David Yow rules
But honestly just a Great band and a great man. the albums aren't anywhere near as good as the show david Yow puts on but still something that should be heard.
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Warts and All
If you care about the Jesus Lizard at all then Head/Pure is a necessity. Not as refined as later albums (Goat, Liar), this is the Jesus Lizard at their most raw. Still in the throws of transformation from previous projects (Scrath Acid & Rapeman most notably) these early works show both crafty musicianship and an evolving sound that would later define the band. Their unique blend of jangly spine-hammering single guitar, thumping oft off-time beats and David Yow's alcohol fueled howl are all here. With the exception of a couple of uncharacteristcally mellow and/or experimental tunes (i.e., pastoral, happy bunny), this is the Jesus Lizard we all grew to know and love and shove roses down the pants of the "best live band on this planet and sixth others."
Start here
This single CD is two releases in one: the band's debut EP, "Pure," and its full-length follow-up, "Head." "Pure" starts with "Blockbuster"; you'll know it: it's got a drum machine. "Pure" was recorded before the band hired its human drummer, making this sound more like Steve Albini's old band, Big Black, which also often used a drum machine. Overall, "Pure's" worth having, if only to give you an idea of what was to come. And that would be "Head," the band's finest, fiercest record. Not one clunker here: "One Evening" sounds like a drunk who just busted down your door; "My Own Urine" is both creepy and contagious; and "7 vs. 8" has got to be one of the best album-closing songs stuck in the middle of a record. The album's most moving song, "Pastoral," is an elegant, gorgeously done ballad that the band seldom played live, it's so low key and their live shows were so not. Man, I miss them.
