F/NF 021 is The Super Vacations! + Monthly Mixtape
Heater Pt. II by The Super Vacations
Funny / Not Funny Records is proud to announce that we will be releasing “Heater Pt. II” a full length LP by The Super Vacations. This 12” will be the band’s seventh appearance on vinyl following a split 7” with Eternal Summers that we released, a split 7” with The Ceiling Stares that was co-released by Sweaters & Pearls Records (001) and Velocity of Sound Records (005), and four releases by Shdwply Records. The split w/ Eternal Summers, their split with The Ceiling Stares, their Henry 7”, and their Thicker Milk LP are all available in our store here. More information on the release, pre-orders, and previews of the tracks are on the way but in the meantime you will find the art for the front cover above and below you will find a track listing for the record and a flyer for their show tonight with Wild Nothing. Get excited!
1. Faded Leather Jacket
2. Controller
3. Ruby
4. El Rey
5. Hexing
6. Fried
7: Above / Below
8. Signals of Thought
9. Picnic
10. Beer League
11. Kitchen Lites
12. Inside the Heater Shop
Flyer Designed by good buddy Kenneth Close.
Monthly Mixtape: Tim Westberg
Funny / Not Funny Record’s Monthly Mixtape installment this month is curated by My Mind frontman, Tim Westberg. Tim, who used to also sing for F/NF band Order, has recently moved up to Canada but is still up to great things. He has made some mixes for Nick Barbery’s Ghost Capital Blog and maintains some blogs himself. You can check out his website here. Additionally, this mix is special extended version featuring 16 tracks! F/NF’s longest to date. Enjoy!
1. Ain’t Nobody Ever Loved You - Aretha Franklin
The first of two bookend jams from Who’s Zoomin’ Who, this must have been at least sub-consciously inspired by the Ewok celebration at the end of Return of the Jedi.
2. Appalachian Eyes - Carlene Carter
A co-write between C.C. and someone from the Doobie Brothers, but I would have guessed that it was a Nick Lowe song, given that he was married to Ms. Carter at that time, and also the producer of the record. Perfect chord changes.
3. You’re Spending All My Money - Rockin’ Horse
A lot of the recently reissued Yes It Is album mostly sounds like late-period Beatles, as befits a group from Liverpool, although this track has a Kinksy vibe to it which ought not be overlooked!
4. When I Think of You - Janet Jackson
The bass line of this song is pretty much untouchable. Also, when Janet says “feels so good!” near the end, she sounds really happy while she’s singing it, probably because it actually does feel good to sing that.
Static Crash was a 2003 CD-R release from Greensboro, N.C.’s A.F., and was re-released last year. A genuine case of quality falling through the cracks. Amazing singer!
6. You’re Running Out of Fools - Billy Ocean
B-side from his first single. I love how he says “in what way?”
Very pretty, haunting song. Not at all the “music for fishermen” vibe I was expecting based on the front sleeve of Rainbow Race. Producer Bob Johnston presumably responsible for making this sound a bit like Leonard Cohen circa Songs of Love and Hate (fine with me!).
8. Let Us Know - Sibylle Baier
From the mid-2000’s(?), and maybe the first thing recorded since the Colour Green material from 30+ years ago. If it is new, her voice hasn’t changed appreciably. One theme of this mix is “excellent singing.”
9. Magneto and Titanium Man - Wings
The one standout from thrift store staple Wings Over America sounds like Life Pursuit-era Belle and Sebastian (or rather, vice versa) which makes it quite a standout indeed.
10. I Love the Lord, He Heard Me Cry (part 2) - Donny Hathaway
Had to cut part 1 due to time & flow constraints. Conspicuously absent from a mix purported to highlight “excellent singing” is the voice of D.H., a voice allegedly ripped off by Stevie Wonder, who, it must be said, put it to good use.
11. When I Fell Down - Null & Void
This isn’t really representative of N&V, however, it is quite short.
12. Under the Influence of Love- Love Unlimited
Stuck in my head for close to a month now. Barry White writes and produces (and is romantically involved). Two sisters and a cousin, harmonies genetically coordinated.
13. Gheniet Ben Soussan, Pt. 7 - Cheikh Zouzou
A highlight from the first disc of the impressive Opika Pende box set from last year. Smoothest, most beautiful singing.
14. Keep Your Dreams - Suicide
Apparently originally released on the first Suicide single which was pressed in an edition of TWO, one placed in the Max’s Kansas City jukebox. Like a blossom.
15. Arrival - ABBA
I love ABBA. I can not shake my impression that this song sounds so much like Amps for Christ, whom I also love, but with the members of ABBA singing on top. If there is any other music like this, ABBA or otherwise, please let me know
16. Integrity - Aretha Franklin
This is the only song on WZW? that has a solo Aretha Franklin writing credit. The form complements the content: a thoroughly integrated production and composition. She makes it sound easy!
