Do you like The Cramps? I sure do. While I don’t want to go so far as to claim that there is an heir apparent to that legendary band’s considerable Psychobilly throne, LA trio Tiger Army is certainly a contender. Flawlessly fusing the classic sounds of surf, punk and rockabilly, Tiger Army own this week’s clip with a Kenneth Anger-influenced visual scorcher, “The Devil That You Don’t Know.” Clocking in at just under two minutes, “The Devil That You Don’t Know” is the complete package, featuring go-go dancers and psychedelic, 60s-era lighting effects that enhance the take-no-prisoners fuzz guitar and air-tight rhythm section of a band that has honed its craft over a two-decade career. Lead singer / guitarist Nick 13 comes off like the Frank Sinatra of rock as he encourages you to harness your inner bad ass, along with bandmates Djordje Stijepovic — unequaled on the upright bass — and four-on-the-floor drummer Mike Fasano keeping it in the pocket at all times. Tiger Army are a force to be reckoned with that are just insane live. Tiger Army’s sixth album, Retrofuture, is out now on Rise Records, and the band is on tour everywhere through 2019 (Tour DatesHere), so check them out if they are coming to your town. Enjoy!
Do you think these guys are fans of Nick Cave? I sure do. There is not much not to love about Psychic Teens dark and lovely tune, “Less” — which is like a greatest hits collection of all of your favorite College Radio-Friendly ’80s band including the aforementioned Mr. Cave. I definitely hear The Misfits, The Cramps and Echo and the Bunnymen, all partying together on top of a bass line borrowed the The Cure’s “A Forrest,” a euphoric wash of minor chord, cascading guitars and…those awesome, growly vocals. Surely the number of nods and winks in this song would leave even the casual listener’s head spinning, but when you’re feeling it, who gives a shit? Continue reading Video Clip of The Week: Psychic Teens, “Less”→
Singer Eric Scealf of the rock group The Unsatisfied is offering a cash reward of $500 for the return of a microphone that was used by deceased punk icon Lux Interior (1946-2009) of The Cramps. Scealf was given the microphone after a show in Atlanta during The Cramp’s 1995 Flamejob Tour. “I used that mic for a few shows after I got it, just because it had Lux’s mojo on it. Every time I touch that microphone I can feel his spirit, his energy in it,” says Scealf. “It was pretty beat up from Lux pounding it into the stage, so I put it on my trophy shelf. The only time it’s not on that shelf it’s in my make-up case. I carry it with me when The Unsatisfied is working for luck, and I just get good vibes from it, especially since Lux passed away.”
After a recent show in Atlanta and a series of video shoots, it was discovered that the microphone had vanished. After an exhaustive search and several phone calls Scealf and the rest of The Unsatisfied decided to offer a reward for its return. The microphone is a Shure SM58 with a dented and somewhat rusty windscreen and it has a distinct X scratched into the body at the plug. The microphone or information leading to its whereabouts can be mailed to Eric Scealf c/o The Unsatisfied, 4027 Meadow Ln, Chattanooga, TN 37406. You can also phone Eric Turner at (423)504-5965 or email theunsatisfied@gmail.com. No questions will be asked and reward money will be mailed to return address upon receipt of microphone. Mr. Scealf is available for questions or interviews by emailing requests to theunsatisfied@gmail.com.
UPDATE March 17, 2012: Missing ‘Lux Interior’ Microphone Returned By Anonymous
A Shure SM58 microphone that was once used by punk legend Lux Interior of The Cramps has been returned to its owner. Eric Scealf of the rock group The Unsatisfied offered a reward for the return of the mic when he realized it was missing in early February. Yesterday (3/16/12) his plea was answered when the microphone arrived by first-class mail in an anonymous package. Mr. Scealf said “There’s a Dallas, TX postmark but the return address is bogus, we had it checked out. There was no note or anything, just my mic wrapped in some paper and one of those Guy Fawkes masks. That’s it, nothing else.” The Guy Fawkes mask was popularized by the movie V for Vendetta and most recently adopted by members of the “Occupy” movement. It has also become a symbol for the underground political group known simply as ‘Anonymous.’ As of yet, no-one has taken credit for the return of the microphone. Mr Scealf states, “I’d love to find out who sent this back. It’s hard to put into words what this means to me, and I’ll gladly pay the $500 reward if somebody comes forward with proof that they sent it. If not, I’m just glad I got Lux’s microphone back. I feel like King Arthur having Excalibur returned!”
On This Date, January 10th, in 2001: Bryan Gregory, guitarist and one of the founding members of The Cramps, died of heart failure in Anaheim, California. He was 49 years old. Bryan was born Gregory Beckerleg, but took the name Bryan after Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones, of whom he was a big fan.
Lux Interior, (born Erick Lee Purkhiser) lead singer of The Cramps, passed away this morning due to an existing heart condition at Glendale Memorial Hospital in Glendale, California at 4:30 AM PST . strong>Lux has been an inspiration and influence to millions of artists and fans around the world. He and wife Poison Ivy’s contributions with The Cramps have had an immeasurable impact on modern music. Continue reading RIP Cramps’ Vocalist, Lux Interior→
