Author Topic: The Sun City Girls are kicking my dragon (Read 729 times)

Howj Begg · « **on:** May 25, 2019, 06:25:36 PM »

please listen to

"Kickin the Dragon"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2JpiBOVLN0

"Space Prophet Dogon"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfQljgzAtRE

I know virtually nothing about the band, and don't have the time to do my own research. I'm just enjoying the music.

Do YOU like The Sun City Girls??

grassbath · « **Reply #1 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:27:20 PM »

I like 'In A Lesbian Meadow' -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLFFhERQnDo

Howj Begg · « **Reply #2 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:34:22 PM »

Quote from: grassbath on May 25, 2019, 06:27:20 PM

I like 'In A Lesbian Meadow' -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLFFhERQnDo

Fantastic. These guys were amazing.

With all the Mike Patton chat, SCG were an influence on him, right?
I like the 3 Mr Bungle albums. Not too arsed otherwise. But I think SCG are better really.

Howj Begg · « **Reply #3 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:42:16 PM »

"Omani Red Light"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sRJ65l8s-k

Amazing. Perfect cosmic Summer music.

Howj Begg · « **Reply #4 on:** May 25, 2019, 06:55:13 PM »

"Radar 1941"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRg1mrY42Zc

Immortal banger.

NoSleep · « **Reply #5 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:14:44 PM »

Quote from: Howj Begg on May 25, 2019, 06:25:36 PM

please listen to

"Kickin the Dragon"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2JpiBOVLN0

"Space Prophet Dogon"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfQljgzAtRE

I know virtually nothing about the band, and don't have the time to do my own research. I'm just enjoying the music.

Do YOU like The Sun City Girls??

I fucking love 'em. I was introduced to the band by seeing them live a couple of months before Charlie Gocher died and later saw Richard & Alan Bishop on their Brothers Unconnected tour.

My avatar is a still of Alan Bishop from one of their films, which are well worth tracking down.

Regarding their music, I'd say my favourite album of theirs is a compilation of their arabic-tinged surf guitar trio tracks entitled Gum Arabic which works as a kind of "Best Of..." for me.

Their world music label, Sublime Frequencies, is also well worth looking up.

NoSleep · « **Reply #6 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:32:39 PM »

A lot of the tracks posted above first appeared on Grotto of Miracles LP which I forked out a fortune (well, around £90) to acquire on vinyl. Worth every penny!

Here's another from the album:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4fDRhgs6CI

Sin Agog · « **Reply #7 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:38:04 PM »

Didn't Alvarius B get accused of ripping off artists on Sublime Frequencies by paying them zero royalties? I never looked into it to confirm whether it was true, but I can imagine that might be particularly likely in the case of things like those Radio Java, Radio Phnom Penh V.A.'s which sound like they might be ripped directly from radio recordings. It's close to being one of my favourite labels nevertheless. I adore noble undertakings embarked by folks like them and Soundway Records which always remind me that the wider world rocked.

I like Sun City Girls, but it's Alvarius' warped, stark solo records that appeal to me the most. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R6qKazCND9A

NoSleep · « **Reply #8 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:39:46 PM »

Quote from: Howj Begg on May 25, 2019, 06:42:16 PM

"Omani Red Light"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sRJ65l8s-k

Amazing. Perfect cosmic Summer music.

That's a live version of "Different Kind of Whore" from Grotto Of Miracles.

Howj Begg · « **Reply #9 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:40:35 PM »

I was hoping you would post NS :D

I will look up the films. "Arabic surf-tinged guitar" is the perfect description isn't it. There's a mystical quality that I feel is totally transcendent, sufism, sufi-tinged guitar. But their ability to take their music rhythmically and melodically anywhere they please, their chops are incredible at the same time as they're able to depict utter primitive cosmic yawling.

"Gum Arabic." Will try it next.

So you mention further solo work. What should I listen to there?

Thankssss

Howj Begg · « **Reply #10 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:44:41 PM »

Quote from: Sin Agog on May 25, 2019, 07:38:04 PM

Didn't Alvarius B get accused of ripping off artists on Sublime Frequencies by paying them zero royalties? I never looked into it to confirm whether it was true, but I can imagine that might be particularly likely in the case of things like those Radio Java, Radio Phnom Penh V.A.'s which sound like they might be ripped directly from radio recordings. It's close to being one of my favourite labels nevertheless. I adore noble undertakings embarked by folks like them and Soundway Records which always remind me that the wider world rocked.

I like Sun City Girls, but it's Alvarius' warped, stark solo records that appeal to me the most. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=R6qKazCND9A

Many thanks for the recc!

I listened to some of the Sublime Frequencies albums years ago, but haven;t bothered since, mainly as I prefer pure music rather than music and remixed street collage, but any of the SF albums which are liek that I'd probably prefer, so please recc me your faves there too

NoSleep · « **Reply #11 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:46:55 PM »

Quote from: Sin Agog on May 25, 2019, 07:38:04 PM

Didn't Alvarius B get accused of ripping off artists on Sublime Frequencies by paying them zero royalties? I never looked into it to confirm whether it was true, but I can imagine that might be particularly likely in the case of things like those Radio Java, Radio Phnom Penh V.A.'s which sound like they might be ripped directly from radio recordings. It's close to being one of my favourite labels nevertheless. I adore noble undertakings embarked by folks like them and Soundway Records which always remind me that the wider world rocked.

I like Sun City Girls, but it's Alvarius' warped, stark solo records that appeal to me the most. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FFDkJYr-nMw (Blood Baby)

Everybody was paid directly for their contributions to the original limited releases but there may be an issue inasmuch as SF offered a digital download of their entire catalogue all in one go (haven't checked to see if this still available). It's all a bit of a non-business I think, although they have found themselves in the position of being the record label for Group Doueh (after releasing a couple of albums of Doueh's personal collection of cassette recordings).

NoSleep · « **Reply #12 on:** May 25, 2019, 07:50:01 PM »

Quote from: Howj Begg on May 25, 2019, 07:40:35 PM

I will look up the films. "Arabic surf-tinged guitar" is the perfect description isn't it. There's a mystical quality that I feel is totally transcendent, sufism, sufi-tinged guitar. But their ability to take their music rhythmically and melodically anywhere they please, their chops are incredible at the same time as they're able to depict utter primitive cosmic yawling.

Just like Dick Dale before them, the Bishop brothers have ancestral roots in Lebanon (their granddad played the oud) which led to their interest in Arabic music.

Sin Agog · « **Reply #13 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:06:50 PM »

Quote from: Howj Begg on May 25, 2019, 07:44:41 PM

Many thanks for the recc!

I listened to some of the Sublime Frequencies albums years ago, but haven;t bothered since, mainly as I prefer pure music rather than music and remixed street collage, but any of the SF albums which are liek that I'd probably prefer, so please recc me your faves there too

Not got access to my collection at the moment, but for now I'll leave you with Thai Pop Spectacular (apart from the intro with two dorky Thai comedians, it's all songs and no malarkeying about with sound collages) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-qgV8O5An20 and the more funky rare groove-oriented Sound of Siam https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fOk2L0PgBPs.

EDIT: Oh and I only relistened to their Iraqi folk and rock collection Choubi Choubi t'other day https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_8WAUQHesrc. Wonder why they let so much of their catalogue stay online for free. To stop war through musical unification?

I think I heard you mention the comp Sufi Soul on here once? Maybe someone else. Sublime Frequencies' take on the style Ishq Ke Maare is also worth hearing. That's one I can't find on youtube.

NoSleep · « **Reply #14 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:14:24 PM »

Nice to see some love for Alvarius B as he usually gets eclipsed by Sir Richard Bishop's solo career, which hasn't had a mention as yet. Plenty of examples of his solo performances to choose from on YouTube, but I love this little story of how he acquired a guitar in Geneva:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2p5j3EajWI

I'd also like to mention his film, God Damn Religion, which is an onslaught like a force of nature:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anr1KEdeNas

Sin Agog · « **Reply #15 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:31:13 PM »

Sir Rick is certainly the better musician, and a nicer person; a dead talented successor to yer Robbie Bashos and Faheys of yore. Love him. But there is something about his brother's impossibly twisted lyrics and almost outsider artist nature that keeps on bringing me back to his stuff trying to unravel it.

Cheers for the GDR link, man!

NoSleep · « **Reply #16 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:36:52 PM »

We need some links to their films (hours of top quality entertainment):-

It's Not Over Till The Skinny Arab Lights The Fuse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkRH0urznH8

Cloaven Theatre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXDQg7AMjuk

Myths And Legends Of The Blue West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1BFzJ8y3IE

The Halcyon Days of Symmetry: www.youtube.com/watch?v=povFNkZuFW0

The Burning Nerve Ending Magic Trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsOK6z8Y2Tc

If It Blows Up......PARK IT!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETsPjLNTG7M

chveik · « **Reply #17 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:46:54 PM »

bloody love those Sublime Frequencies comps

have some more:

Ecstatic Music Of The Jemaa El Fna (gnawa)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgqXY1ezoWc

1970's Algerian Proto-Rai Underground
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOhOgrNuA4Y

Saigon Rock & Soul Vietnamese Classic Tracks 1968-1974
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy5SThZC19A

Sin Agog · « **Reply #18 on:** May 25, 2019, 08:55:57 PM »

I was digging around my dusty brain for the name of that Rai one! Annoying itch now scratched. Thanks.

NoSleep · « **Reply #19 on:** May 25, 2019, 09:00:57 PM »

Quote from: chveik on May 25, 2019, 08:46:54 PM

Ecstatic Music Of The Jemaa El Fna (gnawa)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgqXY1ezoWc

That's actually the soundtrack to this film (just a preview):

Musical Brotherhoods From The Trans-Saharan Highway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA727eYcO5E

Quote

Filmed in 2005 by Hisham Mayet predominately at the Jemaa Al Fna in Marrakesh Morocco, 'Musical Brotherhoods of the Trans-Saharan Highway' captures an assortment of spectacular musical dramas presented live and unfiltered on the home turf of the world's most dynamic string and drum specialists performing and manifesting the ecstatic truth. Ancient mystical brotherhoods have been flourishing for centuries in and around the cities of Marrakesh and Essaouira in Morocco where the trade caravans have gathered from their long journeys across the Trans-Saharan Highway. This is some of the last great street music on Earth. A must see for string aficionados looking for inspiration as electric ouds, banjos, mandolins and the Gnawa sentir peel flesh from bone right before your eyes!

Hisham Mayet co-runs SF with Alan Bishop.

Gregory Torso · « **Reply #20 on:** May 25, 2019, 09:11:58 PM »

"How are you mister criminal, mister bollock chops, mister cunt faced liar?"

I love Sun City Girls and, I say this with love, about 50% of their recorded output is absolute bollocks, and yet that somehow works for them. For every classic like Horse Cock Phepner or Torch, there's a tape of them playing a horrible out of tune dirge for an hour and it's always fun to puzzle out.
Both brothers have superb solo careers too.

Hear some favourites, let the sound do the words... but I would say, dive in and go exploring, youtube is shite for finding the tracks I wanted to...

Alvarius B - Cooking With Satan

Bitter Cold Countryside

Radio Morocco

NoSleep · « **Reply #21 on:** May 25, 2019, 09:26:40 PM »

Quote from: Gregory Torso on May 25, 2019, 09:11:58 PM

For every classic like Horse Cock Phepner or Torch, there's a tape of them playing a horrible out of tune dirge for an hour and it's always fun to puzzle out.

I think some mornings they would wake up and they'd say, "Let's record an album today!"

Gregory Torso · « **Reply #22 on:** May 25, 2019, 10:00:28 PM »

Quote from: NoSleep on May 25, 2019, 08:36:52 PM

We need some links to their films (hours of top quality entertainment):-

It's Not Over Till The Skinny Arab Lights The Fuse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkRH0urznH8

Cloaven Theatre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXDQg7AMjuk

Myths And Legends Of The Blue West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1BFzJ8y3IE

The Halcyon Days of Symmetry: www.youtube.com/watch?v=povFNkZuFW0

The Burning Nerve Ending Magic Trick: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsOK6z8Y2Tc

If It Blows Up......PARK IT!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETsPjLNTG7M

Thanks for these, I'm looking forward to watching them when I'm not so pissdrunk

hummingofevil · « **Reply #23 on:** May 26, 2019, 05:53:29 AM »

Hi guys and gals. Like most music I have one album of these that I love and hammer and ignore the rest. But I've always thought that Funeral Mariachi is the Sun City Girls album that Bishop shat out it is the perfect Radiohead album that Thom Yorke could only dream of writing. It's on Spotify but not youtube without adverts so go listen to it in full on Premium.

If you want the adverts version it starts here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSbAPIC1W0k&list=PLYTN5qUjmLYOwmnf2kc3f_2qaLwKZBmXy&index=2&t=0s

If you just want 3:46 seconds of the most beautifully slow arpeggiated piano then just listen to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSo_HlHYr-s

Edit: May I just add that this website is the best website on the whole web. A brief post about SCG gets a dozen genuinely lovely response in less than 24 hours. Bravo kind souls.

NoSleep · « **Reply #24 on:** May 26, 2019, 06:47:28 AM »

Funeral Mariarchi (SGC's final album, btw) and a whole bunch more are available directly (and to listen to) from Bandcamp:

https://suncitygirls.bandcamp.com

Hey, there's even an Uncle Jim album there (another Alan Bishop alias, as seen in several of the film posted earlier).

I'd recommend to definitely check out Alvarius B's Baroque Primitiva from that list, which consists mostly of Ennio Morricone "covers", alongside three originals plus a versions of John Barry's You Only Live Twice and Brian Wilson's God Only Knows.

Also worth mentioning (as Ennio's name has popped up) is the compilation curated by Alan Bishop of Morricone originals entitled Crime And Dissonance - featuring cuts from his non spaghetti-or-hollywood scores.

Petey Pate · « **Reply #25 on:** June 05, 2019, 12:00:58 PM »

Quote from: Howj Begg on May 25, 2019, 06:34:22 PM

With all the Mike Patton chat, SCG were an influence on him, right?

There is a Patton-Sun City Girls connection through Gregg Turkington (yes, that Gregg Turkington) as SGC released one of their albums (Midnight Cowboys From Ipanema) on Gregg's Amarillo Records label. Gregg was also Mr Bungle's manager around the same time. It's certainly not a preposterous suggestion.

This is purely speculation, but I would guess if anything SGC were more of an influence on Trey Spruance, as much of his work outside of Mr Bungle has been very inspired by Middle Eastern music.

Glebe · « **Reply #26 on:** June 05, 2019, 12:33:28 PM »

[tag]Brian May: The Privileged Years.[/tag]

holyzombiejesus · « **Reply #27 on:** June 05, 2019, 08:24:41 PM »

Would listen to this but I ain't gonna play Sun City _girls.

NoSleep · « **Reply #28 on:** June 05, 2019, 08:28:05 PM »

The band get their name from Sun City, Arizona, the band being originally from 22 miles away in Phoenix.

jobotic · « **Reply #29 on:** June 06, 2019, 12:00:28 AM »

Always loved this (the Lambada!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLulItixzUo

and from Sublime frequencies, I can't get enough of the song at 17.13 on this (don't know how to make it start there, sorry).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLulItixzUo

News:

Author Topic: The Sun City Girls are kicking my dragon (Read 729 times)