Very High Frequencies

Episode: 212 Switchblade Symphony

VHF-212 (Switchblade Symphony) highlights the San Francisco darkwave band’s three full length albums, Serpentine  Gallery (‘95), Bread And Jam For Frances (‘97) The Three Calamities (‘99) as well as some of their remixes, live songs, cover songs and b-sides. Just a few months ago “Scrapbook”, a compilation of early cassette demos and rarities from the early 90’s was released on CD. We will be checking that out too.
Tina Root, Susan Wallace and a few different drummers and guitarists combined elements of a wide variety of musical styles. While Switchblade Symphony is predominantly goth rock with a slight Siouxsie influence there are also glitchy keyboard sequences that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Ladytron song. Setting  the group apart from their contemporary bands was the use of classical musical flourishes and operatic vocal touches. 
Very High Frequencies episode 212 will take you back to the mid nineties for this week’s high energy Switchblade Symphony show. You’re invited to party like it’s 1999!

Episode: 211 Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross + NIN

Very High Frequencies goes instrumental on this week’s episode. VHF-211 (Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross + NIN) features a selection of music released on soundtracks for two David Fincher directed movies, The Social Network (2010) and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011) as well as instrumental tracks released by Nine Inch Nails, both prior to and after Atticus joining the band in 2008. We especially examine the instrumental NIN double LP Ghosts I - IV (2008) which features former King Crimson member Adrian Belew on several tracks playing lead guitar and performing some programming as well. 
Trent Reznor included non-vocal tracks on his releases beginning with the second NIN non single release, 1992’s Broken EP. We here at VHF managed to squeeze in songs from eight different NIN releases and still check out some of the interesting soundtrack songs from The Social Network and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (triple album) which marked the beginning of Trent and Atticus’ long and fruitful side job making music for film and television. 
In an interesting bit of serendipity Trent Reznor has just announced that he and Atticus will be releasing music for the upcoming Disney franchise science fiction flick Tron, this time as Nine Inch Nails, so this show is just Part One no doubt.
Join Not Dead Yet Mike for this episode of VHF, may I say it’s excellent as a workout mix because there’s no vocals, it’s all about the beat and the groovy music. Pump it up!

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.

Episode: 209: The Tear Garden

Very High Frequencies 209 is a two hour trip through long running experimental electronic project The Tear Garden. Since 1985 Legendary Pink Dots lyricist. vocalist and keyboard player Edward Ka-Spel and Skinny Puppy founder and multi-instrumentalist cEvin Key have been collaborating on producing their unique twist on modern psychedelic music. Various members of both bands have been involved in many of their songs. Very High Frequencies samples a couple of tracks from just about every album and EP they have released as well as the Subconscious Records compilation album Paradigm Shift track, Message 3, which opens the show. Consider headphones for your enhanced listening experience, especially during epic (16:47) album track You and Me and Rainbows from The Tear Garden’s first full length release, Tired Eyes Slowly Burning (1987). Even Skinny Puppy vocalist Ogre makes an appearance along with the late great DR Goettel on keyboards.
VHF-209 (The Tear Garden), Fire up, tune in, turn on, and remember to Have A Nice Trip!

Episode: 208 - XTC

VHF-208 (XTC) is packed with some of the English band’s hits and deep studio cuts, and B-sides from the dozen albums they released. We also feature a few of their side projects like Mr. Partridge (dub remixes) and The Dukes Of Stratosphear (Psychedelic rock) .
This VHF episode  demonstrates how the group consistently evolved with their music. In 1978 they played high energy nerd rock in a similar style as early Talking Heads or Devo.  By the final XTC release in 2000 they had morphed  gradually into a very different sound, experimenting with orchestral arrangements and English  pastoral elements.  Was it Pop? Was it Punk? You decide.
MTV propelled the group into televisions everywhere in the early eighties.  A B-side track from the single “Grass” got played on college radio. Originally left off the Todd Rundgren produced LP Skylarking, “Dear God” received so many requests for airplay that the album was repressed for American audiences with “Dear God” included.  
Very High Frequencies cordial invites you to an evening of musical entertainment by the English rock band XTC. Put on the kettle and have a tea (or pint) with Colin, Andy and Dave. Cheers!

Episode: 207 Orange Goblin

Very High Frequencies highlights London, England metal band Orange Goblin. After 27 years of waving the heavy music flag they are about to drop album number ten, Science, Not Fiction. It’s getting great reviews and based on the three songs released so far I can understand why.
VHF-207 (Orange Goblin) features tracks off of nearly every  OG release to date. While there’s no denying the influence of Black Sabbath on the music they create with just one listen it’s obvious they are also heavily inspired by Motörhead and Lemmy’s earlier outfit, the Space Rock legends, Hawkwind.  Expect guitar solos, bass freakouts, driving drums and clean but gravelly vocals. Occasional keyboards add mood. 
The songs are about riding fast, living hard and standing up for your beliefs. Free spirit or die kind of stuff. OG specialize in scary tunes like brand new  creepy but catchy song “Cemetery Rats.”.
Cover songs pepper the show as well from some expected artists but also a couple surprises too. 
Doom music can be fun and high energy in the right hands. It’s not rocket science but it might make you rock out like a heavy metal superstar! Get out your air guitar and blast VHF-207 (Orange Goblin).

Episode: 206 Concrete Blonde

VHF-206 (Concrete Blonde) presents the alternative rock band born in the sweaty clubs on the Hollywood circuit of the early eighties. Originally known as Dream 6, the three piece group caught the attention of IRS records. Lablemate REM vocalist Michael Stipe suggested changing the band’s name to Concrete Blonde to represent the dynamic range of the band, especially the heartfelt vocal performances of Johnette Napolitano. 
College rock and steady touring payed off with multiple songs from about a half dozen albums getting played. The album Bloodletting (‘90) was a huge success with its Ann Rice tribute to her novel Interview with a Vampire 
As usual Very High Frequencies checks out some of the groups big hits but leaves a couple out so some less overplayed tracks can get their just due. B-sides, extended mixes, a couple live songs, a few interesting covers and a whole set of post Concrete Blonde songs round out VHF-206 (Concrete Blonde). 

Epsiode: 205 Ministry Dubsonic Frequencies

Very High Frequencies is pumping up the bass this week with an alternative mix of Ministry tunes. (VHF-205 Ministry - Dubsonic Frequencies) is compiled of tracks throughout Uncle Al’s long career. We’re focusing on rare tracks; some dating from the very early ‘80’s that record labels initially rejected back in the day. After just about thirty years they finally got released! They’re sonically interesting examples of the early synth pop DNA that created so many iconic dance-floor friendly songs shortly afterwards. 
Besides rare early tracks Not Dead Yet Mike blasts a bunch of the dub remixes of Ministry songs. Heavy percussion and low frequency bass pulsate. Vocals are often distorted into indecipherable gibberish because this is meant to be body music. Let the rhythms wash over you and cleanse your neurons of any negativity or hopelessness. 
B-side deep cuts get their due as well, rather than the usual radio friendly A-side single remix. 
Rounding out this VHF are Ministry performing  cover songs by a who’s who of Uncle Al’s musical heroes. Not a single regular studio track is to be heard on this episode of VHF-205 (Ministry - Dubsonic Frequencies). Pump it up!

Episode: 204 Ladies Night

Very High Frequencies invites you to join our Ladies Night on this week’s episode. Girls, girls, girls! That’s right, Not Dead Yet Mike has scoured the vault for a collection of everyone’s favorite songs with girls names in the title. 
And a few tunes featuring women’s names in the title that might even shock you! Creepy, violent and so very un-ladylike ladies.
Rest assured listeners, nobody writes a song about a boring Plain Jane type of female. Characters with unusual personality traits run amok. Drama will ensue.
Who’s representing you ask? We have a couple Alice’s that are problematic but pretty. Very very pretty thankfully. You could say dearest “multiple personality disorder Christine” has her good sides certainly. 
There’s songs mentioning Prudence, Charlotte, little darlings Judy & the other Judy, the late Gail who is all tuckered out, sweet Emily likes to play, it’s a live shout out to G L O R I A and praise for Sister Ray from a band not known for doing covers. 
We’re still dreaming of NYC nights with Cheree and fantasizing about a time travel trip to save tortured Warhol model Edie Sedgwick from her own self destructive drug abuse. Note: She looks good with her hair slicked back in her leather jeans. 
Furthermore Jane says and Cindy tells me. Lisa goes surfing. Mary Lou and Deanna make an impression. Watch out, Jolene might steal your man! Lola is asking for a dance and a coke-a -cola. Wendy has a big day tomorrow and Sheena is A) a punk  rocker B) in a goth gang now. 
We also hear tales about Maria, Laura, Melanie, Eliza, and let’s not forget rocking Elizabeth Jade.
Bands and artists on this Ladies Night episode are the usual VHF suspects. Goth and punk, psych rock, first wave artists like Eno, Bowie and Suicide. Let’s see, how about classic “chick shout outs” by Siouxsie, The Cure, Ramones, Sisters, The Cramps and a bunch more of your favorite alternative artists? It’s girls, girls, girls this week on VHF-204 (Ladies Night)

Episode: 203 Leonard Cohen

VHF-203 (Leonard Cohen) samples some of the music created by the late Canadian singer, songwriter, poet and novelist. He passed away on November 7, 2016.. Leonard was 82 years old young.
Leonard Cohen was first and foremost a poet. In the late 1950’s and early ‘60’s he was a full time poet and novelist. In 1966 he decided to write songs. He was thirty years old by the time he released his first album in 1967. A late bloomer, nonetheless he found adoring fans in his homeland of Canada as well as in England and much of Europe. The USA was slower to appreciate his unique repertoire. Adult themes and morose delivery could not compete with the AM radio pop that was popular at the time. Fortunately other artists covered his songs, often to much success.
The writing and performing process was not easy for him. He said that he spent hours, days and even years perfecting his lyrics to his songs. He described the process as agonizing and painful, like giving birth or dying; but that didn’t stop him from chasing his muse. 
What exactly was his muse? He really liked the ladies. A lot of alcohol was consumed, along with a bunch of drugs, sex, zen meditation, religious quests, and other extremes. 
The tales of his inebriated 1977 recording studio shenanigans with Phil Spector )and his pistol) are frightening and foretelling. 
Profoundly affected by being robbed of his life savings and publishing rights by his long time manager, Leonard was forced quite late in life to partake in ambitious world tours to recoup his losses. To Leonard’s surprise he enjoyed performing live to an adoring audience. 
We toast the artist with just some of the music he put out in his lifetime. Studio tracks, movie soundtrack cuts, and a few live songs here and there all get their due on this episode of Very High Frequencies. Check out some of the work of influential artist Leonard Cohen. Oh, and let’s not forget to thank the ladies. Mr. Cohen was a very busy gentleman and a one of a kind artist.