Slum Goddess Records Releases 1980–1984 from Mudmen

October 2011 [email protected] www.slumgoddessrecords.com

Slum Goddess Records is pleased to announce the release of the new album 1980–84 from Mudmen. Emerging in the early 80s from the vibrant Manhattan downtown music world they carved an important niche for themselves in the underground scene and become regulars at such Manhattan venues as CBGB’s, Danceteria, A7, Pyramid, The Mudd Club, Limelight, Inroads, Tramps, Hurrah’s, Peppermint Lounge, The Purple Barge, Gallery events and almost anywhere they were asked. Mudmen was a 3-piece band living, playing, and recording in the East Village. The band was comprised of Kevin Larmon, guitar and vocals; Craig Gillis, bass; and Michael Caffes, drums; with Jill Burkhart, percussionist, dance and muse.

African rhythms influenced many New York bands of that era — Liquid Liquid, Talking Heads, Dog Eat Dog, Konk, to name a few. Mudmen were also influenced by these rhythms and incorporated them heavily into their music and songwriting. They also were influenced by the “no wave” sound; being contemporaries of the likes of Arto Lindsay, The Lounge Lizards, Sonic Youth, DNA, James Chance, and Bush Tetras among others.

The Slum Goddess Record release 1980–84 is a 12-song compilation of numerous recordings done in the four years that the band was together. During that time Mudmen self-produced one now impossible-to-find 45 record (“Let It Go” b/w “Phnom Penh” that includes the trumpet work of then Sonic Youth member and noted actor Richard Edson) which was sold in various independent record stores and played on college radio stations in and outside of New York. Three of the songs were recorded on 24-track at Sorcerer Sound Studio in Soho, New York. The others were recorded “live”, with no overdubs, at Donny Fury’s 4 -track legendary basement studio in Little Italy, New York. Put together this body of work is remarkably consistent and defines a unique sound for the era. Mudmen made their music in a time and place that no longer exists yet their songs continue to sound fresh today due to the timeless strength of their ideas.

The album is currently available from the usual digital vendors (iTunes, Amazon, etc.). For more information contact Slum Goddess Records.