You Schmooze, You Lose: Love Like Blood

*Originally published on 2/26/10@http://www.djmotherfucker.podomatic.com

You Schmooze, You Lose: An Imaginary DJ Set

By Jennie Willis

At the end of the last installment of You Schmooze, You Lose, I forecasted Garage Rock. Conversely, I was sidetracked by the Cleveland scene circa 1975. Now, cracked out on coffee, I have been distracted once more. The mind-fuck I delivered with the last set will be continued here. Promises were made to be broken, and my new list will either inspire you to run to the nearest record store or run for the door. The set is a bit longer this time around, so strap yourselves in. The ‘fasten seat belts’ light is on and the needle on the proverbial turntable is just as hopped up on caffeine as your DJ.

Throbbing Gristle- Persuasion
First, a little persuasion to prick up your ears…courtesy of Genesis P-Orridge and company. This track sneaks in the door with a deadpan violence and taut ambience that only Throbbing Gristle can provide. The tick-tock-tick-tock opening counts down to the moment in which you give in, while the omnipotent thump and thud of the synthesizer feels you up against your will. The noises of protest from guitar and voice that are looped in reflect your resistance, but like always, you will lose your resolve. You will be persuaded.

Keith Hudson- Pick A Dub
Next up, a brief sojourn into what could be the soundtrack to a Jamaican western. The title track off of legendary Kingston producer Keith Hudson’s 1974 release, this The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Dub has it’s guns drawn, but don‘t worry. Those guns aren’t pointed at you. The showdown between fidgety drumbeats and melodica waves at high tide is tempered by the soft intervening hand of the bass that is just below the surface. Or above, depending on your point of view. The raw and freewheeling experimentation that lies in Hudson’s brand of Dub likes you. You should like it back.

Fad Gadget- Coitus Interruptus
Now, now, you’re not getting off that easy. But you are going to get off. Fad Gadget, AKA Frank Tovey, is going for your sexuality via Fireside Favourite electro smut. Everyone is sleeping with everyone else in this self-conscious lament over mediocre and anti-climactic sex. Still, there is a speck of optimism found here. While the grimy beat of the club may lack coyness, this futile search for love is being carried out on our own terms through ectomorphic posturing and the misanthropic thrust of the keyboard.

Thee Oh Sees- Rainbow
This selection from the exhilarating group Thee Oh Sees is the only recent track to be found in tonight’s set. But really, Thee Oh Sees are one of the few bands going these days that are actually worth a damn. If the Mummies and the Thirteenth Floor Elevators were involved in a head-on collision and knocked each other up through some miracle of gravity, then this would be the end result. Garage brazenness admixed with modern intelligence. Listen up, that is a threat and an order.

Killing Joke- Love Like Blood
If I may be so bold, a quote from your humble DJ: “Killing Joke or get the fuck out.” No middle ground here. With that being said, here's a rather heroic offering from KJ. I don't feel the need to elaborate really. I'll let the music speak for itself.

The Fall- An Older Lover etc.
I’m sure there are a few of you out there who have taken an older lover…or have at least considered it. However, Mark E. Smith gives you a fair word of warning: An older lover comes with old stories and old lies. Yet a younger lover will merely cause you to miss your old lover. The solution: forgo lovers, young and old. This selection is from the staggering Slates album, which carries all the cynicism, complexity and straightforward genius we've come to expect from the Fall. Camus would be proud indeed.

The Specials- Friday Night, Saturday Morning
Bidding us farewell to England are the Specials, the second-wave ska band that put Coventry on the map. This sleepy tune captures the feeling of an all-nighter fueled by alcohol, friends, and the good times we seek at the end of the work week. An upbeat sadness, a pang of loneliness one feels as they leave the bar or club alone at 2 am. Regardless, we always have next weekend.

Swans- No Cure For the Lonely
In just under three minutes we are torn apart. Music for the cab ride home. A song playing in the background as our lovers tell us that they do not want us anymore. Suddenly the air grows thin. Our hearts cave in. Desire is so uncomplicated, a voice and guitar only. So why does it eventually and perpetually collapse? Where does that passion we grasp for go? Why set ourselves up for the aches? The answer can be found with Swans.

Nikki Sudden- When Angels Die
Before Rowland S. Howard was taken from us, Nikki Sudden went first. The world truly is a heartbreaking place.

Suicide- Dream Baby Dream
Aww, don't fret now. There is a light at the end of the tunnel yet, and I'll guide you to it with the selection closing out the night. This may be an electronic happiness generated by the dexterity of Marty Rev, but it's happiness nonetheless. Listen to Alan Vega and keep your dreams baby. Whether you reside in New York City, Richmond or somewhere in between, there is life beyond love and disappointment.