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User:Ziathami/Urban Verbs

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URBAN VERBS

overview

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Washington D.C. based new wave rock band Urban Verbs formed in 1977: the band consisted of Robert Goldstein [guitars], Roddy Frantz [Vocals], Robin Rose [Synthesizer], Danny Frankel [drums and percussion] and Linda France [bass guitar and backing vocals].

In 1977 Urban Verbs rehearsed in the Atlantis Bldg at 930 "F" St. NW Washington D.C. and Robert Goldstein convinced the owner of the building to let him book bands in the derelict bar there. The Atlantis club, as it was originally known, was where Urban Verbs played their first shows and became a nexus of the DC New Wave / Punk rock scene. In 1980 the Atlantis Club became the 9:30 Club.

The Urban Verbs featured Goldstein's innovative guitar playing, Frantz’s darkly poetic lyrics delivered in quasi-melodic exhortations, Robin Rose’s sound effects with Arp synthesizers and Danny Frankel’s unusual jazz inflected percussion.

When Urban Verbs played CBGB’s in 1977 producer Brain Eno was in the audience. Eno offered to record several of the band’s songs and produced versions of “the Next Question” and “Pensive Lives” [which have never been officially released] from live recordings at CBGB’s.

The band received numerous positive reviews in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the City Paper among others. The Urban Verbs quickly became the darlings of the DC avante garde art scene playing numerous shows at the Washington Project for the Arts, DC Space, the Pension Building and the Corcoran School of Art.

In late 1978, Urban Verbs returned to CBGB’s and played with Cleveland band Pere Ubu. The Urban Verbs played the Peppermint Lounge and various NY clubs as well as numerous DC shows. In early 1979, the Urban Verbs shared the stage with the B-52’s at the Corcoran School of Art.

Warner Brothers executive Bob Krasnow signed the band to a two record contract. The band's first album was recorded with Mike Thorne [producer Wire, Soft Cell,Bronski Beat] in 1979 and released in early 1980.

Urban Verbs were scheduled to tour with Joy Division in May 1980. Arriving in Toronto for the first show the band found the tour was canceled due to the suicide of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis.

The Urban Verbs second Warner Brothers album “Early Damage” was recorded in Atlanta with producers Jeff Glixman and Steve Lillywhite.

After touring in 1980, Robin Rose and Linda France left the band: France was replaced by Bassist Billy Swann. The band toured the United States and Italy until 1981.

In 1995, Urban Verbs reunited to perform at the closing celebration for the 930 "F" street location of the 930 club.

Urban Verbs reformed in 2008 to play a show at the 930 club which was featured by Bob Boilen on NPR’S All Songs Considered.

References

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  1. Welcome to the Club: 930, Washington Post Magazine, April 18,2010
  2. Urban Verbs Renewal, Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, December 22, 1995
  3. Urban Verbs Past Perfect, Mark Jenkins, the Washington Post, December 30,1995
  4. Shaping Music, Richard Harrington, The Washington Post, October 7,1983
  5. Urban Verbs, Mike Joyce, the Washington Post, February 22, 1982
  6. Pop Notes, Richard Harrington, The Washington Post, November 4,1980
  7. Urban Verbs, Harry Sumerall, The Washington Post, March 10, 1980
  8. Assault by Urban Verbs, Joanne Ostrow, The Washington Post, March 7,1980
  9. The Urban Verbs, Eve Zibart, The Washington Post, January 26,1979
  10. The Urban Verbs, Harry Sumarall, The Washington Post, October 30, 1978
  11. Pop Notes, Eve Zibart, August 15, 1978
  12. Two Rock Groups Play CBGB's, John Rockwell, The New York Times, November 12,1978


External Links

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