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The song credits shown below are taken from the 2010 Shout! Factory Year One and Extra Width + Mo’ Width reissues. The sleeve notes are as they appear on the Jukebox Explosion Rockin’ Mid-90s Punkers cover:
A1. Shirt Jac
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Steve Albini at Waterfront, Hoboken, NJ, Nov/Dec 1991
The New York City based Jon Spencer Blues Explosion began their career in 1992 with a slew of releases including the first record in the In The Red Records Jukebox singles series. This series of singles were modeled on a similar series Charlie Feathers had released in the 70’s. This high-speed punk raver was the A side to single number one, engineered by Steve Albini, who had previously worked with Spencer’s Pussy Galore combo.
A2. Son Of Sam
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded: Wharton Tiers at Fun City, NYC, Oct 20, 1992
Mixed at Waterworks, NYC with Jim Waters 1992-93
Sax: Kurt Hoffman
Produced: Jon Spencer
A frantic pounder, this cover of the CHAIN GANG classic – the A –Side of the second ITR Jukebox single – was also released in 1992. Sax-blower Kurt Hoffman lent his lips to the session, contributing some primo blurt to the proceedings.
A3. Train #3
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Jim Waters at Waterworks, NYC, 1992-3
Produced: Jon Spencer
This ultra primitive killer was partially inspired by RUFUS THOMAS’ “Memphis Train”. The A-Side to the third ITR Jukebox single, which was released in 1993. From the same sessions that produced the EXTRA WIDTH and MO WIDTH platters; recorded at Easley studios in Memphis, mixed in NYC with Jim Waters.
A4. Caroline
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Jim Waters at Waterworks, NYC, 1992-3
Produced: Jon Spencer
Independent record label CAROLINE was the accurately rendered subject of what was originally intended to be the A-Side of Jukebox single number three. The single made it as far as the test pressing stage (only four exist) before the humourless pussies at CAROLINE threw a hissy fit and began to threaten the band and label with legal action. Now this sneering stomper can finally be given a proper release.
A5. Naked
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Jim Waters at Waterworks, NYC, 1992-3
Produced: Jon Spencer
This ultra-frantic monster was the A-Side to a limited edition giveaway single, inspired by avid nudist David Yow of the Jesus Lizard, who the Blues Explosion toured with early in their career. 100 copies were pressed and given to the lucky attendees at the Blues Explosion’s Third Anniversary show at Maxwell’s, in Hoboken, New Jersey.
A6. Push Some Air
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Jim Waters at Waterworks, NYC, 1992-3
Produced: Jon Spencer
Side A of a rare single released in 1995 on the short-lived Brazilian label BARULHO DEL MAL, to coincide with the band’s first tour of Brazil. The single was only available at the band’s merch table, and all copies were sold out by the second date, an outdoor show in Fortaleza.
Unfortunately the majority of the pressing was warped and only a handful are presently in playable condition.
A7. Get With It
The A-Side to ITR Jukebox single number 4, intended as a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Charlie Feathers, “Get With It”, was recorded at the same sessions as the Now I Got Worry platter. Money Mark pounded the keyboard on this deranged rocker, which makes any of these so-called “emo” transvestite bands look like the mama’s boys they really are.
A8. Showgirl Pts 1 & 2
This four-alarm romper was the sole outtake from the sessions that produced the ORANGE longplayer. Backing vocals were provided by BOSS HOG’s Cristina Martinez and Hollis Queens.
Only 50 of the “Showgirl” singles were pressed and were given away to SASSY MAGAZINE contest winners in 1994.
This is the first time you can hear the song without having to go through the annoying process of having to flip the record over.
A9. Ghetto Mom
A-Side to the fifth & final ITR Jukebox single, released in 2002. This full tilt boogie punker was recorded during the PLASTIC FANG sessions, produced by X-Pensive Wino Steve Jordan (who also played bass on this particular song). During these sessions Jordan forbid Jon to use the phrase “Goddamn” in any of the songs and banned all alcohol consumption in the studio. The band simply switched to “Scope”.
B1. Latch On
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Steve Albini at Waterfront, Hoboken, NJ, Nov/Dec 1991
The flipside to ITR Jukebox number one, this INTENSE raver features drummer Russell Simmons and his crazed screaming of “Jenna” over the opening drum salvo. Fortunately for all parties involved, Jenna went on to become Russell’s wife.
B2. Bent
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded: Wharton Tiers at Fun City, NYC, Oct 20, 1992
Mixed at Waterworks, NYC with Jim Waters 1992-93
Sax: Kurt Hoffman
Produced: Jon Spencer
This punkified MONSTER beats the nearest competition to dust by a country mile. This wailin’ slice of genius, originally released as the B-Side to ITR Jukebox single #2, is worth the price of admission alone.
B3. Curfew Blues
This super-crazed number was the B-Side to the aborted “Caroline” single. Recorded at a VPRO session during a tour of Europe. On the trip, under the impression that is was a particularly rarefied variety of European cheese, Judah happened to eat an entire bar of soap that belonged to the Devil Dogs.
B4. Train #1
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Jim Waters at Waterworks, NYC, 1992-3
Produced: Jon Spencer
The flipside to “Train #3” (“Train #2” can be found on EXTRA WIDTH). It’s hard to believe that a full-blown, HARSH attack of this magnitude was cut during the era of Spin magazine-endorsed, limp-dicked “indie” drivel.
B5. Jailhouse Blues
Writer: Andre Williams
Published: Trianon Publications, BMI
Recorded and Mixed with Jim Waters at Waterworks, NYC, 1992-3
Produced: Jon Spencer
This, the B-Side to the “Naked” single, is a truly cryptic rendition of a number originally by Mister Rhythm himself, Andre Williams.
The Blues Explosion learned the song from a tape given to them by Dan Kroha, of hep combos The Gories and the Demolition Doll Rods. Coincidentally Kroha, The Blues Explosion, and IN THE RED RECORDS would all later collaborate with the incomparable Mister Williams. Dig that crazy theremin!
B6. Fat
Writers: Spencer / Explosion
Published: Dirty Shirt, BMI
Recorded: Wharton Tiers at Fun City, NYC, Oct 20, 1992
Mixed at Waterworks, NYC with Jim Waters 1992-93
Sax: Kurt Hoffman
Produced: Jon Spencer
Some real heavy duty thrashin’ here, folks! From the same sessions that produced the “Son Of Sam”/”Bent” single – “Fat” is the B-Side to the Barulho Del Mal Brazilian single.
B7. Down Low
The flipside to “Get With It”, this was cut during the NOW I GOT WORRY sessions. This super-crazed blaster is definitely one of the WILDEST!!
B8. Do Ya Wanna Get It
This fuzzbuster with low-end thud to burn features none other than the Night Tripper himself, DR. JOHN, tickling the ivories!
B9. Dig My Shit
Closing out this comp is the raveup “Dig My Shit”, recorded as a backing track for a planned Blues Explosion appearance on the television program Saturday Night Live.
Due to a miscommunication between the band and NBC’s representatives regarding the use of profanity, the whole performance had to be scrapped. The song was later included on an otherwise completely worthless compilation on MATADOR RECORDS.
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