At the time of release, this track struck me as an odd missing link between two bands who went on to become highly influential in the history of UK pop music. I was never a fan of Comsat Angels beyond this track, and I never saw the band perform. I understand they have a large following among old-school goth lovers, but beyond this track, I know nothing of them. The two bands they bridge: Joy Division and U2.

Stylus reviews a "bootleg" release.

A tribute site.

Trouser Press reviews the band's recorded works.

A compilation of their later work.



COMSAT ANGELS: Eye Of The Lens (Polydor Records, 1981)

MP3 files are posted for evaluation purposes only. Through this site, I'm trying to share and promote good music with others, who will also hopefully continue to support these artists. Everyone is encouraged to purchase music and concert tickets for the artists you feel merit your hard earned dollars. If you hold copyright to one of these songs and would like the file removed, please let me know. Availability is limited. (Text derived from excellent disclaimer at music (for robots).)

Jimbo makes the simple and effective case. It's something you learn early on, especially if you've ever lived in marginal neighborhoods in American cities.

There has been a noticeable slide occurring in my neighborhood over the past month. 18th Street north of U (Adams Morgan) is already a lost cause, I won't go near it, I don't feel safe up there on weekend nights - I sense gang activity. South of U, it's pedestrian busy, and the murder was very out of the ordinary. The hostility quotient on 17th Street, our busy neighborhood boulevard, has increased. 16th and 15th Streets are main thoroughfares, with little commercial activity - be cautious at night. 14th Street is always hit or miss, despite the plethora of fabulous high end furniture stores. The shops close, sun sets, beggars show up in numbers. The crime always seems to increase this time of year. End of summer crap.

The great divide between the haves and have-nots is getting much larger, and more pronounced and visible, in DC - and therein lies the problem. Is this happening in other major American cities?

This is sad news. More details here. A tough event for many of us who frequent Annie's. Crime is up all over my neighborhood. I dealt with another attempted break-in of my home two weeks ago - the seventh episode in 27 months. Three more holdups in the neighborhood last night, two within 3 blocks of my home. I live in the nice part of town.

I thoroughly enjoyed the UFC pay per view last Saturday night. I had been toying with the idea of going to Vegas to see it in person, and am now sad I didn't. Both of my guys won, decisively. Chuck Liddell finished off Vernon White in 4 minutes, and 41-year old Randy Couture regained his light heavyweight title from Vitor Belfort. Their previous encounter saw Couture get caught with an odd strike that almost took his eye out; this fight was stopped due to excessive bleeding on Belfort's part. These results set up the inevitable Liddell-Couture title confrontation; I will definitely be watching that one in person.

I hope everyone has checked out Waremouse's new mp3 blog, Music Is A Virus. His knowledge of electronic music is near-infinite; I, for one, am excited to hear the gems of his collection.

Apologies for not posting a new song this week. I've been very busy with two outside projects that I hope to be able to speak about in the next few weeks. And, with the nicest August weather DC residents could possibly ask for, I'm distracted by the out of doors. If there's no Wi-FI signal, there's less likelihood of blogging.

The mainstream music industry is controlled by a handful of large corporations. The last time I checked, and it has been a while since I cared, this is how a "big" record reaches your ears:

1. A fair amount of money is spent making a record which contains at least one radio-friendly track. Ideally, there will be at least one more track which bears resemblance to aforementioned "radio song".

2. When the release is imminent, record company hires radio consultants, who set their sights on "influential" radio stations - typically owned by that ONE big media concern. Money changes hands to ensure that the "radio song" is "added" - which often means they are not even playing the song, but reporting that they are, as a way to inflate the song's chart position within industry "tip sheets".

3. Now that there is industry "interest" in the artist, records are shipped to retail. As with all products that catch the consumer's eye (through strategic placement - end caps, eye level browsers, etc.), there is a price for this increased visibility. What some people may not realize is that there is typically a price to pay for simply getting product into the stores. Some labels have paid $1 per piece, simply to have a CD carried in the major retail outlets. This payment is not refundable if the CDs don't sell.

4. Another way to create interest is through print media. Sadly, some of the large publications are either affiliated with the corporations who release the music, or are too far away from the underground to hear new music. And, as with retail placement, notice advertising strategies in large publications, and how they occasionally relate directly to the artists they tout in that issue.

This scenario might help to explain why the average CD costs $15. If the large corporations were not beholden to this system, perhaps they wouldn't need to extract so much money from the consumers. I'm not complaining about this system, it's the best way they have to create superstars, and without platinum-plus artists, the whole thing would collapse. And, someday (soon), it will.

What I don't understand, though, is why the RIAA, or any other group interested in "protecting the artists", would have a problem with mp3 blogs. Sure, they may be abuses of the concept; maybe now, probably in the future. I will understand and appreciate their concern (for me and other artists) when it is warranted. Generally speaking, people who run mp3 blogs are the truest fans of the unheard music of the day. Most of the reviews and dissertations that accompany the music are more thoughtful and informative than those I read in mainstream media, or from the record companies themselves. It's a labor of love, and it shows.

I'll say this much, and leave it alone for now: I don't see any mp3 blogs leaking the entire new Interpol CD. Big mainstream media needed the whole CD months ahead of time, in order to write their reviews. It took me 2 minutes to locate the entire CD online - weeks ago. I can only presume that someone at a big publication was a little less than careful with their copy. HELLO!

In an attempt to show what NOT to do with mp3 blogs, check out these two articles. I'm sorry, I got a chuckle out of that. Not at the expense of the band, mind you, I haven't heard their music.

Here's an article which shows the true intent of most mp3 blogs. Please see the last few paragraphs. That's what it's all about.

I'll put a song up later today. Let me move the blade away from my throat. ;-)

A new John Kerry link. I think we are headed for the dirtiest, ugliest, nastiest campaign in the history of the United States - at least in my lifetime. (First spotted, by Waremouse, at Atrios.)

On September 12, 2001, we entered the "Post 9/11 Era". With all due deference, this week, we entered the "Post Fahrenheit 9/11 Era". Connect the dots, and Karl Rove's likeness always seems to appear. Some people love him, though.

As they say in the cycle industry: "There are two kinds of riders in this world - those who have gone down and those who are going to go down."

My bike is not so pretty after this Summer. Nor is my right leg, after this afternoon. No hospital, all 10 fingers work. Always wear a helmet. Thanks to the fellow rider who saw the whole thing, pulled over, and made sure I was coherent. No thanks to the woman who tried to turn left across 2 lanes of rush hour traffic, forcing me to hit her car, and take the Bad Boy (pictured here before the spill) down.



It was sort of like when one of the Powerpuff Girls gets hit: what took less than a second seemed to take 15 seconds. It is times like this that make me so happy I am in good strong physical shape. Aleve, my new friend.

Some adult content today. I'm bored.

The soon-to-be world famous Helicopter F*ck, which has left me wondering WTF?

From NYC's Toys In Babeland, Vulva Blog.

Don't tell anyone, but Queer Eye For The Straight Guy is just that - for the straight guy. Do straight women love gay porn? Of course. Here's a photo gallery from Lazy Bear Weekend 2004, courtesy Bears Gone Wild!

I'm going to do a little cleanup on the site over the weekend, moving links, categorizing, blah blah blah. I hope to have some fun stuff up and running by next Monday.

Arriving in the Twin Cities in the Fall of 1978, I was already aware of a strong underground music scene. One of the bands I had heard of, but not heard, was The Suburbs. Within weeks, I had been to several of their shows. Unlike the punk bands of the day, the 'Burbs would dress to impress, had a keyboard player, and invested in lighting and presentation. The live shows were great fun, and the band had a large and loyal following, myself included. As I immersed myself in the scene, I became friends with the guys; they revealed themselves to be not only musicians I held in high regard, but great human beings as well.

"World War III" was the band's second single on Twin/Tone Records. This track features the trademark Beej guitar solo at the end of the track (he with the grimace, center stage, hunched over his black Les Paul, plucking off various multiple string harmonics). Hugo was my favorite drummer at the time - he always appeared as if he would explode into thousands of particles, while simultaneously anchoring the alcohol-fueled speedboat ride of the band's live shows.

The Suburbs evolved into a dance band, perhaps due to their frequent trips to NYC, maybe due to their "straighter" tracks becoming radio favorites. I enjoyed their early music the most, yet appreciated their craftsmanship to the end.

The Suburbs, as documented by their first label, Twin/Tone Records.

An article about one of the recent reunions.

The keys to the city.

Suburbs music for sale.


THE SUBURBS: World War III (Twin/Tone Records, 1979)

MP3 files are posted for evaluation purposes only. Through this site, I'm trying to share and promote good music with others, who will also hopefully continue to support these artists. Everyone is encouraged to purchase music and concert tickets for the artists you feel merit your hard earned dollars. If you hold copyright to one of these songs and would like the file removed, please let me know. Availability is limited. (Text derived from excellent disclaimer at music (for robots).)

Nepotism and corruption. There's the story. Like homosexuality; uncontrollable human behavior. Same old story, when it comes to power and politics. I was originally interested in the story because it was GAY. I'm through with it, and with most things GAY. Maybe AMERICAN, too. Through with it. Not interested anymore.

The opening ceremonies for the Olympics were beautiful. Maybe just a little bit GAY, but in a timeless way.

Whether we read it, watch it on stage, or present it by exhibitions or pictures, The Tragedy Of Man embodies an intellectual challenge for those getting acquainted with it. The play is a challenge both on an intellectual and philosophical level. We are all in its centre of attention: the Tragedy does not analyse the faith and future of just one nation but that of entire mankind. It touches upon the dilemma of the decision between the self and the community, the struggle between the ideal and the real: the fight of the intellect and the matter. And as such, it attempts to make us understand - in the most illustrative manner - Dialectics itself.

Imre Madach: The Tragedy Of Man

With his decision to resign effective Nov. 15, Democrats and Republicans alike agreed that Mr. McGreevey bettered his party's chances of holding onto what is widely considered one of the nation's most powerful governorships. This article is helping me to understand the political dynamics at play in the McGreevey resignation. Read more here. (Thanks to Ron and Fat Albert)

Here's a deeper analysis of the Jim McGreevey story. Clearly, something was about to be further amiss. Currently, I have empathy for McGreevey. I feel for his wife (wives?) and children, who must have had an inkling, if not specific proof, of his dual life. Am I correct in assuming that by resigning before September, his (former) position stays in the hands of Democrats? If anyone knows this to be true, move to the front of the line.

My goodness. I love the caption in the screen grab: UPSET AT WAL-MART. That would be an understatement. The moral of the story might be: don't piss the pharmacist off, and always do independent research on prescription drugs. How long does it take a man to realize he's not taking testosterone? I thought the effects were fairly sudden and noticeable, especially if you choose the PELLET! Seems like there's some serious room for error there.

The rain has arrived. Here's hoping the storms aren't too destructive, particularly in Florida.

Dropping a political bombshell is one way to put it. A noble way to step down from the Governorship. "It was wrong, it was foolish, it was inexcusable."

Bohemia The Punjabi Rapper and 50 Shekel use the same exact musical track for their raps. I smell a rib in here somewhere. Or is it just the first wave of GarageBand rappers?

Fluxblog mentions a roundtable discussion in today's The Morning News. This is a good thing.

ZH alerted me to this story from last weekend. Here's the Attorney General's biography, and two articles which highlight his philosophies.

Augusten Burroughs is a very wealthy man.

In my youth, I would take occasional pilgrimages to surrounding towns and cities, in search of the elusive and rare punk rock music shops. One of those stores was A & A Records, located in Montreal. In early 1978, I purchased a stack of 7" singles, Canadian 12" singles, and live bootlegs. One of the pieces that stuck with me was "Screaming Fist", from a Toronto band named The Viletones. The artwork was simple black and white, as was the trend at the time. The Viletones were one of several punk bands in T.O. at the time; along with The Diodes' first LP, this single became one of my favorite records to spin on my college radio station, and at the punk rock clubs in Minneapolis. (Had I heard these bands before being accepted, I might have ended up in Toronto for further schooling.)

A history of three legendary Toronto music venues. (I performed at the Concert Hall in 1993.)

A cursory biography.

An interview with Ralph Alfonso.

Viletones resurrection.


THE VILETONES: Screaming Fist (Vile Records, 1977)

MP3 files are posted for evaluation purposes only. Through this site, I'm trying to share and promote good music with others, who will also hopefully continue to support these artists. Everyone is encouraged to purchase music and concert tickets for the artists you feel merit your hard earned dollars. If you hold copyright to one of these songs and would like the file removed, please let me know. Availability is limited. (Text derived from excellent disclaimer at music (for robots).)

High alert at the grocery store! I notice men in the aisles, heads turned into collars, speaking into cupped hands holding walkie talkies. Such is the experience of shopping with Hizzoner at Whole Foods last night. We passed each other a few times, and no, I did not notice what he was purchasing. No shopping cart was visible, nor was there any paparazzi in the area.

The only upside I can find to all this terror alert stuff is the handsome NYC Police Comissioner Ray Kelly getting more face time.

(AUDIO ALERTS) Will Ferrell is a funny guy, and this site is rather clever. I support the Vote For Change tour. I don't necessarily support all the artists on the tour, but I do support the need for change. All's fair in love and war. America Coming Together. And, one more funny movie trailer.

Punk is back, and it's got a laptop. A new breed of alternative British rocker is once again giving the finger to the corporate music machine, thanks to an arsenal of do-it-yourself new media. Organizing using the Web, cell phones and instant messaging, upstart guitar bands are staging secret, spontaneous concerts at unconventional venues in the latest online music craze, dubbed "guerrilla gigging". Read all about it here.

When I feel sad
I go looking for sadness
And I go to the sad place

On the way home
I feel even sadder
At least it wasn't cancer

At yesterday's 2 PM press conference to alert the world, Tom Ridge is wearing an IFB. Who's in his ear, and what are they telling him? Maybe someone told him to stop talking out of school?

I stand misinformed and corrected. It is a hearing aid. (Thanks to bg.)

I know there's lots of people who suspect that this is politics as usual. I think it is. I also have to assume that this is a credible warning. I'm not sure if the information is related to recent arrests in Pakistan, or if these are targets that were marked by terrorists 2 years ago, and authorities are now trotting out the warning as a way to take the media eye off the war in Iraq. I'm getting to the point where I don't believe much of what I hear from the government; since I have so little faith in the direction the world is going, it's not so important to me. Which, in a roundabout way, renders my opinion useless. Skip ahead.


Your CD collection is almost as big as your ego,
and you can most likely play an instrument or
three. You're a real hit at parties, but you're
SO above karaoke.
What people love: You're instant entertainment.
Unless you play the oboe.
What people hate: Your tendency to sing louder than
the radio and compare everything to a freaking
song.


What Kind of Elitist Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

First spotted at the newly-titled By The Bayou (formerly 77002, formerly Logan Circle Guy).

Speaking of quizzes, there will be a health quiz shortly. Study up.

How about a thumbs up for another great mp3 blog? music (for robots) is another quality source of music review and information. Readers, do you see a trend here? The glossy mags are bought and paid for - and, in some cases, owned by the media conglomerates who own the record companies of the "artists" they are trying to sell to you. I am aware of no indie record shop in DC that speaks to me. If anyone can point me to one, I'd appreciate it. Tower (Foggy Bottom) is the closest thing to decent in this town. Thank God for mp3 blogs.

OK, so what happened this weekend?

Thursday night, the usual Green Lantern deal. Lots of unfamiliar faces.

Friday night, happy hour at Windows, where I was surprised to see Rich. A bunch of us went to Annie's for dinner, and some of us went onward into the evening. A thwarted attempt to get into Halo (sorry, I don't wait in line for a drinking bar), and on to Titan, where, unbenounced to any of us, a slave auction was taking place. That's right - I can't buy the new Geyster CD in my neighborhood, but I can buy a slave.

Saturday was a lazy day. Highlights included an evening heat lightning storm, and running into Clickboo later in the night.

Sunday night, another installment of Taint at DC9. Ran into lots of Blowoff friends there, including Waremouse (who is somewhere on this page). I missed Jimbo and Chrisafer (belated Happy Birthday!). The new sound system is a major improvement, the music was choice - and another beautiful full moon weekend is officially over.

STATE OF MIND AND BODY: I am worked out tired, but I must start running. I am almost 200 pounds, and getting a spare tire diameter of near 35 inches. Everything but the derby looks good, though.

DC is getting on my nerves right now - I guess that's typical in the summer.

Does this mean I don't have to post again this week?