Monday, May 15, 2006

Dear BLOG TO COMM

This is your second review of the "Godfathers of L A Punk" compilation from Siamese Records (founded circa April 1977 by Philippe Mogane and James Williamson -see: http://siamesedogsrecords.com/about.htm, for more info.)Now part of SIAMESE DOGS RECORDS: http://siamesedogsrecords.com.
And I thank you for your knowledgeable attention.

Although your first review was more caustic/hinging on cynical, I am elated to read how well you did your home work. And how, pulling out your famed demoniac magnifying glass, you gave a scrutinizing eye at the content of the Siamese Records crusade.The reason I chose that roster is to show to all that, despite American ugliness whose evil politic has branded the World today, there is another America: The People's America where human beings, from all nations and races, have thrown in the cauldron their cultures and hearts. Through much pains and sorrows.

You have to go back in time to view a world without internet and quasi lack of information to realize that our combat rock was musical commitment in the pursuit of Human Truth. "I Got A Right", for the Kids all over the world - "Street Queen", against Bi/Homo/Trans bashing which was at his paroxysm in the 70's - "Neutron Bomb", against the Reagan Imperialism - "Beat Her With A Rake", to open the dialogue on the subject of violence against Women - "Hound Dog", with Little Richard, the King of R 'n R, as an homage to Afro Americans for their immense contributions to the Americana Culture – “Electric Church” or How To Start Your Own Little Church - "I Am A President", released on Reagan's coronation, as a warning for what was to come. And it is in continuation of our work that I thought our powerful music issued from sadness, anger and suffering had to be released again for the young ones. The combat is still on and that’s why the compilation's subtitle is: "It's Time To Wake Up Again, America!!!"

Philippe Mogane

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

BLOG TO COMM

Various Artists
GODFATHERS OF LA PUNK
(Siamese Dogs Records, available through http://siamesedogsrecords.com)

THE BAD NEWS...all that punk rock you and I "grew up" with is now well-entrenched in the MUSIC OF EVERLASTING INFINITE HISTORICAL VALUE wing of collective Amerigan/world psyche along with big band music, fifties rockabilly and early-sixties surf toonz which means it's time for goofy people with horn-rimmed glasses to study the stuff just like it was a bug under a microscope. THE GOOD NEWS...now that seventies punk rock is a past phenom to be looked back upon in hallowed tones of honor that means MORE and MORE "archival digs" will result in a flurry of compilations and upheavals none of us would have expected even twenty years back. This is but one of them...I guess the label in question is really called "Siamese Dogs" but I remember when it was "Siamese" and they released this Stooges single (credited to "Iggy Pop and James Williamson") taken from the RAW POWER sessions or something like that which had more'n a few 1977 punkers throbbing in anarchic ecstasy after repeated spins of METALLIC KO. Little did I know that there were more than a few records on this obscure label which, along with such competitors as Dangerhouse, Gulcher, Ork and Back Door Man (oops! sorry Jay!!!) documented the budding American underground scene at a time when it really needed documenting in the face of media blah. This disque does a good job of collecting the Siamese Dogs label's wares all in one neat place, not only with the Iggy stuff (including the alt. take of "I Got a Right" as well as the rarity "Rock Action") but with tracks courtesy the great Controllers (who got a nice review in the latest issue of my own crybaby reactionary fanzine!) as well as the Weasels who I originally assumed were just another buncha bandwagon punks but who in reality were a pretty hefty punk/metallic merger who actually had Van Halen opening their shows (and maybe VH coulda been this good had they forsaken the Los Angeles slicksterdom for Detroit high energy!) and other worthies of varying rockist degrees. Biggest surprise: The Attitude and their cover of "Hound Dog," featuring none other than Little Richard on the ivories! And I thought the guy was a no-talent bore after seeing him schmooze up to Phil Donahue on the telly!

BLOG TO COMM
You've hated the fanzine, now hate the blog!
http://black2com.blogspot.com/2005/05/couple-cee-dees-atcha-ok-ok-ok-ive.html