Diamanda Galás' first LP, The Litanies of Satan is undoubtedly one of the most unchill records I've ever heard. Over warbly, droning electronics, Galás recites incantations, moaning, shouting, and shrieking like a woman possessed, often utilizing vocal effects to transform her already inhuman vocals to deeply unsettling, demonic timbres. Beware, all ye who enter.
Track listing:
1. The Litanies of Satan
2. Wild Women with Steak-Knives
What is my name?
More scary stories to tell in the dark:
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| Ruth White - Flowers of Evil (1969) |
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| Royal Trux - Twin Infinitives (1990) |
Diamanda is one of the coolest and scariest artists we have. Always curious to me that the laid back environs of San Diego could produce her; she's always sounded like something birthed centuries ago in Transylvania. Glad we have her regardless. I've blathered here before about a desired collab between her and SunnO))). Here's hoping Greg Anderson is reading this.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and thanks for a stellar year of vibrant and wide-ranging musical explorations, with your ever-appreciated poignant commentary.
One of the most uniquely talented vocalists I've ever heard. And thank you for your somewhat regular presence in the comments section; it's always nice to know that people are actually listening and responding to the stuff that I post, as opposed to just kind of numbly absorbing it, you know? Cheers!
DeleteI have even seen in my life so far 4. Unsurpassed their "Scream X" performance in total darkness in quadraphonic. I once tried to describe her career on my blog, but in German and so probably not readable for most.
ReplyDeleteThank you, indeed, for this uploading! I had it in vinyl (Y rec); it is nice to have it in my PC!Greetings from Greece!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for this one, always found her records difficult to find. Sounds like nothing else on earth - this is true extreme music.
ReplyDeleteThis will be good on a 1982 playlist. First, play some hardcore punk, then this!
ReplyDeleteGalas will make the shaved head punk seem really tame!
Truly horrifying. Thanks a lot for recommending cool unique stuff.
ReplyDeleteNice one! Bought this and 'The Divine Punishment' back when. Was lucky enough to catch Diamanda Galás shriek at Roskilde Festival outside Copenhagen, Denmark July 4 1987...by the end of the concert, most people had left.
ReplyDeleteSome of the other artists that day were Michelle Shocked, Mory Kanté, Sonic Youth, The Stranglers - and my fellow Swedes Europe...yeah, well.