Tag: Master Cylinder

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Junior Communist Club – Freedom Of Speed (1999)

Junior Communist Club - Freedom of Speed
Junior Communist Club
Freedom Of Speed
1999

Junior Communist Club was a one-off collaboration between Jack Drag’s John Dragonetti and producer Master Cylinder (Pete Ducharme). It was full of lo-fi-meets-hi-fi mid-tempo grooves and minimalist vocals.

Freedom Of Speed opens with the seven minute instrumental “Ultrabollywood.” The song is built around a Jack Drag-esque bass line and sounds like it could have been an outtake from the band’s Unisex Headwave album. “Tidal Wave” is up next, with its cool, effected drum loops and catchy yeah yeah yeah backing vocals. “Ultrasound” brings back that Jack Drag bass sound, this time with Master Cylinder’s remixing playing a more prominent role. This one also has a great hook in the chorus and more nonsense word backing vocals (this time with a bop bop). Mellow keyboard permeates “76 Place.” “I’ve Been Shot” has distorted guitars and is full of rhythm shifts. The title track wraps things up with another great chorus hook and Beach Boys-like backing vocals.

Where to get it:

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Star Ghost Dog – Underdrive EP (2000)


Star Ghost Dog
Underdrive EP
2000

Star Ghost Dog’s Underdrive EP is a hip little CD. The disc was released in anticipation of The Great Indoors. The first 2 tracks are from that record. The slick indie rock of “Underdrive” gets things started before yielding to the beautiful melancholy of “Holiday.”

The other two songs on the EP make it truly special. “The Only One” is a power pop gem, complete with tight harmonies and “bop-badda” backing vocals. This song was previously unreleased and is one of my favorite Star Ghost Dog tunes. Closing out the 4 song package is a remix of “Plus De Vaches” that was previously only available on a 7” single.* Master Cylinder gets his hands dirty to create a ten minute disco epic. “Plus De Vaches (Qui Remix)” is undoubtedly the definitive version of the song. Local radio DJs take note – this remix makes for great bathroom break material.

Star Ghost Dog’s Underdrive EP is worth picking up if you can find it.

Where to get it:

* The original version of “Plus De Vache” appeared on the band’s 1998 release, Happylove.