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| Lifesavers Underground | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lifesavors, Lifesavers, Lifesavers Underground, L.S. Underground |
| Origin | California, United States |
| Genres | rock, new wave music, post-punk, gothic rock (early) |
| Years active | 1980–1998 |
| Labels | MCR, Frontline, Alarma, Blonde Vinyl |
| Members | |
| Michael Knott Brian Doidge Joshua Lory Jim Chaffin Rick McDonough |
|
| Former members | |
| Mark Krischak Kevin Annis Chris Wimber |
|
LSU (a.k.a.Lifesavers Underground, and L.S. Underground) Is one of many Michael Knott projects and known to be his darkest and heaviest. The band formed in 1986 and combined elements of an earlier Knott project called Idle Lovell and LSU's sunnier alter ego Lifesavers. Lifesavers Underground combine elements of Punk, Post Punk, Funk, Hard Rock, Alternative, and other forms of music. In 1987 Lifesavers Underground released their groundbreaking debut album Shaded Pain. Dark and heavy post punk, with honest lyrics. This album set the standard for future releases by Michael Knott. 1989 started the band on an independent path with "Wakin' Up The Dead", The album finds L.S.U. going adding a slightly more alternative feel to their gothic hard rock sound. Most consider this a great follow-up to Shaded Pain, while a few find it to be a regression. 1991 saw the release of This Is The Healing. The album speaks of holding onto hope in the midst of Pain. The album has a low-fi quality, using drum machine and Knott playing most of the instruments himself. 1993 brings the band into a new realm of story telling on "The Grape Prophet", the first of many rock operas by Mr. Knott. This album is a classic. Heavy music with a heavy message (presented with plenty of irony and humor). This was pre-grunge explosion music influenced by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other Seattle pioneers. 1993 brings the 5th album "Cash in Chaos/World Tour" explores a very dark side of life. With World Tour, Michael Knott announced that he was changing the name of L.S.U. to 'Cash in Chaos' (henced the mixed band name for this release). That name change didn't stick. World Tour is another classic L.S.U. disc, heavily influenced by Echo & The Bunnymen. Dark, swirling, heavy, and moody sounds abound on every song. 1994's "Grace Shaker", this album was a transition time for Michael Knott and LSU. Michael was starting to focus on the Aunt Bettys at this time. In fact, LSU pretty much was the Aunt Bettys on this release with a different drummer. A great album with some less heavier moments than past LSU albums, but also some songs that are generally heavier, also. Four years pass until 1998's "DogFishJones", Another rock opera by Michael. This one has 70s sea-tale feel to it. This was also a very family-oriented album, as Michael's Dad and Daughter contributed songs. 2001 brought forth the stripped down "Finding Angel", at a concert in October 2001, Michael revealed that he had originally tried to pitch this album to Tooth & Nail Records, but they said "they couldn't do it right now." At the time he pitched the album, it was titled "Music Explosion" and the cover depicted a huge nuclear explosion. Recorded in August 2001, the songs were all about the world exploding and buildings coming down. In September 2001, the 9-11 attacks occurred as Michael was painting at 4am (California time). This freaked him out because he had just recorded this album about the same type of stuff happening. So he decided to change the title of the album to "Finding Angel" and change the cover artwork. from the liner notes: This CD was recorded on a Panasonic cassette recorder from my couch at home. The ultimate DIY release. Despite inactivity from the LSU moniker in recent years, Michael Knott announced in August 2008 that he has recorded a new L.S. Underground album with Josh Lory, Jim Chaffin from the Crucified, Matt Biggers, Daniel Sonner and others. Knott stated that the album is a tribute to returning soldiers, and will deal with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder On his website, Knott states that he "feels this is the most important record he has done since 'This Is the Healing'." The expected release date was November 2008.
Discography
- Us Kids - Lifesavors, 1981 (MRC)(Re-released on M8 Records in 2000, with the bonus album "My Life" added on.), Review: HM Magazine[1]
- Dream Life - Lifesavors, 1983 (Refuge)
- A Kiss of Life - Lifesavers, 1986 (Frontline)
- Shaded Pain - Lifesavers Underground, 1987 (Frontline Records)
- Wakin' Up The Dead - Lifesavers Underground, 1989 (Blonde Vinyl)
- This Is The Healing - Lifesavers Underground, 1991 (Blonde Vinyl), Review: Cornerstone[2]
- Poplife - Lifesavers, 1991 (Blonde Vinyl)
- The Grape Prophet - L.S. Underground, 1992 (Blonde Vinyl)
- Cash In Chaos: World Tour - LSU, 1993 (Siren Records)
- Grace Shaker - LSU, 1994 (Alarma Records)
- Huntington Beach - Lifesavers, 1995 (Brainstorm Artists, Intl), Review: HM Magazine[3]
- Bring It Down Now - LSU, 1995 (Gray Dot)
- Dogfish Jones - LSU, 1998 (Light)
- Definitive Collection - LSU (and solo Michael Knott), 1998 (KMG), Review: HM Magazine[4]
- Live At Cornerstone '91 and '93, Volumes 1 and 2 - LSU, 2000
Several Lifesavors bootlegs have appeared including 3-14-81 and The Nashville Demos from the early 80's. Much like Knott, Krischak has released several projects since the demise of Lifesavors including Generation XXX (2000) and Sci Fi Music Madness (2005).
References
- ^ Pogge, David M. (January/February 2000). "Album Reviews: THE LIFESAVERS". HM Magazine (81). ISSN 1066-6923.
- ^ Canfield, Dave (1991). "Reviews / This Is The Healing". Cornerstone 20 (95): 34. ISSN 0275-2743.
- ^ Van Pelt, Doug (January/February 2000). "Indie Album Reviews: LIFESAVERS". HM Magazine (81). ISSN 1066-6923.
- ^ Van Pelt, Doug (March/April 1999). "Album Reviews: Michael Knott / LSU definitive collection". HM Magazine (76). ISSN 1066-6923.
External links
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