The Complete Live At Raji’s 2 LP (Color)

Though never commercially successful, Paisley Underground darlings the Dream Syndicate were critically acclaimed and held up their version of neo-psychedelic rock n roll through the vapid MTV-dominated synth years of the 1980s. Influenced by the Velvet Underground, Neil Young and Television, the Syndicate led by vocalist, guitarist and band leader, Steve Wynn, formed the original version of the band with guitarist Karl Precoda in 1982 after moving back to Los Angeles. Drummer Dennis Duck, who played in the Pasadena band, Human Hands, joined the Syndicate and suggested the bands name in reference to Tony Conrads early 1960s NY experimental ensemble that included John Cale. The band performed their first live show at Club Lingerie in Hollywood on Feb 23, 1982 and later signed to Slash Records subsidiary, Ruby Records, releasing their enigmatic and best known album, The Days of Wine and Roses. After a brief hiatus in the latter 1980s, Wynn, Duck and bassist Mark Walton joined with guitarist Paul Cutler who had produced the bands very first EP.

By 1988 the band was on Enigma Records and began a relationship with producer Elliott Mazer, who produced Neil Youngs Time Fades Away. Mazer produced Live at Rajis which showcased the bands long, feedback soaked improvisations and even though it was released AFTER the Mazer-produced studio album, Ghost Stories, it was recorded prior to that on Jan 31, 1988 at Rajis in Hollywood; not 1989 as originally listed on the album upon release. What Run Out Groove presents here is the complete show, including 4 tracks making their debut on wax. Live at Rajis would see its release for the first time in the U.S., since the original vinyl album debuted in Europe back in 1989. If you like R.E.M., Mazzy Star, Rain Parade, Galaxie 500, Big Star, The Velvet Underground, Television and Grant Lee Buffalo you wont want to miss this title.