Here is the download: Vertex T. - This Is Not A Test
This is a little bit of a different post for me, as I have no idea what this single is all about and cannot give you any further information apart from the music and what was included in the packaging. I tried to look up something about Vertex T. online, but could only find someone on ebay selling this single for $15 and also no additional information listed. The seller mentions in the post that the single has never been played, which can be a good thing or a red flag depending on your perspective and the record in question.
Adam "Bomb" DeVore recommended this single from the archives of the Georgia Music Show, which he hosts on Wednesday nights from 6-8 PM on Album 88. I was able to visit their studio a few months ago and borrow several records and CDs to use for posts on this blog, which will delve into different scenes and more uncharted territory over the next few months. This is the oldest piece of music they have in their local stacks, recorded in the Summer of 1985 at the Pillowtex Warehouse in Atlanta and the Back Street Juveniles' Studio in Macon, which I have also never heard of. It definitely has that mid-80's obscure novelty music feel, maybe not the strangest music you are going to find on this blog, but certainly out there. Once again, if anyone knows anything about Vertex T., please comment.
Hey James. My brother used to promote crazy shows at pillowtex. I have never heard of this band but he was good friends with Steve Beach who was on this record. I think I have some SB cassettes that he gave me as well. Let me know if you want to dig deeper into the pillowtex scene because I have many cassettes and contacts about that era (and earlier.)
ReplyDeleteThis takes me back. I bought this for a buck back in 1987 in Beloit college from the radio station sale. I think I still have the 45, though no way to play it. I don't know anything about the band but we used to blast 'This is not a test' Fridays after classes was over to start the weekend.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we were kinda dorky...
It's a pretty wild single. Now you can blast "This is not a test" from your musical listening device of choice on Friday afternoons once again!
ReplyDeleteActually, that is exactly what I'm planning on doing again. Well, that and trying to borrow a record player so I can rip the few remaining vinyls I have left.
ReplyDeleteThere are times that I really love the internet, and this is one of those times. A couple days ago I found the sleeve and insert to this record laying near the trash on the street here in New York City. Being a collector/hoarder/music lover, I had to take it home and see if I could find any info on the band or the song. The only info I could find was here, and thankfully it included the mp3s so I could listen to it and satisfy that curiosity. Otherwise I would have kept the cover handy and searched for this damned single forever!
ReplyDeleteThe internet is amazing! How else are you going to find out about Vertex T!
ReplyDeleteThis really is the only info about Vertex T. online...I play "Tell Tronda I Still Love Her" all the time on my radio program!
ReplyDeleteI saw Vertex T at the Vortex in Little Five Points way back when. At that time...maybe just that night...Dan Coy was playing guitar. He is still playing amazing guitar all around Atlanta. The Bonaventure Quartet is one configuration. As good a jazz player (and more) as you need to be.
ReplyDeleteOther note: the drummer wore a bike helmet and did a solo on his helmet and the furniture and whatever else in the room ay one point.
Vertex T was an Atlanta band that came on the scene for a little bit on the heels of the appearance of DEVO. The character Vertex T was the drummer, Al Nicholson, who was quite a talented and busy jazz drummer on the Atlanta scene. I used to hear him playing trio and quartet gigs and dixieland, as well. We're talking mid-late '70's, early '80's. I think the band lasted about 2 years, maybe less. Not quite sure. I fled Atlanta about 1982.
ReplyDeleteIn the early 90s in Atlanta I played a jazz trio gig. Me on flugelhorn, Neal Starkey on upright or Don Dean on electric bass and Al "The Beam" Nicholson on drums. I haven't seen or heard from any of these guys in forever....very talented and gifted musicians. I really enjoyed playing with them.
ReplyDelete