When punk arrived in the mid 70s, its charter was to shake the establishment and give the finger to all that it stood for. Aim was also taken at bands taking months to record an album that were needlessly complex. They were seen as being part of the “machine”. In 1973, along came San Franciscan band The Tubes. They had punk attitude, but were not content to play 2 minute stripped-back punk songs. Their songs were making fun of middle America’s consumer obsessed society and its conservative values (haven’t we come a long way since then………right????) They weren’t angry, though. They were definitely laughing while pointing that finger, and doing shows that were part rock show, part theatre, all supposed to make your parents feel uncomfortable. They weren’t quite punk, they weren’t quite glam….what were they?
 
For Love That Album episode 113, I am joined by the marvellous writer and podcaster Heather Drain to discuss our love of The Tubes, the nature of theatrical rock (and what defines it), how the band evolved, their live shows, and their discography. In particular, we spend time talking about their debut self titled album from 1975, inclusive of its thematic elements, the music and its inspiration, an iconic song abut bored rich youth and another about their bored rich parents. In the eighties, the band found some level of commercial popularity (with great songs), but at a cost.
If you’re not a fan of The Tubes before listening to this episode, I like to think our conversation will at least make you interested to give their work a try. My gratitude goes to Heather for being giving of her time and bringing some fantastic insight. Make no mistake, folks – she’s going to be on the show a lot more going forward.
 
Eric’s Album I Love segment follows with another theatrical band that had things to say, The Atomic Swindlers. Tune in and hear why this was his choice for this episode.
You can download the show from iTunes (search for “Love That Album podcast”) or from the website at http://lovethatalbum.blogspot.com
 
I urge you to read Heather’s writings about music and film at http://mondoheather.com. You can also find her works at Diabolique Magazine on line: https://diaboliquemagazine.com/author/heatherdrain/
You should also check out every episode she’s on (well every episode period) of Mike White’s Projection Booth podcast: http://projection-booth.blogspot.com/
 
You can send me feedback at rrrkitchen@yahoo.com.au (written or mp3 voicemail) or join the Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/lovethatalbum.
 
If you’d consider writing an iTunes review or recommending the show to a friend, we’d be immensely grateful.
 
If you enjoy what you hear, please tell a friend or ten to tune in.