R.E.M. — Eponymous

• Artist: R.E.M.
• Title: Eponymous
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 9
• Owner: Tracy? Mary?
• Acquired: 1988 – Mother’s Records in Hampton, VA
• Keeper: Yes

I hope everybody is watching UFC 75 right now. It’s free tonight! Cro Kop and Kongo are between rounds, and it’s the first fight tonight to make it past the first round. The main event between Jackson and Henderson is sure to be exciting.

Anyhow, Eponymous is a compilation of singles from R.E.M.’s first five albums. I like to pick on the band but of course they are great, and any sort of “best of” is especially great. I don’t have any memories or attachments with this one, but I was reminded of something when I was listening to it during dinner. The year Eponymous came out, 1988, is about when Mary’s sister Jolly was running track for the University of Georgia and living in Athens, GA. Somehow Jolly ended up walking Michael Stipe’s dog(s) when he was on the road. I think it was a regular gig for a while there, and I’ve always found it amusing.

Cro Kop just lost by decision to Kongo. Cro Kop looked like didn’t even want to be there. Downer…

More about this album at AllMusic.

Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers — Conscious Party

• Artist: Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers
• Title: Conscious Party
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1988 – Mother’s Records?
• Keeper: Yes

I could use a “conscious party” right now because I’m feeling a little loop-ay. Too much going on. So, I didn’t realize that there were a lot of guest stars on this album, including Lenny Picket and Jerry Harrison on a number of songs, and Keith Richards(!?) on what is certainly my favorite: “Lee and Molly.” I think this album was a big seller and to be honest it sounds a little like it was meant to sell, if you know what I’m saying. I believe the word is “cross-over.” That said, I do like Conscious Party overall, even the hit “Tomorrow People.” This record is almost 20 years old. I think Ziggy Marley may be getting better with age.

The Fall — I Am Kurious Oranj

• Artist: The Fall
• Title: I Am Kurious Oranj
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – At our store RIP Records
• Keeper: Yes

I’m in a rush because I’m about to go “off the grid” for 24 hours for a little martial arts project. Don’t tell anyone. Anyhow, I Am Kurious Oranj by The Fall deserves a more thoughtful write-up than it’s going to get right now. I really like this record. And just like the last record by The Fall, this one is following an album by 86. Which, again, makes it even more obvious that even if you’re an arty band, or maybe especially if you are, it’s a good idea to have some hooks in your songs. Tons of hooks here.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds — Tender Prey

• Artist: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
• Title: Tender Prey
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: ?
• Keeper: Yes

We (Mary) have so many Nick Cave records I feel like we’re never going to get through them all and move on to the other “C” artists. But Tender Prey is a really good one and I suppose I shouldn’t complain. The usual Bad Seeds suspects are here including Kid Congo Powers who was in another band I really liked, The Gun Club. The biggest hit is “The Mercy Seat” and if you haven’t heard Johnny Cash’s version check it out. He makes the lyrics sound even more grim. Another “hit” is “Deanna,” which I really like, but my favorite may be “City of Refuge.”

Mary and I went to see Nick on tour for Tender Prey at the 9:30 Club in D.C. I remember digging the show, and seeing Blixa in person was very cool. But the most salient moment for me is when Nick first walked out on stage in his trim dark suit with a bottle of water and exclaimed with a big smile “I feel great!” Not the first thing I expected Nick Cave to say.

Some facts about Tender Prey.

Savage Republic — Jamahinya

• Artist: Savage Republic
• Title: Jamahinya
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Promo at our record store
• Keeper: Maybe

I never did know much about Savage Republic, but Trouser Press can tell you all about the band. This album, Jamahinya, has a great package with a nice gatefold and matte finish. If I remember correctly, most records put out by their record label, Fundamental, back then had great packaging. Savage Republic’s sound is not something I can easily explain. It’s definitely arty, often rhythmic, and the vocals are kinda nerdy. That said, I’ve always liked this record even though I haven’t played it often, and I can’t imagine the vocals sounding any other way.

Head of David — The Saveana Mixes

• Artist: Head of David
• Title: The Saveana Mixes
• Year: 1988 (Sources don’t agree)
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Probably at our store RIP Records
• Keeper: Maybe

The Saveana Mixes is an EP by Head of David. There are three songs that were previously released on the excellent Dustbowl and one “new” one, “Bad Times.” The other three are “Bugged”, “108” and “Adrenicide.” According to this guy these were earlier recordings, that were released later. To be honest I can’t tell much difference from the Dustbowl versions save for some combat samples at the beginning of a couple songs, I think. Of these four “108” is my favorite, but I like “Bad Times” so maybe I’ll keep it.

Etched in the vinyl run off margins:

A – To Chief Medicine Wolf
B – Welcome to the New Prior Generation

Also etched in the margins (and in many other records in our collection) is “A Porky Prime Cut” on side A and “Porky” on side B. You can find out what that’s all about if you’re interested.

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds — Deanna

• Artist: Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
• Title: Deanna
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Mary
• Acquired: 1988 – RIP Records in Norfolk, VA
• Keeper: Yes

I love the song “Deanna.” And it’s surprisingly sing-along for a song by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. Despite it’s and fast tempo and upbeat feel the song’s lyrics come across as typically dark, for Mr. Cave, that is. I don’t know what it’s about, but “I’m not down for your love, I’m not down here for your money… I’m down here for your soul” sounds like this character is up to no good. “Girl at the Bottom of My Glass” on the flipside is very minimalist, but also very good.

Oh, Deanna… Oh, D-E-Anna…

Zodiac Mindwarp And The Love Reaction — Planet Girl

Zodiac Mindwarp And The Love Reaction -- Planet Girl

• Artist: Zodiac Mindwarp And The Love Reaction
• Title: Planet Girl
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 6
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Bought it at our store, RIP Records, in Norfolk, VA
• Keeper: No

Here we go again. More Zodiac. This process of weeding out is a good thing. Who needs all these 12 inch singles? When it comes to Zodiac Mindwarp And The Love Reaction I definitely have a lot of stuff I would never listen to again if it weren’t for this web log. Zodiac is kind of like Motorhead to me. You gotta have some of it, but after a couple essential pieces the rest is really not necessary.

“Planet Girl (Invader Mix)” is typical Zodiac and two other songs here are typical Zodiac b-side filler. By that I mean they sound like half-developed demos. Those songs are “Dog Face Driver” and “Go Go Baby Dream Show.” Another decent track is a cover of Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” The Cult had also covered this song on Electric. A note below the title on the back cover declares “This track was recorded in a fit of childish petulance with the specific intention of making The Cult look like a pile of shit.” Okay.

Joe Satriani — Dreaming #11

• Artist: Joe Satriani
• Title: Dreaming #11
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 7
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Bought it when I worked at Mother’s Records in Hampton, VA
• Keeper: Maybe

Dreaming #11 by Joe Satriani is an EP that had one new studio track, “The Crush of Love”, and three live tracks on the flip. “Ice Nine”, one of my Satch favorites, “Memories” and “Hordes of Locusts” are the live numbers and they make it clear what a true maestro Satriani is. That said, despite being shred-tastic this stuff just doesn’t have the soulfulness of my new héroes de la guitarra, Rodgab. I went right back to playing their new album when this one was done.

Head of David — Dustbowl

• Artist: Head of David
• Title: Dustbowl
• Year: 1988
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 8
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Mother’s Records in Hampton, VA
• Keeper: Yes

I was introduced to Head of David by the 7 inch records that use to come attached to Sounds magazine (RIP). Of the big three British music mags it was always my favorite. I still have that four song 7 inch, but I can’t remember the other three bands. I’ll post that one if I live long enough. The HOD song was “Roadkill” (maybe it was live version) and I knew immediately that I had to get some more of that. That song is also on Dustbowl, which wasn’t their first release but it was the first for me. It’s produced by Steve Albini, which is usually a good thing, and this record is no exception. The sound is huge and heavy and still unlike anything else I’ve heard. The earlier stuff is good, maybe the later too, but Dustbowl is essential. My favorite songs are “Dog Day Sunrise” and “Cult of Coats.”

Etched in the run off margins:
SHADOWS side: “Many fine Budgie riffs”
RAYS side: Tortoise enthusiasts all

Long live Head of David.

Country road, take me home… to Asheville in the morning.