One of the frustrating things about growing up pre-internet was that you'd read about "legendary" bands and have no access to their sounds. Either there was not record available (The Screamers, Neon Boys) or the records were so scarce that only collectors had them (Crime, a zillion 60s punk bands). Reissues and KBD comps had yet to really take hold. Thus you were left reading names praised but no music to match. Noh Mercy was one of those groups. A two-female "new wave" group, they were legends in San Francisco's late 70s punk/new wave scene but with only a couple comp tracks to show for it. Exciting on stage, their "No Boys on Guitars" stance lead them down a musical path that incorporated DEVO-like punkness but with only vocals and drums. Their attitude was part-Patti Smith/part-Lydia Lunch and they lent themselves toward a stage show that melded San Francisco cabaret/gay camp, Roxy Music, and Noh theater. Unique and riveting stuff, Superior Viaduct follows up their excellent Black Humor reissue with this archival release. It features the two formerly released comp cut plus a whole bunch of prime archival material that is being heard by folks other than the band and producer Tommy Tadlock for the first time. Great record in a nice package with full liner notes/insert.
Preview it here. (Superior Viaduct)
