Friday, February 28, 2014

MARK, DON, MEL, & IGGY


      (8-29-12) SIN'S A GOOD MAN'S STOOGE...August '69 saw the release of the first LP by Homer Simpson's favorite band GRAND FUNK RAILROAD. Featuring ( in Homer's words ) the "shirtless lyrics" of Mark Farner, the "bong rattlin' bass" of Mel Schacher, and the "competent  drumming" of Don Brewer. Their later LP's, recorded by high profile producers like Todd Rundgren and Jimmy Ienner, haven't aged so well for me. Conversely their much reviled , Blue Cheer on reds sounding early vinyl recordings by band Svengali and novice producer Terry Knight sound almost avant-garde in their low-fi rawness. It's as if some 'luded out hippie dunked the analog tape in a barrel of Ripple and then mixed it down as quickly as possible in some converted carburetor repair sweat shop of a studio. Sounds killer!
     IG Connect # 1...Before he was a Grand Funker Mel was a bassist with Question Mark and the Mysterians, who's " 96 Tears" was one of many sixties garage classics performed by IGGY on his solo tours. Check out the IG's "Nuggets" CD for a live version recorded in '83.
     IG Connect # 2...IGGY has claimed that his "shirtless" style of (un)dress has been 'ripped off' by perennially bare-chested Mark Farner. Mr. Farner has vehemently denied the charges. Hey, no shirt off MY back...

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