Surf's Up: Nightclubbing catches a wave with the Raybeats

This week, Pat & Emily of Nightclubbing revisit the often underrated Raybeats - a band formed from the ashes of the short lived No Wave scene. If you've never heard them, the Raybeats probably don't sound like what you'd expect from former members of the Contortions and 8-Eyed Spy.

In 1980, the pendulum swung again for four of No Wave’s most influential musicians. Jody Harris, Donny Christensen and George Scott III were veterans of the Contortions and Pat Irwin had performed with George in 8-Eyed Spy with Lydia Lunch. They were done with moody lead singers and wanted to try another way. They formed The Raybeats. Continued here.

Here's the band performing in 1980 at Danceteria:

Rockin' like its 1982 - The Individuals, Raybeats & Yo La Tengo at Maxwells 6/29

 This just in from Glenn Morrow of the Individuals and Bar/None Records for a benefit show taking place on June 29 at Maxwells for Danny Amis (Raybeats, Los Straightjackets):

My band from the early 80s the Individuals will be playing a benefit for our friend Danny Amis at Maxwells on June 29. We will be rocking it like it's 1982 (isn't that the year Prince wrote "1999"?) along with Danny's old band the Raybeats (their first re-union), Tall Lonesome Pines, Purple Knif, the Schramms and Ira and Georgia from Yo La Tengo. Here's a couple of picks to check out:
http://nymag.com/listings/nightlife/a-benefit-for-danny-amis/
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2011/06/danny_amis_reco.html

Upcoming gigs of note - Liquid Liquid, Pop Group, more

IN NYC - a very special show coming up this week:

Wednesday, August 25 at Bowery Electric: Three immortal no-wave front-girls who were doing it then, are doing it now, and still doing it new. Adele Bertei (Contortions, Bloods) backed by Jody Harris, Don Christiensen, and Pat Irwin (all ex-Raybeats and/or Contortions), and Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie) will be appearing along with Command V, and Faith (led by Felice Rosser).

As mentioned back in June, Command V is a new band featuring Cynthia Sley (Bush Tetras) on vocals, Pat Irwin (Raybeats, Eight Eyed Spy, the B-52s) on guitar, and Rachel Dengiz on keyboards and vocals. The amazing rhythm section of Zack Alford (David Bowie, B-52s) and Sara Lee (B-52s, Gang of Four) join in for the live band. Command V's debut recording will be released on September 27 on ThisIsNotAnExit Records. Check out www.commandvmusic.com.

$10.00 gets you in the door at the Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery at 2nd Street, August 25th, showtime is at 9:00PM. That's THIS WEDNESDAY.

Command V will also be appearing separately at the following shows:

SEPTEMBER 24TH @ BOWERY ELECTIC - 327 BOWERY, 10PM
ALL AGES BENEFIT FOR HOWL FESTIVAL HEALTH FUND
WITH THE SEDIMENT CLUB & ESTHER BALLANT
$5

OCTOBER 16TH @ BROOKLYN BOWL - 61 WYTHE AVE, 9:30PM
WITH TOM TOM CLUB
$10

IN LONDON:

September 11 & 12 -

More info here.

October 30 -

More info here.