December 11, 2005
Open the Blinds
In May of 1979, a San Francisco band called the Maids put out their first and last 7″ single.
John “Ritalin” McCormick’s information-rich memoir in the L.A. Weekly five years ago is a mindblower. I recommend you read it.
Though I was already aware of this lovely record from side A’s inclusion on Killed By Death #7, I had no idea of the torturous backstory. I only knew that the song is great. Just goes to show that some of the most intense human drama might never see the pages of history, so take plenty of notes. And that true artists don’t know what they’re doing half the time. I mean, if the Maids themselves can’t be convinced of the beauty of this 45, what does it really matter what a critic says?
Anyway, back to Bataan for a moment. Although I myself never experienced a cross-cultural homosexual affair amidst the horrors of World War II, I do love those lyrics, and feel a personal affinity for the Maids record. It’s crazy and chaotic, and poignant in its sarcastic fury. (And it’s mine. Sometimes it feels good to clutch the vinyl disc against my bony chest before drifting off to sleep.)
Those high rollers who spend hundreds for a rare 45, though? No offense, just not my scene. I’m a packrat, not an antiques dealer.
But it turns out the record geek world is so incestuous, even a lowly bottom feeder like myself has encountered three of the ruling collector scum mentioned in McCormick’s story - Johan Kugelberg, Ryan Richardson …and Roger Mah, who actually traded me this record, along with some other stuff, in exchange for my copy of the super-scarce The Nothing 7″. This transaction marked my first, and probably only, ascension to the rarified heights of bigtime rare punk record deals.
Hey, it’s all about the music, folks. “Back to Bataan” was also covered by Sir Dance-a-Lot & his Dancing, Romancing Pranceteers, and they did a fine job. Here’s the original - mint in sleeve, or something, with only a couple of jizz stains.
The Maids - “Back to Bataan”
The Maids - “I Do I Do”
Rick at 6:30 pm
6 CommentsÈ
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“Although I myself never experienced a cross-cultural homosexual affair amidst the horrors of World War II…”
Call it what you will, Rick-san.
Comment by Balb Kubrox Ñ December 11, 2005 @ 8:43 pm
a pair of passionate kisses between waves of mortar rounds…sheets of fire bursting in our loins…sounds a bit kenneth anger-esque…
Comment by wi11iam13 Ñ December 12, 2005 @ 2:03 am
Rick - your website is radical. Get in touch with me, pal. Don’t have your number anymore. AARON
Comment by Aaron Ñ December 15, 2005 @ 1:27 pm
Hey Rick, if that Aaron is Blue Persuasion/Penis Your Majesty/Etc. Aaron, tell him I said hi.
And The Maids rock! Thanks–why didn’t you ever put this on a Histroy of Music tape for me? Hmm?
Comment by Ivan Lerner Ñ December 19, 2005 @ 4:21 pm
Ivan: Aaron Lee it is, and I can’t find his email address anywhere. Fucking rock stars.
Comment by Rick Ñ December 23, 2005 @ 12:22 am
it’s a amazing 7″ sow sow Punk
Comment by riKardO SS Ñ February 8, 2007 @ 3:02 pm