Someone said that Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop" is a song you only have to listen to once, but you will remember its intensity forever. The person was suggesting they skip that song every time they listen to the album, and that day I learned that I was not the only one.
Stumbled on to the first Suicide record in the late 70's in a cut out bin and also was amazed that such a bare, raw crude, and cheaply made record could open up this kind of window, kind of like a whole new landscape that was only hinted at by the Velvet Underground or Brian Eno. Cool to see that it blew up someone else's brain too. Kind of wonder if Half Machine Lips Moves by Chrome killed him too.
That Chrome record is like hearing yourself listen to the record. It's sometimes whispering in you ear, sometimes playing loudly in the next room. The less I know about it the better, it's magnificent.
Suicide's debut was the most amazing album of its era. I was lucky enough to see them in 2003, and to meet them after the show; they were great, down-to-earth guys. Thanks so much for publishing Alan's book, Henry. I'm still trying to track down a copy.
Superb George, thanks for posting this - Henry was so enthusiastic, especially about the first Suicide record. Spoken like a true music fan plus he had so many great memories. Were the two guys sweeping part of an art installation?
This is a wonderful story, it great how such an obscure band can influence Henry, Ric Ocasek of The Cars, Bruce Springsteen and about every early eighties synth-pop band from England.
This fellow performed at my theatre, The Senator in Baltimore and he was kind of a dickwad. The audience liked him though, as they didn't let his enormous ego get in the way. .
I was incredibly lucky and feel very grateful. He’s a very genuine, I didn’t really get to meet him, just a quick 30 second interaction about the ruts and a photo along with the QnA
Suicide is an important and influential band. But I wouldn't call them a widely known band. Before I bought their album I'd never heard of them myself. I just ran across it and got it for no reason I can think of now. It's not the only record I ever bought like that.
In 02' in Soho NYC I did security (stood on stage next to Alan and Martin) at the Deitch Projects space. Across the street they were presenting Alan's artwork. I had no knowledge of them prior to this. I then learned of their significance. A cool memory. In addition a psychiatrist once asked me years ago: "What do I want to do?". I replied; "I want to be kinda like Henry Rollins or Dick Gregory". Etc
@@block-head2982 Yeah, I've tried to find footage of the performance but it wasn't like things are now with video back then. Maybe someday. Alan turned to me and shook my hand right after the performance. I used to semi-regularly see David Byrne at the Deitch events and Lou Reed attended one as well. Whoops I dropped some legend names:-0
Woah dude Iv seen your vinyl community videos before and thought you looked familiar at the show but didn’t put 2 and 2 together!! It was really awesome, I brang something to get signed but no cigar, still had a great time!! You should start doing VC videos again
