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MADE IN SPOKANE 1978​-​1981

by Sweet Madness

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  • Streaming + Download

    Immediate download of two tracks from just released anthology in your choice of 320k mp3, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire.
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1.
Put on Hold 02:48
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(I Don’t Wanna Be) Put on Hold I don’t wanna be put on hold anymore I don’t wanna keep knockin’ at your door I call you up, but you’re not home If I can’t talk to you in person can we talk on the phone You said you’d call back, I waited for hours I should have known you were busy in your concrete tower I don’t wanna be put on hold anymore I don’t wanna keep knockin’ at your door And I don’t mind, conversation with record-a-call But don’t turn off the lights when I’m in the hall I call my baby, she’ll make me feel fine She’s says “You must be mistaken, you ain’t mine” I don’t wanna be put on hold anymore I don’t wanna keep knockin’ at your door I go to the dance hall, cuz I got the beat I got in a fight and got thrown into the street But I saw a girl there and she looked hot But she said “Don’t mind me, I’m just one of the props” I don’t wanna be put on hold anymore I don’t wanna keep knockin’ at your door I don’t wanna be put on hold anymore I don’t wanna keep knockin’ at your door (Jan Gregor)
2.
I Don't Want to Be a Number 01:55
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I Don’t Want to Be a Number Take a lie detector test when you want to cash a check It’s for your own protection, sir Smile at the camera at the Supermarket Don’t trip the alarm at the door I don’t want to be a number Please don’t fold or mutilate I don’t want to be inside computer memory banks What was that beep on the telephone? Please don’t get too upset Why did my mother’s letter take three weeks to get here? Why would someone want the mail? I don’t want to be a number Please don’t fold or mutilate I don’t want to be inside computer memory banks When you’re looking for a job They’re looking at you funny Why do they look that way? They must think that I’m really flakey Why do they want his fingerprints anyway? Stand in the line and please no talking The government’s too busy to listen Fill out every blank and sign it on the bottom We don’t want to see an omission I don’t want to be a number Please don’t fold or mutilate I don’t want to be inside computer memory I don’t want to be a number Please don’t fold or mutilate I don’t want to be inside computer memory banks (John Robison)
3.
We Will Obey 02:50
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We Will Obey She said “I don’t care, I’m not proud, I like the boys when they play it loud I love to feel the drums punch into my chest I hear the bass and I get possessed" You have desire that’s aching We have the frenzy you crave She says “Command us, we will obey” Command us, we will obey Girls just can’t stop dancing Girls just can’t stop dancing Girls just can’t stop dancing She said “I don’t care, I’m not shy I like the boys when they amplify I love the sound of a guitar crash I like the strings in electric clash You have desire that’s achin’ I want to lead you astray" She says “Command us, we will obey” Command us, we will obey Girls just can’t stop dancing Girls just can’t stop dancing Girls just can’t stop dancing Girls don’t care how many chords in the song Just wanna get the feeling Girls don’t care how complex it all is Just wanna catch the meaning You ever have a craving, a need you got to fill Hunger keeps gnawing right at you You gotta go for the kill I get it out of my mind some, I try not to brew (Jan Gregor)
4.
Tired Blood 01:58
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Tired Blood Can’t take chances with the future Sew up your hopes with a stained suture Lie awake at night and wish you weren’t immoderate Taking all those pills and wish you were a Jesuit Tired blood Tired blood The tavern crowd is younger than you now The shadows grow gray upon the wall You try and sell your soul Can’t find someone who’s interested Try and watch TV but catharsis seems to be prevented Tired blood Tired blood Blue eyes in the night Red eyes in the morning Your foot’s in the quicksand A new day is dawning All the social norms are so arbitrary Everything you do just seems so temporary No one will understand, they’re probably in the mess you’re in Crisis line put you on hold, too late to turn lead into gold Tired blood Tired blood Blue eyes in the night Red eyes in the morning Your foot’s in the quicksand A new day is dawning (John Robison)
5.
Concrete River 03:10
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Concrete River Barb wire decorates the fence around the storefront Metal bars beautify the windows Girls walk by but you never see their eyes They’ve heard about the wolves that come out into the night But the metal and the concrete and the light Make a pretty skyline tonight Can I walk you down to the concrete river? ‘Cuz the neon and the billboards and the light Make your eyes sparkle tonight Can we take a stroll to the concrete river? Steel fence slides across the entry to the building Double lock the door to the alley People hustle by in a race with the darkness They’ve heard about the animals it makes them nervous But the metal and the concrete and the light Make a pretty skyline tonight Can I walk you down to the concrete river? ‘Cuz the neon and the buildings and the light Make your eyes sparkle tonight Can we take a stroll to the concrete river? Let’s walk with hands entwined Under electric byline Let’s kiss with arms in bind Under electric skyline ‘Cuz the metal and the concrete and the light Make a pretty skyline tonight Can we take a stroll to the concrete river? ‘Cuz the neon and the buildings and the light Make your eyes sparkle tonight Can we take a stroll to the concrete river? Can we take a stroll? Can we take a stroll? Can we take a stroll to the concrete river? (Jan Gregor)
6.
Come Shining 02:11
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Come Shining Every time I call you up you say I was just thinking about you That don’t mean I’m psychic That just means I feel for you Suppose, I just need to feel affected Come on, don’t you want to get connected? I want to have your energy come shining I . . . I . . . I wanna feel it coming from you . . . . you You gotta send it stunning . . . I . . . I I wanna have your energy come shining Everytime you call me up I think The danger makes it so exciting That don’t mean I need it That just means I crave the feeling Suppose, I just need to feel affected Come on, don’t you want to get connected? I want to have your energy come shining I . . . I . . . I wanna feel it coming from you . . . you You gotta send it stunning . . . I . . . I I wanna have your energy come shining So won’t you won’t you hold it against me So won’t you won’t you hold it against me So won’t you won’t you hold it against me So won’t you won’t you hold it against me I . . . I . . . I wanna feel it coming from you . . . . you You gotta send it stunning, baby I . . . I I wanna have your energy come shining (Jan Gregor)
7.
One of the Buzzboys 01:44
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One of the Buzzboys Go and refill the water on Table 6 One of the buzzboys, one of the buzzboys And empty the bus tubs in Station 2 One of the buzzboys, one of the boys May I take your plate, ma’am? Ashtray run to the upper And stock your station Can you turn off the heat? Can you turn off the heat? I’m one of the buzzboys, one of the buzzboys Last call for drinks and tips One of the buzzboys, one of the buzzboys Last call for smokes and tips The captain serves flambeau and flaming dishes One of the buzzboys, one of the buzzboys Well, I’m cleaning up a mess of slish and squishes One of the buzzboys, one of the boys Will there be only two of you? Would you like more coffee? Is there anything else, sir? I got stiffed on the tip, I got stiffed on the tip I’m one of the buzzboys, one of the buzzboys Last call for drinks and tips One of the buzzboys, one of the buzzboys Last call for smokes and tips (Jan Gregor)
8.
Can't Take It 02:58
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Can’t Take It Tick tock time to go to work you just tick tock time the day Turn to the one with the broken smile he’ll just tick tock turn away Thinks I wanna take your place well there ain’t no place worth taking Make-a-buck men working overtime with the claws that don’t stop raking I can’t take it, I’m leaving this place I can’t make it, I’m out of the race Tick tock time to go to work I despise every minute Tick tock till I’m out of here I would quit it in a second Watch the faded worker take his place on the shelf by the old TV and the antique clock Dust of time mixed with sand of life well it won’t turn into rock I can’t take it, I’m leaving this place I can’t make it, I’m out of the race Tick tock till I’m out of here my days just waste away Don’t back me in a corner now this dog’s been held at bay My eyes are glazed my hands are tired my back and neck are sore Head me for the sunlight, head me for the door I can’t take it, I’m leaving this place I can’t make it, I’m out of the race I can’t take it, I’m leaving this place I can’t make it, I’m out of the race (Jan Gregor)
9.
I Need Electricity 03:04
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I Need Electricity The car brakes squeal, round the corner in the night A radio is blaring through the window of the basement floor The old woman’s startled, stack of plates fall to the ground Her man starts bitching ‘bout the price of just sticking around And hear you screaming down the telephone line As the kids next door get in a fight And the dogs are howling on the corner lot ‘Cuz they’re scared of the cold starlight And yeah, I hear you coming over the phone So don’t think me impolite But I need electricity tonight I need electricity, I need electricity I need electricity tonight The front door slams, in the apartment down the hall The pitter patter footsteps keep pacing up and down the stairs A siren is shrieking, energy’s in the air I gotta get out of this cage and get somewhere And I hear you screaming down the telephone line ‘Bout the times I let you down The time I forgot to pick you up ‘Cuz I got tied up downtown And yeah, I hear you coming over the phone So don’t think me impolite But I need electricity tonight I need electricity, I need electricity I need electricity tonight (Jan Gregor)
10.
Mechanical Things 01:49
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Mechanical Things Mechanical things, they click and whir You wind them up, they wind you up They never can give you the time you need to think They’re always around, at work and at play You go to the store and then you go to your class They’re there, at night and at day For each that dies ten machines will be taking it's place Mechanical things, they click and whir You wind them up, they wind you up They never can give you the time you need to think Some of them think, they think they can Manipulate numbers that you didn’t think were around They purposely break, when they know it will hurt They know that you’ll fix them back up so they’ll get you again Mechanical things, they click and whir You wind them up, they wind you up They never can give you the time you need to think It’s not a nightmare, but it sure isn’t fun Why don’t they learn to leave you and me alone? I’ve said enough now, I think I’ve made my point Think I will oil my joints and go back in my box Mechanical things, they click and whir You wind them up, they wind you up They never can give you the time you need to think (John Robison)
11.
In on the Outs 01:48
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In on the Outs I’m in on the outs with one and only She wants to put me on a layaway I’m in on the outs and feeling lonely She wants to leave me on a stay away I don’t wanna be your back burner baby I don’t wanna be your back burner baby I’m out from being in with one and only She wants to put me on a layaway I’m in on the outs and feeling lonely She wants to leave me on a stay away I don’t wanna be your back burner baby I don’t wanna be your back burner baby She said, “I don’t fit into the shape of life to come I’m sorry Forgive me if I turn and run, I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m in on the outs I got the brush off She wants to put me on a layaway I’m in on the outs I got the crush off I’m out from being in with one and lonely She wants to put me on, she wants to put me on She wants to put me on a laya . . . She wants to leave me on a . . . She wants to leave me on a . . . She wants to leave me on a . . . stay Stay away (Jan Gregor)
12.
It Don't Bother Me 02:32
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It Don’t Bother Me She said, “I’m planning a trip from here to the South Can you help me with a problem, please? I’m paranoid of trucks and bridges and things Can you map me a route that will avoid all of these?” Do you ever feel stress when you drive on the freeway at night? Do you ever feel strain when your eyes get exposed to the light? It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much She said, “I’m planning on embarking on a new career, can you answer me a question, boys? Do you feel there’s a future for a rock-n-roll band that copies licks from traffic noise?” Do you ever say a prayer when you drive on the freeway at night? And do you feel lost unless ten other cars are in sight? It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much She said, “I think I cured my byway fears Do you think I should be proud? When I feel the freeway closing in I turn my car deck way up loud Do you think this journey’s coming to an end? Do you think we’ll take this joyride once again? It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much It don’t bother me all that much (Jan Gregor)
13.
Live for the Night 02:22
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Live for the Night Wait till tomorrow, she says I’ll feel much better, she says Lately things just haven’t worked out Everything is turning about Try so hard but I just can’t seem to cope But I live for the night Blanket my day Lift up my spirits Take me away This load seems so heavy, she says Time moves so slowly, she says I just sit and stare at the walls Hear no questions, no answers, no calls Try to stop the pain, my fear seems to build But I live for the night Blanket my day Lift up my spirit Take me away But I live for the night Blanket my day Lift up my spirit Take me away (Jan Gregor)
14.
Assembly Line 02:36
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Assembly Line You might tighten screws into this metal plate Turn them once, just like so, not hard to calculate Or you might look for bad ones and then pick them out But it depends upon the job you are assigned You could file on this edge till it’s nice and smooth See how that man’s doing it, I approve Or you might polish down until the surface shines But it depends upon the job you are assigned You might punch a hole into this metal plate Line it up, just like so, not hard to calculate Or you might double check these ones already done But it depends upon the job you are assigned And it depends upon the way that you perform And remember you are just a number And remember you can be replaced And please don’t take a break until the bell rings And don’t forget to punch out if you leave And I think that you will find this work a challenge And I think that you could make it a career And I think that you will really like it here And I think that you will really like it here You can have it, I don’t want it This ain’t occupational therapy Well I don’t think it’s what I had in mind Don’t think it’s quite right for me Don’t think it’s quite right for me (Jan Gregor)
15.
Suburban Guerrillas 02:29
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Suburban Guerrillas Nose between the curtains Elbows on the floor Turn out all the lights now Lock up all the doors Suburban guerrillas Suburban killers Someone cut the phone line Back up system dead Someone ran a barricade Found somebody dead Suburban guerrillas Suburban killers Someone popped the window Stay against the wall Someone knocked the door down Someone's in the hall Suburban guerrillas Suburban killers (John Robison)
16.
Disco Assassin 00:53
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about

Spokane, Washington - "The Inland Empire" - 1978

In the dreary musical landscape of redneck country, beer swiggin'boogie and disco bars, just the basic concept of a band getting up on a stage and performing their own music was totally unheard of. That lesson was learned the hard way when Sweet Madness was unceremoniously boot-kicked from their first bar gig.

The seed was planted when lead singer/guitarist Jan Gregor and drummer Mark Fenton bonded in 1975, later joined by bassist Don Lynd. When keyboardist John Robison hooked in 1978, an original rock band sprouted, proving that a weed can grow anywhere

Unfazed with harsh reality, Sweet Madness pioneered the time-honored concept of "Do It Yourself" to create their own scene. Any scene. Literally. DIY or die. They threw rowdy parties, dances and staged unorthodox much-talked-about happenings: once performing
outside on Spokane's main drag in minus 7 degree weather and backing up traffic till the soundboard froze; another time hiring an "all-girl band" from Portland and then appearing in drag themselves.

The band built up their own local audience of punks, wavers, artists, misfits and weirdos, inciting both avid love and extreme loathing. Local press at the time called the group "bizarre, arty, and satirical", "punk/new wave", "demented Boy Scouts" and "like something out of the Twilight Zone."

Here are the uncommon sounds of geographic and cultural isolation.

Sweet Madness broke up in 1981, barely even heard of outside of the "Inland Empire" . . .

credits

released October 15, 2013

Jan Gregor | guitar, vocals, harmonica
John Robison | Vox & Farfisa organs, electronic piano, vocals
Mark Fenton | drums, backing vocals
Don Lynd | bass, pedals, backing vocals

Street noise, telephone, circular saw and alarm clock were recorded live. No keyboard synthesizers or computers were used in the making of this music.

Put On Hold ~Gregor~ **
I Don’t Want to Be a Number ~Robison~ ****
We Will Obey ~Gregor~ ***
Tired Blood ~Robison~ ****
Concrete River ~Gregor~ ****
Come Shining ~Gregor~ ****
One of the Buzzboys ~Gregor~ ****
Can’t Take It ~Gregor~ **
I Need Electricity ~Gregor~ ***
Mechanical Things ~Robison~ ***
In On the Outs ~Gregor~ ****
It Don’t Bother Me ~Gregor~ **
Live for the Night ~Gregor~ ***
Assembly Line ~Gregor~ *****
Suburban Guerrillas ~Robison~ *****
Disco Assassin ~Robison~ **

All songs arranged by Sweet Madness

**Recorded at Jim Schack Studios, Cheney February 1979
*** Recorded at Womach Studios, Spokane December 1979
produced by Bob Zat and Sweet Madness
****Recorded at EWU, Cheney, WA in January 1981 produced
by Bob Zat and Sweet Madness
*****Live bonus tracks recorded at Womach Studios, Spokane
November 1980 produced by Bob Zat

Gregor songs: Brennan Dalsgard Publishers ASCAP
Robison songs: Rat Boggle Music ASCAP

bandcamp+site design: Rickio Woods | www.rickiowoods.com

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Sweet Madness Spokane, Washington

The Spokane band that in 1978 kicked off the mutant-garage-punk-art-rock scene of the Eastern portion of Washington state.

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