The Cramps - "Smell of Female" Vinyl, 12", 45 rpm, Reissue, 1983 (Big Beat Records)

Is it even possible to dislike The Cramps?  Another definition of 'perfection' is The Cramps.  To call them psycho-billy or rockabilly or even rock n' roll seems to limit their greatness.  "Smell of Female" is a live recording that took place at The Peppermint Lounge, February 25 & 26 1983.  There are many reasons to buy and enjoy this mini-album, but what makes it essential is their version of the Russ Mayer theme song to "Faster Pussycat Kill Kill."  One of the great unknown songs that I don't think ever was properly released is a DNA piece of work for The Cramps.  

Which brings to mind another aspect of their greatness.  Poison Ivy and Lux Interior are tastemakers as well as brilliant curators of everything 1950s culture and beyond.  They are never corny, and I imagine what it must be like to spend an hour in their home in Glendale, California.  A live-in museum, but the fact is, that they are cultural historians of great importance.   The death of Lux is one of the significant losses in the 21st century.  Nevertheless, with the brilliance of the late Nick Knox on drums, and at this point of time of the recording, Congo Powers on the second guitar - they transcend an aural sound that is also visual, and you can feel it in your sexual being.   For me, the two guitars and no bass is the prime Cramps.   

Gary Glitter - "Glitter and Gold" Vinyl, 10", Mini-Album, Compilation, U.S., 1980 (Epic)

Gary Glitter is a by-product of the British pop industry.   "Gary Glitter" was invented by record producer  Mike Leander and Paul Francis Gadd, who first entered into the pop market as Paul Raven in 1960.   Leander is that rare combination of a visionary - both as a manager and as a songwriter.  The fact that he made the film soundtrack "Privilege" with Paul Jones, is the first step to his most brilliant creation, Gary Glitter, with incredible input by Gadd, who transformed himself into Glitter. 

A formula was made, that not only made money (all the gold in glitter) but also gave the world a sound - Glitter Rock.   Stripped down sound with a super heavy drum sound, mixed in with what sounds like a distorted electric guitar or maybe even a synthesizer of some sort.   For me, it is one of the great sounding rock n' roll records since Sun recordings.  It's all echo, compressed sound that sounds like Rockabilly, but from outer space.  There is a touch of Joe Meek in the madness (sound wise)  as well. 

The American side of CBS (on Epic Records) released a six-song 10" compilation that is very much the essential Gary Glitter.   I don't think anyone needs any more than the six-songs here on this mini-album, with respect to the Glitter sound and aesthetic.  It's perfection as practiced.  "Rock n' Roll" Part 1 and 2 was until ten years ago, the sound of sports rallies all around the world.  The call and response approach to rock is essentially important.  Pumping the air with your fist, it has a hyper-macho beat that swaggers and straight-forward.   Rudd and Leander made a character that is truly Ziggy Stardust but without the intellect.   Dumb, and beautiful music that's pure sound, with a mighty beat.  For me, it was a series of perfect moments.  Gary Glitter was not meant to last.  Rudd's character got in the way, and Leander went on to other adventures.