Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

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The Blues Explosion. Left to right: Russell Simins, Judah Bauer, and Jon Spencer.
The Blues Explosion. Left to right: Russell Simins, Judah Bauer, and Jon Spencer.

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (sometimes abbreviated JSBX) is a New York based band, made up of members Jon Spencer (vocals, guitar), Judah Bauer (guitar, vocals) and Russell Simins (drums).

Their unique 'Explosion' sound is a raw and loud one, combining elements of noise-rock, rock and roll, blues, soul, funk, rockabilly and hip hop, with an occasional theremin solo thrown in.

Originally from Hanover, New Hampshire, Jon Spencer (born John) moved to Washington, DC where he fronted the band Pussy Galore. After that band's breakup, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion formed in 1990 in New York City. Members played in bands including The Honeymoon Killers, Crowbar Massage, and Boss Hog prior to the formation of the Blues Explosion.

They signed to Matador Records shortly after and have gathered a large cult following.

While on tour in July 1999, the band's tour van was broken into in Vancouver, Canada. A large amount of gear, including several microphones, amps, compressors, and other equipment, as well as Spencer's original 1962 Moog Vanguard theremin, was stolen. None of the gear was ever recovered.

With the release of Damage in 2004, the band changed their name simply to Blues Explosion.

Contents

[edit] Side projects

Russell Simins

Russell has collaborated with Butter 08 (Cibo Matto's side project) and Little Barrie.

Men Without Pants is his new project with Dan the Automator

Judah Bauer

  • Ragged Backyard Classics Played By The Bauer Bros. 3x7" (1996)
  • Member of Cat Power & The Dirty Delta Blues Band according to (Matador Records) (2006)

Under the moniker 20 Miles

  • R.L. Boyce Othar Turner Fife & Drum Spam LP/CD (1997, Fat Possum/Epitaph)
  • I'm a Lucky Guy LP/CD (1998, Fat Possum/Epitaph)
  • Keep It Coming CD (2002, Fat Possum)
  • Life Doesn't Rhyme CD (2003, Fat Possum)

Jon Spencer

Jon Spencer is a member of Heavy Trash, along with Matt Verta-Ray. Spencer is also a member of Boss Hog with his wife, Cristina Martinez.

[edit] Discography

JSBX were also R. L. Burnside's backing band on the album A Ass Pocket of Whiskey. They also worked together with Andre Williams who is also credited as executive producer of Acme.

The Blues Explosion have released a series of jukebox 7" 45s through In the Red Records. The records have the following tracklistings - ITR001 "Shirt-Jac, Latch On", ITR002 "Son of Sam, Bent", ITR003 "Train # 3, Train # 1", ITR004 "Get With It, Down Low" and ITR005 "Ghetto Mon, Dya Wanna Get It?".

[edit] Trivia

  • Spencer's singing is sometimes described as sounding like that of an Elvis impersonator.
  • Winona Ryder, Giovanni Ribisi and John C. Reilly are featured as lead singer, guitarist and drummer in the music video "Talk about the Blues."
  • Jon Spencer once trashed a TV studio in Melbourne, Australia, during a live performance on Recovery. This recording has become a favourite of guest programmers on ABC's Rage.
  • The band was parodied by the Shirehorses, operating as the Frank Spencer Blues Explosion as well as referenced in the name of the band The John & Spencer Booze Explosion.
  • The band made the theme song to the Travel Channel's No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain.
  • Jon Spencer is the brother of Muffin, the lead vocalist for the band Brassy.
  • At the end of the "Flavor" video (which features Beck and Mike D), a full moon appears with an image of Flavor Flav on it.
  • Spencer duetted with Nancy Sinatra on "Ain't No Easy Way," featured on her 2004 self-titled album.

[edit] External links

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