Thurston Hunger
10/6/2010
10-inch, A Library
More Viva El Vega celebration from Blast First. Celebrating Suicide’s
surviving and thriving Alan Vega as his age approaches the BPMs of
his songs. Gavin Friday does an honorable turn behind the wheel of
“Ghost Rider.” A blippy zipper with Dave Ball from Soft Cell working
the Martin Rev’d up engine of electronics. Not as squishy as Rev,
and no one yelps like Vega, still a nice trip.
On the flip, Brinkbeats are back! Obscene distorto beats high step
in amidst the party of “Diamonds, Furcoats and Champagne.” High
class filth with pilfered Vega vocal vexations, the beat takes the
shotgun seat here. Originally out as a maxi single in 2006.
At last the master himself steps into the tribute ten inch, Rantus
Interruptus. Freewheeling radio spin inserted. There’s something
commanding and controlled in Vega’s vocals, not a rebel yell or
teen scream, more akin to an angry minister, proclaiming from the
pulpit. Backed by riveting beats, warpy loops – and phrases fly out
“Tormentor” “Kill your Loss”. The minister sees his flock consumed
in flames and his reaction is prophetic ecstatic. “Puss on Tha Time
Warp” includes a great drop-out section with muffled subconscious
beats. I wonder if he wanted to point out how many folks missed this
track the first time round in 1999. Super nova…
Cover art collage by Vega too.
-Thurston Hunger
KFJC 89.7FM
