TO LIVE AND SHAVE IN L.A. – Ride a Cock Over Horse 7”, New Songs with Drug & Pornographic Themes 7”

Menlo Park Record (1996) ; Audible Hiss (1995) – Miami Beach

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Tom Smith – vocals, tapes
Rat Bastard - bass
Ben – Oscillator


I can understand making a record like this. One. Making two or seven is the work of insane and irrational people. Purchasing a second record is another problem (one I’m dealing with). It’s difficult to differentiate one “song” from another – all feature an indecipherable and bellowing Tom Smith over incomprehensible tape loops and instrumental and other noise. It’s even more difficult to make it all the way through one song without running to the turntable to get that noise off. And I like this kind of thing – but need some variation in my racket. I would rather be waterboarded that be subjected to an entire CD – of which there are several. The revolving band of perpetrators live in different cities around the country – but I believe Miami Beach was their home during the recording of these two records.

FROSTY – Drive Thru Lover / Get my Rocks Off 7”

Menlo Park Records – Miami Beach (1997)

Andres – drums, keyboards
Syd - bass
Lisa - guitar
Lance – vocals, keyboard

A conventional (given one side was recorded by Tom Smith, the other by Bill Orcutt), but extremely trashy record, with a back cover that would surely bring any N.A. meeting to a sordid end. I only got a chance to see them once or twice at Churchills. Their shtik was to be totally gay, obnoxious, noisy and devoted to drugs. Drive Thru Lover, the better song of the two, concerns a sexual experience with the cashier while buying burgers at the local McDonald’s/Checkers/whatever. Over the top vocals and under the basement production make this a winner. They continued on to make a split 7” with Harry Pussy and a seldom-seen cd, also on Menlo Park. This is the one to get.