Stupefaction

Fields added to All Hopped Up event

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:10:00 +0000

This just in: Rock 'n roll hero, Danny Fields, has been added to Tony Fletcher's event at Barnes & Noble as originally reported last Wednesday.

Friday November 13
Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Triangle,
1972 Broadway, Manhattan, 7:30pm.
Panel discussion with Arlene Smith (The Chantels), Peter Stampfel (Holy Modal Rounders) and Seymour Stein (Sire Records).

Here are a couple of snaps from last Saturday in Woodstock. Judging by the packed room (maybe 150 attendees?) it was a huge success. Besides the author, all guests made themselves available for autographs & conversation following the main event:

Author Tony Fletcher warms the crowd up.

Tommy Ramone, Elda Gentile, Tony Fletcher, Eric Weissberg and Fred Smith discuss NYC in Woodstock.

Godlis tonight at Barnes & Noble

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:57:00 +0000

(Cramps on the Bowery, 1977, courtesy of Godlis)

Godlis, one of Stupefaction's very favorite photographers, is appearing tonight at Barnes & Noble at 1792 Broadway in Manhattan to discuss his work in the continuing discussion regarding the Brooklyn Museum's Who Shot Rock & Roll exhibit.

"When I got to NYC in 1976, I was looking for work as a photographer’s assistant to pay the bills. Eventually I landed a steady job, and looked for a place to hang out and hear music. There weren’t very many clubs that didn’t have cover bands, and I’d seen that picture of Patti Smith and Bob Dylan that kind of tipped me off to CBGB’s, so I went in there to see what was going on. I had also seen copies of Punk magazine and Rock Scene at a newsstand at Penn Station. The first time I went to CBGB’s I saw Television and figured out pretty quickly that there were some like-minded Velvet Underground fans in this place. I had found my new hangout. It didn’t hurt that I got in for free." Read a great interview with Godlis on Facebook.

I need one of these

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:34:00 +0000

Image courtesy of Alex.

Last night...

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:21:00 +0000

...I dreamed I was hanging out with Gregory Corso. What the hell that means, I have no idea.

Friday Ephemera - the Cramps

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Art D’Lugoff - RIP

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:34:00 +0000

(Photo courtesy of JazzWax)

Art D’Lugoff - RIP

Here's just a sampling of the many influential recordings made at Mr. D'Lugoff's club, the Village Gate, over the years:

All hopped up and ready to read

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:46:00 +0000

This weekend, if you happen to be in the area of Woodstock, NY, in conjunction with the Golden Notebook, there will be a reading & signing for Tony Fletcher’s new book All Hopped Up and Ready to Go: Music from the Streets of New York 1927-77.

There will also be a panel discussion about the NYC music scene, featuring:

Tommy Ramone (The Ramones)
Eric Weissberg (The Tarriers, Dueling Banjos)
Elda Gentile (The Stilletos)
Fred Smith (Blondie, Television)

Free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, Nov. 7, 5:00 P.M.
Where: Kleinert/James Arts Center, 34 Tinker St., Woodstock

Other upcoming discussions about the book, and it's subject matter, happening in NYC are as follows:

Friday November 13
Barnes & Noble, Lincoln Triangle,
1972 Broadway, Manhattan, 7:30pm.
Panel discussion with Arlene Smith (The Chantels), Peter Stampfel (Holy Modal Rounders) and Seymour Stein (Sire Records).

Wednesday November 18
Strand Books,
828 Broadway, Manhattan, 7pm.
(Discussion hosted by Jim Fouratt)

Just Because - John Cooper Clarke

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:57:00 +0000

"the bloody scene is bloody sad
the bloody news is bloody bad
the bloody weed is bloody turf
the bloody speed is bloody surf
the bloody folks are bloody daft
don't make me bloody laugh
it bloody hurts to look around
everywhere in chicken town"

More Bande à part plus Bob Gruen speaks

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:49:00 +0000

As mentioned this summer, the Bande à part book is out & available now. Just as a reminder, it features photos by featuring photography by Roberta Bayley, Leee Black Childers, Stephanie Chernikowski, Danny Fields, Godlis, Bobby Grossman, Gerard Malanga, Maripol, Billy Name, Anton Perich, and Marcia Resnick

As a part of the festivities, the Clic Gallery in Soho will be hosting an exhibition to highlight the photographers featured in the book from November 10 thru January 3. There is an opening reception on November 14.

November 10, 2009 - January 3, 2010
Opening Reception: Sat., Nov 14, 6-9pm

Clic Bookstore & Gallery
424 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013
Tue-Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
212-219-9308

(J. Rotten courtesy of BobGruen.com)

Also, this Saturday, as part of the Brooklyn Museum's Who Shot Rock & Roll? exhibit, none other than Bob Gruen will be appearing & talking about his life & career in photography. Details as follows:

Saturday, November 7th at 5:30 PM
Tickets are available free at the visitor center in the museum lobby at 5 PM
200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York (718) 638-500
(NY Subway # 2 or 3 train to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum of Art)

Daily travels - Halloween edition

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Halloween 2009, Sunfrost Farms, Woodstock NY:

More Who Shot Rock & Roll?

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:46:00 +0000

The Ramones by Ian Dickson.

The NY Times reviews the new show of rock photos, Who Shot Rock & Roll?, at the Brooklyn Museum. Slideshow of images here.

The one below might be my favorite. What a knockout shot!

Wilson Pickett & Jimi Hendrix by William "PoPsie" Randolph.

Friday Ephemera - Jagger & Warhol

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:37:00 +0000

This letter from Mick Jagger to Andy Warhol, dated April 21, 1969, recently appeared at Letters of Note. It was then forwarded to me by my friend Andy at NY Rocker. I KNOW I've seen this before and just can't remember where - a book about the Stones? Somewhere else on the internet? Damn my addled brain!

Anyway, Mick is pitching Warhol for artwork for a "new hits album," but basic history tells us that this didn't happen. What did happen a couple of years later though was Sticky Fingers. Interesting stuff...

Chuck Biscuits RIP

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +0000

LAST UPDATE, PT. 3: For more on the strange Chuck Biscuits story click here, which is apparently where it began. Lets hope that's the end of it.

UPDATE PT. 2: Since posting about this twice earlier today, it's seeming more & more like some sort of weird hoax. Why anyone, besides the person in question (which would still be a bit strange), would try to do something like this is beyond me.

UPDATE: Since posting this earlier in the day, I'm now starting to see rumors online that this is not true & some sort of hoax. More to be revealed? Lets hope so.

Chuck Biscuits - RIP

Growing up - Bruce Springsteen at Max's

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:31:00 +0000

(Max's listing courtesy of BruceBase.)

Somewhat inspired by a recent admission by Alistair over at Unpopular, and due to some information I was seeking out, I stumbled upon this amazing vintage video of Bruce Springsteen performing acoustically at Max's Kansas City, circa 1972. According to the notes, he was opening for Dave Van Ronk and Doris Abrahams.

Not so much a guilty pleasure as a matter of time, I suppose, I've never been a huge Springsteen fan. However enough friends & folks, who I respect, over the years have been taken enough by the Boss' output that I couldn't help but be influenced to some degree. There have been moments where I've been completely caught up. The first being the epic live video for Born To Run which, I think, was released in conjunction with the live boxset around 1985. How could I not get swept up with that song, that crowd? You'd have to be a soulless bastard to not be affected somehow.

Then I remember quite liking his divorce album, Tunnel of Love, from 1987. The production sounds somewhat dated at this point, but the songs are timeless. I liked the fact that the lyrics were seemingly more personal than usual, and they were downright depressing...a big plus for me!

Most recently, I must admit to quite enjoying 2007's Magic, especially Girls In Their Summer Clothes. And I was really impressed by his performance at this year's Stupor Bowl back in January. As the baggage lessens with age, I like my Springsteen best by accident, on the radio, on shuffle...when I'm not expecting it, at the seeming perfect moment.

Anyway, I say all this to say that, no matter what you think of his music, and I'm FAR from his biggest fan, you really have to hand it someone who connects with his audience the way he always has. Growin' Up, from his 1973 debut Greetings From Asbury Park, has always been another favorite. Watch this video from 1972, and try to imagine how this 23 year old felt...I'll bet he was nervous, but he acted like he belonged there. I don't necessarily have the patience for 3 hour concerts, but I always have time for moments. Here's a great moment for you:

Just Because - Edwyn Collins

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:01:00 +0000

You've given me a head start
I'm brewing up a brainstorm
And we'll leave the grungers far behind
In the quagmire of their unkempt minds

Cos it got no style, no elequence, no elegance, no sensuality
All it takes is common sense
For anyone to see

As world keeps turning,
you got to keep on learning
you got to keep on yearning
you got to keep on burning

Soupy Sales RIP

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:36:00 +0000

Soupy Sales - RIP

The one(s) nobody sings

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Congrats to our friend Kevin who runs the inspirational London Nobody Sings blog. He has a great story over at Zani regarding the hows, whys, and wheretofores, of TLNS story.

"Having quickly collated a long list of London songs, it became apparent there were no conclusions to be drawn about a specific London voice or sound, except that its musical map and make-up is as wonderfully mixed-up and messed-up as the city itself. That’s actually got to be a good thing. You name it, and it’s represented in a London song. Every emotion and pretty much every location have been sung about. Either by a born and bred Londoner or an adopted son or daughter.

Certain things did emerge as the project developed. Certain sorts of music proved to be rich sources of London songs, for example. The music hall tradition, about which the great Colin MacInnes wrote so vividly in his Sweet Saturday Night, is a real treasure trove of London songs, with some wonderfully witty words. From Albert Chevalier’s Knocked ‘Em In The Old Kent Road to Gus Elen’s Postman’s Holiday to George Formby Snr’s Looking For Mugs In The Strand. And there are plenty more where they came from." Continues here.

While you're at it, don't forget to visit the New York Nobody Sings.

I've been saying it for years

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Thanks Debbie!

Who shot rock & roll?

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:30:00 +0000

For all you music, photography, and music photography nuts out there, the Brooklyn Museum has a doozy of an exhibit coming up called Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present. This is epic!

Andy Earl (British, born circa 1955). Bow Wow Wow, 1981 (printed 2009).

October 30, 2009–January 31, 2010
Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing, 5th Floor

Who Shot Rock & Roll is the first major museum exhibition on rock and roll to put photographers in the foreground, acknowledging their creative and collaborative role in the history of rock music. From its earliest days, rock and roll was captured in photographs that personalized, and frequently eroticized, the musicians, creating a visual identity for the genre. The photographers were handmaidens to the rock-and-roll revolution, and their images communicate the social and cultural transformations that rock has fostered since the1950s. The exhibition is in six sections: rare and revealing images taken behind the scenes; tender snapshots of young musicians at the beginnings of their careers; exhilarating photographs of live performances that display the energy, passion, style, and sex appeal of the band on stage; powerful images of the crowds and fans that are often evocative of historic paintings; portraits revealing the soul and creativity, rather than the surface and celebrity, of the musicians; and conceptual images and album covers highlighting the collaborative efforts between the image makers and the musicians.

Baron Wolman (American, born 1937). Little Richard, Fillmore West, San Francisco, October 19, 1969 (printed circa 1985).

Featured photographers include:

Amy Arbus, Richard Avedon, Ray Avery, David Bailey, Roberta Bayley, Peter Beste, Adrian Boot, Justin Borucki, Patti Boyd, Ed Caraeff, Stephanie Chernikowski, Danny Clinch, Anton Corbijn, David Corio, Kevin Cummins, Henry Diltz, Alain Dister, George DuBose, Andy Earl, Barry Feinstein, Danny Fields, Nat Finkelstein, Glen E. Friedman, Jill Furmanovsky, David Gahr, Godlis, Lynn Goldsmith, Harry Goodwin, Julia Gorton, Jean-Paul Goude, Bob Gruen, Andreas Gursky, Ross Halfin, Hipgnosis, Dennis Hopper, Don Hunstein, Marvin Israel, Art Kane, Richard Kern, Daniel Kramer, David LaChapelle, Elliott Landy, Michael Lavine, Lisa Law, Annie Leibowitz, Jean-Pierre Leloir, Laura Levine, Ari Marcopoulos, Maripol, Jim Marshall, Elaine Mayes, Linda McCartney, Ryan McGinley, Dennis Morris, Shawn Mortensen, Terry O’Neill, Jean-Marie Perier, Charles Peterson, Ricky Powell, Michael Putland, William “Popsie” Randolph, Marcia Resnick, Ebet Roberts, Mick Rock, Ethan Russell, Jerry Schatzberg, Hannes Schmid, Stephane Sednaoui, Bob Seidemann, Mark Seliger, Stephen Shames, Lloyd Shearer, Kate Simon, Hedi Slimane, Pennie Smith, Gloria Stavers, Chris Stein, Ray Stevenson, Mayayoshi Sukita, Allan Tannenbaum, Edmund Teske, Storm Thorgerson, Ian Tilton, Philip Townsend, Albert Watson, Guy Webster, Barrie Wentzell, Alfred Wertheimer, Kevin Westenberg, Robert Whitaker, Timothy White, Ernest C. Withers, and Baron Wolman.

Featured subjects include:

The B-52s, The Beatles, Chuck Berry, Bjork, Blondie, David Bowie, Bow Wow Wow, James Brown, Johnny Cash, Nick Cave, Exene Cervenka, Eric Clapton, The Clash, Kurt Cobain, Elvis Costello, The Cramps, The Dead Boys, P. Diddy, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Marianne Faithful, Aretha Franklin, Alan Freed, Fugazi, Jerry Garcia, Bill Haley, Debbie Harry, Richard Hell, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Holly, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Jay-Z, Brian Jones, Grace Jones, Janis Joplin, Joy Division, KISS, Gladys Knight, Led Zep, John Lennon, Little Richard, LL Cool J, Madonna, The Mamas and the Papas, Marilyn Manson, Bob Marley, Paul McCartney, Freddy Mercury, Metallica, Method Man, Morrissey, Jim Morrison, New York Dolls, Notorious B.I.G., Oasis, Wilson Pickett, Pink Floyd, The Police, Iggy Pop, Elvis Presley, The Pretenders, Prince, The Prodigy, Radiohead, The Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, R.E.M., Keith Richards, The Ronettes, Rolling Stones, Henry Rollins, Axl Rose, Run-DMC, Salt n Pepa, Sex Pistols, Tupac Shakur, Sid & Nancy, Patti Smith, Sonic Youth, The Specials, Buffalo Springfield, Bruce Springsteen, Sly Stone, Joe Strummer, Talking Heads, Pete Townsend, Ike & Tina Turner, U2, Velvet Underground, Bunny Wailer, The White Stripes, The Who, Amy Winehouse, Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, and Frank Zappa.

The Brooklyn Museum
Location: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238-6052
Telephone: (718) 638-5000
Admission: Suggested Contribution: $10; Students with Valid ID: $6; Adults 62 and over: $6; Members: Free; Children under 12: Free
Hours: Wednesday–Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

To go along with the exhibit of course is a companion book which I'm sure will be available at the museum.

Barry Feinstein (American, born 1931). Bob Dylan with Kids, Liverpool, England, 1966 (printed 2009).

Etherea Records lives on, sort of

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:50:00 +0000

The sound of vinyl is in the air, what with the WFMU Record Fair around the corner, and all. I just received the following note from Rich, former proprietor of Etherea Records, concerning his remaining stock. Get in touch. Go dig, baby.

"As most of you know, I closed Etherea back in March, and moved all my records to an office space in DUMBO, Brooklyn. While I planned to sell at record fairs and online, and have done a little of both, I'd like to invite you down to dig. I have here about 5000 records, some new overstock and mostly used/collectible electronic vinyl from the past decade. There were many boxes in storage that were never put out for one reason or another. Some things I had put aside for myself, but never took home.

Genres include: Techno (lots of Kompakt-distributed labels, Get Physical, mint records from ten years ago that have been in a box!), house (MAW, Sleeping Bag, UK labels, Chicago artists, etc), idm and ambient (the orb, rephlex, AFX, etc.), classic rock, jazz, soul, and lots of 70's rock, post punk, new wave.

This stuff has NOT picked through, only a couple crates of records have made it to the two record fairs that I have sold at this year. Records will be priced at half or less of retail value, so collectible titles that sell for $20 would be $10 each, $12 import 12's will be $5-6, $7 records are $3, etc.

I also have CDs for sale, posters, and LP mailers. There will be a bag of freebies. I have one portable turntable to sample. I am making appointments only during the week, 9-5pm. Feel free to forward this to friends. Please email me with any questions you have, or specific wants."

Autumnal reading part deux

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:47:00 +0000

After posting my autumnal reading list, I realized I neglected to mention The Velvet Underground from Rizzoli. I just saw a copy in a store and it's absolutely gorgeous. There is also a Deluxe Edition (pictured below).

"The Velvet Underground is an astonishing assembly of rare objects and artworks and the first book of its scale to document the formative years of the band Time Out magazine named the greatest New York musicians of all time. From never-before-seen photographs of the band’s first live show in New York to Andy Warhol’s cover and poster designs, Lou Reed’s handwritten music and lyrics, underground press clippings and controversial reviews, flyers, handbills, and posters, the materials here comprise a uniquely comprehensive survey of the first rock group ever to transcend the genre and embrace underground popular culture. Including a conversation recorded especially for the book between founding members Lou Reed and John Cale, and contributions from drummer Maureen Tucker, this beautifully illustrated book is the first to present a definitive picture of the band’s genesis and development in the extraordinary New York scene of the mid- to late-1960s."

The Many Lives of Tom Waits

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:01:00 +0000

The Many Lives of Tom Waits by Patrick Humphries

My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Of the several widely available biographies on Tom Waits, this one should be last on the list. Uninspired, poorly edited, lazily written, and unfocused. Believe you me. I like to think I know from Tom Waits books.

View all my reviews >>

Going backwards

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Have I mentioned I've been volunteering once a week at WFMU? I've been doing audio editing for online archiving of music played on the radio shows. Yesterday I worked on a show that only plays old cylinders & 78's on authentic old phonograph equipment. It's called the Antique Phonograph Music Program, and airs weekly. I was cutting up songs from the show so they could be offered at the Free Music Archive. Great stuff! You can listen and/or download for free here. There are also many other genres of copyright free music on that site as well.

I've also had the pleasure of working on edits of shows from Debbie D, and the Holy Trinity of WFMU Rock 'n' Soul DJ's: Spazz, Rex and Finewine. This music can be streamed by visiting WFMU's Rock & Soul Ichiban blog. Look for the streaming link in the right hand column. If obscure rock, soul, garage, and R&B is your bag, then this will definitely tickle your musical funny bone.

Lastly, don't forget about next weekend's Record Fair!

Autumnal Reading

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 07:51:00 +0000

The Stooges: The Authorized and Illustrated Story

All Hopped Up and Ready to Go: Music from the Streets of New York 1927-77

Bomp 2: Born In the Garage

Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973-1992

Bande A'part: New York Underground 60's - 80's

Spray Paint the Walls: The Story of Black Flag

Route 19 Revisited: The Clash and London Calling

Links for 2009-10-14 [del.icio.us]

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Free Music Archive
Brought to you from WFMU. All you can eat for FREE.
Downtown Calling
An excellent new documentary about the creative underground scene in NYC, circa 1975-1985.

Downtown Calling

tbroun@gmail.com (Karate Boogaloo) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:50:00 +0000

I received the good news this morning announcing the website for a new film called Downtown Calling. I've known about it for a while and have been waiting very patiently to see it as I had seen the trailer a while back, and it really has me excited. It covers the New York City underground creative scene circa 1975-1985, and the filmmakers have really dug deep in terms of who they spoke with & interviewed. The archival footage looks pretty amazing as well. I've been told personally by both Sal P (Liquid Liquid) and Michael Holman (Gray) that its really good.

Synopsis: "In the late 1970s, the “greatest city in the world” was teetering on the edge of total chaos. A failed economy, crime and en mass housing corruption gave way to a city in crisis. Yet out of the economic and social strife that held the “Big Apple” hostage, a family of homegrown cultures that would forever change the world began to emerge. Downtown Calling not only documents, in detail, the evolution of New York City’s fertile music and art subculture during this period, but how its collective output continues to play a prominent, driving role in the international fashion, art and music industries today."

Anyway, visit the film's site here, as well as the Facebook page if you're so inclined. Hope you like it. Maybe I'll see you at a screening.

Links for 2009-10-13 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

The Blacklisted Journalist
Website of deceased writer, Al Aronowitz. Aronowitz was known as possibly the first music journalist.
Dan Selzer
Dan is the man!

Links for 2009-10-12 [del.icio.us]

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Americans Are Getting Used to Perpetual War | Disinformation
From the Baltimore Sun. War = Peace.

Links for 2009-10-11 [del.icio.us]

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

The Journal: THE WIRE's David Simon | Bill Moyers | PBS Video
Fantastic interview!

Links for 2009-10-09 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

The Voxmobile
Click it and see the Voxmobile!

Links for 2009-10-04 [del.icio.us]

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PDT

OldHandbills.com - Home Page
The first website on the Internet to specialize in collectible handbills, stickers, and other small paper items for sale. Online since July 2006.
Tom Waits news brought to you by The Eyeball Kid
Tom Waits interview on CBC's Q - podcast

Links for 2009-09-29 [del.icio.us]

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PDT

Instant Rimshot
If you need quick access to an ironicly-placed rimshot sound to mock your friends, or a genuinely-placed rimshot to put your great joke over the top, you've come to the right place.