WALL OF VOODOO-RING OF FIRE (REMIX)/THE MORRICONE THEMES (LIVE), 12", 1982 (RECORDED: 1980) + TWO SONGS BY WALL OF VOODOO, 12", 1982, USA

I've expounded at length elsewhere on this blog about the genius of this misunderstood and oft dismissed outfit, whose origins lie deep in the heart of L.A.'s freaky art punk fringe of the 80's (early gigs were frequently opposite synth punkers Nervous Gender with whom they collaborated live and percussionist Joe Nanini was a former member of Black Randy And The Metrosquad). Though my former post laid bare their earliest recordings via their self titled debut E.P., there's more where that came from. The Ring Of Fire/Morricone Themes 12" is, in all honesty, a bit slight (different vocal delivery on an otherwise identical cover of Johnny Cash's Ring Of Fire and an enjoyable but throwaway Morricone medly), though enthusiasts will, I'm sure, happily grab any odds and ends that one can locate from this era of their work, but the "Two Songs.." 12" is another story altogether. While the A side offers Mexican Radio (possibly redundant for many of you and the reason for their misapprehension as a one hit wonder new wave novelty act), the flip is a 10+ minute instrumental remix/deconstruction/live overhaul of Mexican Radio in the style of the instrumental segues from their debut E.P. and is an absolutely essential listen for anyone steeped in the mystery and myth of Wall Of Voodoo.

Get Ring Of Fire/Morricone Themes Here

Get Two Songs By... Here