w w V. w .V iiiil/iii/iiiiliii/iiii/iiiiii,/iiiiiiiiiliiiiiii/Iiiiiiiilll iiI VINYL Lennon's last live shov John Lennon - Live in New York City (Capitol) After listening to this record, it's hard to believe that it took so long to release it. The material is taken from a 1972 benefit concert. Lennon had just released Some Time in New York City, a wobbly double LP that is not remembered as one of his best, but Live in New York City features an en- thusiastic swing through the best of Lennon's post-Beatle material, and as such, it is a welcome addition to the Lennon library. Live in New York City features the only extant live recordings of several Lennon songs. Lennon performed live only twice after the dissolution of the original Plastic Ono Band in 1970. The other appearance was a short duet with Elton John, in which he perfor- med material that pre-dates and post- dates this material. One would think that the rarity of live material by Lennon would have sent record com- pany executives scurrying after this material the moment the concert en- ded, regardless of its quality. And now that Lennon is dead, a record of such "historical value" is guaranteed release, even if it's garbage. Surprisingly, Live in New York is worth the 14-year wait. While the so- called "Plastic Ono Elephant's Memory Band" is sometimes ex- ceedingly loose, Lennon sings with a spirit and good humor that helps to justify his near-deification. Between the songs, Lennon '**joyA .i - Yok(o is not this ~Iminent lon I ire in \ei, York Ciii,' i, nc/Aisfor nn ',as it mackes rom for/fine et c'rIawes h}" the fate John I ennmL, repeatedly tosses out gentle remin- ders that the Beatles are no longer, the best of which is his reference to "Mother" as a song from one of the albums he made "since I left the Rolling Stones." While Lennon is ob- viously bothered by the new band's screw-ups, he manages to joke about II~ NEW CHICKEN TENDERS AVAILABLE 6 PIECE, 9 PIECE & 12 PIECE APPEARING IN MARCH AT * 458 Briarwood Circle, Briarwood Mall * 725 Victors Way, Ann Arbor, MI 0 z 0 z it, saying at one point, "Welcome to the dress-rehearsal." The snatches of patter show Lennon to be a likeable person, who after ex- traordinary success maintained an appreciation for his audience. Lennon is working on this record, trying to make up for a band that is really not in his league. He is constantly pushing. It's fair to say that Lennon did not possess a great voice, even by rock and roll standards, but he does possess a gutsy, raspy power, balan- ced with ability to sell a slower song like "Imagine." With the possible exception of "New York City," (on which Lennon sounds like he has a stuffy nose) Lennon is in fine form. On "Instant Karma" and "Cold Turkey" he sounds excep- tionally good. The cover of "Hound Dog" is goofy fun, especially when Lennon tosses in "Elvis I love, ya" during a chorus. The inclusion of part of "Give Peace a Chance" stands as the only real lap- se in what is otherwise a fantastic packaging job. The thirty seconds from the beginning of the song feature absolutely godawful singing by Yoko, who I have long supported and defen- ded. There's just no way to defend her on this song. But it's good to remember that Yoko worked hard to get this record released, and to make this record as good as it is. The time and money put into packaging, re-mastering, and song selection pay off. The thirty- second lapse in no way removes Live in New York City from its status as a pleasant surprise, and a worthy and, yes, historic record. --John Logie Squalls -- "Crickets"/"Bride of Frankenstein" (Mbrella) Two more lightly concocted tunes by this delightfully silly band from Athens, Georgia. Their 1984 debut EP, Squalls, v well preserved boasted the infectuous, danceable riff, greasy~slick studio production) and "Elephant Radio" and five other dit- hang them up to dry, and they will ties which merged several blends of probably sound something similat to pop under the Squalls trademark !Ack-Ack! style; all loads of fun and none On their three-song EP, Automatic, terribly serious. These new songs this Champaigne, Illionois-based pick up in the same vein. "Crickets" band aims for that same new-wavey, is a gas. Amidst guitars which sound arty, dance-floor sound as the D2 boys. like weird little creatures floating through space, the names of several The title cut opens with dramatic insects are rapped off to a steady, keyboards, jittery guitar lines, and a catchy beat. It's a wonderfully dumb rock-steady beat; but these folks are dance song. "Bride of Frankenstein" a whole lot less pretentious both is a rockabilly number with sax and lyrically and musically. "Automatic" the works, but is even lighter in con- is a real good dance tune which also cept - maybe a little too light for this shows ! Ack-Ack! to be decent turntable. Nonetheless, more good musicians, capable of assured solos stuff from these folks. Mbrella and key changes. The piece has a Records, PO Box 1174, Athens, GA touch of mystery aided in part by the 30603. - Beth Fertig "still-of-the-night," New Order-ish vocals. Soul Asylum - Made to be In general, there's an innocence to Broken (Twin Tone) all three of these recordings which lets the songs, despite their pretty ob- Soul Asylum is a total whirlwind of vious stab at commercial appeal, guitar noise. Soul Asylum's drummer come across as likeable, fun, melodic has a personal vendetta against the grooves. "Tracks" especially takes rest of the band's sound - he'll thrash up this feel with its exciting rhythm away as soon as things get too quiet. and layered, mumbling vocals. Soul Aylum manages to keep bluesy "Shadow of a Heart," however could piano parts brewing deep beneath the use a little more umph, as it's a slower rest of their chaos which, combined number which plays with a repetitive with their wailing vocals (in har- chorus (although a nice melody) and mony, usually) provide the soul of this a homogenous sound which gets a lit- (insane) asylum. And most of all: tle tiring. Still, that shouldn't pose Soul Asylum is positive, rock and roll any major threat to !Ack-Ack!'s energy at its damndest. potential which any dance-floor Made to be Broken was produced by inhabitants in particular will love. Bob Mould, and engineered by Steve By the way - !Ack-Ack! is on Of- Fjelstad - both of Husker Du fame; fice Records, the same University of and one can really hear the influence Illinois-located label which spawned of that band. However, Soul Asylum the duo, The Arms of Someone New. (who have also toured with the For more information, write PO Box Huskers) have strengths of their own. 2081 Station A, Champaigne, Illinois, The title track is typical of much of 61820. the band's material: Cuisinart- -Beth Fertig strewn-together rock and roll which is also incredibly tight and clean. And Joey M aIbe* and The Won s - you've just got to love a song which features a line like a guitar is a (Nightcrawler Records) man's best friend. Even if you don't like their name, a "Never Really Been" is a group deserves praise that offers the guitar/vocals stroll with a western raw energy of a hyperactive bar band feel - the typical loser's lament. But while somehow maintaining a respec- this loser, although ragged (and table amount of musicianship. very hoarse), won't ever quit - and to The New York-based Worms, who prove it the power-hungry drummer moonlight as Bo Diddley's back-up keeps launching into raucous rhythms, band, combine a boogying R&B sound including the other players, just as with outrageous and occasionally you think the song's going to stay base lyrics. Song titles like "Pooper slow. Scooper" and "Gerbil on the Wheel of Side two opens with "Whoa!" - Love" testify to the members' refusal which begins with dirgy noise and to take themselves seriously, despite then whirls into a hardcore frenzy. their able instrumental skills. The They're good players, and they shriek opening track, "I Like It," sets the pretty well too. Easily one of the most tone for most of the album: a hot heartfelt tracks on this piece of vinyl. boogie-woogie beat fired by a tight Much of the rest of this side is a horn section, recalling the old Stax conglomeration of acid rock-tinged R&B sound. In fact, the horn players (remember Led Zepplin?) rock and (Curtis Fields, Hollie Farris, and roll with a cynical bend. "Ain't That John Chapin) lend enough punch and Tough" embodies this sound and polish to the band to make songs spirit best, as hinted in the title. where they are absent seem little Soul Asylum is made up of tight and more than mediocre rockers. tough musicians with a good, nasty High points include the boogying streak to 'em. Their album title is a toe-tapper "No Soul," and the jiving challenge. Blast this baby loud blues of "Rocking Is Our Bizness," because that's how it's meant to be... the latter featuring jazzy, understated -Beth Fertig horn solos. Then on "Pooper !Ack-Ack! - Automatic Scooper," The Worms kick into a ( c c )comical funk jam which marries rap- (Office Records) EP ping Zappa-styled lyrics to a feel Give the Duran Duran boys a good which mimics vintage James Brown. bath (good enough to wash off all that The Worms lose their appeal only SBESTI Best Burg Best Pizz, Best Ice4 Best Subs Best Pop Best Hot1 Best Bag Best Cook Best Gre Best Itali Best Orie Best Mex Best New Best Sea Best Deli Best Bre Best Late Best Tak Best Dess Best Grea Best Food Best Plac Best Plac Best Dorr BEST] Best Men' Best Wom Best Tail Best Shoe Best Flor Best Drug Best Movi FOOD ger a S corn Dogs els kies ek Restaurant an Restaurant Best Grocery Store Best Bank Best Gifts Best Copy Store __ Best Liquor Store _ Best Bookstore __ Best Used Bookstore Best Record Store - ental Restaurant ican Restaurant Restaurant food FFICIAL li Best Used Record Store - Best Barber/Hairdresser akfast -night Eats e-out Food Best Travel Agent_ Best Jewelry Store_ serts Best Thrift/Used Clothing Store. sy Spoon Bargain e to Take the Folks e to Take a First Date m Cafeteria BUSINESSES 's Clothing ien's Clothing or Best Candy Store Best Video Arcade BEST OF THE REST Best Bar Best Dance Bar Best Happy hour Best Place to Meet People Best Local Band Best Dorm Best Lecture Hall Bo Cream Store ist gstore 2 Best Place to Get Away from It All Best Place to Go on a Saturday Afternoon FOURTH ANNUAL BEST U ANN ARE BAL Best Co-op Best Party Best Street Personalit Best Excuse for Handir Best Fraternity _ Best Sorority Best Class Best Professor Best Concert of the Pa Best Radio Station __ Best Place for a Couple Best Birth-Control Met Best Thing to Bitch Ab Best Person in Ann Ar Best (Fill-in-the-blank THE WORST 01 Worst Dorm Meal (be sp Worst Looking Universi Worst Line to Wait In - Worst Lecture Hall _ Worst Category on this To prerent ballot duph Signature: Address: Phone Number: Ballots should be per person, one per The Michigan Daily Ann Arbor, MI, 4814 All bal NOF ie Theater. Best Place to Study. . r i ii r i i i i i iiii. i e r. i i i. i i r ii'iii i s r i i iiiii, i i i p): Do you like playing Ann Arbor? S: Yeah, the people there are like real genuine fans, it seems. People who know about the band, and care about the band. Seems like Ann Ar- bor's got a good handfullof those peoleSH O ES FO R which is real good. It's real fun to play for people that really know you. D: The Replacements have played SA VE w ea ann ARbor many times in the past. You've moved from Joe's Star Lounge to headlining at the Michigan. The on 3,0 venues are getting bigger and bigger, the tickets keep costing more and more. Some fans say, 'Great they deserve their success,' but others are W E D ELI sayhing,r $12.50? For the Replacements?' S: (incredulously) $12.50, for tickets there? Use our coupon i D: Yeah... Money Saver bookle S: That's pretty ridiculous, I think. D: Similarly, a lot of your fans say 'The Michigan Theater? The Replac- ements are a good bar band, but... S: We didn't even want to play .3 the theater there. We were expecting to play a ballroom-type thing. We don't like to play theaters. We don't like the sit-down crowd stuff, any of that. So it's, like, we kind of got screwed into that somehow. At the last minute we found out that it was at the theater, rather than the ballroom Oriental Food wih an I: We are a bar band, pretty much. To see us in a sit-down plan, that's to me, kind of weird. I l r------ --- ---- ~~ BUY ONE DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER j GET ANOTHER1 1 DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER FREE I 1 Please present this coupon before ordering. I imit one coupon per 1 1 customer. Not to be used kith other coupons or offers. Void I 1 khere prohibited by la\\. This offer expires 4/ 30/86. 1 Goo( d (n/ at: * 458 Briarwood Circle, Briarwood Mall * 725 Victors Way, Ann Arbor, MI1 -............. ............ 4 Weekend-April 4, 1986 - MW Weekend-April 4, 1986 9