Michael Yonkers - "Circling the Drain"

Nero's Neptune #3
2007

The second of two startling Yonkers releases is an eight-song LP of solo, modified guitar improvisations. These recordings were picked from a number of tapes representing the entire works recorded by Yonkers that utilized a severely altered Steinberger knockoff guitar (that has since been retired). The music was recorded on a high-speed four-channel cassette machine, further manipulated during mastering. This is the 'noise' record that lucky regional Yonkers aficionados have been hoping for since witnessing his infrequent, brain-scrambling, all-instrumental performances -- and then some! Vinyl-only edition of 303 numbered copies in a gorgeous, four-color hand-screened jacket by Minneapolis artist and printer Dan Black complete the scrumptious package. SOLD OUT.

Michael Yonkers & The Blind Shake - "Carbohydrates Hydrocarbons"

Nero's Neptune #2
2007

A chance nightclub pairing of the incomparable Michael Yonkers with Minneapolis noise rockers the Blind Shake went so exceptionally well that a studio session ensued. The result is this, one of two vinyl documents that represent by far the most exciting new work that Yonkers has recorded since his international emergence. The Blind Shake rock with a sound not unlike latter-day Hammerhead (which might be a better thing than you think), with Yonkers splattering maniacal guitar shards and impassioned vocals over the top. Add the best collection of songs (with great, skewered god-damn HOOKS even!) Yonks has come up with since at least the early '70s and you have a serious contender for rock record of the year. The beautiful, hand-numbered silk-screened sleeves were designed by Zak Sally (ex-Low) and printed by Minneapolis-based screening gods, Aesthetic Apparatus. Limited edition of 400. SOLD OUT.