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Today in rock history: On this date in 1981, Kollaps, the first LP by experimental German punk/industrial band Einstürzende Neubauten was released. Sounding like nothing else before it or since, the band combined its rough, primal sound with industrial, mechanical sounds that were created by a variety of electronic devices and actual metal and scrap materials Einstürzende Neubauten utilized to give its music its distinctive edge. A massive influence on the rise and the importance of industrial music, Einstürzende Neubauten has regularly been called the forefathers of the genre thanks to its unorthodox approach and its unwavering dedication to making music outside of normal confines. Led by guitarist and vocalist Blixa Bargeld (who’d later become a member of Nick Cave’s extraordinary band, The Bad Seeds), Einstürzende Neubauten (which translates to “collapsing new buildings” in English) would release dozens of albums, EPs, soundtracks and singles throughout its tenure, but this is where the band’s trailblazing story began.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1993, Cincinnati, Ohio rock band Afghan Whigs released its fourth album, Gentlemen. Its first album for a major label after spending many years as part of the Sub Pop Records roster, the band released one of its strongest and most memorable albums for its Elektra Records debut. Soulful, passionate vocalist Greg Dulli — who produced the album as well — shines on this incredible record and makes songs like “What Jail Is Like,” “Debonair” and the intense title track stand out. The LP was unanimously praised and received warmly by rock music journalists and referred to as the band’s strongest album to date upon its release. Garnering a loyal, dedicated following steadily throughout its formation, Afghan Whigs was able to reach a wider audience through the release of Gentlemen and rose to the top of the list of truly exciting, original and dynamic bands of the time.
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Today in rock history: On this date in 1980, heavy, post-punk giant Killing Joke released its incredibly important, debut, self-titled album. Singer and lyricist Jaz Coleman delivers one of the very best and aggressive vocal performances of the era throughout this vital album and sings about a variety of topics including pollution, politics and death. The album was a minor, underground hit in the band’s native England and featured standout Killing Jokes tunes like “Requiem,” “Change” and “Wardance” which were all released as singles. The list of bands and artists that cite Killing Joke as an influence is vast and wide: artists ranging from Metallica, Nirvana, Marilyn Manson and Soundgarden, to name a few, have often praised Killing Joke for its groundbreaking, heavy and forceful sound. An integral release from the dawning of the 1980s, Killing Joke’s first album still sounds as ferocious and bold as ever.
HAVE FERRY HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Today in rock history: Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry turns 73 today
Today in rock history: on this date in 1973, These Foolish Things, the debut solo album by Bryan Ferry was released. While receiving a lot of worldwide attention as the suave, debonair lead singer of arty glam rock band Roxy Music, Ferry decided to begin recording solo albums while his band was still in its infancy. A departure from the quirky, futuristic sounds of Roxy Music, Ferry decided to record an entire album that consisted of a variety of cover versions from a wide array of artists. Selections originally recorded by Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles appear alongside tracks made popular by Lesley Gore and The Four Tops throughout this unusual yet irresistible collection. These Foolish Things was a huge hit in England where reached the top five on British sales charts and furthered the profile and the popularity of the always enchanting songwriter. Featuring the members of his band backing him throughout the record, Ferry’s tasteful, distinctive take on these classic tracks show his true artistry and his own unique charm. Ferry would continue to release several solo records throughout his tenure with Roxy Music and has continually done so since the band’s demise.