Some FEATURED ARTISTS on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt (Saturday, May 31, 8-10pm) include the Nice, Fleur De Lys, Zoot, Knack, Vapors, Martha and the Muffins, Eastern Dark, Love Battery, Trost, Juniore, lots of new music as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: The Vapors were a short-lived British new wave band best known for their 1979 hit single “Turning Japanese.” Originally named The Vapours, they dropped the “u” to attract more attention in the US. After releasing two albums they disbanded in 1982 before reforming in 2016. Their debut album, “New Clear Days,” was released in 1980 on United Artists and spent six weeks in the UK album charts, peaking at #44. It featured art direction by John Pasche and photography by Phil Jude.
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): This week’s Dusty Diamond is another one of those “off the STD reservation” selections. Mynx were an electronic duo based in Los Angeles in the mid to late 00s. There’s very little info about them to be found, except that they had two releases, a single in 2004 and an EP in 2009. The single, “I’m So L.A.,” is a fun, and dance-y satirical (kinda harsh, really) take on Los Angeles. (“Air kiss, air kiss every day, I’m so L.A.!”) Apparently, the kids like to lip sync to it on TikTok, so if you’re looking for your next viral moment… It appeared on a split single with Alice and the Enemies on Filthy Little Angels. Listen to it here:
Promo art from The Nice’s 1967 “The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack” album on Immediate Records. Pthotograph by Gered Mankowitz.