On this 12" 45 RPM
record, Bill
Kern has taken the
'classic' Elvis song (Hound Dog), and put it in a medley with a composition of
his own. This record is probably one of the most outrageous and innovative of the Beat Bad releases.
This recording was way ahead of its time. It is Punk, it is Dance, it
could be considered techno. It was produced in 1980 by Bill and Barry
Knoedl. They utilized an early drum machine called a Rhythm Ace, which was
modified by Barry's brother, George Knoedl, two bass guitars, and for most of
the recording no rhythm guitars. Guitarist, Randy Hudson, had a rack of
every pedal effect available at the time, making his guitar solo on Hound Dog
sound like a steel drum. Tom Juliano plays a solo on Soprano sax that has
a very middle eastern flavor to it. There is an extended instrumental
section in the middle of 'You Ain't No Friend Of Mine' that features Teddy
Karczewski playing guitar through an Arp Avatar (a guitar synthesizer), and
Randy Hudson's guitar through various effects, including ring modulator, phase
shifter, distortion, and comb filter, and playing his guitar with an electric
razor. This 10 minute epic was a unique entry to the Punk market in
1981.
Radio In U.S.A. is a perfect example of Bill
Kern's diversity as a songwriter. Although the song has an
infectiously melody, it is Punk - pure and simple. This 12" version
of Radio In U.S.A. has an a capella tag with 8 part harmonies all performed by
Bill and Barry.
Plus $6.50 Media Mail shipping (shipping discounts for multiple
copies).
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Credits
Hound Dog/You Ain't No
Friend Of Mine Vocal - Bill Kern; Basses - Bill Kern, Barry
Knoedl; Drums - Bill Kern; Rhythm Ace - Ralph Mori, Barry Knoedl, Bill Kern;
Guitar - Randy Hudson (1st solo); Arp Avatar - Teddy Karczewski (2nd Guitar
solo); Sax Tom Juliano; Percussion - Bill Kern, Barry Knoedl, Ralph Mori;
Telephone - Ralph Mori; Inspiration - Elevis Presley, who inspired us all
Radio In U.S.A.
Lead Vocal - Bill Kern; Background Vocals - Barry Knoedl, Joe Schillace, Bill
Kern; Drums - Bill Kern; Bass - Barry Knoedl; Guitar - Joe Schillace; A Capella
Tag - Bill & Barry; Inspiration - Nipo, you asked for it