RRRecords is a record store and label in Lowell, Massachusetts. It isn't just any shop, though. For people of a certain age, RRR's photocopied mailorder catalog was one of the few places in the world where one could buy noise music. As a label, RRR put out the first LPs outside of Japan by such unknown weirdos as
Merzbow,
Masonna,
Violent Onsen Geisha, and
the Hanatarash. In its first years, it also made vinyl by American industrial punks
Boy Dirt Car and
Blackhouse, as well as underground guitar (and rake) hero
Eugene Chadbourne. RRR CEO
Ron Lessard performed destroyed noise under the alias
Emil Beaulieau (named after a former mayor of Manchester, New Hampshire) and had a weekly radio program of improvisation and dense collage as part of his band
Due Process. This amazing boxset thing was released in 1989 to mark the occasion of
RRRecords' 5th year of existence, and oh boy is it remarkable. Five records for five years. The first LP of needle-wrecking screech is all
Emil solo, having fun on stage in the summer of 1988. The middle three LPs are by
Due Process, partly excerpted from the
RRRadio show (and featuring tape contributions from
Arcane Device, the late
Agog,
Smell & Quim,
PBK,
Lawrence Crane,
Asmus Tietchens,
Disco Splendor and more, plus spoken text readings) and part live in concert. The final LP is a fantastic mail collaboration by
Due Process and
Merzbow.
Emil Beaulieau - One Man Penis/One Man Buttocks
Due Process - RRRadio Long Island/RRRadio 19
Due Process - RRRadio 16/17-22
Due Process - Pro-Rock Explosion/Choke the Chicken
Due Process & Merzbow - Collaboration
Thank you so much- this is one of my prized possessions- I thought I had a rip but can't find it so this is a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate it that Lessard included in his liner notes an offer of a refund, explaining that he would rather see it in the hands of someone who will listen to it, rather than just "file it away."
Beautiful music and an important historical document.
The office of the record store I work at has a copy of this I eye just about every day during our morning briefings - being able to hear what it sounds like will be a treat.
ReplyDeletethe works...thank you...
ReplyDelete