Fanatic! Another week of liquid time. I looked at the calendar and was momentarily surprised that it’s already ten days into May. It is? Yes.
I hope you’ve been bearing up in these trying times. A few things I want to run by you.
As might imagine, the damned virus has made release schedules move around. One of my favorite releases for this year, Alice Bag’s Sister Dynamite album came out last Friday but due to In The Red Records distributor not being open for the next several days, ITR is only able to sell the record digitally and mail order. SO, the album is available and it’s a great one but you need to order it from the ITR site. I know it’s a pain in the neck not to be able to go to the record store. Here is some writing about the album and ordering info.
Prolific punk icon, singer/songwriter, musician, author and feminist, Alice Bag has released her new album Sister Dynamite via In The Red Records. Throughout the album, Bag reveals her incredible ability to turn nuanced political statement into impossibly catchy punk songs. New album single “Spark” lights a fire against the haters. A song about self-acceptance and self-love, it exalts the differences that other people might see as odd or queer because they are what makes you unique.
Her third solo effort, the album marks a thrilling return to the full-throttle punk that Bag pioneered with her legendary first-wave punk band, The Bags. While maintaining a “communicate not indoctrinate” line of thought when it comes to her songwriting, Bag hopes that the songs on Sister Dynamite might help to build the profound sense of solidarity she experienced back in the original L.A. punk community. With its breakneck velocity and galvanizing melodies, Bag teamed up with her core group of musicians to achieve the album’s kinetic sound. Co-produced by Bag and her longtime collaborator Lysa Flores (who plays rhythm guitar and sings backing vocals on several songs) at L.A.’s Station House Studios, Sister Dynamite finds features guitarist Sharif Dumani and bassist David O. Jones with Candace P.K. Hansen and Rikki “Styxx” Watson trading off on drums, each lending her distinct musicality to the album’s potent rhythms. Watch her latest video here. Buy the album here.
I don’t think this is going to be an isolated case. I know it’s not easy and might not but at the front of your thoughts as I’m sure you have plenty to deal with as it is but we have to do our best to keep our Independent bands and labels going.
Also, an excellent record from our friends at Trouble In Mind Records I wanted to bring to your attention. Super cool band from Spain, Melenas. Their Dias Raros LP is great from start to finish. We’ll start it next week. You can hear tracks and order up here.
As well, Stephen O’Malley of SUNN 0))) has a released a solo album on Editions Mego called Auflösung Der Zeit. I had this one cranked a few nights ago. Imagine SUNN 0))) but more aggressive. I know, what?! So into this record. You can check it out here. I’m on the site listening now as I write this.
HELL YES.
Our first track tonight is from the new Cool Greenhouse album. Finally coming out later this month. Here’s the info.
Oh! There’s a new Ashtray Navigations release that just came out called It Was The Start Of Another Strange Week. Phil Todd never stops. We have a track from it for you tonight.
I heard a record a few nights ago, apparently in the test pressing stage, so I guess it’s slated for this year, another great one. When I can say more, I will. It’s yet another on the stack of great records yet to be released this year. I’m not trying to be a tease (a little maybe) but I just want you to be reminded that we have a lot of great music to look forward to.
As I’m sure you’re well aware, we lost three major musicians over the last few days. Tony Allen, peerless drummer of Fela Kuti renown, Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk and Little Richard. It’s a lot to take in. Next week, we will rock some Tony solo and Kraftwerk tracks and get to some Little Richard later in the month. I’m sorry for not being able to be more responsive but we’re all working from different places on the show.
Fanatic, hang in there, hang in there, hang in there. Masks, hands, distance, touching. It’s like putting your seatbelt on. You just do it.
Meanwhile, I am working seven days a week on the next Stay Fanatic!!! book. I crossed the 400 scan mark a few days ago. Excited about this one. Looks like we’re on track for a December release.
Fanatic, hang in there, hang in there, hang in there. Masks, hands, distance, touching. It’s like putting your seatbelt on. You just do it.
Maintain your marathon mind and STAY FANATIC!!!
–– Henry