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Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

3197.0. "the Mermen" by RICKS::CALCAGNI (just back'in over the cats) Wed May 08 1996 15:04

    "A cross between Dick Dale and Sonic Youth"
    
    Probably the best way to sum up this band.  The Mermen are a trio out
    of San Francisco that play loud, edgey, noise and feedback filled rock
    instrumentals with an oceanic flavor.  I've been listening to their
    major label debut "A Glorious Lethal Euphoria" for several weeks now.
    It's not something you want to put on over Sunday morning coffee, but
    when I'm in the right mood it's an exhilarating ride.
    
    Guitarist Jim Thomas plays American Standard Strats with "big strings
    through big amps".  His stage setup consists of two Twins and a Dual
    Showman, and the Strats are rewired so that each pickup drives a
    separate amp.  Jim's a surfer and supposedly has a massive collection
    of surf records; it shows.  Lots of ringing minor chords and beach
    blanket riffs.
    
    I like these guys.  I've always been a closet surf-music freak, but
    admittedly much of that stuff sounds tinny and dated now.  The Mermen
    serve it up on a fresh platter, with a modern edge and full of wonderful
    washes of overdriven sound.  As one review puts it, "It's the band's
    ability to harness the currents of '70s punk anger, '80s hardcore
    emotionalism, and '90s grunge as well as diving into the 60's that
    makes listening to these bay city rollers much more fun..."
    
    Check out their web page: http://www.mermen.com/
    Among other delights, there's a tour diary posted by bassist Allen
    Whitman from his laptop during the Mermen's grassroots slog across
    America earlier this year.  Interesting reading.
    
    Oh yeah, Jim Thomas is 42 and the other members of the band are
    similarly ancient.  It's kinda comforting to hearing old guyz like this
    still playing loud music, and making a go of it as well.  Surf's up!
    
    /rick
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name		DateLines
3197.1SMACLASABET::pelkey.ogo.dec.com::pelkeyprofessional hombreWed May 08 1996 16:0012
    Oh yeah, Jim Thomas is 42 and the other members of the band are
    similarly ancient.  It's kinda comforting to hearing old guyz like 
    this still playing loud music...


HEY!!!

watch it Calcagni,,,  I'll be 42 in less than 3 years!!!

And I can still, shred with anyone..

8^)
3197.2BUSY::SLABOUNTYch-ch-ch-ch-ha-ha-ha-haWed May 08 1996 16:287
    
    	Ray, I have a feeling that that was meant as a compliment, and
    	not an insult.
    
    	I hesitate in adding "because Rick is probably approaching that
    	age also", but he's closer to 42 than I am.  8^)
3197.3ASABET::pelkey.ogo.dec.com::pelkeyprofessional hombreThu May 09 1996 07:196
I was only kidding....

Really,,,  I wasn't the least offended...
3197.41983...RICKS::CALCAGNIjust back'in over the catsThu May 09 1996 08:247
    yeah, yeah...  I'll be seeing 42 mice elf in a coupla months.
    
    The Mermen hit the Ocean Mist on the R.I. shore, in June.  I may
    have to go.
    
    /granpappy
3197.5ASABET::pelkey.ogo.dec.com::pelkeyprofessional hombreThu May 09 1996 09:476
40s...  happens quick huh ?  I was just getting used
to 30 too....


Sheesh..
3197.6POLAR::KFICZEREThu May 09 1996 11:313
    Each pick up wired to a different amp!? What is this guy smokin'?
    
    -kev
3197.7RICKS::CALCAGNIjust back'in over the catsThu May 09 1996 13:252
    seaweed
3197.8How about the Aqua's ?WALBRD::DAUMFri May 10 1996 16:3517
	
	Being a surf fan, I thought I would mention one of my
	favorite bands. They're likewise from the city by the
	bay. The bands name is 'The Aqua Velvets'. Their album
	( on MESA ) 'Surfmania' is fantastic. Dick would be proud.
	If you haven't heard it, you might want to give it a go.
	On a similar vein, you might want to check out 'Laika & 
	The Cosmonauts'. Their music has a little more sci-fi 
	in it, but it is quite good. I'm off to get the new
	Mermen, thanks for the tip.

	Just an FYI.

	/td
3197.9thanks, I'll check em outRICKS::CALCAGNIjust back'in over the catsSat May 11 1996 11:2411
    I've heard of the Aquas, but never actually heard them.  Guess I've got
    a little shopping to do myself.
    
    Btw, I've recommended the Rhino/Guitar Player compilations in here
    before (I'd pretty much grab any of these now, regardless of genre;
    they're always well done and thoroughly enjoyable).  They have a great
    surf guitar compilation too, of course.  These are all original 60's
    tracks, the "roots" of surf.  Highly recommended.
    
    /rick
3197.10BUSY::SLABOUNTYBaroque: when you're out of MonetFri May 17 1996 09:0510
    
    	Well, I was at Newbury Comics the other day picking up a couple
    	new releases, and I happened to see "Songs of the Cows" [looks
    	to be an EP of sorts] for, ummm, $8 I think, so I picked it up.
    
    	I've listened to most of it once, and I guess it's pretty good
    	if you like surf music.  The only thing I don't like so far is
    	that most of the songs are a little too similar.  But I'll have
    	to listen to it a couple times before I can be sure.
3197.11RICKS::CALCAGNIjust back'in over the catsFri May 17 1996 10:136
    The Mermen just added Tuesday June 11 at TT's to their tour schedule;
    the R.I. date is the following night.  From the tour diary I get the
    impression that they're pretty LOUD live; don't forget the earplugs!
    
    /rick