Both of these performances by no-wave pioneers DNA were taken from Downtown 81, a feature film starring the legendary American artist Jean Michel Basquiat. The film was conceived by Edo Bertoglio and Glenn O'Brien as a rare real-life look into the ultra-hip subculture of early 1980's Manhattan, but was not properly released until 2000 due to financial constraints. Although the plot is minimal, appearances by Debby Harry, Lee Quinones and Fab Five Freddy along with performances by other post-punk musical stalwarts like James White and the Blacks make it a must see. Plus, getting to watch Basquiat make his art is a beautiful thing.

For further listening we highly suggest DNA on DNA, a 2004 compilation of all their singles and live performances by No More Records.

Side Notes: The dialogue audio for the film was lost, so actor Saul Williams dubbed the late Basquiat's voice. However, the musical soundtrack, mostly live club performances recorded on location using a RCA 24 track mobile unit, survived.

The rock group Blonde Redhead takes its name from the DNA song of the same name.

posted by: Brent Carter

" />Music Archive: DNA "Blonde Redhead" and "Detached" | The Rathaus

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Music Archive: DNA “Blonde Redhead” and “Detached”

February 26, 2010 Art, The Rathaus

Both of these performances by no-wave pioneers DNA were taken from Downtown 81, a feature film starring the legendary American artist Jean Michel Basquiat. The film was conceived by Edo Bertoglio and Glenn O’Brien as a rare real-life look into the ultra-hip subculture of early 1980′s Manhattan, but was not properly released until 2000 due to financial constraints. Although the plot is minimal, appearances by Debby Harry, Lee Quinones and Fab Five Freddy along with performances by other post-punk musical stalwarts like James White and the Blacks make it a must see. Plus, getting to watch Basquiat make his art is a beautiful thing.

For further listening we highly suggest DNA on DNA, a 2004 compilation of all their singles and live performances by No More Records.

Side Notes:
The dialogue audio for the film was lost, so actor Saul Williams dubbed the late Basquiat’s voice. However, the musical soundtrack, mostly live club performances recorded on location using a RCA 24 track mobile unit, survived.

The rock group Blonde Redhead takes its name from the DNA song of the same name.

posted by: Brent Carter

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