Flaming Pablum

A Solid Evening of Quality Hearing Loss

As should be of no surprise to anyone, I run the “official” Cop Shoot Cop facebook page. It’s “official” in that all the former members of the band are more or less aware that I do it, and would just as soon I keep on doing it, just so they don’t have to. As such, I am routinely searching for images, videos and ephemera to host on said page, ... and much of that same content ends up here, as you may have noticed.

In any case, at one point last week, I stumbled upon an old, signature ad from presumably The Village Voice or possibly New York Press for then-upcoming gigs at CBGB. Dating back to probably about 1992 or 1993, the gig on said ad boasted Cop Shoot Cop supported by an estimable coterie of similarly inclined outfits like Barkmarket, Soul Coughing and Motherhood Bug. As I mentioned, it was, by all accounts, a solid evening of quality hearing loss.

Being that I’ve already posted a host of archival Cop Shoot Cop and Motherhead Bug footage (including some from the very interior of CBGB, like here and here), I thought I’d take the time to evangelize the other two bands on the bill.

I wrote about Soul Coughing here, back in 2015, but there were a pretty genuinely unique ensemble. As recounted in lead singer M. Doughty’s hilarious memoir, “The Book of Drugs,” it’s frankly pretty astonishing that they managed to last as long as they did, given the fact that they didn’t get along at all. These days, Doughty pursues a solo career as a singer/songwriter. Drummer Yuval Gabay played drums on the first album by Firewater (featuring, of course, former Cop Shoot Cop frontman Tod [A]). I have no idea what happened to the other two gents. Here they were in marginally happier days.

Barkmarket was the power trio led by Dave Sardy, who later found considerable renown as a mixer and producer. Not only did he work with Cop Shoot Cop, but he also helmed the production for bands like Helmet, Skeleton Key, Enon, Atari Teenage Riot, Monter Magnet, Slayer, System of a Down, Bush and Marilyn Manson, among others. As amply evident on Barkmarket’s own records, Sardy’s penchant for big, expansive sound served him well. His production work took off, so Barkmarket went onto the back burner, sadly. These days, I believe he’s scoring films to widespread acclaim. I rant into Barkmarket's drummer, the excellently named Rock Savage, not too long back, on the subway, and he enthusiastically told me about his new band, World of If, who play kind of psychedelic post-rock soundscapes. No idea what happened to bassist John Nowlin. 

Anyway, as Barkmarket, they made a delightfully oomphy, heavy racket. Like so…

Today, Cop Shoot Cop is no more. Tod lives in Istanbul, working as a writer and threatens to revive Firewater someday soon. Jim Coleman and Phil Puleo play in Human Impact with Chris Spencer of The Unsane and Chris Pravdica of SWANS. Jack Natz is a full-time studio artist, but was recently working on a new musical project called EXP.

Motherhood Bug disbanded shortly after the release of their debut album, Zambodia. Ringmaster Dave Ouimet played with a number of other outfits, notably Foetus, Firewater and Sulfur, before fully concentrating on his career as an author and illustrator of truly striking children's books. 

As mentioned, Soul Coughing broke up in 2000. Doughty used to openly shoot down talk of any reunions, but evidently did try to get them back together (as detailed here). He has a new project called Ghosts of Vroom.

Barkmarket made five albums and two EPs before disbanding.

Today (or yesterday, technically) CBGB looks like this....

 

Word on The Street

John Holmstrom Speaks

I’ve written about Punk co-founder and illustrator John Holmstrom here a few times, but he recently appeared on my favorite podcast, Killed By Desk (which I’ve also discussed several times here). In any case, it’s a great discussion — John delves into his origins in illustration and publishing, his travails with mainstream magazines and, of course, his days putting out Punk Magazine with Legs McNeil, including a tale about “lost issue #9” that evidently featured and in-depth interview with Kiss. One can’t help wondering how the publishing of that issue might have affected Kiss’ credibility (in possibly a good way). We’ll never know, because — to hear John tell in — dark forces intervened.

It’s great. Check it out.

A Handy Reminder

As we approach the one-year anniversary of January 6, here's a helpful synopsis of the facts.

Goodbye, 2021, You Cruel Bitch!

I normally do these annual surveys a little later in the year, but being that this is (once again) not the usual Christmas season, all bets are off. I’m doing my damndest to sustain any remaining semblance of holiday spirit, but suffice to say, events of the day, so to speak, are making it very hard to stay optimistic, let alone cheery. We are making the most of it and — god willing — getting through it unscathed, but we’re ultimately taking it day by day. Let’s get to it, then...

What did you do in 2021 that you'd never done before?

Well, I had a long-overdue colonoscopy. That sure was fun. And now, I get to have one every year. Oh joy.

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

I don’t have an excellent track record with keeping resolutions, but since the pandemic first landed, I’ve been battling the tenacious “fuck it, it’s the end of the world” impetus that allows for overeating and over-imbibing. I’m hoping to step up efforts, in that capacity, come the New Year, but I’m not making any resolutions about it.

Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes, my sister-in-law had another little boy about four months back, and one of my sister’s daughters-in-law gave birth to a little girl.

Did anyone close to you die?

The mother of a dear friend of mine from high school passed away very recently. Beyond that, a few friends of my parents died. No one in my immediate circle, mercifully.

What countries did you visit?

For a hot second, we were thinking of traveling to Montreal, but events of the day forbade. Maybe next year?

What would you like to have in 2022 that you lacked in 2021?

An end to the pandemic.

What date from 2021 will remain etched upon your memory?

Well, gosh, January 6 was certainly pretty memorable. Fuck Trump.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Staying healthy, getting my kids vaccinated (although Oliver’s not eligible for a booster, yet) and staying productive and appreciated on the work front.

What was your biggest failure?

There are things I wish I hadn’t done or said, but that will always be the case. I am human.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

I have thus far managed to continue to dodge COVID-19, but that won’t be the case for long, if the news is to believed. Beyond that, however, I have been grappling with a host of unsavory travails that come with aging, ranging from the discouraging results of the afore-cited colonoscopy to graduating up to a proper pair of “progressive” lenses, which is a gentler way of saying “bifocals.” I’m also now on blood-pressure meds, occasionally experiencing “visual auras” (which are linked to migraine headaches, allegedly) and have a hammertoe problem that’s kind of a bitch. Sorry you asked?

What was the best thing you bought?

I honestly haven’t the foggiest idea.

Whose behavior merited celebration?

Beyond the medical community and essential workers, everyone who got vaccinated and boosted and continues to adhere to COVID protocols for the benefit of the collective.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Trump supporters, anti-vaxxers, science-skeptics, conspiracy theorists and SantaCon participants.

What did you get really, really excited about?

A few months back, things seemed genuinely like they were getting better. Life opened back up. Things were getting re-scheduled. Options were appearing. Live music was back. So much for all that.

Where did most of your money go?

We spent a lot on prospective college visits.

What song will always remind you of 2021?

As with 2020, I can’t say that I’ll want to be reminded of 2021.

Compared to this time last year, are you happier or sadder?

At the moment, I am worried and depressed.

Thinner or fatter?

Can’t say that I’ve been keeping track, but probably fatter.

Richer or poorer?

About the same as before.

What do you wish you'd done more of?

Oh crap, who knows? I worked quite hard this year and got to spend a great amount of time with my wife and kids. I have no regrets, on that front.

What do you wish you'd done less of?

Stressing out about COVID.

How did you spend Christmas?

It hasn’t happened yet, but we’re *PLANNING* on spending it here at home, then leaving Christmas Day to go visit my mother out in Quogue. After that, we *MAY* go visit my sister-in-law’s family in Pennsylvania, but this is all contingent on a number of fluid factors.

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

Colleagues from work.

Did you fall in love in 2021?

I have been married for 20 years and remain very much in love.

How many one night stands in this last year?

See above.

What was your favorite TV program?

I’m inclined to again cite “Succession” as the best thing we watched this year, although I’m invariably forgetting some of the other shows we watched.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Well, hmmmm.. I still vehemently hate everyone in the Trump Administration and those that continue to support the cause of Trumpism.

What was the best book you read?

“The History of Bones,” the memoir of John Lurie.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

I already devoted a post to my favorite albums of 2021, although I was remiss in not adding both Big Paul Ferguson’s debut LP and the debut album by The Wind-Ups.

What did you want and get?

Joe Biden sworn in as President, albeit not without a lot of friggin’ idiotic fallout.

What did you want and not get?

Donald J. Trump being arrested, tried, convicted and imprisoned.

What were your favorite films of this year?

I quite enjoyed both Apple TV’s Velvet Underground documentary and “Belfast.” I saw “Spencer” with Kristen Stewart, and that almost put me off movies for good. Yes, it was that bad.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 54 and had a few friends over to ring it in. Overall, very low-key.

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Reports of Donald J. Trump being vigorously and repeatedly molested by his fellow inmates in federal prison.

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2021?

Face masks are the new black

What kept you sane?

Who said anything about being sane?

What celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I think Dua Lipa is quite striking, but to say I “fancy” her would be inappropriate and repugnant.

What political issue stirred you the most?

If you had told me, during the scariest moments of 2020, that there was going to be pronounced pushback upon the arrival of vaccines, I would have scoffed, but Americans are stubborn, selfish and fucking stupid.

Who did you miss?

President Barack Obama

Who was the best new person you met?

Ummmmmm…. probably my new little nephew.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2021

Don’t put off a colonoscopy.

Song lyric that sums up 2021

History shows again and again How nature points out the folly of men - Blue Oyster Cult

Schellenbach Looks Back

In the grand scheme of things, I was very late to the podcast game. But after discovering some gems like Marc Maron’s “WTF,” Lydia Lunch’s “Lydian Spin,” Damian Abraham’s “Turned Out A Punk” and the excellent “Killed By Desk,” I’ve been thoroughly bitten by the bug. Quite recently, I discovered “Curious Creatures,” the podcast hosted by the august likes of Lol Tolhurst from The Cure and Budgie from Siouxsie & The Banshees.

In this episode, these two congenial Brits speak with former Beastie Boys and erstwhile Luscious Jackson drummer, Kate Schellenbach. They discuss Kate’s early days on the New York City downtown scene. It’s all about bands, punk rock and New York City. Listen to it here. It’s great. Enjoy!

Hardcore for the Holidays

Hey again, all....

Just a quick one. Now that the holidays are upon us, I thought I'd evangelize some pertinent links, should you be on the hunt for Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/whatever presents for the little n'erdowells in your own family.

If you're curious about the book, “The New York Hardcore Chronicles Vol. 1 (1989 - 1989): A Flyer Oral History,” which I spoke about here, you can now order your own copy of the second printing by clicking right here. 

And, on a similar tip, if you're interested in that Bad Brains print by Glen E. Friedman (or other bits of his work), click here. 

Merry Merry. 

Lit From The Pit: Drew Stone's Oral History of NYHC

Just a quick plug. I was tremendously blown away, yesterday, to receive my copy of filmmaker/archivist/musician Drew Stone's excellent new book, “The New York Hardcore Chronicles Vol. 1 (1989 - 1989): A Flyer Oral History.” I've invoked Drew several times here before (notably here, here, here and here, among others) but he gamely asked me, some time back, to pen a piece for this project, and I am truly honored to see my contribution so prominently placed as the forward to the book. While probably a niche concern to most, this book is a genuine labor of love and a crucial document for any fan of New York City's rich and vibrant history of underground music and culture. I was thrilled to be a small part of it.

My Favorite Posts of 2021

Yes, I know we’re still only halfway through November, but let’s face it --- by and large, 2021 is over. I mean, sure, maybe I’ll post something in the next month and a half that I really like, but who knows? One can’t count on these things.

The following is a list of posts from the last eleven months that I really liked putting together. It’s not that they’re necessarily the best-written or the most viewed or the most-commented on (not really that informative a metric here, alas). They’re just the ones that I enjoyed researching and was pleased with how they turned out. Results may vary and you may beg to differ, but this is my list. Feel free to make your own.

JANUARY

    Goodbye to Sammy’s

    Christadora House Through The Trees

    A Prize from The Priestess

    “No Comment”: Reacquainting with Squid

    Goodbye, Mr. Puspurica

FEBRUARY

    Beyond The Valley of 84 Thomas Street: The Search for Plasmatics World Headquarters

    Central Park … After Dark

    Be Cruel to Your Pool: The Search for The Cover Location of New Hope For The Wretched

    The New York Nobody Sang

MARCH

    “Everyone is Going to Be Severely Burned & Naked”: Don Rauf of Life in a Blender Looks Forward

    Goodbye to Brooks Brothers

    In the City: Urban Navigation in “The Warriors”

    Sole Asylum: My Incrementally Futile Quest for Nike SB Black and Tan Dunk Lows

    Charly Clicks with Fran in the Alley

APRIL

    For the Love of The Dictators

    SOLVED: The Whereabouts of Wendy’s Wall

MAY

    A Way Back to Wendy’s Wall

    Oliver Takes On Time Travel

JUNE

    Back to The Basement

    Punks in The Peppermint Lounge

    What’s In the Box?

    Catching Up with Squeaky

JULY

    Back … Reluctantly … To the Korova Milk Bar

    Searching for George

    Sounds in the Summertime

AUGUST

    Suck It Up: Re-Exhuming Sucking In The Seventies

SEPTEMBER

    Ecstatic Pizza: Thurston Moore’s Favorite Slice

    For Those Not About to Rock: Redux

    Notes from The Ghost Walk

OCTOBER

    Back Again to Club Berlin

    Goodnight & Godspeed, Eileen

    Back to The New York Comic Arts Gallery

    SPINning Out: 102 More of The Best New York City Music Videos

    Welcome Back to The Pleasuredome

    Ten Compact Discs I’ve Bought During The Last Quarter of 2021

Back to NYC `94 with "NY SCENE"

For whatever stupid reason, 1994 still doesn’t seem *THAT* long ago, to me. I still regularly listen to some fairly crucial albums that were released that year – Portishead’s Dummy, Jeff Buckley’s Grace, Nick Cave’s Let Love In, Massive Attack’s Protection, Release by Cop Shoot Cop, Pandemonium by Killing Joke, Orange by the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and many, many others. It was a great, great year for music. I was still technically living on the Upper East Side, at the time, but spending most of my time downtown. I would have just been starting my gig at the TIME Magazine News Desk and freelance writing for various music periodicals.

But, obviously, once I take off my rose-tinted shades, I realize that 1994 was freakin’ 27 years ago. Pre-O.J. trial. Pre-Oklahoma City bombing. Pre-Princess Di death. Pre-9/11. Pre-Afghanistan. Pre-Iraq War. Pre-Indian Ocean tsunami. Etc. Etc. Etc. On a personal level, it was before I met the woman who’d become my wife, before our wedding, before we moved to our current apartment and, very obviously, before we had kids. It was verily several lifetimes ago.

Never is this more apparent than in the video below. Shot in 1994, “NY SCENE” was an “alternative” New York City tourism documentary. Here’s the official description:

NY SCENE is an alternative New York City travel documentary from 1994. As the tape says, "How to do New York... without looking like a tourist." Ripped from a VHS tape that I found while rummaging through The Thing thrift store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Featuring many defunct and some still-functioning New York City establishments, local alternative music from the time and a superfluous use of the word "funky," NY SCENE is an incredible snapshot of NYC culture in 1994.

From the back of the VHS tape: NY SCENE is the ultimate insider's guide to New York City. This 52-minute travel documentary is a sonic blast of New York sights and sounds. Price down peddlers at the 25th St. flea market, feast at an Indian row restaurant, breeze past the ropes of Manhattan's hottest clubs. It's much more than the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. NY SCENE will show you where to find the New Yorker's New York. A few more NY SCENEs: Day Activities: Street art, funky museums and Central Park like you've never seen it. Cheap Eats & Dining Out: Bagels, falafels, coffee shops, Indian, Mexican, Sushi... and more! Night Out: From performance poetry to Showtime at the Apollo... and everything in between. Tips Around Town: How to get around and get by- without getting taken.

Travel expert Julie Karlin walks you from St. Marks to Soho and real-life cabbie Clinton Herrington gives you the tips for a change. Fueled by a soundtrack from some of NYC's hottest bands, NY SCENE is for those who want to be part of the scene... even before they get there.

So, yeah.

For all its bluster, the recommendations herein are nothing too especially radical, but it’s fun to see several since-vanished concerns again, like Howdy-Do, the Sixth Avenue flea markets, the Yaffa Café, Magical Childe, the Ludlow Street Cafe and the old Japonica and invocations of since-closed ventures like Wetlands, Downtown Beirut, Club USA and even my old neighbors at the 24-hour pool hall, Le Q (which is now a sedate antiques emporium). It's a very different city. 

Enjoy the trip back in time…