The Residents

[Mike's Beard]

Knowing that some posters here dig some of the more 'out there' bands I'm suprised The Residents have never been touched upon. Any other fans of them here? They make Frank Zappa seem kinda normal by comparison.

[hypehat]

I've always been  interested, but the discography always seemed kinda impenetrable - where would you start?

[endofposts]

I used to own a "Meet the Residents" t-shirt.  But not the album. I think the only reason I ever knew they existed is because of Rather Ripped Records in Berkeley (where I bought the t-shirt).  I never actually liked their music.  It seemed like noise to me. 

[ontor pertawst]

Bumpity bump!

I just put together a video using some film I shot of the fellas. Who you always wanted to see dance to the theme from Ghostbusters, right?

DIE-STAY-GO
http://youtu.be/qb_V64iknPk

Also added "Paint it Black" yesterday... I admit, I've been religiously going to all their shows since the Fillmore 97, they changed my life forever over that Halloween run and I'm fairly fanatical about them.

[Amazing Larry]

I've always been  interested, but the discography always seemed kinda impenetrable - where would you start?

Duck Stab.

[ontor pertawst]

A fine first choice. "Third Reich n' Roll" was what snared me, I'm a sucker for utterly f***ed covers and they do it comprehensively. For later Residents, try "Demons Dance Alone" for sickly sweet, melancholy pop with a Shreveport twist. "Animal Lover" has some amazing things on it as well.

[ontor pertawst]

If you ever see them playing and don't go, you have made a grave, grave error.



I was in the front row for that one. When the curtain opened, holy sh*t.

Let's hope there's a 40th Anniversary tour around the corner!

I wish I got into them just a BIT earlier so I could've caught Cube-E. jesus, gorgeous:



So which one of you caught that one? Make me really jealous and spin some stories.



EDIT: I just cut this one today, featuring some creepy super-8 of Semolina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lsy5I63lgx4

[ontor pertawst]

Coincidence Dept.

[Mike's Beard]

I admit, I've been religiously going to all their shows since the Fillmore 97, they changed my life forever over that Halloween run and I'm fairly fanatical about them.

Blatant bump but what is your favourite album and song(s) by them? Also is there a cut off point in their discography where I should venture further? I'm up to The King and Eye and their sound is starting to get a tad predictable when compared to the older stuff.

[Amazing Larry]

I admit, I've been religiously going to all their shows since the Fillmore 97, they changed my life forever over that Halloween run and I'm fairly fanatical about them.

Blatant bump but what is your favourite album and song(s) by them? Also is there a cut off point in their discography where I should venture further? I'm up to The King and Eye and their sound is starting to get a tad predictable when compared to the older stuff.

Honestly, I woulda just stopped after Mark Of The Mole.

[Mike's Beard]

Really? I like all the 80's stuff. It was only King and Eye that didn't grab me as much. I've heard the follow up Freak Show is when they became one man and his keyboard.

[ontor pertawst]

I admit, I've been religiously going to all their shows since the Fillmore 97, they changed my life forever over that Halloween run and I'm fairly fanatical about them.

Blatant bump but what is your favourite album and song(s) by them? Also is there a cut off point in their discography where I should venture further? I'm up to The King and Eye and their sound is starting to get a tad predictable when compared to the older stuff.

Oh, difficult to pick. I've gone back and forth and really loved albums I initially despised. The tinny synth stuff leaves me cold so THIRD REICH and NOT AVAILABLE are probably my two top, unassailable favorites but I really enjoy their band era live sets... Demons Dance Alone live was delicious. Talking Light was a creepy, bugs under a rock joy. Sam's Enchanted Evening was unbelievable to watch from the first row, Singin' Resident lookin' you in the eye...

Speaking of. They are touring soon, folks! I look forward to seeing whatever crazy format or setlist they come up with.

Favorite songs? Santa Dog in all its forms, The Shoe Salesman, Never Known Questions, Blue Tongues, their version of Jambalaya, The Importance of Evergreen, Burn Baby Burn, Lizard Lady, Mahogany Wood, Baby Skeletons and Dogs back when the Warner Bros Album was a dank secret.

Once they bring in live musicians and guitar/drums post-King and Eye they get more interesting again. That CDROM era hasn't dated well.

[hypehat]

Anyone here throwing down for the $5,000,000 box set? 

[Amazing Larry]

Anyone here throwing down for the $5,000,000 box set? 

I'm getting it just for the fridge.

[Amazing Larry]

That Homer Flynn is one crazy bugger.

[Mike's Beard]

Go on youtube and check out footage of him at the opening of some art exhibition he was involved in then check out footage of 'the singing Resident' in his old man mask and you'll see that Homer isn't really bothering to hide his identity much these days!

[ontor pertawst]

Well, you could figure it out decades ago. Eloise video vs a Cryptics interview. Hell, just the sound of their voices. Or the idea that a tiny outfit like that can support a band AND a support system that sound exactly like them. Still, it's fun to play along.

[ontor pertawst]

Attention. Attention. Tour starts next week! Snag some tickets, people: http://www.residents.com/home/page2/

I'm in for Los Angeles and Santa Cruz!

[Amazing Larry]

I'm goin' to the Portland show. It's gonna kick some ass. I'll try to get some pictures.

[ontor pertawst]

Post 'em!

The reports I hear from friends make it sound like a lot of fun. I've been waiting seemingly decades for a live Santa Dog!

[ontor pertawst]

Face to face with the faceless ones:


Is everybody ready for the picnic in the jungle?

[ontor pertawst]

Figure 566. The man in the dark sedan.

[ontor pertawst]

I really enjoyed the setlist, a nice way of slicing and dicing their career without repeating stuff like "Icky Flix." Great medleys, fun rearrangements, quite liked the two improv instrumentals... a f***ed up Elvis cover! A great Snakefinger tribute... my chance to finally hear some MOLE material live... plus, one helluva encore:



Santa Cruz finale.

Randy is in fine form, more self-referential then ever... by turns bragging and strutting then desperate and pathetic in the between song banter, checking his cellphone for news of his cat...



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwsBky6ohFg
Loser=Weed/Picnic in the Jungle

http://youtu.be/18Y-ut74P3k
Marching to the Sea/Shorty's Lament/Constantinople/Would We Be Alive?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohCAj4wpPug
Santa Dog/Happy Birthday/Mahogany Wood

[ontor pertawst]

Those hand gestures get a bit Mike Love at times!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFt-bEnnMt8
The Man in the Dark Sedan

You Euro types better check out that leg of the tour, the London gig is bound to be beautiful.

[ontor pertawst]

Pssst, wanna see a weird half hour film I made a few years ago about The Residents? WE STOLE THIS RIFF. Unfinished and unashamed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYPEmfV94g4

No? Too bad. I'm uploading it anyway!