July 21, 2008
Where are they now?
For those who go way back...
Three members of the Sylvania, Ohio band Legs from the early '70's, photographed in the basement where they rehearsed back in that day.
Bob Nyswonger, John Arduser, and Glenn Marks.
July 3, 2008:
V.C. Graves has a new EP coming out pretty soon and guess what?One of the songs is
featured in a new episode of “Law and
Order: Criminal Intent” on USA Network, Sunday, July 13th
at 9:00pm. Joan Jett is the guest star and V.C.’s tune in the opening scene is
called “Calivawda”.
April 13th, 2008:
Swart amps are a hot topic these days.
October 24th, 2007:
Many a year after E.J. Wells wrote and recorded
"Hearsedriver", a new video of the tune is now available.
Watch EJ Wells, Hearse Driver, directed by Zachary Byron Helm
July 14th, 2007:
For the first time in over twenty years, Arduser, Wells and Wicker joined forces in a live recording session, and the results were head-banging.
The session took place at Happyland Studio, with E.J. at the helm. One song, "Is It Alive?" (a pounding Halloween number about a hearse) will appear on the new soon-to-be-released V.C. Graves EP. John Wicker played all the drums and percussion. E.J. Wells provided the studio, engineered the whole thing, sang AND played bass. John Arduser wrote it, sang lead vocals, and played guitar. Very soon information will become available about how to purchase this new Ruin Records product. Listen here to a sample of Is It Alive?.mp3
June 20th, 2007 3:33 am:
Ruin is back. Oh yes. We've been away for awhile...more than a year. But things are different now. Time may be running short, so it's time to DO something. There's a new, wild EP about to be released...
All will be revealed soon.
February 11th, 2006 6:06 am:
The
latest release from Ruin Records' dungeon of sound is "Ick!" by
The Ne'er-Do-Wells. "...an interesting
new act whose career is over before it even started---a band out of
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania called The Ne'er-Do-Wells."---Cleveland
Plain Dealer
They're a three-piece nut-rock outfit led by singer/guitarist Kurtis Blunk, with Howard Bleat on drums and Cindy Bloodflow on bass. They're what's left of the flop all-girl German punk band, known briefly as Vuxen. This 5-song EP features "Whole Lotta Puke", "Thuthy" and three other cuts. Hear Fenders and old Gibsons cranked through a vintage Marshall as V.C. Graves crashes into the floor of the White Room Studios!
$12
(Shipping included)
And for E.J. Wells lyrics and more, go to this site.
Tuesday October 15th, 2002 1:17 am
Check out this clipping:
Saturday July 6th, 2002 1:11 am
V.C. Graves' new EP is now available. It's called Motel Desert and it's all about the horror and beauty of the mysterious American Southwest... a story told on six tracks with Stratocasters and old Gibsons feeding back through a Marshall stack. E.J. Wells even sits in on one tune. It's a kooky, somewhat psychedelic journey into a strange world where things are orange-y and melting, so throw caution to the wind and order your Motel Desert
Check in and check it out!
$12 (shipping included)
Thursday May 30th, 2002 1:37 am
Don Binkley has left the Haymakers. Yep, the Bink has split for greener pastures. While saddened, E.J. is pleased to report that the long-admired Marty Greenberg has taken over bass duties. Not only that, but guitarist/vocalist Dan O'Connor has joined the lineup of E.J. Wells and the Haymakers.
Friday March 29th, 2002 12:59 am
E.J. Wells has completed a new version of Del Shannon's "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun)" at Big Sky studios in Ann Arbor, Michigan that will be included in the long-awaited Undertakings album, which is now slated to be 're-recorded' at studios in Cincinnati, Ohio and co-produced by Chris Arduser of Bears and Graveblankets fame.
Thursday March7th, 2002: 2:22 am
In the past week or so, a flurry of recording sessions occurred in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Virginia Beach, Virginia and old St. Petersburg, Florida involving principal members of the Ruin Records stable.
At left is
a photo of the occasionally elusive E.J. Wells (caught by a surveillance
camera) at work in the White Room studios during one of these sessions.
The result of all this manic productivity, among other things, was the final
song for V.C. Graves' latest EP, which will be released on March 15th.
Please check this space early next week (March 11th) for the official
promotional announcement, complete with many more details!
Wednesday February 21st, 2002: 12:22 pm
Some say Rock is dead, others say: "No! E.J. Wells and the Haymakers will be appearing live on stage at Mickey Finn's Pub on April 19th, for God sakes!" That's right, E.J. and his whacked-out compadres are penciled to be at 602 Lagrange Street in Toledo Ohio (phone 419-246-3466) on April 19th at 9:30 pm. The Wampus Cats follow at 11:00. E.J, along with those darn Haymakers will perform new material as well as some time-worn Standards. See you there!
Sunday February 10th, 2002: 12:42 am
When you order an item of merchandise from the Ruin Records Merchandise Page, you are likely to see it wrapped in a shipping container resembling the following:
This is known as the Red Face Express. As with all Ruin Records product, there is a high level of embarrassment involved. It's just a part of doing business in today's world. Please stay tuned to ruinrecords.com for further announcements regarding utter hell.
Tuesday January 29th, 2002: 2:32 am
Ruin Records appears to be in hibernation; after all, it is the middle of winter. But let us assure you, wheels are in motion. E.J. Wells is currently in the process of obtaining financing to bring his album "Undertakings" to the curious public. And V.C.Graves has booked a few days at a South Florida studio to record the fifth and final song for his latest EP, for which everything has been completed except that stupid fifth song.
Wednesday January 9th, 2002: 2:22 am
As we welcome you to the new year, we here at Ruin Records have to acknowledge the fact that an element of confusion has entered the scene. Why has the E.J. Wells album taken a seeming eternity to be released? Why is the V.C. Graves album always "almost finished", yet still not available? Why is the post office box collecting a truckload of stupid catalogs and nothing else? Why has almost everything, apparently, gone wrong? The only way this can be answered, possibly, is by taking a philosophical approach. "Good things come to those who wait"... "Hard work pays off in the end"... "You don't have to bake the pie to keep a finger in it"...none of these bromides applies to the current situation Ruin Records finds itself in. The simple truth is, we'll weather the storm, and end up smelling.
Sunday December 23rd, 2001: 12:47 am
We've got photo! Fresh from the drug store, here it is.
Scott Shriner, bassist for Weezer, with his pal E.J.
Wednesday December 12th, 2001: 2:07 am
Well folks, we can no longer sugarcoat it: Ruin Records is in turmoil. First of all, we thought the E.J. Wells album "Undertakings" would have become available long before now. But, no. Financial ickiness, the likes of which you don't want to know, have caused the machine to seize! We are now looking at a very limited release, i.e, only available from the website...we'll let you know as soon as possible. Secondly, regarding the live band, E.J. Wells and the Haymakers, who's on first? Band members' lives are spinning out of control, or so it seems. So there's another "we'll let you know as soon as we know" deal. And as far as V.C. Graves' almost-finished EP, well, it's almost finished. I mean, real close to being ready. Realistically, it seems that nothing will be revealed until the New Year. So, to conclude this News item, thanks for choosing Ruin Records, and check back in a couple of weeks. Or sooner...the unexpected could occur.
Tuesday November 27th, 2001: 2:03 am
E.J. Wells and the Haymakers made their live debut at the Riverview Lounge in downtown Toledo last Saturday, and all present said it was an unqualified success. E.J. opened with a solo acoustic version of "Rising Sun", followed by "Pursued" with the whole band walking on, then "I Told You Not To Touch Me", "Coopersville", "The Dead Are Alive", "I Drive A Hearse", "Downstairs", "Keep Searchin''', "Rhyolite", "Motherlode", "Shortstack (and a Longneck)" and ending with "Graveyard Moon". Apparently a good time was had by all, as there were no reports of disturbances or violence.
Now what, you ask? Ruin Records plans on having a new release or two available in time to stuff that stocking. Stay tuned....
Saturday November 17th, 11:49 pm
Time for an official announcement. E.J. Wells and the Haymakers are undergoing a line-up change. A personnel shake-up, if you will. Original member Bob Caunter will relinquish the drum throne to Marcus Lee Gray. Yes, "Salem" Bob must step down due to a recurring back problem, yet he'll continue his managerial duties with the band. Marc (ex of the Starlight Drifters) steps in, and all are looking forward to their upcoming appearance November 24th at Mona's Riverview Lounge, 843 Summit Street in downtown Toledo, Ohio at 5:30 pm. See you there!
Friday November 9th, 2001: 1:01 pm
Hey! We now have the E.J. Wells BBC Interview, as it aired live on Sept. 7th. To listen to the interview, click here.
Sunday November 4th, 2:11 am
Here's the obscure facts behind the photo below: The band was called "Evenstar" and played the Battle Creek/Kalamazoo region of southwestern Michigan in 1973-1974. The band members were: Mike Holden, guitar (seen at left), Rich Ramsey, keyboards, Louie Sinclair on bass and of course John Wicker on the big patriotic drumset.
Tuesday October 30th, 2001: 2:57 am
I promised Wick (John Wicker, Ruin Records partner and historic drummer) that if he'd ever send a photo of his Red-White-and-Blue double-bass drumset, I'd post it right here. Well, check this out (circa 1976):
Where in Michigan is this and who's the guy on the left? (we'll let you know soon)
Saturday October 27th, 2001: 1:05 am
E.J. Wells is pleased to announce the newest addition to his band: Susan MacPhee. An ex-member of Detroit's Blue Room (from the East Side) and a contributor to Grand Rapids' Dangerville Wildcats, MacPhee will take on keyboard and vocal duties, joining founding members Don Binkley (bass, vocals) and "Salem" Bob Caunter (drums) in the newly-christened group. Here's the lowdown: they are now known as E.J. Wells and the Haymakers. And they will be playing live somewhere in the Great Lakes area in the very near future. As always, watch This Space for the latest. Wait... I'm being told that Somewhere is Mona's Riverview Lounge on Saturday, November 24th at 6pm. Mona's is located at 843 Summit Street, in downtown Toledo, Ohio. Phone (419) 241-6240.
Thursday October 18th, 2001: 2:19 am
Along with the anthrax scare and all the other fun stuff that's going on, you've probably noticed that the Economy has sort of tanked. Well, we here at Ruin Records are not immune from such fiscal flounderings. So, in an effort to drum up sales (which have gone from not-having-begun-yet to unmeasurable), a special limited offer is now available. E.J. Wells' CD single "Shortstack (and a Longneck)" b/w "Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow The Sun)" can be yours for only shipping costs! That's right! Only the shipping cost of $2.50 per disc and it's yours! You can call us crazy and we won't argue with you...it's just that simple. What have you got to lose? A couple of crappy-assed burgers? Send check, money order or cash (we don't care) to Ruin Records, P.O. Box 76133, St. Petersburg FL 33734.
Saturday October 6th, 2001: 2:15 pm
Young V.C. Graves Junior, also known as Jack Graves, entered the world Wednesday morning October 3rd at 12:22 am, and is a healthy 7 pounds 5 ounces, over 21 inches long. Mom and Dad are ecstatic, and everybody's doing fine. Despite this, the all-girl German punk band --now known as Vuxen-- is still keeping their studio dates. So fear not, that album will arrive as well, albeit with perhaps a slightly different perspective in the songs.
Here's the other News item, and it's a goodie. E.J. Wells granted another interview recently and it has been published in the City Paper in Toledo, Ohio. Give it a read, won't you?
Friday September 28th, 2001: 1:47 am
Howdy all. There's a group we here at Ruin Records feel a real affinity with, and they're called Cowboy Nation. They play twisted tunes of the Wild Old West, much like our stuff, but they have a lot older instruments and are actually good. You might remember them as Rank and File or way back before that, the L.A. punk act The Dils. Chip Kinman of Cowboy Nation has listened to E.J. Wells' album '6' and has this to say: "You have a terrific sound! I dig your chorus vocals...kinda old school...I can see why the BBC plays your music." Hey, Chip, thanks for the comments.
Thursday September 20th, 2001: 1:27 am
You may have noticed this is the first entry on this page since the unspeakable horrors occurred a few hours after the last entry. The whole subject is painful to discuss, so just let it be said that Ruin Records' only purpose is to amuse and entertain, and damn it, we're gonna continue to do that with full gusto until the plug gets pulled. Remember what Thomas Jefferson said: "The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance." All right, that's out of the way. The News items we have to tell you about are these: E.J. Wells is getting really, really close to finishing his latest album, V.C. Graves is in the midst of completing new tunes for his latest effort, and the lead singer for the mysterious (and Ruin Records exclusive) all-girl German punk group is nine months pregnant and due to pop any day now. That may help explain why their new album has been delayed.
Tuesday, September 11th, 2001: 2:02 am
Two things we'd like to give to you, the Ruin Records faithful, today: 1) Provide a way for you to hear an actual E.J. Wells recording right here on the web, and 2) Introduce you to a weird and wonderful website that you might find intriguing. The song is "I Drive A Hearse" and the site is that of the Hearsedriver. Go to http://www.hearsedriver.com/main.htm
Monday, September 10, 2001: 1:07 am
Now we hear that Scott Shriner, one of several guest artists appearing on E.J. Wells' soon-to-be-released "Undertakings" LP, has accepted an invitation to play bass for the L.A.-based quartet Weezer, yes Weezer, who are beginning an eight week tour that will take them across North America and Europe. Way to go, Scott! Shriner played on the still-under-wraps Wells tune "The Dead Are Alive" from the "Undertakings" album.
Saturday, September 8th, 2001: 2:13am
E.J. Wells was interviewed live on BBC radio yesterday morning. At 10:30 a.m. here in our Eastern Time Zone (already 3:30 p.m. over there), E.J. appeared -via transcontinental telephone- on BBC Humbersides' "Afternoon Show" hosted by Steve Massam, who spun E.J.s' remake of Del Shannon's "Keep Searchin'" to open the segment. The two exchanged yet-to-be-heard-in-the-States banter for ten minutes or so, then segued into the Wells-penned "Short Stack (and a Long Neck)" to close it out. A huge Thank You to Program Director Helen Greensides for her interest and support.
And the good news is a British friend, Roger Gowland, taped it, and as soon as we get our grimy hands on the tape we'll post it here! Thanks Roger! That's right, Ruin Records is your friend. Please don't forget that. Even if you have short-term memory loss, like that guy in the movie "Memento".
But there's more. If you're lucky enough to find yourself in Norfolk, Virginia, watching WTKR-TV Channel 3 (CBS) at 11:10 p.m. Fridays, listen closely for the sound of Wells' wacko instrumentals under Ted Alexander's scores and highlights! Rumor has it that drummist extraordinaire John Wicker had something to do with that.
Saturday, August 11th, 2001: E.J. Wells and band had the distinct pleasure of performing at Coopersville, Michigan's annual town bash they call Summerfest. It's a Classic Car Show slash Tribute to the hometown favorite son of early Sixties rock fame , Del Shannon.
E.J. and band members Don Binkley (bass and vocals) and Bob "Salem Witchcraft" Caunter (drums) were bowled over by the whole experience. Right off the bat they want to thank Albert LaFleur, Brian Young, Joe Glickman and Jim Bartlett for their incredible hospitality and for making it all happen. Let's also hear it for Patrick Potts and The Drysdales! E.J and everyone associated with Ruin Records would like to extend a special thank you to the legendary Max Crook, inventor of the Musitron and player on many of Del Shannon's hit records. He was actually there, and played great! You haven't heard the last from Max, oh no.
As soon as Wells found out he would be playing at Coopersville, he toyed with the idea of a song created just for, and about, this event. Well, it happened, and sometime soon "Coopersville" will become available on Ruin Records. The crowd at Coopersville loved the band's debut of the tune. In fact, town fathers are saying they want to make it the official anthem of the Coopersville Summerfest. For the compleatist, here's their set list from that sunny Saturday afternoon: 1.I Told You (Not To Touch) 2. Coopersville 3.Stranger In Town 4.Downstairs (at the Funeral Home) 5.I Drive A Hearse 6.Rhyolite 7.Motherlode 8.Pursued 9.Keep Searchin' (We'll Follow the Sun).
But that was several weeks ago. Since then, word has spread. Abroad. Keep your ears peeled for an E.J. Wells interview on BBC Radio. Apparently they like the twisted rockabilly sound of E.J.'s stuff over there across the pond.
This is an
advertisement, not the cover. What you're looking at is a 1960 Cadillac
Superior side-loading Professional Car parked in perhaps the nation's premier
Ghost Town, Rhyolite, Nevada.
Now you might be saying, "What about that long-awaited new album from E.J. Wells, supposedly titled Undertakings?" It's almost finished, and the second it is we will post it for sale right here on the top of the News page.
Meanwhile, we hear that V.C. Graves is currently cooking something up in the laboratory. Something to go along with the currently available 5-song EP "Red Desert Dust" and its follow-up "Inside the Virginia City Graveyard" .You'll hear tales of the Old West augmented with a Fender Strat feeding back through a Marshall on Ten. Some say these two E.P.s are similar to a pounding headache that won’t go away. Graves says they’re soothing, in an unsettling way. But what the hell does he know? Judge if you so please. Don't be afraid to click on the Merchandise skull to your left.
And of course the ancient (1977) Human Darts CD Single is offered for sale. Remember, the late Joey Ramone gave it his blessing, so you can purchase free of guilt.
And for the utter obscurist, we offer Desert S**t: The Sky Ranch Heyday (1984-1987), a collection of numbers featuring Wells on bass and vocals, Graves on guitar and vocals, and John Wicker on an assortment of unusual drumsets. Speaking of Wicker, if he sends me a picture of his red-white-and-blue drumset, I'll post it right here. Along with any other rantings.
Lastly, the all-girl punk band from Germany we told you about is now in the studio. But they're having problems. So the album release date has been pushed back. Realizing how little concern there exists for this project (right now anyway), we don't plan on being shy about revealing the disturbing details surrounding the whole messy affair. That might make for some interesting reading, so check back with us next week.
EJ. Wells, Bob Caunter, and Don Binkley perform at Summerfest 2001 in Coopersville, Michigan.
E.J. plays guitar while E.J. bellows into the mic.
The legendary Max Crook with E.J.
Thanks to "Salem" Bob for sending the photos.
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