I was finishing up my taxes last night and found this improbable Beatles cover.
Which led to this utterly appropriate Stevie Wonder cover.
The Wonder is proof positive that a great song shines in different light. I’m not a fan of this hyperdriven guitar blues, not on record or the radio, but a few beers and a hot bar and guys who couldn’t tie Stevie Ray’s boots can make the format work if they’re loud and they play covers and classics.
Another Scottish band, this was recorded in 1978 and was collected on a compilation for FAST records that included cuts from Gang of 4 and the Mekons, and others. The singer brings a Nico on speed vibe, while the band chugs.
All the fancy shit can’t touch this:
One of my favorite tracks from the best album of 2013.
Plus there’s some damn cool harmony in there too.
Plus the video is Halloweeny.
We’re not leaving The Mekons without the BEST Mekons.
For what it was, no one ever approached Entertainment! the debut Gang of Four album (in my top 50), including Gang of Four, except. . .The Mekons.
They never should’ve let those girls in the band.
Stick around Leeds’ post-punk scene a little longer, we visit Delta 5 on the Top of the Pops. The caption says it was 1981. Delta 5 notably had two singers and two bass players.
This tune is from The Mekons Rock ‘n’ Roll, and it is perhaps the perfect Mekons tune. Fast parts, but slow parts, too. Irony, in the lyrics, but also some passion. And irony in the arrangement, but also some passion. Clanging guitars, but you would miss the accordion if it wasn’t there. Steve Goulding’s drumming, which is always winning.
I wouldn’t say this is a great song, but I would say it is a great Mekons song.
And since we’re blending this morning, maybe we should go with a great song.
Okay, better than a great song, here’s a clip from 2004 with the band on Top of the Pops. You have to wonder why on both parts, but the fact is the tune is slight but nice, and with no chance of Top of the Pops action. Weird.
1993. Sally Timms on vocals.
2002.Recorded in Chicago.
At some point indie rock got hot and the Mekons ended up signing with a major label. The resultant album, The Mekons Rock ‘n’ Roll, was full of great music. Rocking music.
This is the official video for a song called Memphis Egypt, which could be called Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Here’s a video of a live Memphis Egypt performance from 2011 in Zurich, home of Dada, more than 20 years later, of Memphis Egypt and Where Were You, did I mention live? Fun, right?
You can read Robert Christgau’s liner notes for the non major label rerelease of the major label Mekons Rock ‘n’ Roll album here.
