Way back in 7th grade I was given one of those life-changing mixtapes. You know the kind- where you suddenly feel this world opening up. Nothing will ever be the same after you play these jams. You look around at all the sleepy kids and think, "poor guys, they don't know there is so much more to listen to than Nirvana and Hole..."
One of the songs on this tape was "Lady Scarface" by Lydia Lunch. As soon as I heard the first notes, I was transported. I was no longer stuck in a hot asphalt schoolyard. I became a film noir femme fatale, stalking my prey like Lydia stalked her man.
Flash forward to this year, and my purchase of N.Y. No Wave, a mix of songs from the early '80's heyday of the No Wave scene. No Wave was the heated response to the vapidity of New Wave, featuring artists like Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, Suicide and James Chance and The Contortions (who would become a major influence on the Red Hot Chili Peppers). Of course, I also got reacquainted with my old buddy Lydia, and she is just as fantastic as she was blasting through my walkman headphones in junior high.
Buy the album here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009OKOP/102-1874425-1427321?v=glance&n=5174
You will not be disappointed.
Posted on 07/18/2006
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My Trusted MOGs
Quick commercial adoption seems a more fair description of most New Wave than vapid. But maybe you have some specific tunes in mind. Me, I love my Cars (both the Gary Neuman and Ric Ocasek varieties). I'm thinking it's a fine line to draw between New Wave and Art Rock, so long as we're speaking in genres.
My Trusted MOGs
Don't get me wrong, I do love some New Wave. But I was thinking about jump on the bandwagon stuff like Flock of Seagulls when I wrote this post. Looking at my music library, along with all the No Wave stuff i've also got my fair share of Soft Cell, The Waitresses, The Flying Lizards, etc;
My Trusted MOGs
I love this album. I'm a giant fan of this time period in New York. Lady Scarface is an awesome song. My girlfriend doesn't think so but I say nay. Great tunes. Great album. I also recommend New York Noise, No New York, the Mutant Disco series, and for fun pick up the "If I Gave You A Party" song off of Anti NY. There's a ton more of these kinds of comps but I haven't gotten them yet. Great stuff.
My Trusted MOGs
i wish someone would have given me one of those mixtapes. i mouldered in my beatles-to-nirvana rut until i was at least 18. sad, eh? although it did give me a chance to study some classical music.
My Trusted MOGs
Ah yes, those mixtapes. It's actually something I consider (kind of a joke) when I think about having kids. "Who do I know who could be the cool, slightly older, punk rock babysitter who will give my kid the necessary mixtapes? Is that three year old over there likely to grow up to care about music? I'll have to keep in touch..."
My Trusted MOGs
NO WAVE!
i have a cd copy of DNA live at CBGB's. pure brutality. are you familiar with the first album by THE LOUNGE LIZARDS? arto lindsay of DNA "plays" guitar on the LOUNGE LIZARDS album. jazz and noise- can't beat it.
also, Lydia Lunch is responsible for one of my favorite quotes: "the only thing worse than a guitar is a guitatrist."
i play guitar, and i agree.
My Trusted MOGs
I do love me some Lounge Lizards. Plus Mr. John Lurie is amazing.