Duelling Suzis

Ultraviolet

I love the aural epic-ness of this tune. It's so big and crunchy, yet somehow accessible. Maybe. Sort of. To the right kinds of people I guess. Ok, maybe I'm the only one that likes it (but it's pretty  much the only CS song I like).

First released on some indie label compliation somewhere in 1998. This remix actually came out a few years before the original song, which was released on the _Dueling Suzis_ album in 2000.

The most recent official release of this remix was on our _subTxt: Singles and B-Sides_ album in 2001.

Assimilation (DK Remix)

Assimilation (DK Remix, 1998)

Ok, there have been more versions and recordings of this song than I can remember. But this version—the in-your-face-metal-industrial version—is the most familiar to the majority of old-school CS fans and was released on the _v2.1.7_ EP of 1996, then re-mastered and re-released on MP3.com in 2000 just before the _Dueling Suzis_ release. It also got some radio play for a while on the East Coast in 1996. That was cool.

Old-OLD-school CS fans may remember a recording of Jezebel's Grave that was more punky, groovy and raw, distributed by a cassette tape demo (in 1994 I think). That one was probably my favorite versions--I'll have to see if I can dig that up somewhere... 

v2.1.7

Jezebel's Grave

Jezebel's Grave (1996)

REMIX: The most quintessential CSpin song of all time, remixed for optimal put-your-top-down-and-your-bass-up blasting.

Ultraviolet was written in 15 minutes in 1997 while Zurich was waiting for pr0n or something to finish downloading (it was dial-up back then, remember?). It was during the height of the band's aggressive East coast gigging and late-night studio sessions, and we like to think that he was just in the zone. Some other amazing songs were written that week, too, but those never saw the inside of a recording booth due to various touring pressures.

Anyway, this song was a blast to play live, too--if the bassist could just remember to drop the tuning on his E string. Really... was that so hard to remember, Paul?

This particular version was remixed in 1999 from the original 4 track cassette demo, and released on a Ballistic Test compilation CD by Flaming Fish Records.

Ultraviolet — El Camino Undertow Remix

This can only be described as a metal wall of sound. This song started out a joke for some university buddies back in '93 or '94, but by the time this version was recorded in 1996, the lyrics and music got together and made an all self-important baby that was probably one of the most "take-yourself-too-seriously" of all the Colossal Spin songs. 

Ironically, it makes very little sense to those outside the twisted head of Zurich. The object (both gender and nature) of the song changes several times throughout the lyrics, but one thing is clear: some people treat others badly and it sucks, but don't let it get you down. 

Stone

Stone (1996)

From 1996. This version was pulled off of a cassette tape, so sorry for the bad quality. It's all we had left after the studio we recorded this at went under and jettisoned our source tapes before the song could be properly mixed. Bummer.


Rapidfire (Demo Cassette Version 1997)

This song screams industrial metal totally tweaked out on high-speed crank. We throw it all at you on this one--grinding 303 bass, crunchy Marshall stacks, echo pianos, falsetto dream vocals, sped-up breakbeats, power drums, reverbs as big as the universe.

From the 2000 Dueling Suzis album, we now find it funny that this track was first released on Mp3.com in the heady days of Napster, considering that one of its main lyric refrains is "You just want something, something free". Ah yes, we all certainly do, don't we?

Something DB

Something DB (2000)

Another haunting synth composition, this fan favorite is from the Duelling Suzis album. This was one of the last CSpin tunes created on the old ASR-10 (still used by hip-hop artists around the planet). The overall soundscape was punched up by none other than a cheap PC sound card midi synth from 1995. It just goes to show: it's not the tools, it how you use them.

A Warm Place

A Warm Place (1996)

It doesn't get any more vintage than this! "Believe" was one of the first songs Zurich wrote. Ever. Way back in 92 or 3. It would set the tone lyrically and thematically, as well as shape his vocal approach. This song definitely has an 80's/Goth vibe to it, especially the 2 minute "Lost Boys"-esque intro. It sounds long, but it's totally worth it. Colossal Spin would eventually add this song to their live set for a few show and it became favorite for new fans, too.


Believe

Believe (Demo 1993)

One of the best piano outros EVER played is on this song (we think). 

Another "WTF" moment from our post-metal phase that totally helps to destroy our industrial street cred. Whatever. It's a great little tune we think, full of nice lo-fi acoustic guitars, ethereal pianos and minimal construction. And let's not forget a chorus that goes "Naaaa, na, na." Seriously? Hells yes!

Faster

Faster (1999)

Mysterious songs from a band that no longer exists.

Wil Arndt (aka Zurich): Vocals, Guitars, Keys/Synths, Drums, Programming, Bass
James Wallace: Guitars
Paul Schneider: Bass
Brian Reed: Drums
Bobby Rae Mayhem: Drums

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