my god, this is so cool:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p3hdT4vmBg
does anyone know is this is on any of their studio albums? i've been on Residents burnout for a while now but this is like the coolest thing I've ever seen
― frogbs, Friday, 20 January 2012 17:03 (twelve years ago) link
i guess "cool" aint the right word but it's the right balance of awesome and freaky and catchy, something the Residents don't achieve much
― frogbs, Friday, 20 January 2012 17:04 (twelve years ago) link
It's on The King and I. From the late 80s, I think.
― EZ Snappin, Friday, 20 January 2012 17:08 (twelve years ago) link
it's the right balance of awesome and freaky and catchy, something the Residents don't achieve much
well, they certainly haven't often achieved it this side of the 70s.
"burning love" originally appears on the king and eye (1989).
[wot EZ said]
― Little GTFO (contenderizer), Friday, 20 January 2012 17:10 (twelve years ago) link
hmm, i'm not digging that version at all; the one I posted is so much more upbeat, this one is just a painful drawl like 80% of their other material
all I wanted is for them to make a few more records like Duck Stab
― frogbs, Friday, 20 January 2012 17:19 (twelve years ago) link
you and me both
― Little GTFO (contenderizer), Friday, 20 January 2012 17:21 (twelve years ago) link
the cover of their latest album is total O.o
http://static.rateyourmusic.com/album_images/bc176122c13f9d1266b6ffb81746582c/3673501.jpg
they certainly seems to have sped up their release schedule in the last 5 or so years. is any of it good?
― frogbs, Friday, 20 January 2012 17:31 (twelve years ago) link
i have friends who are serious fans, but haven't followed them myself, so i'm not really the best person to ask. i will say that they've expanded their musical palette considerably in the last half decade, at least trying to expand beyond the the clonking rhythms, painful drawling and atonal synths. you get some tuneful female vocals and genuinely moving moments on demons dance alone and animal lover. not really my thing, but much more intriguing than the bulk of their 80s/90s work.
― Little GTFO (contenderizer), Friday, 20 January 2012 18:03 (twelve years ago) link
I loved the concept behind "The Commercial Album" so much but it was sort of the point where I realized that they have like 60 albums out and only really do one thing, so if they change up things AT ALL that's a good sign. I mean an actual album of 40 fake commercial jingles would be awesome
― frogs you are the dumbest asshole (frogbs), Friday, 20 January 2012 18:07 (twelve years ago) link
that version of 'Burning Love' is closer to the live version documented on 'Cube E', one of their stronger 80's/90's projects. part 1 = cowboy music, part 2 = african american gospel / work songs, part 3 = Elvis
never really documented in full except on this live album that came out in 1994 which is worth tracking down.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cube_E:_Live_in_Holland
― Milton Parker, Friday, 20 January 2012 18:47 (twelve years ago) link
now that I'm looking on discogs, looks like they released a DVD of it in 2006 as well as an online only 'full' edition last year.
as well as something like 12 full length albums in the last three years! good grief. they're just going for it. a lot of this seems like compilations of between-project overflow, which is fine, except that it does make it impossible to keep track of which ones are the real 'albums'. and I'm going to have to hunt down that 'Cube E' DVD -- I was there for the 1989 SF show and I loved it
― Milton Parker, Friday, 20 January 2012 18:51 (twelve years ago) link
yeah RYM's residents page has become unreadable since they documented all the Talking Light albums, now the 2006-2011 portion of the discography is longer than everything else combined
a similar thing is happening with Tangerine Dream, the last 5 years have been a flurry of odd releases, between remixes of old stuff, bootlegs, special projects, albums full of spillover, then like genuinely new stuff, but nobody really seems to be paying attention anymore
― frogs you are the dumbest asshole (frogbs), Friday, 20 January 2012 19:26 (twelve years ago) link
from what i can tell, these are their "proper albums" post Y2K:
demons dance alone (2002)animal lover (2005*)tweedles! (2006*)the river of crime (2006 - "radio show" style storytelling)the voice of midnight (2007*)the bunny boy (2008)the ughs! (2009 - debatable, as it seems to consist of repurposed demos)coochie brake (2011)
looking at the package design for these albums, along with the non-performative visual component of their work over the past 25 years or so (packaging, videos, etc.), it's hard not to see the residents as a band done in by consistently hideous design as much as by the grating sounds and jokes that haters usually single out. for artists whose rep is so heavily dependent on the eye candy appeal of their theatrical live shows, their overall design aesthetic is fucking horrible. if the shit looked better, i bet they'd get a bit more respect.
* on mute, which i find surprising for some reason
― Little GTFO (contenderizer), Friday, 20 January 2012 19:55 (twelve years ago) link
like frogs, i'd appreciate a knowledgeable but critically-distanced rundown of the recent stuff
― Little GTFO (contenderizer), Friday, 20 January 2012 19:59 (twelve years ago) link
Didn't keep up with the recent stuff either.
FYI: they've just released ERA B4-74 by the way (as a download), which contains original (= non-remixed) songs from the Warner Bros Album and even material from Ballad of the Stuffed Trigger. Stuff the band claimed would never officially be released. Would their financial situation be that dire nowadays?
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 20 January 2012 20:52 (twelve years ago) link
The Bunny Boy album is supposed to be in the vain of Duck Stab by the way, in that it contains 'poppy' songs. It is indeed very upbeat and to-the-point; compared to all those storytellers albums that came before it (Tweedles/River/Voice).
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 20 January 2012 20:55 (twelve years ago) link
>ERA B4-74
thank you for letting me know about this. looks like it has bits from Baby Sex as well as the long '69 Jamboree session (which perhaps is also known as Stuffed Trigger, dunno as I've never heard that or Rusty Coathangers).
Baby Sex really is good enough to be released intact -- I actually think it's stronger / weirder than Meet The Residents. Warner Brothers Album is interesting but I haven't spent as much time with it.
― Milton Parker, Friday, 20 January 2012 21:06 (twelve years ago) link
Yeah, ERA b4-74 contains the Hallowed by thy Ween section from Baby Sex.
Are you familiar with the Oh Mummy Oh Daddy Can't You See? show? They've released that as a download too, last year. Snakefinger is on fire on that take-no-prisoners early recording.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 20 January 2012 21:18 (twelve years ago) link
see, why they gotta put out these things download-only when they're pressing copies of five to ten new albums every year
thank you for sounding the alarm, that sounds great
― Milton Parker, Friday, 20 January 2012 21:24 (twelve years ago) link
I believe that the band is seriously dying. They've been touring like crazy over the last years and release, like, at least one new download release every month. They don't sell enough hard copy anymore to release everything on CD. I personally would love to see a CD-box that contains all the pre-1974 material; but that moment seemed to have passed.
I also sense a certain disappointment in their work. They had this Bunny Boy Internet series, that slowly bled to death visitors-wise. Mute Records put a halt to their deluxe treatment of the classic Residents material. And their new music doesn't sell well enough anymore to put on actual CD. Point is: in the old days the band would use this to their advantage, would create a story around it, giving the idea that it was intended to be like this, because they are avantgarde and always go against the grain. But now it just feels like defeat and giving in.
That being said, I personally adore all their pre-1982 stuff (and there are some gems after that too) and will always be interested in anything that resurfaces from that period.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 20 January 2012 21:35 (twelve years ago) link
This is what I know about the recent output:
demons dance alone (2002)
The bands' response to the 2001 terrorist attacks. Dark electronic music with some pop sensibility and surprisingly personal and emotional lyrics.
animal lover (2005*)
Another 'pop' album and a return to form regarding to many fans and critics. People that were into the band in the past and want to see if they can re-enter start here.
tweedles! (2006*)the river of crime (2006 - "radio show" style storytelling)the voice of midnight (2007*)
Storyteller albums in the vain of God in 3 Persons, except that the music doesn't contain hooks or songs, it just sets the mood for the dark themed stories (that contain many characters).
the bunny boy (2008)
Upbeat 'pop' album with many short songs that could appeal to lovers of Duck Stab and Commercial Album, though it isn't just a carbon copy of that. In addition to this the band released on CD and or download an abundance of left-over tracks, instrumental mixes and live recordings, including the ughs! (2009) - which is ugly and weird like The Big Bubble.
My personal problem with post-1982 Residents is that the music is not really band material anymore but mainly keyboard based; which not only dates quickly but also sounds very ugly. The Residents like a particular harsh electronic sound which I personally can't take, no matter how good the performed music may be.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 20 January 2012 21:47 (twelve years ago) link
this thread just reminded me that i found the diskomo 12" in one of the 20 boxes in my closet!
― geeta, Friday, 20 January 2012 21:48 (twelve years ago) link
i've have these on CD already for some time -
Meet the ResidentsNot AvailableThe Third Reich 'n' RollEskimoOur Tired, Our Poor, Our Huddled Masses [1997 double disc comp.]
just picked up these -
The Commercial AlbumThe Tunes of Two CitiesMark of the Mole
(1) are the ones i just bought any good?? tried to stick to early '80s stuff, based on what i've heard about post-82/83
(2) what else is worth getting & essential that i'm missing?
― ilxor, Monday, 20 February 2012 03:02 (twelve years ago) link
Duck Stab/Buster & Glenn is a must!
― dream words & nightmare paragraphs from a red factory in a dead town (Abbbottt), Monday, 20 February 2012 03:04 (twelve years ago) link
Intermission is really good in my opinion. It's mostly instrumental which makes it easier to take for non-devotees
― everything, Monday, 20 February 2012 03:17 (twelve years ago) link
Snakefinger - Greener Postures
it's the best residents album imo
― puff puff post (uh oh I'm having a fantasy), Monday, 20 February 2012 04:16 (twelve years ago) link
"James Brown stole the eyeball!"
yeah, Duck Stab/Buster & Glen is a must have, also the Satisfaction and Beatles singles.
― sleeve, Monday, 20 February 2012 05:33 (twelve years ago) link
commercial album is great though
― Little GTFO (contenderizer), Monday, 20 February 2012 05:52 (twelve years ago) link
Everything they did up till the start of the Mole Trilogy is worth having imo, they really were amazingly consistent
― Charles Kennedy Jumped Up, He Called 'Oh No'. (Tom D.), Monday, 20 February 2012 10:21 (twelve years ago) link
"Commercial Album" is very "how to make a really personal album while dressed up as nutters so no-one notices"
― Mark G, Monday, 20 February 2012 10:29 (twelve years ago) link
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover),
$100,000 and you're all set.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/dec/07/residents-new-box-set-3m
― mark e, Friday, 7 December 2012 13:37 (eleven years ago) link
God, I wish I was a millionaire.
Would've bought the Merzcar, too.
― emil.y, Friday, 7 December 2012 14:35 (eleven years ago) link
The box contains first printings, but it doesn't look it contains any exclusive music, let alone anything before Santa Dog. How cool with it be if they throw in a original cassette copy of baby Sex?
The Residents want some retirement money, it seems.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 7 December 2012 14:37 (eleven years ago) link
I was kind of assuming that they didn't really expect anybody to buy this. Maybe I'm naïve?
― emil.y, Friday, 7 December 2012 14:38 (eleven years ago) link
It think the Residents see themselves more as artists than musicians. So these are art objects and sold as such. In that way, a hundred grand is reasonable, I guess. But I have no clue if they will sell any of these.
The fact that they are willing to sell stuff from their personal archives (first pressings, genuine eyeballs, etc.) means they most be strapped for cash?
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 7 December 2012 14:43 (eleven years ago) link
Well, yeah, I figured it was more of an art project... I just guessed that it was a satirical art project, rather than "here is our art, please buy it".
― emil.y, Friday, 7 December 2012 15:32 (eleven years ago) link
"here is our art, please buy it"
Like their albums of the last 20 years, emphasis on the "please"
― Named locally as Tom D (Tom D.), Friday, 7 December 2012 15:54 (eleven years ago) link
i'm with emily.
i too thought this was all some kind of satirical dig at the recent flood of ultra limited ott deluxe editions
― mark e, Friday, 7 December 2012 16:00 (eleven years ago) link
I think that if you have the money to spare you can definitely get one for real. We'll see what happens on Christmas day, then.
I would not be surprised if it was all satire.I would not be surprised if they sell zero.i would not be surprised if they sell all ten.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Friday, 7 December 2012 16:10 (eleven years ago) link
Did it strike anyone as being weird that the CD's looked like Japanese editions with the obi strips, and the call from Edgar J from Tokyo n'all
― MaresNest, Friday, 7 December 2012 16:39 (eleven years ago) link
Anyone ordering the £62,000 edition will get beaten up, personally, by Edgar J for being a 'lightweight'..
― Mark G, Friday, 7 December 2012 16:42 (eleven years ago) link
These might be the contents:
http://www.crypticorp.com/indexarchive/archives/
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Saturday, 8 December 2012 14:40 (eleven years ago) link
Note that it does mention Bay Sex.That would be something; especially if this means the original cassette with cover art (!) is included.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Saturday, 8 December 2012 14:42 (eleven years ago) link
I'm assuming you mean Baby Sex and not some previously unknown concept album about erotic goings on in the Bay Area
― Named locally as Tom D (Tom D.), Saturday, 8 December 2012 14:44 (eleven years ago) link
Yep!
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Saturday, 8 December 2012 14:47 (eleven years ago) link
Also see this Spin article: http://www.spin.com/articles/the-residents-100000-ultimate-box-set-videoIt says "563 songs...40 vinyl LPs, 50 CDs, and dozens of singles, EPs, DVDs, and CD-ROMs plus other releases."The video says "over 100" items.
According to Popsike.com, people have paid over $3000 for *Santa Dog* alone:http://www.popsike.com/php/quicksearch.php?pagenum=1&searchtext=residents&incldescr=&sortord=dprice&thumbs=&currsel=
Sebastian, thanks for sharing that link. However, I think that is the inventory of the *entire* Cryptic Corp archive, and *not* the contents of the $100K Ultimate boxed set. Notice the note at the top that says "Homer removed some items for the Fridge project 8-13-12. Subtracted from total." I have my doubts that the *B.S.* cassette would be included in the Ultimate boxed set.
So what's in the $5 mil box? If I were to guess, I might say that the buyer gets the ownership of all things Residents and the Cryptic Corporation.
Also, the Spin article says: Last year the group (now a trio) "revealed" their identities as singer "Randy," keyboardist "Chuck" and guitarist "Bob."
Of course those are fake names, too. Chuck is "Charles 'Chuck' Bobuck"...like the Name Game. Chuck Chuck Bo Buck. But it seems like they're hinting towards a big reveal.
This happened last year: http://www.nbcbayarea.com/the-scene/events/Residents-co-founder-Homer-Flynn-Art-Show-Up-in-Oakland-121331089.html
They're doing a 40th anniversary tour early next year. After that, I would not be surprised if they reveal their identities, thus ending the existence of the Residents.
― ernestp, Saturday, 8 December 2012 22:07 (eleven years ago) link
Not these guys then?
http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1307/4663379322_1bc4e23d12_z.jpg
― Mark G, Saturday, 8 December 2012 23:05 (eleven years ago) link
I have my doubts that the *B.S.* cassette would be included in the Ultimate boxed set.
I doubt that too, if only for the risk of them getting arrested. (Come to think they even pressed T-shirts with the cover art, back in the day!) Note that both Baby Sex and the Warner Brother albums seem to carry the number 43. Would that be the amount of copies they still got in possession? What format is the WB Album on then? Also, no trace to be found of Coathangers and Stuffed Trigger. Maybe they really never existed (except for the occasional song).
Early pressing Rez stuff sells for huge chunks, indeed, so it really is not impossible that some of these fridges will be moving. In addition, from all their subscription releases, none carry a number below 50. But these fridges will carry those numbers. Big deal for collectors, me thinks. Also: a genuine eyeball head.
As far as I can gather, the guys have been touring their asses of over these last few years (because album sales alone will not pay the bills anymore). They seem to be enjoying themselves, but as they really are getting on in years, how much longer can they keep such grueling schedules up? I do think this is a serious attempt at getting some retirement money in. Including a gamble: is there a nut out there who is willing to pay them 5 million bucks?
I don't think there is a need to reveal their identities in the end. Then again, as made up the names of Chuck and Randy are, the stories they tell with these characters may be based on a lot of truth. Randy of his blog, with all those (I think genuine) old pictures. And Chuck with the long story behind his solo album.
― Sebastian (Royal Mermaid Mover), Saturday, 8 December 2012 23:34 (eleven years ago) link
Would that be the amount of copies they still got in possession?
Instead of being the # of copies they have, in that case I think 43 is the box number, for the warehouse system they have. The key at the top says "title data media box total". Also the note at the top says "Most recent update - August 13, 2012 current box is 55 some 56".
how much longer can they keep such grueling schedules up?
I hear ya. Earlier in this thread, you also wrote: I believe that the band is seriously dying.
And Milton Parker wrote: something like 12 full length albums in the last three years! good grief. they're just going for it.
Totally. A last burst before they retire. The Residents Wikipedia page says that they moved to California in 1966. Let's say that the *youngest* they would have been then is 18. So in 2013, that would make them 65 years old at least. Retirement age.
Philosophically, I think they would be ok with revealing their identities at the end, as long as they did not make any new material as The Residents. I can't help but think of *Not Available* which was created under the intention of not releasing it, as adhering to the "Theory of Obscurity" (Wikipedia sez: Senada's "Theory of Obscurity" states that an artist can only produce pure art when the expectations and influences of the outside world are not taken into consideration.) But as we know, it was eventually released (when the band forgot it existed).
I actually kind of like the finality of the idea of an unmasking. Like, the moment Charles Gocher died, the Sun City Girls ceased to exist as a band. No reunions.
― ernestp, Sunday, 9 December 2012 00:37 (eleven years ago) link
I'm thinking of seeing these guys when they hit town in February. I've never seen them live and the chances look to be dwindling.
― EZ Snappin, Sunday, 9 December 2012 00:57 (eleven years ago) link