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The transfer ticket to punk
The Tubes: The Tubes (A&M)
In 1975 The Tubes resembled a high school revue that
had dropped out, run off and grown slightly older while refusing to grow
up, still running its gags, the punch lines getting darker and somewhat
funnier. They delivered social satire wrapped in music that had way too
many chords in it to pass as garage rock. They tried to be direct, but
were easily distracted into flirting with prog rock and even Zappa. They
wanted to provoke, and achieved what they were after.
In many ways they were the theatrical transfer ticket that would take
rock from New York Dolls to punk. Their favourite topics were porn, mass
media, commercialism and self-obsessed rock stars.
Early on they were first and foremost a live-band. Their shows included
huge production numbers, fancy costumes and stage decorations, dancers,
gadgets and of course gags. I saw a stripped-down but still very visual
version of the show in Oslo in 1977, and must admit that I was both
impressed and entertained. The highlight was of course Fee Waybill in
glam gala, stumbling across the stage on the world’s tallest platform
shoes performing “White Punks On Dope “. Wonderful. A line from the
lyric, “hang myself when I get enough rope”, inspired The Clash to name
their second album “Give ‘Em Enough Rope”.
The Tubes’ debut album contains the key tracks “What Do You Want From
Life?”, “Mondo Bondage” and the aforementioned “White Punks On Dope “.
It is wrapped in a cool sleeve, as shown in the illustration.
Unfortunately apart from the three classics, the record does not hold up
as a stand-alone piece of music without the visuals. The band is good
and tight, but the majority of the songs simply aren’t strong enough.
Later albums like “Now” (1977) and “Remote Control” (1979) are better
listening experiences. Still love the sleeve, though.
Released: June 1975
Produced by: Al Kooper
Side One
“Up from the Deep” (The Tubes, Ray Trainer) – 4:28
“Haloes” (Al Kooper, Bill Spooner, Roger Steen) – 4:53
“Space Baby” (Bill Spooner, Mike Carpenter,Vince Welnick) – 4:25
“Malagueña Salerosa” (Pedro Galindo, Elpidio Ramirez) - 3:52
Side Two
“Mondo Bondage” (The Tubes) – 4:34
“What Do You Want from Life?” (Bill Spooner, Michael Evans) – 4:01
“Boy Crazy” (Bill Spooner) – 4:09
“White Punks on Dope” (Bill Spooner, Roger Steen, Michael Evans) – 6:49
Personnel:
Fee Waybill - vocals
Bill Spooner - guitar, vocals
Michael Cotten - synthesizer
Prairie L’Emprere Prince - drums
Roger Steen - guitar, vocals
Vince Welnick - keyboards
Rick Anderson – bass
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