Mission of Burma “Donna Sumeria”

There’s a reason that Mission of Burma’s story made for the best chapter in Azerrad’s book from a few years back. The dissolution of the band was one of the saddest ever, as Roger Miller’s tinnitus stopped the band in its tracks, on the verge of just fucking wiping the goddamn slate clean of all vestiges of anything that wasn’t awesome. They simultaneously balanced the toughness of Boston indie punk with the thematic obtuseness of Pere Ubu, and were brought to a sudden halt by a fucking ear. But the same question that came up upon the release of OnOffOn remains–if they’re as great now as they were then (which they are) were they ever really gone? It doesn’t sound like it on The Obliterati, which sees Miller, Conley and Prescott unleash the same combination of pounding drums, occasional prog flourishes (the mid-song breakdown in “13″), and the same level of punk solemnity to be found on the (24 year old holyshit) Vs. Even in the seemingly flippant “Donna Sumeria” (mp3), which is referencing exactly who you think it is. Yes, that’s “I Feel Love” transsubstantiated via Pete Prescott into MoB’s trademark grind. The queen of all things indulgent has been relocated to Mesopotamia, and don’t think she doesn’t still command the same level of devotion, which just absolutely needs to be heard to be believed. Don’t worry, you won’t reach for your revolver. Zing!

The Obliterati makes its presence known on Matador May 9. There’s a MySpace, yep.

IN OTHER NEWS…I make my premiere appearance on the third installment of the emergent Contrast Podcast today. I weaseled my way into the second slot, behind curator Tim Young. The theme was “3:00″, and I went with some late period Sly and the Family Stone, and a crappy internal laptop mic. So, if you want to hear my stuffy-headed soliloquy on Sly, head over there, now, and then come back here and tell me how much I sound like a boob.

ANOTHER UPDATE...There’s at least one positive piece of feedback from the podcast. Here’s the email:

Eric,

I listened to your podcast and it sounded pretty good, with the exception
of an occasional UM, but the song is one of my favorites that Sly ever did

I saw them live at market square arena with your uncle Bill and the opening
act was a little known group…Salt and Peppa

Sly is a major part of my past…some great memories evoked by each song.

Mom

…No word on the Mission of Burma, though.