Today is the first time I've heard James Chance.. most excellent! Thanks to the Internet I've discovered so much incredible music I've been clueless about the last 40 years..
Out of all scenes ive heard about, read about and seen, no wave is the best. No scene, no posers, no hypes, no sharkjumpers, no brands, just extremely diverse music. God is well hidden.
90% OF THE SHOWS I SAW UPSTAIRS AT MAXS KANSAS CITY-NYC -IN MY MISSPENT "YOOT" ( -1970'S-) WERE 2 GO SEE JAMES CHANCE & THE CONTORTIONS ! HE WAS THE 1ST GUY I EVER SAW THROW HIMSELF AT THE AUDIENCE & BEAT THE CRAP OUTTA THEM ! & I LOVED IT ! ( HE LOOKED LIKE A PUNK-HOWDY DOODY IN A SUIT -W/ A BAD ASS ATTUDE' & KICK ASS SAX !) Then I got this album - "James White & the Blacks" - 'Off White' (or Something like that) ("Stella- Stella Who?") -- Can't believe that was back when I was 16ish & I'm Now 58 Y.o. -- So Cool to hear/ see again ! 💜
James was unique from top to bottom. His sax riffs were extra dimensional and his stage presence was extraordinarily complimentary along with the fantastic musical talents of the Contortions. Together they carved out a singular place in the annals of music, in a time frame that will never be duplicated. His work is an example of the endlessness of human creativity.
This is just soooo good. What a true punk he is. Saw him in 1980 and 2005. He still had it. Thanks for posting and praise God somebody taped it in the first place.
This guy should have broken through to urban radio the way Bolton and McDonald did. Some of the best white soul I’ve heard, and blows away the aforementioned artists’ for shear emotion and saluting The Godfather the right way!
Jesus Lord . . . I just found a copy of James Chance's debut album "Buy" and bought it on a whim . . . This stuff is absolutely amazing! It's like a punked up James Brown funk - but not, if you know what I mean. Anyway, this is a fantastic video of him and his band the Contortions in action back in the late '70s, when New York was the Capital of Music. Thanks for posting this!
I remember hearing "Contort Yourself" years ago from the "Buy" album, which is similiar to this tune. I thought it was one of the most bizarre and individual vocal performances I'd ever heard. But the groove they have going is so addictive I couldn't stop listening. "Take that, corporate bores!" I was heard to say.
This stuff was way ahead of it's time. James sax work reminds me of Bubber Miley's trumpet work, oddly. Some of this seems to have a Talking Heads and CAN element to it too. I recently heard about James on Mark Morans WFT Podcast and David Byrne mentioned him. I dig stabling across new cool sounds and Chance raises the hair on my arms. The other new thing in my ear is Marden Hill. Super badass.
James Chance is fabulous in this recording made in 1979 by Paul Tschinkel at Max's Kansas City in New York. It was featured on his cable TV show 'Paul Tschinkel's Inner Tube' and represents a prime mover in the then new music scene that still has an impact today. For more on this period in art and music visit "Paul Tschinkel" on TH-cam. A BETTER VERSION IS POSTED NOW. DVD WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.
James Chance and The Contortions - I Can't Stand Myself 1247pm 25.8.23 die haut must have thought we cant get anyone to sing and play about like that.... we'll just do instrumentals... as the emphasis on the mental seems to reside here.
I read about this band recently, and I have to say, it's more than I'd hoped for. No Wave was something I was born too late for, but can thankfully enjoy thanks to the intarwubs. Ass shakin' stuff
This is my kind of music. Great !! I belioeve in You Tube. My hero alive and crazy as in his best days. Years later saw him singing Duke Ellington shite on a stool as he was to wasted to stand on his legs for to long. But...what a raw energy..... Fabulous and exciting. Cheers.
I'm glad to see some footage of James Chance. The kids and musicians of today should be watching this and learning from it. I have James Chance on my iPod and don't think anyone gets it.
James Chance is fabulous in this recording made in 1979 by Paul Tschinkel at Max's Kansas City in New York. It was featured on his cable TV show 'Paul Tschinkel's Inner Tube' and represents a prime mover in the then new music scene that still has an impact today. For more on this period in art and music visit "Paul Tschinkel" on TH-cam. A better version of this performance will be posted soon.
This is what a saxophone solo should sound like. 10,000 times better than the solos that appear in most Pap songs because "it's cool to have a sax in the middle!" To say that James "punked the funk" is a gross, gross understatement. Does Pat Place look like she's about to toss her cookies here, or is it just me? Shame Anya and George can't be here to see how many people love this.
I remember seeing a movie at the Fox Venice theater of a collection of punk/new wave videos that included a well made music video of the Contortions doing Contort Yourself-- though it may actually have been the "James White & the Blacks" version rather than the Contortions, I don't recall. I'd sure like to see that again-- anyone know what the movie was called? Or if they have that footage and can upload it to TH-cam? It was by far the coolest thing in the whole program...
It is messed up if you walk around thinking "kids today" do not get this. The 20-somethings I know--they get this & a lot of other kinds of music. Positive, young attitude that is something "kids today" know. Forget, all you OLD kids. We know James Chance, the Wipers, Lou Reed, the Beatles, the Stooges. & all the new stuff too. Thinking that way about the youth can only mean your old and not cool.
@MrNellonoma actually i posted that photo a couple of years ago im actually in a Julliard school in jazz and music studies your right i don't know all there is about music, but i do have grounds to state my opinion and to defend it when called out. And I am sure that my 2 private teachers and my Jazz professors would agree with me. Also in my opinion and many others as you can see my points are valid. And yes the blues is a form of jazz. and the blues brothers were jazz.
I have one question--why are you so defensive?? I did not say that ALL kids (15-25) may have not heard this music. I AM NOT OLD BY THE WAY and have been in involved in music for over 15 years. You have appreciate the old because it influences the new. Look at Klaus Nomi, and original and will be never be another. Most people when I mention him, its like "Who's that?" Do you understand what I mean now. I think I am a pretty cool chick, so kick back applejack.
@gayandblackin1985 Cocaine is a hell of a drug. Ever see the hardest working man in showbusiness on Sonya? Aired back in '87. He was out of his gourd then; eerily similar to this, but less funky.
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.15 (3/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IVwR87OH0_A/mqdefault.jpg)
RIP JAMES CHANCE
James Brown, David Byrne, and LSD had a five-headed love child, and it was James Chance and The Contortions. LOVE this band. So good.
Cocaine, no lsd
Dexedrine, not cocaine
No Chance, no Byrne.
Today is the first time I've heard James Chance.. most excellent!
Thanks to the Internet I've discovered so much incredible music I've been clueless about the last 40 years..
John VW With you there John......great music
i know him today, its awesome
I love your profile picture
Out of all scenes ive heard about, read about and seen, no wave is the best. No scene, no posers, no hypes, no sharkjumpers, no brands, just extremely diverse music.
God is well hidden.
90% OF THE SHOWS I SAW UPSTAIRS AT MAXS KANSAS CITY-NYC -IN MY MISSPENT "YOOT" ( -1970'S-) WERE 2 GO SEE JAMES CHANCE & THE CONTORTIONS ! HE WAS THE 1ST GUY I EVER SAW THROW HIMSELF AT THE AUDIENCE & BEAT THE CRAP OUTTA THEM ! & I LOVED IT ! ( HE LOOKED LIKE A PUNK-HOWDY DOODY IN A SUIT -W/ A BAD ASS ATTUDE' & KICK ASS SAX !) Then I got this album - "James White & the Blacks" - 'Off White' (or Something like that) ("Stella- Stella Who?") -- Can't believe that was back when I was 16ish & I'm Now 58 Y.o. -- So Cool to hear/ see again ! 💜
this dude is great, i normally just listen to death metal, but 4 some reason, i like this song.
There’s a lot from the punk scene metalheads can appreciate
worth knowing that this is a James Brown track they're covering.
Legend! 100% original
R.I.P.❤
Absolutely superb,,,punkfunkjazz at its finest ,,,God rest hes soul ,,,,,
James was unique from top to bottom. His sax riffs were extra dimensional and his stage presence was extraordinarily complimentary along with the fantastic musical talents of the Contortions. Together they carved out a singular place in the annals of music, in a time frame that will never be duplicated. His work is an example of the endlessness of human creativity.
Still remember the first time I saw this, cool as fuck. RIP James!
Great! I love James Chance. The Contortions were and are awesome. I had a huge crush on Pat Place. Pat-if you read this, I love you!
Just saw him before covid. The man is still a force to be reckoned w. This gets me going!!
I was in a really bad mood until this happened. Unreal talent. These cats and kitten swing hard.
This is just soooo good. What a true punk he is. Saw him in 1980 and 2005. He still had it. Thanks for posting and praise God somebody taped it in the first place.
This guy should have broken through to urban radio the way Bolton and McDonald did. Some of the best white soul I’ve heard, and blows away the aforementioned artists’ for shear emotion and saluting The Godfather the right way!
Jesus Lord . . . I just found a copy of James Chance's debut album "Buy" and bought it on a whim . . . This stuff is absolutely amazing! It's like a punked up James Brown funk - but not, if you know what I mean. Anyway, this is a fantastic video of him and his band the Contortions in action back in the late '70s, when New York was the Capital of Music. Thanks for posting this!
I remember hearing "Contort Yourself" years ago from the "Buy" album, which is similiar to this tune. I thought it was one of the most bizarre and individual vocal performances I'd ever heard. But the groove they have going is so addictive I couldn't stop listening. "Take that, corporate bores!" I was heard to say.
James Chance and The Contortions - I Can't Stand Myself 1246pm 25.8.23 the fav band of fat brazilian prostitutes, I hear?
From East side of Milwaukee. Some of us got out.
This stuff was way ahead of it's time. James sax work reminds me of Bubber Miley's trumpet work, oddly. Some of this seems to have a Talking Heads and CAN element to it too. I recently heard about James on Mark Morans WFT Podcast and David Byrne mentioned him. I dig stabling across new cool sounds and Chance raises the hair on my arms. The other new thing in my ear is Marden Hill. Super badass.
James Chance is fabulous in this recording made in 1979 by Paul Tschinkel at Max's Kansas City in New York. It was featured on his cable TV show 'Paul Tschinkel's Inner Tube' and represents a prime mover in the then new music scene that still has an impact today. For more on this period in art and music visit "Paul Tschinkel" on TH-cam.
A BETTER VERSION IS POSTED NOW. DVD WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON.
From PAUL TSCHINKEL' s 1979 recording at Max's Kansas City. For a better version see Paul Tschinkel on TH-cam
What a musician. I got the kick! Never heard such ...
Precious clip from a great band in the early period.... Thanks so much for uploading this!
Indeed, a totally great performance by James Chance!
James Chance and The Contortions - I Can't Stand Myself 1247pm 25.8.23 die haut must have thought we cant get anyone to sing and play about like that.... we'll just do instrumentals... as the emphasis on the mental seems to reside here.
I feel so damn lame....I just got turned on to this, and Im FULLY diggin it! James Chance gets down man!
yes! back up! love this. thank you.
like a white james brown on speed! love it!
Had a great night at Max’s with you James. RIP
Me too! Did ypou attend the show whrre he had Polyrock open? What a night!
Pure genius
I read about this band recently, and I have to say, it's more than I'd hoped for. No Wave was something I was born too late for, but can thankfully enjoy thanks to the intarwubs. Ass shakin' stuff
This is my kind of music.
Great !! I belioeve in You Tube.
My hero alive and crazy as in his best days.
Years later saw him singing Duke Ellington shite on a stool as he was to wasted to stand on his legs for to long.
But...what a raw energy..... Fabulous and exciting. Cheers.
I'm glad to see some footage of James Chance. The kids and musicians of today should be watching this and learning from it. I have James Chance on my iPod and don't think anyone gets it.
Thanks for the history behind this. Thanks to imarobot too. If it wasn't for TH-cam I wouldn't even know that a lot of this kind of music existed.
RIP, absolute legend.
This is garage band at its finest. We all wish we had the guts to cover JAMES BROWN to the best of our abilities.
THANK YOU!!!
I love to see that posted on youtube hahaha
want more.... please upload more of this show... if you have... please!
I didn't know i did this
It's damned fine. Are you doing any other UK dates, apart from Cafe Oto?
i don't know i'm another james chancé ! ahah
Haha!
James Chancé hahaha
Did you actually think that's the real james chance?
He ruled Max's in the late 70s, early 80s. Always a great show1
Wauw! Eindelijk gevonden, dit is de echte punk van vroeger
James Chance is fabulous in this recording made in 1979 by Paul Tschinkel at Max's Kansas City in New York. It was featured on his cable TV show 'Paul Tschinkel's Inner Tube' and represents a prime mover in the then new music scene that still has an impact today. For more on this period in art and music visit "Paul Tschinkel" on TH-cam.
A better version of this performance will be posted soon.
James Chance from Milwaukee!
My fav in the day...
This is what a saxophone solo should sound like. 10,000 times better than the solos that appear in most Pap songs because "it's cool to have a sax in the middle!" To say that James "punked the funk" is a gross, gross understatement.
Does Pat Place look like she's about to toss her cookies here, or is it just me?
Shame Anya and George can't be here to see how many people love this.
I know the feeling. Can' t stand myself either. OR my baby, for that matter (hi there, The Rezillos!)
I remember seeing a movie at the Fox Venice theater of a collection of punk/new wave videos that included a well made music video of the Contortions doing Contort Yourself-- though it may actually have been the "James White & the Blacks" version rather than the Contortions, I don't recall. I'd sure like to see that again-- anyone know what the movie was called? Or if they have that footage and can upload it to TH-cam? It was by far the coolest thing in the whole program...
Superb!
i've always loved this band, the bottleneck is fucking awesome!
best band ever
It is messed up if you walk around thinking "kids today" do not get this. The 20-somethings I know--they get this & a lot of other kinds of music. Positive, young attitude that is something "kids today" know. Forget, all you OLD kids. We know James Chance, the Wipers, Lou Reed, the Beatles, the Stooges. & all the new stuff too. Thinking that way about the youth can only mean your old and not cool.
Great Punk adaptation of a JAMES BROWN song..The Contortions are the FATHER OF PUNK-FUNK, before RHCP, The Big Boys ,etc.
talkin heads before them
but contortions are much more insane
This is clearly No Wave
still love dish it out more
if captain beefheart were alive he would be like the fuckin godfather
Superb how punk moved to jazz in the 1980s.
Genius
And since half the band is now dead a reunion seems highly unlikely. Damn!
Yes!
Great show! Plumers mrptvamp1? Watch him play with Blondie in 1999. Blondie - Boom Boom In The Zoom Zoom Room (Live 1999)
RIP James Chance
If Captain Beefheart were from the city, he would be James Chance
YES!
James Chance and The Contortions - I Can't Stand Myself 1245pm 25.8.23 gotta be related to albini or the cop from the simpsons... amazing, really is.
heroine jazz fabulous!
Where is this video from? Sorry... too lazy to scroll through all the posts, but this is awesome! When and where is this from???
It's funny how polite this sounds after all this time.
give him a Chance.
was this part of a longer film or something? i saw a clip of Model Citizen that seemed to be similiar to this one.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the greatest electric slide guitarist, Pat Place.
So friggin young!
Oh my GOD! I can't stand myself! Aghr!
lets you see rip that solo, its unbelievably hard to play like tat under control. this guy can rip
good chit mang , thanx....
Does anyone know if this song is on any of the Contortion's CDs? I don't know which one, and can't seem to find it.
I know its on the No New York ...the No Wave compilation LP.
one of the hardest fucking people to ever walk the earth. This performance tears you to shreds. Anybody who says otherwise is a liar
@MrNellonoma I never said it was jazz and it is actualy also refered to as punk jazz or acid jazz. I was talking about james brown.
i'm in.
HELL YEAH
this is cool
@MrNellonoma actually i posted that photo a couple of years ago im actually in a Julliard school in jazz and music studies your right i don't know all there is about music, but i do have grounds to state my opinion and to defend it when called out. And I am sure that my 2 private teachers and my Jazz professors would agree with me. Also in my opinion and many others as you can see my points are valid. And yes the blues is a form of jazz. and the blues brothers were jazz.
Yes, after watching the Bush Tetras clip I see what you mean. They were all surly! But in the best possible way.
Brilliant
@BigTymerPimp I think his stage presence is quite hypnotic and cool.
Love it, love it. Just discovered but already up there with Jesus, McDonalds and Tony Blair.
Totally neurotic. Love it.
The girl guitar player is from bush tetras yeah?
Yup...Pat Place
This where LCD Soundsystem got his stuff from...
this wype is hype.
@gayandblackin1985 James Brown too was a James Brown on speed. Heh!
Ever so catchy. Thin white noise. Ahhhhhh.
the must amazing mutant funk with sun ra and Georges Clinton;)
You're right. I've seen live the mentioned musicians. That'd been a perfect bill.
Selling the photos from this concert
緊張感と凍えるほどの熱狂。
Yeah there isn't. I happened to talk to Mark Cunningham via email, he says there is no footage that he knows of.
I have one question--why are you so defensive?? I did not say that ALL kids (15-25) may have not heard this music. I AM NOT OLD BY THE WAY and have been in involved in music for over 15 years. You have appreciate the old because it influences the new. Look at Klaus Nomi, and original and will be never be another. Most people when I mention him, its like "Who's that?" Do you understand what I mean now. I think I am a pretty cool chick, so kick back applejack.
@gayandblackin1985
Cocaine is a hell of a drug. Ever see the hardest working man in showbusiness on Sonya? Aired back in '87. He was out of his gourd then; eerily similar to this, but less funky.
fucking hot.
I never listen to any music at all. I have a bright orange, super-effective pair of earplugs. I don't like noise of any kind. But I like this.
cool! no wave star!
james is like mick jagger but wayyy better !