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.

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.

Head of David — ‘LP’

• Artist: Head of David
• Title: ‘LP’
• Year: 1986
• Format: Vinyl 12 in.
• Rating (1-10): 6
• Owner: Tracy
• Acquired: 1988 – Vinyl Solution in London

I was already a fan of Head of David (Trouser Press) when I found this in a small record store called Vinyl Solution in London. This record is titled simply ‘LP’ with single quotes as I’ve typed it here. I didn’t even know it existed so I snapped it up.

If you agree with the expression “if it’s too loud, you’re too old” then be prepared to age significantly before getting through both sides of ‘LP’. No matter how young you are now, with the passing of each grinding, noisy, layered, psychedelimetallic dirge you will feel life leaking away. They are more metal than metal. If you want to hear it again then you are more metal than metal. I’m not sure how metal I am, but I guess I’ll keep it. The later stuff is better.

Etched in the run-off margins:
A — Kill ugly ron. A porky prime cut.
B — Clean up the filth.