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Baker's Dozen

Feel Like Dancin'? Jake Shears' Favourite Albums
Ian Wade , June 10th, 2020 10:16

We mark Pride month with sometime Scissor Sister Jake Shears as he guides Ian Wade through 13 favourite records, from Elton John to Bongwater, Ween, Mr Bungle, Aphex and Ike & Tina Turner

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Mr Bungle – Mr Bungle
I’m a massive Mike Patton fan, I just think he’s an incredible artist and performer. His voice is unlike anything else, it’s just very singular, and when I was a kid and growing up I was also a massive fan of Faith No More. I chose the Mr Bungle record because it’s one of my all-time favourite albums. John Zorn produced it, who is an incredible artist in his own right, and I love the whole thing conceptually. If you were to describe it, it’s sort of like a ska metal scary clown carnival record. I think a lot of people would find it hard to listen to, but I feel though like it plugs into something in my brain that really gets me excited. It’s kind of this phantasmagorical tableau of depravity and I find it really frightening. It sounds like you’re just getting on some terrifying ride. Other Mr Bungle albums are great, but this one for me with the John Zorn collaboration is so special and I also love how fucking juvenile the record is – it’s offensive and garbage-y and trashy and sleazy and it was definitely the kind of stuff growing up that your mom didn’t want you listening to, but it’s a record I always go back to and I never get sick of it. It’s a lotta fun.