I lived in Albuquerque for some length of time, and upon departure, I swore never to return. My parents have threatened several times to relocate to the desert and I made it evident that I would never visit. Yet, now I find myself applying for two positions back in the land of enchantment. That's what happens when you get old and want to move and nothing is available. While I was there, I saw several great shows, but not one decent local band. And that is because I never had the chance to see this group, as I believe they moved away right before I got there. A pity really, as they are probably my favorite group from that whole 90s garage revival. At the time, I found most of it to be pretty redundant, and nostalgia was never my bag, but these guys (and girl) just played some seriously good rock. Perfect for your upcoming weekend drinkathon.Here
Well, this was indeed one of the good ones back in the day. They were kickin around ABQ at the same time as The Johnny Cats.
ReplyDeletehttp://penmallet.blogspot.com/p/swaybackjonny-cats.html
But, based on what you post here...you may enjoy my other band from the period better...
http://penmallet.blogspot.com/p/waltz-bop-shop.html
There were other good bands hidden in the desert of a musical scene back then...but they were not always easy to find.
I already grabbed those. I'm guessing I was out there after you. It was mostly late 90s early 2000s for me. I just never had much luck with local music. At that point it was either band hardcore or emo stuff mostly. But there was plenty of nice people. Unfortunately, they all seemed to move away rather quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe Drags were so fucking fun. They applied a certain level of juvenilism to the 90's garage scene that I don't think any band could compete with. Stop Rock 'N Roll remains one of my favorite albums from the era. And, "I Like to Die" is on of my favorite songs of all time.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I was out of there by 2001.
ReplyDeleteThe Dirty Novels were a good band from around then...don't know if they ever released anything. Other gems from the 90's include Venus Diablo and Elephant. I like that ABQ kid who does the folk stuff...what's his name???? Beirut...that's it...http://www.beirutband.com/
Of course the best Albuquerque musician of them all was John Lewis. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Lewis_%28pianist%29
I honestly don't remember those bands. Maybe they were there before I was. Who knows. But I will check them out. You remember Luxochamp? I always liked them and Brad always seemed like a cool guy (though I only really knew him through friends). Wavy Brain was great.
ReplyDeleteBrandude. You have good taste. I love that song. It still gets plenty of stereo time around here
ReplyDeletecan someone help me track down these guys? Iv been way into the Drags for years now and would love to talk to them or interview them for a zine. Cant believe there so forgotten and unheard of amongst kids today.
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