CD Description
Although Wall of Voodoo's artistic masterpiece is 1982's extraordinary concept album CALL OF THE WEST--also known as the one with "Mexican Radio" on it--the Los Angeles art-pop band had previously released both an album, 1981's DARK CONTINENT, and a self-titled EP. THE INDEX MASTERS is an expanded version of that 1980 EP, its six tracks combined with an entire album's worth of previously-unissued early live recordings, a sterling medley of Ennio Morricone's theme from THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY, and Hugo Montenegro's theme from HANG 'EM HIGH. A terrific electro-pop version of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" completes the circle of influences.
The twanging, spaghetti-western ambiance of these pieces perfectly captures the cinematic oddity that was at the heart of Wall of Voodoo's sound, even before you hear singer Stan Ridgway's unique racetrack tout delivery and Jim Thompson-style noir lyrics. THE INDEX MASTERS is an essential document of LAnew wave.