SF on SF - C4AM95

Now a lot you of you guys probably think, man, this SEANFORD dude talks about getting laid a lot. He’s probably over compensating for never getting laid ever. Well, you guys are totally right. The reason is, I drive a beat ass Volvo from 1990.


White Lighting

Not only does this nasty whip only play tapes (out of one speaker) but it actually only plays ONE tape. Despite all the hessian live Priest cassettes that litter my back seat, this gnarly trim wagon will only play ONE side of ONE tape. But to be honest, its not the worst thing in the world, at least it’s my favorite band. THE MOTHER FUCKING CHAMPS.





The Champs (or related bands) have gotten a little love on IC in the past (here and here) and I’m assuming most of you guys are at least tangentially familiar. If you’re not, download this record right here (CHAMPS III) and get lost in an ocean of bong water for the rest of the week. If you don't already own IV, V, and VI, then stop fucking around, fix the belt drive on your turn table, and buy those records with intense urgency (especially IV).

As most of you are aware, the Champs are a bassless three piece, famous for pioneering a genre they themselves refer to as “total music”. Other examples of total music would be IC darlings Hematovore and Austin shredders Pirates of Darkwater (future post). Where as Total Music is their term, I just call it Fancy Metal.



I once did some recordings in SF with Phil Manly (from Trans AM) who had recently joined the Champs for their last record (VI). Over some tasty tortas, Phil “The Dragon Slayer” Manly shared with us that it was actually drummer Tim Soete who was the best guitar player in the band and the writer of many an awesome Champs riff. Not only can he shred at both drums and guitar, the dude can also sing. Which out of 60 champs songs, he only does like 3 times.


actual picture of aforementioned torta session


phil, change your fucking shirt, seriously


I could go on for days about all the other bands these dudes have been in (are in) and I could construct this enormous family tree of fancy metal lineage, but, rather than continue to push the limits of this already wordy post, ill just write about those bands later on (or you guys can just list all your favorites in the comments).

Here now, for the nerds, is Triumph of the Air Elements (lo-fi tape demo from '94), Second 7" (their second 7” from '95), AND a live bootleg from a show in Chapel Hill, NC (year unknown).







ahh, fresh pots