It's hard to believe it's been 4 months since the Lux Lives East Coast
round of shows happened. In case you missed the Facebook postings we raised
almost 4,000 dollars for Best Friends Animal Society in Lux's name. If you go to
my Facebook page you can read my list of thank you's and other reminiscences
about the events.
One of the more disappointing things that emerged from the night in
Philadelphia was that 2 of the recordings made of Dixy Blood's set did NOT sound
that good. At least not good enough to share with the general public. One
recording sounded too loud and blown out. Another recording had vocals that were
way too low. Sort of the risk you take with modern audience recordings.
Thankfully, the sound guy that night also recorded the show and it came out
pretty brilliant. This is the way it sounded to me that night. It was a great
tribute to Lux and The Cramps, and now thanks to Dixy Blood, they've allowed me
to share it with you.
One of the great things about this recording is that this is Dixy Blood
doing (mostly) Cramps songs. Not Dixy Blood trying to sound like the Cramps.
Sometimes when bands pay tribute to other bands they try and copy them instead
of just being themselves. A few of the highlights for me is their mind blowing
rendition of Can't Hardly Stand It and their haunting version of Lonesome Town.
Oh, and Goo Goo Muck sung by Betty Lou was pretty outstanding too!
When the idea of this show was hatched one drunken evening in the outskirts
of Philadelphia at the guitar players house, I had no idea how it was going to
turn out. We had to secure a club, get DJ equipment, find other cool bands
(hopefully the recording of Full Blown Cherry's set will manifest itself at some
point!), etc. But it all went like a dream. Kung Fu Necktie was a great place
for the show and the people that came out were incredible.
Before proceeding any further, here is a little background on Dixy Blood.
Dixy Blood was formed after long running Philly band the Sickidz "retired." The
Sickidz formed back in the late 70's and played many shows with The Cramps back
in the day. They even had a record produced by Lux and Ivy (HIGHLY recommended
if you've never heard it). Dixy Blood formed shortly after the Sickidz called it
a day, fulfilling life long dream of singer Mick Cancer to form a country band.
But a country band like only former members of the Sickidz could do. I saw
their 2nd or 3rd show I think? And they blew me away. It was great. Currently
they are working on polishing off a full length album and recording some
additional new material.
I met original drummer, and later guitarist Rich Lustre back in the
Napster days of trading music and it's developed in to a friendship I treasure.
I want to thank him and the other members of the band for being behind this
thing 110 the whole way....
Enjoy the show!
Dixy_Blood_Live!
Dixy Blood is:
Vocals and Mischief: Mick "Clarence" Cancer
Guitar and Attitude: Rich Lustre
Bass and Vocals: Betty Lou Gee
Drums and Vocals: MoeJo
Sickidz Discography
Rhythm Girl BTCP Records 1981
I Could Go to Hell for You Big Beat 1984
On a Jones/Dogfood Psycho Acoustic Sounds 1989
No Reason to Complain Apex 1990
Now and Then 2003
Teenage Obsessions 1978-84 Recordings Rave Up Records 2008
