Something I Learned Today

Punk Rock and Other Assorted Bullshit

The Lamps

November 09th, 2005 | Posted by: Eric | Category: Modern Trash, Garage Punk

It took me a bit to warm up to it, but The Lamps 2005 release on In The Red is one of the most oddly enjoyable albums I’ve heard in awhile. The Lamps sound is a steam-rolling blend of primitive trash rock crossed with anti-social noise, which is “thumbs up” in my book. Virtually every review of this record I’ve come across name checks the Necessary Evils and either the Cramps or the Gories, so I’ll do the same. Everyone also seems to mention that artwork, which as you can see is in fact pretty fucking creepy. Track this one down. Take a listen:

The Lamps - Hot Plate.mp3
The Lamps - 2o” Of Monkey.mp3

Notes:

  • Lamps page at ITR
  • Lamps Myspace page, complete with requisite sounds
  • Interview with the guitarist/vocalist Monty Buckles at Terminal Boredom
  • I picked this one up based upon Agony Shorthand’s review

    • 3 Comments so far

    1. Rick November 11th, 2005 8:05 am

      “Oddly enjoyable” is about right. I remember someone asking me about Monty’s band and I said something like “I like it because they speak my language,” meaning art-damage-devo dialect, but I mostly remember enjoying the dumb puzzlement on Los Angeles area audiences’ faces while the Lamps were up there churning like a rototiller. I’m going to listen to those songs now.

    2. peecat November 14th, 2005 5:20 am

      In The Red usually signs exactly the kind of stuff I end up loving. I hadn’t heard of The Lamps yet but I like what I’m hearing enough to go buy it for myself. I can’t wait to see them live.

    3. slickdpdx November 22nd, 2005 10:13 pm

      Theresa Kereakes punk photographer posted some Lamps photos recently.

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