Who the Fuck Are You, Man?
For my inaugural "issue," we are spotlighting Master Kurt Bloch, who is one of Seattle's finest. PERIOD. The man regularly gets stopped in Seattle's streets and restaurants by admirers (think of the scene in Coming to America when the dudes stop Eddie Murphy outside the bathroom at the basketball game because they recognize him as the King of Zamunda.) Anyways, the ever-humble Kurt is a fucking kill guitar player and songwriter, a pop punk conoisseur, sought-after DJ (he has one of the most impressive record collections I've ever seen and I know lotsa dudes with records) and a pally of the first order. A fine human being, that one. And he knows his way around a burrito. Wow, what an unstoppable, rebel-force combo!
In his own words....
So … who the fuck are you? I the fuck am The Kurt Bloch, Sr. aka Thee Bill Challenger III, usw. A force often to be reckoned with. As well as a force often in need of a good reckoning. Tell us about your myoosikal self (bands, background, etc.) First band = Cheaters. One 7" on No Threes. Latest band = Thee Sgt. Major III, no releases quite yet, but when there is, it's gonna be a kickin'-rad way to blaze through a day, and you have my word on it. 'Twixt those two extremities, well, there was a band called The Fastbacks, we played for decades and got better and better, slowly, surely, then stopped on a dime. The Young Fresh Fellows. THERE is a good band. Still cruising along, new record in the proverbial works. Bazooka = great new band in the works, gonna be awesome, and opening for Thee Bayonettes, another barn-blaster combo in which Thee Bill Challenger III is gonna be rising to the top of the coffee mug just like the Mocha Mix did moments ago. Been recording like-minded rock outfits for 15-odd years, cranking out the quality along the way.
Thoughts on vinyl: Easily the best format for the music I love. Slinging 45's = top-ranked way to spend a few hours in the DJ booth. One song per side. Maybe not the easiest format in this day and age, my iPod can house a zillion great songs, it and a little digital mixer is a party the size of a dozen LPs, but who ever said that the easiest way is necessarily the best! More choices not always better! It's whence I came. Records - it's what got me interested in records. And I'm still interested in records! They still sound great to me. I have NO problem with your other popular formats. None at all. But first choice is always gonna be LP or 45! I like to be able to SEE the music as it plays.
Thoughts on the song “Lump”: I always thought that song was KILL. I remember almost pissing my pants hearing it on KISW one day, driving around. It just sounded so badass - in its own weird way. I LOVE the sound of that record. Wish I had a 45 of it, actually! That's the kind of record that 45s were made for. And they were my friends as well. Oh, I was so proud!
Thoughts on wine: I'm a sort of wine drinker. Often the finer points can become lost on me, not to say that I'm oblivious, but I think that I've had many chances to learn about wine, and they've never stuck. So I just enjoy the stuff, like beers and such, I can tell the differences, to be sure, but I have a hard, hard time making decisions, picking favorites, or even making the simplest of choices at the bar, or in life in general. (Editor’s note: wine corks are in fact yummy).
Thoughts on winos: I'm of the theory that you would never want to become dependent on the stuff, 'wino' has the connotation that you NEED it in your veins to have a normal day. 'Beero' as well. Maybe less-common in everyday useage, but maybe an anything-'o' is not so great.
What Instruments do you play? Guitar, mainly and manly, but I'll give anything a try. Drums? You bet! My first instrument was violin! Love playing bass guitar. Bit o' keys. Anything in a rock band! Tambourine.
What nicknames do you go by? You can call me whatever you wish - if it isn't a good fit, I probley won't turn around. I like Thee Bill Challenger III. Dirk Skellington. "Hey Stoopid", I get called that sometimes. (Ed. note: also goes by the names “Ice Cold Ten” and “K-Bazm”)
Gibson, Fender, Daisy Rock or all of the above? On the record, it's Gibson. Epiphone. The late - '50's, early '60's guitars. New ones as well.... can't have enough. So many different ones. Off the record, however, I was totally digging Daisy Rock today. Retro "H", I believe. Awesome. And I can totally get into digging the Fender Esquire Stratocaster. There's as many cool guitars out there as there are days of our lives. Probably more. Some that are good for everything, all the time - the Gibsons. But there are others that are great for some things, some of the time. That's why you gotta have more than just one. Maybe one hundred....
Fave Bob Seger moment is: Tough one. "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man"? "Katmandu"? "Hollywood Nights"? I mean that guy's got it goin' ON. Okay. "Hollywood Nights" it is. (Ed. note: they are all fucking good)
Fave garage rock band is: That's like asking what my favorite Prog-rock band is. Depends on when you get me. Today, you got me on an Artesians kind of day. So Artesians it is. They never put out a record. How punk is THAT? It was those cats at Norton records that discovered "Trick Bag" in a stack of tapes at Kearney Barton's studio, and made it the anthem it is today. It is as punk as fuck. They tell me that that is what they called garage-rock back when it was new, "oh, that's that punk-rock". The guy at Golden Oldies told me that. Oh - you're the guy looking for punk-rock 45's... (Ed note: Artesians can be found on a rad sampler with Bunker Hill, the Sonics and some other cool shit, it’s called Instant Garage).
Who the fuck is “Muzza” and what should we care about him? We should care [about Mike Musburger, former Posies and Fastbacks drummer, current drummer for Thee Sgt. Major III and Mark Pickeral and his Praying Hands] because he needs to take center stage and play more drum solos. He's a grandstander, he just doesn't know it. He's thee drummist for Thee Sgt. Major III, and I'm gonna coax the best within him out tonight, for a kickin'-rad drum solo - watch me now!
The wildest moment you ever had on tour is: Playing a guitar solo hanging from the ceiling of the Lounge Ax in Chicago. Hanging from my feet stuck in a hole in the ceiling, they tell me. They say there's photos, never seen 'em. Saw the hole, can't really believe it could've happened, but anything is possible with enough whiskey, I suppose...
The first record you ever bought is: "The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers
The last record you bought is: Mott The Hoople "Live - 30th Anniversary Edition" Tell us about the band you think everyone should be listening to at the moment. How 'bout six of 'em: Mudhoney, The Dutchess & The Duke, Fleet Foxes, Grand Archives, The Pharmacy, Holy Ghost Revival Do you think Lindsay Lohan is the thief? No, the beggar.
Name an instance when you might exclaim “Bang!” When there is a quiet time. Peaceful moments to be interrupted. (Ed. note: also has a scarf that bears the words “Total Kill,” which I hear ios the new “Bang!”)
How many times have you been punched in the face by Lulu Gargiulo? Maybe none in the face. Arm, maybe 99 times. Hard as she could. On stage and off. She was a tough little cookie. Won't say what I was being called whilst being punched up....
Most killest rock club in Seattle: Chop Suey, The Sunset or the Funhouse? Gotta go w/ Sunset. It's my 'hood! My pals there! The others as well, but the Sunset is my pad! (Ed. note: Funhouse all the way!)
Why is the Rebar such a massive fucking disappointment? Never picked up the momentum. Didn't Billy Childish play there once? Seen some KILL shit there! (Ed. note: Billy Childish is the MAN and that is a FACT).
When you hear the sentence, “Um, let’s go to Hattie’s,” who comes to mind? Reminds me of my old drinking mate Wesley St. Ace. He's a hard one to pin down. But Hattie's is the place for me 'n' St. Ace!
Angry Samoans, Ramones and Head have sex and give birth to what musical child? Wow. That's a good one - love to go see the kid's band play! Actually, maybe "had" is a better word. Put it in the past. There's not really any Ramones left, and the thought of Metal Mike Saunders doing it with Ree Ree is a little disturbing. Plus what would come of it? Although the thought of them raising a child together, maybe adopted, is enticing.
If you could buy any guitar in the world and money was not an option, what would you get? Probably one of the '59 Les Paul Standards, Jimmy Page's? The one Peter Green owned? I don't know - it really doesn't make any difference. You see your fave cats playing these old, killer-cool guitars, but more often than not, they don't make the same killer sounds when YOU play them. Eddie Van Halen's red, white and black guitar... Ritchie Blackmore's black strat? Robert Fripp's Les Paul Custom! Maybe THAT one.
Thoughts on moustaches (penciled in and real): I'm no stranger to a FAT, pencil 'stache! Real one, well it's been a few years since WINNING the Ballard Ave. moustache rebellion, but how do you top a $100 prize-winner like that one? All kinda downhill from there.... Why is Jim Sangster such a complete bad ass? 'Cause basically he doesn't give a fuck. He's the MOST punk rocker in the town. He only gives a fuck about NOT giving a fuck, and being KILLER. We all could learn a thing or two from Mr. J. S. Knifes. Treadmill or Red Mill? Gonna have to go with Red Mill, THEN Treadmill. And maybe then BACK to Redmill. Thanks for reminding me!
*Next month I’ll be chatting with The Cops’ bassist and Hazlewood co-owner Drew Church.
In his own words....
So … who the fuck are you? I the fuck am The Kurt Bloch, Sr. aka Thee Bill Challenger III, usw. A force often to be reckoned with. As well as a force often in need of a good reckoning. Tell us about your myoosikal self (bands, background, etc.) First band = Cheaters. One 7" on No Threes. Latest band = Thee Sgt. Major III, no releases quite yet, but when there is, it's gonna be a kickin'-rad way to blaze through a day, and you have my word on it. 'Twixt those two extremities, well, there was a band called The Fastbacks, we played for decades and got better and better, slowly, surely, then stopped on a dime. The Young Fresh Fellows. THERE is a good band. Still cruising along, new record in the proverbial works. Bazooka = great new band in the works, gonna be awesome, and opening for Thee Bayonettes, another barn-blaster combo in which Thee Bill Challenger III is gonna be rising to the top of the coffee mug just like the Mocha Mix did moments ago. Been recording like-minded rock outfits for 15-odd years, cranking out the quality along the way.
Thoughts on vinyl: Easily the best format for the music I love. Slinging 45's = top-ranked way to spend a few hours in the DJ booth. One song per side. Maybe not the easiest format in this day and age, my iPod can house a zillion great songs, it and a little digital mixer is a party the size of a dozen LPs, but who ever said that the easiest way is necessarily the best! More choices not always better! It's whence I came. Records - it's what got me interested in records. And I'm still interested in records! They still sound great to me. I have NO problem with your other popular formats. None at all. But first choice is always gonna be LP or 45! I like to be able to SEE the music as it plays.
Thoughts on the song “Lump”: I always thought that song was KILL. I remember almost pissing my pants hearing it on KISW one day, driving around. It just sounded so badass - in its own weird way. I LOVE the sound of that record. Wish I had a 45 of it, actually! That's the kind of record that 45s were made for. And they were my friends as well. Oh, I was so proud!
Thoughts on wine: I'm a sort of wine drinker. Often the finer points can become lost on me, not to say that I'm oblivious, but I think that I've had many chances to learn about wine, and they've never stuck. So I just enjoy the stuff, like beers and such, I can tell the differences, to be sure, but I have a hard, hard time making decisions, picking favorites, or even making the simplest of choices at the bar, or in life in general. (Editor’s note: wine corks are in fact yummy).
Thoughts on winos: I'm of the theory that you would never want to become dependent on the stuff, 'wino' has the connotation that you NEED it in your veins to have a normal day. 'Beero' as well. Maybe less-common in everyday useage, but maybe an anything-'o' is not so great.
What Instruments do you play? Guitar, mainly and manly, but I'll give anything a try. Drums? You bet! My first instrument was violin! Love playing bass guitar. Bit o' keys. Anything in a rock band! Tambourine.
What nicknames do you go by? You can call me whatever you wish - if it isn't a good fit, I probley won't turn around. I like Thee Bill Challenger III. Dirk Skellington. "Hey Stoopid", I get called that sometimes. (Ed. note: also goes by the names “Ice Cold Ten” and “K-Bazm”)
Gibson, Fender, Daisy Rock or all of the above? On the record, it's Gibson. Epiphone. The late - '50's, early '60's guitars. New ones as well.... can't have enough. So many different ones. Off the record, however, I was totally digging Daisy Rock today. Retro "H", I believe. Awesome. And I can totally get into digging the Fender Esquire Stratocaster. There's as many cool guitars out there as there are days of our lives. Probably more. Some that are good for everything, all the time - the Gibsons. But there are others that are great for some things, some of the time. That's why you gotta have more than just one. Maybe one hundred....
Fave Bob Seger moment is: Tough one. "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man"? "Katmandu"? "Hollywood Nights"? I mean that guy's got it goin' ON. Okay. "Hollywood Nights" it is. (Ed. note: they are all fucking good)
Fave garage rock band is: That's like asking what my favorite Prog-rock band is. Depends on when you get me. Today, you got me on an Artesians kind of day. So Artesians it is. They never put out a record. How punk is THAT? It was those cats at Norton records that discovered "Trick Bag" in a stack of tapes at Kearney Barton's studio, and made it the anthem it is today. It is as punk as fuck. They tell me that that is what they called garage-rock back when it was new, "oh, that's that punk-rock". The guy at Golden Oldies told me that. Oh - you're the guy looking for punk-rock 45's... (Ed note: Artesians can be found on a rad sampler with Bunker Hill, the Sonics and some other cool shit, it’s called Instant Garage).
Who the fuck is “Muzza” and what should we care about him? We should care [about Mike Musburger, former Posies and Fastbacks drummer, current drummer for Thee Sgt. Major III and Mark Pickeral and his Praying Hands] because he needs to take center stage and play more drum solos. He's a grandstander, he just doesn't know it. He's thee drummist for Thee Sgt. Major III, and I'm gonna coax the best within him out tonight, for a kickin'-rad drum solo - watch me now!
The wildest moment you ever had on tour is: Playing a guitar solo hanging from the ceiling of the Lounge Ax in Chicago. Hanging from my feet stuck in a hole in the ceiling, they tell me. They say there's photos, never seen 'em. Saw the hole, can't really believe it could've happened, but anything is possible with enough whiskey, I suppose...
The first record you ever bought is: "The Unicorn" by The Irish Rovers
The last record you bought is: Mott The Hoople "Live - 30th Anniversary Edition" Tell us about the band you think everyone should be listening to at the moment. How 'bout six of 'em: Mudhoney, The Dutchess & The Duke, Fleet Foxes, Grand Archives, The Pharmacy, Holy Ghost Revival Do you think Lindsay Lohan is the thief? No, the beggar.
Name an instance when you might exclaim “Bang!” When there is a quiet time. Peaceful moments to be interrupted. (Ed. note: also has a scarf that bears the words “Total Kill,” which I hear ios the new “Bang!”)
How many times have you been punched in the face by Lulu Gargiulo? Maybe none in the face. Arm, maybe 99 times. Hard as she could. On stage and off. She was a tough little cookie. Won't say what I was being called whilst being punched up....
Most killest rock club in Seattle: Chop Suey, The Sunset or the Funhouse? Gotta go w/ Sunset. It's my 'hood! My pals there! The others as well, but the Sunset is my pad! (Ed. note: Funhouse all the way!)
Why is the Rebar such a massive fucking disappointment? Never picked up the momentum. Didn't Billy Childish play there once? Seen some KILL shit there! (Ed. note: Billy Childish is the MAN and that is a FACT).
When you hear the sentence, “Um, let’s go to Hattie’s,” who comes to mind? Reminds me of my old drinking mate Wesley St. Ace. He's a hard one to pin down. But Hattie's is the place for me 'n' St. Ace!
Angry Samoans, Ramones and Head have sex and give birth to what musical child? Wow. That's a good one - love to go see the kid's band play! Actually, maybe "had" is a better word. Put it in the past. There's not really any Ramones left, and the thought of Metal Mike Saunders doing it with Ree Ree is a little disturbing. Plus what would come of it? Although the thought of them raising a child together, maybe adopted, is enticing.
If you could buy any guitar in the world and money was not an option, what would you get? Probably one of the '59 Les Paul Standards, Jimmy Page's? The one Peter Green owned? I don't know - it really doesn't make any difference. You see your fave cats playing these old, killer-cool guitars, but more often than not, they don't make the same killer sounds when YOU play them. Eddie Van Halen's red, white and black guitar... Ritchie Blackmore's black strat? Robert Fripp's Les Paul Custom! Maybe THAT one.
Thoughts on moustaches (penciled in and real): I'm no stranger to a FAT, pencil 'stache! Real one, well it's been a few years since WINNING the Ballard Ave. moustache rebellion, but how do you top a $100 prize-winner like that one? All kinda downhill from there.... Why is Jim Sangster such a complete bad ass? 'Cause basically he doesn't give a fuck. He's the MOST punk rocker in the town. He only gives a fuck about NOT giving a fuck, and being KILLER. We all could learn a thing or two from Mr. J. S. Knifes. Treadmill or Red Mill? Gonna have to go with Red Mill, THEN Treadmill. And maybe then BACK to Redmill. Thanks for reminding me!
*Next month I’ll be chatting with The Cops’ bassist and Hazlewood co-owner Drew Church.
Comments
posted on May 16 at 6:16 pm
good thing you didn't bring up cardinal red in yr interview - that is one BAD man.
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