This album "CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" is the second LP by the American garage punk band The Cramps. It was released on IRS Records. It was engineered by Paul McKenna and recorded at in January 1981 at A&M Studios. It was self-produced by The Cramps. The back photo on the cover of the album was taken by noted photographer and director Anton Corbijn.
Vinyl collectors and rock enthusiasts alike have long regarded "CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" as a cornerstone of the punk and garage rock movement. Released in January 1981 on Illegal Records, this 12" vinyl LP album marked a pivotal moment in the history of American music. In this article, we delve into the making of this iconic record and explore its timeless appeal.
The Band:
The Cramps, known for their raw and primal sound, were a force to be reckoned with in the punk and garage rock scene. Comprising Lux Interior on vocals, Poison Ivy on guitar, Congo Powers on guitar, and Nick Knox on drums, this line-up was a formidable combination of talent and energy. Their unique blend of rockabilly, punk, and garage rock set them apart from their contemporaries.
The Making of "CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle":
This album was a product of its time, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the early 1980s. Recorded at A&M Studios in January 1981, the album was engineered by Paul McKenna and self-produced by The Cramps themselves. This level of creative control allowed the band to fully express their distinctive style.
One notable aspect of this record is its album cover. The back photo was captured by the renowned photographer and director Anton Corbijn, adding a visual dimension to the auditory experience. Donna Santisi's photography work also contributed to the album's overall aesthetic.
The Sound:
"CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" is a sonic journey through a world of raw and unfiltered music. Lux Interior's distinctive vocals, dripping with attitude and charisma, guide the listener through a landscape of dark and edgy rock 'n' roll. The dual-guitar assault of Poison Ivy and Congo Powers creates a wall of sound that's both menacing and irresistible. Nick Knox's primal drumming provides the perfect rhythmic foundation for the chaos that ensues.
The album is a showcase of The Cramps' ability to blend elements of punk, rockabilly, and garage rock into a sound that is uniquely their own. Tracks like "Green Door" and "Goo Goo Muck" are prime examples of their ability to take familiar rock 'n' roll tropes and give them a sinister, punk-infused twist.
Legacy:
"CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" has stood the test of time, continuing to influence and inspire generations of musicians and fans. Its raw energy and rebellious spirit are timeless
Music Genre: Psychobilly, Garage Punk |
Album Production Information: The album: "CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" was produced by: CrampsSound/Recording Engineer(s): Paul McKenna This album was recorded at: A&M Studios, January 1981 Album cover photography: Donna Santisi, Anton Corbijn Anton Corbijn , in the world of photography, there are certain individuals who transcend the boundaries of their craft, creating a lasting impact through their unique vision and artistic prowess. One such luminary is Anton Corbijn, a Dutch photographer and filmmaker renowned for his exceptional ability to capture the essence of his subjects. With a portfolio that spans several decades and encompasses a diverse range of genres, Corbijn has firmly established himself as one of the world's most influential photographers. Born on 20 May 1955, in Strijen, the Netherlands, Corbijn initially pursued a career in music journalism before realizing his true passion lay behind the camera. He gained recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s for his distinctive black-and-white portraits of iconic musicians, particularly those within the burgeoning punk and new wave movements. Corbijn's ability to connect with his subjects on a personal level allowed him to capture their essence in a way that resonated with both the artists themselves and their fans. One of Corbijn's most significant early collaborations was with the influential British band Joy Division. His iconic photograph of lead singer Ian Curtis, taken shortly before Curtis's tragic death in 1980, has become an enduring symbol of the band's legacy. Corbijn's ability to convey vulnerability and emotion through his images added a new dimension to music photography, elevating it from mere documentation to a form of art in its own right. Corbijn's work extends far beyond the realm of music, with his evocative portraits of actors, directors, and other cultural figures capturing their innermost thoughts and emotions. His unique visual style, characterized by a careful use of light and shadow, often in monochromatic tones, adds a depth and intensity to his photographs, creating a sense of intimacy between the viewer and the subject. Throughout his career, Corbijn has collaborated with some of the most influential figures in popular culture. His long-standing association with Irish rock band U2 has resulted in a series of iconic album covers and music videos that have helped shape the band's visual identity. Corbijn's ability to capture the raw energy and charisma of performers such as David Bowie, Tom Waits, and Patti Smith has made him a sought-after photographer in the world of music. In addition to his photography, Corbijn has also made a name for himself as a filmmaker. He directed a number of critically acclaimed music videos, including Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box" and Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence". In 2007, he made his feature film debut with "Control", a biographical film about Ian Curtis and Joy Division that received widespread acclaim for its artistry and emotional depth. Corbijn's contributions to the world of photography have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the prestigious Prince Bernhard Culture Fund Award for his outstanding achievements in the field of photography. His photographs have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, solidifying his status as a true master of the medium. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Corbijn is known for his humility and down-to-earth nature. Despite his success, he remains dedicated to his craft, constantly seeking new ways to challenge himself and push the boundaries of his creativity. Whether photographing world-famous musicians or ordinary individuals, Corbijn has an uncanny ability to capture the humanity that resides within each subject, revealing their inner complexities and vulnerabilities. Visit: Anton Corbijn his lens captures raw essence like no other, making him a true master of photography. Explore his timeless vision that has shaped decades of art |
Record Label Information: Illegal records ILP 009 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1981 Netherlands / Belgium |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "CRAMPS - Psychedelic Jungle" is:
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Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
"Psychedelic Jungle" Record Label Details: Illegal records ILP 009
The Cramps were an American rock band formed in New York City in 1976. The band was fronted by Lux Interior (born Erick Purkhiser) and Poison Ivy Rorschach (born Kristy Wallace), and was known for its unique blend of rockabilly, garage rock, punk rock, and B-movie themes.
The band formed in the mid-1970s and was originally composed of Lux Interior, Poison Ivy, and drummer Nick Knox. They began playing shows in the New York City area, quickly building a reputation for their high-energy live performances and their distinctive style. They released their debut EP, "Gravest Hits," in 1979 on their own label, Vengeance Records. The band went on to release several more EPs and albums, including "Songs the Lord Taught Us" (1980) and "Psychedelic Jungle" (1981) which are considered classics of the psychobilly genre.
The Cramps were also known for their outrageous stage performances, featuring Lux Interior's wild, energetic dancing and Poison Ivy's distinctive guitar playing. They were heavily influenced by the rockabilly music of the 1950s, as well as by the horror and B-movie themes of their stage performances.
The band continued to tour and release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and they remained active until Lux Interior's death in 2009. The Cramps are widely considered to be one of the most influential and important bands of the psychobilly and garage rock genres..