Tag Archives: Julian Cope

Video Clip of The Week: Vundabar, “Shuffle”

This week’s Video Clip, “Shuffle” by the Boston-based band Vundabar, sounds to me like an obscure indie rock song that you might have heard on an early ’80s college radio show playlist that included tracks by Pere Ubu, Bauhaus and Julian Cope. If you enjoyed that last sentence, by all means, read on.

The accompanying, and undeniably creepy, black-and-white video features a protagonist (antagonist?) wearing a mask that makes him look like Punch from the classic and uber violent Punch and Judy puppet shows. Punch walks the streets harassing people and  gazing almost incessantly into a handheld mirror.  When he runs into his significant other, she appears equally mirror-equipped and selfie-absorbed. We all know too many folks like this, amiright?  Later, Punch falls in love with his own reflection, and meets a violent end at the hands of a distracted motorist who can’t stop preening in his rear-view mirror. Art imitates life! Not surprisingly, the band offers that the video “deals with themes of interpersonal self infatuation.” No kidding! This is why I don’t have a smart phone. Shot by George Watts (Holler Productions) the video’s script was written by Vundabar’s own Brandon Hagen.

Vunderbar
Band members make cameo appearances in the video! Look for them! (Photo By Rider Doolittle)

“Shuffle” can be found on the band’s sophomore album, Gawk, recently  re-released (as of March 10th), in preparation for their third album, which will be released later in 2017. To end on another positive note, all Digital Sales of “Shuffle” will benefit Planned Parenthood. Spring Tour Dates are below. Enjoy!

Vundabar Tour Dates:
3/16 – Hamden, CT @ The Outer Space*
3/17 – Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong*
3/18 – Richmond, VA @strangematterrva*
3/19 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian w/ Jacuzzi Boys
3/30 – Providence, RI @ Columbus Theatre ^
3/31 – Burlington, VT @ Signal Kitchen ^
4/01 – Montreal, QC @ Quai Des Brumes ^
4/02 – Toronto, ON @ Smiling Buddha ^
4/07 – Brooklyn, NY @ Silent Barn ^
4/08 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs ^

* w/ Sports
^ w/ Horse Jumper of Love

Gawk CD Cover

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Happy Birthday, Julian Cope!

Julian Cope Leather Jacket and Hat
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Julian Cope, Musician, author, musicologist and recognized authority on Neolithic culture was born on this day, October 21st, in 1957. I first became a huge fan of Julian as the lead vocalist for Liverpool-based post-punk band, The Teardrop Explodes and had the opportunity to see him perform as a solo artist many times back in the ’80s. His first autobiography — because there are a couple —  Head On is also one of the most amazing rock biographies I’ve ever read. Learn more about what Julian is up to these days at This Link! Happy Birthday, Julian!

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The Teardrop Explodes’ Wilder Turns 29!

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On This Date in 1981: The Teardrop Explodes released their second album, Wilder, which included the singles “Colours Fly Away”, “Passionate Friend”and “Tiny Children,” but every track on the album is amazing.  Wilder reached position #29 on the UK albums chart but did not chart in the US, though it is certainly one of my very favorite albums of the 80s.

Thanks to The P5 Blogspot For The Tip!

The Teardrop Explodes Release Kilimanjaro

“When I Dream, I Dream About You…”

On This Date, May 14th, in 1980: The Teardrop Explodes released their debut album, Kilimanjaro. It contained the singles, “Sleeping Gas,” “Bouncing Babies,” “When I Dream,” “Ha Ha I’m Drowning” and “Treason (It’s Just A Story).” The first three songs were different versions than those that appeared on the album. Kilimanjaro reached the #24 spot on the U.K. albums chart. The Liverpool, England post punk band disbanded in 1982 after two albums. Lead singer Julian Cope went on to become a successful solo artist and write a few cool books, the best one being his autobiography, Head On, which is just insane. Julian also once personally answered a fan letter I wrote to him, way back in the eighties before the time of the Interwebs. I have that letter framed and hanging on the wall of my home office, where I see it everyday as I sit at my iMac, writing clever and informative blog posts for you!

15 Albums That Changed My Life

“HELP!”

15 Albums That Changed My Life is one of the more interesting notes that are going around on FaceBook right now, and I felt compelled to share it on the ‘Gig. What you’re supposed to do is make a list of 15 albums, CDs, LPs (if you’re over 40) that had such a profound effect on you that they, literally, changed your life.  It wasn’t hard for me to think of that many. In fact, it was hard to limit it to just fifteen. The glaring omission of any album released after 1987 certainly says something about the lack of vital, ass-kicking, earth shaking rock released since that time. Sometimes it’s advantageous to be an old fart. Here’s my list, kind of in chronological order but undoubtedly with MANY omissions.

1. The BeatlesHelp! (Original Soundtrack)

2. Led Zeppelin 4

3. ELPWelcome Back My Friends

4. The Who Who’s Next

5. Peter FramptonFrampton Comes Alive

6. GenesisThe Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

7. Peter GabrielWet Windshield (First Solo Album)

8. QueenA Night at the Opera

9. Alice Cooper’s Greatest Hits (original band)

10. BuzzcocksLove Bites

11. Generation XS/T

12. Julian CopeWorld Shut Your Mouth

13. The SmithsThe Queen is Dead

14. BlurPark Life

15. Guns & RosesAppetite for Destruction