Complete List Of Pylon Albums And Songs

Pylon: The Forgotten Pioneers of Post-Punk

Introduction

Pylon, a post-punk band from Athens, Georgia, was a crucial part of the 1980s alternative rock scene. Formed in 1979, the band consisted of Vanessa Briscoe Hay on vocals, Randy Bewley on guitar, Michael Lachowski on bass, and Curtis Crowe on drums. Pylon’s unique blend of danceable post-punk and new wave music earned them a dedicated following and influenced many other bands of the era.

Early Years and Formation

Pylon was formed in 1979 when four University of Georgia students came together with a shared interest in creating music that was driven by a DIY ethos and distinct from the mainstream rock sounds of the time. The band’s debut album, Gyrate, was released in 1980 and encapsulates the energy and innovation of the Athens music scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Gyrate (1980)

Released: October 1980

Gyrate is the debut studio album by Pylon, an influential post-punk band from Athens, Georgia. The album features a mix of angular post-punk and new wave styles, showcasing the band’s unique sound and energy. Recorded at the Channel One Studio and Stone Mountain Studio, Georgia, in early 1980, Gyrate was produced by the band themselves with the assistance of Bruce Baxter.

Track Listings:

1. "Volume" – 4:14
2. "Feast on My Heart" – 3:35
3. "Precaution" – 2:48
4. "Weather Radio" – 2:16
5. "The Human Body" – 3:06
6. "Read a Book" – 2:00
7. "Driving School" – 3:52
8. "Gravity" – 2:37
9. "Danger" – 5:38
10. "Working Is No Problem" – 3:31
11. "Stop It" – 3:06

Chomp (1983)

Released: 1983

Chomp is the second studio album by Pylon, continuing their exploration of danceable post-punk with greater sonic depth and experimentation. Recorded at Drive-In Studio in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and produced by Chris Stamey and Gene Holder, Chomp brought a bit more complexity to Pylon’s approach to song structure and rhythm.

Track Listings:

1. "K" – 4:32
2. "Yo-Yo" – 4:15
3. "Beep" – 3:24
4. "Italian Movie Theme" – 2:01
5. "Crazy" – 3:14
6. "M-Train" – 3:49
7. "Buzz" – 2:59
8. "No Clocks" – 2:58
9. "Reptiles" – 3:56
10. "Spider" – 3:58
11. "Gyrate" – 4:06
12. "Altitude" – 3:20

Chain (1990)

Released: 1990

Chain marks a later era in Pylon’s career, released after a hiatus and the band’s temporary breakup. This album dives into more alternative rock territories, featuring a blend of sharp guitar work, rhythmic experimentation, and complex compositions, showcasing the band’s evolution while keeping their foundational energy intact.

Track Listings:

1. "Look Alive" – 4:34
2. "Catch" – 4:38
3. "B-Complex" – 3:44
4. "Tumble" – 5:04
5. "Sugar High" – 4:16
6. "Springtime" – 4:02
7. "Crunch" – 4:28
8. "Motocross" – 3:12
9. "Chain" – 4:52
10. "Alligator" – 3:25
11. "Thumb" – 3:46
12. "This" – 5:03

Conclusion

Pylon’s music was a testament to the band’s dedication to their craft and their ability to evolve and adapt to the changing musical landscape. Despite never achieving mainstream success, Pylon’s influence can be heard in many other bands that followed in their footsteps. Their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, cementing their place as one of the most important and influential post-punk bands of the 1980s.

FAQs

Q: What was Pylon’s debut album?
A: Pylon’s debut album was Gyrate, released in 1980.

Q: Who produced Pylon’s second album, Chomp?
A: Chomp was produced by Chris Stamey and Gene Holder.

Q: What was the name of Pylon’s third and final studio album?
A: Pylon’s third and final studio album was Chain, released in 1990.

Q: What was Pylon’s style of music?
A: Pylon’s music was a blend of post-punk and new wave, characterized by angular guitar work, rhythmic complexity, and an art-punk approach.

Q: What was the significance of Pylon’s music?
A: Pylon’s music was significant because it helped to shape the sound of the Athens music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s, influencing many other bands that followed in their footsteps.