Dave, Daz, Stu and Linda got together to try out Record Club tonight. Lucy andNicky came by later.
Stu brought a selection of records and between us we first selected the Modern Lovers, and then Pit er Pat.
It was great. We decided that talking while the records were on was ok, cos we hardly get to see each other anyway.
Rock N Roll With Modern Lovers
The Modern Lovers
1977
Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers were a big inspiration on Punk music – simple short songs played and sung with more enthusiasm than spot-on precision, particularly where Richman’s highly idiosyncratic voice is concerned.
Jonathan Richman famously appeared as the wandering minstrel in the film ‘There’s Something About Mary’.
Their most famous song ‘Roadrunner’ is not on this album. Rather than the heavier electric sound of their first album (“The Modern Lovers”, 1976), this album features an all acoustic ‘skiffle’ type line-up and the natural ‘live’ sound of the group playing together in a room.
The cover art comprises a photograph on one side and a near-identical painting on the other, which are – at first – hard to tell apart. This disc was greatly enjoyed by the assembled few!
Shakey
Pit er Pat
2005
Pit er Pat are a three piece ‘avant rock’ group from Chicago, whose music often has a dark undertone but (in Stuart’s opinion) is never dirge-ish.
This album has a refreshing guitar-free rock sound, with interesting rhythms, great keyboard sounds, well-used samples and excellent spine-tingling vocals.
Stuart became aware of Pit er Pat when his band played a gig with them in Nottingham a few years ago.
Now a duo, they continue to tour and record extensively. They are friendly with fellow Chicago avant rockers ‘Tortoise’
