I believe that if you happen to be a famous person — and good-looking famous person at that — it is worthwhile to reinvent your look every so often, if only to keep people from getting bored of looking at you. Take The Beatles as an excellent example; a band whose members’ personal styles and sense of fashion evolved wildly from album to album, just as their sound morphed from the Backstreet Boys to Radiohead. No wonder they continue to serve as such significant cultural touchstone. But what started me thinking along this path on a Sunday morning is this week’s Video Clip, “Ground Control” from the legendary NYC band, Boss Hog. For those not in-the-know, Boss Hog’s core members are husband and wife team Jon Spencer (of the eponymous Blues Explosion) and Cristina Martinez (ex-Pussy Galore). As you will see by this video, since we last saw them, Martinez has adopted a sort of Pris from Bladerunner persona, while Spencer is rocking a classic Andrew Eldrich look which, I  think you will agree, works for him. Bravo, you two.

Keeping things close to home, the video for “Ground Control” appears to have been shot on early-morning location at Coney Island, as you will see the band members pass by the How & Nosm mural at the Coney Art Walls as well as recognizing the unmistakable sky line of the Luna Park thrill rides. The complete desolation of the landscape works well for this modern, dystopian protest song, on which Martinez and Spencer share vocal duties in their own unique  styles. “Ground Control” does not disappoint as a minimalist, punk-blues aural assault, punctuated by with James Bond-soundtrack flourishes. Pretty awesome.

“Ground Control” can be found on Brood X, the band’s first album of new music in 17 years – wow! – which was released in March. Read a true New York Story about the last time I spotted Martinez and Spencer wandering anonymously on the Streets of NYC at This Link Right Here! Enjoy!

Boss Hog’s Cristina Martinez and Jon Spencer By Jeri Lampert