Cops - Demo (2012)

On the surface, Cops are a bunch of hardcore punks who enjoy Crossed Out and Suppression as much as the next guy and their band certainly reflects that. But scratch beneath the surface and it begins to show a much nastier side. Squelching little synths and electronics underpin the breakneck guitars and drums giving away a knowing nod to power electronics and noise. Maybe not really anything new in the world of power violence and grind but certainly integrated far better into the Cops sound than most. I have included both demo's in the link below. I don't know if they have anything else available, what little there is is well worth your time. I came across this on the always awesome Terminal Escape.

Cops - Demo I and II 

Heart - Little Queen (1977)

A stone cold classic of 70's folk influenced rock. The Wilson sisters where in the zone.

Heart - Little Queen

 

Bodycop - Demo (2010)

I have been debating over this one since before Christmas. Should I post it or not? Not down to any sort of loyalty to DIY or underground music ( it saw a very limited tape release) more down to the fact that it is pretty clear this is the work of hipsters. I love Swans as much as the next gay so a band that sound pretty much bang on as early Swans worship would be right up my street wouldn't it? Yes they would. Bodycop obviously love Swans but I just can't get away from that whiff of uber-cool exuding from this. I think its the video evidence here, the complete lack of any Internet presence and the ultimate cool sign, a limited release C90. Am I wrong? Please folk, help me out here, I want to like them. Download it below and make up your own mind.

 

Bodycop - Demo

Ike & Tina Turner - Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter (2002)

Keep this short. You really can't do justice with words to the quality, creative output of a violent, corrosive and sexy married couple like Ike & Tina. In the immensely slim chance I ever have kids, they are going to be named Ike and Tina I reckon.
This album is one of my favourites. A compilation of a ton of the rockin' 70's stuff the pair blasted out. A whole load of classics and covers. Seriously, this version of "Whole Lotta Love" is hands down the sexiest Zep ever sounded.

 

Ike & Tina Turner - Funkier Than A Mosquito's Tweeter

Soundgarden - Live at Brixton Academy (1997)

You shouldn't need much of an introduction to Soundgarden. 90's rock legends. If you do then your not welcome. Superunknown is on the stereo on a regular basis at Pony Trot Towers. Amongst the slew of live sets knocking around online, I have realised that Cornell seems to be lacking the ability to hit those high notes these days. While musically spot on his voice seems to have taken a beating doing James Bond themes and rapping some one else's songs. This is a sound desk recording from the last documented UK show before they disbanded in 1997. It was the Brixton Academy and the setlist is pretty solid ( despite omitting "The Day I Tried To live"). The crowd seem pretty into it and do in fact sing along louder than Cornell at points which does disguise his sometimes off key warbling. But hey, its Soundgarden. You can't and won't complain.

Soundgarden - Live Brixton Academy 97

Only thing its missing is this masterpiece....................

The Minutemen Duo/Watt and Hurley - Live at ATP (2003)

You like The Minutemen? Everyone should like them. If you don't know about them then get reading and hearing up on your history. They will enrich your life. Obviously the band ceased to exist after the tragic loss of D Boon back in 1985 but Mike Watt and George Hurley have got back together on a few select occasions. Just that wonderfully tight rhythm section laying it down. Here is a live recording from an All Tomorrows Parties show in LA back in 2003. They rip through 26 classic tracks.  For all these shows, Watt even set up a guitar and amp at the other side of the stage in memory of D Boon.

The Minutemen Duo - Live at ATP 2003

Canvas - Lost In Rock (2001)

Second Canvas post. First one below or here. This is the final release they put out in 2001 on Household Name. It was something that at the time, and even now, seems quite an odd release for that label. But what the hell.
Canvas pretty much stepped away from any hardcore affiliations with Lost In Rock. The style of riffs, the even more off-time drumming, the obvious post-punk influences and the even more left-field vocals. Somewhere between an Ozzy like howl before flipping into a high pitched shriek. The most notable influence (yet even only in a very weighty riff way) is Neurosis, but that is a very loose and obvious reference. Its a bit to difficult to describe this album fully, so a better way would be to list the instruments used, which can be found in the linear notes.

Electric guitars
Bass guitars
Acoustic guitars
Electro acoustic guitars
Drumkit
Voice
Analog synthesizer
Turntable
Effects unit
Drum machine
Samplers
Keyboards
Fisherprice Activity Centre
Dictaphone
Violin
Flute

Canvas - Lost In Rock

The band called it quits not to long after this. Since then they have all moved on with quite different musical careers. Members have been involved with Humanfly, Born From Pain, Hood, Tigers, Beecher, Tangaroa and quite a few more that I can't recall anytime soon.
To end. I loved Canvas. Still do. Certainly opened my young eyes to experimentation and progression within music. Godbless.