THE CRAMPS - SMELL OF FEMALE 45RPM 12" LP Vinyl Album

- Big Beat Records

"Smell of Female" Album Description:

The Cramps' "Smell of Female" 45RPM 12" LP stands as a noteworthy relic of the early 1980s music scene, encapsulating the raw energy and distinctive style of the band within the context of its release. Produced by The Cramps themselves, the album showcases the band's commitment to crafting a unique sonic experience.

During the early 1980s, the music landscape underwent significant transformations, with the emergence of various sub-genres and a renewed emphasis on independent and alternative sounds. The Cramps, with their blend of rockabilly, punk, and garage rock, were at the forefront of this movement. "Smell of Female," released in 1983 in England, exemplifies the band's contribution to the evolving musical tapestry of the time.

The production of the album is credited to The Cramps, reflecting their desire for creative control and the DIY ethos prevalent in the punk and alternative music scenes. This hands-on approach allowed the band to capture the raw essence of their live performances, showcasing the untamed energy that characterized their shows.

The sound and recording engineering, skillfully handled by Paul McKenna, played a crucial role in translating the band's live vigor onto the vinyl format. Recorded at the iconic Peppermint Lounge and mixed at A&M Studios in Hollywood, the album not only captures the sonic intensity of The Cramps but also serves as a sonic time capsule, preserving the atmosphere of the venues where it was created.

The album cover design, credited to Da Lux, reflects the band's visual aesthetic, often characterized by a mix of kitsch, horror, and retro influences. The cover becomes an integral part of the overall experience, providing a visual representation of The Cramps' eclectic and eccentric style.

Examining the lineup of The Cramps during this period adds another layer of significance to "Smell of Female." Lux Interior's distinctive vocals, Poison Ivy Rorschach's lead guitar prowess, Kid Congo Powers' guitar contributions, and Nick Knox's dynamic drumming collectively define the sonic landscape of the album. Each member's unique style contributes to the overall tapestry of sound, creating a sonic journey that resonated with fans and left a lasting impact on the music scene.

The model featured on the front cover of The Cramps' "Smell of Female" album is not explicitly credited in widely available information. The cover design, credited to Da Lux, often utilized imagery that aligned with the band's overall aesthetic, which was a mix of kitsch, horror, and retro influences. It's not uncommon for album covers of this nature, especially from alternative and punk bands, to focus more on creating a visual atmosphere rather than individually crediting models.