FDF Volume 4 Issue 309 - Big Black - The Rich Man's Eight Track Tape

Album – The Rich Man's Eight Track Tape

Artist – Big Black
Key Players – Santiago Durango – guitar. Dave Riley – bass. Steve Albini – guitars and vocals.
Produced By - ?

Release Date – October 12, 1992 (on cd) 1987 originally

Overview – Formed in Evanston Illinois in the early 1980's “Big Black” would blend punk, industrial and noise rock to create some of the heaviest music at the time. Using a drum machine in lieu of a physical drummer or drum kit. The bands heavy sound and lyrical content ranging from racism to sexual abuse only heightened their mystique. The band also did things on their own terms, shunning mainstream, booking their own tours, paying for studio time. It freed the band from any trappings and allowed them to write and record that their pleasure. Albini liked the idea of the drum machine that would “always keep time and never tire” and would get a distinct sound from his guitar by playing wit a metal guitar pick. The band would only release two full length records, and at the time of the recording of the second album “Songs About Fucking” the band already knew they were breaking up. They'd do a short tour and disband before the album was out.

 

This album is actually a compilation of the “Atomizer” album, the “Headache” ep and single “Strange Things”.

FDF Comments – As noted its the bands debut album “Atomizer” with some additional tracks. The first nine tracks are “Atomizer” As advertised it starts off heavy and never lets up. The buzzy guitars and chugging bass on "Jordan Minnesota" matched with the heavy industrial tempo laid forth by “Roland” it really sets the tone. Tracks like "Passing Complexion" show the band can alter the tempo and almost place the listener in a sonic trance. The two guitar attack from each speaker can almost throw you off balance it is so biting. "Kerosene" is seen as the bands watermark by many and you can just hear how so many bands since have lifted this style and presentation. The bass line alone is worth the listen. Where “Bad Houses” may seem mellow “Fists of Love” goes right back to the ax grind as does “Bazooka Joe”. The “Atomizer” portion closes with a live version of “Cables” which really does capture their clean and raw power. “Heartbeat” still sounds like the prior tracks with its guitars and drums, even the production feels similar which is why the album is often seen as “one” “I Can't Believe” almost has a (dare I say) a rock-a-billy feel to it with its guitar runs. Also the main riff on “Grinder” can be copied by anyone, anytime..in that we need to hear this monster hook far more.

Where are they now? - Durango went on to law school and continued with the band “Boss Hog” during this time. He would get his degree and one of the first cases he worked on was helping

"Cynthia Plastercaster" recover bronze casts of the genitalia of various rock and roll artists. Riley suffered a stroke in 1993. He has largely recovered and he has gone on to work as a writer and publisher. Albini formed the band Rapeman after the break up and then Shellac which is still active. Albini also works as recording engineer and in 1997 he opened his own studio in Chicago. His work is prolific and he remains humble, insisting on not taking “producer” credits or royalties. The Pixies, Nirvana, Page and Plant, are some of the big names, but Albini is open to requests from any band requesting his services.

FDF Overall Take – The band was not keen on releasing this format and have a very strong attachment to their processes, which is to be applauded. What is on this collection is a great snap shot of the band that could sway a new fan to dig further. At first one might laugh at a “drum machine” but once you hear those guitars and bass all past experiences will be changed. Might not be for everyone,but at times its for everyone, you just don't know it yet.

You can buy their stuff on the label site or here

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.

FDF Volume 4 Issue 308 - Sky Cries Mary - A Return to The Inner Experience

Album – A Return to the Inner Experience

Artist – Sky Cries Mary
Key Players – DK Fallout -samples, turntables, drum machines. Joseph E. Howard – double bass, mellotron, sitar. Bennett James – drums, percussion. Marc Olsen – guitar. Gordon Raphael – keyboards. Anisa Romero – vocals. Roderick Wolgamott Romero – vocals.

Produced By – Norman Kerner

Release Date – May 4, 1993

Overview – Formed in the late 1980s in Seattle this “trance” rock band was formed by a husband and wife team who would single the lead vocals as a duo. They'd release a few records and with each the line up would expand. This was the second full length from the band. Embracing new technology the band were one of the first to ever perform an “internet only” concert. The band would break up on 1999. One of the later bass players (Jon Davison) is now the lead vocalist for the band “Yes”.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - This is a pretty long record, just over 70 minutes the 14 song albums includes two covers, “2000 Light Years from Home” from the Rolling Stones as well as “We Will Fall” which is a Stooges song, is the album closer. The album opener “Walla Walla” is a slow building track with heavy tribal drums and the washes of guitar and sitar. The bass is unique as well, but its the percussion instruments that reach out and shake you with their tempo. The album has early seqways and "Moving Like Water" have the haunting call and response vocals. Roderick has the low range while Anisa soars over his repeating the lines. On tracks like “Gone” there are more keys and almost a funky “wah wah” guitar line over a really fun bass line. Lots of stuttered musical textures as well. “Circus Church” kicks off with, and maintains a real solid bass line while tracks like “When the Fear Stops” are intense slow burning tracks. The blend of funk to tribal beats is consistent as well on tracks like “Broken Down” but they are quick to mellow it all out with the acoustic guitar lead “Rosaleen”. This albums seems to have it all, great vocals, haunting melodies and instruments ranging from oboe to sitar.

Where are they now? Gordon Raphael has done a lot of producing and is well known for his work with the Strokes. Anisa Romero went back to school and lives in New York City. She is an artist and designer

FDF Overall Take – If you are a fan of bands like Dead Can Dance or This Mortal Coil you'll like it. The tempos are a bit quicker which is nice when the music overall fells somewhat “mellow” when it really isn't. The band is full of talent and the listen is a great experience.

Links 

Official Site
Gordon's Page
Anisa's design page.

New and used prices vary, but start at amazon if you are looking for a physical copy.

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.

FDF Volume 4 Issue 307 - Owsley - Owsley

Album - Owsley

Artist - Owsley
Key Players – William Owsley – vocals, bass, guitar, echoplex, mellotron, hammond b-3, piano.
For other players see the Wiki Page for the album

Produced By – Owsley, Millard Powers, Jeff Balding and Chris McHugh

Release Date – March 23, 1999

Overview – William Owsley was born in to a musical family and by the mid 80's he was working as a musician himself and he moved to Nashville in 1987. Highly touted he would play in showcases that would lead to upwards of 14 recording label offers. Owsley would turn down, but later join Amy Grant's band as the touring guitar player where he'd hold that position for 16 years. He'd also become the touring guitar player for Shania Twain. He'd work with many country superstars over the years from Vince Gill to Wynonna. By 1998 he had recorded the record featured here. Although it would be nominated for a Grammy award under an engineering category it failed to really catch on. He'd release a second solo album that would also fail to stir a larger audience. As his solo career seemed to slow he'd find extensive work in the 2000's as a producer and engineer as well as backing musician, first with country stars like Faith Hill and then getting involved with Disney stars ranging from Jonas Brothers, to Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) – There are 11 tracks on this album that runs 42 minutes. The album is a full blend or rock, pop and psychedelia. It is a fun ride. Tracks like the opener “Oh No The Radio” are clean vocally wrapped around a really full sound and some great bass work.  "I'm Alright"

tosses in slide guitar with compressed vocals and big full choruses. The radio single "Coming Up Roses" starts off quiet, odd almost for a lead off radio single but becomes awash with guitars and stringed instruments. Keeping “solos” very brief (“Sentimental Favorite” has the first noticeable guitar solo) but there are dashes of XTC flavored tunes that switch to a blues filled quickly to 70's synth track in “Zavelow House”. “Uncle Johns Farm” could be a Ben Folds Five tune (as could be   "Sonny Boy")  with the rocking lead and “Class Clown” closes it all out with a fun phased out jam in to a clap along moment then right back to the jam. The album sounds amazing. It just is so well produced.

Where are they now? - Owsley died on April 30, 2010 in Tennessee at 44 years old. It was reported to be a suicide.

FDF Overall Take – When I worked in Boston radio we played a song or two from here but it never really seemed to strike a chord with listeners. I grabbed a copy when it became available and it sorta sat around. When I went to start re-searching to write this up I was amazed at all he has done. Taking that thought I listened again with a more “technical” ear. He crafts some GREAT pop songs. Touches of pop, psychedelia, and the blues. Its a curious listen in that if you were to play this at a cookout you'd probably get that “who is this..its really pretty solid!”

Links 

Official Page

Buy it!

Disclaimer – I am just a music fan. Feel free to comment about something that may be written incorrectly about the band/members etc. I strive to have a fun and enjoyable site. This site used to post mp3s but ran in to many issues. The audio clips provided are usually from YouTube. No copy write infringement is intended. Please alert me if something should be pulled. Finally, support the artist featured, or your favorite artist by purchasing their music, seeing their shows if possible and saying hi. They need your support.