Some FEATURED ARTISTS on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt (Saturday, November 16, 8-10pm) include Tommy Roe, The Wig, Tomorrow, Chicory Tip, Boomtown Rats, Girls at Our Best, Josef K, Christina, Prima Donnas, lots of new music as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: Pebbles is an extensive series of compilations focused on lesser known and often obscure 60s garage punk and psych. Inspired by the seminal Nuggets compilation from 1972, the first volume appeared in 1978 on the mysterious BFD label. After ten volumes were released, Bomp! Records continued releasing more on their AIP label, so one presumes that BFD was in fact a Bomp! label as well. Regardless of its origin, and despite the sometimes questionable sound quality (often vinyl transfers), the series sparked a resurgence of interest in 60s garage music and a flood of similar comps in the 80s. While the cover of Volume 1 is unremarkable (an uncredited), it evokes more of a 70s punk vibe than 60s garage and suggests a possibly cynical ploy to lure unsuspecting 70s punkers to 60s music. In my case it worked. Here are images of an early BFD release and a later AIP reissue on CD. (Click on image to enlarge)
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): The Muffs were a Los Angeles based garage rock band that were active mainly in the 90s, though they did reunite a couple times in the 2000s to record albums. Led by guitarist and vocalist Kim Shattuck, they combined a beefy rock sound with pop sensibilities behind Shattuck’s tough vocals and occasional impressive screams. “Guilty” is classic Muffs, a melodic rocker with tasty guitar licks and Shattuck’s growling vocals. It appeared in 1991 on a single on Au Go Go Records. RIP Kim Shattuck (1963-2019). Listen to “Guilty” here:
Promo art from Timmy Spence’s 1981 “Brand New Dance” single on BSU Records. Original design by Ellie Byrom and photograph by Richard Sexton/Matrix. Concept by Timmy Spence.