FIVE HORSE JOHNSON - BLUES FOR HENRY...(1996)

Blues for Henry... is the 1996 debut of FIVE HORSE JOHNSON. Released on Toledo's tiny Sin Klub label, the album is becoming harder and harder to find, often commanding a price that far outweighs its worth. Still, as the weather gets warmer (at least in North America) and you find yourself toting a six pack of beer outside to de-winterize your automobile, this is the perfect soundtrack. Blues for Henry... is a great introduction to 5HJ's stoned blues rave-ups, a craft the band has mastered during their extended stay at Small Stone. I strongly encourage the G.O.M.E. faithful to visit the online store and support Small Stone Recordings and FIVE HORSE JOHNSON.

1. Let Me In
2. Addie
3. Sermons in the Yard
4. Candystore
5. Honeycomb
6. Wishing Well
7. Roscoe Gauldin
8. Odella

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FATSO JETSON - FLAMES FOR ALL (1999)

Making up for a few inactive days, but sticking with the sun-stoned desert theme, here's another FATSO JETSON album. Flames for All isn't as accessible or immediately rewarding as Cruel & Delicious, but it's consistent in its experimentation and an equally rewarding listening experience. Another Man's Ruin casualty excavated by G.O.M.E., highlights include the title track and the instrumental "August in Lawndale".

1. The Untimely Death of the Keyboard Player
2. Vatos of the Astral Plane
3. Fucked Up & Famous
4. Flames for All
5. Icon to Ex-Con
6. Let's Clone
7. August in Lawndale
8. Graffiti in Space
9. Deaf Conductor

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JOSH HOMME - THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS (2002)

This is Josh Homme's five-song contribution to The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys soundtrack. Released in limited quantities by Milan Records in 2002, it now goes for upwards of $50. I don't know how rabid the fanbase is of composer Marco Beltrani, but I would assume that price-gouging is due primarily to the demand for Josh's tracks. That seems a hefty fee for 11 minutes of music, so, since I know the G.O.M.E. faithful tend to appreciate all things Homme, I thought this would be a welcome post on the ol' blarg. Keep in mind that these five songs are part of a film score, and four of them are instrumental. The vocal track, "All the Same", is among Josh's best (in my opinion). Another highlight is the Zeppelin nod "Hanging (aka Ramble Off)". Enjoy.

1. The Atomic Trinity
2. Hanging (aka Ramble Off)
3. Francis and Margie
4. Stoned
5. All the Same

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QOTSA - WATERLOO RECORDS IN-STORE (2005)

Another short acoustic set from QOTSA, this time coming to you live from Waterloo Records in Austin, TX. It's a great set, and Josh's banter is pretty funny. "We're gonna play all Neil Diamond's greatest hits...but first I'd like to play a song called 'Leg of Lamb'". Sounds like they got a pretty good crowd for an in-store. I guess Austin is the place to be these days.

1. Leg of Lamb
2. Regular John
3. Monsters in the Parasol
4. Burn the Witch
5. Go With the Flow

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KYUSS - LIVE AT BIZARRE (1995)

This is one of the best KYUSS sets I have, however brief it may be. 1995 would've been the year to see the Bizarre Festival in Germany, as KYUSS, MONSTER MAGNET, and PARADISE LOST joined the usual array of punk and hardcore bands. I wish this set was longer, but killer versions of "Gardenia", "Freedom Run", and "Green Machine" make up for its brevity.

1. Gardenia
2. Hurricane
3. Freedom Run
4. Thee Ol' Boozerooney
5. Supa Scoopa and Mighty Scoop
6. One Inch Man
7. Green Machine

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TROUBLE - PLASTIC GREEN HEAD (1995)

Yet another offering from TROUBLE, this time their sixth album, (the ridiculously titled) Plastic Green Head. It's a solid album - if not as consistent as Manic Frustration, it continues in the same experimental vein. Highlights include the half-ballad "Requiem" and a cover of the MONKEES' (yeah, the MONKEES) "Porpoise Song". Lowlights are the uncharacteristically profanity-laden (and pointless) skit that precedes the BEATLES cover "Tomorrow Never Knows", as well as the cover itself. All the originals here are very strong, making it one of TROUBLE's more memorable albums.

1. Plastic Green Head
2. The Eye
3. Flowers
4. Porpoise Song
5. Opiate-Eater
6. Hear the Earth
7. Another Day
8. Requiem
9. Below Me
10. Long Shadows Fall
11. Tomorrow Never Knows
12. Till the End of Time

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UNIDA - LIVE AT CBGB'S (2002)

I thought G.O.M.E. could use a little live UNIDA. This is a set from 2002, recorded at the legendary CBGB's in NYC. I wouldn't call the sound quality A+, but it's not awful. Regardless, if you're like me, you can't get enough of this stuff. I'll be posting some other live UNIDA in the future, so check back. I chose this one today because of the fantastic rendition of "Last Day", which is one of my all-time favorite tracks. I could actually use a little help from the G.O.M.E. faithful regarding this set. I think I recognize track #8, but I can't place it. I know Garcia's bands always like to throw a cover or two in the set, and I am pretty sure #8 is a cover, but I'm drawing a blank. Any help would be appreciated so I can correct the information posted here, as well as my own personal archive. Thanks in advance.

1. Stray
2. Vince Fontaine
3. Coffee Song
4. Summer
5. Last Day
6. Human Tornado
7. MFNO
8. ?
9. Black Woman

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JOSH HOMME - TSUNAMI BENEFIT (2005)

This is Josh Homme's brief, but excellent, acoustic set from the 1/17/05 tsunami benefit at The Wiltern in LA. I wish Josh had performed more songs, but this is all we got. Highlights are Will Farrell's misinformed introduction, during which he claims Josh doesn't usually do acoustic sets (a quick scroll through G.O.M.E. alone could dispel that myth), and a brilliant rendition of "I Never Came" with Dave Grohl.

1. Intro
2. Mosquito Song
3. No One Knows
4. Long Slow Goodbye
5. I Never Came

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QOTSA - BBC SESSIONS (2002) ***NEW LINK***

QOTSA's three BBC sets from October, 2002.

Set I

1. No One Knows
2. Millionaire
3. Lost Art of Keeping a Secret

Set II

4. Josh Homme Interview
5. No One Knows (Josh solo acoustic)
6. Feel Good Hit of the Summer (Josh solo acoustic)

Set III

7. Intro (Spiders & Vingegaroons)
8. Millionaire
9. Feel Good Hit of the Summer
10. Quick & to the Pointless
11. If Only
12. The Sky Is Falling
13. Leg of Lamb
14. I'm Gonna Leave You
15. Hangin' Tree
16. Auto Pilot

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HIGH ON FIRE - THE ART OF SELF DEFENSE (2000)

I've got to say I thought the live HIGH ON FIRE would be a bigger hit on G.O.M.E. than it was. Either that record is easier to come by than I thought, you guys simply don't like HoF, or you're unfamiliar. Assuming the latter applies to at least some of you, I thought I'd go ahead and post the band's debut.

The Art of Self Defense is guitarist/vocalist MATT PIKE's first project after the disintegration of the legendary SLEEP. Is it as good as Holy Mountain? No. Is it even as good as Volume One? Well, close, but...no. Still, it's a brutal and crushing introduction to a band that would go on to record two of the best "stoner-doom" albums in the history of that ridiculous classification.

This album is yet another Man's Ruin casualty, though it has been reissued on Tee Pee Records with two bonus tracks and very cool cover art. I obviously encourage you all to purchase the reissue, but until then, here's the original Man's Ruin edition.

1. Baghdad
2. 10,000 Years
3. Blood from Zion
4. Last
5. Fireface
6. Master of Fists

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ARRRRGH...PIRATE BLARG! (couple o' exclusives)

Due to my consistent failure to launch ELEVATED RADIO, I thought I'd break G.O.M.E. tradition and offer a couple of special treats this fine Monday. Listed below are one track each from the upcoming CLUTCH, FU MANCHU, and ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY albums. This goes without saying, but I strongly encourage you all to support all three bands, both at your local mom & pops' record shops and on tour. That said, consider these three meager offerings free advertisement for a trio of kickass bands. The FU is in stores tomorrow, but we'll have to wait 'til March 6th and 26th for ATP and CLUTCH, respectively.

Early thoughts --

FU MANCHU has really tapped into their west coast hardcore influences on We Must Obey. It's definitely their fastest album, but also, possibly, their most consistent. Don't let the faster tempos and the CARS cover fool ya, though. It's the FU through and through, and, in my opinion, their best record since The Action Is Go (my personal fave).

As the FU seem to be leaning more towards their punk influence, the mighty ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY seem to be settling into a more mainstream heavy rock approach. The way ATP switches singers, it's amazing they've been able to maintain ANY degree of consistency, but Open Fire is about as close to AC/DC as Rise Again was to KYUSS. That's not to say it's a bad record by any means (I love AC/DC), but it's a more mainstream hard rock sound. I like it.

CLUTCH just might be the best brand of rock & roll going today. From Beale Street to Oblivion is sure to be an Album of the Year contender here at G.O.M.E. come the twilight of 2007. "White's Ferry" (download below) is easily my favorite 2007 track, and the entire album is rock solid. Of course, the G.O.M.E. faithful knows to never expect anything less than the absolute best from CLUTCH. It's strange, though...As FU MANCHU goes punk and ATP goes mainstream, CLUTCH seems to be courting a much bigger blues influence than on past albums.

Enjoy.


FU MANCHU - Sensei Vs. Sensei (fu-manchu.com)

ATP - Words of the Dying Man (atprva.com)

CLUTCH - White's Ferry (pro-rock.com)

HIGH ON FIRE - LIVE FROM THE RELAPSE CONTAMINATION FESTIVAL (2003)

HIGH ON FIRE's brief set from the 2003 Contamination Fest. This was actually released commercially on Relapse, though it wasn't distributed in large quantities. In fact, this recording isn't listed on HoF's discography as an official release.

1. Blood from Zion
2. To Cross the Bridge
3. Nemesis
4. Razorhoof
5. Speedwolf
6. Eyes & Teeth
7. Hung, Drawn & Quartered
8. Witching Hour

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PENTAGRAM - BIAS RECORDINGS STUDIO DEMO (1973)

I'm willing to go out on a limb and assume that pretty much everyone checking G.O.M.E. is familiar with the legendary PENTAGRAM. Here's an early demo from 1973 in surprising quality, both in sound and performance.

1. Forever My Queen
2. When the Screams Come
3. Walk in the Blue Light
4. 20 Buck Spin
5. Review Your Choices

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TROUBLE - TROUBLE (1990)

Per Gavin's recommendation, here's TROUBLE's self-titled 1990 release. This was the band's first release on Rick Rubin's Def American label, and thusly the first Rubin-produced TROUBLE album. In my humble opinion, this is not TROUBLE's best work, but it certainly has its merits. For starters, the band's overall sound obviously benefited greatly from Rubin's production. Say what you will about the man, but he knows how to get the best possible sound from a band or artist while still maintaining their distinct identity. The guitars sound HUGE without drowning out the vocals - which wasn't always the case on TROUBLE's earlier recordings. Still, I feel like the writing and production all came together two years later on Manic Frustration. This is a solid album, though, and an essential part of TROUBLE's discography.

1. At the End of My Daze
2. The Wolf
3. Psychotic Reaction
4. A Sinner's Fame
5. The Misery Shows (Act II)
6. R.I.P.
7. Black Shapes of Doom
8. Heaven on My Mind
9. E.N.D.
10. All Is Forgiven

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TROUBLE - LIVE IN STOCKHOLM (2003)

Here's a bit of a treat for the TROUBLE fans. The other TROUBLE albums seemed to go over pretty well, so I thought I'd post this Live in Stockholm DVD rip. The DVD was released in 2006, but the concert actually took place in November of 2003. Conspicuous by its absence is my personal favorite TROUBLE tune, "Mr. White", but nonetheless its a great set.

1. R.I.P.
2. Come Touch the Sky
3. At the End of My Daze
4. Plastic Green Head
5. Fear
6. Memory's Garden
7. The Misery Shows (Act II)
8. Psalm 9
9. Run to the Light
10. All Is Forgiven
11. Psychotic Reaction
12. The Skull
13. Revelation (Life or Death)
14. The Tempter

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FATSO JETSON - CRUEL & DELICIOUS (2003) ***NEW LINK***

Yet another great album that seems to have slipped through the cracks. I won't go so far as to say that Josh Homme and his Rekords Rekords imprint dropped the proverbial ball here, but with the success of QOTSA and THE EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, you'd think he could at least keep his old FATSO JETSON buddies in print. To my knowledge, the only FJ records currently in print are the early SST records, thanks to indie deity Greg Ginn. Anyway, enough about all the behind-the-scenes bullshit. No one cares about that. What's important is the music, and Cruel & Delicious is music that shouldn't be overlooked by any G.O.M.E. visitor. Even GOMErs scratching their heads right now, saying "what the fuck is a FATSO JETSON?!?" are already familiar with these guys, if only by THE DESERT SESSIONS. So what's up with C&D? Well, it's probably FJ's most "accessible" album, but that doesn't say a whole lot. It kicks ass (even on a DEVO cover), and even with a strong punk influence and a smattering of brass, it's still desert rock. This is the band that pretty much created the desert scene, and quite possibly their best album. Highlights include the aforementioned DEVO cover "Ton O Luv", "Light Yourself on Fire" (my personal favorite), and the powerhouse closer "Mountains of Debt".

1. Pleasure Bent
2. Drinkin' Mode
3. Light Yourself on Fire
4. Died in California
5. Heavenly Hearse
6. Ton O Luv
7. Pig Hat Smokin'
8. Superfrown
9. Iron Chef
10. Sunshine Enema
11. Party Pig
12. Stranger Blues
13. Mountains of Debt

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ACRIMONY - TUMULI SHROOMAROOM (1996)

I thought this classic would be a welcome addition to G.O.M.E., as it's become increasingly harder to track down (at least in the States). Bottom line, I believe Tumuli Shroomaloom ranks up there with the very best of KYUSS and MONSTER MAGNET. It's that damn good. Unfortunately, only their second LP, Tumuli would be the last we ever heard of ACRIMONY. I really can't recommend this album highly enough. The only fair comparison is the mighty KYUSS. Guitarist Stuart O'Hara has a lot in common with Josh Homme is that he can create a melody over a monster riff, but never overplay it. The melody never becomes stale - it takes a backseat to the groove, so much, in fact, that you can't quite remember when it started or when it stopped. To me, that ability is what makes the KYUSS discography so enjoyable and enduring...and, to a lesser degree, QOTSA's. I would put ACRIMONY's final offering in that class for the same reasons. It's a damn crime that this classic is so hard to find in 2007. Give it a shot. I guarantee you dig it. If you don't believe me, check out Kerrang!'s five-K review.

1. Hymns to the Stone
2. Million Year Summer
3. Turn the Page
4. VY
5. Find the Path
6. The Bud Song
7. Motherslug (The Mother of All Slugs)
8. Heavy Feather
9. Firedance

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TROUBLE - PSALM 9 (1984)

Since Manic Frustration was such a big hit on G.O.M.E., I thought I'd give the 14 people that anonymously downloaded it a chance to comment on TROUBLE's debut!

Compared to the aforementioned Manic Frustration, Psalm 9 is substantially "doomier", and it lacks Rick Rubin's glossy production. That said, TROUBLE's debut is much slower, much darker, and much more raw than Manic Frustration. Newcomers and fans only familiar with TROUBLE's Rubin material might be put-off at first by the overall tone and sound of this LP, but should find it an interesting, and ultimately rewarding, listening experience. Highlights include the almost-SLAYER-esque "Endtime" and an awesome cover of CREAM's "Tales of Brave Ulysses".

1. The Tempter
2. Assassin
3. Victim of the Insane
4. Revelation (Life or Death)
5. Bastards Will Pay
6. The Fall of Lucifer
7. Endtime
8. Psalm 9
9. Tales of Brave Ulysses

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SOURVEIN - WILL TO MANGLE (2002)

According to AMG, SOURVEIN "combines a BLACK SABBATH obsession with a death metal-ish vocal style". I disagree...unless the reviewer considers HIGH ON FIRE and ELECTRIC WIZARD "death metal". When I think of death metal, I think of BATHORY, CANNIBAL CORPSE, and a bunch of other bands you couldn't force me to listen to with a gun in my mouth. SOURVEIN is probably closest in sound to early HIGH ON FIRE, but the WIZARD comparison is natural, as the lovely (c'mon, you know the only thing sexier than a chick that digs heavy rock n' roll is a chick that can PLAY it!) Liz Buckingham jumped the SOURVEIN ship to play guitar with her husband in the mighty E.W.

1. Bangleaf
2. Seamerchant
3. Blizzard
4. Blackzorlac
5. Zeropath
6. L%d.F.F.D.
7. Carveblind
8. Dirgewine

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MONDO GENERATOR - III (2004)

A little more Oliveri for those in need. Some versions of this EP feature a different take of QOTSA's "Six Shooter". Some others include the Demolition Day EP. Not much else to say. If you're here, you're probably familiar with Nick Oliveri.

1. All the Way Down
2. Bloody Hammer
3. There She Goes Again
4. Sleep the Lie Away

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NICK OLIVERI - DEMOLITION DAY (2005)

Early 2004 saw QOTSA hand bassist Nick Oliveri his walking papers. And instead of sitting around moping, he immediately accepted an invitation by his former bandmate in KYUSS, Brant Bjork, to open shows as a solo acoustic act. Proving that the move was more than just a mere one-off, Oliveri reported directly to the recording studio after the tour, to put together an all-acoustic album. Although reported in the press at the time to be coming out on Bjork's Duna label, as of 2006, the album has mysteriously been shelved. Copies of the album -- titled Demolition Day -- have circulated however, and the reason for its non-release is certainly not from a performance standpoint.

1. All I've Got
2. I Want You to Die
3. Autopilot
4. Simple Exploding Man
5. One More Time in Hell
6. Paper Thin

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ELEVATED RADIO DELAYED...AGAIN

I regretfully inform the G.O.M.E. faithful, including the three or four who've actually posted messages since the re-vamp, that the launch of ELEVATED RADIO has been postponed yet another week. I wish I could honestly blame technical difficulties, but I seem to have those particular bugs worked out. No, this delay is due 100% to Big Jack's frustration after spending hours and hours working out those bugs. This gives me a few extra days to tweak it, though, and from next Monday forward, you can count on having it. I do apologize, but after losing two entire one-hour shows, my heart simply wasn't in it. Plus, I spent most of my weekend fucked up, thanks in part to the good captain's INNER HEAD FLIGHT ROYALE # 007.

Check throughout the week for the regular bounty of all that kicks arse, but prepare yourselves for next Monday's launch of ELEVATED RADIO.

I apologize for all the delays. This time, let's just blame it on the mourning of this classy lass:

Oh Anna, we hardly knew ye.

HERMANO - LIVE AT W2 + DEMOS

At the risk of turning G.O.M.E. into a "...formerly of KYUSS" appreciation page, here's HERMANO's 2005 live album. A+ sound and A+ performance. Highlights include "Landetta", of course, and a blistering cover of "TNT". You can still order this (I suggest the yellow vinyl), which I encourage you to do.

1. Cowboys Suck
2. 5 to 5
3. Life
4. Alone Jeffe
5. Roll Over
6. Landetta
7. My Boy
8. Quite Fucked
9. TNT
10. The Bottle
11. Senor Moreno's Plan
12. Manager's Special

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HERMANO - DEMOS (1999)

As a little bonus, I thought I'd also post these demo tracks. As five of the six tracks appear, in better form, on HERMANO's debut (Only a Suggestion), the set is noteworthy for the inclusion of "Never Boulevard", a rare Garcia ballad I haven't heard before or since.

1. Alone Jeffe
2. Bottle
3. Manager's Special
4. 5 to 5
5. Never Boulevard
6. Senor Moreno's Plan

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QOTSA - ACOUSTIC IN BERN (2002)

Here's an excellent QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE set from 11/18/02 in Bern. It's basically Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri, with Mark Lanegan coming and going as he pleases. Features QUEENS songs, of course, but also some MONDO GENERATOR, DESERT SESSIONS, and Mark Lanegan tunes, as well as a couple of covers.

A copy of this show is circulating the web, and I found the sound quality to leave much to be desired. It sounds very tinny to me, with absolutely no low end. That said, I gave this set the ol' Elevator treatment, boosted the bass frequencies and removed some noise, and I think it sounds pretty good. Let me know what you think.

1. Mosquito Song
2. Six Shooter
3. Bloody Hammer
4. Go With the Flow
5. Hanging Tree
6. Detroit
7. I'm Dead
8. Gonna Leave You
9. Four Corners
10. I Want You to Die
11. First It Giveth
12. All That I Got
13. Like a Drug
14. No One Knows
15. On Jesus' Program
16. Auto Pilot
17. You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory
18. Another Love Song
19. Better Living Through Chemistry

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DESERT SESSIONS Vol. IV - HARD WALLS AND LITTLE TRIPS

After three releases featuring the same general agglomeration, the Desert Sessions took a turn for the different with the fourth entry, thanks to an almost completely different lineup recording a year after the previous volumes. Alfredo Hernandez and Josh Homme reappear on a couple of tracks, but otherwise it's new blood like KYUSS/QOTSA vet Nick Oliveri, fellow KYUSS refugee Mario Lalli, his FATSO JETSON cohort Tony Tonray, and MASTERS OF REALITY frontman Chris Goss.

1. The Gosso King of Crater Lake
2. Monster in the Parasol
3. Jr. High Love
4. Eccentric Man
5. Hogleg

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DESERT SESSIONS Vol. III - SET CO-ORDINATES FOR THE WHITE DWARF

More or less the same lineup from the first two Desert Sessions releases, the stoner metal supergroup keeps at it with more recordings done out in Joshua Tree, CA. Peter Stahl takes the lead vocal on the first two tracks, adding some almost good-time aggro to the sludgy crunch of the opening "Nova" as Josh Homme's guitar moodily spaces out in the middle distance. "At the Helm of Hells Ships" allows Stahl to indulge in a bit of beatnik spoken word weirdness over some muddy space rock action; it works better than it sounds. Homme himself steps to the fore vocally with "Avon," a chugging blast of feedback that would make HAWKWIND proud, while the whole thing wraps up with "Sugar Rush," a steady-as-she-goes instrumental with sci-fi B-movie dialogue samples and the like. About the only thing missing is the dry heat and weed. (from allmusicguide.com)

1. Nova
2. At the Helm of Hell's Ships
3. Avon
4. Sugar Rush

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COVERS vs. ORIGINALS

This is kind of a unique post. I had fun putting it together, so hopefully you'll enjoy checking it out. I took a lot of these covers from the Sucking the 70s compilations, so if you like what you hear, head on over to Small Stone and pick 'em up.

COVERS

1. THE GLASSPACK - Rock n' Roll Singer
2. ANTHRAX - The Bends
3. SUPLECS - Working Man
4. KYUSS - Into the Void
5. METALLICA - Turn the Page
6. RAGING SLAB - We're an American Band
7. THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
8. CLUTCH & FIVE HORSE JOHNSON - Red Hot Mama
9. FU MANCHU - Jailbreak
10. CROWBAR - Dream Weaver
11. FIREBALL MINISTRY - Turn to Stone
12. RPG - Parchment Farm
13. ANTHRAX - Next to You
14. THE MELVINS - Goin' Blind
15. HALFWAY TO GONE - Can't You See
16. MOTORHEAD - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll)

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ORIGINALS

1. AC/DC - Rock n' Roll Singer
2. RADIOHEAD - The Bends
3. RUSH - Working Man
4. BLACK SABBATH - Into the Void
5. BOB SEGER - Turn the Page
6. GRAND FUNK RAILROAD - We're an American Band
7. AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
8. FUNKADELIC - Red Hot Mama
9. THIN LIZZY - Jailbreak
10. GARY WRIGHT - Dream Weaver
11. JOE WALSH - Turn to Stone
12. BLUE CHEER - Parchment Farm
13. THE POLICE - Next to You
14. KISS - Goin' Blind
15. THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND - Can't You See
16. AC/DC - It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll)

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BURNING WITCH - CRIPPLED LUCIFER (2000)

This one right here goes out to Bubba Johnson, of Overland Park, who likes that real happy-go-lucky rock y roll. Eventually we'll get his custom mix up on here for everyone to slash their wrists to. 'Til then, here's a return to the gloom and doom.

(Review by AMG's John Serba)

Oh, the agony: Purveyors of sickening, plodding doom metal will want to search out BURNING WITCH's Crippled Lucifer, a generally overlooked tar-coated shriek of pain completely in line with the Southern Lord label's modern-takes-on-BLACK SABBATH philosophies. Formed by THORR'S HAMMER guitarist Stephen O'Malley, BURNING WITCH is the logical musical step between said group and his subsequent projects, noise-drone belchers SUNN O))) and, especially, KHANATE, which is carved from the same block of impenetrable granite, so to speak. Crippled Lucifer compiles seven tracks from two separate recording sessions; the first three tracks were recorded in 1997, and the final four laid to tape in 1996 by none other than Steve Albini. Regardless, all of Crippled is from the same, torturous valley of despair: Painfully slow rhythms collide like tectonic plates with droning, feedback-encased guitar riffs and truly heinous screeching, recalling the swamp-doom of CROWBAR and EXHORDER mixed with some CATHEDRAL-style lunacy and a healthy dose of EYEHATEGOD's flaking eyeball crust. Oh, and heaping handfuls of expired Vicodin, no doubt. Regardless, this extraordinarily noisy, anti-melodic "art" is sure to clear the room. "Sea Hag" and "Stillborn", pushing 15 and 12 minutes respectively, sound like the soundtrack to depression, bringing to mind images of men trudging along bleary-eyed through a bleak existence of hard drugs, repetitive manual labor, and constant breathing of lung-coating industrial soot. Still, BURNING WITCH is so conceptually over the top, it must have been conceived and birthed with a sly wink. If not, you're better off tying a plastic bag over your head and just calling it quits. Crippled Lucifer is a minor classic of sorts, and definitely a love-it-or-hate-it affair. Doom fans will be riveted to their seats, and everyone else will extract more joy from having their heads wedged in a clogged toilet.

1. Warning Signs
2. Stillborn
3. History of Hell (Crippled Lucifer)
4. Sacred Predictions
5. Country Doctor
6. Tower Place
7. Sea Hag

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VOIVOD - NOTHINGFACE (1989)

As I mentioned in a previous post, as go Big Jack's moods, so goes G.O.M.E. This is a sentimental favorite of mine, having been one of the first CDs I owned. I still revisit it often, and even now, 18 years later, I still hear something I never noticed before. Mark my words, there are good albums, great albums, and classics...Nothingface is a MASTERPIECE. Most noteworthy, at least to me, is that while Piggy's (Denis D'Amour's) playing is as choaotic and innovative as ever, Nothingface's production is pinpoint precise. It SOUNDS like a prog-rock or math-metal album. VOIVOD's detractors always dismissed the band's sound as "dry" or "sterile", and those labels might apply to Nothingface, at least to a degree, but it's always been impossible to categorize VOIVOD. Piggy was one of rock's all-time most unorthadox guitarists, but the records never sounded sloppy. Chaotic? Yes. Sloppy? Never. I've always found VOIVOD, and Nothingface in particular, a great soundtrack for an altered state of consciousness. I guess for that reason alone this album belongs here. Chef's selections? "The Unknown Knows", "Into My Hypercube", and the brilliant cover of PINK FLOYD's "Astronomy Domine".

NOTE: For those just discovering VOIVOD, Piggy died in 2005, at the age of 45, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. The band finished Katorz
with the tracks he'd already recorded, and released a fantastic album last summer. I suggest you order it.

1. Intro
2. The Unknown Knows
3. Nothingface
4. Astronomy Domine
5. Missing Sequences
6. X-Ray
7. Inner Combustion
8. Pre-Ignition
9. Into My Hypercube
10. Sub-Effect

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...and now, a word from our sponsor...

Greetings from el stratosphere. Just a few quick points/requests/updates before we get back to the rock y roll:

--COMMENTS. Granted, G.O.M.E. is about Big Jack's favorite music, but it's also about taking it to the people. A lot of stuff is being downloaded, and I really hope everyone enjoys what they're getting...so please take the occasional moment or two to share your thoughts. This not only helps me make sure I have the correct information posted, but it'll help me make decisions regarding future postings. Hell, disregard the old "no request" rule. If you want to request something in the COMMENTS section of a post, feel free. I encourage that, actually. Speak your mind!

--I'm certainly not running out of music, but I might be relaxing a bit on my posting criteria. Initially, yeah, I wanted to post my favorite music, but I wanted to specialize in rare/hard to find/out of print albums. Call me paranoid, but the reason for that is two-fold. First and foremost, I know how much I enjoy searching for a lost gem, be it online or in the local record shop, and finally finding it. I also enjoy passing it on. Second, the RIAA doesn't intimidate me in the least, but the cease & desist orders would certainly get annoying. Still, I spend a lot of time browsing my peers' blogs (I've linked some great ones on the righthand side of this blog), and I've found a lot of readily-available music. I think that's GREAT! Still, I'm not really interested in posting a bunch of albums you can go purchase at your local mom & pops, or even at Amazon, so you won't see a lot of that here. When I DO post something in print, please keep in mind that the download is for previewing purposes, and if you like it, you'll buy it, and if you don't, you'll delete it.

--ELEVATED RADIO should FINALLY debut next Monday. I'm still working out some kinks and getting everything set up the way I want it. Once we get rollin', there'll be a new show up every Sunday night/Monday morning. Any helpful hints and tips from experienced Podcasters are appreciated.

Big Jack

DESERT SESSIONS - VOLUMES I & II (1997)

Here are the first two volumes of the legendary DESERT SESSIONS. This offering features Josh Homme, Brant Bjork, and Alfredo Hernandez, all formerly of KYUSS (Hernandez was actually Bjork's replacement), Ben Shepherd of SOUNDGARDEN, John McBain of MONSTER MAGNET, and EARTHLINGS Fred Drake, Dave Catching, and Pete Stahl.

1. Preaching
2. Girl Boy Tom
3. Monkey in the Middle
4. Girl Boy Tom
5. Cowards Way Out
6. Robotic Lunch
7. Johnny the Boy
8. Screamin' Eagle
9. Cake (Who Shit on the ?)
10. Man's Ruin Preach

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TROUBLE - MANIC FRUSTRATION (1991)

Another lost classic from the vaults. It actually took me a little while to appreciate this album. I blame that on the numerous SABBATH comparisons and the constant miscategorization of TROUBLE as a doom band. Truth be told, while I consider TROUBLE right at home here at G.O.M.E., Manic Frustration is probably the most "accessible" album I've posted thus far. If you're not familiar, though, don't let that scare you. "Mr. White" alone is worth the download, and the album as a whole is great. TROUBLE wasn't as heavy as ELECTRIC WIZARD or as haunting as SAINT VITUS, but if you're a fan of heavy rock with steady grooves, lots of melody, and a psychedelic angle, I can't recommend Manic Frustration highly enough.

1. Come Touch the Sky
2. 'Scuse Me
3. The Sleeper
4. Fear
5. Rain
6. Tragedy Man
7. Memory's Garden
8. Manic Frustration
9. Hello Strawberry Skies
10. Mr. White
11. Breathe

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KYUSS - LIVE IN LONDON (1995)

Here's a live set from the mighty KYUSS, recorded live in London 2/3/95. The sound quality isn't the greatest, but compared to the hundreds of shitty KYUSS bootlegs circulating, this one ain't half bad. There's not a whole lot to say about this one. If you love KYUSS, you know what to expect. If you don't love KYUSS...well...you're a pussy.

1. Intro
2. Hurricane
3. Thumb
4. Green Machine
5. Whitewater
6. 100 Degrees
7. Un Sandpiper
8. Freedom Run
9. Tangy Zizzle
10. Conan Troutman
11. El Rodeo

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LISTEN WITHOUT DISTRACTION - A TRIBUTE TO KYUSS

This is a great tribute! I admit, it took some time for a few of the covers to grow on me, but over time I came to respect the effort of every band featured on this CD. If you don't think the idea of 16 Argentinean bands covering KYUSS classics sounds like a good one, I understand your skepticism, but I also know you'll probably change your mind about 20 seconds into CYGNUS' rendition of "Thumb". Highlights? Definitely CRUZDIABLO's merging of "100 Degrees" and "Whitewater", as well as SAURON's "Phototropic". SENDERO LUMINOSO's acoustic slant on "Love Has Passed Me By" is very interesting. Of course, another highlight is the extensive liner notes, penned by the one and only Scott Reeder, but in order to read those you'll need to order your own copy at stonerrock.com.

Before I gush any further, I'll just say that if you enjoy tribute albums, I think this is exactly the tribute album for the G.O.M.E. faithful. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the "comments" section and let us know.

1. CYGNUS - Thumb
2. AVERNAL - Green Machine
3. MELISSA - One Inch Man
4. SENDERO LUMINOSO - Love Has Passed Me By
5. TAURA - Writhe
6. LOS NATAS - Allen's Wrench
7. BUFFALO - Odyssey
8. CRUZDIABLO - 100 Degrees/Whitewater
9. SUPEREXTRA - Space Cadet
10. SAURON - Phototropic
11. SICK PORKY - Demon Cleaner
12. SEREEN - Supa Scoopa & Mighty Scoop
13. SUNFERNO - Gardenia
14. POSEIDOTICA - Asteroid
15. REGULAR XON - El Rodeo
16. GALLO DE RINA - Spaceship Landing

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SLO BURN - LIVE AT THE DYNAMO FESTIVAL (1997)

Thought you might appreciate another small dose of SLO BURN. Here's a recording of their brief set at the 1997 Dynamo Festival in Eindhoven. The sound quality here isn't great, but the presence of "Son of God" is noteworthy in itself. I'm sure it's out there, but I haven't heard it on any other recording. Like I said, it's a short set, but you can't have too much SLO BURN.

1. The Prizefighter
2. Wheel Fall
3. Son of God
4. Twenty

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PINK FAIRIES APPRECIATION DAY

THE PINK FAIRIES were a British heavy/progressive/alternative group active in the London underground and psychedelic scene of the early 70s. They promoted free music, drug taking and anarchy, and often performed impromptu gigs and other agitprop stunts, such as playing for free outside the gates at the Isle of Wight pop festival. The band, led by Paul Rudolph on guitar; Duncan (Sandy) Sanderson on bass; and two drummers - Twink and Russell Hunter, toured North America before launching their first album, Neverneverland. They went through several different lineups of band members over the years, although the core was always the aforementioned supplemented by ex-UFO Larry Wallis. The iconoclastic "Do It" was the band's call to arms until Wallis invoked the more urban "City Kids" anthem as the new lead. THE PINK FAIRIES occupy a unique position in British rock history, as defining pioneers of psychedelic hard rock, post-"hippy", pre-punk and pre-metal, influencing many bands of the latter categories. They stayed outside the mainstream rock scene of the 70s, although they later regretted their lack of commercialism. They have always been sustained by a hard core niche fan base of "hippies, hells angels and other psychedelic rebel rockers" who prefer the live music "rowdy get togethers" to buying albums/CDs.

NEVERNEVERLAND (1971)

Neverneverland readily takes its place among the era's most crucial debuts, a hard-rocking, free-flowing, and, above all, anarchic monster that opens with the definitive statement of yippie intent, "Do It," and doesn't look back. Titled for radical Jerry Rubin's book of the same name, "Do It" remains a manifesto for the revolution that never quite got off the ground, a gutsy affirmation that the Pink Fairies were never to eclipse.

1. Do It
2. Heavenly Man
3. Say You Love Me
4. War Girl
5. Never Never Land
6. Track One, Side Two
7. Thor
8. Teenage Rebel
9. Uncle Harry's Last Freakout
10. The Dream Is Just Beginning

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WHAT A BUNCH OF SWEETIES (1972)

The best-loved of the original PINK FAIRIES' three albums is also, contrarily, the lesser of them all. Recorded in 1972 at a time when the band's own reputation as hippie hellraisers was being eclipsed by the soaring HAWKWIND, What a Bunch of Sweeties found the band realigning themselves with the twisted Americana rock sensibilities of the latter-day MC5 - high on noise but, sadly, low on the blistering commitment that was the hallmark of their debut album. The loss of founding member Twink may or may not have contributed further to the collapse, although there is no denying that, in full instrumental overdrive, the three-piece incarnation of the group was at least as dramatic as its predecessor. A nine-minute assault on THE VENTURES' "Walk Don't Run" rates among the finest PINK FAIRIES recordings of all time. There's also a hot version of THE BEATLES' "I Saw Her Standing There".

1. Prologue
2. Right On, Fight On
3. Portobello Shuffle
4. Marilyn
5. The Pigs of Uranus
6. Walk Don't Run
7. I Went Up, I Went Down
8. X-Ray
9. I Saw Her Standing There

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KINGS OF OBLIVION (1973)

The third and final PINK FAIRIES studio album, Kings of Oblivion, welcomed guitarist Larry Wallis to the brew, bringing with him some of the band's most remarkable -- and concise -- material yet. The opening "City Kids," famously recut by MOTORHEAD during Wallis' sojourn with that band, is as dynamic an opener as the PINK FAIRIES ever had, while the album's two epics, "I Wish I Was a Girl" and "Street Urchin," similarly catch the band as they made a sharp turn away from the rockin' riff jam basics that scarred their second LP and moved instead into the affirmative guttercat stance that so effectively predicted the rudiments of punk rock. Indeed, if any album could be said to have been born ahead of its time, Kings of Oblivion, conceived in 1973 but sounding just like 1977, is it.

1. City Kids
2. I Wish I Was a Girl
3. When's the Fun Begin
4. Chromium Plating
5. Raceway
6. Chambermaid
7. Street Urchin

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HAWKWIND - WARRIOR ON THE EDGE OF TIME (1975)

In my humble opinion, Warrior on the Edge of Time is the last great HAWKWIND album. It marks the end of a brilliant five-year run, as well as Lemmy's tenure with the band. It's also one of the great HAWKWIND albums that seems to have a hard time staying available. This particular version is a re-issue, with the "Kings of Speed" single included, as well as its b-side, Lemmy's "Motorhead" (which would appear on both On Parole and Motorhead's eponymous debut).

1. Assault & Battery
2. The Golden Void
3. The Wizard Blew His Horn
4. Opa-Loka
5. The Demented Man
6. Magnu
7. Standing at the Edge
8. Spiral Galaxy 28948
9. Warriors
10. Dying Seas
11. Kings of Speed
12. Motorhead

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ALSO:

DOWNLOAD ACID KING'S COVER OF 'MOTORHEAD'

LEAF HOUND - GROWERS OF MUSHROOM (1971)

A true blast from the past, LEAF HOUND's sole LP has generated some interest over the past couple of years, so I thought I'd hang it on G.O.M.E. so everyone could hear what all the fuss was about. Growers of Mushroom has since been re-released, though with a bit of an outrageous pricetag, with one or more bonus tracks. You can order the reissue at stonerrock.com for the princely sum of $18.99, a ransom presumably drummed up thanks to Q Magazine dubbing Growers of Mushroom the #1 Most Collectible Album of All Time or some such nonsense. AMG dismisses the album as "nothing too special", though I personally find it quite enjoyable, particularly the acoustic-based "Sad Road to the Sea", the Marshall Tucker-esque slow-burner "With a Minute to Go", and the eight-minute bluesy (though embarrassingly titled) "Work My Body". It's a fun record.

1. Freelance Fiend
2. Sad Road to the Sea
3. Drowned My Life in Fear
4. Work My Body
5. Stray
6. With a Minute to Go
7. Growers of Mushroom
8. Stagnant Pool
9. Sawdust Ceasar

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ALSO:

Check out LOWRIDER covering "Freelance Fiend"

Motörhead - On Parole (1975)

On Parole was intended to be the debut of the mighty MOTORHEAD. As it turned out, while recorded in 1975, the tracks didn't see the light of day until 1980. I'm assuming that anyone reading this knows that Lemmy was originally a member of space-rockers HAWKWIND, and that he named his band, MOTORHEAD, after one of his HAWKWIND tunes. The first edition of MOTORHEAD featured ex-PINK FAIRIES guitarist Larry Wallis, and was a far, far cry from the MOTORHEAD that would introduce itself on the band's eponymous 1978 debut. These sessions were initially shelved, the band was dropped by their label, and this record didn't surface until the band had made a worldwide name for itself five years later (ironically playing music that was even faster and heavier). This record has been reissued numerous times, the best version featuring four additional tracks. Here it is in its original form for all to enjoy. On Parole is great hard blues-rock, and a shocker for those unfamiliar with the not-so-heavy origins of one of hard rock's most influential and beloved bands.

1. Motorhead
2. On Parole
3. Vibrator
4. Iron Horse/Born to Lose
5. City Kids
6. The Watcher
7. Leaving Here
8. Lost Johnny
9. Fools

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FIREBALL MINISTRY - OU EST LA ROCK? (1999)

Ou Est la Rock? is the debut of one of my favorite bands - the great FIREBALL MINISTRY. This 1999 Bong Load release is not the band's finest work, but it hints at the potential later realized on Second Great Awakening and Their Rock Is Not Our Rock. It's an excellent introduction to the band, and possibly an odd-record-out for the already converted. I believe I own every note FIREBALL MINISTRY has officially released, and I can honestly put "665" and "VIM" up with their strongest material. Hopefully the MINISTRY will get a few new members via this download. If you like what you hear, head on over to fireballministry.com and support these FULL STACK MOTHERFUCKERS!

1. The Man
2. Two Tears
3. 665
4. 3
5. Guts
6. Death Dealer
7. VIM
8. Levites

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DEMON CLEANER

I don't have a whole lot to say about this band. I was predisposed to hate them, them being a blatant KYUSS clone and all, but they kick a substantial amount of ass in their own right. Yes, they sound like FU MANCHU's Scott Hill fronting a KYUSS tribute band. Yes, they're named after a KYUSS classic. Their record label? Yes, Molten Universe is named after a KYUSS song as well. Even their song titles reek of KYUSS and FU MANCHU worship ("All Systems Go", "Accelerator", "Barracuda", "Head Honcho", etc.). So what's to like? Well, as derivative as it all may be, the music actually ROCKS. Blatant aping? Without a doubt. But is it enjoyable? Absolutely. Plus, the album covers are cool!


DEMON CLEANER (2002)


1. Freedom's Prize
2. After/Before
3. Accelerator
4. Ruby
5. From the Ground Below
6. The Aftermath
7. All Systems Go
8. The Seven
9. Black River

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FREELIGHT (2003)


1. Riding High
2. Head Honcho
3. Freelight
4. Green Leader
5. Kickback
6. Up in Smoke
7. Barracuda
8. Nasty Disease
9. Motherfucker
10. Heading Home

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SAINT VITUS - SAINT VITUS (1984)

While I believe the Wino era of SAINT VITUS was fairly represented on WINO APPRECIATION DAY, and curious cats can feast on the Lindersson era here, I realized that G.O.M.E. was a little light in the Reagers department. Because of this inexcusable oversight, I offer you, the G.O.M.E. faithful, the eponymous debut of SAINT VITUS. This album is a longtime sentimental favorite of mine, having heard "White Magic/Black Magic" on SST's Program: Annihilator compilation in the mid-80s (which, if anyone wants to share, I would be much obliged). I immediately hunted down the cassette, and it's been a favorite since. Here's AMG's review:

Although they never achieved wide acclaim, Californian doom metallers SAINT VITUS still managed to carve out a niche in people's scrapbooks for one big reason: they sounded uncannily like BLACK SABBATH, a propensity aided by an increasingly farcical series of ever-changing lineups that left the latter band essentially faceless. Not surprisingly, SST Records signed them as BLACK FLAG's label began distancing itself from its hardcore punk roots. This album, then, should send old-schoolers' hearts aflutter. The trademarks that defined classic '70s-era SABBATH are proudly present and correct: jangly, piledriving guitars; stuttering basslines; and insistent, cymbal-soaked drumming. True to form, the album boasts just five tracks; the brisk opening tribute to the medieval-era saint is probably the most energetic among the lot. The band's themes are somewhat predictable, ranging from occult matters ("Black Magic, White Magic," "Zombie Hunger") to personal peril ("Burial at Sea"). However, the band convincingly shows that intensity doesn't necessarily stem from tempo on "Psychopath" and "Burial at Sea"; guitarist Dave Chandler lays down some menacing licks, while hollow-voiced singer Scott Reagers evokes just the right touch of despair and desperation. While Saint Vitus never broke beyond a cult circle of admirers -- except overseas -- the band shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. Genre exercises like this are naturally an acquired taste, but the band plays with fire and conviction. If BLACK SABBATH's singer-of-the-week lineups left you cold, these guys provided just the right placebo.

1. Saint Vitus
2. White Magic/Black Magic
3. Zombie Hunger
4. The Psychopath
5. Burial at Sea

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SAINT VITUS - C.O.D. (1992)

BY POPULAR DEMAND! Well, not really. A friend of mine did request it, though, and I thought it would be a good addition to the blog. This album is much maligned among the VITUS faithful, being the only album to feature something called Christian Lindersson on vocals. While he's no Scott Reagers (who returned to the SAINT VITUS fold shortly after this album) or Wino, he definitely holds his own. Still, this album is an oddity. Most odd is probably the enlistment of DON DOKKEN (yes, DOKKEN) as producer. It appears that Mr. Dokken tried to get a vintage VITUS sound, as his own music, shitty as it was, was much better produced than this. Dokken's presence only seems to affect the band itself on "Imagination Man", which could pass as either the best song on a DOKKEN record, or a mid-80s OZZY throwaway. It's an interesting piece of history, though. If anyone's interested, I'll eventually give this album the Elevator treatment, adjust the levels, and re-post an enhanced version.

1. Intro
2. Children of Doom
3. Planet of Judgement
4. Shadow of a Skeleton
5. (I Am) The Screaming Banshee
6. Plague of Man
7. Imagination Man
8. Fear
9. Get Away
10. Bela
11. A Timeless Tale
12. Hallows Victim (Exhumed)

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SLO BURN - DEMO (1996)

Here's a handful of SLO BURN tracks that didn't make the AMUSING THE AMAZING EP. Actually, they did, though in extremely limited quantities. Regardless, attaching these demo tracks to the end of an otherwise immaculately produced EP is a bit of an earsore. The songs are strong, especially "Positiva", but the sound quality is shit. That said, I present to you five SLO BURN tracks not included on the mainstream pressing of AMUSING THE AMAZING , and simply say "do what you want".

1. Wheel Fall
2. Positiva
3. Cactus Jumper
4. Round Trip
5. Snake Hips

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THE OBSESSED - DEMO (1982)

Not a lot to say about this. Anyone that's visited this blog and took half a gander over my WINO APPRECIATION DAY offering knows I'm a big fan of THE OBSESSED. I edited it for sound quality, so if you're already familiar with this particular boot, you should check it out and let me know what you think. If you're unfamilar, all I can say is that you probably won't be blown away or disappointed. If you expect some lost gems of OBSESSED perfection, then you're likely to be letdown. On the flipside, though, if you're expecting garbage quality and sloppy performance, then you might be impressed. Noteworthy, in my opinion, is that while most of these songs turned up, in some form, on the first couple of albums, a couple actually made it on to The Church Within...a full 12 years later.

1. Tombstone Highway
2. River of Soul
3. Inner Turmoil
4. Forever Midnight
5. Field of Hours
6. Higher Power
7. Freedom
8. Endless Circles
9. No Blame

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