This week we’re discussing every album by Silkworm. Made up of core members Tim Midyett, Andy Cohen, and Michael Dahlquist, Silkworm is a band that put in the time, effort, and heart, but never quite got their due. While in the same circles as bands like Pavement in the 90s and were longtime collaborators with Steve Albini, Silkworm had a style that was entirely their own, which didn’t exactly have mainstream appeal, to say the least. However, their fan base is rabid and dedicated. Plus, Tim and Andy were kind enough to give us their insights personally.
Read MoreEpisode 142: The Jesus Lizard
This week we’re discussing every album by The Jesus Lizard. These guys are one of the wildest, most talented, and most beloved noise rock bands to ever exist. Made up of David Yow and David Wm. Sims (Scratch Acid), Duane Denison (later of Tomahawk), and Mac McNeilly, The Jesus Lizard were special, plain and simple. Tight and punishing rhythm section, strange and haunting guitar lines, and David Yow screaming, slobbering, and breathing all over the mic. Listen to them now, please.
Read MoreEpisode 131: Scratch Acid
This week we’re discussing every album by Scratch Acid. Formed in Austin, Texas, Scratch Acid were one of the very first noise rock bands and coined the style associated with Touch & Go Records. Although they are most famous for being one of Kurt Cobain’s favorite bands, Scratch Acid is a group unlike any other. You simply have to hear them. After they disbanded, singer David Yow and bassist David Wm. Sims went on to form The Jesus Lizard.
Read MoreEpisode 121: Rapeman
This week we’re discussing every album by Rapeman. These guys were a noise rock supergroup made up of Steve Albini on guitar/vocals (Big Black, Shellac), David Wm. Sims on bass (Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard), and Rey Washam on drums (Big Boys, Scratch Acid, Ministry). Rapeman took the buzz saw noisiness of Big Black and coupled it with one of the most incredible rhythm sections in all of rock. A power trio that sounded ten times bigger than they actually were. While they are the most obscure out of all of Steve Albini’s projects, their brutal lyrics and provocative band name landed them in trouble just as much as you’d expect.
Read MoreEpisode 47: Big Black
This week we discuss legendary recording engineer Steve Albini’s first band, Big Black. If you aren’t familiar with Steve Albini, let’s just say the man is as real as it comes with independent music and has recorded damn near everyone for about 20 bucks per album. Big Black paved the way for noise rock, industrial, and grunge with their ear-piercing, buzz saw guitars, drum machines, and highly controversial lyrical themes. These guys were truly special and hold up well after all these years. However, they might destroy your speakers if you play them too loud, so be careful.
Closing track: “Passing Complexion” from Atomizer (1986)
Check out our episode playlists on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/user/motherpuncherinc
Mike’s Picks:
Songs About Fucking (1987) — Best Album
Racer X EP (1984) — Personal Favorite
Headache EP (1987) — Worst Record
Alex’s Picks:
Atomizer (1986) — Best Album, Personal Favorite
Headache EP (1987) — Worst Record
Albums we discussed this episode…
Lungs EP (1982)
Bulldozer EP (1983)
Racer X EP (1984)
Atomizer (1986)
Headache EP (1987)
Songs About Fucking (1987)
Follow Mike on Instagram @popejesseventura for show updates and @pandermonkey for original music
Follow Alex on Instagram @motherpuncher