Obscurity Rules
June 1, 2003

Are these the last days of the obscure rock group? It could be that very soon we’ll live in a time when all bands will have to do make it big will be cut a record (on the cheapo digital recording equipment in the family room) and put it on the web. With the help of a few devoted fans the file will spread to thousands of people, who’ll pay to download it (or not) and eagerly buy a ticket to the band’s next tour. Bada-bing, they’re famous.

This is a few years away, of course. First, the questions about digital music – who owns the music, how much it should cost, why Quicktime won’t work on my fucking computer – must be answered. And broadband needs to become more prevalent, which it will: soon every one of us will have a cable jack in the back of our head (except that one guy who took the red pill from Morphius) and a hard drive full of cool tunes by bands we found on a triple-cross-search that started with the terms ‘belgian gothic trucker funk.’

We at 2Walls.com wish that day would hurry up and arrive. Until then, the obscure album lives on. So we decided to write about a few of our favorite under-the-radar bands. We’re not saying you’ve never heard of these bands – maybe you have. Congratulations. This is not an exercise in rock snobbery, it’s an exercise in amusing ourselves while maybe giving each other, and you, some ideas for your next visit to a record store.

So here are some albums, in no particular order, that you probably don't own, but should. Enjoy. –Brandon Copple

Gumball Super Tasty (1993) by Mike Webb There’s nothing complex going on here, no genre mixing – just good, old fashioned rock n’ roll with loud guitars, slamming drums, and a goofy attitude. Just the way every album ought to be. more>>> Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band Earthdance (1990) by Stephan Finch Don’t listen to much jazz? Doesn’t matter. This album kicks. There’s a groove these guys get into: bass and drums play real low and dark for a minute or two, like a couple of black cats padding around a quiet apartment... more>>> At The Drive-in In/Casino/Out (1998) by Dustin Pangonis Ultimately, it's passion that draws me to music. Conviction. Sincerity. Call it what you will. It's that mysterious "x" factor in music, "that feel" that the best songs just seem to have, and the lesser ones just can't attain. more>>> Supreme Love Gods Supreme Love Gods (1992) by Michael Walls This is one of those CDs that has too much of a personal connection to seriously consider being a "must have" CD for others. But I’ll try to make the argument, beyond my private attachment, and let you be the judge. more>>> Bonnie "Prince" Billy I See A Darkness (1999) by Matthew Scrivner Why, you may ask, should you spend your money on an album that’s guaranteed to put you into a stupor of despair? Because it’s as beautiful as it is sad. Crushingly beautiful. more>>>

Wayne Hancock A-Town Blues (2001) by David Brown As a songwriter, Hancock is nearly perfect. His tunes all fall in the gypsy jazz, southern blues, Texas swing tradition, and every cut on this album is a great one. more>>> The The Dusk (1993) by Michael Walls Johnson has always stretched the boundaries of music genres, crossing over and back again, but never really embracing a particular sound or fad. That is part of the reason The The has transcended decades – it never sounds outdated or unfashionable. more>>> Falco Remix Hits Collection (1992) by Mike Spinney After nearly twenty years, I’m telling you, Falco holds up, and Remix Hits Collection has become and indispensable part of my Spartan musical library. It will remain forever in heavy rotation. more>>> Dave Stephens Swing Orchestra Swing Out (1998) by Chelan David Dashing in a tuxedo and black and white wing-tips, he sipped martinis and mingled with the hotties in the crowd. Occasionally, the orchestra would be in full swing with no frontman while Stephens was busy making time with a starlet at the bar. more>>> Mike Plume Band Song & Dance, Man (1999) by Brandon Copple The Mike Plume Band comes from Alberta. Which is in Canada. How’s that for obscure? I mean, I never would’ve thought people lived in Alberta, let alone that they made music there. more>>>