February 5, 2006

Like a Nosebleed

Xmas was an L.A. band that went by many other names, including but not limited to the Fast Times, the Righteous and Harmonious Fists, the Hott Shotz and Drugs U.S.A.. My personal favorite was when they called themselves the California Ghostbusters.

The group was the brainchild of Joe the singer, and of Watson (also in the Rattlesnakes) – who was sick of being the go-to guy whenever anybody needed a (very good) drummer. Although Watson wrote the songs and started out playing guitar in Xmas, he eventually found himself doomed to the misery of the drumkit yet again. Lowell played bass at the same time he was in the Stupor Stars. Joe went on to form and sing with the much more tangible four-piece band One Man Show Live and Lowell co-founded Central City Transmission. Those photos on the right are not really of the band. If you or any of your relatives are pictured there, please contact my attorney.

Xmas never had an official release. That sucks. But thanks to the mp3 revolution, you can now share the beer-piss-flavored magic. Their uber-punk sound could be termed “screamo without the emo.” Start with the speaker-shredding “Nosebleed Blues” – definitely the A-side, in my opinion. In the words of Lowell: “Hands up for rock’n’roll, assholes!”

Xmas – “Nosebleed Blues”

Xmas – “House on Fire”

Rick at 11:26 am

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