They were my First.
The formidable champions of psyche. Straight-up, I love these guys. I am lucky enough to have been Mark Ridlen's friend many moons before I even conceived of the notion of opening a record store, hence this band is close to my heart. I am a fan and a friend. Lithium X-Mas had already released a single, to accolades of reviews on Rockadelic music, so the sophmore effort on Direct Hit had to live up to the standard and expectation. Lithium X-Mas did not disappoint. Don't close your eyes when listening to the moody-sonic-tapestries-of-fuck-you-up psychedelia music created by these fellows ... because you might just fall off the earth. Mastermind Mark Ridlen orchestrates madness while Greg Synodis' guitar delivers a molotov cocktail of fuzz that will make pieces of your mind. Lithium X-Mas is known for covering tunes, but when the song is sung, it becomes an original made from the ground up with genius. The Direct Hit release is no exception. 'Magnu' takes flight and soars past Blanga. 'Swim to Mammy' an original tune, seems to be covering something unknown. The soundscape of 'Theme to Venus and Furs' is overlaid with delicacy, whereas 'My Sweet Lord' conjures up cancerous' ghosts. Butthole Surfers, you may have the noteriety, but Lithium X-Mas has the goods. Did I already say I love this band? This sold out record can sometimes be caught on ebay ... price says everything. Side A: Magnu, Swim to Mammy
Side B: My Sweet Lord, Theme to Venus in Furs Cover Art: Paul Meinel Members: Guitar - Greg Synodis Rhythm Guitar - Tom Battles Bass / Vocals - Mark Ridlen Drums - Chris Merlick Percussion Extras: Gatim Chackamoi Vocals - Kim Pendleton, Mark Griffen, KY Boyce |