Algebra Suicide were a post-punk duo from Chicago, active from 1983-1993. They ended up on a few international compilations in the '80s, and even made it out to Europe for a tour in 1990. This CD is two long tracks, each a live set recorded at Links Hall in 1988. It is really good. Lydia Tomkiw recites off-the-wall, strangely familiar poetry while Don Hedeker conjures ethereal accompanying textures on the guitar and administers the drum machine. Here he is saying a few words about this particular recording and performance; I'll defer to him since he says it best. Lydia left this world in 2007 after a long bout of alcoholism and declining health. You can read touching tribute to her written by Sharon Mesmer here.
This is a fantastic, mostly forgotten bit of Chicago music history. Don't put it off because of the long track lengths. See, I've given you the set list right here, so no complaining:
"Here, the only things being tortured are the lawns"
Plastic Crimewave writes about Algebra Suicide
Yes, more Chicago music. I was just back home last week bemused at how I could hardly recognize anything. It's always sad when you start getting lost in your hometown.
ReplyDeleteHey Zen, I just found your blog and have been really loving listening to this album on youtube. I read your most recent post on the Mediafire issues you've been having and am just curious if you're still taking requests for re-ups? I just can't seem to find it anywhere.
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