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.