Prepare to be stiff and be cool at Maxwell’s on Aug. 3, when Groove Disques records hosts a CD release party for their album "The Stiff Generation."
A 24-track salute to the mighty Stiff Records label of the late ’70s and early ’80s, "The Stiff Generation" album features artists like Matthew Sweet, Amy Rigby, Bill Lloyd, The Bigger Lovers, The Lowe Beats, Frisbie, Photon Band, Ian Gomm, The Trolleyvox, Clive Gregson, and Nixon’s Head. At least one of the performers doing a cover tune lives in Hoboken.
"Back when we were in high school and rock ‘n roll obsessive, Stiff Records and its artists served as the most reliable bridge from our love of energetic, inventive ’60s pop to the energetic, inventive punk rock we were discovering," said Nixon’s Head guitarist and Groove Disques founder Jim Slade last week. "Back then, Stiff was a rare place in rock ‘n roll where we felt welcome."
For the Stiff Generation, Groove Disques sought out artists who understood the vibe of Stiff and its releases. It was not easy to recruit musicians, given the label’s many contradictions, Slade said. "The Book of Rock" called Stiff one of the "Five Most Innovative Record Companies," yet the label’s releases were heavy with covers of 1960’s classics. But if Stiff represented a moving target for Stiff Generation contributors, their task was made easier by the fact that the target was shaped like a radio friendly single.
"At Stiff, they knew how to make records, these little creatures that ran loose for three minutes and made you feel something," Slade said. "Behind it all was a firm sense of craft, pop history, and showmanship."
The album triumphs in preserving true indie music. Some of the songs covered in the album include Elvis Costello’s "Alison," performed by Janas Hoyt and the Mary Janes, and Madness’ "One Step Beyond," performed by Shelley.
The Aug. 3 show at Maxwell’s will include performances by Dave Ragsdale, the Photon Band, Slade’s Nixon’s Head, Hobokenite Dawn Eden, former Hobokenite Amy Rigby, The Bigger Lovers, Huw Gower and Ennui Malaise Experience.
"Stiff was stuff that was important to us," Slade said. "They released diverse music that was done by relatively weirdos."
"We are happy to be a part of this great show. We’re looking for a great turnout," said Dawn Eden, who does a cover of Tracy Ullman’s "They Don’t Know (About Love)" on the CD. The track is receiving airplay on WFMU. She is backed by The Anderson Council.
"The Stiff Generation" event begins at 9 p.m. and admission is $7. Maxwell’s is located at 1039 Washington St., in Hoboken. For more information call (201) 798-0406 or visit www.maxwellsnj.com. For information on the album currently in stores visit www.groovedisques.com. q