The Flexibles

At last it's available online. One of the lost gems of pre-White Stripes Detroit. Way ahead of their time, and at the vanguard of the new Detroit sound, The Flexibles take on punk/funk filled the dancefloors in Michigan and across the Midwest in the early 80's. Part James Brown and part Buzzcocks the Flexibles had soul. At last their finest hour is here.

1] The Flexibles were a guerrilla group in their own mind - fighting to bring together the best of the sound of Detroit - guitars and the funk. Anyone who saw them live can attest to the ferocity of their shows - one minute channeling the Stooges; the next Chic. The twin guitars of Jerry Mavec and David Osborne, the full-on bass of Steve Tynan, the rock solid drumming of Rob Stamerra (Tony Thompson is his only equal) and the honking sax of Fritz Paper made the Flexibles something special. A sweaty, all out sonic attack. Listen to their live take on Civilization and you'll understand just how funky these guys were.

Flex It Up is a mix of live and studio recordings. Here you'll find both sides of their Detroit Rock Award winning single. Intuition gets you off your seat and keeps you dancing. Birth Effect is just plain scary - the result of way too much angst and a Catholic upbringing. The album also highlights their Steve Reich meets Sonic Youth moments (Mr Ambiance), their take on the state of the country (Shooting) and the art world (art language), their update on classic soul (It's almost too late) and their straight-ahead paeans to their favorite girls (Below Dull Point and Dominatrix). These guys were anything but PC.

But like any thing this special they burnt out fast and spread to the winds. Too many shared girlfriends, stimulants and musical differences - when you have art and noise competing noise always wins. Here at last is a chance to hear what you've been missing.

2] The Flexibles are a trio, featuring Richard Youngs, his son Sorley (songwriting/guitar) and Andrew Paine. They have recently released their debut LP, mostly written by young Sorley, on Night School Records, called 'Pink Everything'. Weird, punky, highly original sounds. You can purchase it from Norman Records among other places.