Oblivians - Blow Their Cool - Estrus Records 7" ES756.

If I were following the script I'd have posted the Captain 9's LP, but I need to have a proper listen to them and decide what I'm going to write. Instead, I've jumped forward to this upload for Phil Gordon. It's topical, anyway. Oblivians have a new record out on In The Red. It's called Desperation and has been in the works for about a billion years, if not more. I suggest you buy it. It's good. Especially the cover of Stephanie McDee's bonkers Zydeco track, Call The Police.

What we have here is the band's Estrus Crust release from 1994. From what I can work out, the songs on this release were never reissued and have never appeared on CD. If that's wrong I'm sure one of you smart-arse fuckers will soon put me right. Coming next, Captain 9's & The Knickerbocker Trio. In the meantime, enjoy.

Oblivians - Blow Their Cool - Estrus Records 7" ES756.

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Impala - Play R&B Favorites - Estrus Records EP - ES793.

So, who was to know that Mad Mummies March would be followed by Apathetic April? Not me. Anyhow, many things conspired to keep me away from this blog, (none of them worth mentioning), but I'm now back in the saddle and raring to go.
Impala are one of the very few bands I never saw live who I dearly would have loved to. Right from back in the day when they shared a split cassette release with The Oblivians (Come on, somebody out there must have made a digital copy of that. I know The Oblivians side had a limited release on Goner, but radio silence on the Impala front) they've been quality. If you've not heard them before they play great, non-surf instrumentals. The type of swinging beat favoured by 'groovy' teens in early, garishly-coloured US sitcoms. Actually, that makes them sound more cliched than they actually are. They're a great listen. Enjoy.

Impala - Play R&B Favorites - Estrus Records EP - ES793.

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Oblivians - Call The Shots - Goner EP - 2GONE.

Released before they could afford to add The to their name, this is Oblivians debut vinyl release on Eric Friedl's own Goner Records. They had previously appeared on a split cassette release with fellow Memphis freaks Impala. The Oblivians' tracks from that cassette were later released on Goner LP On The Go, and if anybody could share that I'd be extremely grateful.

As far as I am aware, and please correct me if I'm wrong, these versions of Viet Nam War Blues and Jim Cole are unique to this release. They're both on the Soul Food compilation, but as 'augmented' versions. Viet Nam War Blues has an added piano track and Jim Cole has a subtle wash of organ laid over the original version. They've been George Lucas'd.

I have their Estrus EP lined up for future release and, as far as I can tell, that record also features four 'versions' which have never been reissued or reused in any form. Again, please please please correct me if I'm wrong.

What I really love about this single is the photo of the band. They all look so young and devil-may-care, particularly Mr. Greg Cartwright in his charity shop suit and bow tie. Enjoy.

Oblivians - Call The Shots - Goner EP - 2GONE.

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Impala - Power Of Bob Records EP. POB 01.

File under I Wish I'd Seen 'Em. Impala were/are a Memphis, Tennessee, instrumental band. This 7" on Power of Bob was, based on the label number, their first release. Received wisdom is that their first release was a split-cassette with The Oblivians, but that has a later label number. As far as I am aware, The Oblivians set was later issued by Goner as a limited edition LP. If, and I know this is a long shot, anybody has and would care to share the cassette... Kisses all round. Anyhow, here are Impala. They're not a surf band. Enjoy.

Impala - Power Of Bob Records EP. POB 01.

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Oblivians / Two Bo's Maniacs split single. Hate Records Hate 007.

A split single featuring Memphis, TN's Oblivians playing King Louie Stomp, an instrumental song by Impala. This version, however, has vocals by Mr. King Louie himself. Sharing this esteemed company are Torino's furious-sounding Two Bo's Maniacs.

Oblivians / Two Bo's Maniacs split single. Hate Records Hate 007.

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