Search - Chain Gang :: Perfumed

Ratsluggers unite!

MROW | Long Beach, CA United States | 11/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Totally maximist 40-deuce rock from these uncrowned Kings of NYC. The sound lies somewhere within an axis mapped out by early Pere Ubu, Vertical Slit, and Roky Erikson's Blieb Alien--you know that rock 'n' roll Bermuda Triangle where only the most intrepid dare to sail. PERFUMED is a hodgepodge of recordings from throughout Chain Gang's long and shambling "career", dating back to 1976 with a warm and raw version of "That's How Strong My Love Is" and moving up through various late 80's sessions. Along the way, you get to hear all their rare, late 70's 7" cuts (including the infamous "Son of Sam", which was released prior to the capture of B. Berkowitz), as well as a bunch of cool live tunes from gigs at clubs you never went to. My fave cut is "O.T.B.", a long-gone slopwave disco number that'll shake the pants off of anyone who hustles up next to it. But really, the whole glorious mess is worthy of your attention. And it's also a true testimonial to the creative energy of a breed of once-flourishing Manhattan underclass who, by now, have been pretty much priced out of the whole flippin' nation. Listen up to hear how the other half lived."