Halloween Countdown: October 15 – he’s just trying to survive

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows, and based on today’s track, the members the pioneering synth/punk band Suicide know as well.

“Frankie Teardrop”, from the band’s self-titled 1977 debut album, is a ten minute and twenty-five second journey into the heart of darkness. Frankie is a young factory worker whose world implodes into a nightmare of blood and violence. It’s an old narrative, and one repeated in countless folk, country, and blues songs. Here, set to a muted, throbbing synth line and punctuated by harrowing shrieks and sonic effects, it’s stripped to its raw, nihilistic core.

Welcome to post-industrial America, Hollis Brown. The gun is oiled and loaded; you’ll find it in the dresser drawer. Give my regards to the wife and kids.