Blues Explosion

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Blues Explosion

Jon Spencer performing with Blues Explosion in 2006
Background information
Origin New York City, New York, USA
Genres Punk blues
Alternative rock
Years active 1990–present
Labels Matador
Associated acts Boss Hog
Heavy Trash
Pussy Galore
Website www.thejonspencerbluesexplosion.com
Members
Jon Spencer
Judah Bauer
Russell Simins

Blues Explosion (formerly The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and sometimes abbreviated JSBX) is an American punk blues trio, formed in 1990 and based out of New York. The band is composed of singer and guitarist Jon Spencer, previously the frontman of Pussy Galore, guitarist Judah Bauer and drummer Russell Simins.

Contents

[edit] History

Originally from Hanover, New Hampshire, Jon Spencer (born Jonathan Spencer) moved to Washington, DC where he fronted the band Pussy Galore. After that band's breakup, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion formed in 1990 in New York City. The band members had played in bands including The Honeymoon Killers, Crowbar Massage, and Boss Hog prior to the formation of the Blues Explosion.

They signed to Matador Records shortly after and have gathered a large cult following. They are one of the select notable groups to cultivate a punk blues sound in the 1990s. Also notable, Simins and Bauer are both Jewish.

With the release of Damage in 2004, the band changed their name from Jon Spencer Blues Explosion to simply Blues Explosion.

[edit] Side projects

[edit] Russell Simins

Simins has collaborated with Butter 08 (Cibo Matto's side project) and Little Barrie. He co-produced Bang Bang Boom Cake by the pre-teen punk band Tiny Masters of Today and performed for a time as their live drummer.

Men Without Pants is his new project with Dan the Automator.

  • Public Places LP/CD (2000, Grand Royal)
  • Men Without Pants

[edit] Judah Bauer

  • Ragged Backyard Classics Played By The Bauer Bros. 3x7" (1996)
  • Member of Cat Power & The Dirty Delta Blues Band according to (Matador Records) (2006)

[edit] Under the moniker 20 Miles

  • R.L. Boyce Othar Turner Fife & Drum Spam LP/CD (1997, Fat Possum/Epitaph)
  • I'm a Lucky Guy LP/CD (1998, Fat Possum/Epitaph)
  • Keep It Coming CD (2002, Fat Possum)
  • Life Doesn't Rhyme CD (2003, Fat Possum)

[edit] Jon Spencer

Jon Spencer in a Heavy Trash performance in São Paulo, Brazil, on Apr 23, 2009. Photo by Ariel Martini

Jon Spencer is a member of Heavy Trash, along with Matt Verta-Ray. Spencer is also a member of Boss Hog with his wife, Cristina Martinez. Not to forget he was also the frontman of the legendary noise punk band Pussy Galore. His sister is Muffin, the lead vocalist for the band Brassy. Jon Spencer duetted with Nancy Sinatra on "Ain't No Easy Way," featured on her 2004 self-titled album.

[edit] Discography

JSBX has a complex and sprawling discography, with numerous EPs, singles, and multiple versions of each album.

[edit] Official studio albums

[edit] Other releases

  • A Reverse Willie Horton (1991)
  • Crypt Style (1992; compilation with some songs of the debut album and others)
  • Mo' Width (Australia only LP, 1993; later appended to the European reissue of Extra Width)
  • Experimental Remixes (EP, 1995, featuring remixes by UNKLE, Moby, Mike D and Beck, GZA, Dub Narcotic and others)
  • Controversial Negro: Live in Tucson (1997)
  • Acme Plus (UK) (1999)
  • Xtra Acme USA (1999)
  • Sideways Soul: Dub Narcotic Sound System Meets the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in a Dancehall Style (1999, with Dub Narcotic Sound System)

JSBX were also R. L. Burnside's backing band on the albums A Ass Pocket of Whiskey and Mr. Wizard. They also worked together with Andre Williams who is also credited as executive producer of Acme.

The Blues Explosion have released a series of jukebox 7" 45s through In the Red Records. The records have the following tracklistings - ITR001 "Shirt-Jac, Latch On", ITR002 "Son of Sam, Bent", ITR003 "Train # 3, Train # 1", ITR004 "Get With It, Down Low" and ITR005 "Ghetto Mon, Dya Wanna Get It?". These were later released (along with a few other songs) in a 2007 compilation called "Jukebox Explosion".

[edit] Compilations

  • 2006 - "Silver Monk Time - A Tribute To The Monks" - released on Play Loud! Productions, this album features them covering a track by The Monks, alongside 28 other bands
  • 2007 - "Jukebox Explosion" - released on In The Red Records, this collection contains all of the songs that featured on what was known as the "Jukebox Series" - a number of 7" singles released on the same label throughout the mid/late 90s and early 00s (also contains some rarities and album out-takes)

[edit] Trivia

 Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (November 2008)
  • Winona Ryder, Giovanni Ribisi and John C. Reilly are featured as lead singer, guitarist and drummer in the music video "Talk about the Blues."
  • Jon Spencer trashed a TV studio in Melbourne, Australia, during a live performance of 2Kindsa Love / Flavor on September 6, 1997 on Recovery.[1] This recording has become a favourite of guest programmers on ABC's Rage.[citation needed]
  • The band was parodied by the Shirehorses, operating as the Frank Spencer Blues Explosion as well as referenced in the name of the band The John & Spencer Booze Explosion.
  • The band made the theme song to the Travel Channel's No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain[2].
  • Their collaboration with Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Killah Priest, entitled Greyhound Part 2, was extensively featured on the original Extreme Championship Wrestling's Hardcore TV program, during self-promotional commercials and hype segments.
  • While on tour in July 1999, the band's tour van was broken into in Vancouver, Canada. A large amount of gear, including several microphones, amps, compressors, and other equipment, as well as Spencer's original 1962 Moog Vanguard theremin, was stolen. None of the gear was ever recovered.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, "2 Kindsa Love", Performed on Recovery, ABC TV, 1997 (YouTube)
  2. ^ http://www.televisiontunes.com/Anthony_Bourdain_-_No_Reservations.html

[edit] External links

v • d • e
The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Jon Spencer · Russell Simins · Judah Bauer
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Singles & EP’s
Related Groups
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blues_Explosion"