20 replies to this topic

[fabulous muscles]

ESG calls it quits
September 11th, 2007 11:04 am by Joel Michael Cusumano

Legendary New York accidental post-punk band ESG has decided to call its September 21 appearance at Chicago’s Abbey Pub for this month’s Estrojam Fest its last. The group, originally comprised of the four Scroggins sisters (Deborah, Marie, Renee and Valerie) and conga player Tito Lebran, began replicating their favorite funk and disco musicians in the early ’70s and eventually unconsciously tapped into the energy of early-’80s post-punk rhythm bands, making them favorites amongst hipsters like Tony Wilson (founder of Factory Records, who released the band’s most well-known single) and Ed Bahlman (owner of 99 Records, whose roster included like-minded bands such as Liquid Liquid and Konk).

The band’s relatively sparse output has become a ubiquitous presence in sampling; to list a few artists that have sampled ESG: LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Liars, Gang Starr, Wu-Tang, J-Dilla. The band’s material has been compiled and released by Soul Jazz in recent years (check out A South Bronx Story 2, released this July). It’s not exaggerating to say that the rhythm-centric indie dance wave of late (the Rapture, LCD Soundsystem, !!!, Liars, Out Hud, etc.) that has been largely inspired by ESG’s music has rarely produced anything as forceful and hypnotic as the band’s records. Here’s your last chance to see ‘em:

Estrojam 2007’s website

http://www.prefixmag...s-it-quits/7138

[The Curse Of Millhaven]

Gay. I missed them the last time they came through. Plus, the women are totally hot, I would have liked to see them play.

[fabulous muscles]

I have yet to listen to anything other than A South Bronx Story. Still, this sucks. Back to the bus for Valerie Scroggins.

[boobs]

esg are great

[Chronodiggity]

NO! Not ESG... Wait, who the fuck is that? I'm so ignorant

[Pavement Ist Rad]

Classic album. Didn't know they still played shows or anything, though.

Need to hear the South Bronx Story records.

[no magnets]

i'm still periodically blown away by the broad influence they had on so many people. i mean, they played the hacienda and the paradise garage. i don't think anyone else could say that. and that siren sample from "ufo" is heard on countless songs. and then there was the awesome "sample credits don't pay our bills" fuck you. legendary band right here. and this is the same night as bonde do role...

[The Good Dr Bill]

not many other bands that could simultaneously fit into the soul, hip-hop and post-punk scenes at the same time. Cool ladies, certainly, though I had no idea what they've been up to post-90s.

[i-c]

If I was ever to do a top 100 song list, "Moody" would end up around 14.

[Jenny Penny]

though I had no idea what they've been up to post-90s.

Step Off -- their reunion album they put out on Soul Jazz in 2002 -- is actually a great record. "Six Pack" was totally one of my jams that year.

[boobs]

i never listened beyond the stuff covered on south bronx story but that record's got some amazing music. "Hold Me Right" is an underrated joint that u twee indie folx will prob enjoy as i do

[fabulous muscles]

"Hold Me Right," oh yes. There's not a single bad tune on South Bronx. "Dance" remains underrated as an universal.. dance song.

[Midnite_Vulture]

Okay, I needed to buy tickets like yesterday. Fuck! I thought I would be able to stroll up to the door the night of the show like for last year's Estrojam show at the Abbey and this concert has been in my sights for months because Psalm One and Bahamadia will be there as well. But fuck, I'm worried this thing will sell out quickly. Fuck.

[fabulous muscles]

You think? My plan is to buy tickets at the door.

[Midnite_Vulture]

I think the demand for the show just shot up about a good 10-15% with that news. Also keep in mind that the Abbey is not exactly a huge place.

[yancy]

Tempted to buy tix without hearing a note of this band's music (at least not that I know of). Equally tempted to just download it ASAP.

[fabulous muscles]

DO IT!

"Dance," "Moody" clips: http://www.boomkat.c...em.cfm?id=21144

[Jenny Penny]

Tempted to buy tix without hearing a note of this band's music (at least not that I know of). Equally tempted to just download it ASAP.

Well, especially since the magic words -- Out Hud -- were spoken. I think you'd dig ESG. So would Lindsay Lohan.

[yancy]

I'm in.

[Freddie Freelance]

Need to hear the South Bronx Story records.

I was just listening to South Bronx Story yesterday afternoon, I'll try to U/L this tonight. When you get it listen to "UFO" & "Moody" first.