Check out these new and used Pere Ubu vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Pere Ubu vinyl collection with the essential albums The Modern Dance, Dub Housing and Cloudland. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Pere Ubu: A Pioneering Force in Avant-Garde Rock

Origins and Formation

Pere Ubu, the avant-garde rock band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, emerged onto the music scene in the mid-1970s. Formed in 1975 by David Thomas, the band’s charismatic and enigmatic frontman, Pere Ubu quickly garnered attention for their innovative and unconventional approach to rock music.

Early Years and Debut Album: “The Modern Dance” (1978)

Pere Ubu’s debut album, “The Modern Dance,” released in 1978, is often regarded as a landmark in the post-punk and avant-garde genres. The album’s title track, with its disjointed rhythms and surreal lyrics, set the tone for the band’s unique sound. The use of synthesizers and unconventional instrumentation marked Pere Ubu as a trailblazer in the experimental music scene.

Tracks of Note:

1. “Non-Alignment Pact”
2. “Street Waves”
3. “Laughing”

“Dub Housing” (1978) – Exploring Sonic Landscapes

Following the success of “The Modern Dance,” Pere Ubu continued to push the boundaries with their sophomore release, “Dub Housing.” Released in the same year as their debut, the album delves deeper into experimental territories, incorporating elements of dub and avant-garde jazz.

Notable Tracks:

1. “Navvy”
2. “Caligari’s Mirror”
3. “Thriller!”

Evolution and Diversification

“New Picnic Time” (1979) – Challenging Conventions

Pere Ubu’s third studio album, “New Picnic Time,” showcased the band’s commitment to breaking away from traditional rock norms. Experimentation with tape loops, unconventional song structures, and Thomas’s idiosyncratic vocal delivery marked a departure from their earlier works.

Standout Tracks:

1. “49 Guitars & One Girl”
2. “My Dark Ages”
3. “The Voice of the Sand”

“The Art of Walking” (1980) – Maturation and Experimentation

“The Art of Walking” saw Pere Ubu maturing as a band, experimenting with a more straightforward sound while maintaining their avant-garde edge. The album’s cover art, designed by John Thompson, perfectly encapsulates the eclectic and unconventional nature of the music within.

Tracks Worth Listening To:

1. “Go”
2. “Misery Goats”
3. “Use of a Dog”

Pere Ubu’s Influence and Legacy

Pere Ubu’s avant-garde stylings have left an indelible mark on the music landscape, influencing a wide array of artists across different genres.

Contemporary Bands Inspired by Pere Ubu

1. The Mars Volta

The Mars Volta, a progressive rock band known for their intricate compositions and experimental sound, cite Pere Ubu as a significant influence. The bands share a penchant for pushing the boundaries of conventional rock.

2. Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth, the iconic alternative rock band, has acknowledged Pere Ubu’s impact on their music. Both bands share a commitment to unconventional guitar tunings and dissonant soundscapes.

Pere Ubu’s Experimental Legacy

Pere Ubu’s influence extends beyond their contemporaries, inspiring a new generation of experimental and avant-garde artists. The band’s willingness to embrace unconventional techniques and sonic experimentation has paved the way for countless musicians to explore the fringes of musical expression.