Some FEATURED ARTISTS on this week’s Stronger Than Dirt (Saturday, October 11, 8-10pm) include Tommy James and the Shondels, Blackfoot Sue, Chicory Tip, Lurkers, Magazine, Skids, Mydolls, Pooh Sticks, Makers, lots of new music as well as the weekly Dusty Diamond.
COVER ART OF THE WEEK: For their 2000 “Rock Star God” album, Spokane’s The Makers doubled down on their move towards a glam rock sound with an ambitious 2-record concept album. Released on Sub Pop, it was their first record on a major label after a long relationship with Estrus Records. The front and back covers as well as the lyric insert featured design work by Jeff Kleinsmith and photography by Christine Holmquist. (Click on image to enlarge.)
DUSTY DIAMOND OF THE WEEK (a vintage gem from the STD vaults): Gene Defcon was an alias/alter ego of Austin musician Chris Lyons (Prima Donnas, Charles Edward Cheese Band, Carrots) while living and performing in the late 90s and early 00s in Olympia WA. Backed by a rotating cast of musicians including Jon Rueter of the Prima Donnas he made music of a lo-fi indie garage sort with an emphasis on fun and party. “Baby, Hallelujah” is a dance-inducing party tune with nice keyboards and vocals that mix religious fervor and promiscuity. It appeared in 2000 on an EP on the Modern Radio Record label. Listen to it here:
Promo art from the Skids’ 1979 “Into the Valley” single on Virgin Records. Photography by Dennis Morris.