Fa Ce La

from the LP Crazy Rhythms, Stiff Records, 1980



In my estimation, the long winding pot-holed road of “indie rock” starts right about here. These guys flat out refused production assistance of any kind and were hypervigilant about guarding their tunes from outside interference, causing them to be a thorn in the side of even independent labels; ultimately, that kiss-off attitude is what doomed their legacy to a life heard more often by kids who were just being born when this debut album was recorded. Somehow, I doubt they give a shit. New Jersey is mostly known for refined petrochemicals, so I bet (hope) these dudes get a lot of love in their hometown of Hoboken. This song whizzes by in a flash, all bouncy rhythms and sailing guitar riffs, with mad props for the use of those cylindrical wooden-stick-instruments that used to seem so lame in grade school. Also, points for the Brave New World reference in their name…we’re still waiting for those “feely” hologram pornos Huxley!