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.
This week we have Liquid Love, the 9th(ish) album from prolific Portland punk prelates Napalm Beach. I don't know a lot about this band (which will not be a surprise to regular readers of this series), but they must have been very much a known quantity at KCMU by the time this album — or even the original German pressing — arrived at the station. The commentary regarding the music is generally quite enthusiastic, although I should warn you there's some pretty crappy body-size-related talk. I mainly included it because it is so nicely dealt with by the commenter's fellow DJs.
The two main forces behind Napam Beach, Chris Newman and Sam Henry (according to Wikipedia, "The group went through thirteen bass players before Dave Dillinger came on board in 1989"), are still active musicians. You can find Chris's recent music on Bandcamp, and you can see what Sam's up to (or take drum lessons from him!) on his web site. These guys don't stop; I can relate to that.
"Contains new cuts - not on the German release. The Northwest continues to rock in a big way."
"'Get Movin'' is the best thing these guys have ever done & that's sayin' a lot."
"Best Napalm vinyl yet. Even a couple of songs with acoustic guits in 'em. And Sam Henry - best traps in the NW when not too fucked up."
"I used to get him and Tad mixed up."
"'Get Movin'' is getting over-played - please stay away!"
"I think it would be neat to see them play live with Tad."
"Come on and lose some fucking weight, if you don't mind."
"Let's not judge others on appearance, now." [I agree! Jeez.]
"Come on and lose some of that ego if you don't mind . . ."
"But Phil, is it OK for TAD to [be] big and fat? If you don't like the music, fine, but dislike it for musical reasons not weight reasons."
"I'm joking. Jeez." [Ah! Well that's all right then. Obviously that was a hilarious joke that we all totally missed. Jeez.]
This week's Review Revue spotlights Chemistry Set's self-titled EP. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights the Screaming Trees album Even If and Especially When. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
This week's Review Revue spotlights Kate Bush's album Lionheart. See what KCMU DJs thought back in the day.
