Features

In 2010, Recess Records founder (and ex-pro skateboarder) Todd Congelliere released a solo album entitled ‘Clown Sounds’. It was comprised of demos and songs that didn’t fit the vibe of his bands F.Y.P, Toys That Kill, URTC etc. There were no plans to tour or even play live due to Todd’s disdain for playing “solo”. 

But somewhere in the middle of a Toys That Kill 2017 European tour, Jimmy Felix (Drummer for TTK) suggested to Todd that they should play these songs when they got back to the states. “Cool. And we’ll call the band Clown Sounds, of course” TC replied. This blueprint quickly metamorphosed into what Todd calls “a real band” after enlisting local guitar player Jacob Gaxiola (Killer Dreamer), Isaac Thotz on bass (The Arrivals), and Trevor Rounesville as Jimmy’s extra drum buddy. 

Most of the solo album songs were ditched and new songs played live eventually led to the debut album Preacher Maker. Followed by the very well received sophomore album, Born Under A Bad Sigh. Clown Sounds 3rd album, Par For The Curse (out now), finds the band completely come into their own form. We caught up with Todd, who was kind enough to list some of his influences that in one way or another led to 'Par For The Curse.'

If you find yourself anywhere near San Pedro, CA on Aug 9-11, make sure to check out Recess Romp Three with the likes of Off With Their Heads, Toys That Kill, Shellshag, Marked Men and many more. You can get tickets for night one HERE, for night two HERE and for night three, you can find tickets HERE.

Todd: I’ve been rearranging my record collection lately and revisiting some old ones, and jamming some new ones. Some of these on vinyl, some on digital streaming platforms. Music is music. Goosebumps and tears can come from any medium. Don’t believe anything anyone tells you about superior formats.

Bob Dylan - Roudy and Rough Ways

Dunno if any Bob Dylan song that starts off with “I” is really about Bob himself but he sure does contain multitudes. This came out a mere year or so ago and it’s one of his best. Reminds me of his previous “comeback” album Time Out of Mind, which was released 27 years ago. 35 years after his first album. I just don’t understand a life like this. This is a 23 year old with just a rough and gravely voice to me. Check out this up and coming artist please. 

Tom Waits - Bad As Me

My friend Jim and I were recently talking about Tom Waits and made a pact that if he ever plays again we’re going. Japan, Istanbul whatever, were there. It reminded me that I might think his latest album might be his best. How do these guys do it. No one is this worthy. 

Desmond Dekker - intensified 

This album is a bad mood killer that has no expiration date. Take that Pfizer.

BIA - For Certain

This album forces me to move a certain way. I could be doing my taxes or reading about two large toddlers campaigning for an upcoming election. It doesn’t matter to my shoulders. It turns me into Audrey Jr in Little Shop of Horrors.

Pogues - Rum, Sodomy & The Lash

There has never been a timeline or a start time for this but for some reason, every winter, I put this album on a lot. It moves me to tears almost every time. This was way before Shane died. So it’s not tears from sadness. I don’t know what they run down my cheeks for but they run. If I put it on in the summertime I dance around like a foolish looking fool. 

John Lee Hooker - Live at Cafe Au Go-Go

I will roll many eyes on this but this record gives me the same feeling Black Flag - Damaged has given me.  I won’t explain that neither. The liner notes are great too.

The Gem Show - A Mountain

You know there are all these punk bands trying to sound like the Mt Rushmores of classic punk bands. There’s so many of them it’s like a flea attack. The foundation of chords, the look, the art etc are all there but there’s no desperation or even songwriting chops. Seems too easy to start and WAY too easy to gain followers. And then here’s The Gem Show. They are not trying to be punk or borrow anyones desperation yet they give me more of a feeling of The Dils, The Ramones, Television, Johnny Thunders etc etc then any of the fleas. I don’t even know what they are “going for”, could be Gordon Lightfoot for all I know, and I love it much more for that. 

Recess Records Releases

I’d be a lousy rotten tooth if I didn’t tell you how much I love every recent Recess release. It should go without saying but I gotta say it.