So, this band doesn't have a thread. It's not that surprising though as it seems they're a bit forgotten. They were a very interesting, unique New York band that existed somewhere from the middle 80s to the early 90s. The main two members are Ann Magnuson and Mark Kramer. Ann Magnuson is an actress who can be seen in
Desperately Seeking Susan (you know, the film with Madonna) and
The Hunger in one of the first scenes, as a party girl with David Bowie, while Bauhaus is playing. Kramer is the founder of Shimmy-Disc label and a producer.
It's a bit hard to describe their music. It's like an alternative rock with psychedelic flavor, or psychedelic rock with experimental edge. This is especially evident earlier in their career. Eclectic is the right word for their music. The sound is accompanied by some very witty, often provocative lyrics, random monologues (sometimes quite surreal) by Ann Magnuson. This is where her performance artist talent really comes through.
They have four full length albums:
- Double Bummer (1988)
- Too Much Sleep (1989)
- The Power of Pussy (1991)
- The Big Sell-Out (1992)
Double Bummer is my favorite. It's a huge double album that shows the best what I said about their music. While it seems pretty chaotic and fragmented on the first listen, it has a lot of charm. Other albums are more concise with more pop directness and folk flavor at times. Fun, catchy, sexy - they didn't lose that quality. The Power of Pussy song was a college hit in the early 90s.
Ok, I'll post two (three) songs from the first album:
Note: The first song in this video is "Lesbians of Russia" and the second ethereal one is "Jimmy"
"Decadent Iranian Country Club"
EDIT: One more song, from
Too Much Sleep, "Psychedelic Sewing Room"