Something I Learned Today

Straight to the point tonight. In the mood for some brawny indie rock? Take a listen to Kustomized. From 1993 through 1997 or so Kustomized was the vehicle for former Mission of Burma drummer and Volcano Suns lead man Peter Prescott. Playing a mix of big guitar, post-something or other slop, Kustomized released 2 LP’s and an EP for indie label Matador. A listen to the first two releases (Mystery Of… and Battle for Space ) today proves that the material could be hit or miss, but I still enjoy the surf and spook undertones of the finale At The Vanishing Point. A couple:

from The Mystery Of…
Kustomized - Big Trick.mp3

From The Battle for Space
Kustomized - Throw Your Voice.mp3

from At The Vanishing Point
Kustomized - Hound.mp3

Misc:

Los Angeles produced so many classic punk bands and labels that it’s tough to label one as the best or the first or so on, so I’ll avoid those superlatives when talking about the Weirdos. If they weren’t the best, or the first, then at least an argument can be made that they created one of LA’s (if not the US) best early punk singles with the “We Got The Neutron Bomb/Solitary Confinement”. In fact, the first 2 singless by the Weirdos are essential listening for fans of raw and gritty US Punk.

Unfortunately, the Weirdos weren’t able to keep that rough edge for the next two 12″ releases . They’re not bad ( I prefer Action Design to Who What Where When Why), but once you’ve heard “Neutron Bomb” and “Solitary Confinement” it’s tough to reconcile with the calmer material. Take a listen:

From 1978 Dangerhouse 7″
Weirdos - We Got The Neutron Bomb.mp3
Weirdos - Solitary Confinement.mp3

From 1977’s Destroy All Music 7″:
Weirdos - Life of Crime.mp3
Weirdos - Why Do You Exist?.mp3

Notes:

Tomorrow night marks the time when most of us in the U.S. get to set our clocks forward one hour. While the official end of winter may be the vernal equinox, in these parts the extra hour of daylight is the true sign that the snow is done flying. If only they could add some more hours to the day - I don’t have enough time in the day anymore to get everything done in quality fashion.
(as you can tell from this half-assed post)

Rain - That Time of The Year.mp3
from the posthumous 6 song mLP La Vache Qui Rit

Th’ Inbred - Dead Time.mp3
from 1986’s A Family Affair

Candy Snatchers - No Time to Waste.mp3
From Human Zoo. These are drunkest motherfuckers in outer space.