“THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION
A ruthless, decisive rock and roll showdown!
Are they like the “Habu and Mongoose” of the rock ‘n’ roll world? This year marks the 20th anniversary of their Japanese debut, and THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION have made a complete comeback with their first solo visit to Japan in eight years, bringing with them their new album “Meat and Bone,” which is being hailed as their career’s best work. And now, celebrating their 25th anniversary since their formation, Guitar Wolf continue to unleash their fearsome energy on the world stage. With the release of a split EP that brings these two acts together, we timidly agreed to an email interview! Though the text is concise, you can sense that intense rock ‘n’ roll spirit…
Please tell us your thoughts on the incredibly exciting showdown with Guitar Wolf that took place in November of last year. This match was dubbed the “Rock and Roll Showdown of the World,” but what are your thoughts looking back on it?
It was amazing! It was such an honor and exciting to be performing with Guitar Wolf, Japan’s best jet rock and roll band, again. To be honest, when I saw Seiji and his band perform their devastating magic on stage at SHELTER, I was scared, wondering if I could do it after that, but once we got going, the energy and love from the audience made it all work.
You’ve known Guitar Wolf for a long time, and I’m sure you have many memories with them. Could you tell us about any particularly memorable episodes?
So many stories in such a long time…. It’s always fun talking about family with Seiji. He’s a great father.
-What is your favorite Guitar Wolf song? And why?
Speaking of tracks, hmm… I don’t know, but I always love the song where Seiji invites the audience on stage to play his guitar. Also, my favorite album is “Wolf Planet.”
-So what is your respect for Guitar Wolf?
Be unique.
This time, you released a split EP with Guitar Wolf based on the theme of “a tribute cover to an artist you admire, and a song you want to play in this battle.” First of all, why did you choose “She’s On It,” an early single by BEASTIE BOYS? And is it also meant as an homage to Adam Yauch?
Yes, “She’s On It” is a tribute to the late Adam Yauch. The Beastie Boys were definitely a big influence on JSBX, and they were always nice and supportive of us. We also mixed Link Wray’s “Jack the Ripper” into the song because he’s always been a hero of ours and I think he influenced Guitar Wolf.
First of all, please tell us why you chose “Leave Me Alone So I Can Rock Again” from “Xtra Acme” released in 1999. Also, please tell us any stories behind the production of this song.
It’s a great song, and a bit of an unexpected style for JSBX. It was recorded at Steve Albini’s (early NIRVANA) Electrical Studios.
-Now, let’s talk about your new album. “Meat and Bone” was released recently and has received praise from a wide range of people. It’s a truly amazing album, but how do you feel about it so far?
I always feel like it’s the best. That’s all there is to it.
-What are three albums that everyone should definitely check out if they want to become a “soul rock n’ roller” like JSBX? Genres and eras don’t matter.
THE STOOGES 「Fun House』、THE VELVET UNDERGROUND Velvet Underground And Nic.、THE FLAMIN’ GROOVIES Teenage Head..
-What do you think are the “rules of rock and roll”?
There are no rules in rock and roll!
Finally, a heartfelt message to your fans!
I love you. Thank you so much for giving me such an amazing time in Japan!
Guitar Wolf
Please tell us your thoughts on the incredibly exciting battle with JSBX. This match was called the “ruthless rock and roll showdown that will decide the fate of the world.” What are your thoughts looking back on it?
I went all out to add some flowers to my friend!
-You have many memories with JSBX, who you’ve known for a long time. Please tell us about an episode that made a particularly strong impression on you.
There was a German TV show that introduced us, and he even volunteered to be the host.
-What is your favorite JSBX song?
「Bellbottoms」!
So, what does respect for JSBX mean?
When we play together, it gets really exciting, right?
This time, you released a split EP with JSBX based on the theme of “a tribute cover to an artist you admire, and a song you want to play in this match.” So, first of all, could you tell us why you chose “Smoke On the Water” or any story behind this song?
It’s a phrase that anyone who has ever picked up a guitar can play. It’s so super mainstream that no one will touch it. I have a habit of wanting to try my hand at those kinds of songs.
First of all, please tell us why you chose “Gasoline Lullaby.” Also, please tell us any stories behind the creation of this song.
Before I came to Tokyo, my heart was pounding with excitement. But at the same time, I also felt a great deal of anxiety. Every night before going to bed, I would remember the amount of gasoline I had and how it was pulsating, or rather, it was like a sense of determination, and there were many nights when I was finally able to fall asleep. “Gasoline Lullaby” is a song that evokes those memories.
-What are your plans for Guitar Wolf’s new album? Please tell us about the band’s future vision, including new challenges you would like to take on.
The next new album is amazing! Look forward to it. It’s full of unique songs, it’s overwhelming.
-Please name three albums that everyone should check out in order to become a “soul rock ‘n’ roller” like Guitar Wolf. Genre and era are not important. Please also tell us why.
JOHNNY THUNDERS AND THE HEARTBREAKERS, LA.M.FJ, MC5, “Kick Out Jams,” THE CRAMPS’ first album, these three! They’re all explosive!
-What do you think are the “rules of rock and roll”?
Looks, jumps and action!
Finally, a heartfelt message to all you rock n’ roll babies!
Jump into space!
GUITAR WOLF VS JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION
[SONY MUSIC JAPAN] 2013.1.23 ON SALE
To quote Aristotle, “Friendship is one soul inhabited by two bodies.” That’s exactly the kind of relationship THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION and Guitar Wolf seem to share. Sharing a yearning for, or perhaps pure love for, their roots, and a cutting-edge, modernized take on rock ‘n’ roll, the two bands share the same core, despite the differences between blues and garage. Covers of bands that influenced them and four tracks selected under the theme of “musical hits” are the perfect item for exploring this shared soul. The bonus DVD also includes a complete recording of the band battle held at Shimokitazawa SHELTER last November. Tickets sold out immediately, making it a must-see for fans who missed out, as the legendary night is brought back to life… (Ito Yosuke)
THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION vs. GUITAR WOLF
2012.11.17@Shimokitazawa SHELTER
Reported by Yosuke Ito
THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION and Guitar Wolf. These two, who have been “passionate rock ‘n’ roll guys” ever since their debut and who have been allies (comrades in arms?) for 10 years, never dreamed they’d be playing against each other at Shimokitazawa SHELTER, a venue with just 250 cabarets. It wasn’t a battle of the bands, but a “decisive rock ‘n’ roll showdown.” Tickets sold out immediately, of course, and the day of the show was a brutal day, with torrential rain and cold weather making the atmosphere at SHELTER abruptly erupting, creating an intense performance that felt like a tropical zone, with sweat pouring down like torrential rain. Guitar Wolf was up first, and for better or worse, they’re still the same!
No, there’s nothing bad about it. They always put on a great show. Once Seiji gets his groove on, he shouts “Rock and Roll Baby” and the stage is ready to go. From there, he unleashes a furious performance. He performs the familiar hits “Blow it all night!!” – “Wild Zero” – “Jet Generation” and more.
The numbers from “The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion” exploded into a frenzy. Seiji’s dive, and the performance of bringing an audience member onto the stage and handing him a guitar pick, forcing him to play, were unchanging. They literally threw their whole being into this performance, making them the best live band ever. Was the outcome already decided? With the afterglow of their fiery performance still lingering, the next act, THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION, took to the stage.
The performance was like a straight ball contest. As a three-piece band, they threw back a fastball to Guitar Wolf’s fastball, not to be outdone. Just after the release of their new album “Meat and Bone,” which is touted as a complete comeback, it was clear that they were in great form. Russell Simins’ tight drumming, cool guitarist Judah Bauer’s sharp and bluesy playing, and Jon Spencer’s powerful roar! With a microphone in his mouth and a theremin exploding, the set was filled with youthful energy, like a return to the aggressive 90s, and continued like a fast-paced performance. After paying homage to Guitar Wolf, they launched into “Black Mold”! The audience responded well, and it was an impressive scene that hinted at a new anthem for Jon Spencer. “2 Kinds of Love” and they entertained from start to finish with a set that mixed old and new hits, including “Black Thoughts,” “Sweat,” and “Soul Typecast.” For the encore, they called out Seiji and performed “Bellbottoms,” an unexpected collaboration! At this point, Russell handed Seiji the drumsticks, which was a cute moment for Seiji, who seemed confused, but then he picked up the guitar and played a riff that seemed to be an improvisation, bringing the rock ‘n’ roll showdown to a close with a rapturous triple guitar performance. There was a lot of applause and smiles on the faces of the audience after the show, but winning or losing doesn’t matter, as both bands delivered a fantastic performance. Both bands are veterans, but what makes me happiest is that they continue to perform as “soulful rock ‘n’ roll (idiots)” as always. The smiles on their faces must have been a reflection of the emotions welling up inside them. Their rock ‘n’ roll spirit is still strong. This performance was convincing. Looking forward to their future endeavors, thank you! THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION & Guitar Wolf!
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