Skip Anderson 15 seconds ago
Feature Photo: Sonictruth, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pere Ubu was formed in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1975. The band was a pivotal force in the development of the punk and post-punk genres, renowned for their avant-garde approach to rock music, combining complex, abstract soundscapes with punk’s energy. The band’s name is derived from the protagonist of Alfred Jarry’s play Ubu Roi, reflecting their inclination towards the absurd and the unconventional.
Since their formation, Pere Ubu has released over fifteen studio albums, starting with their seminal 1978 debut The Modern Dance. This album, along with its follow-up, Dub Housing (released the same year), is often cited as foundational in the post-punk movement. Over the decades, the band has maintained a prolific output, with recent albums including 20 Years in a Montana Missile Silo (2017) and The Long Goodbye (2019). Besides studio albums, Pere Ubu has released several live albums and numerous compilations, contributing to an extensive discography that has been influential in alternative music circles. Their approach to music has consistently been characterized by a blend of rock, electronics, and avant-garde techniques, with lyrics that often veer into surrealism.
Pere Ubu has not achieved significant mainstream success or major music awards, reflecting their position as a cult band within the music industry. However, their influence on the development of alternative, indie, and experimental rock is widely recognized. The band’s lineup has seen various changes over the years, with lead vocalist David Thomas being the only constant member. This lineup fluctuation has contributed to the band’s evolving sound but maintained a core dedication to artistic innovation and integrity.
PERE UBU STUDIO ALBUMS
The Modern Dance
Released: 1978
The Modern Dance is the debut album by Pere Ubu, a band known for its experimental approach to rock music. This album is considered a pioneering work in the development of the post-punk genre, featuring a blend of punk rock energy and avant-garde complexity. Recorded at Suma Recording Studio in Painesville, Ohio, and produced by Ken Hamann and Pere Ubu, the album’s sound is characterized by its innovative use of synthesizers and unconventional song structures.
CD Track Listings:
- “Non-Alignment Pact” – 3:18
- “The Modern Dance” – 3:28
- “Laughing” – 4:35
- “Street Waves” – 3:04
- “Chinese Radiation” – 3:28
- “Life Stinks” – 1:53
- “Real World” – 3:59
- “Over My Head” – 3:49
- “Sentimental Journey” – 6:05
- “Humor Me” – 2:44
Dub Housing
Released: 1978
Released the same year as their debut, Dub Housing is often regarded as one of Pere Ubu’s most influential records, diving deeper into the realms of experimental rock. The album’s production, by Ken Hamann and Pere Ubu, emphasizes texture and atmosphere, creating a dark and surreal sound landscape.
CD Track Listings:
- “Navvy” – 2:40
- “On the Surface” – 2:35
- “Dub Housing” – 3:40
- “Caligari’s Mirror” – 3:49
- “Thriller!” – 4:36
- “I, Will Wait” – 1:45
- “Drinking Wine Spodyody” – 2:44
- “(Pa) Ubu Dance Party” – 4:46
- “Blow Daddy-O” – 3:38
- “Codex” – 4:55
New Picnic Time
Released: 1979
New Picnic Time continues Pere Ubu’s exploration into the avant-garde, marked by an even greater departure from traditional rock structures. This album showcases a mix of abrasive guitar work, abstract lyrical content, and complex rhythmic patterns, reflecting the band’s maturing experimental sound. Produced by Ken Hamann and Pere Ubu, and recorded at Suma Recording Studio, New Picnic Time was not a commercial success but is highly regarded in underground music circles.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Fabulous Sequel” – 3:07
- “49 Guitars & One Girl” – 2:51
- “A Small Dark Cloud” – 5:49
- “Small Was Fast” – 3:30
- “All the Dogs Are Barking” – 3:03
- “One Less Worry” – 3:45
- “Make Hay” – 4:04
- “Goodbye” – 5:16
- “Voice of the Sand” – 1:28
- “Kingdom Come” – 3:15
The Art of Walking
Released: 1980
The Art of Walking sees Pere Ubu delving into even more experimental territory, with a greater emphasis on improvisation and noise elements. The album features a mix of spoken word, unconventional song structures, and a broader palette of electronic sounds. Recorded at Suma Recording Studio and produced by Ken Hamann and Pere Ubu, this album continued the band’s trend of not charting but was praised for its bold artistic vision.
CD Track Listings:
- “Go” – 3:34
- “Rhapsody in Pink” – 3:35
- “Arabia” – 4:57
- “Young Miles in the Basement” – 4:20
- “Misery Goats” – 2:37
- “Loop” – 3:14
- “Rounder” – 3:25
- “Birdies” – 2:27
- “Lost in Art” – 5:12
- “Horses” – 2:34
- “Crush This Horn” – 3:00
Song of the Bailing Man
Released: 1982
Song of the Bailing Man closes another chapter in Pere Ubu’s exploration of the edges of rock music, incorporating jazz influences and an even more fragmented approach to composition. The album was produced by Adam Kidron and recorded at Suma Recording Studio. Like their previous works, it did not achieve commercial success but is recognized for its creative ambition and complexity.
CD Track Listings:
- “The Long Walk Home” – 2:34
- “Use of a Dog” – 3:17
- “Petrified” – 2:16
- “Stormy Weather” – 3:20
- “West Side Story” – 2:46
- “Thoughts That Go by Steam” – 3:47
- “Big Ed’s Used Farms” – 2:24
- “A Day Such as This” – 7:17
- “The Vulgar Boatman Bird” – 2:48
- “My Hat” – 1:19
- “Horns Are a Dilemma” – 4:20
Complete List Of Pere Ubu Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024
About The Author
SKIP ANDERSON
Skip Anderson has written for various musical journals and historical periodicals. Skip spends his times writing and cooking a mean barbecue on his ranch in Southern Georgia.