Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973) - MST3K

  As a pre-Christmas treat, here's the  Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew tackling 1973s Godzilla vs. Megalon - from their second season.  

die kreuzen - 1985 - Atlantic City

Check out the Midwestern hardcore and beyond sounds from Milwaukee, Wisconsin's die kreuzen. Presented here is footage from 26 July 1985 of a happening show at an Elk's Lodge in Atlantic City. 

I dig this!!!

 Set list:

Halloween
Melt
This Hope
Counting Cracks
Uncontrolled Passion
Rumors
Dirt And Decay
There's A Place
Fighting
Imagine A Light

The Snow Man (1932) cartoon

Unlike the jovial and happy-go-lucky Frosty, the snowman on display in this 1932 cartoon is a much more malevolent creature. Once created, this snow man goes on a Frankenstein monster or King Kong-esque rampage in which he eats a happy lil fish and attacks a church, among other misdeeds.

The cartoon's animator and director Ted Eshbaugh was a competitor to Walt Disney in the arena of cartoons, but as events unfolded, he never attained that level of success.

We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen (2005)

We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen (2005)
Excellent documentary on San Pedro, California
punk rock band the Minutemen.
Recommended viewing!!!

One Night In A City / Jedné Noci V Jednom Meste (2007)

Presented here is Jan Balej's animated film Night In A City / Jedné Noci V Jednom Meste (2007) from the Czech Republic. Very little dialogue throughout, but instead a rich world of sounds and music which more than match the detailed animation and curious vignettes that create the film.

Black Flag - 1983 - Culver City

Dig on this footage of a truncated 1983 Black Flag show in an unconventional venue. Here's the description that was posted with the video:

"This is all the video available from this incredible BLACK FLAG performance at a garage party in 1983. The clip begins with a few moments from the song MY RULES then goes into DEPRESSION, SCREAM, NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, THIRSTY AND MISERABLE, and just the intro to SIX PACK.

The Black Flag lineup at this time had Ginn, Dukowki, Rollins, Stevenson, and coincedentaly the last performance with Dez Cadena on 2nd guitar. Contarary to even Rollins own memory, this party was not in Mike Muir's garage, but was in the garage of one of the Suicidal Tendencies roadies (Albert, his grandmas actually) in Culver City, West Los Angeles, California. Black Flag played this party in the middle of the day as a favor to then Suicidal manager and often Black Flag photographer Glen E. Friedman. The occasion was to attempt to get as many of the suicidal kids with their hand drawn shirts into one place so they could be photographed for ST's debut LP cover. Black Flag played a tremendous set, Suicidal followed and could barely get through one song due to the insanity of the rabid suicidal followers, it was a nice afternoon."

Spider Baby (1968)

Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told was one of director Jack Hill's (The Big Doll House, Coffy, The Swinging Cheerleaders, etc.) earliest features. Initially shot in 1964 but financial problems with the producers resulted in many complications and it was not released theatrically until 1968. A favorite of mine, this odd movie is perfect for some pre-Halloween viewing.

the trailer

the feature

Butthole Surfers - 1987 - Los Angeles

Butthole Surfers 

April 1987 

Variety Arts Center, Los Angeles, CA 

Witnessing the Butthole Surfers as they brought their Locust Abortion Technician tour to Chicago in late April of 1987 remains one of the most absolute favorite live performances I've ever attended. The sights and sounds blew my mind and I quickly realized this was not just another hardcore show and the naked dancer, smoke machine, weird films projected behind the band, etc. proved this point repeatedly.

Thanks to 1966Sickman (+ Credits to: Hothcanada, Notsaved & weldermatt) for posting the clips below which document the Butthole Surfers as they highlighted songs from the then newly released Locust Abortion Technician record at a show in Los Angeles in early April 1987.

Set list:
[01]. U.S.S.A.
[02]. Sweat Loaf
[03]. Julio
[04]. Creep In The Cellar
[05]. Psychedelic Jam
[06]. To Parter
[07]. Johnny Smoke
[08]. Pittsburg to Lebanon
[09]. Graveyard
[10]. No Rule
[11]. The Shah Sleeps in Lee Harveys Grave
[12]. Mark Says Alright
[13]. Roky
[14]. Jimi
[15]. Comb

Viy (1967) aka Вий

Since October has just begun, here's the first of my Halloween themed posts.

Presented below is the 1967 Russian horror film Viy (Вий). The story concerns a monk who must spend three nights alone with a recently deceased witch in order to perform last rights. In doing so he faces a motley menagerie of demons and creatures and the special effects are well done for their time. While not as consistently visually surreal as my earlier post of the more kid centric 1963 Russian film Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors, Viy is still worth a peek for the curious.




There are no English subtitles on the above version, but here's a link to a version that I could not embed here, but has subtitles.

Eyehategod - 1993 - Raleigh, NC

Here's some footage of Eyehategod bringing their rumbling,

feedback 'n heavy sounds to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1993.

Truck Stop Women (1974)

1974s Truck Stop Women is a curious entry in the realm of 1970s U.S. exploitation cinema. Explosions, action plus t and a are both more than liberally sprinkled throughout, but it's ultimately down beat nature sets this film apart from contemporaries.

Starring one of my favorite actresses, Claudia Jennings, another notable face in the film is Len Lesser, better known as Uncle Leo on the Seinfeld show. Truck Stop Women was always been a favorite of mine, but can prove to be difficult to locate in the vhs waste lands, so it's presented below for viewing.

Sonic Youth - 1988 - Washington, DC

Here's some choice 1988 footage of Sonic Youth on the Daydream Nation tour at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC.

Eaten Alive (1977)

Tobe Hooper's next film after The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was 1977s Eaten Alive. I've alway dug this film and feel that it is unfairly derided by some critics and deserves attention/viewings as a prime example of American exploitation/grindhouse movie making.

The story centers around a grimy, decrepit hotel built next to a swamp/river which is run by the scenery chewing and increasingly unhinged Neville Brand, who takes care of evil folks with his trusty scythe and crocodile pal. Film veterans Mel Ferrer, Carolyn Jones and Stuart Whitman also appear in the film; as does Texas Chainsaw Massacre alumn Marilyn Burns plus a pre-Freddy Krueger Robert Englund as Buck. No explanations are provided as to the caretakers background and this adds to the slightly off and surreal nightmare -esque atmosphere. Tobe Hooper helped create the soundtrack, a dissonant and electronic score that works well to enhance tension. As it was shifted around for distribution the film was re-titled multiple times, with some alternate titles including: Brutes and Savages, Death Trap, Horror Hotel, Slaughter Hotel, or Starlight Slaughter.

the feature

In Search Of... Bigfoot

 In Search Of... Bigfoot
Season 1, Episode 5 (4/28/1977)
Host Leonard Nimoy
Here's the second of possibly a few episodes
of video weirdness / nostaglia.

In Search Of... Haunted Castles

In Search Of... Haunted Castles
with Host Leonard Nimoy
Season 2, Episode 44

Watched this show whenever I got a chance as a youth and this particular episode was an especially memorable and scary one!
More episodes to follow...

The White Stripes - 2005 - Brazil

On 1 June 2005 The White Stripes were the first rock band allowed to perform at the long standing Teatro Amazonas Opera House in Manaus, Brazil, located within the Amazonian rainforest. The show generated a huge response among local fans and the musically curious with tickets quickly selling out. Video screens were then set up outside to allow for the over flow. Here's the footage.

Smashing Pumpkins - 1991 - Chicago

This footage finds The Smashing Pumpkins doing an in-store performance at Reckless Records, Chicago on June 21, 1991. The video quality is not ideal, but the audio makes up for it. Thanks to lellius for posting these clips on YouTube.

Drown - Rocket


Siva - Smiley


Jesus Loves His Babies - Blue - Window Paine

The Mutant - Outer Limits episode w/Warren Oates

During the first season of The Outer Limits, this episode titled "The Mutant" aired on March 16, 1964. Most notable to myself is the portrayal of the mutated space researcher Reese Fowler by none other than a favorite actor of mine - Warren Oates.

By way of an introduction to this episode, here's the opening narration:

"At this very moment, our horizon is menaced by two explosive forces, both man-made. One is a deadly wonder; the other, wondrously alive. Both forces have compelled Man to reach out for worlds beyond his own, new worlds where he may find peace, and room to grow. This is the first of those new worlds. The United Nations of Earth have claimed it, and called it Annex One. It is almost identical to Earth, except that there is no night--sunlight is constant. Early reports from the small expeditionary team stationed on Annex One indicated that the ancient planet appeared suitable for colonization by Earth's overflowing population. But the most recent reports have contained unspoken, oddly disturbing undercurrents, and the United Space Agency has decided to investigate. The man chosen: Dr. Evan Marshall, psychiatrist."

Daniel Johnston talks with Gibby Haynes

Daniel Johnston speaks with Gibby Haynes from the Butthole Surfers about a variety of topics. This is extra footage from "The Devil and Daniel Johnston" and was probably filmed around 1987 which was also when Daniel Johnston recorded with the Butthole Surfers for A Texas Trip compilation - also heard below.

Daniel Johnston w/the Butthole Surfers
"Don't Play Cards With Satan"


Daniel Johnston w/the Butthole Surfers
"Grievances"


Butthole Surfers "Flame Grape"
from A Texas Trip

God's Angry Man (1983)

God's Angry Man (1983) is a Werner Herzog documentary which looks at the controversial televangelist Dr. Gene Scott.

Crimes of the Future (1970) - early David Cronenberg

Crimes of the Future is a David Cronenberg short from 1970. It involves some sort of medical institute or clinic in an odd, uneasy dreamlike world were all the women are dead and a skin disease has ravaged the population; who behave in a less than rational manner. This "creative cancer"/body revolt and evolution is another theme Cronenberg would return to often throughout his later films. The soundtrack is a highlight with bursts of low key yet abrasive, dissonant noise compromising the bulk. Non linear and also perhaps too slow moving for some viewers, this is a curious glimpse into Cronenberg's creative chrysalis of themes and visuals.

Stereo (1969) early David Cronenberg

From David Cronenberg, this skillfully created short from 1969 involves a group of subjects at "the Institute" who receive experimental brain surgery in order to create heightened powers of telepathy or extra sensory perception, are encouraged to also include sexual exploration and the results. Similar themes of medically induced negative side effects would continue and are found in many of his later works such as Shivers, Rabid, The Brood or Scanners.

On the Right Track (1981)

Are you like me? Has the fact that you have not viewed Gary Coleman's set in Chicago 1981 movie On the Right Track since Ronald Reagan was in the White House been keeping you up tossing and turning. Well say so long to sleepless nights and soak up the movie once again, as it's presented below for viewing.
Thanks to jdycus for posting the clips on YouTube.


Part 1 of 11


Part 2 of 11


Part 3 of 11


Part 4 of 11


Part 5 of 11


Part 6 of 11


Part 7 of 11


Part 8 of 11


Part 9 of 11


Part 10 of 11


Part 11 of 11

Butthole Surfers - December 1984

Here are three choice clips from a December 1984 performance from the Butthole Surfers.

Cherub 1984 -12- 22


Dum Dum live 1984-12- 31


The Shah Sleeps In Lee Harvey's Grave live 1984-12-31

Andrea True "More, More More"

Andrea True (born in Nashville - July 26, 1943) moved to New York City in the early 70s to seek work as a movie actress, finding small parts in films such as The Way We Were. When conventional roles proved too difficult to be found, she began working in adult features under stage names such as Inger Kissin, Andrea Travis, Catherine Warren and Singh Low.

While working on commercials in Jamaica, she found herself stuck on the island due to political unrest. Wanting to make the best of the situation, she worked with her friend, record producer Gregg Diamond who had a song ready and True added the lyrics, creating the song "More, More, More" which became a favorite at nightclubs and discos, eventually charting at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 1976. She quickly followed that up with a full length record as the Andrea True Connection.

Andrea True pursued a music career with two more records, but further chart success proved elusive. Afterwards she then briefly returned to the adult industry.

Below is a video for "More, More, More" which was sampled in the 1999 song "Steal My Sunshine" by Canadian group Len.

Queens of the Stone Age - 2001 - Reading Festival

Queens of the Stone Age
2001 Reading Festival

Quick and To The Pointless
interview
The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret


plus
Song for the Deaf - 2001 - Bizarre Fest.


Go With The Flow - 2001 - Bizarre Fest.

They Live (1988)

I count many of John Carpenter's films among my favorites and 1988s They Live is one of them. Starring bubblegum chewing and ass kicking pro-wrestler Roddy Piper, this movie moves briskly with loads of action and plenty of explosions to go along with the plots less than thinly veiled swipes at 1980s consumerism and conformity. Curious side note, the evil doers subconscious slogans of "obey" served as inspiration for visual artist Shepard Fairey. They Live - a four star popcorn flick!

the trailer

the feature

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - 1999 - Emergency Call from Japan

A Japanese only release, Emergency Call from Japan presents mainly live footage (plus a video) of The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion as they perform for a receptive Japanese audience.
Thanks to TheBopseconds for posting these on YouTube.

1 of 5
2Kindsa Love / Flavor / Attack


2 of 5
Talk About the Blues / Hell / High Gear / Sweat / Wail / All Aboard


3 of 5
Magical Colors


4 of 5
Blues Explosion Man / Get Down Lover

5 of 5

Dead Kennedys - 1984 - Los Angeles

This is some quality footage from 1984 of the Dead Kennedys
roaring through a killer set at the cavernous Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles. Dig it!

Dead and Buried (1981)

I've always considered 1981s Dead and Buried an attention worthy and under rated horror flick. It's plot is widely divergent from the standard slasher fare so prevalent at the time. The film didn't fare too well at the box office and quickly made it's way to cable television which is where I had my first screening not long after theatrical release. Repeated vhs viewings confirmed it for me.

One of the film's screenwriters Dan O'Bannon is notable for his work on standout genre films such as Dark Star, Alien, Blue Thunder and Return of the Living Dead.

Among other credits, director Gary Sherman would go on to direct another vhs exploitation favorite of mine Vice Squad in 1982.

the trailer


the feature

My Bloody Valentine - 1992 - Austin, Texas

In early 1992 Dinosaur Jr, My Bloody Valentine and Babes in Toyland embarked on a U.S. tour and turned up the volume on their amps past 11. I saw 'em in March at Avalon in Boston. Stellar show from all bands, one of my favorites. My Bloody Valentine finished their set with a punishingly loud and especially feedback drenched version of "You Made Me Realize" - I mean REALLY loud, feel it in your organs loud - just like they did when the tour hit Liberty Lunch in Texas on the 8th of February 1992 as seen and heard in the clips below.

full My Bloody Valentine set list

1. I Only Said
2. Only Shallow
3. Slow
4. Nothing Much To Lose
5. You Never Should
6. Honey Power
7. Soon
8. To Here Knows When
9. You Made Me Realise

Honey Power


To Here Knows When


You Made Me Realise


my Boston show ticket


plus

Honey Power


Off Your Face

Butthole Surfers - 1985

The year 1985 was an especially vital one for the Butthole Surfers
as they recorded, toured and created legendary live shows,
as seen in the clips below.

Too Parter LIVE 1985-01-04


Bar-B-Q Pope LIVE 1985-01-04


Gary Floyd 1985-08-25

Corrosion of Conformity - 2011 - Roadburn Festival, Holland

The mighty three piece Animosity era Corrosion of Conformity line-up of: Mike Dean - vocals, bass guitar; Woody Weatherman - guitars and Reed Mullin - drums, vocals - are back together and currently playing Europe. The footage below is from yesterday when Corrosion of Conformity performed at the Roadburn Festival of 2011. Hope they make a Boston appearance!

Recorded live @ Main Stage,
013 Tilburg, Holland on April 15th, 2011.

Loss for Words







Holier

Butthole Surfers - 1986 - CBGB

Here are a few clips with the Butthole Surfers bringing their
acid flavored hardcore to NYCs CBGB and beyond...

"Graveyard" + "Moving To Florida"
CBGB - Feb. 12, 1986


"Cherub" short film
with performance footage from the CBGB show




plus

"The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald"
Holland 1986


This was after the concert by The Butthole Surfers at the 688 Club in Atlanta in 1986 and videotaped by Nelson Sullivan, who was invited to the performance by band member Cabbage.

Slayer - 2002 - Hultsfred, Sweden

Hultsfred Festival
Hultsfred, Sweden
June 14, 2002
------ Disciple
War Ensemble
Stain of Mind
Threshold
Postmortem
Raining Blood
Hell Awaits
Bloodline
God Send Death
Dead Skin Mask
Seasons in the Abyss
Payback
Mandatory Suicide
Chemical Warfare
Encore:
South of Heaven
Angel of Death


Disciple (no intro)

War Ensemble


Stain of Mind


Threshold


Post-Mortem


Raining Blood


Hell Awaits


Bloodline


God Send Death


Dead Skin Mask


Seasons in the Abyss


Payback


Mandatory Suicide


Chemical Warfare


South Of Heaven


Angel of Death