Respected Freeform Station To Risk FCC License With Condo Fucks Session
March 19th, 2009 at 3:20 pm by Gerard
To commemorate next Tuesday’s release of the long-awaited Condo Fucks LP/CD, ‘Fuckbook’, the fearsome threesome of Kid Condo, Georgia Condo and James McNew have recorded a live set for Joe Belock’s “Three Chord Monte” program, to be aired that same day, March 24 between 12-3pm. You can listen online at WFMU.org, or in the greater NYC area on 91.1 FM.
(preorder ‘Fuckbook’ on LP, CD from the Matador Store)
March 19th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Yoohoo! Condo Fucks, can you hear us? We’re waiting for you…
http://fuckthecondofucks.com/
March 19th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
as a Connecticut native, I have only the deepest respect for the region’s artistic community and I deeply regret offense has been taken in this instance. That said, I sincerely doubt there is any malicious intent on the part of the Condo Fucks (I can’t speak for the guys who made the youtube documentary, however — they might have all sorts of problems with New London).
I cannot speak for the band but over at label central we wish our friends in New London nothing but the best, and do hope most right thinking persons will reject and repudiate a rival artist’s attempts to make a name for themselves at the Condo Fucks’ expense (though I have to admit, it’s a pretty good idea).
March 19th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
…until you listen to that “rival artist’s” MySpace, and realize that they’re not even worth it.
Rich Martin and Peter Detmold don’t seem to be having a problem with any of this, and they’re both about as New London as you can get.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Actually I heard The Reducers weren\\\’t impressed with The Condo Fucks lack of respect for or connection with New London. Who is Rich Martin, and why is he \\
March 20th, 2009 at 11:46 am
I don’t think anyone in New London is reeeeallllly taking offense to the Condo Fucks thing. It’s all in fun. But it does seem like there’s some ribbing of the N.L. scene going on, which kinda sucks because New London has a interesting tradition of rock n’ roll and an outsized collection of dedicated bands for a small town, including one called Fatal Film that I would highly recommend. Also, and this is related more to the video, NL is not really the pastoral wonderland it’s made out to be. It’s basically a depressed port city, not unlike Hoboken. It seems like if YLT wants to create publicity for their album by pretending to be from New London, it’s fair game for a New London band to run with it.
You can read a bit about the New London scene here:
http://www.moistworks.com/2005/10/hot-prob-fatal-film-video-bowling.html
March 20th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Heard of the Reducers, good band back in the day. Who is Rich Martin? What is The Condo Fuck’s connection (or lack thereof) with New London? Someone please tell me. Also, this fuckthecondofucks.com thing is hilarious! Seems like they asked for it, after all, whoever they are.
March 20th, 2009 at 11:56 am
New London is nothing. Staten Island is where it’s at.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Oh boy, everyone is on the edge of their seats to see what these no-name connecticut bands think! get a life! Nothing like a New London band moving to Brooklyn then being upset! If it\\\’s so great why did you move to Brooklyn? to get \\\’signed\\\’? Yawn.
March 20th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
A.W.,
anything I have to say about the state of the contemporary New London music scene would be an uninformed opinion and I thank you for the tips. But I would like to stress the following —
a) the video in question was neither commissioned or produced by members of the Condo Fucks. If aspiring documentarians wish to do their own research, the band are powerless to stop them.
b) this is the first time I have ever heard it suggested (and keep in mind, I’m still learning about marketing) that “pretending to be from New London” is a useful means to generate publicity.
best wishes
Gerard
March 20th, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Let’s stress that we think that Yo La Tengo and, heck, even the Condo Fucks are great. Swell, we say. But we’re just trying to have a little fun with the fun they’re having. That’s all.
And, Gerard, “pretending to be from New London” seems to be generating a little publicity, doesn’t? (Keep in mind I’m still learning about marketing).
March 20th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Bring the Condo Fucks back to New London, that they might better appreciate their non-fictional and very much existent roots. (The beer is cheap and the people love music, if that helps make the sale.)
And that’s all that we mean when we say: Fuck The Condo Fucks
March 20th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
i dont understand why theres all this player hatin’ is going around about New London… I grew up on the streets of N.L. and shit was raw. We had a really cool music scene coming up. CondoFucks just dont know. I just got the newest Conversion Party album and it was that dope shit. New London represent!!!
March 20th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Does Matador have an official statement about this? Just curious.
March 20th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
For anybody who is wondering about the New London “Bands” or “artistic community”, many of us can be found through a great little website wailingcity.com as well as through tons of mySpace and Facebook pages. Rich Martin, along with Sean Murray, are the big rock show promoters in town- you may have heard of the Oasis, The El N’ Gee, and productions like I AM Festival and SailFest, just a few of the dandies these guys have been involved with over the years. Then there are the bands, the wealth of diversity pretty freakin’ astounding, and our own local labels, Rave On Records and Cosmodemonic Telegraph (also Rich Martin)
Some of the heavy hitter bands I’d personally recommend giving a listen include:
The Reducers, Fatal Film, Conversion Party, Paul Brockett Roadshow Band, Suicide Dolls, Chasing Trinity, Recur Occurrence, Roadside Attractions, Gounod, The Weird Beards, Mustache, Incognito Sofa Love, Gone For Good, Brazen Hussy, Lo-Fi Radiostars, Matt Gouette, Anne Castellano, Dan & Liz, The Can Kickers, Electric Noise Act, Superbald. And other amalgams of these artists as well as the folk and country people, and the college bands. For a little depressed port town, we’re pretty kick-ass. So whatever groovy publicity Matador or the Condo Fucks are getting out of us, kick back a little, eh? We scratch yours, you scratch ours… Oh, and by the way, at least do one show in actual New London, for goodness’ sake!
March 20th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
Forgive me for figuring that the many people “defending” New London were actually, you know, from New London. And not from Brooklyn or something.
“Who’s Rich Martin?” – Rich Martin runs Cosmodemonic Telegraph, the biggest indie label from New London ever (the previously mentioned Fatal Film are on Cosmodemonic). Rich also was/is in the New London bands Grand Passion, Lo-Beam, and Brazen Hussy.
Rich set up the listening party for the Condo Fucks CD at the Dutch Tavern in New London. The Dutch is owned by Peter Detmold of the Reducers.
Honestly, the FTCF thing is an awesome idea. I’d be right on board if the band behind it maybe had a good song or two, instead of just an urge to stick their faces in front of everybody.
March 20th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
“Gerard, “pretending to be from New London” seems to be generating a little publicity, doesn’t it?”
well, yeah. Not nearly enough if you ask me, but some for sure. And I give much of the credit to the persons responsible for starting Fuck The Condo Fucks. I just wish you guys didn’t have to be so profane about it.
My official statement on the matter is that I think it’s totally (fucking) awesome that in the year 2009 someone is recommending we check out The Reducers. I can only hope that in several years if one of us makes a joke about Worcester, MA, friends and family of The Odds picket our offices (actually, I’ll be even happier if we have offices in several years).
Seriously, folks I think we’ve all learned a valuable lesson here. The New London music scene, while perhaps not as heralded as those in Albany, NY or Youngstown, PA, is vibrant, diverse, and fully deserving of our respect and deeper investigation. The Condo Fucks represent just one of the city’s many cultural offerings. Thank you.
GC
March 20th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
while my good friends fatal film/conversion party have done a wonderful job promoting themselves, they really didn’t give the people outside of new london a chance to see what our scene is really like. don’t get me wrong, i love those guys, but while we have your attention, i don’t see why we shouldn’t spread the word on our ENTIRE scene.
http://www.myspace.com/newlondon
http://www.myspace.com/wailingcity
http://www.wailingcity.com
these are a few websites that feature MANY of the new london bands, area venues, popular hang-outs and new london personalities. New London is a really cool town to come and play, and many up-and-coming bands have been figuring this out on their own. bands from california to NYC, from france to australia, have been discovering that there is something about this city that draws people in…
i am in a band (the suicide dolls) and have been on 2 tours in the last year and a 1/2.
there were some comments above eluding to the fact that new london’s scene isn’t as vibrant as, say, youngstown OH, etc.
from my experience, new london has one of the most vibrant scenes ANYWHERE. there are far bigger cities that have a lot less going on than our little town. it definitely has it’s downsides and flaws, but in no way am i bragging by saying we have the best scene in CT, and the best scene in southern new england in general.
there really IS something going on here. if yr interested, than you should seriously look over those websites and check some of new london out.
Paul Revere burned this city to the ground during the revolutionary war. those ashes STILL
produce a creative torment for those of us who live here.
Respect, bitches. Respect.
March 21st, 2009 at 2:36 am
I’m assuming that Gerard (aka GC) is Gerard Cosloy. If that’s the case then let me first say that I realize you can do whatever the fuck you want since you started Matador, but let me add that I’m also a big fan of the catalog you’ve assembled over the years. (I know that means a lot to you, but seriously, Pavement? Fucking Brilliant, man.)
Having started this mess (fuckthecondofucks.com was, indeed, sort of my idea) let me just say that I think you’ve missed the point. Outside of this twat ‘Brushback,’ — who, as far as I can tell, is not from New London and spends most of his time online cataloging his periods and his bowel movements and generally talking out of his ass — no one is recommending that you check out The Reducers. Or The Odds (Good one!) or whatever obscure regional band you can pull out of your indie ass.
No one is picketting your offices either, you arrogant twit. This isn’t about us having a vibrant, diverse scene fully deserving of your respect. The bottom line is: You’ve fucked with us. So we’re fucking with you. Get it? That’s it. You’re trying to be punk. We’re trying to be punker.
Long ago, when The Condo Fucks were a mere fake-out blurb in a sea of fake-out promotional blurbs inside my copy of “I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One,” we here in New London were in on the joke. But now that you’ve decided to dress your flagship band up in our colors and actually release a goddammed record, well, yes, we want some.
Sorry, but that’s just the way I feel.
Frankly, what I’m most surprised by is your surprise. The idea that you are surprised that a small, insular community would want to take up their pitchforks and cowbells and make some noise about this reveals that your original statement about having “the deepest respect for the region’s artistic community,” is complete horseshit.
So until you trick Bob Pollard into releasing The Quadsmen LP, or you figure out how Fucked Up can sell the Unsanitary Napkins “S/T”, or Jay Reatard puts out GI Joe Extreme “Declares War,” or you get Chan Marshall to record “Anyone For Paisley?,” you can go fuck yourself.
And if you’re wondering, yes, I am drunk. And, yes, it was scotch.
Signed,
M. Matthew Clark a.k.a. Red (the Man) Crawford – Still Loves You
March 21st, 2009 at 7:02 am
Mr. Clark,
Brushback has a fairly long track record of championing the Nutmeg state’s underground rock scene. If he’s found your particular musical charms elusive, I’m sure we can agree this is his loss.
“no one is recommending that you check out The Reducers.”
On the contrary, Sir. Ms. Daphne Glover — whom I sincerely hope is a real person and not part of some imagined conspiracy of yours to make your fellow New Londoners look like chumps, wrote in this very forum, “some of the heavy hitter bands I’d personally recommend giving a listen include:
The Reducers, Fatal Film, Conversion Party, Paul Brockett Roadshow Band, etc.” So yes, someone HAS recommended that we check out the Reducers.
“Frankly, what I’m most surprised by is your surprise. The idea that you are surprised that a small, insular community would want to take up their pitchforks and cowbells and make some noise about this reveals that your original statement about having ‘the deepest respect for the region’s artistic community,’ is complete horseshit.”
I’m more grateful than surprised. Our marketing budget for this project is extremely limited in these tough times and to have a third party working so hard — sans payment from us — to generate attention for the Condo Fucks’ challenging works, is simply remarkable.
Ms. Suicide, I hate to be pedantic but I did not write that New London’s scene was less vibrant than Youngstown, OH’s. I said it was “perhaps not as heralded as those in Albany, NY or Youngstown, PA”. Clearly, you and Mr. Clark are doing an admirable job of addressing said recognition gap.
Unless someone from Albany or Youngstown would like to write in and argue their scenes aren’t actually heralded at all, I do hope we can put this matter to rest until sunrise.
thank you. And God Bless New London, CT.
Gerard
March 21st, 2009 at 8:30 am
So far as I can tell the only thing Brushback has a fairly long track record of doing is being a huge asshole.
This is a guy who’s occupation is listed as: ruining it for everyone.
Whose favorite books include: the kind that are just the right thickness to keep the dining room table level.
I can’t think of anyone i’d like to have representing CT’s music scene…less.
March 21st, 2009 at 9:49 am
And peace spread across the land.
New London’s got great bands. YLT should come play among them.
We are fun in person, even Clark.
FTCF.
March 21st, 2009 at 10:30 am
Wow, “NLC Cops”, you saw my Blogger profile. Gee, thanks. I guess we’re all supposed to appreciate Conversion Party’s crummy sense of humor, but everyone else isn’t allowed their own chance to make a few dopey jokes.
“You’ve fucked with us. So we’re fucking with you. Get it? That’s it. You’re trying to be punk. We’re trying to be punker.” So is that why, when someone (not me) left a comment on FTCF saying “I hope Conversion Party is also a fake band, because if you’re not then you’re really boring”, right away you guys deleted it? Sure. Up teh p0nx, dude.
If you look at the Condo Fucks song titles and the mini-documentary as a whole, there’s way more references to New Haven and Danbury and Naugatuck than New London. Monsterland is mentioned a few times, and those guys think it’s pretty funny. What’s the big deal?
March 21st, 2009 at 11:31 am
Well, golly gee, if this hasn’t been a fun exercise in self-flagellation for a little-scene-that-could. Note to self (and Clark) drunk blogging can look silly and awkward at best (especially when it’s the brown flavored liquid fueling yr fingers).
I, for one, think the Condo Fucks is a great little project. Love the raw, off-the-cuff take on the classic tracks. It’s great to have a collection of these sort of rockers from YLT who have always managed to sprinkle them throughout their best efforts. That they chose to roll with the trompe l’oeil facade of “New London’s legendary trio Condo Fucks” is just icing on the gravy for music lovers (and bands alike) from our arty little hood – even if it was taking the piss out on Connecticut just a wee bit (and who is to say we don’t deserve every drop?).
And by the way, Brushback has a long history in this state and in the lore of zines (that long predate bloggy rantings) that demands more than drunken shots across the bow. Check out yr history and respect peeps who’ve been at it longer than you, they must be doing something right with their time and energy – exempli gratia: The Reducers, Brushback, Matador and Yo La Tengo.
I had a blast hosting the listening party for ‘Fuckbook’ at the Dutch. Made for a good raucous night of beer swilling and music talking for sure. Of course, I had sweet thoughts of our old skool heroes, The Condo Fucks, making the scene. Of course, it’s hard to know what motivates an imaginary band. I heard they were down the road at the O checking out the Fatal Film/Brazen Hussy show.
Gerard, I’ve got a couple of dates in mind that would be a great fit if the band wants in on any bills!
March 21st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Its obvious from Brushback’s and Conn Job’s comments that they are ill-informed haters with poor musical taste. The fact is all of the members of Conversion Party have strong ties to New London, musically and otherwise, and at least one of them is a long time resident of the city proper. Conversion Party is actually sort of a New London all-star group with members from such New London bands as Fatal Film, Ringers and Megalomaniac. Its true that two members now live in Brooklyn, and that the band has been playing NYC, but they have by no means abandoned the Whaling City. In fact Conversion Party rehearse in New London every weekend, and are playing at the Bank Street Cafe in New London on Saturday, March 27th. So instead of anonymously hating on the band I suggest Brushback and Conn Job (and anyone who digs local original rock n roll) come to the show, get a free copy of Conversion Party’s debut CD \\
March 21st, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I attended the listening party for ‘Fuckbook’ at The Dutch Tavern. I liked the album and would like to hear it played live, in New London of course.
Michelle Suicide- It was Benedict Arnold who burned New London, not Paul Revere.
March 21st, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Again, this was supposed to be fun, but I had no idea publicity stunts took so much work. To bed with this thing, yes.
Gerard, thank YOU. I admit I’ve had fun in your forum and I appreciate your willingness to engage me on my level.
Martin, I’m sober now, and I can clearly see the dribble on your chin. Also, you and Brushback can hold each other’s dicks while you commiserate about the fall of Forced Exposure and kids these days not paying their dues, but I’m embracing the internet, the place for greatness.
And seriously, come on down Condo Fucks. New London would love to have you.
That’s it for me.
MMC
March 21st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
First off – Lame. This forum chat should have had a dress rehearsal.
P.S.
As one of the few to be raised in New London, the only band I ever remember being from New London was in fact The Condo Fucks. Glad to see they are back. The Condo Fucks are not Yo La Tango, as Yo La Tango know the best way to gain notice for one’s self is to tour and not to pull publicity stunts.
and James McNew…don’t you dare think for one moment I forgot about that crap you pulled at the Ocean Beach video arcade. You show your face in New London and you’re pretty much a dead man.
Brian Suicide
March 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
on a purely selfish level, i’m just glad no one noticed that i said it was paul revere, and not benedict arnold who burned NL to the ground! nothing like a know-it-all who gets it wrong. guess a few of us enjoy drunk-blogging here…
i know the condo fucks are busy preparing for their sold-out world tour…maybe we’ll see a slew of NL bands as opening acts? hmmmmmm….
March 22nd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
i won’t be getting back those last five minutes of my life.
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Hey Marko, have you noticed that some of the people leaving comments here have their names in red letters? That means when you click on their name, there’s a link that goes to their web site– so therefore they’re not commenting anonymously. Unlike yourself.
Thanks for the tip on how to find local original rock n roll, though. I’m not sure I would’ve figured that one out without your help.
March 22nd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Dear Brushback,
Apply handbroom in a back-to-front direction. Remove sand. Thank you.
Vive le contretemps.
FTCF.
March 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 am
Good, I’m glad. You’re a dick.
March 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
hey – I want to apologize on behalf of Monsterland for the confusion in the Condo Fucks Video doc- as we not a New London band(from mega lame Danbury scene) – although pretty sure we played their once. so not sure why we were singled out in this vid. but appreciate being remembered even in a joking way. (And why the hell weren’t the talented ZAMBONIS mentioned during the zamboni segment of the vid?)
New London has had a long standing scene from and we crossed paths with many at the Nightshift in Naugatuck. great times. is anyone from NEw Johnny 5 on here?
its too bad people are frustrated scenesters and can’t take a joke.
I hope we dont start a gang war and lose talented musicians(and bloggers)to drive-by shooting all from someone’s interpretation of a ‘dis”.
please don’t hate us- if you even remember us.
Hey Dave Brushback – keep the CT scene alive – “One Base on An Overthrow” rules for keeping me informed on the new bands in CT.
Greg Vegas
March 24th, 2009 at 11:20 am
From an earlier post. Agreed.
# stopheles Says:
March 20th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Seems particularly lame for YLT to be claiming that NL is a backwater with no scene to speak of, when it’s not only had a vibrant and talented music scene for decades, but includes a radio station that’s always been really supportive of YLT and several bands (most notably the Reducers) who come from the same sensibility and level of talent as YLT do.
I just don’t see the point in pretending that it’s a tiny town with no bands to speak of and no places for people to play. NL managed to find its own sound and its own scene, one as varied as Hoboken’s, without being across the river from NYC. Maybe they could pretend that there were no bands of note from Queens, or Minneapolis, or Chapel Hill next? Maybe they could claim to be the only band of note to emerge from the Dalton School?
March 24th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
UH OH. Looks like an unaffiliated party has posted a video in response to this whole fiasco called “The Myth of the Condo Fucks: An Investigation.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmT4-JfTjTU&feature=player_embedded
Of course, the video in question was neither commissioned or produced by members of Conversion Party, or anyone else in New London for that matter. If aspiring documentarians wish to do their own research, we are powerless to stop them. Too bad.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I don’t think there have been nearly enough videos produced on this specific topic. Until DIY tributes/investigations regarding the Condo Fucks outnumber the movies made about Joey Buttafucco, I will not be satisfied.
The clip itself is pretty nifty (if poorly soundtracked) and the little slice of life bits more than live up to what I’d previously hailed as New London’s “vibrant and diverse” music scene.
March 24th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Poorly soundtracked? Give these guys a break – they’re working on a shoestring budget.
March 24th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
“the wailing city” – isn’t that jerusalem?
March 24th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Will someone please get Matador Records to sign Conversion Party so we can all get on with our lives
March 24th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
That video is beyond excruciating.
How many of those pre-teen skateboards, sorority girls, mustachioed used car salesmen, and hacky-sack playing hip-hoppers have heard of The Conversion Party? Yeah, I thought so.
Also, disparaging your Nutmeg State rock elders (Brushback, Rich Martin) at the end of the video proves that you guys aren’t out to promote your “scene” (where was said scene in that video anyway?), but shameless self-promotion.
March 24th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
yeah, gerard. come on. let’s all get on with our lives.
captainfiction.com/conversion_party
March 24th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Defending the purported “Nutmeg State rock elders” in Eugene O’Neill’s name is disparaging to Eugene O’Neill.
March 24th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Gerard is officially a good sport.
Conversion Party is officially a good rock and roll band and up for a good prank, as is a certain a Hoboken trio I know and love.
The rest of youse: your taste for your own old days is starting to sound like a Springsteen song. Not in a good way.
FTCF
March 24th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Again, Gerard and all the folks at Matador… Thank you.
Or you’re welcome. I can’t figure out which it is.
Regardless, this has been fun, despite the fact that some of our compatriots are suicidal.
Best,
MMC
March 25th, 2009 at 10:26 am
@ Eugene O’Neill,
The “mustachioed used car salesman” YOU seem so eager to disparage in your own comments, is I believe Vinnie Scarano, who last time I checked (it’s been a while since I was in town), was in charge of one of New London’s Hygienic Gallery–one of the local arts scene’s strongest pillars. You’re obviously not the kind of New London guy your poorly-chosen namesake was. I don’t know this Rich Martin or Brushback, but if either of them can’t see the fun and humor in what the web site people are doing or whatever, I say they deserve to be poked fun at (especially Brushback, who seems like a real pill). So many on here seem to be taking this too seriously. I thought it was funny that somebody decided to mess with the Condo Fucks right back. Maybe now people in New London will check out the Condo fucks, and the Condo Fucks will actually check out New London.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
This is ridiculous. I live here in New London and have for nearly 15 years. I never have heard of this band Conversion Party (who apparently started that masturbatory website – sure “it’s having a little fun”) ’til someone informed me that they were a bunch of frat guy journalists that have played only two shows in New London since being a band a couple years ago. Seriously?
And now these clowns are acting like they love New London for free publicity? I saw a picture of them, and I’ve never seen any of those guys in my life (except for the drummer who’s the lead singer in that band Fatal Film, who deserves to get signed to Matador much more than these guys).
Again, I’ve lived in New London for about 15 years and don’t recognize 3/4 of that band. I go to countless concerts, monthly art openings and events in this city (and it is a really cool city with a cool music scene) and have never seen those three guys in my life. I heard that most of those guys are originally from rich suburbs outside of New London and that most of them live in Brooklyn or Philly or something like that. I guess we know now who is claiming to be based out of New London for promotional purposes… you think Yo La Tengo needs New London for press? Ha!
Gerard, I have so much respect for you for being who you are and still dealing with these frat-boy-turn-indie-rocker, Camus-reading, Smithwicks-drinking twenty-somethings that think they are the shit. Why don’t you Fuck The Condo Fucks guys get a life and try to get noticed for the music you play… oh wait… that sucks too.
Robert
-proud New London resident
March 25th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
With all due respect, Girslcan’ttell: Perhaps you should not tell regarding the “kind of New London guy” Eugene O’Neill was.
Eugene O’Neill was not appreciated by New London in his own time, nor did he quite love the place. In fact, much of the Whaling City believed him to be “a stewbum who never did nothing for New London.”
Let the record show per chapter 12, section III, article 4 of the Autocolonic Telephone archives:
EXCERPT FROM RECORDING #32 OF CONVERSATION VIA SEANCE AT MONTE CRISTO COTTAGE WITH EUGENE ONEILL’S GHOST:
“Why are you bugging me? I thought I told you to leave me alone after the 31st time you invoked my spirit. I still don’t like New London. That’s why I’m always drunk when I’m stuck here at Dad’s cottage. A living hangover is one thing. The ones in the afterlife are a motherfu****! Can’t a man just shuffle off his mortal coil and move on?!?! Now get the hell out of here before I conjure up that pyro Bennie Arnold to spontaneously combust that trick-or-treat trivet you call a planchette!”
March 25th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
A few solid points:
Most of the members of the gay themed band “Conversion Party” are not from New London.
I thought Yo La Tengo was just a record you had to flip through to get to the cool ones. Had I known they fucked condos, well…
The Dutch Tavern is a fine lunch destination.
See you at the show? (I have my fingers crossed for Yellow Magic Orchestra covers)
March 26th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Look here-CondoFucks are fucking awesome, and all naysayers need to just shut up. End it now.
March 26th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Matt Clark, you’re an embarrassment to New London (which really doesn’t even make sense seeing how you’re not even from NL, you’re from Stonington.) Both Rich and Gerard were very polite and your responses make you come off as the arrogant twit. You’re punk? I can’t even remember the last time I saw you at a NL show. The only thing that your ranting has proved is that you are ignorant, stuck up and can’t take a joke. Yes, I get the idea. You guys are trying to get your name out there by starting shit with the condo fucks. brilliant. Only problem is that in the mean time you are making our town look like a bunch of whiny bitches who can’t take a joke when in fact, it’s just you and Ben Johnson. (who might I add, also does not live in NL.) Go write about Spoon, you blithering idiot.
March 27th, 2009 at 1:09 am
To the guys behind Fuck the Condo Fucks: Both Rich and Gerard were very polite and your responses to them and the whole Condo Fuck situation make you come off as the arrogant twits. The only thing that your ranting has proved is that you can’t take a joke. Yes, I get the idea. You guys are trying to get your name out there by starting shit with the Condo Fucks. Brilliant. The only problem is that in the mean time you are making our town look like a bunch of whiny bitches who can’t take a joke when in fact, it’s just you. Please do not speak on behalf of a town that neither of you even live in.
March 28th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
@ Penny P, Taylor C. Jimmy F Gladstone and Robert. You’re all very, very late to the “party,” if those are your REAL names. Methinks you all protest to much……I bestow upon all of you the rating of epic failure and wah-wahs of the highest order.
March 29th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Seems ironic that Robert, Jimmy, Penny P, Taylor, etc. are attacking CP for not being “New London enough” in a blog post devoted to a fictional band that has no connection whatsoever to New London. I’m not sure if it’s ironic or just sad. One of the reasons I got involved with the New London scene was that it never seemed all that exclusive. Sucks to see the village “elders” closing ranks and shutting the gates.
March 29th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I’ve never lived in New London, but it’s my go-to for shows and art openings and I’ve always been made to feel welcome. My artwork has been in galleries and I’ve seen bands play big and small—the out-of-town acts leave impressed by the NL hospitality (with Rich making them lasagna and throwing them after-parties.)
No one is disputing the wealth of New London’s creative culture—there’s impressive talent and a sense pride and ownership over place, but also a humble, inclusive attitude that is NL’s signature.
Isn’t the community of artists and musicians in New London more supportive than this? What makes the NL scene great is it’s people—the sum is greater than it’s parts. Some of the comments on this blog make me think otherwise.
March 29th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Anyone who takes any of this seriously is an “epic fail”. The whole thing is a total goof. That is my “official statement”.
March 29th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Brava, Penny, you’ve demonstrated tremendous courage and intelligence here. I’d love nothing more than to spend all night in an all-out New London-cred battle royale, but I don’t know what to call you, so we’ll skip it.
If living within the city limits is the criteria for being a New London band, than, I’m afraid you might be out some bands, my dear. Having residency be the standard of membership in the New London club eliminates just about every band that reps New London, including the flagships, Fatal Film and The Reducers, since some of their members *gasp* live in other zip codes.
The one thing I can guarantee you, little miss Penny, is this: none of the Condo Fucks list New London as their home address, so, really, again, tremendous job by you for sticking up for the little guy and teaching us all how to take a joke.
Whatever you may think of our little stunt, at least you know our names, which is more than we can say for you. Your indefatigable civic pride is a shining example to all of us.
So, anyway, if you don’t mind my saying, you can go fuck yourself, too. Whoever you are.
Signed,
Matt Clark
March 29th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Fascinating turn of events- no one gets the joke and CP gets attacked by the people of the very city they were attempting to defend from mockery. Not the response they were anticipating I’m sure. I realize sharks eat their young but I thought New London had more couth, or at least a sense of humor. Guess not.
March 30th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
SONIC YOUTH RULES!!!
March 30th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
The New London mockumentary that Matador had nothing to do with was mean-spirited. Apparently someone unaffiliated with the band or the label had this idea in the can for years, just waiting for Yo La Tengo to launch the Condo Fucks so that they could finally spring this one. I had really hoped this sort of “Swift Vote for Veterans” crap would end with Bush leaving the White House.
It’s obvious to me that this record release was, for some reason, also intended as a smackdown. I decided to reserve my judgment, but my first reaction to all this was, “Why on Earth is Yo La Tengo peeing in my pool?” Now after hearing the condo fux clear the air on WCNI (no-show) I am fairly certain that my original intuition was correct, and I frankly couldn’t care less if they decide to go to a kickball game in Noank. I think they have made their point loud and clear.
I would like to congratulate Conversion Party for finding a way to wag the dog. I thought it was all pretty damn funny. Mako is right–You guys got a raw deal from your compadres. This truly is a fine band, and I don’t give a rat’s ass if they were journalist-frat boys, any more than I care if my garbage man is a scientologist . . . He does a damn fine job of picking up the garbage. I don’t have to deal with the finer points of his philosophy unless they interfere with picking up the trash. By the same token, it doesn’t matter where whomever in New London at any given moment is originally from. Half the damn people in this blog (whom I could identify) are from surrounding towns. New London is just shorthand because it is also the name of the county. (Glad I could clear that up for you all.)
Now I’m going to explain this to the rest of you once, ye trashers of fellow local music folk. Getting Matador’s attention is about as useless as getting the New London Day’s (local newspaper) attention. A record label is a round piece of sticky paper that you can affix to a CDR to identify it from all the bootlegged burns in your collection. Matador has nothing you can’t get by yourselves. It costs almost nothing to join ASCAP. You can make your records yourself (most indie Labels don’t even have their own studios anyway). You can do your cover art on the computer, you can get them mass-produced yourselves and Amazon.com will distribute literally anything that sells. So how do you sell it? It’s becoming more and more apparent that nobody knows how to market music better than the bands who make it. So pull a few stunts like the one that Clark and his boys pulled here and hope the tunes are good enough to keep the attention that they draw.
The very word “Matador” smacks of cowardice–A man who ritually kills an animal he wouldn’t go near if it were allowed into the ring healthy and strong. Do you really want that on your record? I have more respect for rodeo clowns.
March 31st, 2009 at 5:36 pm
This just in … the one member of Fatal Film who doesn’t live in NL (i.e. the one that isn’t real), our drummer Mike Winslow, may actually be moving to New London in April!!! We’ll finally be able to get those exclusive New London rock band ID cards we’ve been salivating for. Though, he and the lady are also considering downtown Mystic. Ooof. Horrible. Embarassing. So, we’re on a precipice here. We’re so close to getting that official, sought after title “New London rock band” that god knows every band on the planet wants to be able to flaunt, and he may go and screw it up. That drum machine is looking more and more attractive every day. Hoo hoo hee hee.
Anyway, this whole exchange has been fun to watch much like a car crash is fun to watch. Keep it up! It can’t be dead yet! Let’s get some more anonymous New Londonites to vent their private frustrations on a frickin’ record label forum!
yours,
Dave Freeburg
April 1st, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Dear Terry:
You are a genius, whoever you are. Rodeo clowns! HAAAAA!
April 1st, 2009 at 5:29 pm
i don’t think anything here was intended as a “smackdown”, and they didn’t prove any
“point” by not calling into CNI… these notions are pure madness, in my opinion.
and does my opinion count more because i actually DID grow up in new london? or maybe because i AM a product of their school system, yet was STILL able to see this for what it was worth?
maybe not, but i do believe some of this has been taken WAY too seriously, and that’s NOT the new london i know. pardon my language, but anyone who’s really from new london doesn’t give a fuck. we were simply just bred that way.
so lets take it easy, friends. after all, it’s just music. and who doesn’t love music? i do!
the more, the merrier.
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:45 pm
….and just like that, it was all forgotten about….