I get spooked when I can’t find information about something on the internet. It’s the Internet for christ’s sake!
I recently got a hold of The Dirtbombs vs. King Kahn and the Shrines' Billiards At Nine Thirty split LP. Six unreleased songs from each band, nothing big right? Wrong.
I can’t find any information about the album or why it was made. It’s only for sale in Europe, on obscure German web sites and on the French Amazon, but since I don’t speak French, let alone read it, I’m kinda screwed. And why is it that the French keep making an appearance on this blog? Do I have to make the obligatory disparaging remarks? Or can I move on?
Anyway, I’m familiar with the Dirtbombs (saw them last year, click here for my thoughts) but their web site doesn’t mention Billiards at Nine Thirty. King Kahn’s web site devotes one whole line to it. So officially, I guess this album doesn’t exist in United States.
Quick run down on King Kahn. 1. Started out playing bass for the Spaceshits in Montreal. 2. Went on tour with the Spaceshits. 3. Decided not to come back from the Spaceshits European tour. 4. Formed The Sensational Shrines, a big band/soul/pyschadelic outfit, later renamed King Kahn and The Shrines. Oh so interesting. Did I mention he has a horn section?
Stuff to Sample: King Kahn from Billiards at Nine Thirty - Killer Diller and more King Kahn from Mr. Supernatural - On The Street Where I Live and On a Brass Bed
The Dirtbomb's Show
I went with a couple of friends to see The Dirtbombs and the Greenhornes play at a local venue. Both bands put on an amazing show. It was a wonderful night of garage rock. The funny thing is, one of the guys I went with fell asleep during the Dirtbombs set. Seriously.
No, he wasn't drunk. He drank only one beer. And no, he is not a narcoleptic. He just sat down and fell asleep. I was astounded. The Dirtbombs were going full force through their set and he's snoozing. And it's not like it was a very big place either. Crazy.
I checked out some of the commentary on amazon.fr, here's what I got:
This CD was recorded in Germany towards the end of 2004 (thus its limited availability), with The Dirtbombs recording side A of the record and King Khan and his Shrines on side B. Interestingly enough, the French Amazon also has it marked as an import, although it doesn't say where it's coming from...must be Deutschland...
The disc also marks the debut of bassists Troy Gregory and Ko Shih with the Dirtbombs (I'm sure you'll agree that as much as the group have defended themselves, they have one bassist and one drummer too many.)
Other than that, the French reviewer is happy with the CD and sings the praises of both bands.
French classes are paying off!!!
[1] Thanks for the useful French insight. Man, I'm glad cultured peoples visit this blog!