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March 29, 2006
Retrohump Day - Dance Party Potpourri
In light of the diminishing returns that each new wave of 00's dance rock produces, and fearing what comes after the Editors, We Are Scientists, the Infadels, et al, we devote today's Retro to a reminder that the bar need not be set so low.
Can - I Want More 1976
Eight years after being discovered in Cologne by eagle-eyed James Murphy, and a good 26 years before his DFA label would belatedly popularize disco infused punk rock, we have the artiest of German art rockers cutting a rug in style. Note to would be dancefloor fillers: go cosmic.
This clip is also noteable for its "Be Careful What You Wish For" quality. After years of being a face melting live band way too far ahead of their time for recognition even in Germany, the boys craft an accessible party starter and their reward is lip synching their way through what looks like a broadcast of Die Show von Benny Hill. Dig those dancing girls, though. Good thing ex-singer and possible hobo Damo Suzuki was out of the picture at this point. Telegenic, he was not.
Tubeway Army - Are Friends Electric? 1979
After the Can variety hour, we need an antidote to silliness. Stat.
Cue dour Bowie disciple Gary Numan and his original band, the Tubeway Army. This clip from the untouchable archives of the Old Grey Whistle Test literally shows Gary putting his future shock synthesizers on a pedestal. What's surprising is the punch packed by the live guitar crunch that is fused with his repetitive laser loops. Although approaching Carlos D levels of goth seriousness, Numan is undeniably cool here.
Josef K - Sorry For Laughing 1980
Here, a little from column A, a little from column B. Leader of Scots gloom cookies Josef K, Paul Heig looks pretty straight faced in his sensible vest and shades. The "We Just Discovered the Green Screen and Hey that Putty's Green," video production provides the comic relief. This track combines staggering guitar, pounding beat, and meloncholic croon in a manner befitting Postcard Records labelmates and previous Retrohump honorees Orange Juice. Josef K were tougher and darker than OJ and managed to hold their own with the more ubiquitously name checked post-punk reference points. But it just so happens that working in the vein of Joy Division wasn't so novel, even then.
Tags: Can, Tubeway Army, Gary Numan, Josef K, Orange Juice, Joy Division, Dancing, Rocking
Posted by Jeff Klingman at March 29, 2006 09:12 AM
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