James Chance & The Contortions
One of the leading lights of the New York No Wave scene in the late '70s, James Chance and his Contortions created a heady, nihilistic mix of free jazz and post punk, with Chance's distinctive yelps and crys laid on top.
The band imploded in '79, along with the rest of the 'Wave', but Chance continued to make music, although this time under the soubriquet James White.
The reason for me choosing this band as my very first 'Band of the week' (I'm sure Chance would be delighted with the honour...) is that they're playing the Matt Groening curated ATP Festival in May, with the possibility of a few other dates around that time. Sadly i won't be in attendance, but a few friends are, although their excitement is tempered with a little fear, Chance being renowned as a combative performer, picking fights with audience members on occassions.
Whether you intend to go and see Les Contortions, or if you've never heard of them before, go out and listen/re-discover the album Buy, and in particular tracks such as 'Contort yourself' and 'Design to kill'. Happy listening!
photo: last.fm
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