummer, with him. So, we just started forming other bands and not getting drunk together.

[I actually had a really big problem with Robert leaving. After all, he had been an original member of the band back when we were still Steel Breeze. I had even taught him how to drum, so he could hang around and make music with Terry and me, I was crazy pissed off, and didn't speak to him for a couple of decades].

Ironically, Robert didn't last long in the Pointed Sticks, they ground him up and spit him out like a bad idea. He went on to play with the 'Scissors' for a while, then he had a few bad personal nightmares and became a recluse. I've recently reunited with Bill Shirt and the others, as friends, and we have good memories of the crazy times we played.

RR: What are some of the other groups that you and some of the other band members have been involved with following Active Dog?

RWC: here's a bit of who / what / went to where

Buck Cherry: Modernettes,Los Popularos, Braineaters, Melody Pimps, Arrogant Derelicts, etc

Bill 'Shirt' Scherke: Los Popularos

Gord 'Dash' Nicholls : Pointed Sticks, Mud Bay Blues band

Terry 'Mister' Bowes: Antheads

Robert 'Boots' Bruce: Pointed Sticks, the Devices, Scissors

Ross Carpenter: Antheads, Perky Pat, Melody pimps, 'Detlef Sping and his Small Doomed Planet'

RR: What have you currently been up to and are you still playing in any bands?

RWC: I'm retired from the rat race of my work as an optical repair technician for Bausch and Lomb, now I paint and I record my 'Detlef Sping' stuff in my basement studio 'Twilight Sleep Studio'. I'm still drumming with the Melody Pimps and practice 2 hours a day on drums, 10:00am to noon. The Pimps currently plan on recording a CD of party faves and demented heavy metal, but with my brother and fellow Pimp, Randall T Carpenter, also in the Mud Bay Blues Band, we have to wait until they finish up with their projects.

RR: Is there anything else you would like to add or say?

RWC: Hmmm, no, not really, but thanks Dave, for your interest in us, and for giving me this opportunity to talk a bit about the old band. I do wish that Active Dog had more to show for our sweaty efforts, but nobody had video cameras in those days and we were too busy playing to really do much recording. Just after Active Dog split up the scene had all sorts of chronicalists and well wishers, but alas we were toast.

Oh well, we were there......thanks Dave...Ross

This Week's Play List:

1. The Saints - Save Me
2. Pierced Arrows - The Doorway
3. Hater - Convicted
4. Radio Birdman - Murder City Nights
5. Queens of the Stone Age - Medication
6. Gun Club - Fire Spirit
7. Pointed Sticks - How Could You?
8. The Modernettes - I Can Only Give You Everything
9. Antheads - Get A Gun....
10. Antheads - Moist and Easy
11. Perky Pat - Pussycat
12. Perky Pat - The Bells
13. Active Dog - Rat Race
14. Active Dog - Nothing Holding You
15. Psycotic Pineapple - Say That You Will
16. Modern Mothers - Crossing The Line
17. The D4 - Feel It Like It
18. The Professionals - Kick Down the Doors
19. The Cramps - Uranium Rock
20. The Boys - First Time
21. The Adverts - Gary Gilmore's Eyes
22. The Germs - Lexicon Devil
23. Lowlands Studio Band - Trash One
24. High Mother - My Creation
25. Magazine - Give Me Everything
26. Ramones - I'm Against It

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for July 6th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

A Well Respected Man...Show # 306

On June 23rd 2010, Peter Quaife original bassist and co-founder of the UK band The Kinks passed away at 66 years old. He was with the band from their original formation in 1961 until 1969. Although the band became known as The Kinks in 1964, they recorded a single under the band name The Ravens in 1963. Peter has played on some of the bands most renowned recordings such as "You Really Got Me", "Waterloo Sunset", "Sunny Afternoon", "Dedicated Follower of Fashion", and "All Day and All of the Night". Quaife has been quoted saying that The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is his favourite album by The Kinks, stating that it was one of the only Kinks albums with the most contributions musically from all band members

Following his time with The Kinks, Peter joined another band called Maple Oak who recorded a single titled "Son of a Gun" in April of 1970. Quaife left the band and the music business in 1970, he moved to Denmark and pursued other artistic interests. In 1981, he relocated to Belleville, Ontario where he worked as a graphic artist. He reunited with his fellow Kinks band members two times following his leave from the group, once for an encore at a show in Toronto in 1981 and in 1990 when The Kinks were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1998, he was diagnosed with Renal Failure. He would publish a book of cartoons called The Lighter Side of Dialysis in 2004 and a book about a fictional 1960s Rock group titled Veritas. In 2005, Peter Quaife moved back to Denmark. He was married twice and has one daughter.

The Play List:

1. The Black Lips - Before You Judge Me
2. The Phantom - Love Me
3. Little Joy - The Next Time Around
4. Creepies Invade - Nightmare (of Love)
5. Young Veins - Change
6. Gramercy Riffs - The Freezedown
7. Collapsing Opposites - You Can't Escape From Time
8. A Million Years - Holy Ghost Town
9. Wavves - Post-Acid
10. Public Image Limited - Chant (Peel Session)
11. Boxer The Horse - Sketch Me A Glove
12. Elbow Beach Surf Club - Surf Theme
13. The Treblemakers - Exploding Bikers From Hochelaga
14. Man Your Horse - Aptitude Sickness
15. Bored Games - Joe 90
16. The Alternators - The Kid Don't Know
17. Deadboys - Sonic Reducer
18. Generation X - No No No (Alternate Version)
19. X - Painting the Town Blue
20. Joe Strummer - Dum Dum Club
21. The Locusts Have No King - Nightmare Away
21. The Kinks - Days
22. The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset (BBC Session)
23. The Kinks - Everybody's Gonna Be Happy

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for June 29th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Planet of Sound...Show # 305

The Pixies album Trompe Le Monde was originally released in 1991. The albums title translates into "Fool The World" in English, this would also be the last full length album before the bands split. The album was well received on UK and US charts. Trompe Le Monde featured many notable tracks, drawing on science fiction based themes involving aliens ("Planet of Sound", "Motorway To Roswell"), and other songs such as "Alec Eiffel", "U-Mass", and "Trompe Le Mode". The songs contained elements of the bands past influences and a new direction involving Pop elements. Many people feel that the album is essentially the first Black Francis solo album, due to the fact that he wrote all of the songs except for one. "Head On" which is also featured on the album is a cover of a song originally done by Jesus & The Mary Chain. The Pixies reunited in 2004.  

The Play List:

1. The Wipers - Up Front
2. Mudhoney - The Straight Life
3. THe Pixies - Head On
4. Hysteric Narcotics - Anna
5. Nightstalkers - Too Many Images
6. Hellbound Hepcats - Only Man
7. Christian D & the Hangovers - Hillbilly Heroin
8. Bloodshot Bill - Leave Me Alone
9. Ron Leary - Miles
10. Harlem - Witchgreens
11. The Express - Wastin' My Time
12. The Iguanas - Again & Again
13. Expelaires - To See You
14. The Skids - Masquerade
15. 20-20s - Heart On A string
16. The Drums - Skippin' Town
17. Devo - Fresh
18. Tokyo Police Club - Not Sick
19. The Stranglers - Outside Tokyo
20. Television - Venus
21. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Crack of Dawn
22. The Libertines - Up the Bracket
23. Thee Manipulators - Paper In My Pocket
24. Young Rival - Workin'
25. The Gaslight Anthem - Stay Lucky
26. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers - Do You Love Me?

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for June 22nd. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

A Million Miles Away...The Story of The Plimsouls...Show # 304

Peter Case began playing with a three piece that would be known as The Plimsouls in 1978. The band consisted of Case on guitar/vocals, David Pahoa on bass and Lou Ramirez on drums. The band began recording an EP that would be titled Zero Hour, it was released in 1980. During the recording of this EP another guitarist joined the group, Eddie Munoz. The EP was produced by Danny Holloway, who was also the group’s manager. The EP contained five songs all of which reflected a Power Pop based music ethic. The title track "Zero Hour" received heavy rotation on the LA radio station KROQ, along with their live shows this helped The Plimsouls to become a band to see in the LA club scene. The bands sound was a mix of Power Pop, New Wave, 60's Soul, Garage Rock and more. They are sometimes referred to as a Soul Punk band.

In 1981 The Plimsouls released their first album, which was simply titled The Plimsouls. The album featured the songs that were on the Zero Hour EP along with others which reflected elements of Power Pop, New Wave, Punk, and Roots Rock and Roll. Several critics agree that The Plimsouls has many classic Power Pop anthems and is one of their best releases. The band got more notoriety in 1983 when a self-financed single of theirs was put in a movie called Valley Girl. The song was known as "A Million Miles Away" and is seen as a great document of the bands Power Pop abilities, it became a minor hit for them. The band also appeared in the movie as themselves, performing "A Million Miles Away" along with two other songs. The bands second album, Everywhere At Once was released in 1983 on Geffen. The album featured a re-recorded version "A Million Miles Away", but the band would not last long, they split up following the release of this album. The band has been referred to as one of the greatest live bands in LA during this time period.  Their second album was more of a production based album, it was produced by Jeffery Rich. While the band did split up after Everywhere At Once, a live album was released in 1988 titled One Night in America. The band has reformed several times and in 1998 recorded another album titled Kool Trash that featured an appearance by Blondie drummer Clem Burke. Recently a live album was released titled Live! Beg, Borrow & Steal.

Peter Case continued on with a solo career and is an acclaimed song writer by many. He has released several solo albums expanding his song writing abilities into other genres such as Folk, Blues, Psychedelic and other Rock subgenres. Recently he released an album that was recorded using all analog equipment titled Wig! on Yep Rock records.

The Play List:

1. The Checks - Bagheera
2. Greenhornes - Pattern Skies 
3. Surf City - See How The Sun
4. Grand Prix - Always Beginning
5. The Bats - Steppin' Out
6. Mystery Jets - Dreaming of Another World
7. Young Veins - Maybe I Will, Maybe I Won't
8. The Beat - Rankin' Full Stop
9. The Beatdown - Hooligans
10. Leisure Units - Champagne and Money To Burn
11. The Disappeared - Welcome Back
12. The Diodes - Weekend 
13. Pointed Sticks -What Do You Want Me To Do?
14. The Sinners - No Brains Required 
15. 222s - Hold Up
16. The Rage - I've Got Your Number
17. The Nerves - When You Find Out
18. The Breakaways - Walking Out On Love
19. Plimsouls - Zero Hour
20. Peter Case -Ain't Got No Dough
21. Jack Lee & Band - It's Hot Outside
22. Marble Index - Anytime 
23. Modernettes - Static 
24. Black Keys - Tighten Up
25. Dead Weather - The Difference Between Us

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for June 15th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Thunder Express...Show # 303

In March 1972, The MC5 recorded a live in studio session, it was also broadcast on TV. They recorded six songs at Herouville Castle in France, one of them being a new song and another being a cover of a Rolling Stones song ("Empty Heart"). The songs are available on a bootleg titled Thunder Express, but a remastered version of the song "Thunder Express" can be found on a greatest hits CD released by Rhino Records in 2000 titled Big Bang: The Best of The MC5. The song "Thunder Express" is itself one of the last original MC5 songs before their split. The song uses a standard blues pattern, but comes off with an original Rock and Roll intensity that matches songs such as "Sister Anne". The sessions feature English bassist Steve Moorhouse and was one of the last recording sessions the band did. This song along with three more songs that were recorded for the Gold soundtrack serve as the last original compositions by the band. The MC5 split in 1972/1973 following a live New Year's Eve show at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit.

More information about MC5 can be found in the following posts:

A True Testimonial: The Story of The MC5
MC5 Cover Artist Article

This Week's Play List:

1. 101ers - Surf City
2. 4/4 - Systematic
3. The Blitzz - So Free
4. The Fans - You Don't Live Here Anymore
5. The Victims - I Understand
6. The Perks - McPig
7. Silent Mercenaries - I Wanna Be An Accountant
8. Venus Envy - Hole in My Heart
9. Spiral Scratch - Nightcrawler
10. Dream Dates - Mess You're In
11. Regulators - What's in the City
12. Hot Hot Heat - Zero Results
13. Gemma Ray - Looking the World Over
14. Teenage Fanclub - The Fall
15. Dr.Dog - The Unicorn
16. The Saints - A Minor Aversion
17. Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros - At The Border, Guy
18. Albert Hammond Jr. - In Transit
19. Burnt Ones - Alright (Sha-La-La)
20. Simply Saucer - Dance the Mutation
21. Buzzcocks - I've Had Enough
22. MC5 - Thunder Express

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for June 8th. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Message in a Bottle Single 1979....Show # 302

In September of 1979, The Police released their second single from their second album Regetta De Blanc. The single was "Message in a Bottle", a song that would be the bands first number one single in the UK. While the song itself is a great example of song writing within the Rock music genre (containing elements of Reggae, Punk/New Wave, and Pop), the B-side to the single was much different. "Landlord" was a fast Punk paced song which reflects a sound of The Police's early days as a band. This Punk song is a song simply about a Landlord in Sting's life at the time. The single as a whole can be seen as an example of the bands past and future on one 7". While "Landlord" catered to the bands beginnings with a Punk influence, "Message in a Bottle" exemplified where the band would go in the coming years, to the top of the charts. They would become a huge success up until their split following three concerts for Amnesty International in 1986. It should also be noted that The Police reunited for two world reunion tours in 2007/2008. The cover created for this single features a green bottle that is shattered over a picture of the band. "Landlord" can be found on the Message in a Box Set that was released in 1993.





Play List:

1. The Police - Landlord
2. The Boys - Living in the City (Live at The Roxy)
3. UK Subs - CID (Live at the Roxy)
4. Ian Dury & The Blockheads - Sweet Gene Vincent
5. The Shakers - In Time
6. Teenage Head - Top Down
7. The Organ - Oh What A Feeling
8. Thee Headcoats - You Got Your Head On Backwards
9. Young Fresh Fellows - High Time
10. The Caesars - It's Not the Fall That Hurts
11. Fjord Rowboat - We Are On Time
12. Mode Moderne - Les Neuf Soeurs
13. Link Wray - The Sweeper
14. The New Waves - Nocturnal
15. Panasonics - Pancake
16. The Surf Trio - Down 1-5
17. Hot Nasties - This is Unlove
18. John Lennon - Crippled Inside
19. Cheap Trick - Big Eyes
20. Fire Engines - New Things in Cartons
21. Talking Heads - Pulled Up
22. Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Moods For Moderns
23. Outrageous Cherry - Self-Made Monster
24. Medications - We Could Be Others
25. The Hives - A Thousand Answers (Live)
26. Rich Kids - Empty Words

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for June 1st. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Show 301...The Easybeats, Iggy Pop and The Black Keys

Play List:

1. The Action - Waiting For the Man
2. Joy Division - Sister Ray
3. Smashing Pumpkins - Venus in Furs
4. The Velvet Underground - Pale Blue Eyes
5. Locust Have No King - Song 6
6. Prehistoric Cave Strokers - Stereotypical Blues Tune
7. Thee Manipulators - (It's Gonna Be) alright
8. Starlites - I Can See You
9. Canadian VIPs - I Know
10. Ex-Girl Friends Club - Your Prescription
11. Harlem - Faces
12. The Gruesomes - You Were Not Using Your Head
13. The Easybeats - She's So fine
14. Okmoniks - What I Want
15. Mint Chicks - Screens
16. The Futureheads - Struck Dumb
17. The Vores - Heartbeat
18. Radio Birdman - Zeno Beach
19. Iggy Pop - Five Foot One
20. Wire - Sand in My Joints
21. New Strychnines - Shot Down
22. Generation X - Cathy Comes Home
23. Black Keys - Howlin' For You
24. Undertones - Here Comes the Summer

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for May 25. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Velvet Underground Special...Show # 300!

This week Revolution Rock aired for its 300th time on the CJAM airwaves.  To celebrate this event this weeks show focused on the music of the highly influential Velvet Underground. This week I will discuss the song Sister Ray.

Sister Ray (from White Light/White Heat 1968)

This is an avant-garde song that is featured on the bands 1968 album White Light/White Heat and is over 17 minutes long. The music is credited to the entire band and was apparently written by Sterling Morrison, John Cale, and Maureen Tucker during the bands Exploding Plastic Inevitable tour with Andy Warhol while Lou Reed was in the hospital with hepatitis. The song itself was recorded in a single take in September of 1967 at Scepter Studios in New York City. During the recording of the song the bands engineer at the time has been rumoured to have started the recording and then apparently told the band to come get him when they were done. On the recording Lou Reed covers vocals and guitar, Maureen Tucker is on drums, Sterling Morrison is on guitar and John Cale plays an organ that was amplified through a distorted guitar amplifier, there is no bass. Morrison’s guitar was also switched to the bridge pick up for the recording to give according to him `"extra oomph". The song comes off displaying elements of Garage and Psychedelic Rock music in a fashion that is not unlike The Stooges at times. This song was also a live favourite and when played it usually lasted for half and hour or more, it would end their sets.  Lyrics to the song can be described by a quote from Lou Reed himself in The Stranger in which he said:

"'Sister Ray' was done as a joke--no, not as a joke, but it has eight characters in it and this guy gets killed and nobody does anything. The situation is a bunch of drag queens taking some sailors home with them, shooting up on smack and having this orgy when the police appear. The jam came about right there in the studio. We didn't use any splices or anything. When we did 'Sister Ray,' we turned up to 10 flat-out, leakage all over the place. [The producers] asked us when it would end. We didn't know. We were doing the whole heavy-metal trip back then. If 'Sister Ray' isn't an example of heavy metal, I don't know what is."

More information on The Velvet Underground can be found in a previous post I did on the band, What Went On: The Story of The Velvet Underground

VU Play List:

1. Sunday Morning
2. Femme Fatale
3. Stephanie Says
4. Temptation Inside Your Heart
5. We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together
6. Coney Island Steeplechase
7. Who Loves the Sun
8. Beginning to See the Light
9. New Age
10. Heroin
11. What Goes On (Closet Mix)
12. White Light/White Heat
13. Guess I'm Falling in Love (Live)
14. Satellite of Love
15. I'm Waiting For the Man (Different Take)
16. After Hours
17. I Can't Stand It
18. Sister Ray

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for May 18. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Awesome Color and Memories...Show 299

Next week's show will feature the songs of The Velvet Underground. This week enjoy some youtube videos from some of the bands played on this weeks show.

The Play List:

1. The Cramps - Save It
2. Awesome Color - Transparent
3. Billy and The Kids - Say You Love Me
4. Beatpack - My Baby Left Me
5. The Haunted - 1-2-5 (Original Version)
6. Mark Sultan - Status
7. Lost Patrol - Kinda Sorta Miss Home
8. Johnny Thunders - You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory
9. The Sadies - Another Year Again
10. Rolling Stones - Dear Doctor (Outtake)
11. Locusts Have No King - Last Night in My Favourite Bar
12. Sloan - G Turns to D (Live at the Palais Royale)
13. The Motors - Dancing The Night Away
14. The Fall - Hot Cake
15. Birthday Boys - Hiss
16. LCD Soundsystem - Drunk Girls
17. Ultravox! - Satday Night In the City of the Dead
18. The Adverts - Television's Over
19. Jaill - Everyone's Hip
20. The Smugglers - 5-4-3-2-1
21. The Pagans - What's This Shit Called Love?
22. The Damned - You Take My Money
23. The Kinks - Get Back in the Line
24. Black Lips - Slime and Oxygen
25. The Libertines - I Get Along

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for May 11. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Pumping On Your Stereo... The Story of Supergrass...Show 298

Supergrass formed in 1993 following the end of the band The Jennifers in Oxford, England. The band only ever released one single Just Got Back Today in 1992.  They started out very young at the ages of 16. Supergrass consists of Gaz Coombes (guitar/vocals), Rob Coombes (keyboards), Mick Quinn (bass), and Danny Goffey on drums. Taking their influences from bands such as Buzzcocks, The Jam, The Who, Small Faces, The Kinks, and other Britpop acts, Supergrass released their first single Caught By The Fuzz in October of 1994. Released on Parlophone Records, Caught By The Fuzz is lyrically based on a true life incident involving lead singer Gaz Coombes. Musically the song reflects a Buzzcockian ethic and teenage angst, the single reached number 43 on the UK singles charts. In August 1994, the very same song was released on a different label called Backbeat Records, a limited number of copies were pressed. "Mansize Rooster" and "Lenny" were released next as singles and charted on the UK album charts as well. The bands debut album followed in May of 1995, it was titled I Should Coco.  The album was recorded quickly in order to capture the energy and excitement of the songs according to the booklet to Supergrass is 10. I Should Coco was recorded and produced in Cornwall by Sam Williams. The album reflects musical influences such as The Kinks, Buzzcocks, The Jam, and The Madness. Mixing in elements of Britpop and other 60s influences, I Should Coco reached number one on the UK album charts and remained there for three weeks. Other stand out tracks on the album included the keyboard Britpop driven song "Alright", and "Time". The title of I Should Coco is based on Cockney rhyming slang. The album was released in the US three months later.

After touring heavily and playing many festivals, Supergrass released the single Going Out in 1996. The song would be taken from their forth coming album which would be titled In It For The Money. Recorded in 1996 at Sawmill Studio, the album was produced by Supergrass and John Cornfield. Prior to the recording of this album, only two songs were completed. The songs on this album reflected a darker sound and included songs such as "Richard III", "Sun Hits The Sky", and "Late In The Day" all of which did well on the UK single charts.

After a break, the band returned in 1999 with the song "Pumping On Your Stereo". The song, which came about during a rehearsal is a simple three chord song that is extremely catchy. Apparently handclaps were added to the recording of the song because the drummer was not hitting the snare drum loud enough, it came out with a David Bowie feel as a result. In addition to this, the music video for the song shows the band as Muppet like characters. The song generated much publicity for the band, it was followed by their third full length album titled Supergrass. Recorded at Sawmill and Ridge Farm Studios, Supergrass went to number 3 on the UK album charts and produced several charting singles ("Moving" and "Mary"). The band then took a hiatus until 2002 when they returned with the album Life On Other Planets. For this album the band brought in producer Tony Hoffer, it was also said to be inspired by a variety of topics such as Carl Sagan documentaries on the cosmos, and by a telescope that was brought into the studio by Rob Coombes to see other planets during the recording process. It should also be noted that this was the first album to list Rob Coombes (keyboards) as an official member of Supergrass. The album came off with a different sound than the bands previous releases, but contained a lot of energy. This is apparent on songs such as "Rush Hour Soul", and "Never Done Nothing Like That Before". The album peaked at number 9 on the UK album charts, this was followed by a hiatus of three years.

In 2004, Supergrass is 10 was released. This was a greatest hits compilation celebrating the bands ten year anniversary, featuring two new compositions. Early editions of the album featured two DVD's containing music videos of the bands singles and a documentary about the band. It went to number 4 on the UK album charts. In 2005, Supergrass returned with Road To Rouen. It was recorded in a barn that was converted into a recording studio in Rouen, Normandy. The music was mellower and reflected a more orchestral dimensionality. It has been said to have been a difficult album for the band due to personal issues involving Danny Goffey and the tabloids and the passing of the Coombes brother’s mother. Despite this fact, the album was well received by fans and cracked the top ten in the UK. It was followed by and extensive international tour from August 2005 to September 2006.

In 2007 the band began working on their seventh studio album Diamond Hoo Ha. It was recorded in Berlin at Hansa Tonstudio, the very same place where David Bowie recorded many albums. The band also worked with producer Nick Launay who has worked with bands such as Gang of Four, Public Image Limited, and Nick Cave. The songs on this album reflected a more Rock based ethic from Supergrass and three singles were released from the album ("Diamond Ho Ha Man", "Bad Blood", and "The Rebel in You"). During the bands 2007 Summer tour, Charly Coombes was added as an additional guitarist, percussionist, and to supply backing vocals. In 2008 following a US tour, the bands contract ended and as a result the song "The Rebel In You" was released independently through a new label the band formed called Supergrass Records.

In 2009, the band signed to Cooking Vinyl and announced that they had begun work a new album that was to be released in January 2011 titled Release The Drones. The music on the album is said to have been influenced by Drone music and bands such as Can and other Krautrock bands.  Apparently the band members switched instruments for several of the tracks that were recorded for the album.  Although the album was said to have been nearly completed, in April 2010 Supergrass announced that following a series of concerts that are to end with a show in Paris on June 11th, 2010 that they would be breaking up.  It is not known if Release The Drones will be released.  The members of Supergrass have been involved in numerous side projects Gaz Coombes and Danny Goffey are currently involved in a project titled The Hotrats. The band recorded an album of cover songs with producer Nigel Godrich titled Turn Ons, it was released in January 2010.

Play List:

1. Standells - Mr.Nobody
2. Scott Morgan - Fallin' For Ya
3. Quadron - Pressure
4. Jury - Please Forget Her
5. Great Scots - The Light Hurts My Eyes
6. Prehistoric Cavestrokers - Hatfield's Corner
7. Ugly Ducklings - Just In Case You Wonder
8. Whitsundays - Oh Madeline
9. The Blue Violets - You Said
10. The Robots - Tiny Paws
11. Neil Young - World On A String
12. Blue Peter - Same Old Place
13. Modern Mothers - Allison
14. Two Door Cinema Club - This is the Life
15. The Carnivores - Heart of Copper
16. Radiohead - Electioneering
17. Motorhead - I'll Be Your Sister
18. Luger Boa - Please Please
19. Roxy Music - Street Life
20. David Bowie - Rosalyn
21. Lou Reed - I'm So Free
22. The Clash - City of the Dead
23. The Hives - Die, All Right!
24. Supergrass - Seen the Light
25. Supergrass - Alright

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for May 4. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Supergrass Videos:

Caught By The Fuzz
Alright
Pumping On Your Stereo
Mary
Going Out
Rush Hour Soul
Diamond Hoo Ha Man
Bad Blood

Sex Pistols, Revolvers and Harlem....Show # 297

This week marked the 267th episode of Revolution Rock on the CJAM airwaves. In celebration of my 300th episode which is two weeks away, I will be playing the music of The Velvet Underground. Feel free to leave any requests via the comment button on this post. In the meantime, enjoy some youtube videos:








The Play List:

1. The Specials - Too Much Too Young
2. The Slackers - Mr.Tragedy
3. Spacecraft 7 - Jed's Trilogy Part 1
4. The Disappeared - Karen Silkwood
5. DID - Ask U2
6. The Horrors - Little Victories
7. Tyranna - Johnny
8. Rock and Roll Bitches - Broad Daylight
9. Sturgeons - Punk Rock Virgins
10. Magic Hall of Mirrors - Coke MTN
11. The Make Up - They Live By Night
12. Secrets - Teenage Rampage
13. Speaking Tongues - Looking in your Window
14. Revolvers - Rock y Roll
15. Television - Torn Curtain
16. Harlem - Pissed
17. 5.6.7.8's - Cat Fight Run
18. The Zeros - Beat Your Heart Out
19. Buzzcocks - Everybody's Happy Nowadays
20. Richard Hell & The Voidoids - Liars Beware
21. The Stooges - TV Eye
22. Blur - Fools Day
23. Sex Pistols - EMI
24. Nirvana - Stay Away

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for April 27. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Authenic...Young Rival Release Self Titled Debut...Show # 296

On April 13th, 2010 (in the US on June 8th) Young Rival released their first full length album under that band name. Signing to legendary Hamilton label Sonic Unyon, Young Rival is now alongside other Hamilton, Ontario greats such as Teenage Head and Simply Saucer. Recorded during June of 2009 with Polaris Prize winning Jon Drew, Young Rival's self titled debut has all the energy, excitement and depth of Rock and Roll. Compared to previous releases by the band this album reflects a more "rough around the edges" sound. There are also two tracks dating back to the bands recording sessions with Emery Dobyns from 2007 for the bands EP.  The band takes on a new dynamic with this album.  It Picks up where the bands six song EP left off, containing high energy rockers and songs more melodic in nature. Lyrically the album contains upbeat lyrics, juxtaposed alongside darker and tongue-in-cheek lyrics.  Within the new sonic dynamics that are being displayed here, Young Rival will now operate a three piece. In December of 2009, rhythm guitarist Kyle Kuchmey left the group to pursue other interests, but he is featured on all of the recordings found on this album.

If you have seen Young Rival live in the past year or so, many of these songs here have been road tested and work well.  The album keeps true to their live sound.  Songs such as "The Ocean", "Authentic", "T-Shirt and Shorts", "Workin", "Ghost in the Park", and "Just Can't Stay Here" all capture the essence of the band.  Other songs on the album such as "At the Break of Dawn" which is an acoustic track similar to 60s Psychedelic Rock with Surf Guitar elements, and "A Few Things Left" which is a Blues and Garage Rock track, add to the songs featured on Young Rival.  Drenched in elements of 60's Garage, Surf, Pop and strong vocal harmonies, Young Rival is an eleven track album that you will want for your collection.  It will be released on vinyl in June. 

Young Rival will perform at Phog Lounge in Windsor, Ontario on Saturday April, 24th.

Links:
The Story of Young Rival and an Interview
http://www.youngrival.com/

This week's play list:

1. Polymorphines - Dirty Cop
2. Blam Blam Blam - Talkback King
3. Modern Lovers - Pablo Picasso
4. The Demics - The News
5. Brian James - I Can Make You Cry
6. Barracudas - Rendez-Vous
7. Link Wray - The Fuzz
8. The Gamblers - Moon Dawg!
9. Astronuts - Montezuma
10. The Locust Have No King - On My Way
11. James O-L and the Vilains - Last Lemmings Over the Cliff
12. Dr. Dog - Jackie Wants A Black Eye
13. Talking Heads - Psycho Killer (Take 1)
14. Marching Girls - True Love
15. The Organ Beats - Time To Go
16. Carbon/Silicon - Don't Taser Me Bro
17. Pretty Things - Gonna Find Me A Substitute
18.The Pack AD - Math, The Stars
19. The D4 - Little Baby
20. Gun Club - Sex Beat
21. The Kinks - Susannah's Still Alive
22. Young Rival - T-Shirt and Shorts
23. Young Rival - Just Can't Stay Here
24. Bob Dylan - From A Buick 6

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for April 20. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Ten of Hearts...The Mark Sultan Story....Show # 295

Coming from Montreal, Quebec, Canadian musician Mark Sultan has been in numerous bands. He started out playing drums with a band called Powersquat, they were known for their live shows which often turned violent. By 1995, Sultan helped form the band The Spaceshits where he would become lead vocalist. The Punk/Garage band would become known for their live shows as well, which were sometimes violent and would not last more than 10 to 15 minutes. They were often over the top featuring fireworks and flood lights. As a result, the band was banned from many clubs and in 1996 they released their first EP tilted I'm Dead. Winter Dance Party, The Spaceshits first full length album was released in 1997 on the Sympathy for the Record Industry label. After a European tour and being banned from numerous venues in Montreal, The Spaceshits split up by 1999.

Sultan's next band was Les Sexereenos. The band took their name from a pulp novel by Ron Haydock. Mark Sultan was not only the lead singer in this group, he was also the drummer at the same time. The bands sound drifted more towards Garage Rock and featured organ. They released two albums Live! In the Bed (2000) and 14 Frenzied Shakers in 2001. The bands albums were released on the Sympathy for the Record Industry label and in 2005, 28 Party Dancers from Montreal's Finest a compilation of the bands seven inch releases was released. The band has played several live shows with bands such as the Detroit Cobras, the Von Bondies, and the Deadly Snakes. By 2002, Les Sexereenos were pretty much over and Mark Sultan began recording under the name BBQ. In BBQ, Sultan drummed, sang and played guitar simultaniously. a self titled debut was released by BBQ in 2003 on Alien Snatch Records and it adopted more of a Garage Rock sound. In 2005, BBQ's second full length album Tie Your Noose was released on Bomp! Records. In the very same year, Sultan recorded a single with a new band called The Mind Controls (covering guitar and vocals), who adopted more of a Punk sound. Growing dissatisfied with being a one man band, Sultan teamed up with formed Spaceshits bassist King Khan to become the band The King Khan & BBQ Show. 

In 2005 The King Khan & BBQ Show released their first self titled album, and toured America, South America, Austraila and Europe.  The band mixed elements of Garage Rock, Doo Wop and Punk. What's for Dinner? their second album was released in 2006 on In the Red Records and in 2009 The King Khan & BBQ Show released their third full length album Invisible Girl. Mark Sultan released his frantic debut album The Sultanic Verses in 2007. In 2010 Mark Sultan released his newest album titled $. The album was released on Sultan Records, an independent record label owned by Mark Sultan that features many Garage Rock bands. Mark Sultan has played under numerous names and in 2009 recorded an album under the band name The Almighty Defenders with members of The Black Lips and King Khan. The Ding Dongs, a project featuring Mark Sultan and Bloodshot Bill will be releasing an album in 2010 on Norton Records.

This is the last day to vote for the CJAM awards.  So if you are a visitor of this blog and or listener of my radio show, your vote would be greatly appreacted for Revolution Rock.  Vote Now!

The Play List:
1. The Wipers - Return of the Rat
2. Stone Temple Pilots - Tumble in the Rough
3. Pluto - Locked and Loaded
4. Burnt Ones - Gonna Listen To T-Rex (All Night Long)
5. The Dishrags - Vicious (Live)
6. The Evaporators - Crispy Space Bacon
7. Mark Sultan - Go Beserk
8. Mark Sultan - I Get Nothin from My Girl
9. The Cinch - Mystery Train
10. The Spades - Tear It Apart
11. Eddie & The Hotrods - 96 Tears
12. New York Dolls - Private World
13. The Ugly - To Have Some Fun
14. The Vapors - News At Ten (Single Version)
15. T.Rex - Jeepster
16. The Who - Heatwave
17. Awesome Color - Zombies
18. The Misfits - Hollywood Babylon
19. Magazine - My Mind Ain't So Open
20. Codine Velvet Club - Hollywood
21. Blondie - I Know But I Don't Know
22. TV Smith's Explorers - Walk Away
23. XTC - Life Begins at the Hop
24. Devo - Gut Feeling

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for April 13. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Dimensions...The Story of The Box Tops.....Show 294

Coming from Memphis, Tennessee The Box Tops originally started out in 1963 as The Devilles. The line up changed by 1967 and included Alex Chilton (vocals/guitar), Danny Smythe (drums and founder of the band), John Evans (guitar/keyboards), Bill Cunningham (bass), and Gary Talley (lead guitar). The bands sound mixed elements of Soul music and Pop, and sometimes came off with a Garage Rock sound.

Signing to Bell Records the band cut their first single "The Letter" in 1967. The song was written by Wayne Carson Thompson and produced by Dan Penn. Fronted by teenage Alex Chilton with his angry soulful voice, the single quickly went to # 1 on the Billboard singles charts. It remained at number one for four weeks and even made it into Billboard Magazines number one single of the year. The bands next single "Neon Rainbow" was also written by Thompson and produced by Penn. Session musicians began to be brought in to record a lot of the singles for The Box Tops, this frustrated guitarist John Evans and Drummer Danny Smythe. As a result, they left the group and returned to school in early 1968. It should be noted that while session musicians did play on the majority of the recordings, the original line up of The Box Tops perform on the song "The Letter" and performed live. Symthe and Evans were replaced by Tom Boggs and Rick Allen.

The band continued to have hit singles and within nine months the band recorded three full length albums. The Letter/Neon Rainbow was released in November 1967, Cry Like A Baby in April 1968, and Non-Stop in July 1968. While the band had several hits, Alex Chilton was getting upset over the inconsistency of material that The Box Tops were recording. He would push to have some of his original compositions recorded. Every song on the bands first three albums were written by someone else, but Chilton got some original compositions recorded for The Box Tops next album Dimensions. Released in 1969, Dimensions was not produced by Penn and featured several Chilton originals "I Must Be the Devil", "Together", and "The Happy Song". The band also had their last minor hit with the song "Soul Deep" which is also featured on Dimensions, it was also written by Wayne Carson Thompson. Following this Bill Cunningham left the group to go back to school.

The bands contract ended in 1970 and they were essentially over after that. More material was released from 1972-1974. In 1972, studio musicians were put together to record new material under the Box Tops name, three singles were recorded this way. The last Box Tops single recorded was "Wilobee and Dale", none of these singles charted. Alex Chilton returned to Memphis and would form the Power Pop cult band Big Star. The Box Tops reunited several times between 1989-2009. On March 17, 2010 Alex Chilton passed away due to a heart attack.

More information on The Box Tops can be found at:
http://www.boxtops.com/

The Play List:

1. The Saints - Messin' With the Kid
2. Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - Get Yo Shit
3. Box Tops - Everything I Am
4. Big Star - Oh My Soul
5. James OL & The Villains - Train Wreck of Thought
6. Locust Have No King - Come One, Come All
7. Teenage Head - Infected
8. Drink Up Buttercup - Seasickness Pills
9. The Whigs - Hundred/Million
10. Radio Birdman - 455 SD
11. The Spys - Welcome to the Cruel World
12. Ramblin' Ambassadors - Rat Creek
13. Bambi Molesters - Wrong Turn
14. Lovers Love Haters - Poison
15. Perky Pat - The Bells
16. The Police - On Any Other Day
17. Ramones - Let's Dance
18. Buzzcocks - Lipstick
19. The Stooges - Shake Appeal
20. MC5 - Sister Anne

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for April 6. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.


Box Tops Videos:



Don't forget to vote for Revolution Rock to win a Jammy award.

Lost Patrol Reunion ...Show # 293

This Saturday April 3rd, Windsor's Lost Patrol will reunite for the first time since their split in the 90s at Windsor's FM Lounge. Lost Patrol mixed elements of Punk, Garage Rock, Post Punk, Soul, and New Wave for a sound entirely their own. They recorded one full length album and many singles and EP's. Their self titled album which contained fourteen tracks was released through the Stop It Baby label in France in 1988.

The folowing Interview was done between me and Paul Langan, the bassist/founder of Lost Patrol:

1. Prior to this reunion when was the last time that Lost Patrol played together as a band?

About 15 years ago

2. What were the series of events that led up to this reunion on April 3rd?

Our singer Karen Marrero's mother Dianne died and we are were all at the funeral. Dianne was a big supporter of the band. We were all still friends and everyone was in good health so we emailed back and forth and eventually picked a date for the show. We are dedicating the show in memory of Karen's mother.

For myself, my son Dylan (http://dylanlangan.ca/ ) plays guitar and he got to be back playing bass. We jammed in our basement to get me in shape again

3. The band had a connection with France and Stop It Baby Records. How did that come about?

I can't remember exactly. Back around the mid 1980s there was alot of people in Europe and North America putting out these small fanzines that included a free 45 7" EP record or cassette tape of a compilation of bands. We started getting put on them and somehow they heard of us through one of the zines. There was a great zine out of London Ontario at that time called WhatWave. They had a band compilation cassette with each issue.

4. Finally, is there anything else you would like to add or say?

Come out to the show at the FM Lounge on April 3rd, its probably the only time you can see the original Lost Patrol.

More of this interview can be found in the April editon of WAMM Magazine.

More information on Lost Patrol can be found at:

http://www.lostpatrolreunion.com/
Lost Patrol's Myspace Page
Paul Langan's Myspace Page
Thats Their Style: The Lost Patrol Story


The Play List:

1. Elvis Costello - Welcome to the Working Week
2. The Jam - The Place I Love
3. Leather Uppers - The Finger
4. Untied States - Holding Up Walls
5. Dr.Dog - Stranger
6. Carjack - Got What You Need
7. 63' Monroe - Henry VIII
8. Starshooter - Pin Up Blonde
9. 3D Invisibles - I Married A Monster From Outer Space
10. Deja Voodoo - Expresso Bongo
11. The Cramps - I Can't Hardly Stand It
12. Slow - Have Not Been the Same
13. Lost Patrol - I'm Not the One
14. Yachts - Secret Agent
15. The Atlantics - Lonelyhearts
16. The Scavengers - Twentyone
17. Flamin' Groovies - Headin' For the Texas Border
18. Prehistoric Cavestrokers - Urine Your Out
19. Ugly Ducklings - Hey Mama
20. Flat Duo Jets - Frog Went A Courtin'
21. Black Lips - Stranger
22. Wire - Feeling Called Love
23. Young Rival - Modern Life
24. Young Rival - The Ocean

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for March 30. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Harlem - Hippies...Show 292

Harlem is a Rock band originally coming from Tuscon, Arizona. Having now relocated to Austin, Texas Harlem features Michael Coomers (vocals/guitar/drums) and Curtis O'Mara (vocals/guitar/drums). Playing as a two piece, the band alternates between guitar and drums. Their sound is a jangly Garage/Punk sound mixed with strong Pop vocal harmonies that quickly got them recognition. The band recorded and issued their album Free Drugs in 2008 on Female Fantasy Records. The band was signed to Matador Records in 2009. Recently the band acquired Jose Boyer on bass and will release their second full length album Hippies in April 2010. Some stand out tracks on the album include "Friendly Ghost", and "Be Your Baby".

It is once again time to vote for the Jammy awards. My show Revolution Rock is nominated for the Best Indie/Alternative/Rock Show. Show your support for Revolution Rock by voting now. Clck here to vote.

Play List:

1. Almighty Defenders - Cone of Light
2. Psycotic Pinapple - I Want Her So Bad
3. Thee Headcoats - Louis Riel
4. Harlem - A Friendly Ghost
5. Harlem - Number One
6. Guided By Voices - An Unmarketed Product
7. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts - I Want You
8. Curse - Killer Bees
9. Poles - CN Tower
10. Miesha & The Spanks - Drop the Anchor
11. Ex-Boyfriends - In Revolution Clothes
12. The Pine Tarts - Mosel
13. The Neighborhoods - No Place Like Home
14. Nervous Eaters - Loretta
15. The Lyres - I Want To Help You Ann
16. Billy Karloff & The Extremes - Headbangers
17. X - Soul Kitchen
18. Pulp - Common People
19. Laughing Clowns - In Front of Your Eyes
20. Broken Bells - Vaporize
21. Blur - Coffee & TV
22. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for March 23. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Show # 291

This week Revolution Rock featured a guest host.  Clara of The Washing Machine filled in and played a mix of new Rock with some Punk and Alternative as well. Next week I will return and play music from Blur, X, Guided By Voices and much more. 



The Play List:

1. The Blue Van - The Time is Right
2. Black Kids - I Underestimated My Charm (Again)
3. Vivian Girls - I'm Not Asleep
4. Danko Jones - Soul On Ice
5. The Splinters - Motorcycle
6. Dandy Warhols - I Am Over It
7. Dandy Warhols - Rock Bottom
8. Boomtown Rats - Whitehall 1212
9. Shonen Knife - Muddy Bubbles Hell
10. Heat-Ray - Take It Down
11. Peace Leeches - Surfin' the Soil
12. The Editors - The Big Exit
13. Sterophonics - Brother
14. Nada Surf - Weightless
15. Modernboys Moderngirls - On the Line
16. Joy Division - Failures
17. Modernettes - Rebel Kind
18. Stereo Total - Ringo, I Love you
19. Eddy Current Suppression Ring - Second Guessing
20. My Bloody Valentine - When You Sleep
21. Harlem - Three Legged Dog

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for March 16. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Rock n' Roll Animal...The Story of Lou Reed ....Show # 290

Lou Reed exited The Velvet Underground in 1970, prior to the release of their fourth album Loaded.  He did not immediately return to music, upon quitting The Velvet Underground Lou Reed moved back home with his parents and took a job as a typist at his father's accounting firm.  In 1971, things changed when Lou Reed signed a contract with RCA.  He then headed to London in the UK and began work on his first full length solo album.  Titled Lou Reed, the album featured ten tracks, eight of which were re-recorded versions of songs that were written while he was still in The Velvet Underground (those eight songs which were recorded with The Velvet Underground would be released on the Peel Slowly and See box set).  The other two songs were new compositions, "Going Down" and "Berlin".  The song "Berlin" would later be re-recorded for an album of the same name in 1973.  Despite the great interest in Lou's first solo effort, the album was overlooked by most critics.  The album was recorded with a series of session musicians such as members of the Prog Rock group Yes, Steve Howe, and Rick Wakeman.  Lou Reed was released in 1972. 

Lou Reed's next album would be produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson.  Transformer featured primarily new compositions, but also featured a few songs that can be traced back to his days with The Velvet Underground, most notably "Satellite of Love", and "Andy's Chest".  The music reflected more of a Glam Rock direction than Lou's previous solo effort.  The first single released from the album was "Walk On the Wild Side", despite it's subject matter (which was edited and even caused the song to be banned in some countries) the song did very well.  The song is said to have many origins, it has been said that the characters featured in the song were influenced by real people in Lou's life and to stem from the novel Walk On the Wilde Side by Nelson Algren.  The single was backed by another Transformer album track titled "Perfect Day".  This Pop song was one of the songs that featured an arrangement by Mick Ronson, and it comes out beautifully.  Mick Ronson plays guitar and many other parts on this album, while David Bowie helps out with some backing vocals. 

"Vicious" opens the album and is said to date as far back as when The Velvets were working with Andy Warhol.  Apparently Warhol suggested that Lou Reed write a song about someone that vicious, when Lou inquired about what he meant by that statement Andy replied "Oh, you know, vicious like I hit you with a flower".  Another song on the album that has a similar demeanor to "Vicious" is "Hangin' Round".  All the songs on this album (which relfect Lou Reed's Pop and Rock song writing abilities) help to make it unique and with the help of Bowie and Ronson, Lou Reed finally recieved commerical success in the UK.  The now iconic image of Lou Reed that dawns the albums cover was taken by photographer Mick Rock. 

Berlin followed Transformer in 1973.  The album addressed drug use, depression, and a darker subject matter in general.  The album also featured more of an orchestral production style and featured numerous session musicians that included the likes of Steve Winwood, and Jack Bruce.  The album has been called Lou Reed's most ambitious project, people were excpecting another album similar to the uptempo Rock of Transformer.  The albums title track, was re-recorded differently for this album (previously it was recorded for the album Lou Reed) and the songs "Oh, Jim", which was a re-working of a song done with The Velvets titled "Oh, Gin", and "Caroline Says (II)", which was a reworking of the the Velvets song "Stephanie Says" were also featured on Berlin.  This album produced by Bob Ezin, was recieved badly by critics and US fans, it went to # 7 on the UK album charts. 

In 1974, Sally Can't Dance was released.  This album was a return to a more Rock based sound, it was also a huge commericial success reaching the top ten.  The album was also the first to feature all original compositions (none were perviously done or written while Lou was in the the Velvets), and the song "Billy" featured former Velvet Underground bandmate Doug Yule on bass.  Lou has said that he was unhappy with the production on this record and when his record company asked for a quick follow up album, he responded with Metal Machine Music in 1975.  This double album recorded in Lou Reed's New York apartment, was an Avant-Garde, Electronic, Noise filled album.  There is also said to be classical music hidden amongst the feedback and noise.  Some people claim that this album was an ultimate artistic statement, while other claim that it could have been to fulfill his contract, or just a an attempt to alienate fans.

Lou Reed's next album Coney Island Baby, would feature more of a stripped back approach to music and more traditional song structures and lyrics.  The albums title is said to have come from a 1962 Doo Wop song by The Excellents and a barbershop of the same name.  The songs on the album such as "Crazy Feeling", "Nobody's Business", and "Ohh Baby" are not over produced and have the classic song structure that has made Lou Reed so well appreciated.  The album also features the song "She's My Best Friend", which was originally a Velvet Underground song.  When Coney Island Baby was re-issued in 2006, it came with six bonus tracks, all of which reflect a Hard Rock nature similar to early Velvet Underground material, they also feature former Velvet Underground member Doug Yule on all six tracks.  Lou Reed's fisrt album on Arista Records was Rock and Roll Heart was also released in 1976.  A greatest hits compilation was released on RCA in 1977 titled Walk On the Wild Side: The Best of Lou Reed.  In 1978, Lou Reed released Street Hassle, a raw, uncomprimising album, that was released at the time of the 70's Punk scene.  On the album Lou at times parodies himself (opening the album with a parody of "Sweet Jane"), and it also features an eleven minute piece titled "Street Hassle".   A double live album titled Live: Take No Prisoners, was also released in 1978.  On this album Lou gives many explanations about songs (such as "Walk On the Wild Side") and even rants against music critics.  The Bells (1979), was recorded in Binaural sound and features some songs that were composed with Nils Lofgren.  It features songs such as "City Lights", a song paying tribute to Charlie Chaplin, "Disco Mystic", a funky track with only two words repeated through out.  The album also featured Jazz musician Don Cherry. 

In the 80's, albums were released such as Growing Up Public (1980), Blue Mask (1982), Legendary Hearts (1983), and New Senations (1984).  Songs from these album are said to contain some of the best love songs written by Lou Reed.  1982's The Blue Mask and 1983's Legendary Hearts both featured Robert Quine on guitar (who was previously in Richard Hell & The Voidoids).  In 1989, Lou Reed released New York an album that features literate interwoven lyrics and a Rock basics sound.  Many people have said that this is one of, if not Lou Reed's best solo works.  Lyrically the album addressed issues in New York at the time, in a conceptual form.  Another interesting fact is that the album features percussion from former Velvet Underground drummer, Maureen Tucker. 

Lou Reed continued to make music in the 90's even collaborating with former Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale following the passing of Andy Warhol.  The Velvet Underground reformed briefly and even released a live album in 1993, but they would not stay together long.  In 1995, Sterling Morrison (Velvet Underground guitar) passed away from cancer.  When The Velvets were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 (Lou Reed has not been inducted despite the fact that he has been nominated in 2001/2002), the original members played on stage and performed a song in tribute to Sterling Morrison titled "Last Night I Said Goodbye To My Best Friend".  Lou continued to release albums in the 2000's, in 2003 he released a double CD collection titled The Raven.  This album is a concept album that relate to the stories and poems of Edgar Allen Poe.  The album features guest vocals from David Bowie, Laurie Anderson, Steve Buscemi, and Willem Dafoe.  In 2007, Lou Reed released Hudson River Wind Meditations, a four song sound collage.

A post that I did on The Velvet Underground can be found in my What Went On post.

The Play List:

1. Nick Lowe - So It Goes
2. Some Action - Some Action
3. The Primitives - The Ostrich
4. Lou Reed - Underneath the Bottle
5. Lou Reed - Romeo Had Juliette
6. The Barracudas - Barracuda Waver
7. Young Rival - Dead End Scene
8. The Gruesomes - What's Your Problem?
9. Painted Ship - And She Said Yes
10. The Caesars - Out of My Hands
11. The Fieros - To Pieces
12. Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash - Big River
13. Lonesome Lefty - Millionares
14. Boxcar Guitars - The Ballad of Mad Ave
15. Black Rebel Motorcyle Club - Ain't No Easy Way
16. Tyranna - Back Off Baby
17. Albert Hammond Jr. - Call An Ambulance
18. Simply Saucer - Bullet Proof Nothing
19. Harlem - Caroline
20. Velvet Underground - We're Gonna Have A Read Good Time
21. Velvet Underground - She's My Best Friend
22. Boomtown Rats - Straight Up
23. Big Audio Dynamite - The Bottom Line (Rick Rubin Remix)

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for March 9. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

Frustrated Buzz ... Show # 289

This week's show was a mix of new and old bands.  As a change of pace enjoy these three youtube videos from artists played on today's show. 







This week's play list:

1. Buzzcocks - I Don't Know What To Do With My Life
2. Nuclear Socketts - Riot Squad
3. Ultravox! - Radio Beach
4. Only Ones - Miles From Nowhere 
5. Passengers - One Way Out
6. Petroleum By-Product - Ain't Got Money
7. Spectres - Visions of a New World
8. Young Canadians - Where Are You
9. The Maynards - In the CIA
10. Meligrove Band - Ages & Stares
11. Good Shoes - The Way My Heart Beats
12. The Drums - Submarine
13. The Stance - Jet Fighter
14. The Knack - Frustrated
15. Subways - Oh Yeah
16. Lost Patrol - In Your Eyes
17. Lost Patrol -  Dead or Alive
18. Pearl Jam - Mankind
19. The Pixies - Bam Thwok
20. Hater - Wish On
21. Nirvana - Love Buzz  
22. Queens of the Stone Age - Tangled Up in Plaid
23. D4 - Joe Orton's Wedding
24. True Lovers - Cougar

To download this weeks program, visit CJAM's schedule page for Revolution Rock and download the file for March 2nd. Or subscribe to Revolution Rock as a Podcast.

The Original Rumble...The Story of Link Wray....Show # 288

Link Wray was an American guitarist that was originally born in Dunn, North Carolina as Frederick Lincoln Wray. His family would later relocate to Virginia. Link served in the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. During the Korean War Link got tuberculoses causing him to lose one of his lungs, the doctors said that he would never sing again, but they were wrong. While this was a huge reason for Link to focus on instrumental guitar based songs, Link would sing occasionally on some of his songs. By the end of 1955, Wray had relocated to Washington, D.C.

After playing in various combinations of bands involving his brothers, the band Link Wray and His Ray Men emerged. The band consisted of Link Wray on lead guitar, Doug Wray on drums, Vernon Wray was on lead vocals, and Shorty Horton on Bass. Originally starting out playing Country and Western Swing music, Link would begin to focus on instrumental based songs. In late 1958, Link Wray wrote the instrumental song "Rumble". Originally called "Oddball", this song is notable for its enormous influence on Rock music. Being the first song to use a power chord, distortion, and feedback it was banned from radio stations because they thought that the title promoted gang violence in teens. "Rumble" is also the only instrumental song to be banned from radio airwaves.  This song influenced bands such as The Kinks, The Who, Bob Dylan, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Marc Bolan, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and more. "Rumble" was a favourite amongst live audiences often being played several times in one night due to the demand for it.

The band would sign a deal with Epic Records (previously being on Cadence). The next single that was released was the Surf and Hard Rock song "Raw Hide". A notable difference about this song was the fact that Link Wray switched guitars from his 1953 Gibson Les Paul to a Danelectro Longhorn guitar. The lipstick pick ups of the Danelectro added a blistering sound to Link Wray and His Wray Men. After several attempts by the bands label to make Link Wray into a mainstream artist involving the band with numerous different kinds of producers, Link Wray and his Wray Men were no longer on Epic Records. Instead of looking for another label, Link and Vernon Wray created their own label titled Rumble Records. The bands next release was "Jack the Ripper". The band was then picked up by Swan Records. A family chicken coop was turned into a recording studio and Link Wray spent more than a decade recording and experimenting with different kinds of musical styles. He recorded several albums including Link Wray in 1971, that incorporated elements of Folk, Blues, and Country, and Beans and Fatback in 1973.

In the 70's Link Wray was part of Robert Gordon's backing band, Gordon being a Rockabilly revivalist. He recorded two albums with Gordon, Robert Gordon w/Link Wray (1978) and Fresh Fish Special (1978). In the 1980's Link Wray got married and moved to Denmark. He recorded the odd album off and on and toured intermittently. Several of Link's songs were featured in films. He has had songs in films such as "Shadowman", "Twelve Monkey's", "Pulp Fiction", "Desperado", "The Warriors", and "Independence Day". Another important aspect of Link Wray was his Native American heritage. Being part Shawnee Indian, Link wrote several songs such "Shawnee", "Apache", and "Comanche". He also spoke of his ancestry in interviews and during live shows.

Link Wray passed away in Copenhagen on November 5th, 2005. In concert a tribute was done by Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, they both played the song "Rumble" respectively. There is currently a petition going around the internet to get Link Wray inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He for some reason has not been inducted despite his vast influence in the world of Rock music. However, tt should be noted that he is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Link Wray's music often blurred the line between Rock, Surf, Folk, Blues, and many other genres and styles. Link Wray has recorded numerous albums and singles and is known as being a highly influential, innovative musician, and the father of the power chord. Link Wray paved the way for Hard Rock and Punk Rock, the sounds of "Rumble" will forever resonate throughout the world of Rock music.

Surf Play List:

1. The Beans - Surfs Up
2. The Ventures - Surf Rider
3. The Fireballs - Bulldog 
4. The Rotations - Heavies 
5. Huevos Rancheros -Gump Worsley's Lament
6. Aqua Velvets - Guitar Noir
7. Spring Break Shark Attack! - Theme
8. Phono-Comb - Burnt Down With Feedback
9. Tiki Tones - Twister
10. Kon Tikis - 1000 Foot Wave
11. Surf Messiahs - Kilgore
12. Surf Trio -Beach Genius
13. The Torpedos - The Snake
14. Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet - Zombie Compromise
15. Atomic 7 - Loving Not Gouging
16. The Wipeouters - Luna Goona Park 
17. Dean Drouilard - The Dragon
18. April March - Chick Habit 
19. The Mad 3 - Spy From Kyoto
20. The Cavliers - Le Ride Du Jugement Dernier
21. The Squiers - Mustang
22. The Surfdusters - The Reef 
23. Teisco Del Rey - Pier Pressure 
24. The Phantom Surfers - Banzai Run 
25. Dick Dale & His Del-Tones - Surf Beat
26. Link Wray - I'm Branded
27. Link Wray - Raw-Hide

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