DC Larson's JUKEBOX JURY

Capsule reviews by a jury of one: Iowa journalist/author DC Larson. Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Blues, Alternative, Western Swing, R and B, Punk, Swing, Hillbilly, Glam, Americana. DC Larson's retro science fiction writing blog, from which the Eddie Atomic Space Adventures are available, is RETRO RIFF BOOKS. And his political writings one is AMERICAN SCENE MAGAZINE. Both are also on Blogspot. All original content on these three blogs is under author copyright.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Demented Are Go

"Black Valium" b/w "Spoonful" single

(Bad Billy)

Sinister "Black Valium" unfurls in slow-motion. The darkness is oppressive. Wah-wah is omnipresent, and each beat plunges into earth. Sparky of the towering quiff and his grotesquely greasepainted mates lurch in teasing psycho-method, only to suddenly tear into hastened dive formation.

DAG's reading of Howlin' Wolf's "Spoonful" is also the stuff of dark dreams. The Blues opus is recast as a stalking claw-wielder. Its pace is accelerated a bit from "Black Valium," but identical menace is projected.

It seems likely no one culpable savors sunshine.

Videos: "Black Valium" "Spoonful" (live, 2022) interview