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Biography
Arising out of the ashes of the garage rock act Pussy Galore, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion took shape in the early 1990s, initially creating early demos awash with chaotic noise. Their unpredictable, improvisatory feel outshone the poorly mixed recordings, alluding to the band’s future potential. With their 1992 self-titled effort and their following “Crypt Style” release, the band had began to tighten their recordings and songwriting, offering up solid slabs of blues-tinged garage punk.
The band’s breakthrough was found in 1993, with “Extra Width,” which gained them exposure on MTV’s alt-rock show, “120 Minutes,” with their single and accompanying video “Afro” gaining rotation on the show. The band had tightened up, offering some seriously catchy and funky grooves that were still sounding chaotic to the ear, as if Elvis Presley had taken a shed load of speed and fallen into company with a bunch of anarcho-punks. Yet it was with their live show that the act really stood out, offering a frenetic show that captivated many an audience.
Their next releases displayed a more streamlined sound, with 1994’s “Orange,” 1996’s “Now I Got Worry” and 1998’s “Acme” finding them an ever-growing legion of fans. Despite growing success, the band took a four year hiatus, not returning until 2002 with “Plastic Fang.” A move from Matador Records to Sanctuary ushered in a new polished sound with 2004’s “Damage.” Three years later, they released the “Jukebox Series,” on new label In The Red Records before again announcing a hiatus.
In 2010 they returned to the fore, playing a number of shows in support of their catalog been reissued. New material was soon on the way, with the release of 2012’s “Meat + Bone,” leading the way for “Freedom Tower: No Wave Dance Party 2015,” a homage to their hometown of New York City, released in 2015, featuring the production talent of Alap Momin.
Live reviews
There’s something faintly ridiculous about watching a man in leather trousers, drenched in sweat, putting on a stagey blues voice, basically pretending to be Elvis and repeatedly shouting the name of his band…yet somehow Jon Spencer gets away with it and even makes it seem quite cool. Weird, huh? The above is basically what happens at a Jon Spencer Blues Explosion show; you’ll be asked to testify, shout “Blues Explosion, ow!” numerous times while the crazy, sweaty man guides his band through a bunch of tracks which mix garage rock, glam and punk to incredible effect. Spencer and his band (Judah Bauer and Russell Simins) have been converting gig-goers through the power of rock and roll since 1991 and their many albums have seen few stylistic changes. And that’s because no changes are needed; ‘Dang’ from the brilliant Orange remains a stunning primal blast of blues, ‘Wail’ (taken from Now I Got Worry) remains as dirty and sleazy as ever while the newer tracks like ‘Help These Blues’ sound brutally loud and unrefined, and don’t miss any of the studio trickery and guest spots which peppered the Damage album of 2004. In the end, you are completely taken in by Spencer’s shape-throwing preacher antics and the only thing you can do is testify. All together now: “Blues Explosion, ow!”
AndyHannah
I saw the Blues Explosion a couple of years ago, and it was one of the best concerts I've ever attended, utterly infectious skewed rock n roll that had me screaming.
But this time around with the "Hitmakers", he's touring a very weak albums of songs that don't have the reckless feel of classic Blues Explosion but rather a thrown-off feel. The freedom Tower album - the last with thew actual Blues Explosion - of a few years ago was a very good album, doing the legacy proud. But the Hitmakers one gives nothing much for Spencer and the band to build on in concert.
The players he's with have no character at all unlike the wild, but focussed-as-one unit, which is the Blues Explosion. They just seem like nobodies Spencer's picked up, a pick-up band.
I can't believe it after the brilliant Blues Explosion concert that got me totally fired up, but I left the Hitmakers concert before the end.
pressburgerpowell
jsbx was awesome. loud, fast, dirty, sexy and in your face. Jon,Judah and Russell played some great rock and roll. the New Songs were good. I especially enjoyed the older stuff off the first albums and Blues Explosion man was how they closed it out with use of the theremin and effects. I am a fan for life. the first time I saw them was at jabber jaw opening for the Jesus Lizard. I've got all their records. Orange, Extra Width, and the remix EP are my favorites. also openers, We are Hex, were very good too. I got t shirts, Records, signatures and handshakes and went home deaf tired and horny. what more can you ask for
griffballs
Live, John Spencer never disappoints. This line up is perfect for him to groove out in his edgy rocking way. He belts out song after song with riffs that make you move and once in a while even throws in some social commentary. He’ a smart guy who knows how to reach your pelvis. Love him. Bob Bert adds the right raunchy accents and is fun to watch as he assaults a giant gas tank with hammers. I was lucky enough to be here when Julie Caffritz joined in for the encores with a “fuck you” like only she can deliver. Don’t miss them if they land in your neck of the woods.
donna-hamilton-5
I have been a fan since mid nineties. Just wanted you to know that your unique, bad ass sound has always impressed me. Thank God you guys are still kicking it. I'm a musician who retired in 2009 because of an evil succubus spawn of Satan. I am getting back into the scene again and hope to someday kick it with you cool mfn cats. Thanks for your bad ass off the wall charts that compare to no other. Jon Spencer blues explosion, unlike no other. Thank you
chetschoeneberg
Mercy Lounge is a great spot to see a band in Nashville
The front door people were quite helpful and the bartenders poured nice double Jack n Cokes. The space can hold up to 500 people only around 125 showed up. Looked like a loyal crowd. Problem was the volume was way to loud. Not enough people to soak up the sound. I have waited since their 1998 Acme CD to see them live. All told not a spot on night.
patrick-jf-hintz
The Blues Explosion put on a brilliant show. Punky bluesy rock and roll you can dance to. Mr Jon Spencer is a great performer, singing with gusto and getting the crowd involved. Judah Bauer rocks the guitar and Russell Simms beats the crap out of the drum kit in the funkiest way possible. Non-stop energetic good times. If they play near you, don't miss them.
doubleloop
The Legendary Tigerman was brilliant. What an artist!!!
JSBX was good, but nothing more. I know them since more than 20 years, but in one hour I haven't recognized any song of them. It sounds all similar and like a mixtape! Perhaps it was even the lousy sound from their amps. Pity!
DJlling
