tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post3113811939508518736..comments2024-03-24T08:17:55.097-04:00Comments on BLOG TO COMM: Christopher Stiglianohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17107248034597839482noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-75496578870889207552011-06-21T05:57:20.598-04:002011-06-21T05:57:20.598-04:00As an aspiring musician, who has listened to Stew ...As an aspiring musician, who has listened to Stew Lane and the Untouchable's 'Harder Than Wax' for many, many years now, I rate it in my top ten, frankly. With it's quirky sounds, whimsical lyrics, and an overall, imaginative back drop, it propels far beyond the pretentious, try hard crap which has been produced over the years.<br /><br />It saddens me to see the album overlooked, disregarded and chucked away like much of the other NYC '70s music, when this album, like the band, is beyond its time; in writing, singing, recording and talent. There's clearly come a point where Mr Stew Lane has accepted a review as a review, regardless of viewpoint, as any review is an honour. However, this review is less than satisfying, and deserves so much more respect and acknowledgement than it has been served. Honestly, I would take little notice of this review. 'Extreme boredom', 'please kill me'... come on, get real.<br /><br />Rock on Stew Lane; this album is stronger, tougher and harder than wax!!<br /><br />I.CurtisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-47951992811420469692011-06-21T05:38:08.238-04:002011-06-21T05:38:08.238-04:00As a young, aspiring musician, who has listened to...As a young, aspiring musician, who has listened to 'Harder Than Wax' for many, many years now, it saddens me to see the album, like Stew Lane and the Untouchables, once again, overlooked and quickly dismissed. For 1979, it appears clear to me the album is unique, diverse, and although the band were part of the late '70s underground NYC music scene, among so many others, they were recording, writing and playing something far more special than your normal 'indie' music, which has not overall lasted the test of time. The lyrics are quirky,eccentric, but are equally loveable, sincere, and are presented with a killer punch, delivered by the overly talented Stew Lane, and some of the great underground, fairly unknown muso's of the NYC music scene.<br /><br />There has obviously come a point with Stew Lane where it no longer matters whether a review is good or bad, as a review is simply a review, and that is an honour. However, to me, 'Harder Than Wax' is close to a masterpiece, frankly, and it truly does upset me to see it tossed away, and not appreciated. With all the pretentious, try hard crap which has been produced over the years, surely this album deserves more than 'extreme boredom' and 'please kill me'. In fact, I would take little notice of such a review.<br /><br />If I walked into a record store, and saw a section of late '70s underground music from around America, I would consider 'Harder Than Wax' by far one of the best of its time...<br /><br />Rock on Stew Laner, you are a star!!<br /><br />I.CurtisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-63118502265282785922011-06-08T20:38:08.638-04:002011-06-08T20:38:08.638-04:00OK, I feel it is reasonable to defend my album aft...OK, I feel it is reasonable to defend my album after Christopher's harsh dismissal.<br /><br />HARDER THAN WAX recorded in 1979, at AI STUDIO in The Beacon Hotel, is a recording that was way ahead of it's time.<br />Try to find any real comparison from that period and you would be struggling.<br />The best tracks are PLAY THIS SONG with it's hypnotic bass pattern straight from the funk world, it's backwards lead break and unique percussion sounds.<br />Also brilliant is PERPETRATOR that uses pre Ian Dury poetry, horns, combined with a re-souped 60's feel. <br />SINCERITY opens the album with a reggae/disco combination feel,under-laid by drummer by NECESSARIES drummer, JESSE CHAMBERLAIN.<br />The bonus track, SUPERKARMA introduces a string section that pays tribute to the epic Bee Gees song, STAYING ALIVE. The soaring female vocals are supplied by LISA FISCHER who has been singing with THE ROLLING STONES for many years.<br />THE TALKING HEADS adjusted their stage act and sound after seeing and hearing STEW LANE and THE UNTOUCHABLES perform. Their STOP MAKING SENSE tour and subsequent augmented stage act, clearly reflects this change. (See STEW LANE videos on you tube from 1980).<br />STANFORD UNIVERSITY holds a copy of STEW LANE AND THE UNTOUCHABLES 12" RAP record, U.N. RAP SONG. in their archives as it is one of the first rap records released.<br />HARDER THAN WAX is brilliant and has been sadly overlooked for far too long.<br /><br />Thank you. S.L.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-68969591826109463532011-05-24T18:56:26.259-04:002011-05-24T18:56:26.259-04:00Christopher please X the comment about 'Please...Christopher please X the comment about 'Please Kill Me'. I was thinking of Houndog's wife.<br /><br />Feel free to ask any questions about 1979/80 NYC club scene.<br /><br />Stew LaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-85975905872680388532011-05-23T03:42:01.119-04:002011-05-23T03:42:01.119-04:00Christopher,
After 30 years, the slightest bit of ...Christopher,<br />After 30 years, the slightest bit of attention makes me weep with delight.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br />By the way, did your wife write 'Please Kill Me'?<br /><br />StewAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-12462455266231628312011-05-22T09:02:50.113-04:002011-05-22T09:02:50.113-04:00But Stew, it wasn't exactly a tip top POSITIVE...But Stew, it wasn't exactly a tip top POSITIVE review that I dished out there. I have nothing against you <i>personally</i> though...Christopher Stiglianohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17107248034597839482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6910067.post-37199421592853610002011-05-22T03:11:25.429-04:002011-05-22T03:11:25.429-04:00Hello,
Thanks for reviewing my album, 'Harder ...Hello,<br />Thanks for reviewing my album, 'Harder Than Wax',<br />You have an excellent blog.<br /><br />Very Best,<br /><br />Stew LaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com