September '98

Skip boring intro and hit the Menu of Magnificence

So, you ask, what the heck IS this thing? Well, when I first started The Teen Scene back in September of 1990, it was only four pages long. Thing is, even as it grew to a whopping eight pages over the next three and a half years, it came out monthly. It wasn't big, but it had news, spews, and reviews. Since then, The Teen Scene has gotten much fatter; it's also gotten to the point where it only comes out a few times a year. Don't get me wrong, I truly love the dang thing, but I miss that immediacy of having the late-breaking news. Maybe this is my way of getting back into that without having to publish the dang thing on paper. This will be very low-tech, and it's gonna depend quite a bit on reader input.

The big change this time out is that I've become part of the Little Cracked Egg family. Spencer asked if I'd be into a corporate merger and I said sure. The way we're thinking about this thing now should mean more frequent updates, which means you guys have a reason to come back on a regular basis. It also means more people will see this page. In addition, 60 Second Swinger afficionados will clue in to the coolness of the Little Cracked Egg.

Menu of Magnificence:

1. Back From The Grave: Maxwells - That's right, folks, Maxwells in Hoboken, NJ is back
2. It Just Might Happen Again - The Real Kids are playing in September!
3. Mystic Eyes Guitarist Eric Lubstorf, R.I.P. - Eric Lubstorf of Mystic Eyes passed away in early August.
4. Bobby Fuller 4ever Mailing List - A new listserv dedicated to the genius of Bobby Fuller and Co.
5. Pretty Things Netcast - Tune in to see the Pretty Things live on the Net!
6. New Recordings - not reviews, just news about what's out
7. In The Works - stuff to look for in the next couple months
8. Interviews - some new ones you can find and read
9. 'Zines On The Scene - The Orgie Newsletter, multiball online, Tim Gassen's Garage column, and The Continental Magazine #5
10. That's A Wrap - The Defilers, GI Productions, and 360 Twist
11. Other Stuff - miscellaneous other stuff happening on our garage-punk planet
12. Cool Links - This issue's list of cool places to check out.

Back From The Grave: Maxwells

All good things seem to come to an end. (I'm told that includes me, as well.) Well, after the demise of one of the NYC metro area's great record stores, Pier Platters, in 1995, it appeared that Hoboken could not escape that curse. The rumors started to fly that Maxwells, too, would soon go; worse, they said it'd become a TGI Fridays. Some time later, the club was sold.

Things didn't go bad (at least from an outside observer's point of view) till some time later. Todd stayed on, booking the club as he had for a decade or so. Unfortunately, various events conspired to make him take his leave at the end of '96. Things seemed OK for awhile, with good shows still coming in once in awhile. Unfortunately, that ended when a member of Skid Row took over the booking duties.

Of course, we'd occasionally still run into a decent show at the club. I saw The Lyres there in September, '97. The Spaceshits were there a few months later with the Seculars. These shows, however, only served to remind me what I'd lost. There was a huge brew tank (in a glassed-off enclosure) in the restaurant portion of the club. The owner was trying to turn the place into a microbrewery. (I'm told, however, that they brewed some truly stank-ass beer.) The layout looked horrible - you couldn't walk around easily. It had become constricted. Worse yet, in place of the killer jukebox of cool 45s, there was one loaded with horrid Top 40 CD's. This was Maxwells' ghost, consigned to Purgatory. No wonder there were Maxwells Death Watch web pages.

In the Spring of '98, I began hearing talk that Todd was going to be back at Maxwells, this time as a part-owner. YEAH! Of course, till it happened, I couldn't quite rejoice. Well, by the end of Spring, it was a definite - he'd bought the place with a couple partners (including one member of Sonic Youth).

I made my first trip back when Jonathan Richman played the first full weekend in August. Unfortunately, I didn't have a ticket, which meant I ended up spending it outside the door to the back room, just listening. Of course, it was so hot back there that people kept walking out to get air. Why no A/C? 'Cuz Jonathan wanted it off while he was singing.

I was back the following Tuesday to see Neko Case. Then that Saturday for the Prissteens/? & the Mysterians show. And the next Tuesday for the Groovie Ghoulies. And that Thursday for the Flat Duo Jets. And that Friday for The A-Bones/Bomboras/Sit N'Spin. Yeah, Maxwells was back.

Mostly back. The one problem was that they didn't have a liquor license. Now, while I don't drink, most of my friends do. And they find it inconvenient not to be able to imbibe when doing the rock'n'roll thing. Worse yet, a club really can't make much money without alcohol. It basically meant that once the bands were done, everybody split. I'm sure the bartenders didn't mind - after all, you aren't likely to get many tips when people are stone cold sober. (I gotta admit, tho', it was interesting being at a show where nobody else was drinking, either.)

Happily, as August got older, Maxwells finally got its liquor license back. Now the club can move full tilt into the future. Long Live Maxwells!
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It Just Might Happen Again

When I got home that day, I immediately put out the call to friends from the Bosstown scene to find out what was up. I was informed that a big fan of the group had finally finished his degree and wanted to celebrate with a show by one of his fave bands. It was to be the Real Kids, with The Lyres and The Classic Ruins up at the Linwood. I got directions and the date.

I also happened to be e-mailing back and forth with Untamed Youth organ guy Steve Rager (not only a big Real Kids' fan, but a huge Lyres afficionado, as well). He was all set to fly to NYC that Saturday, see the Lyres in Manhattan, then jump in my car with me and drive to Boston the next day, then drive back that night and jump a plane back to Missouri. Before he did so, tho', he wanted to get confirmation from the club. Well, between his calls and my friends up in Beantown, we found out mid-week or so that the show had been postponed; not cancelled, postponed. Or so I was told. Unfortunately, within a few weeks, I was hearing rumors that nothing was gonna happen at all. In fact, I was also finding out that not all the band members had even been asked. DOH!

In early August, I went to see The Prissteens at the Loop Lounge in Passaic Park, NJ. It was there that their manager, ex-WFMU DJ Jim Marshall (best known as The Hound), informed me that the Prissteens were gonna be opening for the Real Kids at Coney Island High (upstairs) in NYC on September 11th. I soon learned that they'd also be there the next night. YEAH!!!

I wanted to jump up and down. And I did... somewhat. I still won't believe it till it happens, tho'. After all, in '92 the band was supposed to play Maxwells midsummer. Then it became early September. Eventually, they played the club at the end of the month opening for the Fleshtones. (Oh Whatta Night!) Anyway, those kind of postponements help me keep my enthusiasm in check. Still, at least I've been told (by the Norton Records crew) that all the band members (John Felice, Alan "Alpo" Paulino, Howie Ferguson, and Billy Borgioli) are on board. So, yeah... I'm psyched. And, yes, I've e-mailed Rager to let him know.

Also in Real Kids news... Norton Records is working on another archival Real Kids' release, with master tapes in place for tons of Real Kids and related (see Taxi Boys and more) material. This promises to be a pretty amazing disc, so stay tuned to the Norton web page for info.

Thanks to the early 90s re-release of the Real Kids' first LP, as well as the Grown Up Wrong live disc (both on Norton), more and more people have gotten into the Real Kids. Indeed, Spinning Top, out of Australia, has put together a Real Kids' tribute called I Wanna Be A Real Kid (which pays tribute to both the Real Kids and the Taxi Boys), featuring Jack & the Beanstalk, the Hate Bombs, the Pop Nauts, The Psychotic Youth, the Rosehips, The Hunchbacks, the Jim Basnight Thing, The Vancouvers, The Basement Brats, The Heartbeats, The Slow Slushy Boys, The Finkers, The Honey Jets, The Berserk Twins, The Campus Tramps, The Cheeks, the Stonemasons, and The Breadmakers. Liner notes come from Do The Pop 'zine duo Alan Wright and Lisa Lindstrom.

Remember, It Just Might Happen Again...
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Mystic Eyes' Guitarist Eric Lubstorf, R.I.P.

Eventually, Get Hip released the first Mystic Eyes LP, Our Time To Leave. It was filled with tons of cool garage and folk-punk gems, beautifully played by Eric Lubstorf. Indeed, I became a major fan of the band's folk-rock side due to Eric's 12-string sound.

On the morning of August 5th, I got an e-mail from my friend Pat Lozito informing me that he'd received a communique from Barbara at Get Hip, stating that "Eric Lubstorf, the folk-rock spark plug of the garage band Mystic Eyes passed away Monday, August 3, 1998 at approximately 5:30 AM ET due to complications associated with pancreatic cancer." I immediately checked in with other sources to see if it was true. Sadly, Pat's message turned out to be fact.

For those who would like to know more, please head to Get Hip's press release. Donations can be made in Eric Lubstorf's name to: The American Cancer Society of Western NY. 101 John James Audubon Parkway, West Amhurst, NY14228, USA.

Eric, we'll miss you.
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Bobby Fuller 4ever Mailing List:

The description of this mailing list is:

This list is dedicated to the Rock and Roll King of the
Southwest...Bobby Fuller! Most people know him for his boss version of
"I Fought the Law" but he had so much more! I hope to hip people to the
greatness of the Bobby Fuller Four and talk with other fanatics about
this most underrated string king. There's gonna be a shakedown baby and
you're all invited! BF4-ever!

You can join this list by going to the following web page:

http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/bobbyfuller4ever

Pretty Things Netcast

New Discs, El Peeze, and Swingin' 7"ers:

Perhaps the best bunch of 60s comps to come down the pike in a long time are Teenage Shutdown volumes 1-5 (with more due this fall.) Look for 'em.

Del-Fi has new box sets out by both Ritchie Valens and The Bobby Fuller 4.

Sundazed has tons of new releases, including discs by Bruce & Terry and The Clee-Shays, plus 7"ers by The Spiders, The Chesterfield Kings, The Fuzztones, The Moviees and more.

One of the great bands of the past two decades, The Lyres are deserving are far more fame and fortune than they've actually received. Hopefully, Matador's rereleases of their 1980s albums (including B-sides, unreleased material, and AHS-1005) will hip more of the public to the group's swingin' sounds.

The Smugglers have released "Growing Up Smuggler: A Ten Year Anniversary Live Album" (Mint Records in Canada, Lookout in the US, and Imposible in Spain.) 20 songs live in Madrid produced by Kurt Bloch. Liner notes by vocalist Grant Lawrence detailing the band's rich history.

The Get Hip Archive Series latest includes 7"ers by The Arondies, The Starlites, The Flowerz, and The Beaten Path. They're also working on full-length LPs by The Arondies and The Swamp Rats.

I can't imagine why any of you wouldn't have the new Untamed Youth disc already. If you want more than my recommendation, go see the info printed at the Norton web page. Oh yeah, they've also got a 45 due out soon on Double Crown Records.

My Perth pal Michael Seman writes in to tell me, "[The] DM3 have finally released a single called "Lure" a few days ago. It includes an acoustic version of "Jumpin to conclusions" which was first done by the Stems."

Zombie A-Go-Go ("the Home of Spook-A-Phonic Monster Mayhem), the new Geffen imprint run by Rob Zombie, has started off on a good foot, releasing discs by The Bomboras and The Ghastly Ones. The LP versions can be found on Telstar.

Sigma Phi Records has proudly proclaimed its existence on the earth with the debut 7"er by The Arch Villains, "We Hate Your Ugly Face."
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In The Works:

It's been awhile since we last heard from The Insomniacs, but their next 45 is currently slated for release by Estrus Records in November.

Misty Lane Recordshas two new 7"ers out on their subsidiary label, Teen Sound: LES INCAPABLES and GO! SURF WITH The BRADIPOS 4 and Gli SCRITERIATI, a couple of surf instro combos.

Double Crown Records will soon be releasing a brand spankin' new 7" by The Untamed Youth, plus discs from The Penetrators, Big Ray & The Futuras and an all-star tribute to The Trashmen - TAKIN' OUT THE TRASH!

September's Double Crown giveaway comes from Mai Tai Records: The Huntington Cads - Introduce The New Sound and Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited - The Fluid Soundbox. To win, just go over to http://www.dblcrown.com and click on the contest link. One winner will receive both LP's.

Michael Daboll (ex-Element 79) is currently red hot with his group The Down-n-Outs. They've already got one single under their belt and are working on a 10"er for Max Picou Records.

October 20th is the stated street date for Delphonic Sounds Today (Del-Fi Does Del-Fi), a comp with today's coolest combos covering classic Del-Fi hits of yesteryear. Among the bands slated to appear are The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Deke Dickerson, Man or Astro-Man?, The Wondermints, The Negro Problem, and Baby Lemonade. For more, check out the Del-Fi New Releases page.

The second full-length by Mondo Topless, Get Ready For Action, is slated for Fall release by Dionysus. In September, Dionysus will also release The Surf Teens "Surf Mania." Then, in October, "Bitchin'" from Johnny Legend and The Fiends' "Gravedigger." Plus, they'll be putting out Perverella on video.
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Articles & Interviews To Check Out:

Kitty Cat Explosion provides a short essay on, then a photo spread of The Insomniacs.

YEOW! Stomp & Stammer has a nice long chat with Greg Shaw about all the cool stuff he's done. While you're there, check out the one on The Flat Duo Jets.

The Barracudas first LP is one of my all-time faves. Noise For Heroes is one of the best 'zines ever. Now, NFH's Steve Gardner talks to The 'Cudas Jeremy Gluck.

If you're into the Dutch Beat scene, you'll flip out to see articles on Q65 and The Motions.

Check out L.Bo's interview with the Hot Rod Honeys.

The Boston Phoenix's Brett Milano raves on about the coolness of The Lyres, also clueing you in more on those Matador rereleases I mentioned earlier.

The Scene has a cool article on The Mickey Finn.

Tim Kerr is best-known these days for playing in the Lord High Fixers and producing/mixing tons of groups from the Makers to the Insomniacs and beyond. But he's got a rock'n'roll history going back a couple decades. This interview clues you in.

The Continental Magazine site has added interviews from ish #4, including Johnny Bartlett of The Saturn V Featuring Orbit/Hillsdale Records, King of Hawaii and The Omega Men. To view these just go to the Continental Magazine Interviews page.

For tons of truly fun interviews, go to Nardwuar's Web Site. Nardwuar's also got a couple he hasn't posted yet, but in the meantime, the one I'm most happy to read is the latest one with Jello Biafra. This is the 3rd time Nardwuar's talked to him and it just gets better and better.

Even more interviews can be found on the Make Room Interviews page, including a fairly recent one with Eric Oblivian.

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Zines On The Scene:

Bang! Bang! Buzz! #3 is now out featuring an interview with Anja from The Diaboliks, and stories on The Before & After and Tee and Thee Crumpets as well as a whole lot more.

Feline Frenzy has a web page these days, so stop by and find out what Glynis has cooking.

Deadbeat is an e-zine with a penchant for garage, punk, and surf. Their August issue featured an interview with Dave Crider, coverage of the Roskilde festival, and tons more. In September, they're due for a look at , among others.

MicroMag doesn't actually appear to show anything on their web page but their logo and address. However, their latest ish includes interviews with The Makers, The Bomboras, Frigg a Go Go, The Donnas, The Waistcoats and Barry Tashian from The Remains! The previous one has interviews with Joan Jett, Guitar Wolf, Art Chantry and The Fells, Grant (Smuggler) Lawrence's Lookout 10th anniversary party rundown, tons of photos from GarageShock '97, a pinball column, and a whole lot more. E-mail Bobby Hefner for more info.

The Continental ish #5 features interviews with Deke Dickerson, The Phantom Surfers, The Nightcaps and The Boss Martianettes, and the writer of the Gumby theme song, as well as an insightful essay on why today's James Bond films suck.

Rather than tell you just about all the cool inScram #7, I suggest you go to their web page and see their own description. OK, maybe I'm too lazy to tell you, but that's 'cuz there's just so damn much there. Besides, they've also got a #8 due in August (and the list of what that one covers is pretty damn long, too.) OK, one more reason for you to check the web-site - etiquette tips from Lord Bendover of The Upper Crust (from Scram #7.)

For awhile, I was receiving the revived Crawdaddy magazine (along with Greg Shaw's Mojo Navigator, this was one of the first publications to focus on rock'n'roll) from founder Paul Williams. However, I found it didn't really focus on the kind of thing I was into. That's OK; I really didn't expect it to. However, I should say that Paul's writing is excellent. You can take a look at what was covered in the early issues and then order reproductions, if you'd like. Personally, I'd love to have these, but at $12/ish, I think I'm going to have to skip them. However, some of you may have the cash on hand.

If you're into the Aussie pop scene, Do The Hop e-zine is the place for you.

The latest issue of Multiball (the magazine dedicated to Flipper Action Culture), #14, is their "Getting Away With It" issue. Find out more at their website.

White Trash Music #3 features interviews with Deke Dickerson, among other things.

Finally, there's my favorite e-mail e-zine, the Orgie Newsletter, which can be obtained by e-mailing Jeroen Vedder and asking him to put you on his list. It comes out every time he feels like putting it together (pretty damn often, actually); it doesn't take long to read through; and Jeroen tells you exactly what he thinks. I don't always agree with him, but it's a damn good read every time. And his playlists are always great.

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That's A Wrap

The Nuthins have called it quits, as well. The main reason seems to be geographical fragmentation. Those members of the band who reside in London, however, will most likely continue on as St. John's Shop. However, there will be a single released from the final Nuthins' recording sessions.

The Mystreated also ended up splitting, in large part due to their drummer moving to Germany, although reports say that the musical direction of the band was "under stress," with some members more interested in the folk-punk side, while others wanted to get back to the "fuzz'n'Farfisa."

The Crypt news page informs us that The Revelators are "finito, as Jeremiah has left the band - BUT we'll be wrapping up the Feb-Mar '98 Austin sessions & getting the alb out in Jan '99."

Tough times have forced GI Productions to shut its doors. They put out some amazing material in their time, most notably The Decibels disc last year and the Invasion of the Insectoids comp.

360 Twist is also going out of business. These guys have spent the past couple years as a shining light on the garage scene and they'll be sorely missed. They went out with a bang, tho', putting on one last TrebleFest before shutting the doors. If you hurry, you might be able to grab some of their remaining stock at fire sale prices.
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Other Stuff

"Ladies and Gentlemen... We are The Remains." I remember my friend Matthew playing me two groups one day in college, trying to turn me on to some cool stuff. One was Moby Grape; the other was The Remains. Guess which one stuck? Good guess. In the mid-80s, you couldn't step into a club to see a garage show without hearing The Remains between bands. Why not? They played some of the best rock'n'roll of the mid-60s. Sadly, they never quite made it. Why Do I Cry? Well, it's now 1998 and somehow The Remains are booked to play the Purple Weekend in Spain. SPAIN! Howzabout playing HERE?!? Will they play in my area? The Shadow knows.

Some months back, I stopped by the Get Hip Records web page to find the following message, "THE CYNICS are looking for a new singer." Those interested in more info were asked to e-mail gethip@gethip.com for more info. When the Kaisers were in town, I ran into Cynics' guitarist Gregg Kostelich and asked about this. He said he wanted to get the group going again. In fact, he'd be into playing with ex-singer Michael Kastelic again if possible. Unfortunately, Michael is involved (with some other ex-Cynics) in Honeyburst right now. But, hey... who knows?

Earlier this year, Continental Records in Bellingham, WA found out there was another label that had had the name before them, so they're now called Double Crown. They don't have enough shelf space for their 7"ers, so they're currently taking 5-25% off. For more info, check out their catalog. They've got tons of cool surf, garage, r'billy, and swing from labels like Estrus, Norton, MuSick, Hillsdale, Ecco-Fonic, and Screaming Apple.

The Untamed Youth's Derek "Deke" Dickerson has a new rockabilly album due out on Hightone with his new group, Deke Dickerson and the Ecco-Fonics.

Fortune & Maltese are still listed as the Wildcard at the Capitol Records' web-site.

As I'm sure many of you know, Thee Flypped Whigs called it a day late last year. Arising from their ashes, however, are The Kings English. Can't wait to see 'em at Fuzzfest '98.

The Creatures of the Golden Dawn have undergone some major lineup changes in the last year. In fact, the whole lineup of '97 left last December. The current lineup features vocalist Mark Smith backed by original members (and ex-Original Sins) JT (lead guitar/vocals) and Dave Ferrara (drums), along with Chris Marx on rhythm guitar and Stu Sutcliffe on bass. A new single is planned for release late this fall. The band is currently working on a number of new songs and may even do some acoustic shows. Their next planned appearance is September 26th at the Funhouse in Bethelehem, PA.

Michael Quercio (ex-Three O'Clock, Salvation Army, and Permanent Green Light) has a new group called The Jupiter Effect. They've been described to me as being much like PGL. Also involved is writer/musician Dan Epstein.

The Last Men is a new Bethlehem, PA group featuring a couple ex-members of The Creatures (Mike Smitreski and Steve Schlack) and Chris Kender (ex-Several Species.) They'll mainly be a recording outfit, but will probably do the occasional show, as well.

As many of you no doubt know, The Outsiders regrouped last year for a reunion tour. This got guitarist Ronnie Splinter back into playing again. As a result, he's formed a group with Treble Spanker Marcel Kruup (ex-Kliek) called Ronnie & the Splinters and ex-Other Side singer Michel Terstegen. They're said to sound much like The Outsiders themselves. (In other news, the Treble Spankers evidently have completed their next album.)

Debbie has quit Thee Headcoatees. Their next gig (Sept. 10th) will feature the remaining three girls.

Sean Berry of Double Crown Records wrote in to tell me that his band, The Creeps From Planet X, has replaced its punk lead singer with a more garage-oriented guy to form The Toga Kings. They only do covers ("stuff like California Sun, Surfin' Bird, Hot Saki, Louie Louie, Shout, Long Tall Texan, Rumble and some other standard stuff, along with a few newer garage tunes.") Then, "We're gonna wear togas and crowns. Drunken frat rock inspired by Animal House and The Kingsmen." I only wish I could see this. Their web page proclaims that you'd better see 'em live, 'cuz it seems unlikely they'll make it anywhere near a recording studio. (Guess that means it's up to one of you enterprising Bellinghamsters to sneak a tape recorder in and bootleg their performance and make untold trillions of dollars.)

Th'Ugly Sticks are one of the latest garage-punk groups to hit the scene. They've got a few tracks available for download. I checked out the two originals. They sounded pretty cool, but the sound quality was Neg-Fi (I figure there's gotta be something under No-Fi and this is it.)

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Cool Links Of The Month

You want a major garage links page? Sorry, I'm not gonna do much of that for you... what you see above is all you get from me. For the motherlode, see Steve Coleman's Prepare To Enter The Garage.

Some other great garage/surf/whatever things to get into are Bomp list, Cowabunga, Modslist, and alt.music.banana-truffle. The only reason I'm not killing myself providing URLs for all those things is 'cuz Steve's page has all that stuff, anyway, and any true garage fan will find themselves there sooner or later. (For your sake, hopefully the former.)

Note: I'm saving each "issue" of 60 Second Swinger. At some point in the future, I plan to make each one available. True, this news-zine is mainly a timely type thing (or as close as I can get with the time I've got available), but I'm always interested to see coolness from the past. Who knows... maybe I'll only decide the links are important. In which case I'll merely group them all together. For now, though, I'm just saving each ish on my hard drive, then taking all the links and dragging them into a Cyberdog notebook. (Sorry, PC types, you can't take advantage of this incredibly cool tool; it's Mac only.)