Confuse- Spending Loud Night EP

Confuse were a totally beyond fucked up hardcore band from Japan active in the 1980s.  This particular record was recorded in 1983 (though not released until four years later) which is amazing, as these songs are buried in so much fuzz and hiss, that at first listen it sounds almost completely incomprehensible.  I can't even begin to imagine how people reacted to this when it was first released.  Basically, it's about as out there as any hardcore band can get and still be considered a hardcore band, and let me tell you, it fucking kills.         

Though amazing in their own right, except for the overbearing amount of insanely noisy guitar, the tone of the first few tracks isn't too dissimilar from other Japanese hardcore bands of the 80s: fast as shit, hoarse vocals, and a vibe that despite being obviously aggressive, also somehow seems to come across, to me anyway, as fun loving and playful.

But the real gem here is the title track.  Forgoing all characteristics of the previous tracks except for the hoarse vocals (and that nutty guitar tone of course), Spending Loud Night appears to be some odd attempt at making heartfelt pop music, complete with a brief spoken introduction, sweeping (almost) melodic chorus, and psychedelic guitars.  Weird doesn't even begin to describe it.  It must be heard to be believed, and I highly recommend listening on headphones for maximum bizarro effect.  But be very aware of what you're getting into, as this is absolutely the last record you would ever want blasting too loudly directly into your ears.  Seriously. Get it here.

It's worth noting that this is another record I was tipped off about through the fantastic shit-fi website.  I could probably go on about that site forever, and in fact may do so at some point, but until then, you should probably just go check it out for yourself.