Punky Reggae Insanity

I try not to label music, because sometimes an artist/band/whatever you prefer, has such a varied sound that it is often stifling to them and difficult and unnecessary to the listener. Like "Punk"...what the hell? It confuses me, but I like the confusion. I watch the interviews of artists who seem insulted by the term and then there are the ones who love it and wallow in it. Whatever you choose to call it, I would like to quote the wise oracle: Music makes the people come together. Personally, it is definitely a "whatever floats your boat, it floats mine" situation.

The Kid are a Swedish band I am taking for a spin. This song was chosen because it fits the theme of the day, plus I just feel like it.

The Kid - I Just Wanna Play Punk Like Daddy

Upon first listen, I had a love/hate relationship with Helen Love but today it's all love baby. I love the insanity, the references/name-dropping in the songs, and the speed. It's quite fun.



Helen Love - Debbie Loves Joey

The lyrics to this X-Ray Spex song make me giggle and the line about Richard Hell is a goodie, because who doesn't love them some Richard Hell?

X-Ray Spex - Let's Submerge

The video I am posting is really good and features interviews with a lot of people that you do not see in the usual "punk" documentaries, such as Jordan and Jerry Nolan!! I cannot lie...I saw The Sex Pistols reunion in 1996 and I loved it. My favorite moment of the show was the madness that was the opening riff of Pretty Vacant, which as we learn in this documentary, borrows from one of the best bands ever : Abba!!! It's a bit long, but so worth it.NSFW.

Punk and The Sex Pistols


Reggae in its many styles was a favorite of a lot of the early bands like The Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Slits. The heavy melodic bass sounds soothe and lift. We find ourselves wandering, yet guided by the music that watches over us and our delicate aural apparatus, time and time again.

Big Youth and John Lydon


English Girl - Sister Audrey

Junior Byles has such a sweet voice. Nuff said.

Junior Byles - Fade Away

Dr. Alimantado - Best Dressed Chicken In Town

This is another video that is everywhere at once, but it's too catchy to ignore.

Le Roux - Quicksand



This was a difficult post because I had to use massive restraint. There are so many songs that could have been posed. Reggae and dub would have been absolutely mental since there is so much greatness, but I had to resist. Same with the punky music. A specific example is the version of "London Boys" from Johnny Thunders' album "So Alone". If you are familiar with the song and the lyrics, you would see the flakes of awesome irony that is Steve Jones and Paul Cook from The Sex Pistols contributing guitar and drums on that version. I've lost control again.

You Bastard- You've Broken My Bullshit Meter !

Well, this week has been intense, so I'm going to keep it short and sassy. I will say that I am over people trying to cover their creepiness by claiming they are "artists". If you have to keep reminding people that you are an "artist" (Please note sarcastic quotation marks enveloping the word artist. I am talking about a specific type of skeeze here.), maybe you need a new game plan? I know it's always a gamble meeting people in altered states in clubs, but bullshit is bullshit, and my bullshit meter was a tickin'!

Anyway, speaking of artists...I'm really liking The Phantom Band and the pictures of their live performances on their page made me think of Magritte's The Lovers jamming the feck out.

The Phantom Band - The Howling

Magritte - The Lovers


I'm in a gooey, poppy, nearly demented state caused by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and I must admit that I like it. Imagine Shoegaze stylings entwined in a ball of pink cotton candy and it would maybe sound like this? The video is also sugary sweet.

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Everything With You


The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - Everything With You

Marybell Katastrophy are another band I've been listening to a lot as I walk through life. I am actually having a hard time describing the music since it seems different from song to song, but the one consistency is that it's a solid album.

Marybell Katastrophy - His Desperate Voice

I don't know much about The Airborne Toxic Event other than the fact that I am loving their sound. I am into lyrical content and they deliver both musically and lyrically, which leaves me happy and intoxicated.

The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight


The Airborne Toxic Event - Sometime Around Midnight

I know this video has been on every blog and its mama, but this is so good that I'm going to post it too. I loved this song the second I heard it and I put it on a mix for a fellow blogger and I told him they would be taking over blogs and music sites in general. I was right. Bump ya'll if you are over the song, because this video is some epic Duran Duran shit:

Fan Death - Veronica's Veil

Out In The Street

Street photography is something I've always been interested in,because it makes such random day-to-day activities that may be taken for granted seem fascinating. The spur of the moment shots and the realness are what appeal to me the most. Bruce Gilden is a photographer I enjoy not only because of his work (A Beautiful Catastrophe is my favorite), but his personality. In the video below, I think he is spot on with a lot of his comments, so take a walk with Bruce:



Dancing is good for you. Fact. I like to let loose and be as decadent, insane, naughty, and fun as I can be on the dancefloor...otherwise, what's the point? Sometimes you just have to shake a tail feather and give in to the music and the atmosphere. Shake your rat's nest!


Come Dancing - The Kinks


The Jam Was Moving - Debbie Harry

Dance - ESG

Do The Strand - Roxy Music

Grindin' & Shakin' - Yo Majesty

The Doolang - Andrea Carroll

Death By Go-Go - Dean and The Weenies

BAILANDO - ALASKA Y LOS PEGAMOIDES



While on the topic of dance and decadence, Anita Berber was a performer who embodied decadence in her dancing, acting, performance art, and life.


The Dancer Anita Berber, 1925
Otto Dix (German, 1891–1969)

Let's face it, music has intoxicating, magical, and healing powers. Whether we are being moved by the bassline, having our heartbeats replaced by something more pleasant pulsing from the speakers, or allowing it as a whole to feed us and nurture us...it has been and always will be there. Music is a constant. The music posted above is for bringing the heat, so these are for cooling it down a bit...just a wee bit though, so don't get all kooky.

Dance With Me - Nouvelle Vague

Gimme Danger - The Stooges

Angel From Above - Horace Andy

You And The Night And The Music - Little Annie

I included The Stooges because Iggy is one of the most energetic and mental dancers ever!

Leaping The Wonderwall

Be warned...I'm feeling nostalgic. In the early 1990's I was freakishly into Brit Pop and found myself checking out magazines like Select for my fix. Today, I watched an episode of Seven Ages of Rock, which was dedicated to British Indie and it took me back to times of extreme drunken behavior, dancing, and late-night sing-alongs. Now that I think about it, except for the music, not much of that has really changed and I like it that way. Would you like a ride in my time machine?



Suede - Animal Nitrate

Phonogram is a brilliant comic that also took me back to Brit Pop. Everything about this was brilliant: the story, the characters, the art! The cover art for all issues referenced album covers that were a big deal at that time, take a peek and see if you remember the albums. The following is a tribute to Pulp's This Is Hardcore:



Pete Townshend - Rough Boys

The Long Blondes are no more, but they have a Brit Popiness about them. This video is a tad bit scary...like some hipster eye porn with a Cindy Sherman-style wig tossed on it:

The Long Blondes - Appropriation

The Long Blondes - Appropriation

Nina Hagen is so incredible. Her style and talent are from another planet. Legend.

Nina Hagen - Herman's Door


Nina Hagen - Herman's Door

Cold outside = Lots o video!

Wealth and Taste...Brian Jones' Maracas

Today, I joined various loved ones at City Hall to make our voices heard regarding GLBT rights. This event was part of a national protest and it was a great time, despite the cold and rain. As you know, I've been all sickly lately, but if I get sick again from being in the treacherous weather...it will all be worth it.

I don't know about you, but in cold and damp conditions, I like to snuggle up under a fuzzy blanket and watch things...like videos!!!
I love Bongwater. They are crazy and campy and everything that I need in times like these. This clip is pretty strange, but I love it.

Bongwater - "You Don't Love Me Yet"

Bongwater - You Don't Love Me Yet

The Rolling Stones performing one of my favorite songs...ah, what more can I say that has not been spewed about them a million times over? Nothing, so I'll let the video speak to you and touch you...
The Rolling Stones - "Sympathy For The Devil"


I have been tearing through my albums lately and I found Basement 5. You should find them too and to save you a hunt, here is a lil bit:

Basement 5 - Too Soon

Do you remember Fischer-Z? This may be a bit creepy, but...what isn't?


Fischer-Z - So Long

Last but certainly not least, is the new video by Florence and The Machine. I love her so much! This video has a hint of The Cockettes to it, so enjoy!
Florence and The Machine - "Dog Days Are Over"

Sassy , Raspy, and Foggy

I am loving the crisp, cool evenings. I am not loving the fact that I have spent the last week in a haze of meds and cough syrup...well, the foggy haze part was pretty ace to be honest. I think I'm basically back to my normal frisky, psychotic self, despite the fact that I may have broken something in my foot last night? Hmmm, perhaps going drinking with little sleep, kinda weak from illness, and not eating was not a wise decision....

I love Pulp! Sassy.

Pulp - Party Hard


Egon Schiele - Prostitute 1912

I was advised by Venus With A Penis that I needed more PJ Harvey in my life. He was right. He was also correct when he told me I would love this song:

PJ Harvey - The Faster I Breathe The Further I Go (Demo)

I don't know if I'm in love or in like with Cajun Dance Party; however, I have strong feelings for this song and may take it out for a slice of pizza and a shot.

Cajun Dance Party - Colourful Life

Finally, I give you one of the scariest videos....EVER! This is the shit that nightmares are made of and will possibly scar you for life. The bitch is evil on a stick. Oh, do you think it's a coincidence that this little hellspawn's bow is red and pointy like devil horns? Yeah, me neither.

Little Marcy

CRACKELTACKLE MICKLE PIXELTOFF

CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY CRAEZY CRAEEZY CRAAAA ZY CR ZY ZY ZEEEEEE ZZZZZZZ CRACKELTACKLE MICKLE PIXELTOFF


So, as winter approaches and the inevitable plague I have of lack of sunlight in the winter disease-S.A.D. "Seasonal Affective Disorder" as I've heard it called-I find that the term crazy or feeling nutty coming into play a lot lately by myself and others. I admit it, I'm a nutter.With these feelings of trying to control something bubbling and the urge to go all Sybil on everyone's ass, I take comfort in the fact that it is what drives my art as well. I am most proud of my work after days and weeks of contemplating the reasons of why, what is it all for, who am I, who are they, blah, blah, blah yackety-smackety. So, in celebration of my nuttiness at times and the fact that I only see it getting worse as I grow older, I leave you with the some funny nutty putty.

Penny Pearce-"The Shrink"

The Cramps-"The Way I Walk" Live, Napa State Hospital, 1978

Wesley Willis - on Squirt TV


....and for music that strikes my funny bone right now.........

Jesus and Mary Chain - "Halfway to Crazy"

Billy Joel - "You May Be Right"

Rudimentary Peni - "Crazy Chain"

Bloc Party - "She's Hearing Voices"