Jack Oblivian plays Wiseacre Brewery tonight as part of the brewery’s free music series. Music starts at 7 p.m., and the show is free to attend. The series also features appearances by John Paul Keith and the Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, but no word yet if CCDE’s new hardcore band will join the bill.
Get to Wiseacre Brewery (2783 Broad) by 7 p.m. and let the Lone Ranger of Love and The Sheiks take you into your Halloween Weekend.
Jack Oblivian Live at Wiseacre Brewery
Three garage rock titans take over the Highland Strip this Saturday when the Oblivians, Jack O and the Sheiks, and the Leather Uppers play Newby’s in celebration of Eric Friedl’s 50th birthday. As the founder of Goner Records and member of bands like Bad Times, True Sons of Thunder, the Dutch Masters, and the New Memphis Legs, Freidl has been an integral part of the Memphis garage-rock scene for decades. We caught up with Friedl the week before his 50th birthday party to find out more about Saturday’s blowout. — Chris Shaw
Memphis Flyer: How did the show come about and what made you want to host it at Newby’s?
Eric Friedl: We wanted to do something around my birthday and get a bunch of people in town to basically just have a good time. We looked around, and, by the time we had everything in order to book it, everywhere we’d normally play was unavailable. Jack had already been booked at Newby’s for that date, so we just decided to piggyback on his show.
The other thing that was attractive about Newby’s is that we’ve never played a show there, so it’s kind of new territory for us. I have no idea how many people they can fit in there or how many people will be able to get in. There are people driving in from Austin for this show and other places, so it should be pretty interesting.
When the band was more active, did you guys ever play the Highland Strip?
Oblivians never did, but my other band True Sons of Thunder made it over there a couple times. We played the Rally Point, and I’m pretty sure we played the side room in Newby’s one time. The Rally Point may have been the worst venue I’ve ever played in or been in. That place was bizarre; it was unbelievable.
Is this the only local show currently booked for the Oblivians?
I think this is it as far as local shows go, at least for now. We are playing the In the Red birthday party in Los Angeles in July, and doing some European dates in July as well. Jack (Yarber) and Greg (Cartwright) have their own things going on, so we just fit the Oblivians in when it makes sense for everyone to do it. It’ll be a good mix because the Oblivians kind of know what we’re doing, but Jack’s band is incredible right now. They have been killing it lately.
Let’s talk about the Leather Uppers. They’ve been around about as long as the Oblivians right?
They started in the mid ’90s, and they released a bunch of 45s that were later compiled into an LP by this guy Ryan Richardson. He’s basically like an archivist or a librarian when it comes to collecting.
The Leather Uppers were just this really raw and funny three piece. They existed in their own world, and they were one of those bands who, when we first started doing Gonerfest, we knew we had to have them play. It was kind of like “We will probably never get to see them otherwise, so let’s just ask and see if they’ll come down.” They said yes, and they’re just a great, ridiculously fun band. Saturday’s show will be their only U.S. appearance.
What is the Leather Uppers relationship with Goner like?
After Ryan released the singles compilation on his label, we released their follow-up album. By the time our record came out, the band had kind of moved on, but Ryan still had all those copies of the record he released, so we bought them from him and repackaged it as a Goner release.
How’d they get on the bill?
I already had the Gories play my wedding, so I wasn’t going to ask them again. I started thinking about who I’d like to see, and I thought “I’ll ask the Leather Uppers,” and they said yes again. They are a two piece now, but they agreed to do it.
At this level, they aren’t doing it to make a bunch of money or anything like that. They are basically just interested in coming down and spending a weekend in Memphis in between playing crazy rock-and-roll. They are both living in Canada, so I think they are excited about coming down.
50 is a pretty major milestone in terms of being a touring musician. You’ve been playing with this band longer than some of your fans have been alive.
The Oblivians has been a great opportunity to make noise that turned into an opportunity to travel and meet new people. We’re playing Finland in July, and I’ve never been to Finland. That’s not a place I could just go by myself. As long as we are having fun and it makes sense to do the band, we’re going to do it.
We’re not out to change the world, but writing a new record a few years ago was a kick in the pants and kept us from playing the same songs that are almost 30 years old at this point. We never set out to do much with the band, and we’ve exceeded all our expectations, so there’s no reason not to keep it going. If it gets to the point where we feel like geezers up there, we will stop playing, or other people will tell us to stop playing.
The Oblivians, Leather Uppers, and Jack Oblivian and the Sheiks, Saturday, April 2nd at Newby’s. 8 p.m. $15 admission.
The Knaughty Knights
Knaughty Knights were a Memphis garage band that featured Jack Oblivian and Rich Crook. They were active from 2001 to 2006, and released records on Goner, Solid Sex Lovie Doll, Norton, Perpetrator, and Shattered Records- the label run by Jay Reatard and Alix Brown.
Some Knaughty Knights songs sound like what Jack Oblivian has perfected with The Tennessee Tearjerkers and most currently with The Sheiks, but other numbers- specifically the punchy punk banger “Death Has Come Over Me” -prove that Rich Crook brought an edge to this stellar band of Memphis creeps. Check out some of the Knaughty Knights work below, and best of luck finding these singles.
Knaughty Knights Rules, OK? (4)
Knaughty Knights Rules, OK? (2)
Knaughty Knights Rules, OK?
Knaughty Knights Rules, OK? (3)
____ Rules, Ok? is a new weekly installment on the Memphis Flyer Music Blog where music editor Chris Shaw focuses in on Memphis music past and present.
If you’re anything like me, you may be known to frequent certain bars where live music is played at high volume while all sorts of Memphis creeps wiggle and writhe around in between spilling their drinks and annoying whatever unlucky soul is behind the bar. If those things sound like your idea of a good time, then you probably are familiar with Jack Yarber (aka Jack Oblivian), the Memphis wizard who’s been kicking out the jams for years in bands like the Oblivians, the Knaughty Knights, the Compulsive Gamblers, and Johnny Vomit and the Dry Heaves, just to name a few. For the better part of the last 15 years or so, Yarber’s main gig has been his solo outfit: Jack Oblivian and the Tennessee Tearjerkers, and most recently, Jack Oblivian and the Sheiks. The Sheiks have their own tale to tell, one full of debauchery, home-studio genius, and enough trips to the Tip Top liquor store to make Harry Dean Stanton blush. But that’s another story for a different time.
I recently moved into a new apartment, and, like any self-respecting music journalist, the first thing I set up was my stereo. Rummaging through boxes that were definitely not meant to transport an entire collection of vinyl that I’ve been collecting over the past 15 years, Jack Oblivian’s latest effort, The Lone Ranger of Love, was one of the first albums I pulled out. The needle hit the record. The neighbors didn’t complain, or at least not to me.
I was either way too into this record or just too busy trying to be an adult and unpack what little belongings I own, but I listened to the album all weekend long. This is a song-by-song breakdown of what I heard.
“Boy in a Bubble”
The lead-off track for The Lone Ranger of Love sounds a lot like it could have been on the Oblivians’ last album, Desperation, which is not a complaint in the slightest. The one-two punk-punch of the Oblivians has always been my favorite aspect of that super group, so to see it represented on this album was a welcome treat. We’re off to a good start so far.
“Hey Killer”
This track was actually written by Shawn Cripps, the man behind the band Limes and other projects that get together whenever Cripps has the time or feels inclined. This one is a short yet catchy number, and I’m not positive, but I believe Yarber is singing something about being happy in the grave. Only two songs in and we’re already getting dark. Cool by me.
“Fast Friends”
A perfect jam for when your “friends” drag you to that party at 4 a.m. The guitar twang is predicting the impending hangover. This one has a Stones-y vibe, something that the Sheiks probably had something to do with, and once again proving that the matchup of these players is a recipe for success. My favorite song so far.
“Home in My Hand”
After a brief change in pace, the band is back at full speed, complete with Billy Gibson ripping the shit out of the harmonica. I’m still waiting for the filler song; maybe it isn’t coming.
“Downtown”
Another punk ripper. So far this record is moving far away from the style that my favorite Jack O. song, “Make Your Mind Up,” executes so effortlessly. It’s now becoming obvious Yarber has plenty of tricks up his sleeve.
“Stick to Me”
Maybe the first love song on the record. Catchy and closer to what his previous releases have offered.
“Blind Love”
Don’t go getting sappy on me now, Jack. A pretty polished song compared to the rest of the stuff I’ve heard so far. End side one.
“Lone Ranger of Love”
Start side two. The Lone Ranger of Love is here, baby. This one almost has some Stax Records guitar work going on. Memphis for the win. Perfectly sleazy.
“La Charra (part one)” & “La Charra” (part two)”
You know that scene in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas when Hunter and his lawyer are walking through the bar, and everyone’s suddenly a lizard? I don’t even remember what song was playing, but I’m going to dig up my VHS copy of that movie, fast forward to that scene, and mute it, and let Graham Winchester sing about big sombreros while Hunter T. slides into the abyss. Creepy in the best way.
“Ride Like the Wind”
The freak factor is real. The soundtrack to walking into a cantina with one thing on your mind — and I’m not talking about tequila. The guitar work on this song is top notch, and the piano playing is great. I feel like my favorite songs on this album are when the sketchiness is full frontal and on display. It’s becoming clear that this is not an album you listen to on the way to making a good decision. Better suited for driving down Madison Avenue with the windows down at 3 a.m. while you’re with that special someone who hasn’t figured out you’re a scumbag yet.
“Runnin From the Law”
This one was written by Gene Nitz, but since Yarber kills it, who’s keeping score? The party’s over, but it’s one of those good feelings, like when you refused that last shot of tequila, so there’s a good chance you’ll remember parts of the night.
Well done, boys. I find it very hard to believe a local artist tops this record in 2016. Might as well flip this sucker over and start again.
Lone Ranger of Love is available now.
The tiny bar on Cooper Avenue packs a big punch with great local concerts scheduled almost every night of the week this summer. This week is no different, with James and the Ultrasounds (pictured), Jack Oblivian and the Sheiks, and DJ Dropout Boogie bringing three straight days of Memphis rock-and-roll to Karen Carrier’s latest creation. Jack Oblivian and the Sheiks will start things off on Thursday, June 18th, fresh off a weekend run to Austin, Dallas and New Orleans. This will be the only local appearance by Jack and the Sheiks before they go on an extensive tour across the eastern United States. The band released the excellent Live! album earlier this year (which I reviewed awhile back), and the record is still available from the band and local record shops around town.
Nina Westervelt
James and the Ultrasounds take the “stage” at Bar DKDC on Friday, June 19th, bringing another night of ramped-up garage rock to the small venue. James Godwin released the acclaimed Bad To Be Here album last year and recently told us that he has already begun working on new music. Godwin used to back up Jack Oblivian and did time in the Grifters offshoot the New Mary Jane, making him a driving force behind some of the most appreciated local garage rock bands of the past five years.
Rounding out the three-night extravaganza is DJ Dropout Boogie (Eric Hermeyer), who is replacing long-time running local band Impala. Instead of the instrumental stylings of the swamp boogie veterans known as “The Kings of the Track,” DJ Dropout Boogie will be spinning danceable 45’s all night long, which, after two nights of noisy garage rock, doesn’t seem like that bad of an alternative.
The latest crop of local garage rock bands to grace the stages of places like Murphy’s and the Buccaneer is turning to a house behind the Kroger on Union Avenue to preserve their songs. Since moving in last August, Keith Cooper has offered his services to up-and-coming Memphis bands like Nots, Time, and Chickasaw Mound. Working under the moniker “Burgundy Sound,” Cooper offers a live-recording environment in his living room, where songs get cut in one take and smudges on the recording tape are considered psychedelic blessings. We caught up with the man behind the last three Goner Records releases to find out more about his home studio, his history of home recording, and what the people he shares a driveway with think of their new neighbor.
Memphis Flyer: When did you first start recording bands at home?
Keith Cooper: Every time I would try to record in a studio there just wasn’t a sound that captured what I wanted, so I started looking into tape machines and analog recording. I bought a reel and didn’t know how to use it for a long time, but then I got a mixer and when the Sheiks started getting rolling I got more serious about recording the bands I was in. I started talking to [local recording engineer] Andew McCalla because I knew he recorded bands, and he helped me out a lot in the beginning. This was all when I lived at my parents’ house. Mostly we were just testing out different recording ideas, turning knobs and figuring out sounds. We recorded the first Sheiks single at my parents’ house, and we’d be messing around until 4 a.m. before eventually my dad would come up and tell us to chill out.
When I moved into the “Burgundy Ballroom” I figured out how to make more weird psychedelic noises, and Chris Owen from Time asked if I would record his first album. That was my first hired job. There were some accidents during that recording session, but it had a human quality to it and Chris was really happy with the way it turned out.
When did you move into this new spot and how many different recording sessions have you worked on since moving in?
Since I’ve been recording at this new place, I’ve mostly been working with Jack Oblivian on his new album. I’ve also worked with Time, Aquarian Blood, Nots, Chickasaw Mound, Blackberries, plus all of my projects.
A lot of the equipment at your recording studio was either donated or loaned to you. Where did it all come from?
Andrew [McCalla] and I spent two days setting up the room, and Jack [Oblivian] brought over his tape machine and his drum set from when he was in the Compulsive Gamblers, and that’s when it became a real studio. I also got a lot of equipment from Kelley Anderson from Those Darlins. She had so much cool stuff, but when she moved to Memphis she couldn’t use any of it in her apartment, so she just unloaded all of this cool gear on me. She gave me a lot of tube pre-amps and a compressor, which is helping me keep this place strictly analog. Kelley’s also been coming over and showing me how to transfer things digitally, because that’s always been the chink in the chain for me. She’s been helping me get stuff completely ready to be mastered.
Because a lot of the recording equipment was donated, it seems like a co-op space to a certain extent. Does it have that kind of vibe?
I want it to be a relaxed, creative environment. At the same time, it is my house and I’d like to eventually soundproof this place. My neighbors don’t seem to mind, they like seeing the freaks roll in and play music. I guess it does have a loose co-op vibe.
With all the new bands cropping up around town right now, how busy are you with recording? Is there a limit or rules to the types of bands you work with?
Mostly I’ve been recording garage and punk bands because those types of bands seem to be the most comfortable with doing live, in-the-moment stuff. I try to make that option available to them, but I would definitely be interested in working with other types of bands. I’ve always told people that if they have something good to cut, bring it on. It’s really fun to preserve all this stuff going on right now, ya know? It’s going to be on tape forever.
Would you like to see your studio eventually move into a building other than your home?
That thought has crossed my mind, and that would be cool if this becomes something that big. The thing about living at home is that there are time constraints, so I definitely wouldn’t be against moving into a real space. On the other hand, I really like having all this stuff at my disposal when it comes to practicing and jamming. There are a lot of times when you’re in the zone and then later you’re like, “Wait, what the hell was I playing,” but that moment is gone forever. Being able to hit record whenever I want helps preserve ideas and late-night jams.
What are you working on right now?
We’ve been finishing up the latest Jack Oblivian album I’m pretty sure he’s done with it now and it’s been sent over to Hi-Low. Every song on his new album, besides a couple, were recorded at my house. Blackberries are coming back over, and Naan Violence might come over and get some stuff done.
Wake up! Its Monday, and that means a new Memphis music video to stuff in your eye-holes.
Japanese garage punk madmen Guitar Wolf have a deep connection with Memphis. Their first album Wolf Rock was also the first record release by Goner Records, and the band made their film debut in Mike McCarthy’s 1997 movie The Sore Losers. McCarthy incorporated clips from The Sore Losers into the video for “Invader Ace”, a kamakazi blast of punk that will definitely get the blood flowing this Monday morning. Special bonus rock: Jack Oblivian, star of The Store Losers, draws down and gets the girl.
Music Video Monday: Guitar Wolf
If you want to see your video on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
Some of the best local bands in Memphis will get together this weekend to raise funds for the mentally ill. Since starting in 2013, the Memphians in Support of The Mentally Ill (MISOMI) benefit has given all of the proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Memphis (NAMI Memphis), an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with mental illness and their families. MISOMI founder and organizer Graham Winchester said that given his musical background, a concert was the most logical way to raise funds.
“I wanted to start something that could directly help the community with fund-raising, and I knew I wanted to use my passion of music to do it,” Winchester said. “Several years ago, I remember watching a documentary about multiple cases of horrific abuse to mental health patients at hospitals all over the world. You could probably even replace the word patients with prisoners. I was filled with anger mixed with a sense of duty to try to do something about it. On a personal level, I’ve known many people with mental illnesses and have always had a huge sensitivity to their well-being.”
Started in 1985, NAMI Memphis is a grassroots organization that advocates for people with mental illness and their families by providing support, education, and resources. According to a 2013 study by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, more than 130,000 adults in Memphis and Shelby County suffer from a mental illness. Winchester said he first found out about NAMI Memphis as a child when he and his family would frequently donate to the organization.
Don Perry
Friday at the Hi-Tone.
Each year the MISOMI benefit has gotten bigger (the first benefit featured six bands while this year’s features 11), and Winchester said that he received lots of requests from bands interested in joining the cause. Even if some bands had to be turned away, Saturday night’s lineup features some of the best live bands in the Memphis rock-and-roll scene, with appearances by Jack Oblivian and the Sheiks, Dead Soldiers, Devil Train, Zigadoo Moneyclips, and more. Winchester said he was amazed at all the support he got from local musicians interested in playing the benefit.
“Since the first one, it has been shocking how many bands have asked to play, and most of the time they say that they have a friend or family member that makes the cause near and dear to them,” Winchester said. “I always say yes to as many bands as possible that ask to play because everyone should be able to get in on MISOMI. It’s a community-builder, and what makes something like MISOMI work is everyone’s involvement.”
Winchester said that he would like to see the MISOMI benefit turn into a two-night festival with multiple venues and sponsors, but that changing the way society views mental illness is higher on his agenda.
“I would love for the MISOMI concerts to be that one ridiculously fun and successful show every band and musician in town wants to play,” Winchester said. “But on a broader level, I want the festival to be a representation of a wider change in how we as a society view mental illness. Memphis is already a hub for physical illness hospitals that are world-renowned and well-run. What if we were also the central hub for mental health care? No single city is. It would generate money, jobs, respect, and most importantly, health and help for people afflicted all over the world.”
As for the bands, Winchester said he’s excited about catching the debut of Doctor Brown and getting the Dead Soldiers on board for MISOMI:
“A band like the Dead Soldiers could play the Hi-Tone every night of the year and make a fortune off door cover, but their joining the bill shows tremendous support for what the night is all about: the greater cause.”
Additional donations for NAMI Memphis will be accepted during
the show.
Don Perry
True Sons of Thunder play The Buccaneer Saturday Night.
April is looking like the best month for shows so far this year. Later in the month heavy hitters like Marilyn Manson and Modest Mouse come to town, but this weekend we’re focusing on mostly local bands.
Friday, April 3rd.
Jack Oblivian, 10:00 p.m. at Bar DKDC, $5.00.
Weekend Roundup Part 12: Jack Oblivian, Reserving Dirtnaps, True Sons of Thunder
Peelander-Z, The Dead Deads, 9:00 p.m. at The Hi-Tone, $8.00.
The Eric Hughes Band, 10:00 p.m. at Lafayette’s Music Room.
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Saturday, April 4th.
Swamps, Vice, Chaos Order, Reserving Dirtnaps, 9:00 p.m. at the Hi-Tone, $10.00.
Weekend Roundup Part 12: Jack Oblivian, Reserving Dirtnaps, True Sons of Thunder (2)
The Angel Sluts, 9:00 p.m. at P&H, $5.00.
True Sons of Thunder, Kool 100s, Wet Ones, Leg Pit, 9:00 p.m. at The Buccaneer, $5.00.
Weekend Roundup Part 12: Jack Oblivian, Reserving Dirtnaps, True Sons of Thunder (3)
The War On Drugs, Hop Along, 8:00 p.m. at Minglewood Hall, $23.00-$25.00.
Weekend Roundup Part 12: Jack Oblivian, Reserving Dirtnaps, True Sons of Thunder (4)
Sunday, April 5th.
Hanna Star, 1:30 p.m. at Java Cabana.
Jeffrey and the Pacemakers, 8:00 p.m. at Huey’s Collierville.
Don Perry
Jack Oblivian returns to a familiar place this Saturday when he performs with Data Drums and the Tennessee Screamers at the Buccaneer. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past 20 years, Jack Oblivian got his start in The End (Punk from Corinth, MS) before doing time in the Compulsive Gamblers, The Knaughty Knights, The Oblivians and about 50 other bands. Jack practically has the keys to the city at this point and shouldn’t be missed, but make sure to get to the Buccaneer early to check out Data Drums (featuring Chuck Vicious of the Oscars) and The Tennessee Screamers. $5 gets you in. The video below from Rocket Science Audio should hold you over until its time to rock.
Jack Oblivian at the Buccaneer Saturday Night