Fun Fun Fun is truly proud to make this classic live ska CD available for the first time online.
“Uptones Live” is one of the finest live recordings I’ve ever been involved with. Continue reading ‘The Uptones – Live at Gilman’
Monthly Archive for October, 2008
More than three decades after putting out the seminal Berserkley Chartbusters Vol. 1 compilation – the album that introduced the world at large to power pop heroes like the Rubinoos, Jonathan Richman and Greg Kihn – the label’s founder Matthew King Kaufman is at it again. Continue reading ‘MP3 Jackpot Winners CD Vol. 1 – Compiled by Matthew King Kaufman’
What a monster song! Moose hits the nail on the head. This is the simplest message song I’ve ever heard. It’s soo right on. Scott Tee and his muted trumpet really set up Moose’s vocals, and Scott’s solo is centerfold material in Trumpet Magazine. The entire band plays their asses off. I predict big things for this song.
18. Ridiculous by The Uptones
Here’s a live video
Tony Alva and Jay Adams are names synonymous with modern skateboarding. E. Blake Davis’ song about these fearless boarding pioneers is about as irreverent and off the wall as they were. Opal Book Club is one rockin’ trio and they drop in on this track like urethane wheels on a fresh dry southern California pool. This is an instant classic and I’m glad it was picked to be on the first MP3 Jackpot compilation.
19. Tony Alva by Opal Book Club
The title says it all. This song makes as much sense as anything else going on in the world today. At least Ed is honest about his intentions.
1. I Want to Kill Everybody by Ed Haynes
This is a very timely song about a subject there seem to be an awful lot of opinions about. Great song, great singer is such a winning combination.
2. It Takes Money by Hobo
This Berkeley band’s guitar rock song about projecting direct love feelings really rocks my world. This track has great musicianship, compelling songwriting, and a raw edginess that I recommend. Thanks in advance.
3. Penetrating Love Ray by Sex 4 Moderns
Here’s an insightful rumination on the state of our backyards by one powerhouse of a ska band. This song is the BOMB!! The lyrics are scary but true, and will aid in your character development. I’ve also heard that the singer is very cute.
Check out a live video
4. Radiation Boy by The Uptones
Stiff Richards got it right. I fall in and out of things all the time. I only wish I could write a song this good about it.
5. Fell In and Out of Art by Stiff Richards
Truly sick! I first heard D COMPOSE spinning at a house party last year and I’ve been diggin his stuff ever since. This slippery track oozes bass, and the loops swirl subversively like alien cough syrup. Enjoy! ;~*
6. Sick by D Compose
It’s tough to label this one of a kind star. Repulsa, one of the earliest heavy agro-rock women, was so far ahead of her time that her career remains largely unknown.
7. Sex Pig by Repulsa
An instant classic, this ebullient party track has all that a bunch of kids or grown up kids could ask for. West Coast ska fans are familiar with Critical Mass’ amazing live show, but few are prepared for this brilliant slab of casiotone-inspired latin ska candy.
8. Piñata by Critical Mass & The Lazy American
Bloody timeless track from east bay champs of the 90’s thrash funk era, Black Pole. They do say “punk motherfucker” quite a lot so yeah, parental advisory or whatever. This band was truly amazing live, and this track was recorded live in the studio. That’s right, no pro-tools tomfoolery, kidz, this went down, just as you hear it. Was really glad Matthew picked this for the first MP3 Jackpot comp. Enjoy.
9. P.M.F. by Black Pole
A song about a talking horse, of course of course. Trust me, this one really works.
10. Mr. Ed by Sex 4 Moderns
This masterpiece by the Berkeley combo Hobo is powerpop at its best. The vocal performance is extraordinary, and the lyrics cascade images and poetry full of music fun.
11. Fish In a Tree by Hobo
This rare pop gem from Berkeley-based garage band the Gazillions defies description, but the title speaks for itself. Fronted by the inimitable David Hollogram, this remarkable group only played together long enough to do a few legendary gigs and release an amazing album called “The Gazillions Have Landed.”
12. Hobbit Love by The Gazillions
This song was a regular on Video West. It’s full of fun, the singer extols janitoral joy to all who will listen. I listened over a hundred times. What’s wrong with me?
13. I Am a Janitor by Surface Music
You have to love her passion. There is only one Repulsa and this is her trademark song. Enjoy or die.
14. I Want You Dead by Repulsa
I love this song about the joys of the radio. It’s a real honor to be able to introduce the reclusive pop genius Count Slowly to the world. Be sure to check out the Count’s rad site.
15. R.A.D.I.O. by Count Slowly and The 4 Twenties
McBAIN is the brainchild of Oakland resident madman Adam Bergman. Like XTC without the PhD. Great hooks, cool lyrics. Nice old school production. Check it out.
16. They Cheat, They Steal, They Lie by McBain
Outstanding groove, great haunting horn samples, some rainy ambience, a beautiful and unique piece. Check it.
Fun Fun Fun Recordings is proud to announce the digital release of “Stiff Richards” by Stiff Richards. Recorded in one epic weekend which ended with their Cadillac at the bottom of a lake with headlights miraculously still glowing, this is Stiff Richards’ Magnum Opus. Continue reading ‘Stiff Richards’
