The Walrus - Music With Big Fuckin' Teeth!

10/25/2007

Videos: It's Beat Time, It's Hop Time, It's Monk Time!

The Monks are a band like NO other- ask Iggy Pop, ask the Ramones, the MC5, ask anyone who really knows about the origins of punk music. This crew were definitely responsible for creating a sound that had never been heard before. Formed in 1964 by five American ex-GI's stationed in Germany, the Monks began as traditional rockers who experimented with feedback and rhythm. Perfecting their sound, they shaved their heads into a monks tonsure's, (a kind of reverse mohawk) tied ropes around their necks, and voilá:

Only in 1966 Germany would there be this bizarre Bandstand-esque program with people doing the Mashed Potato and The Twist to the Monks! It's surreal! Here is a performance of "Oh, How To Do Now"

A few years ago I spun a DJ set at the Khyber in Philadelphia and I played the Monks song "Cuckoo." NEVER have I seen a room clear so fast! Go figure. I bet the hipsters would pay attention if Interpol covered a song.