there are huge gaps in even my passing familiarity with pop culture (unusual upbringing, long story),
Was it, perchance, an unusual Brooklyn-based upbringing? Or does the name just tend to correlate with u.u.s?
On a different topic, I love the blurb for the new Mekons compilation at the Bloodshot Records site:
If you are a Mekons fan you know that your desire to have everything in their catalog inevitably draws you to this release. It will also free you up from carrying all that vinyl from filthy squatters camp to filthy squatters camp.
Like the man said, it's funny because it's true.
The blurb goes on to say
If you are not a fan of the Mekons, this is a good place to start. It's got something from every era of their long and storied career: from smart mouthed, ground zero punks to latter day flag bearers of career suicide and integrity.
which I am less certain about -- it's a little heavier on the difficult side of their ooovrah than I'd've gone, but it may yet replace my standard introductory mix tape, if only because the Mekons would see a few centavos from the purchase.
And, on the topic of "Hallelujah" and its covers, one of my coworkers said that Wainwright's cover made him "happy-sad," which is also exactly right. (And, if you like R. Wainwright, you must rush out and get Want Two, which is better than Want One was, and more varied, AND comes with a live concert DVD!)
Was it, perchance, an unusual Brooklyn-based upbringing? Or does the name just tend to correlate with u.u.s?
No, I actually grew up in Europe, although I've been living in Canada for ages now. Why, is there a Brooklyn-specific brand of unusual upbringing? Sounds intriguing.
As for my username, I think it was a completely random choice. It carries no particular associations or meaning for me, although apparently it does for others (u.u.s.??).
Re: The Mekons - I think the only song I've ever heard is "Ghosts of American Astronauts" and I'm not terribly keen on it. Is that one fairly representative of their style or are there other songs I might want to check out?
On a different topic, I love the blurb for the new Mekons compilation at the Bloodshot Records site:
I will be showing the Mekons video for "Memphis, Egypt" at the Quimby's event.
Re: The Mekons - I think the only song I've ever heard is "Ghosts of American Astronauts" and I'm not terribly keen on it. Is that one fairly representative of their style or are there other songs I might want to check out?
Fairly representative, though they are often more raucous. (rockist?)
Fairly representative, though they are often more raucous. (rockist?)
"More raucous" is usually a good thing in my book. Any specific recs?
Mekons Rock & Roll, Fear & Whiskey, The Edge of the World, and OOOH! are the 4-star albums in my book.
U.u. = unusual upbringing. I had a friend named Nara when I was a kid.
Raucous Mekons = Rock 'n Roll, the album, especially "Memphis, Egypt," and "Amnesia." I will say that I think "Ghosts" is a great song, but I am also a total Sally Timms stalkerfan.
Hec, do I need to see the Mekons video for reasons other than sheer fangirl completistness?
Mekons Rock & Roll, Fear & Whiskey, The Edge of the World, and OOOH! are the 4-star albums in my book.
checks Lost In The Grooves
My book too!
Actually, I also really like the album which features "Ghosts Of American Astronauts",
So Good It Hurts.
Hec, do I need to see the Mekons video for reasons other than sheer fangirl completistness?
As a total Sally Timms fangirl, you might want to see her go-go dancing.
Actually, I also really like the album which features "Ghosts Of American Astronauts", So Good It Hurts.
As do I! "(Sometimes I Feel Like) Fletcher Christian" was the song that hooked me on them for life.
I have seen Sally Timms do what my former friend Neil called the Sally Dance many times, but a full-scale go-go routine... hm!
Tina may be interested to know that Sally covers Ryan Adams's "The Fools We Are As Men" on The World of Him, her new and very unMekonsy (despite the covers of "Corporal Chalkie" and "Bomb") CD.
I have seen Sally Timms do what my former friend Neil called the Sally Dance many times, but a full-scale go-go routine... hm!
Well, it's not really a go-go routine. It is basically the Sally Dance being cut into the general mayhem of the video. Also, many shots of Jon's paunch.
