The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Jukebox Explosion Rockin' Mid-90s Punkers!

Label: In The Red Records; Year: 2007; Format: Vinyl LP

The Special Note on the back of the record states: The music on this album is wild, low-tech rock'n'roll, and although it has been mastered from the best possible original discs and master tapes there will still be slight surface noise noticeable on some tracks. Couldn't agree more. I have heard of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion for years but never had sought out any of their albums or music. Not too long ago I stumbled across a sealed copy of this album for a few bucks at my local record store and spontaneously decided to get it. Tonight I thought I'd give it a spin for the blog and I must say for the most part I dig this shit, referring to the song that the band was supposed to play live on NBC's Saturday Night Live, which of course never happened as an argument over the use of profanity broke out. This LP basically compiles rare tracks off of the band's early singles with some of them being taken from the In The Red Records Jukebox singles series. I am no expert when it comes to noise rock but I would definitely say that first and foremost The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion can be described as such. On the other hand they certainly drew influences from lots of genres and styles such as blues, garage punk, rockabilly and even hip hop. A lot of the song arrangements are definitely crazed but absolutely interesting and in some ways innovative. I will see if I can find more of their back catalogue for cheap as songs like Ghetto Mom from 2002 are absolute boogie punk scorchers. If you plan on wrecking a party and need the right soundtrack keep this one in mind. 

 

The Pits - "Introducing My New High" and "Belief in Ruins" Rapid Pulse Singles 

Label: Rapid Pulse Records; Year: 2001; Format: 7" Single

For this blog an entry from 2001/2002 is new so to speak as unfortunately the loser typing this entry sold most of the '90s and early '00s records a long time ago. Many are not missed while some are, and some have luckily never left the collection. Very little to nothing is known about the Pits from Sunderland in the North East of the UK. I remember reading about them in the brilliant 3rd Generation Nation Fanzine from Germany all those years back and that's all the exposure they got I suppose. They certainly deserved more but most likely never made it much farther than beyond the local pub scene. Still, they managed to release some brilliant records of which two ended up on vinyl on the American label Rapid Pulse, which back then kind of specialized in '77 style punk and powerpop releases. The two tracks on this single are both mid tempo and anthemic in a very typical old school UK punk fashion. The band certainly reminds me of the Professionals and the likes hence if that's your cup of tea you'll love this one! 

Label: Rapid Pulse Records; Year: 2002; Format: 7" Single

While the above reviewed single is great and worth getting, I shall proclaim that this one is the better one and every loser with no life whatsoever reading these lines needs to get this one. Both tracks are upbeat '77 punk smashers with "Your Violence is Sinister" being one of my all time Pits favorites. The production on this single is also cleaner and louder, and I repeat myself if you like your punk rock anthemic with great hooks and choruses then you should give these Sunderland lads a chance. The band also released two CDs and a Mini CD which I shall review at some point in the future as well. The drummer also played in Red London for some time but considering how little Sunderland is that shouldn't come as a surprise, right? It's too early in the day to have an ale but this goes down well with some booze. Cheers!