Welcome to Review Revue, where every Thursday I dig through the KEXP stacks to share DJ reviews and comments written on the covers of LPs (and occasionally CDs) in the ’80s and ’90s, when the station was called KCMU, the DJs were volunteers, and people shared their opinions on little white labels instead of the internet.
I'll be honest, I don't understand a lot of what's going on here. Here's what I do know: Skin Yard, while not a household name, was a key part of Seattle rock/grunge history. The lineup shifted over the years, but this debut album included the drums of Matt Cameron, and the guitar and recording prowess of Jack Endino, along with singer Ben McMillan and bass player Daniel House. (You'll see the name "Ben" mentioned a few times down below.)
This record was obviously highly anticipated in the halls of KCMU, and some of the banter here makes me wonder if one or more of the members might have been DJs at the time. Then there are some alarming displays of aggression, and weird exchanges that I just don't understand. But this is what happens when you dig up in-jokes from 30-plus years in the past. Enjoy!
"From the cover down to every last groove, this is a damned fine record. Good job guys!! More proof of Seattle."
"Great band. Too bad Seattle needs more proof."
"Fuck you Allen! Stop being stupid! How often do you go see local bands? Just shut up!"
"I would be very happy if I could do half of what this drummer can. Bastard!"
"Dumb singer . . . hi ben, tee-hee! Jiz coloured vinyl, boss-hoss! Good!"
"Oh, yee-haw! (I phrase I learnt in Moose Lake.) Pass the sprouts. Ben sounds like David Thomas minus about 75 punds. 'Enjoy Your Stay.'"
"Ben, you've just become a god in my book. Pere Ubu, I don't know, but this is amazing."
"Watch Ben's head swell now."
"'Epitaph . . .' reminds this journalist of U2, seriously."
"Whoever your bass player is, Ben is good. Congrats. Sell lots of this + put away the t-shirts."
"??? Try some intelligence. Examine what I say once in awhile."
"I like the singer but he loooks real STUPID in that feminine cowboy shirt."
"Come on Steph, let's be twins."
"I think he looks kinda keen."
"Besides DR - Allan is not 21. So how can he? And CK doesn't either."
This week's Review Revue spotlights the Nomeansno album Small Parts Isolated and Destroyed. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights Animal Kingdom's self-titled album. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights the album I Have a Thing for Love by Big Tube Squeezer. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
