Big Black

Pre-industrial post-punk noiseniks. Best known for Songs About Fucking LP and Kerosene, a song about self-immolation while shagging. They made a right racket. People who think NIN are in any way radical or 'alternative' really need to listen to Atomizer.

Successfully applied the Punk Ethic to their work. Steve Albini is a geek par excellence, but don't tell him I said so. He's frightening.

I'm convinced that Steve Albini spent the majority of the 70's locked in his bedroom at his parents' house with a record player and a mail order music catalog, storing all the bitterness acquired in junior high. The music on The Hammer Party, a collection of their earliest recordings, is so bilious, that either he was relentlessly teased in school, or he was forced to wear a chastity belt until he was 18.

The band is amazing. They have four records available:

• The Hammer Party - Touch and Go. Actually two albums in one: Lungs - 1982 and Bulldozer - 1983. This is my personal favorite. It sounds very stark. The Band hadn't yet developed their Mack truck sound. The songs include their really bitter stuff like Steelworker, Dead Billy, and Deep Six.
• The Rich Man's Eight Track Tape - Homestead Records, 1987. Another re-release, this time of two LPs: Atomizer, and Headache (sorry no dates for those yet). If she wants meat and potatoes this album will give it to her. Classic Big Black.
• Songs About Fucking - Touch and Go, (p)1988 (c) 1987. Their 'pop' album, featuring covers of The Model (Kraftwerk) and He's a Whore (Cheap Trick). This is the album to start with. It rocks, the liner notes are funny and the title is awesome.
• Pig Pile - Touch and Go, 1992. A live recording from their last tour. It shares a title with the video of a different show on the same tour. The songs span the whole career of the band. I think of it a good summary album, and a great live performance.

The band has had several members, with Steve Albini as the only consistant one. When I have more time I may list them all. I must go listen to them, now.