Big Jon Spencer Blues Explosion “Recorded in Person!” 1992. Clawfist singles club limited edition 7″ single. Rare weird post in celebration of Mr. Judah Bauer’s birthday today (b. June 18th, 1971). The only instance when JSBX used “Big” in the band title. Our copy still has the Clawfist flyer which states that the tracks on the singles club releases are exclusive to the London-based Clawfist label.

According to the always excellent Pop Catastrophe this 3 track 45’s recordings “are all exclusive to this release. “History of Sex” appears to be a live version whereas “Write A Song” and “Smoke Cigarettes” are both very lo-fi demo-style recordings.” Emphasis on the “very lo-fi.” It’s a hot mess of a release, gloriously ugly, full of warts, squeals and dissonance. A “big” blues explosion for sure. Pop Catastrophe goes on to say about this super-early release that “Crypt Style [released in ’93] and The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion [released in ’92] included studio recordings of both “History of Sex” and “Write A Song” but A Reverse Willie Horton [1991] only featured “History of Sex.” The front cover [of the] “Recorded in Person” artwork is also used in the booklet of Crypt Style (CD, JAPAN). On 10 August 2010 all songs from this single were released on the compilation Year One.”

I always like to post an old picture of Judah (I don’t have that many) so here’s one our mutual friend Cristian (in the middle, not sure who the kid on the right is) shared with me awhile back, taken when they were around 11 or 12 years old, so ’82-ish. I’ve shared it before but sharing again because it’s just too adorable.