6/2/06 Marko’s thoughts on Ringers / Wire / Red Hot Chili Peppers (music review)

Well, the wait is finally over. The new Ringers disc has been out for a few weeks now and looking back at the previous 5-song demo, I see it hasn’t been nearly as long as I thought since I had new Ringers music in my hot little hands. Anticipation, apparently. Anticipation rewarded with this fine new 6-track EP on Cosmodemonic Telegraph out of New London. It starts with Disco, a song I always enjoy hearing Ringers perform live. A great, driving track to open the EP. Next is a re-working of the 2004 demos Single Mother Buried Son. I’m kinda wondering what its doing here as its not terribly different from the previous version. I would’ve much preferred a different, unrecorded song, especially on a record with only six tracks. But that’s the only complaint I have about this EP. Ringers save the best for last here with the final two tracks. Alchemist and Torch really show off Ben… oh, excuse me, Brock Johnson’s vocal talents. This guys currently New London’s best singer/shouter. And this band is easily one of the best tickets in the area. If you don’t have "Ringers" yet, you’re waiting for what already?

A few years ago I was challenged to come with a list of my dozen favorite records. Sort of a desert island discs type o' thing? I thought it would be fun to share a couple thoughts on these classic LPs with you, kind reader. Lets begin with my personal Holy Grail LP: Wires Pink Flag. I’ve listened to this record so many times now I can only do so in its entirety. As one 35-minute punk rock suite. Playing only a track or two somehow lessens the impact of this marvelous record. When Wire toured in 1987, they hired a New York band called Ex-Lion Tamer to open for them playing Pink Flag from start to finish with even the spaces between the songs timed perfectly. I’m certain I would’ve died and gone to heaven at the end of 12XU. Oh yeah, and fuck R.E.M. for covering Strange.

One more thing. Why the hell do I like the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album so much? I haven’t liked a Peppers album this much since BloodSugarWaterFuckMagicSex or whatever the hell it was.

This review provided by Marko. Check out Marko's Punk Rock Jukebox on WCNI in New London (90.9, Thursdays at noon) and on WECS in Willimantic (90.1, Fridays at 11am)