Tin Huey
(Smog Veil)
Tin Huey was the most musically proficient band in the storied ’70s
Akron music scene. Like Devo, they snagged a major-label deal but broke
up shortly after the 1979 release of their only album. Tagged prog,
they drank from the same jazz-influenced well as Zappa or, much later,
Primus. Like Primus, Huey’s music, while complex, is irreverent and
often goofy. This album gathers 18 tracks, including alternative
versions, outtakes and live tracks, that help flesh out their story.
“Pink Berets” showcases their formidable live ensemble work, while
“Jazz Tune” sends up and pays tribute to their roots. The CD also
includes indicators of a couple of members’ futures:
Multi-instrumentalist Ralph Carney, who later played with Tom Waits,
fronts the group on “Reml” and “Hoseanna,” and “The Comb” is a very
early version of Chris Butler’s Waitresses, performing live at JB’s in
Kent. — Anastasia Pantsios
Face Value
(Smog Veil)
Face Value’s new CD-DVD combo is a must-have Cleveland-punk time
capsule. Filmed at the defunct Empire club, a live 1992 clip of “Coming
of Age” encapsulates everything you need to know about the two-disc
set. The band makes a diverse crowd — in high tops, feathered
hair, ballcaps and tattoos — go completely apeshit and swarm the
stage, raging to a hardcore anthem that’s essentially an old Ozzy riff
played at triple speed. It’s as intense a hardcore moment as you’ll
ever see. The CD includes the classic lineup’s entire discography, plus
unreleased demos. Both discs capture the band evolving from thrash kids
with mullets to crossover contenders who deserve to be remembered.
— D.X. Ferris
Hear music from 2ND HALF and FACE VALUE at clevescene.com/kickingandstreaming
This article appears in Nov 18-24, 2009.
