Update: I just read (May 2010) that Fred Chichin of Les Rita Mitsouko died at the end of 2007. A combination of cancer and heart failure took him way too early. So my comment below that were still working was incorrect.
I always loved the song and video for “C’est Comme Ça” from The No Comprendo (1987), but I didn’t get around to buying the album until a dozen or so years later. This copy is a “cut out” and I found it at Record Mart in Old Town Alexandria, VA, a dusty second floor used record store near where I used to work. The record is a little inconsistent but there are some great, and diverse, songs that more than make up for the couple duds. This is the only album of theirs that I have. I was surprised, and delighted, to read that Les Rita Mitsouko are still making music. The video for “C’est Comme Ça” was directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, who has also worked with Madonna, Tom Waits, Bjork, and many other notable musicians.
Acquired: 1987 – Bought it when I worked at Mother’s Records and Tapes in Hampton, VA
Keeper: Yes
My memories of Fleshtones Vs. Reality are fuzzier than those of the records The Fleshtones made before it. I remember the songs, just not note-for-note. Must’ve been busy that year. I did get to see the boys that same year at the great ol’ 930 Club in D.C, at its original location on F Street. Check out the ticket stub below, only $8! In 1987! That was half a lifetime ago for me, oof.
Anyhow, this record seems a little more mature, in a good way, but the good time music is still what it’s all about. Also, the horns seem bigger and badder than before. As I have said a few times before you can’t achieve maximum rock and roll, or Fleshtones’ “Super Rock”, without horns. I like all the songs, and my favorite is probably “Way Up Here” with that sweet sounding recorder riff. Side two has another Fleshtones-style club banger in “The End of The Track”, complete with wailing alarms and sirens. And this concludes the posts of official Fleshtones records… or does it?
Acquired: 1988 – Promo at RIP Records in Norfolk, VA
There’s nothing really wrong with For Rent by The Magnolias. It’s energetic and at times verges on punk, a good thing. I could listen to it all day and it wouldn’t bother me, but it doesn’t do anything for me either. So, this one has gotta go. The process of weeding out continues…
I never liked The Lemonheads even when it seemed like everyone I knew did. They were just boring to me, even their early stuff that some consider “punk” or “hardcore.” They’re often compared to The Replacements, another band that completely bores me. I remember seeing The Lemonheads live on tour for “Shame About Ray”, which was probably their peak in terms of popularity. I like almost anything live, but I was bored then too. Did I mention that I think they boring? Not bad really, just boring.
The Brain Surgery Experience
Want to know what it's like to have brain surgery? Well here's the long version of my experience. Complete with pictures and videos! Read all about the Brain Surgery Experience.
