RevSpike

Gramma Betty's Midnite Madness

Date Released: 11/4/2008   Tracks: 20   Sales: 16   Listens: 22

A sound delight. A surprise at every track. The way rock n roll was meant to be. On-the-edge-of-your-seat super-God goodness. The Banana Splits on Acid. Old sounds revisited; polished up and twisted around. An adventure in fall-on-your-ass good times. An album you'll be sure to turn your friends onto.

WTFWJD?

Date Released: 11/5/2008   Tracks: 14   Sales: 8   Listens: 6

Yeah, we're drinking six-packs of that whoop-ass stuff that you opened up on us. Feedin' it to our babies too.

Kentucky-Fried Pigeon

Date Released: 11/7/2008   Tracks: 6   Sales: 0   Listens: 0

How can you go wrong with THIS completely improvised "secret recipe"? A snack-size sneak-peak of a few tracks from their upcoming full-length CD.

The Wheat Album

Date Released: 11/8/2008   Tracks: 20   Sales: 3   Listens: 4

Despite the album's official title, emphasizing group identity, efforts on "The Wheat Beatles" harvested the work of four increasingly individualized artists who frequently found themselves at odds. The band's work pattern changed dramatically with this project, and by most accounts the extraordinary synergy of The Wheat Beatles' previous studio sessions was harder to come by during this period. Sometimes Pablo would record in one studio for prolonged periods of time, Juan recording in another.

Snurdgin' to the Oldies - Volume Two

Date Released: 11/9/2008   Tracks: 19   Sales: 10   Listens: 9

A bizzarre album from the Vomitry vaults.

C'acappella

Date Released: 11/17/2008   Tracks: 15   Sales: 5   Listens: 4

Dick has finally come through with a big winner of an album. Shafting the standard rock format, this five-member group lets it all hang out in their first all-vocal album. You're in for a surprise as these gentlemen release all their pent-up emotion, letting loose all their primal urges. Those who know how good DICK is will swallow this album to the hilt. With these five voices going strong, CA'CAPELLA satisfies your aural-fixation.

Under Here...

Date Released: 12/6/2008   Tracks: 6   Sales: 1   Listens: 2

The six-song EP "soundtrack" which will accompany the launch of the "Secret Briefs" underwear catalog. The industry buzz is that these new "adventurous" styles are "so cool you'll wear them outside your regular clothing".

Ocifer Pecker's Only Farts Club Flam

Date Released: 12/6/2008   Tracks: 13   Sales: 11   Listens: 11

(Un-cool before it was) Cool to be Un-Cool

Date Released: 3/15/2009   Tracks: 14   Sales: 3   Listens: 3

(2009 The Record Company) 17th studio album by the self-professed "Mayor of Dorkadelia", Creepy isn't afraid to pull any punches on this one, and seems finally content (no, "cozy") with the fact that his audience appreciates a strong/vulnerable artist, who is brave/naive enough to revel in seemingly ALL of his facets - at least the ones that connect. Never ceasing to redefine himself and his music and showing us that often for many of us, that what is cool isn't necessarily what's popular.

CHAWMPIN

Date Released: 4/5/2009   Tracks: 20   Sales: 3   Listens: 4

The sophomore release by this side-project of FUSTERCLUCK is full of unique, experimental styles that defy simple explanation. "CHAWMPIN'" harvests solo Dusty Souffle and Friski Bouffet tracks languishing in the vault that wouldn't otherwise be heard. There is definitely something for everyone to chawp on here; though this healthy spread isn't for the timid. Styles range all the way from rip-roarin' house-smashin' hootin' and a hollerin' to quiet, cloudy finch dreams.

"Hey, Lady! Ya Dropped Yer Kid!" Soundtrack

Date Released: 4/12/2009   Tracks: 19   Sales: 14   Listens: 20

(2009 The Record Company) FUSTERCLUCK'S latest offering is the soundtrack to the motion picture inspired by the breakfast cereal of the same name. Typically a popular movies inspire movie-branded items; t-shirts, toys, etc., and in some cases, breakfast cereals. FUSTERCLUCK doesn't endorse this crass commercialism so they came out with the breakfast cereal first, and once it became a hit, the movie was written and filmed. So fill up a huge bowl and start munching!

The Devil Made Me Duet

Date Released: 4/15/2009   Tracks: 18   Sales: 5   Listens: 6

(2009 The Record Company) Remastered 3rd studio album by the leading force behind New York's "THE GHOULS", originally released in 1988. Fans were hungry for a real Ghouls reunion, but instead had to wade through an album dripping with the overuse of limp late 80s synths backing uninspired duets by a few well-known and some lesser known musical celebs to get to one track featuring former GHOUL bassist SCRAWNY on kazoo, and with former GHOUL rhythm guitarist SCREAMY singing "do-do" backing vox.

SCHLUBLAND

Date Released: 4/16/2009   Tracks: 15   Sales: 2   Listens: 6

(2009 The Record Company) With all instrumentation credited to "the Schlubtones", and songwriting credit going to Solomon Schlubinski (except three tracks co-written with "Timmy the Magic Flu"), WONDERSCHLUB is a virtual "one-man-band". He is said to compose only while on the john and even uses the bathroom to record all his vocals because of its "natural acoustics". (Some of the emotional grunts and groans heard throughout certainly seem like an indication of authenticity.)

Inspiration Blvd.

Date Released: 9/12/2009   Tracks: 14   Sales: 3   Listens: 5

(2009 - The Record Company) A refreshingly simple and stark album by a sensitive, maturing wise-ass of the best kind. On Creepy's latest outing he kicks about universal ideas of love, life, death, marriage, church, family, tradition and with hook-laden, weird and beautiful pop gems. Before you know it you're examining everything you thought you believed in. All those things you realize you got wrong all these years? He doesn't make you feel bad for having just done your best.

Nu-Direction

Date Released: 9/12/2009   Tracks: 13   Sales: 4   Listens: 5

(2009 The Record Company) Dick's Nu-Direction is definitely UP, with a slight twist! The boys take time for a mellow album of great tunes that set the mood, from lazy-daisy love poems to down n out fuzz rock, all with a modern "new wave" twist. The Johnson brothers are back and now thwy have ample room to show off their NU-DIRECTIONs with the hip, hot, happening new, now sounds of today (and yesterday). So, lie back, sit back or just STAND BACK and take it all in! DICK is in the groove!

The Bastard in Space (single)

Date Released: 9/12/2009   Tracks: 6   Sales: 17   Listens: 24

(229 The Record Company) The surprise hit from the soundtrack album of the movie inspired by the unlikely named breakfast cereal "Hey, Lady! Ya Dropped Yer Kid!". This EP features various versions of "The Bastard in Space" including the long-awaiting long-playing dance mix, as well as one with the vocals completely removed and replaced with cows mooing. The early renaissance version of "Let's Snurdge Again" is a nice addition, as well.

Hope for the Future

Date Released: 12/21/2009   Tracks: 15   Sales: 4   Listens: 5

(2009 - The Record Company) Just in time for the Hollandaise, Creepy releases his 19th studio album, a collection of unused tracks and unfinished ideas from the past year that surprisingly make such a refreshing, solid, consistent and cohesive album experience that is better, by far, than most albums conceived together for a single project. Though there are the more "experimental" tunes, as expected, this album also contains some inspired and varied topics and styles. Exhilerating!

toke

Date Released: 12/23/2009   Tracks: 13   Sales: 13   Listens: 19

"toke" by Smug Fungus (2009 OEdible Media) Two "middle-aged monsters" backed by their own sons. The singing and songwriting by Bill Michaels and Mike Williams are strong on this unexpected debut album. Suprisingly strong and insightful. The tunes inside are tasty, varied and filling. But suddenly this album comes on like a stealth jalapeño. It's suddenly a burning hell, but you want more; it's worth it. Cover painting by Ralf Schulze / Aardvark Farms Studios.

In-A-Danna-Da-Vido

Date Released: 12/24/2009   Tracks: 6   Sales: 6   Listens: 8

Byon Udderfly lets fly with a most sensational audio blast which includes the 17-minute "In-A-Danna-Da-Vido" (including a tribal bum solo); an excerpt from the original 17-hour version; a sincere h'ommage to one of the greatest actors of our time. Byron makes it clear with this album that

Furniture of Erotic Tendencies

Date Released: 12/27/2009   Tracks: 14   Sales: 3   Listens: 4

(2009 Gato Records) The Frozen Cement Explosion has done it again. Although this is their 4th official release, (after an EP and a collection of solo works) it is their 2nd long-player which was designed as such. Hard at work in the Swiss Alps they labored with new instruments (even creating some of their own) and new song styles to release this more thought-provoking effort. From the cover art to the last notes of the last track, the FCE proves they are worth sinking your teeth into.

Ratzass

Date Released: 1/2/2010   Tracks: 13   Sales: 6   Listens: 9

(2010 Oedible Media) FUSTERCLUCK is at it again with big steaming piles of New Wave, Country, Disco, Punk and Polka on this sizzlin' new platter.

Happiness Machine

Date Released: 1/2/2010   Tracks: 14   Sales: 6   Listens: 8

by SLOBBER MOLECULE (2010 OEdible Media) What a great example of happiness this is. SLOBBER MOLECULE indeed puts it's foot down the throat and out the ass of prog rock. Former ELUCELOM REBELS frontman LINCOLN RAREDD coined the term "GORP CORE" to help exemplify his kind of music; "regressive rock", NOT "progressive rock". With his debut album "HAPPINESS MACHINE" with his new band "SLOBBER MOLECULE", LINCOLN proves once and for all that kick-ass music CAN make you smile AND laugh!

It's Not Going To Eat Itself

Date Released: 1/2/2010   Tracks: 12   Sales: 7   Listens: 7

by HORST OEUVRE AND THE HORS D'OEUVRES (2010 OEdible Media) Debut album from former OEUVRE frontman HORST goes retro on us in his particular German way. These Hors D'oeuvres could be the main course!

Horse Doovers

Date Released: 1/3/2010   Tracks: 6   Sales: 4   Listens: 3

by HORST OEUVRE & THE HORS D'OEUVRES (2010 OEdible Media) The first single from their debut album "IT'S NOT GOING TO EAT ITSELF" features the A-side hit: "(Attack of the) HORSE DOOVERS" alongside 2 extras; two cover-tunes performed the only way HORST and the gang know how! The B-side is the surprisingly poignant "ENCRUSTED WITH JOY" alongside the short "STAIRWAY TO OEUVRELAND" featuring the Vienna Sausage Choir, and no less than a schnazzy dance mix of "REVOLUTION NEIN".

Shake Your Beard! (...No, Not Now!)

Date Released: 1/7/2010   Tracks: 14   Sales: 5   Listens: 6

the Ammonites (2010 GATO Records) 1st album. The things these two can do with food is amazing! I never knew how truly comfortable I'd be, sitting, eating at the dinner table, with BOTH MY FEET ON THE TABLE! For THIS is the way The AMMONITES eat! Revelling in the moment with pure, unapologetic ZEAL! And THAT is exactly how YOU should nourish your soul by digesting this ear-watering smorgasbord of an album, with BOTH FEET ON THE STEREO! The Ammonites are from Ammonia.

AMMONITES CONCERT TOUR POSTER

Date Released: 1/7/2010   Tracks: 19   Sales: 4   Listens: 2

To promote the relase of their new album "SHAKE YOUR BEARD! (...NO, NOT NOW!)" the AMMONITES special concert tour with special guest HORST OEUVRE and the HORS D'OEUVRES. LIVE at the MUDFLAP VISTA STREET FAIR. Concertgoers were prohibited from wearing shoes of any kind as a strictly enforced "NO SHOES ALLOWED" policy was mandated. Below is the set list. Performances by HORST OEUVRE are followed by a '*'.

Journey to the Land of The Strum Pets

Date Released: 1/9/2010   Tracks: 14   Sales: 5   Listens: 5

THE STRUM PETS (2010 BRAT FOOD) This debut release is the companion "soundtrack album" to the video series of the same name. The album is filled with delightful stories and songs as they meander around the mythical "Land of the Strum Pets" where they encounter many other odd and fascinating combinations of amazing animals and fascinating musical instruments! A journey you'll want to take again and again!

Keep on Pluckin'!

Date Released: 1/10/2010   Tracks: 13   Sales: 3   Listens: 2

The surprise break-out hit duo as seen and heard on "THE STRUM PETS", it's "THE PLUCK BUDDIES", here to steal your hearts! This duo really teaches us all about our differences and how we can all get along by looking at what we have in common. These two natural born enemies sing and play together so easily that it's truly an inspiration! (Now go sniff a dryer sheet!)

Holy Butt Trumpets! It's...

Date Released: 1/11/2010   Tracks: 13   Sales: 3   Listens: 3

THE BLOW BUNCH (2010 BRAT FOOD)If you thought the STRUM PETS were hard to believe, and the PLUCK BUDDIES were even HARDER to believe - well you aint HEARD nuthin' yet til you've heard the BLOW BUNCH! Man, can these cats wail! A great introduction for children, to show not only the amazing wonders of the animal kingdom, but also how a sax, bagpipes and tuba can sound AWESOME together!

Tragic Christmas Music

Date Released: 1/12/2010   Tracks: 13   Sales: 6   Listens: 8

Debut album by BAGFINDER from Wansea, Shouth Sales. The first cut was penned by Pablo McJuarez of the Wheat-Beatles and is featured as the theme song to the new film "THE TRAGIC CHRISTMAS" (neither is about the holiday, the title is the name of a dog.) Other than this opening track, all numbers were written by all four members of the band. Producer by Vinny Tosconti

Go & Get It b/w Rock of Ages Strictly Under 25

Date Released: 1/13/2010   Tracks: 2   Sales: 6   Listens: 5

(single) by BAGFINDER (2010 COCONUT) The first single from the smash motion picture "THE TRAGIC CHRISTIMAS" (starring Pete Ursellers and Gringo Astaire), is by the first band signed to The Wheat-Beatles COCONUT RECORDS and was written and produced by Wheat-Beatle Pablo McJuarez. One distinct feature is the sudden, unexpected stop in the song. The B-side is also featured in the movie. Both songs appear on their debut album; "TRAGIC CHRISTMAS MUSIC".

War Hole (ep)

Date Released: 1/15/2010   Tracks: 6   Sales: 6   Listens: 4

(2010 OEdible Records) Abscess makes the heart groan fonder! This six-song ep, shows a new, abstract side, highlighted by the title track, (the song fans have been asking for) finds the smug brothers scouring the backs of the fridge for leftovers, um - I mean mining the audio vaults for lost treasures! Consider this the new single with four bonus tracks! This will do just fine until the next full-length album, "HEFT" is finally released in late January.

X-Ray Giggle Dress (EP)

Date Released: 1/17/2010   Tracks: 6   Sales: 5   Listens: 6

by Creepy (The Record Company) The first single from Creepy's as-yet-unnamed forthcoming album. The new song is an articulate and clever homage to abstract painter Don VanVliet, formerly known as musician Capt. Beefheart. Also includes karaoke version, and four alternate tracks from "Inspiration Ave." including two that could not be released prior, due to label conflicts with the guest artists involved; Elvo Costellis and Gabe Petriel, but at last they'll be heard now.

naturalphenomena

Date Released: 1/17/2010   Tracks: 12   Sales: 4   Listens: 7

Ned Bones and The Knows (2010 THE RECORD COMPANY) Ned and his bandmates take their collective musical abilities and put them to good use once again in this great reunion album. All three members have not played together in 22 years. Fans of their previous records will be glad to know that they have aged like fine wine, and are as welcome as a pair of familiar, comfortable old shoes. With this album, it's great to hear them creatively pulling the best out of each other.

MOREBURGER

Date Released: 1/17/2010   Tracks: 14   Sales: 2   Listens: 2

by WONDERSCHLUB (The Record Company) What could possibly be more satisfying than Wonderschlub's debut album; "SCHLUBLAND"? Why THIS meaty platter of course! Dubbed "MOREBURGER" after an epic jam (included) ol' Sol and friends really get cookin' with this delectable assortment of food-related songs. Don't know if you will think of these songs whenever you're having your next barbecue, or if playing this LP will make you eat more meat! Either way, it's one filling album!

SOUND HOLE (That's Where the Music Comes From)

Date Released: 1/19/2010   Tracks: 6   Sales: 4   Listens: 4

by THE STRUM PETS (2010 BRAT FOOD) The smash single from their debut album; "Journey to the Land of the Strum Pets". If I had children, this would be the wholesome goodness I would be feedin' them, by golly! A nice, safe, fun TV show like this! How can you resist such cute and talented characters! Educational, too! I wish they had this show on tv when I was a kid.

HEFT

Date Released: 1/22/2010   Tracks: 19   Sales: 6   Listens: 9

(OEdible Media) On their 2nd lp, "HEFT", Smug Fungus lays it down thick and chunky; they put the "rock" back in Rock N Roll, the "poke" back in Polka, and they even put something back in Country. Also - listen for the Neil HEFTi-penned "Batman Theme" solo! This far-reaching album is dripping with integrity and enthusiasm and is sure to win over some new converts. Cover collage by Ralf Schulze of Aardvark Farm Studio and color-tweaked by rEV. sPIKE bEASLEY of Arnie Grafix.

I AM NOT A GUITAR! (Though I Play One on TV)

Date Released: 2/4/2010   Tracks: 20   Sales: 5   Listens: 5

by CREEPY (THE RECORD COMPANY) CREEPY goes retro on this wild double-disc set! Creepy covers the spectrum of 50s-60s-70s-80s popular song styles, with tongue firmly planted in his cheek. This psychedelic-heavy tunestack is spiced with be-bop, doo-wop, folk, surf, pop, classic funk, hippy-soul AND a great split-personality title track, which switches from prog rock to gorp core. Recorded on vintage 4-track analog recording tape with the usual cohorts. (Includes MP3 codes!)

#2? F-U!

Date Released: 2/6/2010   Tracks: 12   Sales: 4   Listens: 4

by HORST OEUVRE & THE HORS D'OEUVRES (GATO Records) HORST has made a stunning sophomore album with the oddly-titled; "#2? F-U!". It seems that after a bad turn on the National Autumn Street Fair Tour, playing second-banana to AMMONITES, HORST and the D'OEVRES manage to translate all that pent-up resentment into an abstract of severely-disturbed, aural fixations born of rage and forced submission to the small-minded, proverbial "man" who we all love to stick it to so well.

Scrawl

Date Released: 2/8/2010   Tracks: 15   Sales: 1   Listens: 1

by SLOBBER MOLECULE (OEdible Media) The follow-up to the debut release; "HAPPINESS MACHINE", SLOBBER MOLECULE is back in full-force with this stunning new collection. With it's name tribute to the gritty streets that lead singer LINCOLN RAREDD grew up on; a desperate cry for expression among the clamor and excess. Surprisingly, SCRAWL relies heavily on songwriting collaborations between LINCOLN and lead guitarist ANDY SCHULMONGER, which we only glimpsed on the debut album.

Ms. Tigly

Date Released: 2/9/2010   Tracks: 14   Sales: 5   Listens: 5

by MS. TIGLY (GATO RECORDS) On her self-titled debut release; MS.TIGLY, displays a mastery of much of the power-pop genre, and the emotion to go with it. Some may be surprised to know that she is responsible for writing songs featured on the successful children's television show; the bizzarre and hilarious "JOURNEY TO THE LAND OF THE STRUM PETS" which catapulted her to fame with now-familiar songs such as "STRUMMIN' MY WAY (RIGHT INTO YOUR HEART)". Dedicated to MS. TAZZI

Right Here, By Your Side (single)

Date Released: 2/12/2010   Tracks: 6   Sales: 2   Listens: 2

(single) by MS. TIGLY (GATO RECORDS) The surprising pop hit* single by a cat! This 6-song EP features five additional variations of songs from the her self-titled debut album. (*Sales of this single have not been officially recognized, as most sales are due, apparently, from being given away as a promo item when buying a 10-lb bag of Krappy-Kat Cat Litter.)

Peace-Off! (single)

Date Released: 3/4/2010   Tracks: 6   Sales: 3   Listens: 4

(single) by CREEPY (THE RECORD COMPANY) The surprise smash, peace/protest song; "PEACE-OFF!", coupled with it's congestively infectious "BIMBO ALERT!!!" whose lyrics taunt us morning, noon and night with it's incessant catch-phrase; "Why is it that only bad songs get stuck in my head?", like a rusty hypodermic needle. When will it end? CREEPY fans will be glad to know that these other four bonus tracks are the cream of the crop of the heretofore-unheard CREEPY cacophony!

Clown Farm

Date Released: 4/29/2010   Tracks: 20   Sales: 1   Listens: 1

by SPACKLES (BRAT FOOD Records) The first BRAT FOOD RECORDS release in amazing "Surround-Clown-Sound". SPACKLES debut release finds him in the center ring on this delightful and unique children's album. Accompanied by the best musical talents from within the talented and under-recognized clown community including the fabulous Coconuts, a family of three, reunited to contribute to this classic collection of circus-related musical entertainment for the whole family!

Nice 'Do

Date Released: 8/4/2010   Tracks: 17   Sales: 4   Listens: 7

This sophomore album by Coconut Records' own BAGFINDER find this foursome in fine shape, solidifying the sound only hinted at in their first album. The first single from the album (the oddly named "Gnome... Adder... What?!" has skyrocketed the band up the charts, with it's surprisingly wimpy riff being hailed as a ground-breaker. Matt, Tim, Moe and Kim can rock, swoon, and even do a little country. A "Nice 'Do", indeed! Producer by Vinny Tosconti Cover Photo by Aardvark

POOT

Date Released: 4/22/2011   Tracks: 14   Sales: 8   Listens: 10

"POOT" by Smug Fungus (2011) OEdible Media) Those "middle-aged monsters" are back, but this time, without their sons! Bill and Mike have emerged from their cocoon to release "POOT"; their third album of all original material. At first, the title and cover art may seem off-putting, but it's just an indicator that these two old fogies have tapped into the psyches of their much younger selves. Cover painting by Ralf Schulze / Aardvark Farms Studios. (Special thanks to the FB bunch!)

My Big Spoon b/w Who Made The Doggie! (single)

Date Released: 4/23/2011   Tracks: 4   Sales: 7   Listens: 9

The Ammonites (2011 GATO Records) Single from the upcoming (as yet unnamed) LIVE album. The ugly one was quoted recently as saying "Crowd response to Big Spoon is like they hungry. Big hungry must have big spoon, to make tasty big big bigger! Yes!" The other ugly one was recently quoted as saying "BUUURP!!!" and then putting a speaker down the front of his pants as he loudly blasted the b-side "Who Made The Doggie!", a six-minute epic in the live performance captured here.

Solo Duets

Date Released: 4/24/2011   Tracks: 6   Sales: 8   Listens: 7

by HORST OEUVRE & THE HORS D'OEUVRES (2011 GATO Records) This bizarre concept EP brings Horst back into the limelight with famous duets that he sings with, well... himself. Using the now standard multi-tracking pioneered by people like Buddy Holly, The Beatles and countless others since, Horst sings both parts to these half-dozen classics in his own unique, Gothabilly style. Looks like he is continuing to do things his own way.

The Strum Pets In Outer Space

Date Released: 4/25/2011   Tracks: 15   Sales: 7   Listens: 8

THE STRUM PETS IN OUTER SPACE (2011 BRAT FOOD) THEY'RE BACK! And no sooner are the off in the cosmos! That wild n wacky duo have been up to some pretty big things since we last heard from them! Their sophomore effort is chock-full of celestial surprises of the strangest kind as they venture off into the far reaches of the universe! Who knows what wild and wooly creatures they will meet? Count down and blast off with Grady the Guitar-Pug and Eunice the Ukelele-Cat - IN OUTER-SPACE!

Waiting for Gagamo

Date Released: 4/26/2011   Tracks: 19   Sales: 3   Listens: 6

by CREEPY (2011 THE RECORD COMPANY) Those expecting CREEPY'S catchy hooks may be taken aback upon first listening to these sonic excursions, as only a vague "after-taste" remains. But those same enigmatic wisps may be sign-posts; points-of-reference, enticing you to explore deeper into the curious inner crevices that may finally reveal the true meaning of waiting for the nebulous "Gagamo". Only time will tell if this is CREEPY'S masterpiece or if he has truly just gone off the deep end.

Protuberances

Date Released: 4/27/2011   Tracks: 16   Sales: 8   Listens: 11

by FUSTERCLUCK (2011 The Record Company) These amazing new recordings showcase startling combinations of instruments playing together that should NEVER be played together. Every wondered what a saxophone would sound like alongside a sitar? Bagpipes and banjo? Kazoo and harp? Now you need wonder no longer! Protuberances is presented here in a limited-edition vinyl pressing which includes links to digital tracks.

Ammonites LIVE (double album)

Date Released: 4/27/2011   Tracks: 20   Sales: 3   Listens: 3

The Ammonites (2011 GATO Records) This double-album contains all the songs The Ammonites performed at the Mudflap Vista Street Fair performance on Halloween 2020, including extended versions of songs from their debut album "Shake Your Beard (...No, Not Now!)", as well as others. It also opens with a half dozen additional tracks, played during their warm-up, including a playful improv, mocking their opening act; Horst Oeuvre, who joins them on "Carbonation Release Party".

Cosmic Sonar

Date Released: 12/6/2011   Tracks: 3   Sales: 14   Listens: 22

by SPACEWHALE (Ham Records 1974) Everyone's already heard SPACEWHALE's weird and wild cover version of The Monkees' "Porpoise Song" on the radio. Here, on their debut album; "Cosmic Sonar", identical twin-brothers Hamish and Andy McFahrter have continued to perfect their own groundbreaking sound-recording technologies, whereby, an actual whale (named "Miki") was "mic'ed" as she "sang along", with her own vocal sounds. The back cover explains in touching detail, how they first discovered the whale could actually understand music, and how she "crashed" the band. During rehearsal breaks at their nearby rehearsal space, the brothers would experiment by playing original Monkees' version of the "Porpoise Song" single through their amplifiers, set to repeat on the turntable. Eventually they were surprised to learn that "Miki" was making very much the same melodies as the porpoises were making as heard on the record. This new, personal understanding of how we communicate across species, so moved the brothers and their bandmates that they decided to make at least this one album. It was cosmic; they had to, they had a bigger message to share than the rest of the typical commercial hippie music that surrounded them. Throughout the album, there are many times when Miki takes off into her own improvised "jazz solo excursions", but there are times when she sounds in perfect beat, or adds beautiful unexpected undertones to the sonic painting of her other-specied bandmates; she FEELS the music, and now she is on record, for posterity... The rest of the album is two long tracks, in the form of a very pleasant, yet revealing prog rock excursion into the unknown regions of the underwater / outer-space connection, played with ease and fervor, with Miki's transitory expressions surprising, yet subtle.