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| Thanks to www.fuzztones.net | Fuzztones |
| FUZZTONES' CRYPTIC CHRISTMAS WISHES! 2009 was a helluva year for The Fuzztones. We released two albums (Lysergic Legacy, and the U.S. version of Horny as Hell), gigged not once but TWICE with the legendary SONICS, headlined the Stag-O-Lee Festival in Bonn, and filmed the Rockpalast TV show, a German mainstay since the 70's! And as if that wasn't enough excitement for one year, Twist Records even managed to squeeze out the second tribute album (Fuzztones Illegitimate Spawn 2) before the year was over! Not to mention Go Down's release of The Best of Link Protrudi & The Jaymen album (on CD AND vinyl!) and subsequent Italian tour! To top the year off, the band have returned to their former booking agency, IBD. Like I said, a helluva year! |
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| To all Fuzz Freaks out there! Our Keyteaser, Lana Loveland, will soon be rockin' Spain. Her band is called Loveland, the music: 60's Garage and she is the singer! Check out her Tourdates: TOURDATES SPAIN APRIL 2011 booked by El Beasto 21.4.- Barcelona MONASTERIO 22.4 - Ponferrada FREAKLAND FESTIVAL 23.4 - Cangas SALA SON 24.4 - Oviedo LA CALLEJA LA CIEGA 25.4 - tba 26.4 - Madrid WURLITZER BALLROOM 27.4 - Burgos ESTUDIO 27 28.4 - Alcazar De San Juan ARCO 29.4 - Murcia MARIANO 30.4 - Tarragona EL CAU more info here: www.lanaloveland.com What do they sound like? Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKTjTYWF9kU |
| 2010 promises to be even greater, as The Gurus of Garage Grunge prepare to celebrate their THIRTIETH (you read right - the big 3-0!!!) anniversary with an extensive Fall tour to promote their highly anticipated upcoming studio album, which should be hitting stores this Summer. Also expected for 2010, the release of the third and LAST in the "Tribute Trilogy"... And take it from us, the Third Time's The Charm!!!!! Expect something VERY different and 100% MIND-BLOWING. This album has been in the works for over EIGHT YEARS!!!!! OK, 'nuff said... we don't wanna give too much away! If you missed The Jaymen tour (their first in 9 years!), have no fear... they will also be returning to the road in February with dates in Italy, Spain and Germany expected. Keyteaser Lana Loveland's long-awaited solo album, 'Order To Love,'should be available by early Springtime, along with a possibile tour! Quite alot of other surprises in store as well - so stay tuned! Last but not least, the Rockpalast airdate is January 22nd. Check listings for time and channel. THE FUZZTONES WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL, LOYAL FANS. WITHOUT YOU, NOTHING WOULD BE POSSIBLE. BUT WITH YOU, IT SEEMS ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! YOU'RE THE REASON WE KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON! WE'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK ANDREA AT IBD, AND OUR FAVORITE PROMOTERS, ROBERT MILLS AND ANDREA AT BLITZ. YOU'RE ALL THE BEST. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A ROCKIN' NEW YEAR TO ALL! In Fuzz We Trust, The Fuzztones |
| Hi Fuzz Freaks, BRAND NEW "BEST OF THE FUZZTONES" ALBUM OUT NOW! Cleopatra Records has just released LYSERGIC LEGACY on CD and vinyl! The CD features 25 classic Fuzztones tracks, while the LP features 14. Guest artists appearing on these tracks, culled from the vast previously recorded Fuzztones cache include MARK LINDSAY (Paul Revere & The Raiders), SKY SAXON (Seeds), JAMES LOWE (Electric Prunes), SEAN BONNIWELL (Music Machine) and ARTHUR LEE (Love). One CD 20 EUR, including shipping and Rudi's signature!BRAND NEW "BEST OF THE FUZZTONES" ALBUM OUT NOW! Cleopatra Records has just released LYSERGIC LEGACY on CD and vinyl! The CD features 25 classic Fuzztones tracks, while the LP features 14. Guest artists appearing on these tracks, culled from the vast previously recorded Fuzztones cache include MARK LINDSAY (Paul Revere & The Raiders), SKY SAXON (Seeds), JAMES LOWE (Electric Prunes), SEAN BONNIWELL (Music Machine) and ARTHUR LEE (Love). "BEST OF LINK PROTRUDI & THE JAYMEN" ALBUM & CD OUT SOON! Electrique Mud will be releasing a 26 track CD this Fall to coincide with The Jaymen's first Euro tour in 15 years! Tracks culled from their 3 studio albums, along with three bonus tracks! Go Down Records will release the LP to coincide with the release of the CD. "FUZZTONES ILLEGITIMATE SPAWN 2" OUT THIS FALL! If you thought Spawn 1 was great, wait'll you hear THIS! FIFTY tracks contributed by bands from all over the world - all paying tribute to the Gurus of Garage Grunge! Featured artists include Ian Astbury, Boss Martians, Headless Horsemen (Elan Portnoy's post Fuzztones group), Sick Rose, Magnificent Brotherhood, the Cheeks, Defectors, Doll Squad, Norvins, What For, and even a studio track by Rudi's 1972 band, Springhead Motorshark! Also included are interviews with 80's MTV icon Martha Quinn and talk show giant Larry King! Fuzztones stalwart Mad Mike Czekaj checks in with his band the Live Ones, and Rudi himself sings on a track by the Preachers that he co-wrote with the band! As on Volume One, 3 bands contribute songs about the Fuzztones, as well as a few more surprises that make this one truly kick-ass collection. Comes with a truly cryptic 28 page booklet! Out on Twist Records this Fall! FUZZTONES "RAW HEAT" OUT SOON! Yep, The Fuzztones ARE inundating the market! And watch out cuz there's alot MORE stuff coming soon! THIS here release is comprised of the ORIGINAL studio demos for the infamous IN HEAT album. NOT (over)produced by SHEL TALMY but recorded raw and mean by the band themselves. Also includes some alternate (and superior) B-sides, again produced by the band themselves - as well as radio and TV soundbites from Little Steven's Underground Garage, MTV and Rodney On The Roq! Out on Go Down Records this Fall! |
| Rebellion" series. Virtually all Fuzztones and Jaymen T-Shirt designs, from the famous Fuzztones skull and crossed Vox Phantoms logo to Illegitimate Spawn and In Heat's voluptuous vamp have been created by Mr. Protrudi We are now proud to present two brand new T-shirts bearing Rudi's cryptic artwork! click on link to see design. http://fuzztones.net/NEWS/alltshirts.jpg |
| ___________Bio/Biography
of Fuzztones: Although never having attained commercial success, The Fuzztones have certainly achieved legendary status as cult faves during their 26 year career. Their fiery brand of Garage-Psych Punk pre-dated the entire "Garage Revival" of the 1980's and has influenced hundreds of groups, some quite famous. Born in the summer of 1980 in the bowels of NYC's Lower East side, The Fuzztones were soon regulars at legendary NYC hotspots such as CBGB, and the Mudd Club. By utilizing the fuzzbox (an antiquated effects pedal used by many 60's groups to achieve overly distorted "psychedelic" guitar sounds), the band created a raunchy sound they referred to as "Grunge"...(On their 1984 debut single, "Bad News Travels Fast", lead guitarist Elan Portnoy is credited as playing "lead grunge", at least a decade before the Seattle Grunge Invasion)! Complete with paisley and leather attire, genuine human bone necklaces, The Fuzztones influenced the fashions of bands as diverse as the Hoodoo Gurus (who also modified the Fuzztones infamous skull and crossed Vox Phantom guitars logo for use on one of their album covers) to Marc Almond (who aped The Fuzztones by wearing black turtlenecks with bone necklaces) to the X-rated Dwarves logo, which was stolen from the Fuzztones "Lysergic Ejaculations" cover. The band's classic video for "Ward 81" even inspired the legendary Ramones, whose "Psychotherapy" video copies several scenes directly from the Fuzztones' masterpiece, as did the glitter-rock docu-film "Velvet Goldmine"! The band's first European tour in 1985, a 3 month onslaught of England, Wales, Scotland, Germany and Italy, firmly established the band with a dedicated, and avid following that continues to this day! Their 1985 debut studio LP, "Lysergic Emanations" has achieved major cult status, and has been released by 3 different labels over the last 16 years, the combined sales of which has assured gold record status! The Fuzztones have toured Europe fervently since 1985, and have headlined major venues in Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Wales, Scotland, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Denmark and Finland, as well as Canada, Israel, and Mexico. Their 26 year career spans at least 13 albums, countless singles, 5 videos, several television and radio appearances, and countless major press articles (NME, Sounds, Melody Maker, Rockerilla, Hit Parade, US,and more). They were the only band involved in the 80's "Garage Revival" to obtain a major label record deal (RCA). Now on their 9th incarnation, The Fuzztones prepare to invade Europe once again. The current line-up features Lead vocalist / guitarist and founding member Rudi Protrudi, drummer Roger Ward (formerly of the Tommyknockers and Thee Lordly Serpents), Lana Loveland (of the Music Machine, SDBO), former Outta Place, Morlocks, and "In Heat" guitarist Jordan Tarlow, and bassist,Gabriel Hammond, who has been with the band since their reformation in 2000. Since then they have released 3 singles, "Help Murder Police"(on Italy's Misty Lane label), "Idol Chatter" (Italy's Beard of Stars), and "Hallucination Generation" (Mexico's Dark Zone). In 2003, the band released it's first studio album in 13 years, entitled "SALT FOR ZOMBIES," on Protrudi's Sin label. A double disc CD/DVD "Best Of" set, entitled "LSD25," has just been released on Italy's Get Back label to commemorate the band's 25th year anniversary. Finally, their track "Bad News Travels Fast" is featured on Rhino's brand new "Children of Nuggets" box set. A double disc Fuzztones Tribute album is already completed and should be available in March. |
| Fuzztones Update... |
| Hello! We are proud to announce that the Fuzztones have just signed a licensing deal with Germany's Electric Mud Records to release our new album, Horny As Hell, on CD and vinyl! The album should hit the stands just before the band's Fall tour. Meanwhile, the band is in negotiations with yet another prestigious indie to release the album in the States. Our labels wants to start a huge promo campagne. If you are interest in reviewing this new release, please give us your address, so we can forward it to them. And here some info about the album: No doubt Fuzztones' fans expected to ogle sexy strippers onstage when they attended last years "Horny As Hell" tour, advertising "Very Special Horny Guests!" What they got instead was the mighty Fuzztones with a HORN SECTION! To top it off, the line-up featured the return of veteran Fuzz-monster "Mad" Mike, beating the crap out of the drums, just like he did from 1986 to 1992, and together with bassist Screamin' Bo Pille's steady throb, creating the rhythm section from Hell! The huge new sound went over so well that Rudi decided to take the band in to a recording studio at the end of the tour, and record the set. To emphasize the new arrangements, Lana switched to wailing Hammond C3 organ, while Rudi Protrudi and Lenny Silver trade stinging leads and driving rhythms throughout! And finally, as if that's not enough, a four piece female backing group was utilized to provide the sassy backing vocals. The band recorded 17 songs, including future favorites "Garden of My Mind" and the Pre tty Things' "Alexander" (which will feature Pretties' bassist and occasional lead singer Wally Waller harmonizing with Rudi) as well as brand new versions of Fuzztones classics (wait 'til you hear "Ward 81" and "She's Wicked" done "Big Band" style)! Last but not least, Rudi's unique vocal delivery - just as energetic and vital as when he began the band 28 years ago! The new album will be released this summer as a special tour souvenir. Title? "Horny As Hell," of course! Check out three featured tracks on our myspace-player now! http://www.fuzztones.net http://www.myspace.com/thefuzztones Click on this link to see album cover! http://fuzztones.net/NEWS/hornyCDpics.jpg P.S. The release of our new album will also coincide with the upcoming tour in October. The Fuzztones will feature a special guest: Craig Moore from GONN. Here some info and tourdates! FUZZTONES GONN PRIMITIVE!"! The Fuzztones are planning something different for their October European tour! After touring with last year's big band version of The Fuzztones (the band included a three piece brass section), Rudi thought it would be fun to "Go back to our roots." In doing so, the band will feature a very special guest - CRAIG MOORE of 60's Garagepunk legends, GONN! Gonn's classic, "Blackout of Gretely" has been a popular mainstay of The Fuzztones live set ever since they recorded it on Leave Your Mind At Home in 1983. As well as being Gonn's bassist, Craig was the main songwriter ("Blackout of Gretely", "Doin' Me In") and vocalist. The unstoppable "Mad" Mike will once again be manning the drumstool, joining Rudi and Lana, along with foreign exchange guitarist, UK's Bob Hughes, who will be filling in for Lenny Silver, who will be recording with his own band at the time. The band's set will consist of nothing but snarling Garage Punk - lots of early Fuzztones, lots of Gonn, and a few well-chosen cla ssics thrown in for good measure! Check out 2 Gonn classics on The Fuzztones My Space player (as well as the 'Tones own version of "Blackout of Gretely"): myspace.com/thefuzztones Oct 17 - Zwölfzehn - Stuttgart Oct 18 - Zwischenfall - Bochum Oct 19 - Monnshake Partyl - Frankfurt Oct 20 - Luxor - Cologne (Record Release Party) Oct 21 - Atomic Cafe - Munich Oct 21 - Arcikroen - Verona Oct 21 - Spazio 211 - Torino Oct 21 - Fillmore - Piacenza Oct 21 - Extra - Recanati, Macerata Oct 21 - Officina - Cesena Oct 29 - Bassy - Berlin Oct 31 - Garage - Oslo Nov 1 - 4AD - Diksmuide Nov 2 - Effenaar - Eindhoven Nov 5 - Mondo Bizarro - Rennes Nov 6 - La Mecanique - Paris Nov 7 - Frathouse Bristol - Bristol Nov 8 - Boston Music Room - London |
| Garage rock legend RUDI PROTRUDI will
soon be touring Europe with a brand new band, The Midnight Plowboys, to promote Protrudi's newest release, "LADYKILLER," on England's Twist label. "Ladykiller," a double-disc set of vintage beer-drinkin', hell-raisin', wife-killin' country music (ala Johnny Cash, Porter Wagoner) with the occasional fuzzbox and farfisa organ subtly thrown in, is an homage to Protrudi's roots (his formative years were spent in Pennsylvania, a state he refers to as the "only Southern state north of the Mason-Dixon line). While murder does tend to be the predominating theme (at least 18 of the 27 tunes!), salvation is also offered ("Don't Shake Hands With The Devil," and "Train to Satanville") on this tribute to the white trash lifestyle (Protrudi's "Its a White Trash Thing" is the title of disc one). Scheduled release date is November 27th, 2007. European tour to follow immediatley. |
| ______________Discography THE REBEL KIND-VARIOUS ARTISTS (1983) SOUNDS INTERESTING RECORDS (SILP-011) The Fuzztones' "Ward 81" is also included-this track is self-penned, and hints at what goes on in the 'Tones grey matter ....foul demons, kicking mental patients, psychotic spasms...Fuzzzz! Babbling aural insanity! More Fuzzzzz!! FREAKBEAT "WARD 81"-Starting with clever use of a found voice preaching the horrors of insane asylums, there's a long (but tasty)guitar break and great use of sreams at the climax.The song equates insanity with love, death, and rock'n'roll. Thick and liquidy organ, and a strong dancebeat make "Ward 81" a highlight on an exceptional album. GOLDMINE * * * * * 99TH FLOOR MAGAZINE-FLEXIDISC (1984) Features The Fuzztones version of "99th Floor" as well as tracks by Plasticland and The Vipers. * * * * * BATTLE OF THE GARAGES VOL.2-VARIOUS ARTISTS VOXX/BOMP 200-019 Stars of B.O.B.#8, New Yorks Fuzztones pull a cracker out their zany bag with a version of "Green Slime" which is a nice contrast to their wild and wigged-out song on last year's "The Rebel Kind". It's no understatement to say this lot have STYLE! BUCKETFUL OF BRAINS Anybody interested in garage music, revival or otherwise, should own these. They contain all of the music from the four LPs originally issued, so highlights are many, and a name-droppers paradise: Chesterfield Kings, Deniz Tek, Plasticland, The Cynics, The Fuzztones, Sick Rose, The Pandoras-they're all here. SAN DIEGO WEEKLY These contain all of the best of the garage kings from the States and abroad. Cynics, Fuzztones, Chesterfield Kings, Pandoras, Les Thugs, Thee Forgiven, etc, etc. An absolute must-have for any collector. Martin McMartin - FLIPSIDE * * * * * BAD NEWS TRAVELS FAST (1984) MIDNIGHT 45 (MID 4504) This is one primitive, rockin' disc! The A-side is a wild, fuzzy rave-up, with great arrogant lyrics snarled out by Rudi:"Now don't you try to change me, I'll just string you along, sit back and enjoy the ride, tomorrow I'll be gone!" There's a great, throbbing riff and some berserk harmonica! Flip the disc and you get a story of lost love...no wimp ballads here though, just basic brutal trash! Great solo too! This cut was recorded live...in a cave, I guess!!! FREAKBEAT Fucking great! I'd begun to think their wicked live perform- ances would never get translated to record. An instant classic. PULSEBEAT The delivery on the two originals here is authentic and inspired, yet fortunately devoid of the purist outlook that sullies the repertoires of such contemporary garage practicioners as the Chesterfield Kings and the Pandoras. BLITZ Blasting screams of hellish proportions! If this record doesn't get your iron-poor blood pumping, give up Rock & Roll, and take break-dancing classes. The Fuzztones have the meat and they deliver! Ron Rimsite - 99TH FLOOR * * * * * LEAVE YOUR MIND AT HOME (1984) MIDNIGHT 12"EP (MIRLP 105) Live, The 'Tones are all fuzz and fury...more energy than you ever imagined possible...and a perfect choice of covers, and mixed with originals and a unique sense humor! Am I dead? Am I in heaven? No...I've just been sucked into the Fuzztones swirling psychedelic snarl! This is the ultimate primitive teenbeat thrash-out! FREAKBEAT ...this set o'live covers gets into the barn furlongs ahead o'the pack, primarily because guitarist Elan Portnoy's gotta right conceptual grasp on the fact that lotsa good SIX-OH claps JUST THIS SIDE O'METAL in construction. Consequently he sets his amp t' "stun," points his ugly hair at ya, and cuts fuggin' loose. Byron Coley - FORCED EXPOSURE These are tales of minds not merely blown but torn out by the roots. There's no mistaking what bag these hipsters are in. Once smitten by this unholy alliance you'll hear voices green and purple, and chances are you'll see things you should never see, too. This record kicks a lot of ass. The Fuzztones offer a unique opportunity to engulf your cranium in lysergic emanations. The Cult Of Fuzz awaits. Lindsay Hutton - SOUNDS * * * * * HANGING OUT AT MIDNIGHT (1984) VARIOUS ARTISTS - MIDNIGHT MIDLP 127 Compilation album featuring the Fuzztones version of "The Witch," as well as tracks by the Mighty Mofos, The Wind, Howard & Tim's paid vacation, Absolutely Grey Woofing Cookies, The Cheepskates, The Tryfles, The Love Pushers, The Backbones, The Kingsnakes, and The Cavemen. * * * * * SCREAMING JAY HAWKINS & THE FUZZTONES - LIVE! (1984) MIDNIGHT 12"EP (MIRLP 114B) The vinyl epitaph of Screamin' Jay and The Fuzztones historic union at New York's Irving Plaza. The backing throws a hole new light onto the 'Tones musical cap- abilities, the keyboards in particular. No chance of descending to cabaret horror rock with a fundation like these guys kick up. In fact, it'd be nice if some of this marsh gas were to turn up in the band's own efforts. SOUNDS ...with a good solid backing by The Fuzztones (a band that always sounds at least 10 times better than I ex- pect them to), the four tracks presented here move like no old crip EVER did. Byron Coley - FORCED EXPOSURE * * * * * GARAGE SALE - VARIOUS ARTISTS (1985) ROIR CASSETTE A135 Unfortunately, garage psychedelia can be turned into a formula as easily as any other style, and that's the major fault here. Although this collection, essembled under the auspices of Goldmine magazine, has it's share of gems, including "Cinderella" by The Fuzztones, most of it's offerings are dross. WASHINGTON POST * * * * * LYSERGIC EMANATIONS (1985) ABC LP (European) (ABC LP4) Now in full swing, this beast gives birth to it's problem child...the first full elpee, released in 1985. This is one grotesque, magical, spooky trip through the canyons of your mind...down into the darkest resess and the deepest hole!!! A complete hallucinogenic hell-trip!!! FREAKBEAT Brusquely bracing Sixties album. Fiffty trillion times better than the FLESHTONES, probably distant in-laws of the Cramps, the singer halfway into the madhouse. Ultra melodic but arranged in such a way nobody hankers for their old days. SOUNDS * * * * * SHE'S WICKED (1986) ABC 7" 45 rpm w/PS (ABCS 006) and ABC 12" EP (ABCS 006T) Catchy, simple, daunting intro that builds up with depth swirling music machine, and thrashing drumming, before pounding out into a classic riff... a "Louie Louie" for the 80's at least!!! Great voodoo chile lyrics too - "She's got a mouth full of rasor teeth, and claws so needle sharp, she'll set you off like fireworks, and tear your flesh apart"! FREAKBEAT "Said my baby's evil/said my baby's bad/gypsies stole my baby/ from her mom and dad". Poetry is it's own reward for the Fuzztones, which is just as well really, because bands as giddily gifted as this seldom get rich. MELODY MAKER * * * * * BAD NEWS (1986) ABC 12" EP (ABCS 011T)) The Fuzztones dig their claws into some mean neo-sixties punk, which delivers the good with nasty guitar riffs and Rudi Protrudi's "lead snarl." Primitive, raw and raunchy. MAXIMUM ROCKNROLL Primal garage rock from one of New York's most popular combos, rooted in the Music Machine school, with Elan Portnoy's fuzzed out breaks perfectly blending with Deb O'Nair's sleek urgent organ chords. Then there's lead vocalist Rudi Protrudi, who gives a tough, arrogant preformance. If elected, I'll put two bands like this in every garage. The Fuzztones fall somewhere between ? and the Mysterians and the Sex Pistols; I'm talkin' rockin', and no dicking around. THE BOB * * * * * LYSERGIC EMANATIONS(1986) ABC Picture disc LP Basically, every single song on the LP is a classic, and I could rant all year about each and every one. "Gotta Get Some" is slaughtered - again, it's the guitar solos that really stand out! Kenny and the Kasuals' masterpiece of mystical musical madness "Journey To Tyme" is next under the Fuzztones' choking grip:"I don't care if I never come back!"...Man, who would ever wanna return from something this good? FREAKBEAT Music from underneath your garage and could easily be the soundtrack for The Addams Family or Munsters television shows. Ghoulish production, superb songwriting, and a lead snarl all delivered by Rudi, that're guaranteed to give you psychedelic nightmares. LIVELY ARTS * * * * * LYSERGIC LOVE / LOVELY SORT OF DEATH (1986) Furlined Vulcano/Purple Helmut (Bootleg Live Album) Also floating about are various illegal tapes of the 'Tones British gigs...if you have the chance to hear these, DO cause the Fuzz and the Fury is all there! FREAKBEAT A decent lookin' thing (similar to the Chesterfield Kings' FOSSILS), but the sound is often worse than you'd ever imagine. I dunno if the masterin' got screwed up or what, but this blows. FORCED EXPOSURE * * * * * LYSERGIC EMANATIONS (1986) Enigma/Pink Dust (72123-1) LP (American version w/ gatefold sleeve) A fab studio LP released originally in the UK and then, with new graveyard cover art (by Protrudi), and two different tracks, in the States. The sound is pure sixties garage punk - the Seeds, Chocolate Watchband, Yardbirds, Animals, ? and the Mysterians, Standells, Shadows of Knight - produced clearly but without any excessive slickness. Absolutely first rate. TROUSER PRESS * * * * * "1-2-5" (1986) 7" SINGLE (b/w "Just A Dream Away" - The Wipers) Enigma Europe (CARA 1D 223) "1-2-5" growls out of your speakers...whining harmonica, ferocious guitar solos...the sheer raw power of their live material may not be so apparent, but there's a new tightness and quality to the song. FREAKBEAT * * * * * LIVE IN EUROPE (1987) MUSIC MANIAC (MM006) - Flexi Disc with first 5000 A real bone-crushing bruiser of a disc that fulfills it's mission in bringing the excitement of the Fuzztones direct to your cave. John Storey - BUCKETFUL OF BRAINS One gnarly thumbscrewer of an album, digging into lotsa lowdown and dirty guitar licks and tons of fuzz, as Rudi Protrudi and the now - departed Deb O'Nair, along with their co-fuzzmongers, dish up sum of the seamiest garage madness yet to assail human eras. Chris Wodskou - NERVE Fuzztones worshippers shouldn't delay snapping up this well housed (with lavish gatefoldsleeve) and nicely recorded live set from their '85 European Tour, especially as the first 5000 include a free flexi with Rat Scabies and Doctor and the Medics helping out on "Gloria" - such is the power of the band that they can even some live back into this ol' chestnut. John Storey - BUCKETFUL OF BRAINS "GLORIA" - FLEXIDISC w/ FIRST 5000 COPIES OF "LIVE IN EUROPE" - MUSIC MANIAC Flexi que en principio acompaiiaba a ia version de edicion limitada del Live In Europe que editio Music Maniac. (el de la carpeta despiegable, no el sencilio). Tan solo lieva una cancion. Se trata de la version de Van Morrison, "Gloria", que tue grabada el 14 de julio de 1985 en el FOOT CLUB de Londres, y que tue interpretada por los Fuzztones accompailados de los Doctor and the Medics y Rat Scabies a la guitarra. GARAGE REVIVAL * * * * * NINE MONTHS LATER (1988) Music Maniac 12" EP (MM013) The mind is not a computer. Listen carefully in your head to a meaningful song in your past and then throw that same record on your turntable. The real differs from the imagined, doesn't it? That's what makes the Fuzztones special - you can feel the spirit of the Sixties (and Fifties) in their music, but instead of being true to form, they're true to rememberance. In fact, if you want to pick it apart, the Fuzztones could only exist in the 80's. Take the title track of this four song EP, for instance. With it's spooky riff and singer Rudi Protrudi's unrepentant wail, "Nine Months Later" explores the haunting after-effects of a one-night stand - certainly taboo subject matter 20-odd years ago. The organ on "Girl You Captivate Me" may be straight out of '66, but there's a lyrical twist, that would have gotten the song banned in the Sixties. "Greatest Lover In The World" may bring on images of Elvis, but the wild performance would not have been acceptable on the Ed Sullivan show. The Fuzztones are like any living entity - a some of it's past, enlarged to fit the present. This neat and all-too-short EP is guaranteed your musical memory. Janis Garza - MUSIC CONNECTION * * * * * CREATURES THAT TIME FORGOT (1989) MUSIC MANIAC LP (MMLP020)/Skyclad CD (HEAD 64CD) and LP (HEAD 64) Demos show just where THE FUZZTONES are at..."99th Floor," "The Witch," and "Riot On Sunset Strip" are all fuzzed up and pounded out at a manic stomping pace!! Why the hell these killers weren't ever released on vinyl is totally beyond me cos they're way ahead of most of the current crop of "psychedelic" bands... tight, trippy, rough, and rabid!! FREAKBEAT The Fuzztones' original line-up fell apart not long after Lysergic Emanations, but, as Creatures That Time Forgot certifies (in screaming day-glo), not without leaving quite a legacy. Single and compilation tracks are intersperced with demos (neanderthal stomps through "The Witch" and the otherwise unavailable "Fabian Lips" really stimulate the adrenal glands) and deadpan interviews from sources as unlikely as The Larry King Show. Priceless. TROUSER PRESS * * * * * BLUE THEMES / 13 WOMEN AND THE ONLY ONE MAN AROUND (1988) Live Bootleg MINT MINUS (MMR666) Bootleg recording of 1987 German concert, believed to be released by Music Maniac Records. Although an energetic performance is captured, this soundboard recording suffers from a terrible mix -vocals way too prominent, guitars too stifled. Not recommended. Igor Trypnick - CULT OF FUZZ * * * * * "BRAND NEW MAN" - LIVE (1987) GLITTERHOUSE RECORDS 7" EP (GR 0027) Also tracks by Broken Jug, the Fluid, the Politicians. Free with Glitterhouse magazine. German. * * * * * BLUE THEME (1987) - GERMAN BOOTLEG Interestingly, this seems to be a bootleg of a bootleg! The songs and the recording are the same as "13 Woman and the Only One Man," the gatefold sleeve album believed to be put out by Music Maniac head honcho Hans Kesteloo. Although this mixing board recording captures a energetic perfomance, the mix is awful - vocals way too loud, guitars way too low. Avoid! Igor Trypnick - CULT OF FUZZ * * * * * LOST TRAILS 7" EP - VARIOUS ARTISTS Vinyl single icluded with Lost Trails fanzine. Includes tracks by Gravedigger 5, the TellTale Hearts, Ugly things, and an inexplicably sped-up live version of "Love at Psychedelic Velocity" by the Fuzztones. Not recommended! * * * * * IN HEAT (1989) BEGGARS BANQUET/RCA/SITUATION TWO LP (9808-1-H)& CD Endless adolescence, sticky summer nights, the smell of packed parties in dingy basements, and the feel of snakeskin strides. Even better than the soundtrack to the 1971 classic film Werewolves on Wheels... L.A. WEEKLY "WHEN I smell meat/I can't retreat/Come on, baby/I'm in heat." Welcome to the world of Rudi Protrudi, the Theopolis P Wildebeast of garage. This is a man who, with one thrust of his spandexed (!) groin makes the animalistic activities of Blackie Lawless seem like those of Curly Watts. This is the man who will probably die with loons around his ankles, a bottle of Jack in his hands and a broad smile on his face. "IN HEAT" is a collection of Protrudi's innermost thoughts, set to a ravaged hump of the most scuzzy, tacky, ballsy psycho-trash rock since Naz Nomad had too much to dream one night. The Fuzztones are old enough not to be out of date, to concoct their brew from the BANANA SPLITS, the irreverent powerkreig of vintage Damned. and the subtlety of Freddy Mercury in the "I Want To Break Free" video. With such literary and musical gems as the title track "Nine Months Later," (moral: "Always wear your rubbers in the rain"), "Me Tarzan, You Jane," and "Charlotte's Remains," the Fuzztones invent an imaginary era for you to revel in Cathy Unsworth SOUNDS * * * * * HURT ON HOLD (1989) 12" EP and 7" single (1989) SITUATION TWO - SIT 58 Flip side of 45: "Jack the Ripper." EP also includes "I can't control Myself." Assuming garage is a musical cartoon, a simple tale told in an unadorned style, a minor pleasure, this is about as good as it comes. MELODY MAKER * * * * * NINE MONTHS LATER (1989) 12" EP and 7" single (1989) SITUATION TWO - SIT 61 Flip side of 45: "You Must Be A Witch." EP also includes "Down on the Street." (w/ Ian Astbury Otro de los singles salio tambien en formato maxi. Comienza por "Nine Months Later." Otra bueno pieza Fuzztoniana Jolete Macana - GARAGE REVIVAL This 12" keeps the integrity of the bad boy Fuzztones intact. The title song is overrun with enchanting keyboards not unlike "Ward 81," with the chorus picking up in the vein of "Hang on Sloopy." Capable of burning rubber all over your front lawn. THE BOB Jonathan Richman set the pattern for the subject matter, all those adolescent firsts - kiss, drink, guitar, and each and every variant on the boy-girl tangle. This one is a little too real for Jonathan, the girl returning nine months later to deposit a newborn on the boys door. Power ish pop. MELODY MAKER MORE REVIEWS COMING SOON! * * * * * IN HEAT TOUR SOUVENIR 10" PICTURE DISC SITUATION TWO RECORDS (1989) SIT 61 Picture disc que sirvio de promocion a los Fuzztones, durante su gira tierras inglesas en el 89 (Londres, Satisbury, Leeds, Walsall y Sheffield) En la cara A, tenemos "In Heat" y "Nine Months Later," dos de las canciones mas destacadas del album "In Heat". En la cara B nos encontramos con la grandisima version del "Down on the Street" que ejecutan junto a Ian Astbury. Mas informacion de este disco en Google * * * * * ACTION (1990) 4 Song 12" EP/CD - BEGGARS BANQUET/SITUATION TWO (SIT 69) Action's four songs further prove The Fuzztones' original reactionary philosophy to have been right on (man) TROUSER PRESS Sin palabras! 4 autenticos canonazos de garage, vox y fuzz!! Ninguna version, les 4 obra de la casa ! Comienza con "Action speaks louder than words", si esta cancion no te levanta el animo es porque te queda pen este mundo. Tras esta, le toca el turno a "I never knew". Tambien aparecio en formato cd maxi. Jolete Macana - GARAGE REVIVAL Heard 'em once, heard 'em million times. KRK FLIPSIDE * * * * * BRAINDROPS (1991) MUSIC MANIAC LP & CD (MM044) Rudi Protrudi's Fuzztones bounce back with an acid-drenched mess of garage grunge psychedelia. Mindbending moments like the dangerous charm of the opening "Third Times The Charm," and forthcoming 45 "Romilar D," paint a lurid lysergic picture of sixties-style psych with strokes of wild originality and present day Pebbles-dashed crazed pop. The sound isn't too dissimilar to that of their previous two studio albums, however there is an alomst dignified maturity in this set. A further dozen reasons to take note of the U.S.A's greatest export since the Cramps. One trip thta's worth taking. This collection sees them at their very best. Spike Sommer SOUNDS * * * * * TEEN TRASH (1994) 12" LP and CD MUSIC MANIAC (MM88004) - Singles B Sides Compiled as part of Music Maniacs' Teen Trash serious which showcased several 80's garage bands from Europe, this collection features B-Sides of singles, all of which had never been previously released on album or CD. If this album was ever reviewed, we were not aware of it. * * * * * MONSTER A GO-GO (1991) Screamin' Skull LP/CD (HUNTER 134) As king of men and Fuzztones singer Rudi Protrudi so kindly points out in a note included with this LP, The Fuzztones were known as the "Gurus of Garage Grunge" since 1982. Grunge! Get it? Gee, there's a word I heard once or twice over the last year or two. Let me put that in perspective for ya. The Fuzztones had been dishin' out evil garage vibes since most of you were about six and learnin' your motherfuckin' alphabet. But it's all over now. So here's their last studio LP for your ghoulish pleasure. They've been dissed, dismissed, and detracted for ten years by pea-brains too square to catch on. The boys decided to do a covers record of spooky favorites to make it painfully obvious to the legions of dim-wits out there that every day is Halloween when you're down with The Fuzztones. Dig on cryptic classics like "All Black and Hairy," "Cellar Dwellar," and "She's My Witch." Fans will find this a must, but the rest of you need to get this to get your punk-rock bones shakin' at the inevitable blow-out you're bound to have next October 31st. Many thanks to Rudi and the rest of the Fuzztones, past and present, for years of consistantly awesome fuzzed-out offerings. Martin McMartin FLIPSIDE * * * * * MUSIC MANIAC "GIMMICK" COMPILATION 12" DOUBLE LP) MMLP 023 Triple groove pressing containing live version of "Ward 81" as well as the Jaymen's "Black Widow" * * * * * LYSERGIC EMANATIONS 12"LP and CD (1992) MUSIC MANIAC MM (included 5 bonus tracks from John Peel BBC sessions PURE GARAGE drool from a band who learned every lick they ever played from Lenny Kaye's 'Nuggets' primer and the Cramps' 'Psychedelic Jungle' songbook. The Fuzztones ooze with glow-in-the-dark-grunginess, a psycho-delic monstrosity that squeals like some pet your parents flushed down the toilette when you were a kid. The beast bites back with a set of fresh-from-the-sewer-whole punk scratchings simply gorged with guitar effect. A frenzy-filled freak-out attack which you will either swallow whole or spit on the sidewalk. NEW MUSICAL EXPRESS * * * * * ROMILAR - 12" EP (1992) MUSIC MANIAC MM 12004 This 4 song EP features 3 non-LP versions of "Romilar D," sung in English, and attempted in Spanish and Italian. Once again , another gem not reviewed by the press. * * * * * FOR YOUR LONGHAIR PARTY - 7" EP Various Artists (1992) AISHNA ASH 202 Un buen ep de 4 grupos. El disco comienza con THE FUZZTONES, que se marcan un "Be a caveman" alucinante. Tras ellos, THE OVERCOAT con "Better heart", otra muy buena pieza bastante mas acelerada. La cara B comienza con "Something I want to tell you" de los ingleese THE CYBER-MEN. Una gran cancion mucho mas suave que las anteriores. El disco finaliza con THE NICOTINE SPYRAL SURFERS y su version del "Lucifer Sam". Es un pedazo de disco. La portada se convierte en un poster. GARAGE REVIVAL * * * * * LYSERGIC EJACULATIONS (1994) MUSIC MANIAC RECORDS - MM 052 When the L.A. garage psychedelic rock scene was happening back in the late 80's - early 90's The Fuzztones were one of the scene leaders. With front man Rudi Protrudi's snarling vocals and wicked guitar this CD is simply raw! Crank this one loud! AMAZON.COM * * * * * FLASHBACKS (1996) SUNDAZED MUSIC MUSIC - SC 11045 The Fuzztones ruled the black leather garage netherworld throughout the 80's, alternating their aural mayhem between New York City and Los Angeles. Their FLASHBACKS CD is fiery proof the "paisley revival" has true staying power. FLASHBACKS isn't really a "best of":The Fuzztones released far too much material (more than 40 records) to make a 70-minute distillation possible. The 22 tracks here instead are some choice LP cuts, alternate versions, demos, and previously unreleased material. Rudi Protrudi is the focus behind The Fuzztones' dark sound. His approach recalls an alley cat in the throes of vicious copulation, his guitar alive with buzz, his voice a groaning invitation. The Music Machine's Sean Bonniwell, Steppenwolf's John Kay, and the Mysterians' Question Mark have nothing on Protrudi; perhaps he's the result of them all. Lock up the girls. Protrudi & Co. have reformed and are lurking once again in L.A. Tim Gassen - MAGNET (1996) * * * * * "ONE GIRL MAN" 3 SONG 7" 45 SUNDAZED (SEP139) Three crunchy garage-grunge classics from Rudi Protrudi - fasten your seatbelts and feel the heat! SUNDAZED MUSIC Ep realizado tras un largo paron de la banda. Lo componen 3 canciones: "One Girl Man" Version Bastante buena que inclurian en algun ep mas. "You Must Be A Witch" que recupera el sonido de los primeros 'Tones y "I'm Gonna Make You Mine". que para mi gusto es la mejor del disco. GARAGE REVIVAL * * * * * "PEOPLE IN ME" B/W "I'M GONNA MAKE YOU MINE" (1998) MISTY LANE (FREE W/ ISSUE #16) The band is one of the best of the 60's obsessed groups of the 80's. Sean Bonniwell headed the Music Machine, one of the most inspirational "punk" outfits from the 60's. This pairing makes for an interesting recording of "People In Me," which represents a fine example of the work Bonniwell did to stretch the limits of pop music way back when. On the flip, the band is on their own, doing a rousing rendition of the Shadows of Knight's "I'm Gonna Make You Mine." Guitar and organ-rich retro music done with faithful zeal and alot of enthusiasm. P.Edwin Letcher - FLIPSIDE * * * * * CAVESTOMP! VOLUME 1- CD VARIOUS ARTISTS (1998) CAVESTOMP RECORDS 001 The Fuzztones appeared with the first Californian line-up (except tha organist Jake Cavaliere of the Bomboras - who was in later edition - subbed in at this show). They had the bad luck to follow The Shadows of Knight, who blew many fans right out the door. And by the time The 'Tones took the stage, there weren't nearly as many crazed fans as there had been at one of the saner hours of the night, but the boys delivered a damn good set. The version of "She's Wicked" found on here is a pretty good representation of their set that evening with Rudi in top form. FLIPSIDE * * * * * "FACE OF TIME" B/W "MY BROTHER THE MAN" 7" SINGLE (1994) RAFR Single de dos canciones, versiones las dos. Comienza con "face of time", impressionante. El farfisa y las Phantom Guitars trabajan a destajo. En la cara B, "My brother the man". Donde hay momentos en los que revientan el fuzz, es otra grandisima version a cargo de los 'Tones! Este disco es una edicion limitada y numerada a mano de 2000 unidades. Las 1000 primeras son en vinilo rojo, las otras en vinilo GARAGE REVIVAL * * * * * R.A.F.R. VOLUME 3 - CD COMPILATION VARIOUS ARTISTS (2000) R.A.F.R. RECORDS - RAFR011 RAFR comps have always consistently outblasted any and all other competition - major label, indie, and everything in between! Volume 3 is certainly no exception. It contains some of the most outrageously thundering bands to cacophonously kick out the jams while frenziedly unleashing the mighty roaring beast known as ROCK & FUCKIN' ROLL (includin' The Humpers, Mad Daddys, Motochrist, the Bullies, the Weaklings, the Superbees, the Kowalskis, Short Fuses, the Chicken Hawks, Damnation, the Streetwalkin' Cheetahs, the Bellrays, The Fuzztones, Darlington, the Hellbenders, the Starvations, and so many more, it's downright unbelieveable!). Indeed this is an eardrum-pounding plethora of audial decadence at its wildest and most ferocious! RAFR has once again restored my brew-slathered faith in rock'n'roll with this seminal collection of balls-out tune-crashers, and I aggressively implore you to drop everything right fuckin' now and buy this disc quick! Roger Moore - RAZORCAKE * * * * * LAS VEGAS SHAKEDOWN - CD COMPILATION - VARIOUS ARTISTS (2000) MASKED SUPERSTAR RECORDINGS 001 Compilation consisting of bands that played the Las Vegas Shakedown in 2000. The Fuzztones contribute an alternate version of "A Wristwatch Band." Other bands include Lords Of Altamont, Cheater Slicks, Weaklings, Lazy Cowboys, Dragons, Monkey Wrench, Flash Express, Electric Frankenstein, Necessary Evils, New Bomb Turks, Bantam Rooster, Hard Feelings, Andre Williams, Throwrag, Raunch Hands, Horrors. Screws, Super Bees, Vice Principals, Onyas, Zodiac Killers, and Buck. Again, never reviewed. * * * * * "HELP MURDER POLICE" 3 SONG 7" EP (2001) - TEEN SOUND TEENS-021-A The Fuzztones are back in the saddle, equipped with a three track vinyl EP that fully proves they're still the reigning gods and goddesses of trashy-teenybopper-born-in-the-basement kind of Rock and Roll. Along with gnarly acts like the Chesterfield Kings and the Lyres, the Fuzztones spearheaded the ferocious sixties Garage Rock revival of the early eighties, a deed that eternally earns them a place in the hearts and minds of anyone who gets off on this almighty fine music that never seems to date and is championed year after year by kids of all shapes and sizes. There's no question the Fuzztones sound better than ever. Longtime fans of the band will cheer their return, while those who are just discovering their genius will be floored to the core and be anxious to hear their past work. Viva the Fuzztones! Beverly Patterson - THE LANCE MONTHLY * * * * * "IDOL CHATTER" B/W "A WRISTWATCH BAND" - 7" 45 (2002) BEARD OF STARS (BOSS32) To tide us over until their new album rises forth, the Fuzztones have released two tracks from it in the form of a vinyl single. As usual, the band is in tip-top condition, playing and singing with the kind of burning passion that's sadly absent from rock and roll these days. The sound of a bewitching organ has always been instrumental in the music of the Fuzztones, so it's no surprise both "Idol Chatter" and "A Wristwatch Band" are helmed by such ear-pleasing notes. The latter song was originally done by an obscure sixties band called the Boss Tweeds , who were obviously smitten with acts like the Doors and the Strawberry Alarm Clock. The Fuzztones remain loyal to the initial version of "A Wristwatch Band," which floats to a spooky tenor and contains some real freaky lyrics you're bound to a lot of fun with. This is a very mesmerizing number and the Fuzztones are the ideal candidates to cover it. Charted of a mighty mean hook and groovy psychedelic trimmings, "Idol Chatter" is just as fantastic, but then again, you certainly wouldn't expect anything less from the Fuzztones. In view of this numbers, you can bet your skull and bones the band's upcoming album will be one heck of a dark-eyed beauty! Beverly Patterson - THE LANCE MONTHLY * * * * * "HALLUCINATION GENERATION" B/W "GET NAKED" 7" 45 (2003) DARK ZONE (DZ01) Okay, these two tunes are included in the 'Salt For Zombies' CD, but also these two fuzzgems are alternate takes and not the exactly same songs of the album. Anyways, there is a very good and important reason to get that 45, especially if you collect Fuzztones stuff or generally garage punk records: It's vinyl! Unfortunately, until this time I am writing these words, no news about vinyl release for the 'Salt For Zombies' have reached my ears...So,here's a chance to get these tunes on old mighty vinyl! It's still alive! THEE CAVE Este single contiene dos canciones, que aparecen ensu disco "Salt For Zombies," pero son versiones diferentes a las de dicho ip. En la cara A, "Hallucination Generation" creando un gran ambiente tetrico y ayuado nada menos que por James Lowe de los Electric Prunes. En la cara B, "Get Naked," sin subir las revoluciones y creando un sonido psicodelico a lo largo de la cancion con esa phantom guitar" Ambas canciones son propias de los Fuzztones. GARAGE REVIVAL * * * * * SALT FOR ZOMBIES (2004)- FULL LENGTH CD SIN RECORDS (SIN001) Essential for every garage-nik out there! A really well assembled blend of fuzzy garage-punk and psych with that authentic Punkadelic sound you first loved in the Psychedelic Unknowns comps. MISTY LANE MAGAZINE First full length release in 13 years from these legendary garage rock fuzz monsters! Their 23 year career spans at least 13 albums. This album starts where "'Lysergic Emanations' (their 1985 classic) left off. Sixties organ drenched fuzz garage with huge haunting sound! SUGAR & SPICE As fine a slice of garage-psych dementia as they come. COSMIK.COM Maybe, like, their best album EVER! LITTLE STEVEN (LITTLE STEVEN'S UNDERGROUND GARAGE * * * * * BE A CAVEMAN - COMPILATION CD (2004) THE BEST OF VOXX GARAGE REVIVAL VARIOUS ARTISTS - VOXX RECORDS (VCD 2073) A must for all garage/punk/trash aficionados. This CD is a varied, high quality sampling of the creme de la creme of 80's garage. For those who missed it the first time around, prepare to be thrilled by the crazy sounds of Crawdaddys, Fuzztones, and Things. Psychedelic strobe lights, beatle wigs and lucious go go dancers mandatory!!! NOISY MUSIC ZINE #75 * * * * * TODOS SOMOS RAMONES (2004) (WE ARE ALL RAMONE) TRIBUTE ALBUM - VARIOUS ARTISTS ROCKAWAY RECORDS This record features tracks by JOHNNY THUNDERS&THE HEARTBREAKERS, THE BOYS, SYLVAIN SYLVAIN & THE SHE WOLVES, THE LURKERS, ALTERNATIVE TV, WHITE TRASH DEBUTANTES, THE BULLYS, THE HUNTINGTONS, COLLIDER, BLACKFIRE, STIB BATORS, THE INDEPENDENTS (FEATURING JOEY RAMONE), YOUTH GONE MAD (FEATURING DEE DEE), BIEN DESOCUPADOS FROM ARGENTINA (FEATURING ING C.J. RAMONE), and of course THE FUZZTONES * * * * * EVIL FUZZ - DAVIE ALLAN TRIBUTE (2005) OM OM MUSIC RBKB9 B9 Never reviewed * * * * * KNIGHTS OF FUZZ ONLINE BOOK WITH VEIDEO CLIPS PURPLE CACTUS PRODUCTIONS ALSO! AVAILABLE ON CD-ROM FOR PC & MAC! The entire contents of the original 300 page Knights of Fuzz 1980-1995 book! More than 100 updated feature articles. Hundreds of reviews. More than 500 pages total! Music videos from the Fuzztones ("Ward 81"), Chesterfield Kings, Gruesomes, Yard Trauma, Marshmallow Overcoat and more! A 20 song, 72 minute MP3 audio compilation of the top garage & psych bands of the revival era - including Miracle Workers, Sick Rose, The Last, Pandoras, Vipers, Cynics, and Stomachmouths * * * * * LOST IN TYME CD COMPILATION (w7 2005 issue of 'Lost In Tyme' magazine) FUZZTONES (They're Gonna Take You Away), STEMS (Hey Joe), GRUESOMES (Get Out Of My Hair, Nowhere), WOOLLY BANDITS (Let Me KNow, Hard To Forget), UPTIGHT (Dimmi Perche), YESTERDAYS THOUGHTS (s/t), MAINLINERS (Nowhere At All, Feed Me Up), MIDWAYS (He Was A Square, The Way I Feel About You), HANGEE V (War Of Satellites, Stormy), THE STAR & THE KEY OF THE BOYS (Lies), GARMENTS (Who Said It's Fair), CLIFFHANGERS (What A Girl Can't Do), EXCITERS (Mummy's Little Boy), OBVIOUS QUESTION (Crud), GRUESOMES (Who Dat?), MANGANZOIDES (Mundo Per Lieger) * * * * * SALT FOR ZOMBIES LP MISTY LANE/TEEN SOUND 028 (2005) This is a fine example of how it really should be done, for all the newborn garage heads hit by the “white stroke”. Being one of the sixties garage revival pioneers, I must admit that, with the last couple of albums, I had a feeling that they drifted away a bit from the initial concept themselves, but this is where they’re turning back to their own roots. Two thirds of the album are carefuly chosen covers of garage/psych classics that never were, like the spooky riff-leaden pair of “My brother the man” and “Face of time” or the Shy Guys’ 7-minute freak-out “Black lightning light”, sounding like The Spencer Davis Group gone punk, or the more familiar “Don’t blow your mind” by The Spiders. As for the originals, there’s only five of them, but they’re worth the price of the admission alone. The album’s highlight might be “Johnson in a headlock” with it’s Farfi-sized garage beat fuzz at it’s best, “Get naked” is a moody punk ballad, “This sinister urge” is sure to “light the fire” of any Doors fan, while still maintaining the expected garagey vibes, and the remaining pair of “Hallucination generation” and “Idol chatter” covers the darker corners of the eastern-tinged psych feel. If it happens that none of the above can convince you to het hold of this piece of vinyl, I suppose mentioning a couple of guest appearances by the likes of James Lowe or Sky Saxon, might be of some help. NOW SOUND * * * * * SALT FOR ZOMBIES CD (2005) TRIBAL STOMP TS 501 Here's the latest CD from this long-running garage-psych band, and what a doozy it is! The last studio release from the 'Tones was 1992's Monster A Go Go, followed by the 1994 live Lysergic Ejaculations release, and then the band was put on ice for a while. There's solo material by the group's leader Rudi Protrudi, a couple of all-instro CDs by his sideband Link Protrudi and the Jaymen, collaborations by him and the Others, reissues of his pre-Fuzztones bands King Arthur's Quart and Tina Peel, and a Fuzztones best-of collection on Sundazed. Some singles have snuck out here and there as tasters for this new CD, which is as fine a slice of garage-psych dementia as they come. There are covers of obscure garage-psych gems like "My Brother, The Man" (We The People), "Face Of Time" (the Plague), "A Wristwatch Band" (Boss Tweads), "Black Lightning Light" (Shy Guys) and "Don't Blow Your Mind" (Spiders, a.k.a. Alice Cooper). There are originals like "Be Forewarned," "Idol Chatter," "Halluci nation Generation," and "This Sinister Urge." All the songs are permeated by lots of fuzzed guitars replete with psychedelic effects, sitars, backwards instruments, eerie vocals, organ, bongos, and much more. Somewhat similar to the most recent Chesterfield Kings CD, they really went all out for this one, and like that release, there's a strong Electric Prunes influence at work here. Even their version of "My Brother, The Man" begins with a guitar part right out of "I Had Too Much To Dream (Last Night)." Of course, no 'Tones album would be complete without some nods to sex; in this case there's "Get Naked" and "Group Grope." The band apparently spent a lot of time on this, and it shows. The album really flows well, culminating in a great version of the Lincoln Street Exit's ultra-weird "Whatever Happened to Baby Jesus," which in the hands of the Fuzztones becomes even more bizarre. Alan Wright - COSMIK DEBRIS * * * * * LSD 25 - DOUBLE DISC CD/DVD SET SIN RECORDS 002 (2005) 25 "Best of" tracks, selected by the Fuzztones Preservation Society (YOU!) to commemorate the band's 25 year anniversary. Includes 4 tracks never before released on CD (including 2 brand new ones, "Salem Witch Trial," and "They're Gonna Take You Away." DVD features promo videos from 1984 to 1990, as well as TV appearances. * * * * * "LORDS HAVE MERCY ON MY SOUL" (2005) 7" SINGLE - TWIST RECORDS 34 Hip swinging mayhem from the same dudes that brought us the scorching sounds of Thee Jenerators, this time it's the turn of the masters of garage grunge the Fuzztones. Disciples of the church of Screaming Jay Hawkins, the Fuzztones have been kicking over gravestones and infecting hi-fi's since the early 80's with their swampy fuzz. This limited vinyl release with superb Spider Rocket artwork features a scorching cover of 70's bad boys Black Oak Arkansas' ˜Lord have mercy on my soul" that's treated to a road kill dynamic drenched in wailing harmonicas and the kind of shit hot blues beat pop that the classic mid 60's Stones line up purloined from Muddy Waters et al and craftily called their own. A rampant feast of down and dirty Pebbles witching hour pop at its very finest. Flip over for the awesome worthy of the entrance fee alone skin tingling "˜They're gonna take you away", darkly ominous and chilling groove that cuts perfectly between Baby Woodrose and the 13th Floor Elevators, voodoo twangs, swirling keyboards and the kind of coolly coalescing late 60's wig flipping psyche pop that ought to come replete with shades & leathers. Devilish stuff indeed! More please! LOSING TODAY * * * * * LSD 25 - 25 YEARS OF FUZZ AND FURY CD + DVD (2005) GET BACK/GET 138 "Thee ineffable, ultimate, must have collection of the patented trademark of pure garage fuzz guitar revival is now here in smashing fashion. A box containing a collection of 25 of the fuzztiest tunes ever to come out of the Rudi Protrudi factory, compiled by historical members who have taken part in the project from 1980 to the present, a DVD of promo and live videos (also featuring Ian Astbury of THE CULT on a powerfull version of 'Down On The Street') and a 20 page booklet displaying the photos of all the members who came and went into Rudi's world, with new cover artwork presenting the replica of the original poster of the Fuzztones' very first concert in New York's East Village on Sept 19, 1980. Could you ask for more? FREAK EMPORIUM * * * * * CHILDREN OF NUGGETS 4 CD BOX SET (2006) RHINO - RT74639 Although heavily reviewed by the press, The Fuzztones, possibly the single-most influential of all supposed "garage-revival" bands, are conspicuously absent from all reviews. ____________________ BAD NEWS TRAVELS FAST - REISSUE (2006) MUNSTER RECORDS - REF.7199 Not reviewed yet PSYCHEDELICA VOLUME I 2 Disc Compilation (2006) NORTHERN STAR - NS1 This two disc compilation features 32 of todays leading purveyors of psychedelia, including Brian Jonestown Massacre, Silver Apples, The High Dials, The Electric Prunes, The Telescopes, and of course THE FUZZTONES not reviewed yet * * * * * ILLEGITIMATE SPAWN (2006) TRIBUTE ALBUM TO THE FUZZTONES SIN RECORDS - SIN003 The Fuzztones was formed in New York in 1980 and was one of the very first neo-garage bands. Now when the band was celebrating its 25th birthday, it was a good time to release a Fuzztones tribute. This band has gained real cult status and been very much admired by and an influence on numerous garage bands all over the world, so it’s no miracle that there was a lot of stuff to choose from for this tribute. This double album features 42 bands from Peru to Australia and even Finland is presented with as many as three bands. All the other tracks were originally written by The Fuzztones, but the amazing German psych band Vibravoid and Batlord play their own homages to The Fuzztones’ original organ player, lady Deb O’Nair, Weirdtones from Finland plays their own track “Leave Your Mind at Home” and Mangaizoides form Peru their own. Some of the most famous participants must be the old Fuzztones collegues Plasticland, Hank Ray and the late Nikki Sudden. According to The Fuzztones and Sin Records boss Rudi Potrudi, there is still material left for another two similar releases… At this point I must confess that even though I do dig 80’s psychedelic garage rock and punk, I’ve somehow pretty much missed The Fuzztones. It’s a sad thing, because this album proves that they’ve got some excellent songs! I won’t go into all the tracks here in detail, let’s just say that on this record you can find great and at least okay versions of tracks from The Fuzztones vast back catalogue. At times it gets rather wild in punk style, but there is also some more peaceful, atmospheric stuff in there, usually with a bit of cemetery stench. Most of the tracks are in a 60’s garage rock vain and even beat. There’s naturally loads of nice fuzz guitar as well as tremolo and organ. The mood doesn’t get overtly psychedelic at any point, but this album does still have its mind-expanding qualities. The sound quality differs a bit, as you might expect, but all the tracks sound at least okay. My absolute favourite is the Vibravoid track that even has some sitar. Some of the other tracks worth mentioning are for example the rather psychedelic, The Stooges styled “Highway 69” played by Sonic Litter from Holland, the nice, hazy and moody version of the track “Ward 81” by Plasticland, the fast “Third Times the Charm” played by the Finnish Deletones with female vocals, Aliens and Strangers’ rocking “Fabian Lips”, the wild “In Heat” presented by Libidos, the very good sounding “Rise” by Cosmic Goblins and, in a rather psychedelic rock vein, “9 Months Later” by Holland’s Sonic Temple. This album is naturally a must-have for all The Fuzztones fans, and a pretty nice expedition for those others who are interested in the band’s musical legacy. The album is only available through the band’s own record label and includes a 28 page booklet. DJ Astro - PSYCHOTROPIC ZONE _____________Fuzztones. Even among dedicated fans of the band, there many misconceptions about the band and its history. It could be said that The Fuzztones have three periods of existence: The New York Years (1980-85) - From inception to the classic '84-85 lineup. The Los Angeles Years (1987-92) - The reformation of the band to its breakup in '92. The "Resurrection" (1997-Present) - The reunions of '97-99 which led to the reformation of the band in 2001, which is together now and extremely well received by fans in Europe, Mexico and U.S.A.. Here is a chronological Fuzztones family tree. (Also included are the reunion lineups from 1997-1999). Click on a lineup's photo to see more, including individual member pages. In reverse chronological order: Fuzztones 2006 Fuzztones 2006 2005 Fuzztones 2005 Vince Dante, Gabriel Hammond, Lana Loveland, Rudi Protrudi, Roger Ward More information about the FUZZTONES 2005 coming soon. 2003 Fuzztones 2003 Jordan Tarlow, Rams, Rudi Protrudi, Gabriel Hammond, Deb O'Nair 2003 The current line-up features Lead vocalist / guitarist and founding member Rudi Protrudi, as well as the legendary Deb O' Nair on combo organ. Deb was a key member of the original line-up, and rejoined the band in 2001 . The new line-up also features former Fuzztones guitarist Jordan Tarlow, who was in the band from 1987 to 1990, and appears on the "In Heat," "Teen Trash" and "Action" albums. Jordan has co-written some of The Fuzztones more popular songs, and was also guitarist for famed garage revivalists "Outta Place" and the Morlocks. Drummer Ramiro Nieto hails from Madrid, Spain, and was recruited by Rudi after Ramiro's band, The Nuggets, backed Rudi on his first solo tour of Spain. Former Lords of Altamont bassist,Gabriel Hammond, has been with the band since their reformation in 2000. Since the band's reformation, they have released 3 singles, "Help Murder Police"(on Italy's Misty Lane label), "Idol Chatter" (Italy's Beard of Stars), and "Hallucination Generation" (Mexico's Dark Zone). The band has just released it's first studio album in 13 years, entitled "SALT FOR ZOMBIES." "This album starts where Lysergic Emanations (the band's 1985 classic) left off," claims Rudi, who has started his own label, SIN RECORDS. Salt For Zombies will be Sin's first legitimate release and can be obtained, at least for now, only through www.fuzztones.net. 2002 Fuzztones 2002 Rudi Protrudi - Lead Snarl, Guitar, Booze Harp Deb O'Nair - Organ, Vocals Batlord - Phantom Guitar, Vocals Gabriel Hammond - Bass, Vocals Andrea Kusten - Drums 2001 Fuzztones 2001 Original organist Deb O'Nair returns to the band along with Philip Arriagada from the 1990 line-up. This line-up recorded Salt For Zombies, the first studio album in ten years. 2000 Fuzztones 2000 Rudi reforms the Fuzztones with organist Jake Cavaliere from the 1990 line-up. Former Bomboras Jake and Johnny DeVilla bring a reverb-drenched surf influence to the Fuzztones sound. This short lived line-up did a handful of shows and recorded one single. Rudi Protrudi - Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitar Jake Cavaliere - Organ Gabriel Hammond - Bass, Vocals Johnny DeVilla - Lead & Rhythm Guitar Andrea Kusten - Drums 1997 - 99 Reunions Fuzztones 1999 After a five year period of absense from the stage, Rudi rises from the grave to do a short series of reunion shows with the 1987 line-up. In 1998 Rudi reunites with original organist Deb O'Nair, original bassist Randy Pratt, and '84 line-up's Elan Portnoy to play NYC's Cavestomp. Finally Rudi reunites the Lysergic Emanations line-up in 1999, to headline a festival for the Indian Bikers MC in Southern Italy. 1990 - 92 Fuzztones 1990-92 Jake Cavaliere (organ), Chris Harlock (bass), and Phil Arriagada (guitar) join Rudi and "Mad" Mike. Braindrops, Monster A Go-Go, and Lysergic Ejaculations were recorded. 1987 - 90 Fuzztones 1987-90 Rudi and "Mad" Mike move to Los Angeles and reform the Fuzztones. Ironically, two of the new members are former New Yorkers. This line-up recorded In Heat, which was produced by the legendary Shel Talmy, and was the only 80's garage band to land a major label deal. Their high energy stage performance and testosterone-driven off-stage antics earned them the nickname, "The Paisley Pussy Posse." Rudi Protrudi - Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Harp Mad Mike Czekaj - Drums, Vocals Jordan Tarlow - Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Vocals Jason Savall - Organ, Vocals John Carlucci - Bass 1984 - 85 Fuzztones 1984-85 With the addition of newcomer Ira Elliot on drums, this version becomes what many fans believe to be the classic Fuzztones line-up. Responsible for initiating the NYC garage scene, and introducing garage punk to European audiences. Lysergic Emanations and Live In Europe recorded. 1983 Fuzztones 1983 Elan Portnoy joins as lead guitarist, and Michael Jay replaces Randy Pratt on bass. 1980 - 82 Fuzztones 1980 The Fuzztones are born! This line-up was a four-piece with Rudi handling all guitar duties. NYC's very first 80's garage/psych band! Pre - Fuzztones Fuzztones fuzz-pre Rudi Protrudi and Deb O'Nair form Bubblegum-Punk band TINA PEEL and moved to NYC. |
