RBF’s Eclectic Excitement Playlist: NSFW Edition – December 2022

RBF’s Eclectic Excitement Playlist: NSFW Edition – December 2022

Text © Robert Barry Francos / FFanzeen, 2022
Images from the Internet

This edition of the playlist are songs that really should not be played in front of general co-workers, little ones, or most relatives due to content and language. I am interested in listening to the obscure music arena than prattling on about it, despite my brief comments These will be of a multitude of genres, from punk to folk, to just out there.

The songs are listed alphabetical by first letter of the artist or group (with a single exception here), and not listed in a “ratings” order. Art is subjective, so I hope you like these as much as I enjoy them.

Note: There is no advertising on this page, so I will not be making anything off the work of others.

California Speedbag
“Shitlist”
Smog Veil Records
For some reason, I just fell in love with this I kilt my wife song, rough as it is. It came off an anthology album from Cleveland called Pie & Ears, Vol 1. I know nothing about the band. While many of the songs on this list are funny, this one is dead serious, and that’s part of what I like about it.

The Clap
“Disco Jesus”
Kleen Kut Records
As both an atheist and a person who abhors disco, I love this single. It is both joyous and mocking at the same time. How can you not love lyrics like, “You oughta see him do The Hustle / Upon that funky cross.” This won’t make me a believer in either disco or Jesus, but I’ll sing along: “Dance, dance, disco Jesus!”

Eddy Gorodetsky and Tom Couch
“Wop Muzik”
415 Records
“Pop Muzik” by M is a gawdawful song, but was a massive hit at the time, This punkish spoof actually comes quite close to the original, but is hilarious. Maybe it’s because I grew up in a deeply Italian neighborhood? The flip side, “Reasons to be Hungry,” a parody of Ian Dury’s “Reasons to be Cheerful, Part 3,” is also worth a listen.

Garfunkel and Oats
“The Loophole”
Garfunkel and Oats
This duo is made up of actors/musicians/comedians Kate Micucci and Riki Lindhome. Their songs can be political or social criticisms, or about their own personal experiences with sex. What is noticeable right off the bat is that their tunes are wordy, and often sung fast by both of them at the same time. This particular song is both funny and poignant, especially in this current religiously-charged social and political moment in history.

Jimi LaLumia and the Psychotic Frogs
 “Eleanor Rigby”
Death Records
Yes, this was a real group who would occasionally play at Max’s Kansas City. The punk take-off of the Beatles ditty takes a dark song and makes it even darker. A thing of beauty, Jimi’s deep and raspy voice fits the new lyrics, as did John Lennon’s overproduced vocals on the original. The flip side of this single is a great cover of Wayne/Jayne County’s “Fucked by the Devil.”

Rachel Bloom
“Fuck Me Ray Bradbury”
Rachel Does Stuff
Rachel Bloom, who has a perfect voice for this kind of material, rose to fame and won an Emmy for the television series, ”My Crazy Ex Girlfriend.” But this was the one that set off her career, full of bold ideas and no gatekeeping. She sort of carried on where Sarah Silverman left off.

Sic F*cks
“Chop Up Your Mother”
Sozyamuda Records
This is fun punk rock, with Russell Wolinsky fronting, and the F*ckettes behind him, who are none other than scene darlings and sisters Tish and Snooky Bellomo, who run the Manic Panic hair products empire. I have seen the band a number of times, and you can too in digital form by watching the slasher flick Alone in the Dark, from 1982, where the group performs this song and “Rock or Die.”

The Swinging Erudites
“Walk With an Erection”
Dimensional Records
At the lead of this group that spoofs the Bangles “Walk Like an Egyptian” is Johnny Angel Wendell, a Boston rocker who also headed the bands Thrills and the Blackjacks. I saw Thrills play CBGB (and drove him and late lead singer Barb Kitson to where they were staying afterwards), and Wendell performing a solo “punk Sinatra” shtick that was hilarious at The Rat in Boston. A man of many talents. Also check out the Erudites’ “Living on My Hair,” an excellent take-off of Bon Jovi.

Wayne County and the Electric Chairs
“Fuck Off”
Safari Records
Infamously now Jayne County, this was a relatively big hit for her. Most of her music is blues rock based with a total punk attitude, with other songs including “Man Enough to Be a Woman” and “You Make Me Cream in My Jeans.” Her contribution to the first wave of punk down at Max’s Kansas City has yet to be reckoned with by many. Perhaps a street sign on Park Avenue similar to the Ramones outside CBGB?

Mike Brown and the Sneakies
“Fuck You”
M Records
This is going to have to remain as an Honorable Mention because I could not find a video for it. It is a break-up song that is both full of angst and the release from it. If you can find it on another non-video platform, it’s worth the search.