Steve Albini, then a sophomore at Northwestern University, fanzine writer and loudmouth, released the "Lungs" EP on the Chicago co-operative label Ruthless (whose other artists at the time included NAKED RAYGUN and THE EFFIGIES). "Lungs" was recorded in his apartment on a borrowed 4-track for the price of one case of beer. After that record's release, Jeff Pezzati (singer for NAKED RAYGUN) and Santiago Durango (NAKED RAYGUN, ARSENAL), both linchpins of the burgeoning Chicago music scene, joined BIG BLACK. During this period, the band established itself has a live act, recorded two more records, "Bulldozer" EP (Ruthless) and "Racer X" EP (Homestead Records debut release), toured the U.S., and had - in general- a pretty good time. Jeff Pezzati's other obligations precipitated his departure from the band in 1984, when he was replaced by Dave Riley, bass player for Chicago swing-punk band SAVAGE BELIEFS. This lineup persisited until the band's self-destruction in 1987. BIG BLACK toured the U.S., England, Europe, and Austrailia. They recorded a sh**load of records: "Il Duce" 45, "Atomizer" LP, "Headache" EP (which bore the heartbreakinglyhonest disclaimer "Warning! Not as good as Atomizer. Don't get your hopes up, Cheese."), "Heartbeat" 45, "He's A Whore" 45, "Songs About Fucking" LP, and "Pig Pile" LP. BIG BLACK disbanded in August 1987 at the peak of its popularity: "We liked to think we were ahead of our time. Now that time has caught up with us-well, this isn't such a swell place, and having gotten here first doesn't make it any nicer." - Steve Albini THE PLAYERS: Jeff Pezzati - bass, vocals Santiago Durango - hammer guitar Steve Albini - knife guitar, vocals Mach V Roland - roland (mach v) John Bohnen - surgical sexophone 

 

TRACKLISTING:  01. RACER X 02. SHOTGUN 03. THE UGLY AMERICAN 04. DEEP SIX 05. SLEEP! 06. THE BIG PAYBACK