Thursday, June 26, 2008

10 Questions



Hail Paisley-clad friends!

We're proud and honored with today's "10 Questions" guest, we think you will be, too!

Known as the man who coined the phrase "the Paisley Underground", for better or worse, he's also responsible for some of the best music to come out of the 80s.("Her Head's Revolving" & "Jet Fighter"!!!) Welcome Michael Quercio!



1981 saw him form the Salvation Army, a year later-due to legal problems with the organization going by that name,he changed the band name to The Three O'Clock. (The new name came from the time of day the band rehearsed.) The Three O'Clock issued their 'debut' EP Baroque Hoedown in late 1982, followed by a full length LP in 1983 entitled Sixteen Tambourines. Both the EP and LP were produced by Earle Mankey, and tracks from these releases received some airplay in certain Southern California markets (notably on LA's KROQ, which played "Jet Fighter" from Sixteen Tambourines).

The Three O'Clock then signed to the internationally-distributed I.R.S. Records for their next album, 1985's Arrive Without Travelling. The band had a minor hit with "Her Head's Revolving", the video of which received regular airplay on MTV.

After 1988's Vermillion lp, on Prince's Paisley Park label, failed to connect with a larger fanbase the band called it a day.

The next Quercio-led band was Permanent Green Light, which released a self-titled ep in 1992, and 1993's Against Nature. This band lasted until 1997. Quercio, ever-perservering, formed The Jupiter Affect in 1998 and this remains his vehicle for getting the music out to us.

So, what's this veteran of the scene's take on pychedelia? Read on.

1. In ten words-or less, define "psychedelic music."
Freaky and Lovely



2. What is the most psychedelic instrument, why?
Mellotron--It mimics strings, horns, woodwinds, and makes them sound "otherworldly"

3. Favorite psychedelic album of all time?
"S.F. Sorrow" by The Pretty Things



4. Who is your favorite member of the Byrds (any era) and why?
Chris Hillman-His Bass Playing WOW!

5. You can go back in time and sit in on any recording session; what band recording which album do you choose?
Beatles -Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band


6. What psychedelic album do you wish more people knew about?
"Miss Butters" The Family Tree {RCA 1968}




7. What band, active today, most defines "psychedelic" to you?
Colossal Olmec Head



8. What album would you most like to cover in its entirety, why?
The 2nd Englebert Humperdink album titled "Englebert"
I like the songs and would love to play all the great bass licks the bass player does.


9. Top Ten Psychedelic Songs?
1. Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite- The Beatles
2. See Emily Play- The Pink Floyd
3. The Bitter Thoughts Of Little Jane- Timmon
4. Sad- The Playboys
5. Sidney Gill- The Smoke
6. Balloon Burning- The Pretty Things
7. Alone Again Or..- Love
8. My Clown- July
9. 29 Settembre- Equipe 84
10.Dandelion- The Rolling Stones




10. Turn the tables, if you'd like, and ask me a question.
Michael:Are You Experienced?
valis: In many ways. Like a colossal Olmec Head...

Thank you Michael..! Keep making the music!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great to see answers from the leader of one of my fave bands from the old days. Arrive Without Traveling is a classic. -Mfooz

Anonymous said...

Enlightening and intriguing nods. I must re-explore those tracks and album.

I love this series.

Best,
Musicgnome

Anonymous said...

Whenever I listen to that Rainy Day comp lp I always imagine how cool it would've been to hang out as part of that scene with the Robacks, Michael Q., and those lovely birdy dolls Ms. Hoffs and Ms. Kendra. Great music, vibes and peoples!

Anonymous said...

Hey - I got inspired and made a little comp of Michael's top ten psych tunes - flows really well, a nice listen:

http://rapidshare.com/files/130969701/Michael_Quercio_s_Top_Ten_Psych_Picks.zip