The Blackouts

Before Seattle had a "scene", there were a lot of bar bands. At least, that's what K Records says. I don't know, I was born in Alabama in 1985. But, apparently, the Blackouts were one of the first great Seattle bands, and one who never got their due (although drummer Bill Rieflin now drums for REM). K Records recently released a compliation of all their studio tracks, many of which were recorded with Al Jourgensen (of Ministry). It is quite a good compilation.

The Blackouts - Idiot

This was the first Blackouts track I ever heard, taken from the Lost Souls' Club EP, which was released in 1983 on Wax Trax! and recorded in Boston with Al Jourgensen. It remains my favorite Blackouts track. The lead singer, Erich Werner, has a voice that can hew close to a more dignified Jello Biafra - which I find delighful. He can do very interesting things with his voice.

The Blackouts - It's Clay Again

This is a previously unreleased track just on the History in Reverse comp. that K Recs just put out. Longer, sounds a lot more like the Virgin Prunes circa ...If I Die, I Die than the hard-hitting post-punk elsewhere on this disc. Drummer Bill Rieflin is fantastic.


Get the CD here.

I think that would be a very good idea indeed. Also available on vinyl LP at the same site, krecs.