JUNE 2007 West Coast Tour Journal- Welcome "Meat Locker"
Current mood: satisfied
Category: Automotive

Back in town after a mini tour of the West Coast. We have a new bass player as our old one Dave decided to pursue other stuff in April so we have now welcomed Giorgio "Meat Locker" Karambelas into the band. The guy is nuts. He has picked up the tunes quickly and we're stoked to be able to tour again. Having Meat Locker around will also give us the freedom to add backing vocals to the live set as well which is a nice option and will be happening in due time..

So we rolled up to Sacramento on Friday and played at a tiny place with some friends and it was good to see some people we now know up there.. we walked around the city for a bit but everything closes at 5 up there for some reason so we just looked at a bunch of closed storefronts then found somewhere to have a tuna burger. The show was mellow in terms of a turnout but a good starter gig. We drove into the wee hours afterwords because we had to be in Seattle the next night (700 miles away).

made it up to Seattle the next night around 8 for Mama Casserole's 2nd 21st b-day party at the Comet. A great night. I can't explain it but we always have a blast in Seattle. 5  bands, 4 of them local. We went on around 11:30 and the Comet was packed. Meat Locker was settling in nicely at this point and it all felt great.. My favorite band of the night was Pleasure Boaters who played first. Super angular, kinda reminded me of Liars from NYC or The Fall. Cool stuff from a 3 piece. Tall Birds and Holy Ghost Revival played as well and one more I can't remember. People in Seattle love their live music..

We had a day and night to hang in Seattle on Sunday so we did so with Mama and it just so happened our friends The Quarter After from LA were coincidently in town to play that night with The Lovetones from Australia. Good times again at the Comet as we made tons of new friends and a band that i dig called The Drug Purse was on the bill. We played with them in October at the Comet and they're doing kind of a creation records sound as a 5 piece. Meat Locker had been pounding beer all day with his new "friends" at the Comet so we figured out he had been at the comet for about 22 of the last 30 hours of his existence. That guy is bonkers and stuff like this proves it. So much for rehab..

Next off to Portland for Mattress Monday at Tiger Bar which is great. Saw a lot of familiar faces/friends and it's always a great hang in Portland. Fathead from Dandies was super stoked on the set and that was awesome cause i'm a longtime fan. Didnt get to see Coatsie though. DAMMIT!

Next off to SF to play at our friend John's place called the Knockout. It's a vibey little room thats doing great things for the scene up there. A handful of people were grooving on the dance floor during the set and that always makes for a good time when youre playing. It was actually pretty damn crowded, especially for a tuesday. We played with a band doing a Killers thing who seemed to bring out some peeps..

so overall it was another good time for the Prophets.. we're about to get focused on recording our second record, then will be hitting the road again in the fall, maybe England?? keep in touch

Jerrold

p.s. we call him Meat Locker because he insists on having the air conditioning on in the van even when its 64 degrees outside. heh heh- MLK for short.

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LA Record cover shot and interview

THURSDAY, APRIL 26: THE CLEAN PROPHETS and KLAXONS

The Clean Prophets are named after a La's song and use former members of the Stitches, Sunstorm, the Superbees and the Brian Jonestown Massacre to sound something like England's Glory or maybe the self-titled Lou Reed record that England's Glory really liked. They released an excellent full-length last year on their own gambling-winnings-powered label and are working on a follow-up. Bassist Dave Koenig could not be present for this flu-ridden interview.

Did you pay for your last record with poker profits?
Jerrold Balcom (guitar/vocals): Actually, yes. I play a lot and there are a lot of ups and downs, but surges—if you can capitalize on them—kind of help your band.
Have they ever sent you out to make tour money?
Johnny Sleeper (drums): We were considering it if the van took a shit. Like, 'Let's take whatever we get and throw it on the poker table, and whatever happens, happens!'
What are you like when you play?
JS: He just gets into his mode—the total mathematician-librarian dude of poker.
JB: It's good to be in the right frame of mind. It takes a little focus and a little relaxation.
Jerrold, is your dad really a theoretical physicist?
JB: That's a bit of a stretch. It's not what he does for a living but he's versed in that area—quantum physics. He's a pretty deep thinker. He's also a musician—a bandleader who played Oregon in the late '50s and early '60s to put himself through college. He can't really understand playing music without making money. Back then, it was like the boom era of rock 'n' roll. More gigs for bands, so they'd make more money.
So is this the bust era now?
JB: I'd say a saturated era. Not to be a pessimist, but I think it's harder and harder for an above-average band to kind of make their way. It's kind of a grind.
JS: The era his dad was in was definitely early rock 'n' roll—very independent based, with small labels, and a lot of it's going back to that. Major labels aren't even really existing anymore. It's going back to independent—not just as far as a quote/unquote 'indie' sound but 'independent' how it was back then. Kind of a mom-and-pop thing—records on little labels, funded as best they could.And if it wasn't a good song, they didn't put it out. And they weren't cramming a marketing plan down consumers' throats. Back then people didn't expect to make a whole lot of money—it wasn't until after the Beatles that people thought, 'We can really make some cash!' The structures and composition of the song were much more important, rather than trying to sell some shitty album to people. We're on the cusp of something like that—things are changing and there's gonna be more change ahead.
So 1957 instead of 1967?
JS: Exactly. As much as I love the Beatles, they fucked up a lot of shit.
What are British bands usually better at doing than American bands?
JS: They're more expressive musically—rather than attitude.
JB: They're more focused on melodies—like the Kinks. The great bands are good at writing melodies. The American bands strike more of a vibe.
The difference between the Stooges and the Kinks?
JB: Exactly. The Stooges were one of our greatest bands, and it's mainly vibe. Same as the Velvet Underground and Sonic Youth.
How would you spend five minutes in an elevator with John Tesh?
JB: That would be great. I could really pick his brain. I'm fascinated by the guy. He's so bizarre to me. I don't know if anyone else feels that way. Yet he's so popular. I'd grill him on his background and say, 'Why did you go into music?' And, 'It's immoral to use your fame in this way.'
Are you aware of the theory that he's an alien?
JB: That could be. I'm definitely picking up something there.
You've all been in a few bands before this—what do you think works best about the Clean Prophets?
JB: The static line-up. It takes a band a few years to get good and get to know each other and to know what they're good at. If you've got a rotating door, you never get there.
JS: And there's equal input—not just one or two guys but all three of us taking the reins in writing. Even as the drummer I've written some of the song structure and things like that. I'm not just sitting back there following along to the guitarist. It's definitely more of a statement of where I am musically.
JB: I think every band is unique, but a lot are trying to sound like somebody and doing really good at it. Our music—from song to song—most of it doesn't sound the same. Some people don't like that.
Somebody said you sound like Alkaline Trio.
JB: Where the fuck did that come from? I've never even heard them. They said we not only sound like them but that we were ripping them off. What do they sound like?
I have no idea. If you could steal a member from any historical band, who would you steal?
JS: Johnny Witmer.
JB: This might bum Dave out since he's on bass—but we could put Dave on guitar and bring in James Jamerson.
Would you start dressing in suits?
JB: We'd have to make some kind of move. We could record laying down. Like he did on What's Going On.
Where is your biggest concentration of fans outside L.A.?
JS: Sacramento! People came out of the woodwork. For some reason the place was packed and people were coming up and saying how much they loved us and that they were so happy we were there.
You should play more state capitals.
JS: That'd be the way to go.
Will there be a string section on the new record?
JS: None of that.
JB: No prog adventures.
JS: We're just doing pre-recordings—we have a whole album of material and we're fine-tuning a few things.
Where will people be listening to Clean Prophets records in twenty years?
JB: On Mars.
Anywhere specific on Mars?
JB: Dive bars on Mars. Hopefully we'll be gigging.

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Tons of reviews here..
Current mood: quixotic

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Who doesnt like a little glam now and then? Drug addled, sticky, squinty-eyed, fitted-shirt glam of course - not likeshiny pants glam.
Born out of a 2004 collision among ex-members of Brian Jonestown Massacre (bassist Dave Koenig), Sunstorm (frontman Jerrold Balcom) and the Stitches (drummer Johnny Sleeper), the Clean Prophets capture exactly the glitter-free glamour belonging somewhere between a glossy Louis Vuitton ad and your grandpas attic. Its dark, sludgy psychedelia in the spirit of bigger-timers the Raveonettes and even Interpol.
In the Clean Prophets short existence-and with their first proper full-length record not yet on the shelves-they've already graced the stage alongside Dead Meadow, Frausdots, the Tyde and other large acts. In fact, their manic live show has probably graced pretty much every stage in southern California at this point, seeing as they have one of the most rigorous show schedules in town.
Check them out for yourself at the Troubadour on February 3rd with Dead Meadow. 8:30 p.m. $10 in advance, $12 day of show.
-Lucy Bernard, L.A. Alternative

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It shouldn't come as a surprise to find a former member of the Brian Jonestown Massacre (bassist Dave Koenig) in the midst of the Clean Prophets. This L.A. trio plays a first-rate version of hypnotic, psychedelic pop that should pair nicely with local psych-rock master Rick Bain. And at a measly $5 cover, you'll have plenty of cash left over to pick up a copy of the Clean Prophets' superb self-titled EP.
- Barbara Mitchell, Portland Tribune

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Upon hearing the Clean Prophets, with their swaggering guitar, the faint sound of Pink Floyd's The Wall resounds, and immediately I wish there was some sort of lazorlight show with this bands music; only this was simply scratching the surface. The Clean Prophets would have been huge in the late 60's and early 70's, with there fun and free spirited, yet dark and sinister psychedelic sound, they add a unique twist to the normal neo-classic rock sound, they also have a slight 80's synth influence which is integrated well into the composition of their songs.
-WIDR 89.1 FM Michigan

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Eleven songs spotlight the debut album of Californian trio The Clean Prophets. Eleven songs, eleven sounds. This is one of those indie albums that catches your beat immediately, making it an enjoyable listen from the get-go. I must admit though, a part of the appeal of Praise is Poison may simply be its familiarity. A few back-to-back playings will undoubtedly lead into a sense of déjà vu (or, déjà écouté?)—In the second track it's The Walkmen, in the title track, David Bowie and The Cure; 80s rock, brit-pop, and psychedelic rock: it's all there. The inclusion of the previously-heard is obvious enough that I assume the sound to be a purposeful homage to their musical influences, constructed into their own original scores. Although this doesn't detract from my enjoyment of the album, it does make it a curious listen as these musicians-turned-game-hosts entice my ears into playing a game of name-that-tune. Ultimately, I would refrain from insinuating that "praise is poison" for this band; these "prophets" are talented and capable musicians, wearing their hearts-on-their-sleeves, which is far from a "crime," thus "more than enough" to convince me that they are a musical "addiction" that is just beginning.
-Maria Giuliani, Left Hip Magazine (November, 2006)


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Praise Is Poison is a prolific flashback to the 1960s. Anything of merit stands the test of time, and inspiration for the Clean Prophets proves that. The up-tempo songs are still interesting enough to be considered a fresh take on a well-known art form. Like when the Mini Cooper was dusted off and given a face lift for the 21st century, The Clean Prophets have found a new twist on the Rock style of the 60s. Songs like "Tambourine Crown" seem to authentically fuse the sound of The Killers with T-Rex. Praise Is Poison is an assertive and potent collection of songs. Wind down the window of your new Mini Cooper, put The Clean Prophets in your CD player, and you'd swear you were living a good 40 years ago. This is psychedelic pop for the new century. Place your bets on The Clean Prophets and hope that Balcom wins some more rounds at the poker table and watch where this group goes in the future. What with Poker being the new pop-culture addiction, why wouldn't a CD be financed solely on Texas Hold'em wins? Jerrold Balcom, lead singer and guitarist of The Clean Prophets, just so happens to be a semi-pro Texas Hold'em player when he isn't creating a 1960s-inspired debut album. Obviously, Balcom loves risks, as both financing a CD on poker plays and reinventing a style from a revolutionary time in history could have been a win-or-lose situation. In both cases Balcoms' risks have paid off.
-Kindah Mardam Bey, Lucid Forge Arts and Entertainment Magazine (November, 2006)


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The Clean Prophets can be compared to other Californian bands like The Doors and The Brian Jonestown Massacre (knowing there's a former band member of theirs in this band may surprise you) and the famous Aussie act The Church, whose music has lived through the 80s to now and is still rockin'. And while in the 60s there reigned a feel for a new way of life, more modern artists like The Clean Prophets have a better taste for politics, social critic and revolution while never really parting ways with the basics of psychedelia. "Tambourine Crown" is going to grab neo brit-pop fans by its upbeat rhythm, and the title track "Praise Is Poison" is a song you should check out. While keeping it simple, there are all the elements here to make two good singles.
-Twoway Monologues(December, 2006)


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The Clean Prophets: Praise is Poison (self-released) – You probably haven't seen these guys yet or heard much about them if you don't live on the west coast, but I keep returning to their debut album. Several of these songs get under your skin. They've drawn praise from the LA Times and Amoeba Music (who featured them as one of their homegrown picks). The trio's influences are wide, but I usually compare them to 1980's British guitar bands like Echo & the Bunnymen and the Chameleons. The lead singer has a distinctive, evocative voice that conveys emotion well.
-You Set the Scene(December, 2006)


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Taking their name from a La's b-side, it's no surprise that The Clean Prophets are devout Anglophiles. Consisting of former Sunstorm frontman Jerrold Balcom on vocals and guitar, Dave Koenig on bass (ex-Brian Jonestown Massacre), and Johnny Sleeper on drums (ex-Superbees), this L.A. trio has a driving neo psychedelic sound that brings to mind UK giants such as Echo & The Bunnymen and House of Love. The standout is the title track, which soars as majestically as the likes of "Love My Way" or "Bring On The Dancing Horses." Not far behind are "Tambourine Crown," with its ringing guitar lines, the tense, yet infectious "Burning Walls," and "Instant Hustle," which has a similar charm to the early Stone Roses (think "Going Down" or "Sally Cinnamon").
-The Big Takeover (December, 2006)

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Tour Journal Vol 3

So wow what a week. first off the show on Saturday Feb 10th in Provo was real crowded and a good time. it was all ages and no booze. Provo is a college town and apparently BYU the Mormon school there buys up all the alcohol permits so no bars ever even open. but the kids were hip and they were into the music for sure as after a while we had to hit the van for more CD's at the merch table.. next we hit Denver on Sunday and that show was totally dead so i asked dave if he would play and sing some old country songs instead of us playing to a couple of people and he said yes. Johnny accompanied him and good times were had. Johnny Western and Charlie Patton songs sung in the proper spirit.
Next we entered the Abyss, aka Nebraska and a snowstorm. 15 hrs later of 50 MPH driving and we were finally were able to exit Nebraska, but -3 degree weather awaited us in Minneapolis.

Why are you touring in February?

because it builds character.

Tuesday in Minneapolis was pretty fun except for the weather which is really impossible to imagine until your bare skin experiences it. I'm the only band member who didnt grow up in cold weather so i'm Mother Nature's bitch at this point. We met some cool people in Minneapolis and hope to head back there soon. Next we went thru chicago then were on the way to Cleveland when we dropped our transmission in the Van! Dammit! so we had to miss the show that night at the Grog Shop (Sorry Cleveland). we limped into cincinnatti at 40 MPH, slept at Dave's parents and got a rental (money is no object for the world is an abundant place) then headed out to NYC. ok closed interstate in PA. backtrack. finally arrive at 3am on Friday.
Sat night, lower east side. Piano's is jammed. "best bar in lower east side" so i'm told. probably a matter of opinion. Whiskey. Mick Marsh. Joe Jackson. English Beat. Skydrops a two piece shoegaze unit played first and were cool. A Place to Bury Strangers a 3 piece fractured noise pop band from Brooklyn are next. I dug em a lot. then we took the stage at 1:15 and had another good one. turns out a bunch of people were there from Toronto and really got into the set as well as a few locals.
good times, been hanging in New York having the best food ever, Filippos in Hoboken- BOSS PIZZA. It's cold as witch tits today. looking forward to heading south like a goose for a little relief from this frigid air. next up Boston on Tues..Atlanta Thurs, Austin Sat..

JERROLD

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Tour Journal Vol 2

OK. Leave the big city attitude at home. Portland was a blast. Two shows, one at tiger bar, thrown by MATTRESS, local legend. another at the friggin arcade! played some Pacman and boy do i suck at Donkey KONG. Great times hanging out though. the shows were decent considering it was a Monday and a tues. hung out with the guys from the Out Crowd, Dandy Warhols, etc..went to a speak easy. Courtney Taylor showed us around his studio..I passed out on a couch, lost Coatsie. two days of random chaos.
Off to Bellingham, Wash. a port-town on the u.s./canadian border. way up there. friendly peeps and good seafood at the restaurant/bar we played at.. i knew i wasn't in LA when 1) the graffiti in the john literally said "hi there" with someone's response being "fine, how are you" and 2)the door person complimented one of the patrons on what a nice picture she had on her ID. Toto, we're not in ASIA..good show. all the people came up to the stage which was cool and unusual our first time thru a town..
then off to seattle. hanging with Mama Casserole (she was in bellingham too). Great show. good crowd. "one of the busiest Thursdays ever at the Comet."so i was told. Prophets on fire. Killer Killer Killer indian food earlier in the day. Buffet style. Nan bread, etc. Seatlle fucking rules. it just does. good to see the Turn On's hanging out..
Tonight was Boise. we miscalculated and forgot about the time change and showed up at 10:04pm and went on at 10:25. The locals seemed to dig us and apparently the show was written up in the local weekly so a little crowd came down.. made some friends and got pizza at the PIE HOLE. taaasty. Happy b=day Dave K. lets celebrate tomorrow night in Provo, UT.

JERROLd

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Tour Journal Vol. 1

In Sacramento. Played last night here, had a good one. 4th time playing here and people are starting to come out for us. Good vibe in a old pub with good beers on tap. So far we've eaten a lot of burritos. Particularly in SF where we played on Friday night. That was really good to at the Knockout which was packed. We played well and a bunch of ramones/buzzcocks/stooges bands played and thats a cool little room.. Coatsie is hanging with us, doing sound. He's a barrel of monkeys,if u know him, u know what i mean..check him out http://www.myspace.com/coatsie
we played Reno on thursday and that was a little slow and also NINETEEN DEGREES. but what u gonna do. played some poker. A little hungover gotta go..off to Portland for two gigs Mon and Tues..

JERROLD

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Clean Prophets featured band of the week XM Satellite Radio- "Radar Report"

http://www.radiounsigned.com/index02.html

"Check this out,, this ROCKS...

The first song is wonderful. 6 songs are stand-outs on this cd. I can't wait to see this band live". - Radar Report XM Satellite Radio

Currently listening : Dudley By Dudley Moore Release date: 29 June, 2006

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to pick up our CD..
Current mood: optimistic

...to pick up our new CD, Praise Is Poison gohere . or if you're in LA, you can get it at Amoeba in Hollywood on Sunset Blvd.

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Blog about a blog
Current mood: dorky

We got our first big Blog love here at Music For Robots out of NYC. check it out:
http://music.for-robots.com/archives/001308.html

spreadin the gospel!

Currently listening : Porcupine By Echo & the Bunnymen Release date: 27 January, 2004

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