We Fought The Big One, DC’s longest running post-punk DJ night, is kicking its jingoism into overdrive to celebrate American Independence this Friday evening! And that means DJs Brandon Grover, Rick Taylor, and guest DJ Chris Callahan will be spinning ONLY classic American post-punk and independent records all night.
That’s right. Birth certificates are being scrutinized in advance (both long and short form). Americans who sing with British accents, they make the grade (barely). Brits who sing with American accents, nice try but NO. Canadians, take your business elsewhere. The conceit is so mind-blowing that it has gone viral and we have been told that fireworks displays have been scheduled across the country to express solidarity with the American proto-punk and new wave artists of yesteryear.
Anticipation has reached such a fever pitch that we reached out to Brandon, Rick, and Chris to share a few of their favorite slices of American Independents via the wonders of YouTube.
WE FOUGHT THE BIG ONE: 10 American Post-Punk Classics
The Units – High Pressure Days | Whether or not The Units were one of the true pioneers of synth-punk is immaterial. This synth-obsessed, anti-guitar San Francisco collective left us a treasure trove of smart, incendiary music that still sounds amazing 35 years after the fact. “High Pressure Days” is one of the band’s earliest cuts (it was on a self-released 7-inch in 1979 and then appeared again on their 1980 debut album) and showcases the band at their best. —Rick
Tuxedomoon – Pollo X (from Colorado Suite) | Tuxedomoon was formed in San Francisco in 1977 as part of an art school assignment. This video was shot very early on and showcases a more “conventional” set of weirdo art-rock Bowie-isms. Later Tuxedomoon would develop their own sound and move to Europe where there was more acceptance of their avoidance of all things rock. They are still releasing fantastic records to this day. —Brandon
Pere Ubu – Birdies (Urgh! A Music War) | I think the stuff in this movie that scared or put me off when I was twelve eventually became my favorite stuff (i.e. Pere Ubu and The Cramps). —Chris
Velvet Monkeys – Everything Is Right | As celebrated as DC’s original punk scene continues to be, there are still a number of amazing bands that have never received the recognition they deserve—Velvet Monkeys being a prime example. When I listen to “Everything Is Right,” the title cut from the band’s 1982 debut album, it’s hard not to be reminded of early Echo and the Bunnymen in the best possible way. And is that a little proto-shoegaze guitar I’m hearing? Will Sergeant would love this. —Rick
Blackouts – Idiot (original Wax Trax video) | Blackouts were formed in Seattle in 1979 and included Paul Barker and William Rieflin who would both go on later to be in Ministry. This was from their last single and was produced by Al Jourgenson before the heavy metal heroin monster ate him. —Brandon
Devo – Jocko Homo | Shine on America! I almost used the image of this mural for the flyer. Commissioned as a summer works project to celebrate the bicentennial, this mural graces the façade of an employment agency owned by Robert Mothersbaugh Sr. (father of Devo’s Mark and Bob 1). It is doubly iconic as it can be seen at the beginning of Devo’s film The Truth About De-Evolution and graces the cover of Stiff’s Akron music scene compilation. —Chris
ESG – UFO | Somebody needs to make a documentary about ESG (Emerald, Sapphire and Gold)—their story is so extraordinary I’m still trying to process it (and it’s a story that’s still unfolding—the band has a new record slated for release later this year). Four sisters and a friend from a rough Bronx neighborhood decide to make music and are discovered at a talent show by 99 Records Founder Ed Bahlmann, who quickly gets them into a recording studio with producer-wizard Martin Hannett. The result: one of the most unlikely post-punk bands became one of the most sampled and influential. Apparently, Public Enemy, the Beastie Boys, N.W.A., and DJ Shadow have all pinched from this one. —Rick
Tripod Jimmy – Autumn Leaves (live) | Tripod Jimmie were based out of Buffalo, NY and were headed by Thom Herman ex-founding member of Pere Ubu. They made a couple of records in the early ’80s and disappeared. Does anyone else recall that time when it was cool to wear big glasses to a concert and dance like a puppet? Neither do I. —Brandon
The B-52s – Dance This Mess Around | “Why won’t you dance with me. I ain’t no limburger!” is a question/exclamation for the ages. Tons of great youtubage of the B52s. I’m partial to this early small club stuff. —Chris
Pylon – Beep | Were Pylon Athens Georgia’s Gang of Four? —Chris
WE FOUGHT THE BIG ONE
Celebrating American Independents!
With Guest DJ Chris Callahan
Friday, July 4
Marx Cafe, 3203 Mt. Pleasant St., NW, Washington, DC 20010
10pm – 3am | NO COVER 21+
