I used to randomly do a series called Prompted by Other Blogs. I explained how I'm always cruising around the interweb, looking for interesting music. I'll see or hear something out there that sets me on a path. Well, I haven't visited that series for quite some time (since October 2023). That was Part 11. I'm reviving it again for this share, Prompted by Other Blogs Part 12. To celebrate its rebirth, this one is gonna be a multi-part share.
Khayem over at Dubhed on May 13, 2026 shared some Jon Spencer &...
I realized that I had a hella lot of music that Spencer was involved in but that I had never shared, Prompted by Dubhed, that's about to change.
I think I first became aware of Jon Spencer through another band that I really esteem, Jerry Teel's Honeymoon Killers. I've shared their music plenty around here. Like Jon Spencer, Jerry Teel has been in many bands & worked with many artists. When I first got Honeymoon Killers - Hung Far Low (shared here) I saw that Jerry & co-Honeymoon Killer Lisa Wells were joined by one Jon Spencer. The name rang a bell from one of Teel's other projects, Boss Hog. While checking out that band I realized that both Spencer & his mate Christina Martinez were part of Pussy Galore,
From then on I think I over time gathered up everything Jon Spencer I could find. It was shortly after Hung Far Low was released that Jon Spencer Blues Explosion exploded onto the music scene & finding Jon's work became easier.
It's worth noting that his career spans over four decades crafting some of the edgiest, most frictional & discordant roots music ever appearing on major or indie labels. A variety of sonically boundary-pushing outfits such as Pussy Galore, Boss Hog, Heavy Trash, Jon Spencer & the HIT Makers & unquestionably his most popular one, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion were all helmed by Spencer.
So let's start at the beginning of this mess & see if we can get things straightened out.
Thanks Khayem...
Jon Spencer & Julie Cafritz started the garage noise / punk band Pussy Galore in Washington, D.C. in 1985. After the duo released their debut Feel Good about Your Body 7" EP, they were joined by Neil Hagerty of Royal Trux band. The band relocated to New York where they added Bob Bert of Sonic Youth & Spencer's girlfriend Cristina Martinez.
Here's their first full-length, released on numberd cassettes, limited to 550 copies. This is a complete cover version of the Rolling Stones 1972 release...
Side 1 -
Rocks Off
Rip this Joint
Hip Shake
Casino Boogie
Tumbling Dice
Sweet Virginia
Torn & Frayed
Sweet Black Angel
Loving Cup
Side 2 -
Happy
Turd on the Run
Ventilator Blues
Just Wanna See His Face
Let it Loose
All Down the Line
Stop Breaking Down
Shine a Light
Soul Survivor
The band released four albums, then called it quits in 1989. Spencer quickly formed Boss Hog along with Christina Martinez. The band also consisted of guitarist Jerry Teel, guitarist Kurt Wolf, bassist Pete Shore, & drummer Charlie Ondras with guest guitarist & vocalist Santiago Durango & keyboardist Kurt Hoffman on their first full-length..
Gerard
Eddy
Bug Purr
Red Bull
Go Wrong
Pete Shore
Domestic
Duchess
Pop Catastrophe
The following year, Spencer would explode with his Blues Explosion. See you tomorrow.
Enjoy,
NØ
