I had a band, long ago. Narthex -- that was our name -- played shows in Philadelphia and vicinity from 1980 to 1983. Here is our amazingly obscure story, because all of these little stories added up to a remarkable era -- everyone who participated should be telling their own first-hand stories. There's also an album's worth of audio to irritate your neighbors or yourself. C'mon back here to post questions or comments.
Hey, whatever happened to Shamus the door guy? He was nice!
He was at Copa, but I haven't been recently.
Posted by JHill at 05:56 PM, February 26, 2004.Great story. Good tunes, thanx for sharing.
Posted by Chuck U. Farley at 06:34 PM, February 29, 2004.This is a great story. I really enjoyed it. You have a fresher approach than many others with band sites. Let me know if you want to swap links.
Posted by Finn at 05:11 AM, March 03, 2004.What a joy to find this site. I just learned today that Dave Blood committed suicide this year, and that got me Googling. One thing led to another, and here I am. I don't know if Mike Ace would remember me, but I was Jon Wurster's buddy, Matt Thorn. I saw many Narthex gigs when Jon and I were in high school, and was wild about them. Energy and intelligence: those are the words that pop to mind when I think of Narthex. Hair Club for Men was nice, but they were a body without a head. When the Dead Milkmen appeared, I thought they were just a joke. I was sad to see Dean, whom I respected enormously (and still do) split with Mike and go with them. Next thing I know, the Milkmen are on MTV, and I'm scratching my head. Anyway, I just downloaded the 50MB zip file, and will now wallow in nostalgia for a while. I'd love to hear what Mike (and Dean) are doing now. P.S.: I had a massive crush on Dean's little sister, so naturally I dated her best friend. I'm sure I'll be punished in the afterlife for being unable to recall either of their names today.
Posted by Matt Thorn at 01:44 PM, December 21, 2004.Hey Matt, I remember you. As small as our fandom was, we should remember everyone! Dean bears no guilt for anything. I ended it myself, and Dean moved onward... the article covers the particulars. Hope you enjoy the old recordings.
This past weekend, Dean played with Big Mess Orchestra:
I caught the Saturday show and it was one of the greatest things I've ever seen.
Good to hear from you.
PS) Those girls are so gonna kick your ass.
Mike! I hadn't realized you had posted a response until I got mail from Nina Sabatino with the subject heading, "You don't remember my name!?" You snitched on me, you bastard! Actually, I should thank you. Nina and I have been exchanging e-mail at a frenzied pace ever since. (Tracy! That was my girlfriend's name! Tracy!)
Posted by Matt Thorn at 01:06 AM, January 23, 2005.good stuff hadnt heard ur guyses stuff for awhile and low and behold before i go to work what do i happen apon but this gem.But yeah,any other songs i can possibly get my hands on,on the net that is .Well just thought id say hey and thanks for the lift in the lead of my day.
Posted by Joel at 04:49 AM, September 03, 2005.