Just heard that Lux Interior, legendary vocalist for the incomparable Cramps has just passed away. 2009 is starting off to be a huge bummer. Rest in peace, Lux. You were truly one of the greats. Read the official statement here.
I first heard the Cramps via a copy of their debut LP, Gravest Hits, that I borrowed from a friend down the hall during my freshman year of college in 1985. Instantly smitten, I sought out the rest of their records and swiftly became a devoted Cramps acolyte. I managed to see them once in 1990 at the New Ritz on 54th street on their Stay Sick tour, and it was truly unlike anything I'd ever seen. Below is my favorite track of theirs, "What's Inside a Girl?" from their 1986 album, A Date with Elvis. Play it really goddamn loud and raise a toast to Lux.
Hell yes!
I saw The Cramps in 2004 and Lux had some sort of metal teeth grille thing (from losing or bashing out all his teeth?) of the kind you see hip hop singers sporting. he had a bottle of wine on stage and seemed beyond fucked up.
But -- is there a more perfect LP, start to finish, than Bad Music for Bad People? No Killing Joke answers! :)
Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat/Fugazi fame has always said the 1st punk show he went to was The Crams in the ate 70s. They are one of the originally first wave bands. RIP Lux!!!
Posted by: Oliver | February 04, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I was at the Peppermint Lounge (5th Ave.) the night they recorded Smell Of Female back in 1983. It was spring break and as usual, I was in NYC and not in Florida with my classmates.
They played the identical set twice for the benefit of the recording. A very good memory.
Lux was in full force and funny as hell. Hard to imagine a music venue on 5th avenue today...
Posted by: hntrnyc | February 04, 2009 at 11:16 PM
Damn.
The Cramps never got enough credit.
Posted by: EV Grieve | February 05, 2009 at 12:16 PM