Now, despite what Newcombe says in the above video it is not as easy as you might hope to find all of his music on the internet. After struggling though, I did.
This release, I feel, is particularly important to share as the usual and understandable place to start with BJM is Tepid Peppermint Wonderland: A Retrospective. This album was recorded on TVT Records, which as we all know may function more like a major than any other indie. Though actually with even less patience as this was BJM's only record with them, and they were followed by an almost as brief period with GbV. Naturally, the label would not share these tracks for that wonderful compilation. It sure is a shame as the band was on a roll as much as ever and the record highlights many of the band's strong points.
Recorded during their time in Los Angeles, their sound is rooted as much in 60s psychedelia and the Velvets as ever. However, his album named after an 80s Bowie quote not only is the most typically 90s indie rock I've heard from them but also explored the subtle nuances of 90s psychedelia revivalists. There is no better example of this than the Elephant 6 (Specifically Gerbils-esque) pop of "Jennifer," besides maybe "Dawn" with Newcombe seeming emulating Wayne Coyne. Likewise the magnificent opener "Going to Hell" Newcombe gets in touch with his inner Dylan more than just musically to outstanding results. Tracks like "Nothing to Lose," "Dawn," and "Lantern," are typical BJM at their finest being the perfect medium between Spacemen 3 and Rain Parade. This album is a little more acoustic guitar and organ heavy than a lot of BJM's other work, but not of course with any less of Joel Gion's famous tambourine. Keep the revolution going!
The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Strung Out in Heaven (1998)
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