― Trip Maker (Sean Witzman), Monday, 10 January 2005 17:01 (nineteen years ago) link
― darin (darin), Monday, 10 January 2005 17:18 (nineteen years ago) link
― Jeff Sumner (Jeff Sumner), Monday, 10 January 2005 17:46 (nineteen years ago) link
― s1ocki (slutsky), Monday, 10 January 2005 18:22 (nineteen years ago) link
― MindInRewind (Barry Bruner), Monday, 10 January 2005 18:26 (nineteen years ago) link
and they stuck to their ideological guns, which feels rare.m.
― msp (msp), Monday, 10 January 2005 18:32 (nineteen years ago) link
They've been saying for a while that they're going to put out a singles compilation, which I hope they do soon, just for the sake of getting "Stonestamper's Song" back in print. RAK-PIKAPAK-PIKAPAK-TAK-TAK! A total earthquake of a song.
― Douglas (Douglas), Monday, 10 January 2005 20:40 (nineteen years ago) link
― Justin Farrar (Justin Farrar), Monday, 10 January 2005 21:18 (nineteen years ago) link
― donut christ (donut), Monday, 10 January 2005 21:33 (nineteen years ago) link
http://www.theex.nl/
― donut christ (donut), Monday, 10 January 2005 21:34 (nineteen years ago) link
― Brian Turner (btwfmu), Tuesday, 11 January 2005 04:28 (nineteen years ago) link
I still haven't gotten into Turn (the new one) yet, but I live & die by their previous 2 albums (Starters Alternators, & especially Dizzy Spells). In addition to their two Tom Cora collabs (the aforementioned Scrabbling, & the more footloose And the Weathermen Shrugged Their Shoulders), you might want to check out Instant, "the double CD impro/-dubbed recordings by The Ex & Guests [Ab Baars, Wolter Wierbog, Han Bennink, Tristan Honsinger, Michael Vatcher, Dolf]". Joggers & Smoggers is another double-disc guest-laden thingy (predating everything I've listed to this point), featuring Lee Ranaldo & Thurston Moore, among others (including Instant folks).
And, yeah, if get the chance to see them live, do it do it do it!
― David R. (popshots75`), Tuesday, 11 January 2005 04:59 (nineteen years ago) link
― msp (msp), Tuesday, 11 January 2005 05:25 (nineteen years ago) link
"The compilation CD SINGLES.PERIOD. is scheduled for release early 2005. 23 songs, a big hour of music."
― NickB (NickB), Tuesday, 11 January 2005 10:47 (nineteen years ago) link
Yes, it's very good indeed!!
― Colonel Poo (Colonel Poo), Tuesday, 5 April 2005 08:43 (eighteen years ago) link
http://www.theex.nl/home.html
UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE
― Ivan, Monday, 19 January 2009 20:34 (fifteen years ago) link
After 29 years G.W. Sok has decided to call it a day and not sing or tour with us anymore.
!!!!!!
new singer!!! (Arnold from the band Zea)
― sleeve, Monday, 19 January 2009 20:38 (fifteen years ago) link
hopefully this means more songs sung by Katerina...
One one hand, I'm really glab I got to see The Ex with Sok as singer a couple of times. The man was so incredible and deliberate. He was very precise as a frontman, without forcing it. He worked very well bouncing vocal duties with Katerina.
On the other hand, given the commune aspect of The Ex, it kinda makes sense that there should be a change in the line-up at some point. I hope the best for the band (pssst, tour the West Coast U.S.!!!), and Sok.
― Ashee Bolanalli (Mackro Mackro), Monday, 19 January 2009 20:43 (fifteen years ago) link
haha "glad"
both times I have seen them (in Portland) the vocals were almost completely inaudible :(
the first time it was a bummer, the second time they were so great it was irrelevant.
― sleeve, Monday, 19 January 2009 20:48 (fifteen years ago) link
The Ex & Unwound at Graceland, Seattle on June 30th, 2001 (two shows, went to both) is the best live music night of my life to this day.
I saw them at the Vera Project in Seattle in mid 2004 tour for Turn. It's the second best live show I've ever seen.
(dumb celebrity shoulder rubbing trivia, I was surrounded by and dancing with The Futureheads at that show. They were playing a few blocks away at the Crocodile and asked to play first and brief, so they could literally run over and see The Ex at Vera)
― Ashee Bolanalli (Mackro Mackro), Monday, 19 January 2009 20:55 (fifteen years ago) link
is it possible there is no c/d s/d thread for THE EX????????
Another one of the many Ex threads
― curmudgeon, Tuesday, 20 January 2009 06:44 (fifteen years ago) link
THE ILILTA BAND - ETHIOPIAChalachew Ashenafi - masinqo / vocalsMesele Asmamaw - krarAsnake Gebreyes - kebero
I hope they bring this group, who they are doing European gigs with, to the US
― curmudgeon, Tuesday, 20 January 2009 06:52 (fifteen years ago) link
I think I've mentioned this at least once (in response to your saying something similar), but I was at that Graceland show, Makro, or one of them, and while I dunno abt #1, it's easily one of 10 best shows I've ever seen. So cheers.
― Calling All Creeps! (contenderizer), Tuesday, 20 January 2009 06:52 (fifteen years ago) link
interesting, looks like Sok has a new band. from the Dualtrack blog...
Speaking about The Ex: their singer GW Sok has left the band and is now the force behind a 2CD set by The Rondos, which will be officially released on the 11th at Worm, in Rotterdam, which is probably the best news since the invention of fire.
― sleeve, Sunday, 5 April 2009 10:15 (fourteen years ago) link
Sok left the Ex?am i wrong or was he the main consistent member?
― turtles all the way down (Face of Wolf), Sunday, 5 April 2009 10:38 (fourteen years ago) link
Terrie was the main consistent member if I'm correct, just as much as Sok was.
― Marty Innerlogic, Sunday, 5 April 2009 10:39 (fourteen years ago) link
I don't believe you could see The Rondo's as a new band though. The cd mentioned is a retrospective. You can find more at (in Dutch):http://siebethissen.blogspot.com/2009/03/even-terug-de-rondos-1978-1980.html
― Marty Innerlogic, Sunday, 5 April 2009 10:41 (fourteen years ago) link
from reading this thread i think i already know what the answer to this will be, but should i go see them on monday if i have absolutely no familiarity with their discography whatsoever? has anyone been to a show with the new singer? i've heard a couple tunes and dig it extremely, and the weekly alternative paper is promising one of the best shows of the year. also if anyone can recommend an album or compilation it would be much appreciated.
― samosa gibreel, Friday, 11 September 2009 03:01 (fourteen years ago) link
X vs. the Ex vs. the xx vs. the X-Ray Spex
― jaymc, Friday, 11 September 2009 03:14 (fourteen years ago) link
whoa, where are they touring? can't find a current list of dates.
― original bgm, Friday, 11 September 2009 04:45 (fourteen years ago) link
and definitely go! I saw them pretty much cold and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to. just REALLY GREAT.
― original bgm, Friday, 11 September 2009 04:46 (fourteen years ago) link
take it you're in toronto or montreal, def go if tix are not sold out, the getachew/ex touring combo is excellent, written on it in the ethiopiques thread if you wanna check there, some reviews from last summer and a youtube link (tons of stuff on youtube from last summer's tour)DC City Paper "After seeing the Ex and Getatchew Mekuria co-mingle punk, post-punk, Space Is the Place, free jazz clarinet skronk, and ecstatic semi-funk, there just isn't much to report back to your pals other than superlatives: top-five best show of all time, awesome, oh-my-God, etc."
http://chicago.metromix.com/home/review/the-ex-brings-an/567899/contenthttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/14/AR2008081403384.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt5UtIX4uUY
― H in Addis, Friday, 11 September 2009 14:52 (fourteen years ago) link
The Ex >>>>> X-Ray Spex >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> X > uh who?
― Alex in SF, Friday, 11 September 2009 15:26 (fourteen years ago) link
And yes see them live.
― Alex in SF, Friday, 11 September 2009 15:32 (fourteen years ago) link
yeah, go!
― jelle, Friday, 11 September 2009 18:56 (fourteen years ago) link
saw getatchew + ex when they were in chicago...last year i think? it was AWESOME and they had a fire dancer. great great show.
― figgy pudding (La Lechera), Friday, 11 September 2009 19:02 (fourteen years ago) link
also if anyone can recommend an album or compilation it would be much appreciated.
the Ex have covered a LOT of ground, so I usually suggest people get the Singles. Period., comp, which collects most of their singles/EPs from 1980-90. also, they recently released a 30th anniversary comp of some of their own favorites from their oeuvre, but I haven't seen a track list to judge that. I am sure it's great, though
otherwise, my favorite Ex records are Joggers & Smoggers, And the Weathermen Shrug Their Shoulders, or Pokkeherrie. or whichever one of their records I happened to play last.
get the collab with Getatchew, also! so good!
― Ivan, Friday, 11 September 2009 19:04 (fourteen years ago) link
"also if anyone can recommend an album or compilation it would be much appreciated."
Aural Guerilla is still my favorite.
― Alex in SF, Friday, 11 September 2009 21:30 (fourteen years ago) link
cool thanks everyone for answering, i am definitely going to the show. i'm downloading singles and the getatchew album, which i think will make up for most of what they are going to play. i was reading an interview with the band, where they were like "yeah, we just found this 78 year old ethiopian saxophonist and we have no idea why, but every time we play with him it's just the great fucking music ever." funny how they even they were surprised at how well the collaboration worked out.
― samosa gibreel, Saturday, 12 September 2009 19:53 (fourteen years ago) link
how was the show?!
― Ivan, Friday, 2 October 2009 23:38 (fourteen years ago) link
saw 'em with Getatchew Mekuria at the Polish Combatants Hall.... so damn good.
― m0stlyClean, Saturday, 3 October 2009 00:16 (fourteen years ago) link
Been listening to the new double disc comp "30", goddamn this band is awesome.
― Colonel Poo, Monday, 5 October 2009 15:52 (fourteen years ago) link
yes they are. didn't know that comp was out, looks like a good overview.
― sleeve, Monday, 5 October 2009 19:07 (fourteen years ago) link
last friday they played with han bennink in Antwerp, Belgium. At the beginning of 2009 they released a dvd of their Convoy tour that is pretty good.
― EvR, Tuesday, 6 October 2009 08:34 (fourteen years ago) link
saw them years back i wondered why deerhoof who i had a soft spot for at the time were supporting the ex who i misunderstood to be vaguely dreary / arty herky-jerky agit-prop squat-punk, and DAMN! if they did not blow me totally away - funkiest thing i ever heard - a scratchy jitterfunk bulldozer like nothing on earth ! totally unstoppable !
― bob snoom, Tuesday, 6 October 2009 12:31 (fourteen years ago) link
http://www.theex.nl/img/flyers/BrassUnboundflyer800.jpg
^ this is basically gonna blow stuff up isn't it?
― Obscured by clowns (NickB), Monday, 9 November 2009 22:06 (fourteen years ago) link
holy crap!
― The looming shadow of the big baller/shot caller (M@tt He1ges0n), Monday, 9 November 2009 22:07 (fourteen years ago) link
omfg i would kill to go to one of those shows.
so excited for this record, it sounds fabulous.
― Flat Of NAGLs (sleeve), Thursday, 30 May 2013 02:45 (ten years ago) link
I'm still getting used to Arnold, it doesn't feel the same w/o G.W. Sok and Catch My Shoe didn't work so well for me, but this seems like it will have more in common with the earthmeltingly great Moa Anbessa. My favorite The-Ex-but-not-The-Ex album of the last few years is the KatJon Band record.
― Flat Of NAGLs (sleeve), Thursday, 30 May 2013 02:46 (ten years ago) link
Not sure why that Dusted reviewer seems so surprised that the Ex can make things work with a brass section (including a noisy player)
― curmudgeon, Thursday, 30 May 2013 03:07 (ten years ago) link
happy to learn about this band. i opened this thread thinking people were discussing the 2006 zach braff movie for some reason.
― Treeship, Thursday, 30 May 2013 03:16 (ten years ago) link
kind of weird to refer to a 3/4 rhythm as a "backbeat" and I don't think it sounds particularly Mo Tucker-esque either. And I don't think Ethiopia is considered "North Africa"
― THIS IS NOT A BENGHAZI T-SHIRT (Hurting 2), Wednesday, May 29, 2013 9:15 PM (Yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
that's a whole lotta wrong for a record review.
still looking forward to the new one.
― flesh, the devil, and a wolf (wolf) (amateurist), Thursday, 30 May 2013 08:12 (ten years ago) link
Enormous Door is so, so good - as good as Moa Anbessa even! Konono #2 is my current jam, just a relentless groove.
― sleeve, Tuesday, 30 July 2013 00:52 (ten years ago) link
When I saw them play that last Dec it was just completely massive and crushing live, the record is great.
― chr1sb3singer, Tuesday, 30 July 2013 01:21 (ten years ago) link
I forgot to give their latest a listen. I guess it's not too late. Is it on Spotify in US?
― curmudgeon, Wednesday, 11 December 2013 20:59 (ten years ago) link
I hope the horn players don't get too free-jazz on it
― curmudgeon, Wednesday, 11 December 2013 21:14 (ten years ago) link
AAAAAAHHHH
― imago, Saturday, 13 December 2014 02:44 (nine years ago) link
HHHHHHAAAA
― Ottbot jr (NickB), Saturday, 13 December 2014 02:50 (nine years ago) link
saw them two nites ago w/ at least 3 other ilxors. so so so so fucking fucking fucking good. i haert the ex so much.
― Ottbot jr (NickB), Saturday, 13 December 2014 02:53 (nine years ago) link
one of the most glorious gigs I can recall, 5 support acts and all
arguably the highlight was the ex's two non-singing guitarists doing a noise jam with this devonian jazz drummer, possibly the greatest improv jam I've ever seen, utterly incandescent, alien, attuned. apparently all recorded too. will buy
― imago, Saturday, 13 December 2014 10:32 (nine years ago) link
good interview w/Andy:
https://thumped.com/music-interviews/an-interview-with-andy-moor-of-the-ex.html
― sleeve, Tuesday, 8 September 2015 22:31 (eight years ago) link
Public service announcement:
The Ex + Ken Vandermark
20/10 MILWAUKEE (USA) - Sugar Maple 21/10 CHICAGO (USA) - Lincoln Hall 22/10 BROOKLYN (USA) - The Wick 23/10 JERSEY CITY (USA) - Monty Hall 24/10 PORTSMOUTH (USA) - 3S Artspace 25/10 BOSTON (USA) - Great Scott 26/10 PHILDAELPHIA (USA) - Boot + Saddle 27/10 WASHINGTON DC (USA) - Black Cat 28/10 BALTIMORE (USA) - Ottobar 29/10 SAN FRANCISCO (USA) - Bottom of the Hill 30/10 LOS ANGELES (USA) - Roxy Theatre
― Ray Chard (NickB), Thursday, 24 September 2015 14:35 (eight years ago) link
hmph, no Pac NW :(
― sleeve, Thursday, 24 September 2015 14:37 (eight years ago) link
and jeez playing in Baltimore one night and SF the next is some brutal touring
― sleeve, Thursday, 24 September 2015 14:38 (eight years ago) link
That's not even logistically possible without a flight, even taking into account one of those ill-advised "load out, drive, load in" type situations. I mean, it's clear across the country, and will take like 40 hours.
The Wire's review of the new concert DVD is pretty enticing...
― Wimmels, Thursday, 24 September 2015 15:07 (eight years ago) link
G.W.Sok with some French dudes:http://gwsok.bandcamp.com/album/songs-for-a-free-body
― moans and feedback (Dinsdale), Wednesday, 21 October 2015 12:59 (eight years ago) link
North American tour going on now
― curmudgeon, Wednesday, 21 October 2015 15:37 (eight years ago) link
thanks for the Bandcamp link, I was also unfamiliar with Sok's other band "The And"
http://gwsok.bandcamp.com/album/the-and
― sleeve, Wednesday, 21 October 2015 15:40 (eight years ago) link
The man seems busy, he also sings on the new album of Belgian band Filiamotsa:
https://filiamotsa.bandcamp.com/album/like-it-is
― moans and feedback (Dinsdale), Thursday, 22 October 2015 12:44 (eight years ago) link
actually they're French as well
― moans and feedback (Dinsdale), Thursday, 22 October 2015 12:47 (eight years ago) link
RIP getatchew mekuria, great sax player
― curmudgeon, Monday, 4 April 2016 18:52 (seven years ago) link
aw man, RIP. I love this:
https://www.discogs.com/Getatchew-Mekuria-Ex-Friends-The-YAnbessaw-Tezeta/master/660804
― the 'major tom guy' (sleeve), Monday, 4 April 2016 18:54 (seven years ago) link
14 March 1935 – 4 April 2016
http://www.theex.nl/news.html
Getatchew passed away today at the age of 81 after a musical career of 68 years. He was a truly unique saxophone player. Born in the countryside of Ethiopia, he heard the saxophone on the radio at the age of 13 and went to Addis Abeba straight away. He wanted to play saxophone! And soon after that he got himself into the Municipality Band. Later he played in the Haile Selassie Orchestras, the National Theatre Orchestra and more.
Since 2004 he played regularly with The Ex. It was his choice after hearing us at one of our festivals. He recognized something in our music which reminded him of the early groups he was in, like the Fetan Band (Speed Band). He loved playing with us and for us it was also an incredible experience. He was always totally himself, full-on intense and dedicated. We played more than 100 concerts and made two beautiful albums together.
The last few years his health was not very good. He couldn't really go on tour anymore. As a kind of farewell concert for his fans, we organised a big event in the National Theatre in Addis Abeba. He got lots of attention and respect that night: 1500 people in the audience, three TV stations and a legendary concert. Getatchew was playing while sitting on a chair, but his playing was stronger than ever.
His whole life was music. With his unique sound and approach he leaves behind an eternal inspiration! We will miss him.
― curmudgeon, Monday, 4 April 2016 19:00 (seven years ago) link
new album! https://theex.bandcamp.com/album/27-passports
― na (NA), Wednesday, 21 March 2018 16:08 (six years ago) link
looking forward to this one!
― sleeve, Wednesday, 21 March 2018 16:47 (six years ago) link
oh fuck!
― Simon H., Wednesday, 21 March 2018 16:57 (six years ago) link
nice
― j., Wednesday, 21 March 2018 17:17 (six years ago) link
I saw The Ex with Getatchew at Millennium Park in Chicago and the show was awesome but the best part was it took place over the noon hour and there was a gaggle of Ethiopian ex-pats in suits, obviously on their lunch break from office jobs downtown who went off when Getatchew took the stage. Swinging their suit jackets over their heads full on wedding party style. It was awesome.
It dawned on me this morning I've the Ex like...ten times? And only once in the city I live in.
― chr1sb3singer, Thursday, 22 March 2018 13:15 (six years ago) link
man do they know how to chug along
― j., Saturday, 14 April 2018 17:44 (five years ago) link
replay value SUPER high
― j., Tuesday, 17 April 2018 02:37 (five years ago) link
also walking value
― j., Tuesday, 17 April 2018 02:38 (five years ago) link
damn I gotta get this
― sleeve, Tuesday, 17 April 2018 02:52 (five years ago) link
https://daily.bandcamp.com/2018/04/16/the-ex-list/
― sleeve, Tuesday, 17 April 2018 15:35 (five years ago) link
(A Guide to (Nearly) Four Decades of Dutch Punks The Ex)
love this record, CD packaging has a nice heft to it as well
― adam, Tuesday, 17 April 2018 15:38 (five years ago) link
god this is so great
full size color art-photo booklet with the LP version = amazing
― sleeve, Sunday, 6 May 2018 23:55 (five years ago) link
nice, Superior Viaduct starting with some reissues:
https://www.superiorviaduct.com/collections/upcoming/products/the-ex-all-corpses-smell-the-same-7-inch
― sleeve, Wednesday, 4 March 2020 18:49 (four years ago) link
really REALLY into the single they did with Fendika back in 2015, all the singles from the last decade are worth your time
new soundcloud mix from Andy here:
https://soundcloud.com/amsterdamalternative/dj-andy-ex-cold-weather-mix-010
― howls of non-specificity (sleeve), Sunday, 22 November 2020 17:16 (three years ago) link
1st 2 LP reissues are also out on Superior Viaduct, including all the original inserts/posters
bump for impending new SV reissues of Digntty Of Labour (as an LP) and Tumult (one of my faves), with all original packaging posters etc.
also this:
Here is a mixcloud link of my radio show Blue Prints for Blackout on Amsterdams very own Echobox Radio ..i will have a regular slot every third Friday of the month ...i was quite nervous as Im not used to microphones and talking on the radio but it was great fun to do and the echobox radio crew helped me out and were a great bunch to hang with ...the music is great from Algeria, Napoli, Genova, Jamaica , South Africa, Ethiopia, Scotland, Netherlands, Ghana, Trinidad, and even England. Enjoy and check out other shows on echobox,,,,a splinter new radio station based in amsterdam with a crazy variety of shows from every imaginable corner of the universe.
https://www.mixcloud.com/echoboxradio/blueprints-for-a-blackout-1-andy-moor-echobox-radio-200821/?fbclid=IwAR2di-SVyfPj-21svLc5NTxIs-JY2jYLztE-61i4CxIUQN336vxyVFr4dJ8
― sleeve, Tuesday, 31 August 2021 20:45 (two years ago) link
, and even England.
― willem, Wednesday, 1 September 2021 07:11 (two years ago) link