WHO THE FUCK IS THIS GUY?

I was just browsing at Rubber City Review and ran into a handful of funk cuts James Brown's "Give it Up and Turnit A Loose" among them. The evening was about to unravel. Brown's "Give It Up..." reminded me of the cover of it by Black Randy and the Metro Squad, from 1979. That's when it happened. Every time I revisit that one (the cover), I marvel at the fact that the band existed in the pre-hardcore L.A. punk scene. Just listen to their version. It's equal parts punk rock, no wave and funk. Amazing, especially for the time it came out and the scene that produced it (the Metro Squad were all members of other bands). One thing that just hit me tonight was how much Black Randy reminds me of John Belushi's Bluto character in Animal House, in spirit if only vaguely in appearance. To get an idea of his hi-jinx there's a lengthy bio at Perfect Sound Forever and a couple interesting recordings of him at YouTube. One as a guest on a radio show (Richard Meltzer's) and another of a phone call when he's trying to get the bill changed at an upcoming gig. The promoter (Paul Rat) is planning on the Go-Gos (pre-hit) and Tuxedo Moon. Black Randy wants the Mentors. That's like someone countering a candy bar with dog shit. Anyway, there's a few of his cuts at Killed By Death and if you like his version of the JB song, head there for a download. The guy was a nut who knew music, was irreverent and self effacing. Wrong on more than one occasion but, shit, could we use him now. That's got me thinking. Whatever happened to Har Mar Superstar?

~ NOTE: ALL MEDIA IS HOSTED BY THE BLOGS & SITES NAMED BELOW ~

Listen:
James Brown - Give It Up and Turnit A Loose mp3 at Rubber City Review
Black Randy and the Metro Squad - Give It Up or Turnit A Loose (streaming) at YouTube
Black Randy and the Metro Squad - Give It Up or Turnit A Loose mp3 (plus one more) at Killed By Death Got there to get them.
Black Randy and the Metro Squad - (Theme from) Shaft (Live) (streaming) at YouTube
Black Randy and the Metro Squad - First 45, three songs at Killed By Death
Black Randy and Prolific Photographer Phone Call (1979) at YouTube Meltzer's radio show
Black Randy and Paul Rat Phone Call (1979) at YouTube
Visit:
Black Randy profile at Perfect Sound Forever