Primitive Sound System at D.C.'s Tavern Thursday June 2nd from 10:30PM to Closing

Hello Y'all,

"My name is Pat, and I'm a vinyl junky."

I know this to be true. I also know that there are a lot worse things to be addicted to. While driving recently we passed a house obviously occupied by a hoarder. In contrast my records are organized, individually bagged and stored on shelving and in boxes. There are no dead cats or any animals in, on or around the records. I love, play and share every record I own. I have never purchased a record to keep it hermetically sealed in a case so no one can ever hear it again. I recently acquired a record that was in my top five wants for almost 20 years. The 7-inch of "Mama Soul" by Harold Alexander. I will play it tonight. It will only be the second or third time I have ever played it.

The Hi-Fidelity Prayer

OMFG, grant me the Serenity to acquire
the records I cannot seem to uncover.
Courage to appreciate the records I own,
and wisdom to know the difference (between an original and a reissue).

Listening one day at a time;
Enjoying one side at a time.
Accepting dead wax as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Columbia Records did,
this sinful fragility of 78's as it is,
not satisfied and improved upon it.
Trusting that we will make all right selections,
and surrender to our musical tastes and mis-cues,
so that we may be reasonably happy in this life,
and supremely happy with all DJs mixes,
forever and the next.

Amen Brother!

Sadly this past weekend Gil Scott-Heron left us. There is not much I can say about Gil Scott-Heron that has not already been said. I have loved his music and words for as long as I can remember. I especially remember hearing "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," and "The Bottle" long before I committed it to memory who the artist was. Because of the "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" I always knew I never wanted a case of the nubs. I always think of "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" in the same world as "Compared To What," "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," and "My Generation." Brilliant songs that force us to look around us as well as at ourselves but ultimately are music and entertainment. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 2nd - 10:30PM to Closing
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550

http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoboken-NJ/DCs-Tavern/89733686005 <- Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dcs-Tavern/111745052195139 <- Facebook Local Business Listing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27386563721 <- Facebook Group
http://foursquare.com/venue/34395 <- On Foursquare

"Welcome to Vinyl Junkies Anonymous. This is a closed VJA meeting. Closed meetings are limited to persons who have a desire to never stop acquiring vinyl records. If you think you have a problem with vinyl records, you are welcome to attend this meeting to discover you are not alone. In keeping with our Primary Purpose, we ask that all who share limit their discussions to problems and solutions related to record collecting."

Syl Johnson - Mythological 45s (Numero Group cat. NUM-ESBOX003)
I recently mentioned to a friend that I bought the Syl Johnson "Complete Mythology" box set. His quick and only reply was, "Isn't that way more Syl Johnson than anyone will ever need?" I explained that I already have the Twinight / Twilight LPs as reissues and all the original 7-inches, all the original Hi LP release (except one) and a couple of the 7-inches, a few odds and ends 7-inches and even the Collectables Records Greatest hits CD… and I STILL couldn't wait to get a copy of the box set. So, NO! My answer is, there can NEVER be too much Syl Johnson. Luckily the good folks at Numero Group think the same way I do (or they just want my money) because they recently released a companion 45 box set called "Mytholoical 45s." Basically this is a Greatest Hits on 45 of the Complete Mythology box. The tracks are well chosen and really show off the vast number of Soulful styles Mr. Johnson claimed as his own. Whether it be R&B, Soul or Funk, Syl Johnson is always the best there is. Myth confirmed!

Harold Alexander - "Mama Soul" b/w "Sunshine Man" (Flying Dutchman cat. FD 26016 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale))
WOW! I have been looking for a copy of this since 1994. This is one off my top five wants. A true Holy Grail record for me if there ever was. I don't even recall ever hearing the 7-inch version. I just knew it existed. I became obsessed with Harold "Jazzbo" Alexander from his side work with Big John Patton. I loved the Patton LPs "Understanding" and "Accent On The Blues." There was a sound to those LPs like no other. That sound was made that much greater on "Understanding" by the incredible and explosive flute work of Harold Alexander. In the 90's Blue Note began one of their best and most extensive reissue series to date. One of the "unreleased" sessions they put out was "Boogaloo" by John Patton (as well as "Memphis To New York Spirit"). "Boogaloo" featured Harold Alexander and was the perfect compliment for the "Understanding" LP. I tracked down stone mint copies of Alexander's LPs as a leader on Flying Dutchman "Sunshine Man" and the live "Are you Ready?" Side one of "Sunshine Man" was everything I could have hoped for and my obsession not only was warranted but it grew. BUT, when I dropped the needle on the opening cut of side two I was floored. That cut was "Mama Soul." For the next 5:50 I was captivated. This is one of the finest, raw, sweat drenched Soul / Jazz FUNK tunes you will ever hear. Alexander doesn't just make his flute talk or even talk while playing flute; he screams, and wails. The band POUNDS the hell out of their instruments but you should expect nothing less from Neal Creque, Richard Landrum, Richard Davis and Bernard "Pretty" Purdie. I picture Alexander's performance being similar to David Yow or Iggy Pop at their best but without the nudity. I picture "Jazzbo" contorting and flailing himself about the stage, screaming into and at the flute in a love / hate relationship. When people say they are giving 110% you want to say, fuck you idiot, this is what 100% looks like and there is NO WAY you can do more than that.

PSS, Chuck Daly, and Street Justice at DC's Tavern Thurs may 5th 9PM - Closing + Bob Piersanti opening Friday May 6th

PSS, Chuck Daly, and Street Justice at DC's Tavern Thurs may 5th 9PM - Closing + Bob Piersanti opening Friday May 6th

Hello Y'all,
So May is upon us and the fucking birds are eating all my grass seed. I guess they have to eat too though I wish they would just eat the skunks. Now that would be a perfect circle. Screw nature we are all about the petroleum products, vinyl records baby! I have two days in a row of full on tour de farce spinnin' coming up. First up is Thursday night at D.C.'s. Do you know what is so great about D.C's? EVERYTHING! Actually, let me tell you, I get to play anything I want and most of the people are really receptive (aside from a few pricks that don't know shit about music… you know who you are). Also, for the past few months we have been extremely lucky to be joined by the King of the Skin Scribblers, DJ Iron Fist himself, the one and only Chuck Daly. This week Bronco Billy Dolan is off giving pleasure to another lucky City so it looks like Mr. Daly and I will be dueling it out at the tables once again. I do my best to stand my ground but the Daly Dose of ROCK!!! is the thing legends are made of. This week I am really excited to jump into a box of new goodies as well as old favorites. Chuck and I will be switching the turntables to random and hoping for the best. Busting up this little boys club is none other the Street Justice herself, Steff Kautzmann. Neither Chuck or I have the balls to take on the devastatingly awesome power of Street Justice so she will get the first hour and thirty minutes to herself. Avert your eyes because you are not worthy.

The Hunter slings the booze and if you are lucky you can pass out on a stool and not crumpled up in the corner like you usually do. Have you no shame?

… see you there!

And...

Friday, May 6th from 7 - 11PM I'll be the background music for and art opening of the amazing Bob Piersanti at 58 Gallery in Jersey City. This is going to be an incredible night. Not only do you get to feast your eyes on Bob's incredible art but the night will feature two sets of Go-Go dancers at 8:15 and 9PM. I am basically spinning a "This Is Your Life" set filled with all our favorites. Expect a lot of 50's Instrumentals, Rock and R&B, 60's Garage, Instrumentals and some Classic Rock as well as some Punk, 80's and 90's Garage, a handful of Country and even some freaked out novelty records and of course a set of Las Vegas Grind and Go-Go for the ladies. A feast for the mind body and soul, it's all here in the Underground!

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

9PM - 10:30PM - Street Justice
10:30 to closing - Chuck Daly and PSS

Thursday, May 5th - 9PM to Closing
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoboken-NJ/DCs-Tavern/89733686005 <- Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dcs-Tavern/111745052195139 <- Facebook Local Business Listing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27386563721 <- Facebook Group
http://foursquare.com/venue/34395 <- On Foursquare

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Friday May 6th from 7 - 11PM
Bob Piersanti - The Underground
58 Gallery
58 Coles Street
Jersey City, New Jersey
SITE: http://www.fifty8.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=97653919482
EVENT LISTING on FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111307222286656

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The Racket in The Boxes:

Chuck Danzy - "Git Down" b/w "Jay Walk" (Nu-Tone Records cat. 532)

When a woman's voice opens a record by slowly stretching out the words "Geeeeeeeet Doooooowwwwn" you know you are in for some goodness. And that is exactly what this sexy little slab of soul delivers. The band is in full on party mode combining just enough looseness with some really solid playing to never become silly or repetitive. There is something familiar about the groove yet I can't place it but that only keeps me coming back for more and more listens. Maybe it is the opening bass line, does it recall "The Hip" by The Sparkles? The bass and drums lay down a solid base even before our Intro-ess entices us to join her on the floor. Soon the party is hot and heavy with sax and guitar. Both are eager to take stabs at solo moments on top of a very tinny, Garage rock organ. This organ is no Hammond B but you can certainly here this little wonder choking to push air threw its nostrils. Too much to drink perhaps. Hand claps, repeated backing vocals of "Get Down" and a groove that won't quit. I suggest we get down as often as possible.

Dennis Coffey - "Ubiquitous" Original Version b/w Steinski Mix (Strut cat. STRUT 0755 (Record Store Day release))

This should be called "Legend 2." The mighty Detroit axeman is back with an amazing instrumental off his upcoming self titled release and two double de pleasure the single is backed by a completely tasty mix by none other than Steinski. Usually when a modern funk track is backed by a remix I wince. I wince hard. I almost passed up getting this release until I noticed that the remix was by Steinski. But then, ironically, the A side is what surprised me most. I have purchased new music by Steinski far more recently than that of Dennis Coffey so I feared an overproduced mess that would be saved by the B side at the hands of the talented Mr. Steinski. Happily, the "original" track hits hard and is perfectly arranged with all the familiar Dennis Coffey touches. Echoey guitar, organ, congas and break heavy drumming build, collide, come together and then build to a fervor like you wish New Funk and Soul bands would. It is such a pleasure when you hear a player you are most familiar with from music more than thirty years old and they still get "it." Coofey's guitar sounds amazing from start to finish and the fuzzed out finish is so exciting. Obviously this is not a solo guitar track and Mr. Coffey's band does an equally great job of keeping things pushed into the red when needed as well as laying down a simple bed for each players solo. Flip this over and I love the way Steinski brings us into the essence of the track. His added echo and stabbing repeated pieces give a feeling of a spiral. Not one that is out of control but one that is mesmerizing. He pulls pieces of the original track out and layers them onto a more mellow backing giving them a completely new life. As each sample is presented to us it is as if he is saying, "Did you hear that? That was really cool." The reworking and parts are respectful and on display to be admired, not scrutinized. Where Mr. Coffey's original is arranged somewhat traditionally with each instrument taking solos Steinski has a way of showing us everything at once but somehow allowing each sound and beat to ebb and flow quite harmoniously. The effected and mixed horn that just proceeds the end is reminiscent of the horn that was used as Harpo Marx's voice. This adds a brief but pleasant moment of humor in a way only Steinski can do. I am really happy I didn't pass the up.

Personal & The Pizzas - "Dead Meat" vs. "Joanie" (Total Punk cat. #1)
Personal & The Pizzas - "I Want You" b/w "Don't Trust No Party Boy" (Trouble In Mind cat. TIM 018)

I recently went to see Hoboken's own, Personal & The Pizzas' triumphant return to Maxwell's. On record these guys are the kings of pizza themed, lo-fi, retard rock. But live is a completely different experience. The 50 / 50 mix of Stooges and Ramones is still there but the playing is far more exact than the recordings. The set was maybe forty minutes long and was pure Punk attitude and volume. Each song ripped past but never lost any of the gooey Pizza goodness. Personal even commented on the fact that they were out songs, "…a lot quicker than you would think." The crowd sang along with every song pumping fists appropriately and you could tell The Pizzas were eating it up. I have seen a lot of shows at Maxwell's so to say this was one of my favorites is saying a lot. No, I mean it, it's a little more personal. Next time The Pizzas hit the stage at Maxwell's you better be there or I'll have to pop you in the mouth with my brass knuckles.

OFF! - "Compared To What" b/w "Rotten Apple" (Southern Lord cat. LORD128.5 (Red Vinyl))
OFF! - "Compared To What" b/w "Rotten Apple" (Southern Lord cat. LORD128.5 (Blue Vinyl tour 7"))
OFF! - "Live At Generation Records" - Poison City" "Now I'm Pissed" b/w "Crawl" "Rat Trap" (Vice / Generation Records cat. VCA 80025-7)
OFF! - First Four EP's (Vice cat. VCA 80021-7)

OFF! blow my mind. I imagine there are a lot of people who would pass this up since these guys are teetering on old age. Keith Morris is 55. Rather than that being a negative I think it is amazing that he sounds so fucking good. I would assume Steven McDonald is some where around 44 or 45. But I think this does the band a disservice to even bring it up. Moving on. There are a few songs that I will always be drawn to and "Compared to What" is one of them. When we named or very short lived label it was named after that brilliant Les McCann and Eddie Harris number. The songs lyrics are timeless, which you will rarely hear me say, and the groove is deep as hell. I have a lot of versions and one is funkier or more soulful than the next. I even have a version with another legendary Punk singer, Gary Floyd, fronting the amazing Soul Jazz band Mushroom. Floyd's voice is so incredible and works really well with the modern arrangement. When I heard there was a new version by OFF! I immediately sought it out. And once again OFF! does not disappoint. This version is blistering and almost unrecognizable as the same song. Weirdly there is almost a Stooges or possibly a Sex Pistols sound tucked in there as well. Morris spits the lyrics out with the same level of conviction Les McCann did over 30 years ago. Honestly I have so many versions of the song but I never really thought of it as a Punk tune. I couldn't be happier with this version and I am happy it is by a band I genuinely like. This has the same effect as other awesome Punk covers of songs that surprised the hell out of you that the band would even want to cover. The Angry Samoans doing "Time Has Come Today" immediately comes to mind. "TIME HAS COME, TIME HAS COME TODAY!" "TIME HAS COME, TIME HAS COME TODAY!" For you to listen to OFF!

Monophonics - "Like Yesterday b/w "Destruments - "Freedom" (Colemine cat. CLMN - 110)
New Funk is a very shaky thing. It seems each band comes out of the shoot amazing but soon plunges into the world of Neo-Soul boring bullshit. I have definitely slowed my purchases of New Funk because of this. I'll listen to samples of any one song sometimes twenty times before deciding to lay my money down. When I saw that the always satisfying Colemine Records had a new release I immediately searched for samples. When "Like Yesterday" started I wasn't sure what direction the song was going to take but, most of all I hoped it was an instrumental because most New Funk vocals are corny as shit. The vocals are especially shitty when they are trying to imitate the singers from the late 60's and early 70's. The intro comes in like the best David Ruffin tracks: slow, with a sense of mystery but all the while groovy as hell. Almost immediately the vocals come in and I couldn't have been happier. The vocalist is genuinely raw and he is not trying to sound like anyone but himself. Kudos to you and I hope you never change. I imagine he sounds older than he is but that is certainly a plus. The track is insanely professional with a big arrangement and beautifully smooth dynamics. Dare I say this sounds like something Curtis Mayfield might have done. There is a lot going on and yet it all comes together with the musicians playing as a unit and not individuals. If I may be so bold, there are enough fake Afro Beat Bands, leave the Neo-Soul to the D'Angelos of the world and please, oh please don't think just because you can play tighter / cleaner grooves and record them in better studios it will make your music sound better… because it won't. Keep doing what you are doing because it is awesome.

Destruments is an instrumental save for a few vocal snippets. The sound here starts to lean in the Afro Beat direction but doesn't ever embrace it fully. I love Afro Beat but it is just so overdone by every new band that took Jazz in High School. Instead Destruments create their own unique world of sound. I want this track to be played every time I enter a room. Who needs a weapon when you have dramatic sounds like these? This is music that will get people nervously looking over their shoulders as well as bobbing their heads. The song is full of guitar effects, vibes, killer steady drumming and a bass line that is so sparse when you go looking for it, you know you found it because it rattles your skull. The song you just heard was based on a true crime but the names were changed to protect the innocent. Freedom comes only to the ones that escape all others get 25 to life.

Batman - "Ein echter Batman ghet nicht unter!" "Eine Schwalbe macht noch keinen Sommer!" b/w "Cuccillone Classico!" "Hey Boy" (Bachelor / Red Lounge Records cat. BR - 47 b/w RLR087)

Our beloved Batman has returned to us but for this release he is flying solo. Sadly, Robin is no where to be found. Maybe the Boy Wonder is off at school or possibly locked up due to indecent public activities after going on one too many benders with the stewed crusader . Who knows. It would appear Batman is working slow crime nights as a Lounge Act. Documented here are two very peppy tunes all sung in German. Since I don't speak German it is possible Batman is singing about his own lascivious activities. Musically side one is Lounge scene, one-man-band featuring Casio or accordion style sounds with some female backing vocals. Batman seems happy enough or is he just heavily sedated? No one may ever know. On side two Batman wields his axe once more and there are even drums. Once again the lyrics are all in German but his time batman sounds a bit agitated. Maybe the sedatives are wearing off and he is confronted by his own madness as well as the fact that Robin has gone. Is what life after crime fighting is like? Relegated to a tiny stage in a no name bar singing songs about the bad lands? The last track is sung by the Amazing Angi. It appears she is the winner of some Gotham City "Idol" type talent show. I assume Batman was a guest judge on the panel and took a liking to the adorable Angi. Who knows where this will lead the fabled Dark Knight but let's hope he finds his way into the studio time and again to document his odyssey. Take care old friend and we hope to see you soon.


Captain Beefheart - Six-Pack - Six-Track or Guaranteed 15 minutes Playing Time - "Sugar Bowl" Same Old Blues' & "Magic Be" b/w "Upon The My-O-My" "Rock 'N' Rolls Evil Doll" & "New Electric Ride" (Virgin cat. SIXPACK 1 (Made to be played - Quality British Pressing - Limited to 5000 copies (with easel back)))

Spanglish Fly - "Let My People Bugalu" b/w "Think (Pensamiento)" (Electric Cowbell Records cat. EC 004)

Los Po-Boy-Citos - "Brand New Dance" b/w "Trinidad" (Super Ultra Mega / Living Room Studios cat. SUM 004)

T.S.U. Tornados - "A Thousand Wonders" "Norther Soul Stories cat. NSS - 2 (strictly limited edition))

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These are just some of the fine slabs of tassel spinners at the ready if I get to spin the Go-Go Rama. Go-Go… Las Vegas Grind… Tittyshakers… whatever you want to call 'em, here is a list...

Guest Villains - "Tornado" b/w "Forbidden Feelings" (Timmion cat. # 024)

Andre Williams - "Sweet Little Pussycat" b/w "Loose Juice" (Wingate cat. WG-014)

The Merced Blue Notes - "Thompin'" b/w "Rufus Jr." (Galaxy cat. 738)

The Ideals - "The Gorilla" (Cortland cat. C - 110)

Hal Blaine - "Drums A Go-Go" b/w "Bang Bang Rhythm" (Dunhill cat. D-4049 (Promotional Copy / Not For Sale (wht lbl promo)))

Ken Jones His Piano & Orchestra - "Chicken Pot Pie" b/w "Second Helping" (Almont Records cat. Almont 305)

The Megatons - "Shimmy. Shimmy Walk, Part 1" b/w "…Part 2" (Dodge Records cat. 808)

The Noc-A-Bouts - "Jungle Safari" b/w "Session" (United Artists cat. UA 126 X (Promotion Copy / Not For Sale (wht lbl promo)))

The Nite Sounds - "Cheese Cake" (Fortune cat. 548)

Bobby Peterson Quintet - "The Hunch" (V-Tone cat. 205)

The Tradewinds - "The Snake" b/w "Congo Beat" (Dan - Tone Records cat. 1001)

Gary Webb - "Drum City - Pt. 2" (Donna cat. 1321)

Red Holloway - "Monkey Sho' Can Talk" b/w "Crib Theme #4" (Prestige cat. PR 45-287)

"Big" John Patton - "Fat Judy, Part 1" b/w Part 2 (Blue Note cat. 45-1920)

Herbie Mann - "The Honeydripper" b/w "The Puppet" (Atlantic cat. 45-2379)

Gene Ludwig - "Sticks & Stones - Part I" b/w Part II (Atlantic cat. 45-5034 (wht lbl promo))

The Pastel Six - "Bandito" (Zen Records cat. 102)

Kai Winding - "Dirty Dog" (Verve cat. VK - 10407 (Special Disc Jockey Record))

Hoctor - "Uncle Festers Blues" b/w Adams Family Theme" (Hoctor Records (Division of Dance Records Inc.) cat. H2783)

The Dartells - "Where Do We Stand" (HBR (Hanna Barbera Records) cat. HBR 457 (promo))

The Merced Blue Notes - "Thompin'" b/w "Rufus Jr." (Galaxy cat. 738)

Earl Bostic And His Orchestra - "Feeling Cool" (King cat. 45-K10156 (Complimentary / Dee Jay / Special))

The Souljers - "Poochum" (Rampart cat. 648)

--
Pat. James Longo
http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com
http://www.gigposters.com/designer/26046_Pat._James_Longo.html

Bronco Billy Dolan and Primitive Sound System Thursday March 3rd D.C.'s Tavern from 9PM to Closing

Hello Y'all,
I have gotten some really great records recently but the best ones were a couple that I received from friends of mine. Many, many years ago I sold my Adrenalin O.D. LP The Wacky Hi-Jinks Of.... I regretted it almost immediately but at the time Jazz, Soul and Funk were far more important to me. Over the past few years I have been thinking about the records I sold and considering which ones are worth re-buying. Wacky Hi-Kinks was definitely at the top of my list. Oddly enough, about a month ago, a friend was telling me about an amazing collection he had the opportunity to look at and purchase. He listed all the rare and very hard to find records in the collection. It was impressive to say the least. Then he mentioned there were several copies of AOD records. I explained to him if there were extra copies of Wacky Hi-Jinks I was interested in purchasing one from him. He said he needed to go through the collection and decide what he was and wasn't going to sell. I heard nothing more about the collection. Well, the other day at the Jersey City Record Riot he walked in and handed me a copy of Wacky Hi-Jinks. FREE! Damn that is a nice gift. It is in perfect shape and is as good as I remember it. Thanks Justin! Later that day we had friends and family over for Allison's devastatingly good fried chicken. One friend has been giving me records as long as I can remember and every single one of them go right to the top of the, "MY FAVORITE RECORDS OF ALL TIME!" list. This year was certainly no exception. Matt had told me this incredible story about uncovering an as of now unknown Funk 45. Ironically the song was on the B-side of a somewhat known Guitar Instrumental. It is very obvious that the bands on the two sides of the record are completely unrelated but each side is as close to perfection in their respective genres as you can get. There are two completely different catalog numbers on each side and the recordings sound as if they were recorded years apart. When I pulled the record from the mailer my first reaction was that this was the most un-assuming record I have ever seen. I had only heard about the record but never actually heard it. Needless to say it was better than I could have ever imagined. Come on by and enjoy some music, something to drink and, if you are lucky, a completely outrageous conversation you can only get from a drunk in a bar.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

Bronco Billy Dolan and Primitive Sound System

Bill takes the 9 - 11:30PM and Pat. takes over until people fall asleep at the bar.

Thursday, March 3rd - 9PM to Closing
D.C.'s Tavern
505 8th Street
Between Jefferson and Madison
BACK IN BACK
Hoboken, New Jersey
PH: 201-792-5550
http://www.dcstavern.com
http://myspace.com/dcstavern
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hoboken-NJ/DCs-Tavern/89733686005 <- Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dcs-Tavern/111745052195139 <- Facebook Local Business Listing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=27386563721 <- Facebook Group
http://foursquare.com/venue/34395 <- On Foursquare

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SANATON:
One other event I need to mention happens at the end of March. Mark Maloof and I have decided to step out of the rehearsal studio and play in front of living, breathing human beings. I think the walls and the other bands' equipment are getting pretty bored with us so it is probably about time. Mark and I have spent the past seven years just playing for our own enjoyment. If you ever saw Hippopotamus you may have thought then that we were only playing for our own enjoyment and that is not too far from the truth. Hey, if we wanted to sound like the music we like to listen to, we'd just stay home and listen to those bands' records. Or, as is now the case, steal the MP3's and tell everyone how much we love and support our favorite bands. Currently we have no MP3's for you to steal but we assure you if you like things left of center and sometimes discordant than you'll love us. If we do record before the show we will post them somewhere. Hope to see you there.

Poster for the show: http://www.gigposters.com/poster/138720_Sanaton.html

Sanaton - 10PM
Metal Mountains - 8PM
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
Admission is $5 - (There are special admission rates for students and children)
The Stone - Corner of Ave C and 2nd Street

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CRACK:

Red Garrison and the Zodiacs - "Big R" b/w Renaissance of Rhythm - "There Is No Time" (RMP (Radio Music Prod. cat. SJB - 1016 b/w DP-212)
Opening with an obvious nod to Heartbreak Hotel the guitar and horns run through a little call and response before introducing their own parts to the already familiar tune. Each time through the band seems to get a bit more loose. The song is repetitive but the sax solos and guitar runs change in intensity with each pass. I imagine this was a regular on Lux Interior's turntable. It is simple, it is mindless, it is raw and it clocks in well under 3 minutes. That's vinyl gold if there ever was. This is just the warm up to what lays waiting on the other side. As the sounds scratch their way out of the speakers they hit the ear with familiarity but without a doubt this is not a "version" of anything you know. The song jumps in on the very first groove as if we walked into a party already in progress. The vocalist opens with a few screams, grunts, groans and soon enough the drummer and percussionist are channelling Jimmy Castor's "Ham Hocks Espanol." They do this about every ten seconds but this is no straight up tribute to Mr. Castor. These guys take what was already a fine piece of Boogaloo breakdown and run it through a meat grinder. Renaissance of Rhythm has no intentions on slicking this up. So as raw as, "Big R" is on the Utter-side, "There is No Time" is equally as raw and bent on making this a party. HAVE YOU GOT THE FEELING!? THEN SHOW IT TO ME!"

The Spencer Davis Group - "I'm A Man" (United Artists cat. UA 50144)
Common and iconic. I think that would be the best way to describe Spencer Davis Group now. You have been beat up with Classic Rock and now, unfortunately, bands like this are relegated for the Oldies Stations. Occasionally showing a spark of creativity, New Music stations like RXP will allow songs like this to be dropped into their precious rotation. Matt Pinfield knows a lot about music but his station is boring and repetitive. Don't get me wrong, repetition is a great way for my seven year old to learn what he likes but in 2011 you have a lot of music to choose from. Occasionally The Stooges will make an appearance and I have even heard the New York Dolls in a mix. Good for them, I guess. Spencer Davis Group's "I'm A Man" is one of the most modern sounding records out there. In a world where The Black Keys and The White Stripes are lauded for their appreciation for the past this song encompasses everything they worship and despite being the real deal (recorded in 1967) it sounds at home in a set with either of those bands. The song is rooted in the Blues, it grooves deeper than most Soul songs and it is so fucking hard you couldn't beat it in a street fight if you tried. The organ screams and the drums never let up. The guitar stabs you relentlessly offset from the hand claps and showing no compassion while the bass pummels you into an unrecognizable puddle of sweat. The song raises to an out and out frenzy by the end guaranteeing you will not be getting up when they are done with you . "I'm A Man," has been covered numerous times and its current value is proven by a great and very faithful version by Los Lonely Boys a few years back. But even their version lacks the groove of the original drumming. All Hail The Spencer Davis Group!

Soul Dukes - "Soul-69" b/w "Jelly Fish" (Hi-Way Records (Tramp Records re-issue cat. 208)
I've always loved a good re-issue and this one is mind blowing. Soul Dukes are out of East Orange, New Jersey and sound like they gave Kool & The Gang a run for their money back in the early days of Jersey City's Funky residents. "Soul-69" sounds like it was recorded yesterday and avoids any of the trappings some Funk Instrumentals fall into. The song opens with an actually intro that sets you up for the pace and feel of the music to follow. There is a nice repetitive horn part that eventually curls back to the intro. The sax is the really lead and after each return or statement of the theme the sax takes a couple aggressive solos but always in the pocket. After a third time round there is a break but similar to the sax parts the other musicians pull back rather than drop out. The band plays clean and tight. The groove is measured but not uptight, these guys are swinging. Damn I wish I would have stumbled onto one of these over the years. Oh well, that is why there are reissues. "Jelly Fish" doubles the time of "Soul-69" but despite the fast pace comes off far more Jazzy than the other side. First up is a soloing trumpet which emphasizes the Jazz feel and there is something very cool (progressive) bubling under the surface on with the organ. It is at times spooky or haunting and at other times down, dirty and full of grit. Whoever these guys were they knew how to play. It is a shame they didn't continue and go on to become a household name like Kool & The Gang. Luckily we have this amazing artifact. Thanks Tramp Records!

The Back Pack is filled with Hardcore records to keep A.O.D. company.

Primitive Sound System spinning at The Jersey City Record Riot! - Noon to 1PM

Hello Y'all,
I am now as old as my favorite vinyl format is fast. I turn 45 this year. As always I will spend my birthday eating the one meal that will one day certainly kill me… FRIED CHICKEN and all the trimmings. My way, way, way better half either loves me more than I deserve or has devised the slowest and most delicious way in history to get rid of me. My actual birthday is Friday but we will be bellying up to the table Saturday. Speaking of Saturday, it is time for another installment of the Jersey City Record Riot. Last time out I picked up some great records including some long time want list items. I also spun a set and will be back at it again spinning some of those finds from the last Riot between noon and 1PM. For obvious reasons I will be spinning nothing but 45's. Who could blame me. The last Jersey City Record Riot! was great and seemed to have a lot more dealers than the previous one. All I know is I spent a lot of time digging and left very happy.

- pat.

Primitive Sound System
VINYL RULES!
"Audio Visual Triumphs and Disasters" - http://primitivesoundsystem.blogspot.com

JERSEY CITY RECORD RIOT!

Saturday February 26th
Parlay Studios
161 2nd Street
Jersey City
NOON-7PM - I will be spinning from Noon to 1PM

$3.00 admission
$20.00 early admission at 10 AM
40 plus dealers from NY/NJ/PA/CT!
Refreshments served.
Six live DJs.

VERY IMPORTANT:
They have a couple of tables available (and reserved) for "non-professional" dealers, record geeks who just want to sell some stuff and have fun. These tables go for the reduced rate of $40 for an eight foot table (dealers pay 80-90 bucks). Interested parties can email Steve at recordriots@gmail.com for info.

information: irisrecs@gmail.com

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D.C.'s TAVERN - First Thursday of Every Month:
I am putting together a list of, "45, 45's I Can't Live Without - Or, This Is The Greatest Song Ever… for now… Until I Tell You That THIS Is The Greatest Song Ever!" and will be spinning those during my set at D.C.'s Thursday March 3rd from 11:30 to closing following the always entertaining Bronco Billy Dolan.

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SANATON:
One other event I need to mention happens at the end of March. Mark Maloof and I have decided to step out of the rehearsal studio and play in front of living, breathing human beings. I think the walls and the other bands' equipment are getting pretty bored with us so it is probably about time. Mark and I have spent the past seven years just playing for our own enjoyment. If you ever saw Hippopotamus you may have thought then that we were only playing for our own enjoyment and that is not too far from the truth. Hey, if we wanted to sound like the music we like to listen to, we'd just stay home and listen to those bands' records. Or, as is now the case, steal the MP3's and tell everyone how much we love and support our favorite bands. Currently we have no MP3's for you to steal but we assure you if you like things left of center and sometimes discordant than you'll love us. If we do record before the show we will post them somewhere. Hope to see you there.

Poster for the show: http://www.gigposters.com/poster/138720_Sanaton.html

Sanaton - 10PM
Metal Mountains - 8PM
Sunday, March 20th, 2011
Admission is $5 - (There are special admission rates for students and children)
The Stone - Corner of Ave C and 2nd Street

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45's at 45: (Some favorites that I have never written about)

Hunt's Determination - "I Need Love" (Ear Wax cat. W? - 005)
Don't let the title fool you, this is no ballad. I got this as a gift about twelve or fifteen years ago. It still stands as one of my favorite records in my collection. First off, it is one of the few Funk Instrumentals I own with a picture sleeve. From what I can tell that the band consisted of about fifteen or sixteen people. What is also obvious, looking at the photo on the cover, is that not only is winter in Flint, Michigan cold but when it snows even your giant ass station will get trapped. "I Need Love" opens with a weepy guitar followed by an aggressive introduction of the other instruments with some nice dynamics. Despite the cover photo the band seems to consist of Organ, drums, bass, guitar and percussion. The song is balls out and Funky as hell from start to finish. These mother-fuckers are attacking each beat and note yet move as one like a gracefully charging monster. Think of being chased by a Rhino and all the time you are in awe of his fleet of foot, gentle moves and focus; transfixed, mesmerized and motionless he runs right through you. This is all I know of Hunt's Determination. They assembled, created and left a deep groove wherever they played.

"Lil" Willie & The Rockin' Imperials - "A Man Don't Last Too Long" b/w "Tell Me Why" (Golden - Records cat. G No. 117)
There is something very Gospel about this track. The background singers open the track with a solo statement of the title, "A Man Don't Last Too Long!" It is chilling and a little spooky. It feels like they are talking to you but looking passed you. As if they know something you need to know but they know you are not going to listen. Over the raw funky backing bass, guitar, drums, horns and a tambourine they repeat this statement throughout the song, exactly the same each time . The tambourine rattles like the chains of a ghost and is unrelenting and repetitive. Lil Willie agrees with the ladies but pleads "man's" case. They state that a man don't last too long and he comes back each time with an observation of the plight of man. Sometimes his plea is a simple statement of fact, "One day he is here and the next day he is gone." Another time he asks us to look and see how hard it is just to be alive and survive, "Everything a man does is an awful big risk, you can see why it is hard for him to exist," And the closer is as finite as our own existence, "One day he is ill and the next day he is gone, that's why some men don't last so long." The ladies, like time, are never ending, they slow down for no one. They continue to repeat their statement and its inevitable conclusion as the song fades. They are the last word.

Busey's Soul Blenders - "Soul Power (Part 1)" (Busey's cat. 2485)
Basically an instrumental but a member of the band does an introduction at the beginning as well as a few geographical shout-outs throughout. Every time I hear this there is something so familiar to it but I can never place it. At first it doesn't seem like Busey and the Soul Blenders are going to pick up enough speed to make it to the top of the hill but suddenly they put a little more into and pick up the pace. Then, suddenly, they are off and BURNING. They state the theme, lean back and take control of the road. The drums command our attention breaking a bit but he is never alone. He is hitting hard and leaving space for the shout outs to be heard. Next the bass is featured and deservedly so. It is fast but not out of the pocket. It is thick and heavy as hell. Next up is the guitar and it takes us off the pavement and into the shoulder as rocks and dust go shooting everywhere before we right ourselves again. Side two tries not to be a fade in but is. It picks up at the end of the guitar freakout and the groove picks up the pace once again. My dreams come true as the Organ and drums get to showoff. Legitimize its massive size and spitting sound in 360 degrees the organ goes from high pitched to low in a very dramatic wave. The drums are pounding and filled with groove. Suddenly everything goes triple time and it's a Latin Groove via the mind of Bo Diddley. Our "singer" is shouting out everywhere the band has ever played when we slip back into the theme but only momentarily before everyone drops out but the kick and a final shout from our singer who reminds us what we have been experiencing…"Soul Power!"

The Mighty Groove Makers - "Let's Dance Some Mo (Part 1) (Peanut Country Records cat. PC 1003)
Another instrumental with some shouted out vocals. My favorite moment in the song happens just a full measure before the break. You can feel some of the players hesitate. It's the raw intensity that you get when a band is playing each take live. They are actually playing with and off of each other. Moving in unison and trying to predict what the other guy will do next. The pause doesn't sound like a mistake, it is barely even noticeable. But it is there, it is a feel and it is so perfect. The recording sounds like it may have been done in my dining room. Not even my kitchen where the acoustic would have been better. Maybe this was recorded in someone's living room which would make it that much more mindblowing to me. I can picture them crowded into a room, sweating and doing what they love, playing music. Recording live gives a presence to the kit which the drummer takes full advantage of at first but he quickly pulls back and allows the guitar and organ to breath. This gives the music a more laid back feeling than its initial upfront Funky one. After the band makes their mighty groove the singer comes in to command the band in a James Brown bag. He reminds the band, "Don't stop now, dance some more." Soon we are counting down to the break and it is at count of three that we get that brief but oh so beautiful pause. The band stops on the count of four on cue and at the break the singer shouts, "It sounded so nice let's do it some more…" And "do it" they do.