The No Wave Movement... Reviewed

Howard the Duck · 06-09-2011, 08:30 PM

you aren't doing The Contortions?

Squatters1 · 06-10-2011, 03:55 AM

Am lookin 4ward 2 this threads development! wanted 2 explor this sub-genre ov punk 4 awhile.

TockTockTock · 06-10-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Duce

you aren't doing The Contortions?

Of course I am. I have them listed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squatters1

Am lookin 4ward 2 this threads development! wanted 2 explor this sub-genre ov punk 4 awhile.

I'm glad you are, but also keep in mind that No Wave isn't really a sub-genre of punk rock, but more of a label to identify an art movement that took place in New York in the late seventies and early eighties. Not to mention the music that they covered wasn't just confined to one genre (punk rock), but also many others, such as opera and jazz.

TockTockTock · 06-10-2011, 01:17 PM

8-Eyed Spy (1979 - 1980)

General Information

8-Eyed Spy was a band formed by No Wave "superstar," Lydia Lunch, and George Scott (of The Contortions). The two had known each other since 1977 and had built up some respect for one another. Shortly after Lunch recorded her solo album, Queen of Siam (1979), they decided to make a band.

In an interview with David Browne in 2008, Thurston Moore claimed that once 8-Eyed Spy released their debut album in 1981, "No Wave had ended." His reason behind saying this was that they had a more conventional approach to music... which was what the "movement" was supposedly against. Their sound can be described as have elements of both art rock and punk rock (so basically you could go with either art punk or post-punk... whatever floats your boat).

Band Members

► Lydia Lunch (Vocals)
► George Scott (Bass)
► Michael Paumgardhen (Guitar)
► Pat Irwin (Saxophone, Piano, Guitar, Bass)
► Jim Sclavunos (Drums)

Album Review

8-Eyed Spy (1997)

Track Listing

1. Diddy Wah Diddy............ 2:19
2. Lazy in Love................... 2:57
3. Love Split....................... 2:10
4. Dead You B Side Me........ 3:39
5. Swamp............................ 0:57
6. Run Through the Jungle.. 5:26
7. Motor Oil Shanty............. 4:29
8. You Twist, I Shout........... 2:31
9. Looking for Someone....... 2:39
10. Lightning's Girl............... 3:07
11. Innocence...................... 1:24
12. Boy Meets Girl................ 1:57
13. 2 Square......................... 2:36
14. I Want Candy.................. 2:05
15. Ran Away Dark............... 1:51

Total Length: 40:07

Instead of getting their live or debut album, I decided to get their compilation, which has a bit of both. First off, let me say that you should not get discouraged by Thurston Moore's comment... There are a few No Wave-like tendencies in their music, such as in some of the guitar work and especially in Lydia Lunch's delivery of her vocals. I'll also go ahead and say that this was a decent compilation album... You can even hear the audience, which was comprised of maybe three or four people, clapping and whooping it up in some of the live tracks (yea!!!).

In my opinion, their cover of "Diddy Wah Diddy" was better than both the original version and Captain Beefheart's (which was fairly boring to begin with). The combined squeal of the saxophone and Lunch's vehement, commanding voice fought through the entire song to the point where you can barely hear the piano and guitar, and yet... it's still fun to listen to. I have to say, however, that my favorite tracks on this album are "Lazy in Love" and "Motor Oil Shanty." The first being a song completely dominated by the piano and saxophone...and no guitar. Although, I think there is a banjo in the background somewhere (not entirely sure), but that's not a guitar of course. Either way, I loved Lunch's singing which is more like her yelling out spoken word poetry (this is normally how she delivers her lyrics, though). Then there is "Motor Oil Shanty," the second longest track on the album, which starts off with a funky introduction similar to that of The Contortions, but it then evolves into something more surf rock-oriented (which is possible evidence of Scott and Irwin's forming of The Raybeats).

All in all, it's a very raw and loud compilation, but that is what is expected of Lydia Lunch... Lastly, due to its more accessible sound, I would probably recommend it to someone who wants an easy entry into No Wave.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Howard the Duck · 06-11-2011, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack Pat

Of course I am. I have them listed.

sorry, musta missed it

TockTockTock · 06-11-2011, 08:46 PM

Bound & Gagged (1978 - 198?)

General Information

The No Wave band that wasn't quite No Wave... Bound & Gagged was formed in the late 70s in Boston, Massachusetts. They were an all-female experimental post-punk group that had befriended many of the No Wave/Post-No Wave acts, such as Bush Tetras and 8-Eyed Spy. They were also mentored by the art punk/noise rock band, The Girls. Sadly, Bound & Gagged only released one album -- an EP with only four tracks that lasts less than twelve minutes.

Band Members

► Britt Britto
► Trude Koby
► Deni Ozan
► Marcia Maglione
► Wendy Stone
► Martha Sweztoff

Album Review

Bound & Gagged (1980)

Track Listing

1. Clutter......................... 2:14
2. Chains and Polymers.... 4:03
3. Attack.......................... 1:37
4. Roach Motel ................ 3:17

Total Length: 11:11

Well, there really isn't too much to say about this EP. It's not necessarily groundbreaking or amazing, but it certainly isn't terrible. Most of the songs are comprised of Eve Libertine-esque vocals, repetitive guitar work, mediocre drumming, and the dancing sound of a Farfisa organ. The only song that sort of got my attention was "Clutter," which didn't stick to the same damn repetitiveness that is featured throughout the rest of the album. It actually evolves a bit in sound as the track progresses, unlike "Roach Motel" and "Chains and Polymers." It's really too bad they were cut short with just releasing this EP... I'm sure they could have improved a lot more if they stuck to it.

Anyways, I don't really hate this album, but I don't see myself listening to it anytime soon. On the bright side... the organ is a bit fun to listen to. Heh...

My Rating: 5.5/10

Urban Hat€monger ? · 06-11-2011, 09:02 PM

I remember reading somewhere Lydia Lunch hated being in 8-Eyed Spy.

Shame if it's true I always liked them.

BastardofYoung · 06-12-2011, 04:54 PM

So far so good. I have enjoyed all the no wave stuff I have listened to. "No New York" comp is great, as are the "NY No Wave" comps.. and others.

So far DNA and Mars have been my most listened to, looking forward to what you hve to say on them.

Thanks for this, appreciated.

TockTockTock · 06-12-2011, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BastardofYoung

So far so good. I have enjoyed all the no wave stuff I have listened to. "No New York" comp is great, as are the "NY No Wave" comps.. and others.

So far DNA and Mars have been my most listened to, looking forward to what you hve to say on them.

Thanks for this, appreciated.

DNA is one of my favorite bands. You won't hear anything negative from me about them. Don't worry...

richie1 · 06-12-2011, 06:25 PM

Wow! I'm new to MB and the last thing I expected to see was a No Wave thread! Bravo! I'm a huge James Chance and the Contortions / James White and the Blacks fan.

James scream in "Contort Yourself" is brilliant!

06-11-2011, 09:02 PM	#17 (permalink)
Urban Hat€monger ? The Sexual Intellectual Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Somewhere cooler than you Posts: 18,605	I remember reading somewhere Lydia Lunch hated being in 8-Eyed Spy. Shame if it's true I always liked them. __________________ Urb's RYM Stuff Most people sell their soul to the devil, but the devil sells his soul to Nick Cave.

06-12-2011, 04:54 PM	#18 (permalink)
BastardofYoung Buzz Killjoy Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 2,692	So far so good. I have enjoyed all the no wave stuff I have listened to. "No New York" comp is great, as are the "NY No Wave" comps.. and others. So far DNA and Mars have been my most listened to, looking forward to what you hve to say on them. Thanks for this, appreciated. __________________ last.fm ‎"I hope that someday we will be able to put away our fears and prejudices and just laugh at people." - Jack Handey.

06-12-2011, 06:25 PM	#20 (permalink)
richie1 Music Addict Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: South Florida, USA Posts: 109	Wow! I'm new to MB and the last thing I expected to see was a No Wave thread! Bravo! I'm a huge James Chance and the Contortions / James White and the Blacks fan. James scream in "Contort Yourself" is brilliant! __________________ Well a person can work up a mean mean thirst after a hard day of nothin' much at all Summer's passed, it's too late to cut the grass There ain't much to rake anyway in the fall [link removed by mod - no advertising permitted]

06-10-2011, 03:55 AM	#12 (permalink)
Squatters1 Groupie Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2	Am lookin 4ward 2 this threads development! wanted 2 explor this sub-genre ov punk 4 awhile.

06-10-2011, 01:17 PM	#14 (permalink)
TockTockTock They/Them Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,914	8-Eyed Spy (1979 - 1980) General Information 8-Eyed Spy was a band formed by No Wave "superstar," Lydia Lunch, and George Scott (of The Contortions). The two had known each other since 1977 and had built up some respect for one another. Shortly after Lunch recorded her solo album, Queen of Siam (1979), they decided to make a band. In an interview with David Browne in 2008, Thurston Moore claimed that once 8-Eyed Spy released their debut album in 1981, "No Wave had ended." His reason behind saying this was that they had a more conventional approach to music... which was what the "movement" was supposedly against. Their sound can be described as have elements of both art rock and punk rock (so basically you could go with either art punk or post-punk... whatever floats your boat). Band Members ► Lydia Lunch (Vocals) ► George Scott (Bass) ► Michael Paumgardhen (Guitar) ► Pat Irwin (Saxophone, Piano, Guitar, Bass) ► Jim Sclavunos (Drums) Album Review 8-Eyed Spy (1997) Track Listing 1. Diddy Wah Diddy............ 2:19 2. Lazy in Love................... 2:57 3. Love Split....................... 2:10 4. Dead You B Side Me........ 3:39 5. Swamp............................ 0:57 6. Run Through the Jungle.. 5:26 7. Motor Oil Shanty............. 4:29 8. You Twist, I Shout........... 2:31 9. Looking for Someone....... 2:39 10. Lightning's Girl............... 3:07 11. Innocence...................... 1:24 12. Boy Meets Girl................ 1:57 13. 2 Square......................... 2:36 14. I Want Candy.................. 2:05 15. Ran Away Dark............... 1:51 Total Length: 40:07 Instead of getting their live or debut album, I decided to get their compilation, which has a bit of both. First off, let me say that you should not get discouraged by Thurston Moore's comment... There are a few No Wave-like tendencies in their music, such as in some of the guitar work and especially in Lydia Lunch's delivery of her vocals. I'll also go ahead and say that this was a decent compilation album... You can even hear the audience, which was comprised of maybe three or four people, clapping and whooping it up in some of the live tracks (yea!!!). In my opinion, their cover of "Diddy Wah Diddy" was better than both the original version and Captain Beefheart's (which was fairly boring to begin with). The combined squeal of the saxophone and Lunch's vehement, commanding voice fought through the entire song to the point where you can barely hear the piano and guitar, and yet... it's still fun to listen to. I have to say, however, that my favorite tracks on this album are "Lazy in Love" and "Motor Oil Shanty." The first being a song completely dominated by the piano and saxophone...and no guitar. Although, I think there is a banjo in the background somewhere (not entirely sure), but that's not a guitar of course. Either way, I loved Lunch's singing which is more like her yelling out spoken word poetry (this is normally how she delivers her lyrics, though). Then there is "Motor Oil Shanty," the second longest track on the album, which starts off with a funky introduction similar to that of The Contortions, but it then evolves into something more surf rock-oriented (which is possible evidence of Scott and Irwin's forming of The Raybeats). All in all, it's a very raw and loud compilation, but that is what is expected of Lydia Lunch... Lastly, due to its more accessible sound, I would probably recommend it to someone who wants an easy entry into No Wave. My Rating: 7.5/10

06-11-2011, 08:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
TockTockTock They/Them Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 1,914	Bound & Gagged (1978 - 198?) General Information The No Wave band that wasn't quite No Wave... Bound & Gagged was formed in the late 70s in Boston, Massachusetts. They were an all-female experimental post-punk group that had befriended many of the No Wave/Post-No Wave acts, such as Bush Tetras and 8-Eyed Spy. They were also mentored by the art punk/noise rock band, The Girls. Sadly, Bound & Gagged only released one album -- an EP with only four tracks that lasts less than twelve minutes. Band Members ► Britt Britto ► Trude Koby ► Deni Ozan ► Marcia Maglione ► Wendy Stone ► Martha Sweztoff Album Review Bound & Gagged (1980) Track Listing 1. Clutter......................... 2:14 2. Chains and Polymers.... 4:03 3. Attack.......................... 1:37 4. Roach Motel ................ 3:17 Total Length: 11:11 Well, there really isn't too much to say about this EP. It's not necessarily groundbreaking or amazing, but it certainly isn't terrible. Most of the songs are comprised of Eve Libertine-esque vocals, repetitive guitar work, mediocre drumming, and the dancing sound of a Farfisa organ. The only song that sort of got my attention was "Clutter," which didn't stick to the same damn repetitiveness that is featured throughout the rest of the album. It actually evolves a bit in sound as the track progresses, unlike "Roach Motel" and "Chains and Polymers." It's really too bad they were cut short with just releasing this EP... I'm sure they could have improved a lot more if they stuck to it. Anyways, I don't really hate this album, but I don't see myself listening to it anytime soon. On the bright side... the organ is a bit fun to listen to. Heh... My Rating: 5.5/10