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For those of you who don't know... Dick Valentine is the lead singer of both Evil Cowards and Electric Six. He's released a series of solo records that usually consist of acoustic songs. His new album is no exception. However, it is slightly different in that the songs are all covers of material previously recorded and released by Evil Cowards and Electric Six.
I was excited about this release and even more pleased with it once I received it and was able to hear it. I spent an entire morning driving around in my truck listening to it. I was blown away!
No matter what the band or how much you love them, there are always certain songs you like more than others. Oddly enough, this compilation has some of my all time favorite Evil Cowards and Electric Six tracks represented. Right off the bat, Valentine starts with 'I Buy The Drugs'... This song was the absolute jam the first time I heard it and I've enjoyed it immensely over the years. I never get tired of hearing it. Both 'Steal Your Bones' and 'Alone With Your Body' are present at the start of this disc and both songs were my favorite tracks on their respective albums. 'Steal Your Bones' is from "Kill" and 'Alone With Your Body' is from "Human Zoo". One song about cloning and one about necrophilia... Once again, Valentine challenges our preconceptions about taboo subjects and turns even the most grimacing perversions into humorous anecdotes. If necrophilia ever becomes a socially acceptable form of sexual expression, we'll know who to blame.
The track I was most anticipating is number 8. 'When I Get To The Green Building' is easily one of my all time favorite E6 songs to date. I absolutely adore this song. In some ways I see it as a classic rock opus... One of those early rock ballads from the 70s where you would get more than just a cool song, you'd get a supernatural story; like the Eagles' 'Hotel California' or Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway To Heaven'. To me, this is one of the strongest songs Valentine has ever committed to tape and I'm thrilled to have it appear here in this acoustic format. It's as magnificent here as it is on the album. It's followed by another song in this vein called 'Watching Evil Empires Fall Apart' and it's an epic as well.
There are two Evil Cowards' covers here. 'Sex Wars' from "Covered In Gas" and 'Rich Kids' is from "Moving Through Security". Coincidently, 'Rich Kids' is my favorite track from "Moving Through Security". So once again, he's picked more of my favs to re-invent and express here.
There are a couple songs on here I consider sleeper tracks. In other words, I didn't like them the first time I heard them but as I listened to the album a few times, they grew on me and have become favorites. These songs include 'The Band In Hell', 'Pink Flamingos' and 'Iron Dragon'. There's even newer songs appearing on this compilation such as 'Roulette' and 'Take Another Shape'. Both of these tracks are from Electric Six's last record.
Dick Valentine is an interesting character. He's prolific. Maybe not as prolific as Prince, but he writes a lot. And his lyrics are written off by a lot of people, but those who take the time to invest in his work discover a song writer who is insightful, concerned, relevant and deeply poetic. He's an under-rated talent.
What more do I have to say to encourage you to take a chance and buy this awesome record??? You need it. Right now you can order the CD directly from Valentine through his Facebook page. Otherwise, you will have to attend a live E6 show to purchase one.
If you don't know anything about Dick Valentine, this is a good starting point. Pick up this record and if you like it, prepare yourself for even more to come as you explore the worlds of his various projects and bands.
My final words: ACOUSTIC MASTERPIECE FROM A MASTER ARTIST!!!
01. I Buy The Drugs
02. Wikileaks
03. Steal Your Bones
04. Alone With Your Body
05. Show Me What Your Lights Mean
06. Sex Wars
07. Take Another Shape
08. When I Get To The Green Building
09. Watching Evil Empires Fall Apart
10. Rich Kids
11. The Band In Hell
12. Doom And Gloom And Doom And Gloom
13. Pink Flamingos
14. Roulette
15. Heartbeats And Brainwaves
16. Iron Dragon
Another awesome Kickstarter exclusive from E6 and frontman, Dick Valentine! This time, the band deliver a soundtrack to a mocumentary film they made called, "Roulette Stars Of Metro Detroit". The two disc set also includes a new Dick Valentine CD entitled "Raw". But more on that in a minute.
The E6 disc is actually quite amazing! It's made up of a selection of tracks. There's new original material, some covers and a remix. Together, it's a rather satisfying listen and one I'm currently enjoying on a regular basis. The covers are interesting choices. The first one, 'All Night Long' is from a band called Rainbow. They're made up from former members of Blue Oyster Cult. I think the track was originally released in 1979 but I'm not sure. I didn't know this one at all prior to it showing up here. I had to research it online. The first time I listened to it, I thought, "Holy smokes, they're turning into an 80's hair band!" but the song is so rocking and fun it's become one of my favorite on the disc. The second cover is 'Obsession' by 80's one hit wonder band, Animotion. I actually remember buying their cassette when the song first came out and hating the rest of the tracks. 'Obsession' was the only track worth owning and I never upgraded that cassette to CD. The third and final cover is Oingo Boingo's 'When The Lights Go Out'. Danny Elfman is an amazing songwriter and his quirky song writing style translates well into E'sixian. It's excellent!
The mix on the disc is the Dubai Bros. remix of 'Night Vision'. The first time I heard it, I thought it was weird and I wasn't sure if I liked it. However, on subsequent listens, it's become one of the tracks I love the most. In fact, I play it all the time in my truck while I'm driving. It's such an odd remix and yet it feels completely right! It's actually made me excited to listen to mixes again. I've sorta got to the point where I think they're not worth my time. As much as I like the original 'Night Vision', I like this one just as much if not more. It adds so much dimension to the song. Wow.
As for the new original material, holy smokes! I love 'An Omen Of Things To Come', 'I Upgraded To You' and 'Shrink The Bastards'. They're simply phenomenal and yet another reason I've become such a hardcore fan of this band.
The second disc, the Dick Valentine album, isn't a disc full of new songs like his other previous efforts, but rather an outtake disc of sorts. Don't get me wrong, you hear demos of songs that haven't been released, but the majority of the tracks are music demos for tracks that were released. He includes his rough musical ideas for tracks he wrote for both Electric Six and Evil Cowards. The majority of the tracks are instrumental or the musical blueprints of the songs, but what makes the disc so fascinating is you actually get an idea of how the songwriting process works for him. It's interesting to hear these rough versions compared to the produced and polished released tracks. I'm highly pleased with the amount of material included on these discs and I'm enjoying the discs equally!
This set was a kickstarter exclusive. If you didn't buy it through the original campaign, I'm not sure you'll get another chance to own it. It's certainly worth having and for those of you who didn't, you're missing out. My final words: ANOTHER VICTORY FOR THE ROULETTE STARS OF METRO DETROIT!!!! THEY WIN ALL THE MONIES!
ELECTRIC SIX/DICK VALENTINE - ROULETTE STARS OF METRO DETROIT/RAW
DISC ONE - Original Soundtrack
01. Compensation
02. All Night Long
03. An Omen Of Things To Come
04. Obsession
05. Night Vision (Dubai Bros. Remix)
06. I Upgraded To You
07. Shrink The Bastards
08. Lottery Reptiles (Tropicalia Mix)
09. When The Lights Goes Out
DISC TWO - Raw
01. Classon Av. Robots
02. Digital Jackass
03. Hello! I See You
04. I Belong In A Factory
05. I Can Translate
06. I'm Not Scared Of Flying Saucers
07. Laughing Gas
08. Making Progress
09. Miami
10. Rubbing Me The Wrong Way
11. Suitcases
12. Synth 2
13. Theme From Garage Band (Test 1)
14. Tonight Should Have Never Been Tonight (Test 3)
15. Waste Of Time And Money
16. Zora And Nora
"Moving Through Security" is the second album from Evil Cowards and it continues the tongue-n-cheek humor from the previous release. Without a doubt, Evil Cowards are one of the most interesting projects on the market today. When I got the first album I couldn't stop playing it for days. In fact, I got so used to hearing it while I was playing a new game of Mahjong I'd downloaded, I can't play the game today without starting the disc up. This one spent almost as much time in my player after I was fortunate enough to pick it up.
It starts off with 'Fixing Machines' which features the lyric, "If there's only one sure thing that I know, some day the world's gonna bow before this two man show." In the vein of 'Theme From Evil Cowards', the idea of the group having a major cultural impact continues. As much as I wish this sentiment were true, it probably won't happen. Mainstream America takes itself way too seriously for a group like Evil Cowards to rise to the top of the charts. In a system built around record companies and media conglomerates who still control what people watch and listen to, this duo doesn't stand a chance of breaking out without conforming and that, my friends is something none of us want. It's a catchy number and it sets up the mood of the record quite nicely. It's followed by 'Dirty Consuela', a tune with a more pop sensible beat and build. It's a great song musically, but the lyrics are about a barely legal girl prostitute. I find it a little creepy, but my biggest complaint is the sax solo in the middle of the song. I've never understood why electronic bands sometimes do this. It's an 80's gimmick and it doesn't work now like it didn't work then. The song would be much more interesting without it. 'System Overload' is next and this tune has some interesting sounds. It includes a pulsing synth line similar to the previous track. If I understand the plot of the tune, it starts with a dude planning on committing suicide. He stops at the last minute when he realizes he can fix his problems not by killing himself, but killing his lover. Lol, a strange but interesting idea. And very thought provoking.
'Moving Through Security' continues with another pulsating synth. There's a lot happening in this song. Lead singer, Tyler Spencer (AKA, Dick Valentine) covers a lot of concepts here and I'm not going to break them all down but one thing I will point out happens in the first verse where he talks about seeing what's in his bag. On social media, he mentions his fans reaching into his bag and buying his merchandise. This tune discusses getting his merch through security. Among other things. It's quite funny. 'Bedford Avenue Wine Distributors' is an amazing cut. It features the repetitive lyric, "Black drug dealers vs. white drug dealers" and that the extent of the song. Absolutely brilliant.
The next track is 'Jerkin' Each Other Around'. The gist of the song is no matter what you've been taught about love and happy endings, it's never that simple. Everyone goes through heart break. But no one ever tells you that's going to happen. 'Optical Day' has a fun beat and is easy to sing along with. This is one of the tracks I tune the volume up on and roll down the windows. I sing this one at the top of my lungs. One of my favorite numbers on the disc. 'Dormitory Girls' lists Gina Gershon as additional vocalist. I don't know if it's actress Gina Gershon but I love her and if it is, I'm in pure heaven. I love this song. The subject matter is a bit ridiculous... I'll never understand songs about young girls. It's a bit repulsive and lecherous, but I do love the music and the lyrics are catchy.
Next up is 'Rich Kids', my absolute favorite track on the disc. And don't ask me why. I find it absolutely hilarious and the music is fantastic! 'Gravy Train' is also exciting and fun to listen to. It uses food as a metaphor for a long term relationship. One that was delicious when it was new but over time has lost its flavor. 'Military Man' has a compelling beat and describes a military man in various ways. Of all the tracks on this album, this one seems the most nonsensical, but it's got such great music, it's easy to overlook the lyrics. 'Lazy As Fuck' is like a slap in the face or the water bucket challenge. It's one of those uncomfortable truths so many people deny and run away from. In this number, Evil Cowards take the idea of failure and people who don't live up to their potential and shine a giant spotlight on it. Maybe it's not the world keeping you down, maybe it's you and the fact you're lazy! Depending on where you stand in life, this song will either seem uncomfortable or honest. Either way, it's a subject I've never seen tackled in music before and I give a huge high five to EC for covering it.
The final track on this record is also the most complicated and strange. It's also one of the most incredible pieces of music I've heard in a long time. The song suggests the seduction of young men into a homosexual life by someone referred to as the Purple Man. It's not the first time Evil Cowards have tackled the subject of gay lifestyles, but it's the first time they've tackled gay men. Their previous foray into the subject revolved around a lesbian couple. However... I see this song a little differently. 'Summer Of The Purple Man'... When I listen to this song, this is what I hear; it's a nostalgic look at the summer these musicians were seduced into loving and discovering music. The year in question is 1984 and the "Purple Man" is Prince. When he burst on the scene, parents had no concept of what was happening. He was a threat because unlike Michael Jackson, he wasn't the family friendly black guy showing up on America's television screens. He was blatantly effeminate, sexually explicit and one of the first commercially successful black artists on the top 40 charts. Older generations didn't know what to make of him at all. The back lash against "Purple Rain" was extreme. And yet, his impact on young people and the desire to make music is legendary. You could literally write a novel on the fears Christian parents had and the things they would blame him for over the years... Their children being gay, young people being sexually active, etc. etc. But like a ruffled Pied Piper, he trounced across stages all over the US and filled his "bag" with young boys and girls; seducing them with his music. It really was a summer of a purple man. There's no mistaking the early 80's drum pattern. The only argument you can make against it is the mention of 1991 being the year it happened. But that was a big year for Prince and he was credited as having a huge comeback during that time with "Diamonds And Pearls". He was still considered the Purple One. I think 1991 is used to throw the listener off track and also keep the song in a safe zone. In 1984, Spencer would've been 13 and the song would've been super creepy with the double entendre.
However you choose to see it, this is a complex song with complex ideas. And that's one of the things Evil Cowards does best. This is an extremely satisfying follow-up to their previous record and all it does is whet the appetite for more. Here's hoping Evil Cowards continue to collaborate and release. I'll be in line to purchase new material. My final words: AN EXCELLENT FOLLOW-UP AND SATISFYING RELEASE! BUY IT IF YOU CAN GET IT. AN AMAZING ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION.
EVIL COWARDS - MOVING THROUGH SECURITY
01. Fixing Machines
02. Dirty Consuela
03. System Overload
04. Moving Through Security
05. Bedford Avenue Wine Distributors
06. Jerkin' Each Other Around
07. Optical Day
08. Dormitory Girls
09. Rich Kids
10. Gravy Train
11. Military Man
12. Lazy As Fuck
13. Summer Of The Purple Man
The first time I saw Electric Six play live, it was in support of this CD. I bought the disc at the show and I listened to it for the first time driving home from the show. They played some of the songs live that night and they were new tracks for me. I loved every second of the show.
Truthfully, the first time I heard the disc, I wasn't partial to it. But over time, it's become one of my favorite discs. There are so many strong songs on the record. I think the reason it took awhile to grow on me is for exactly the reason Dick Valentine suggests in various interviews. Each song represents a sign of the Zodiac and as each sign is assigned different qualities and attributes, so indeed do the tracks on this disc possess a variety of musical styles and sounds.
It's a wild ride. Without a doubt.
There are two additional internet tracks I'm including in my review. One was a bonus track included only with the iTunes purchase and the second was a demo track the band posted online for their fans. The demo cut was intended for the album, but was left off. Sadly, because it's one of the strongest numbers recorded for this project.
The first track is 'After Hours'. Every album has an opening track that's very similar. They're all rock oriented and aggressive. These songs are often used as the opening songs in the live performance and sometimes rotate between shows. I've had the pleasure of seeing this song performed a few times and every single time, it's been an absolute joy. I dismissed it at first. Until I caught myself singing it under my breath while I worked or humming it as I drove. This is an incredible song and there's a quality about it (probably the strong piano track), that makes me think of Elton John.
Next up is 'American Cheese'. A rock n' roll track for sure, it continues the Americana of the album thus far and benefits from a complicated musical arrangement. There's a rush to the song. A need to push forward. Much like February, a month that is almost always in a hurry, this track moves quickly to completion. It's followed by one of my all time favorite E6 tracks... 'Clusterfuck!' There's no way to describe this one other than to say from the outset, it hits a groove you can't escape. It rocks you like a lover and delivers a sonic brain pounding unlike any other. This is one I sing along to at the top of my lungs! And it's awesome live.
'Countdown To The Countdown' is the 4th rocking track on the disc and thus far, everything's been coming on like a Mac Truck until 'Doom And Gloom And Doom And Gloom'. Although not a show stopper or a bottom dropper, this track definitely slows the pace of the record somewhat. After it, you're not quite sure where the album will go but 'Jam It In The Hole' brings the tempo back up and sets you right back rocking your socks off. This is another popular live track.
'I Am A Song!' has a more traditional pop flare and even features some doo wop singing towards the end. It's followed up by another track I consider a favorite, 'It Ain't Punk Rock'. As nonsensical as this song can be, it's also one of my favorite so sing along with and party down to. I absolutely love this number.
'Love Song For Myself' sounds almost like something Evil Cowards would do. It's got all the techno bells and whistles they're famous for and are sometimes featured heavily in other E6 songs. Here, it keeps the tempo but adds a techno twist that's highly enjoyable. It's followed by 'The Rubberband Man'. It's a cover of a track done by The Spinners and although the song is almost note for note a direct cover of the original, Electric Six make it more interesting, more fun and more entertaining. Highly recommend listening to this track a few times. It's fun!
'Table And Chairs' is an interesting number but probably my least favorite on the album. I'm much more partial to the final track, 'Talking Turkey'. It's another strong track and one I absolutely love.
The final two internet tracks are 'I Can Translate' and 'Typical Sagittarius'. This song has a strong Tait Nucleus influence and it sorta describes the direction the album was supposed to go. It's very techno and seems to be another Evil Cowards outtake. You can still find it online on youtube.
Ultimately, Zodiac is another masterpiece disc from E6 and is quite enjoyable from start to finish. My final words: ALL SIGNS POINT TO ZODIAC BEING IN YOUR HOUSE TONIGHT! BUY IT NOW!
ELECTRIC SIX - ZODIAC
01. After Hours
02. American Cheese
03. Clusterfuck!
04. Countdown To The Countdown
05. Doom And Gloom And Doom And Gloom
06. Jam It In The Hole
07. I Am A Song!
08. It Ain't Punk Rock
09. Love Song For Myself
10. The Rubberband Man
11. Table And Chairs
12. Talking Turkey
INTERNET ONLY TRACKS
13. I Can Translate
14. Typical Sagittarius
This is gonna be a weird entry. For a number of reasons. Dick Valentine is the lead singer of Electric Six among other projects... He's the singer of Evil Cowards and provides vocals for other groups as well. Depending on who you talk to, "Halloween Fingers" is either the 2nd or the 3rd solo album he's released. "Smog Cutter Love Story" by The Dirty Shame is considered by most fans to be the first solo album. Which would make "Halloween Fingers" the third, but thematically, musically and based on the name, it's his second. The first being "Destroy The Children".
I've had both of these albums in digital form for awhile now and I've lived with them for some time. But as of last night, I finally own physical copies. Before I get into the music, I need to stretch out the definition of my blog and what I normally write about. I need to explain something.
I think last year could be the worst year of my life. There's a natural and reasonable separation between celebrity/musicians and their fans. It's a boundary I've always respected and although I've been imposing to get where I want to be in the past, I feel I do so at appropriate times. I wouldn't approach or bother someone during their private downtime. But I see nothing wrong with chatting up a band before or after a concert. That is the acceptable time to interact with these people.
But there is an emotional connection fans form with musicians. Although you don't have contact with someone in a band on a day to day basis, if you listen to their music regularly, they become a familiar voice in your life. Whether you realize it or not, that familiarity creates a degree of trust. It's why we have emotional connections to our favorite music. Still, a rational mind can separate that from reality, while obsessive fans cannot.
I had a moment last night, while talking with Dick Valentine... It was awkward because it was a personal moment. In a very dark and lonely moment last year, when the world seemed overwhelmingly sad, I reached out.
I reached out to a voice I trusted and met compassion.
I really needed to thank him for that. And it was awkward as hell. But I meant it sincerely. Thank you.
So the first thing that strikes me when listening to "Halloween Fingers" is how much is resembles an Irish Jig. And I mean that in the nicest possible way! It's actually wonderful. There's a whirling dervish spin happening in the tempo of the disc that's both fun and completely unexpected.
One of the things I love most in artists is the ability to incorporate various sounds and styles. Just when you think you have a handle on the sound of Electric Six; Disco, Punk, Rock, Folk, Pop, New Wave, Metal, Techno, Alt. Country, Industrial; they release something that moves into new areas entirely.
Dick Valentine does that again here. Comprised of 13 acoustic tracks, the disc can seem like a short listen, but the songs are packed with Valentine's signature lyrics. Complex, tongue 'n' cheek and deeply insightful. 'Halloween Fingers' the title track starts off at a jolly pace and pictures of Riverdance Dancers spritely leaping across a stage dressed as witches while confetti fall all around you like glittering stars flopping down from the rafters. 'Omaha Steaks' follows it up with a more somber sound and an interesting violin motif. I love the line, "Beautiful girls turn into beautiful ghosts". 'Dry County' is the first track to feature drums and a fuller band arrangement. Aside from the violin, Valentine plays all the instruments on this disc. 'Dry County' is an enjoyable number and could potentially create a following completely separate from his traditional E6 listeners.
'Totally Unqualified' returns to the twirling guitar strumming you expect to hear on an acoustic CD. The surprise in this song shows up in the clever lyrics. There are some interesting lines in this song and they're quite fun. Disturbing, but fun. 'Litterbug' enjoys a musical harmony between the guitar and violin and is followed by one of my favorite tracks on the disc, 'We Will Leave You In Toronto'. This track has a straining quality adding tension to the musical arrangement. Dick sings the song in a unhurried way, but he uses the music to punctuate the storyline and add depth to the narrative. It's very effective and haunting. 'Loss Of Life' features an incredible bridge three quarters of the way through with a live segment similar to what he does in E6 concerts. I also love the shouting on the track.
'I Want To Eat A Complete Stranger' is a metaphorical number recalling the Irish folk sound of 'Halloween Fingers'. It's another track I really love. Very fun and easy to sing along with. 'I'm Going Back To Sleep' is a song I can see a lot of modern bands covering. It's sheer enjoyment from start to finish. 'Lend Me Some Of Your Ammunition' is the shortest track on the disc and features a verse, chorus and a fading bridge. It seems more like a song idea than a fully fledged song. It's something I'd expect to hear on "Sexy Trash" rather than this solo album.
'Gimme Five' is a great song and features some of the best lyrics Valentine's written in years! Absolutely brilliant. 'Ever Since I Never Saw You' jumps out at you from the speakers and oddly enough feels like a road map for dysfunctional relationships. He describes his "fans/lovers" as monsters that keep coming back, but who "Can't escape his love". 'Running Out Of Potato' rounds out the disc and is another fun and frantic number. You end your listening experience on a high note and let's be frank, there's nothing wrong with that... Ever.
I think you have a certain expectation when you buy an album from a musician and it's announced or known to be an acoustic record. Especially if the artist isn't famous for their acoustic work. Most of these albums are embraced by the hardcore fans, though seldom if ever trumpeted as defining additions to a musical body of work. They can be predictable in the sense that an artist can limit themselves by committing to an acoustic sound. However, that doesn't happen here. Dick Valentine is a man who knows his strengths. Granted, he's learned them over time through trial and error, but this disc shows the man playing to his strengths and using his talent to redefine what can or can't be done with an acoustic disc.
There are at least 5 songs on this disc I would hold up as comparable to the best songs of E6, Evil Cowards, White Gold... etc, etc... Despite the short length of the songs, this is one disc worth owning. Even if Electric Six isn't your cup of tea, this one might be. My final words: RUN, DON'T WALK, DON'T EVEN PASS GO - HEAD ON DOWN TO THE NEXT E6 SHOW - AT THE MERCH TABLE YOU SHELL OUT YOUR DOUGH - OR GET HALLOWEEN FINGERS ON DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - OO WE OO WE OO!
DICK VALENTINE - HALLOWEEN FINGERS
01. Halloween Fingers
02. Omaha Steaks
03. Dry County
04. Totally Unqualified
05. Litterbug
06. We Will Leave You In Toronto
07. Loss Of Life
08. I Want To Eat A Complete Stranger
09. I'm Going Back To Sleep
10. Lend Me Some Of Your Ammunition
11. Gimme Five
12. Ever Since I Never Saw You
13. Running Out Of Potato
The Dirty Shame is a solo performance featuring Tyler Spencer (AKA Dick Valentine) of Electric Six. I'm not sure I totally understand the entire concept of this record. Or even why it was made at all. Considering what a huge E6 fan I am, it's hard to look at this record objectively. Truth be told, if it wasn't for the music he was doing with E6, I wouldn't even bother with this record. At first listen, there's nothing to really pull you into it. Maybe there's a better way to discuss it...
Here's what's missing: The infectious hooks of E6 material. It's also lacking the funky cross genre adventurism of subsequent Tyler Spencer material. The music is rather straight forward rock. Guitars, drums... Very little effects or synth layering happening here. The dynamic vocal delivery of the Dick Valentine personae is also missing. With one exception, "Vengeance And Fashion" features some bravado, but far less than the E6 version from 'Fire'. The tempo is also more reserved than the majority of E6 material.
Here's what's included: The brilliant lyrics by Spencer are present and accounted for. Though he plays heavily on cliche at times, Spencer seems to brush past the obvious and say something new and unique every time. He develops original ideas and tackles some strange subjects while he's at it. This record is no exception. Take the odd strained narrative of "The International Sign For Radiation"... He leaves as much to the imagination as he reveals. Starting by describing the death of his young mother to the abuse suffered during his father's "nightly" visits. You're not quite sure exactly what he's saying to you. Or maybe you're just hoping you don't understand it. Either way, it's quite brilliant.
I actually found this rare gem of a CD at an Electric Six concert and picked it up for a paltry $10 (paltry when you consider what I've seen it selling for on Ebay). I've been curious to discover what Tyler's side material was like. I must say, of the two projects I know, I prefer Evil Cowards to The Dirty Shame. But I wouldn't consider my E6 collection complete without this odd record filling out the edges.
As I mentioned, I wouldn't have picked this disc up if it wasn't for the Electric Six. The material, although interesting and lyrically compelling isn't enough to make it stand out in my mind. It's more of a collection of demos I could see E6 making more aggressive through better arrangements. My final words: COMPLETE COLLECTION MATERIAL!
THE DIRTY SHAME - SMOG CUTTER LOVE STORY
01. The International Symbol For Radiation
02. Chinese Restaurant
03. Say Goodnight, Crazy Lady
04. Hospital Bed
05. Vengeance And Fashion
06. Commit No Crime
07. I Thought You Was Dead
08. My Love Is A Knife
09. Surgery
10. Turn Your Parents Against Each Other
11. Who's Gonna Suffer All Your Industrial Accidents?
