1,000 Umbrellas Open to Spoil the View: XTC’s English Legacy

By James Thurston Davis

I first encountered XTC around 1982, probably their English Settlement album, probably in my friend Marc’s tiny bedroom with the Roger Dean posters on the wall and the cedar chest stuffed with vinyl. I like to think the first thing I remember about that album was Andy Partridge’s snarling vocals on “No Thugs in Our House,” or the aural explosion of “Jason and the Argonauts,” but what really struck me immediately was the overwhelming sense of Englishness that came over me the moment the needle dropped on “Runaways.”
(more…)

The Orchard Sisters

“After Martha Orchard was found dead on Christmas Eve,
1974, and before it was demolished in 1975,
hundreds of curiousity-seekers visited the house.”
Newspaper clipping courtesy of tufcookie
(more…)

The Accidental Terrorist: Scary Songs Which Aren’t Meant To Be Scary

Idea by Matt Keeley
With contributions by. . .

In our last Halloween issue, we discussed morbid melodies and the music of the scares. But what of songs which horrify us accidentally? Some argue that songwriters who pair dark lyrics and bright melodies know exactly what they’re doing, but what about words and music which cause fright when they were only intended to delight?

For example, a few of our readers noted that “Mama” by Genesis was a bit squicky, but it’s unclear whether that creepiness was intentional or not. However, I think we can all assume that “Beep Beep” by The Playmates was probably not meant to panic small children, although it obviously has, judging on some of the replies we received.

Here are some examples of the various tunes that terrify. . .
(more…)

Sex and Smells and Rock and Roll

By James Thurston Davis

I had an extended affair with a member of the Lower Class Brats.
I used to hang out with a bunch of other punk acts. I liked ‘em smelly and skinny back then.
No drugs.
—Jaime M., Yelp, San Francisco

(more…)