Mercurys “New York” b/w “Vacation” and “Conquistador” 1995. M-Fly Records. Local Milwaukee band (and at the time of this release the band included my sister-in-law, Angela, on bass; she also did the cover art for the 45). The Mercurys are getting back together for a show tomorrow night at Club Garibaldi, opening for another local band, The Pukes. It’s been a loooong time since we’ve seen the Mercurys play out so I’m pretty excited. Angela won’t be playing but frontman/guitarist George will be (day job – owner of the excellent restaurant Cafe Corozon in Milwaukee’s Riverwest and Bay View neighborhoods).

Their shows were always great – high energy, lo-fi garage rock. Two of my favorite songs appear on this 45: “Conquistador,” a Latin-flavored instrumental, and “New York” a deep groovin’ screamer with a killer bass line, excellent guitar solo and GREAT lyrics:

New York City! WASTED! In New York City! Ahhhhahhahhahhahhahhh…. Yeah! New York City! Hahahaha! [sound of tires squealing] New York City! New York City! [Brooklyn accent] Can’t you see I’m walking here? Ahhhaahhh!