March 13, 2009

F.U.C.T. "Retain To The Aggro"

I’m in my studio/office/meditation station listening to F.U.C.T -Forever Ungratical Corinaric Techcnikilation -

More than twenty years ago I was in many mosh pits when F.U.C.T. played countless times in Birmingham, Alabama. I was so young then. But I made it a position in my life at that time to make every single show possible. Their sound and their lyrics were before Tool or other bands of their type ever existed.

The front man / lead singer, Clay Brocker spent time in prison for drug issues after F.U.C.T. disbanded.

The original lead guitarist – Brooks, died from an aneurysm several years ago (R.I.P).

Clay is out of “hard time” and back to business.

F.U.C.T. are the Godfathers of Southern thrash, hardcore, psychedelic, heavy fucking shit! They are not to be denied. I have seen them play in the past so many times that I can’t count. They have NEVER let me down.

The new CD Retain To The Aggro brings back the past. And there is nothing missing. This CD hits you like a ton of bricks with a ton of burning-down buildings on top!

Patrick on drums makes the album sound like Tool on steroids.

Clay sounds like a fucking maniac on rocket fuel!

There is no denying this CD kills. It’s almost hard to take in on one listen. I listened ten times before I wrote anything.

Be fucking scared, as this CD will make you go into the AGGRO. This CD will make you reminisce about the past if you ever heard them back in the day.

This is a new beginning for a band that is cult-status and possibly heading for religious, heart-felt all-knowing legends.

The new guitarist – Creasey – apparently was friends with Brooks. His style of playing shows – you can hear it. You can feel it!

Retain To The Aggro does not play around. It does not fuck around. If F.U.C.T. does not get the metal, hardcore, punk credit they deserve, they will be overlooked today as I believe they were “back in the day.”

They are already legends and inspirations to many. I just hope they get the respect they deserve today and the future to from many more.
See: http://www.efyouseetee.com/ or go HERE for more information.

(By the way, F.U.C.T. is from Nashville. So if you dwell there or ever go there, look them up)
--Hunter Bell

March 7, 2009

Duquette Johnston -- "It Sings Because It Has A Song"

I saw Daniel Johnston (AKA Daniel Duquette Johnston) today at his yard sale.
I purchased two books and a great coat. He and “they” were selling all they could and can to get to SXSW!

But I got more than that. He gave me his newest CD --- It Sings Because It Has A Song -- that has been submitted to the RPM Challenge. (Record an album Per Month)

I have to admit that I did not dig his last release. I’m not a huge fan of alt-country via back from rehab. (more on that later, another blog and day)

For whatever reason, this new release blows his last release away!

I’m sure he is still sober. He’s married. He’s focused. He seems to be doing what he always should have been doing.

For Johnston to do an album in one month is awesome. But for him to survive and overcome his past is MORE than mastery. From his background with Verbena, and his rock band Cutgrass, this CD takes away the past and looks towards the future. It is nothing like his other indulgent experiences. HE kills this one my friends!!!!

Again, this CD was written and recorded in one month. Give Mr. Johnston a few more months and he will be way, way OVER Verbena, Cutgrass, and all the other projects he tends to jingle with.

Duquette Johnston is a Birmingham hero. He is a legacy.

And here we go:
Rise Up Children
an alt-country psychedelic

Pay a Little, Love A Life
Beautiful, soft and true

I am Right I am Wrong
jeez, this song is like a gospel!


Go HERE to see his Myspace. Do it now!
(pic by Morgan Jones)

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--Hunter Bell (03/07/2009)