Episode: 210 Suicide - Rev & Vega

VHF-210 (Suicide - Rev & Vega) takes the Very High Frequencies listener for an auditory trip into the highly influential duo’s provocative repertoire consisting of five proper studio albums released sporadically between 1977 to 2002 as well as various live and demo recordings put out for the Uber fans as is customary with any cult act.

Based out of NYC Martin Rev (keyboards ) and Alan Vega (vocals) deconstructed rock music down to its bare essentials. Inspired by the music of fellow NYC artist Lou Reed and his mind blowing band The Velvet Underground, and by seeing the Stooges live with the one and only Iggy going absolutely bonkers, the boys knew what they wanted to do. The whole world was committing suicide and Mr. Rev & Mr. Vega provided the appropriate soundtrack. Armageddon daze is here again.

A crude drum machine beat with a loop of a slightly off kilter keyboard melody was often the foundation for a half sung half spoken word poetic rap about the dregs of society and the bad decisions many of us make on a daily basis. Songs such as Frankie Teardrop are arguably heavier than anything Black Sabbath ever released because the song rings so true and utterly believable. No fairies or wizards to sing about, just unemployed young fathers with loaded guns and a lot of mental pressure. 

Challenging government policy and examining humankind’s tendency for the ultra-violence as a go to strategy may have kept the band off commercial radio (if the groups name hadn’t already sealed that deal) but nonetheless the group was highly influential to aspiring musicians and left a lasting impression on anyone that caught the band live. Notorious for confrontations with the audience Suicide’s live show’s often devolved into mayhem with motorcycle chains swung at anybody foolish enough to get too close. Suicide was eventually banned from NYC club CBGB’s for attracting too many punks and hooligans that engaged in ill behavior.

The duo initially kicked around in the early Seventies with a third member that played guitar. By ‘77 the guitarist was gone and record labels were looking for the next thing. Could it be punk rock? 

Suicide’s First Album (‘77) didn’t sell much but it allowed UK and European touring. The duo’s unique sound and NYC attitude was adored by many of the kids that witnessed them live. A fair amount of them were so inspired they formed their own bands, for example Andrew Eldrith. His outfit The Sisters Of Mercy often performed their interpretation of Suicide track Ghostrider in their early days. 

VHF-210 (Suicide - Rev + Vega) is not always easy listening but perhaps more truly reflects the world we live in, with all of our foibles, fears and hope. Between Alan Vega’s screeching diatribes of drug abuse and war exist mournful laments for compassion, alongside heartfelt pleas for love as we all fight for existence in this crazy world. This  episode of Very High Frequencies is recommended for anyone who is interested in hearing some of the lesser known and under appreciated building blocks of Alternative Music.