CERTAIN GENERAL, one of the most overlooked and under-rated groups to emerge from the New York City post-punk era, release a retrospective compilation called Certain General: Invisible New York on Easy Action in September '07.
The group, who have been called 'the missing link between Television and Radiohead' while attracting comparisons with the Doors, Velvet Underground and Birthday Party, were formed in the East Village in 1979 by singer-guitarist Parker DuLany and guitarist Phil Gammage. Their brand of ravishing psychedelic mayhem stoked a large following at clubs of the day like CBGBs, Hurrah, Peppermint Lounge, the Mudd and the legendary Danceteria, where they were almost house band. CG also supported visiting groups like R.E.M., New Order and The Cure.
Albums appeared on several labels, including some in France where they became popular after touring Europe in the mid-80s. But bad luck, tragedy and wrong career moves dogged their promising career into near-obscurity before they reformed temporarily in 2003 precipitating a new phase of activity which included a track on the second volume of Soul Jazz's New York Noise series.
The 2-CD set features over 40 tracks charting the group's career from their earliest 1981 demos and 82's Holiday Of Love EP, through album tracks including live and alternative versions plus live material from the Live at the Public Theatre CD which documents a historic 2001 performance. There's also some toxic collaborations with David Lynch chanteuse Julee Cruise, including a defiant post-9/11 version of 'New York New York' with Patti Smith's guitarist Lenny Kaye.
The set is dedicated to Certain General's former manager Ruth Polsky, the booking agent who nurtured the post-punk movement and can be credited with kickstarting the US careers of UK groups including New Order, The Smiths, Birthday Party and Echo and the Bunnymen. Ruth was horrifically killed by a runaway yellow taxi outside the Limelight Club in September 1986 while greeting arrivals at a Certain General show. Poleaxing the group's spirit and momentum.
Parker DuLany and Phil Gammage have been recording again and hope to play a few UK dates in the summer. Hopefully, invisible no more.
Review of INVISIBLE NEW YORK from September 2007 Mojo
2-CD set of cult New York post-punkers from 1981 demos to 2003 reunion
"Formed in the East Village in 1980 by Georgia-born/New Orleans-raised painter-turned-singer Parker DuLany with Texan guitarist Phil Gammage and rhythm section Russell Berke and Marcy Saddy, the early Certain General aimed at being 'a pop version of the Contortions'. James Chance clearly influences the jerky punk-funk of 1981's Touch but 1982's Hello My God owes more to the Doors and the Velvet Underground, and by the mid-80s with new bassist Joe Lupo they were dealing in thumping psychedelia [Voodoo Taxi].
These Manhattan live scene stalwarts supported Liquid Liquid at Hurrah's and played Max's, CBGB and Danceteria, but missed opportunities, ill luck and manager Ruth Polsky's tragic death meant they never broke into the mainstream."
Well, whe shall wait quietly for the new record (as many people in France, I guess). Thanks for your powerful and so personnal music Regards from Paris
'Emily' is a great song, with this particular color you always gave to your music. This spells S.T.Y.L.E. Hope we shall see and hear you someday in Paris... Regards PM
Dear Parker (if you're sometimes looking at this page), we had the same tour manager in France (Alex). I sent you a novel, few years ago (don't know if you had it). So, very pleased to be your friend on myspace... Bye
c'est avec grand plaisir, de vous retrouvez via le grand néant virtuel, et que de souvenirs, à la surface! November's Heat forever !! Sonic Aly Yours LUV.
"Formed in the East Village in 1980 by Georgia-born/New Orleans-raised painter-turned-singer Parker DuLany with Texan guitarist Phil Gammage and rhythm section Russell Berke and Marcy Saddy, the early Certain General aimed at being 'a pop version of the Contortions'. James Chance clearly influences the jerky punk-funk of 1981's Touch but 1982's Hello My God owes more to the Doors and the Velvet Underground, and by the mid-80s with new bassist Joe Lupo they were dealing in thumping psychedelia [Voodoo Taxi].
