Description
Barnyard Slut – Space Age Motel – Compact Disc
Barnyard Slut’s Space Age Motel, released in 1993 under the indie label Grass Records, is a fascinating and genre-defying album that blends elements of indie rock, country rock, lo-fi, and psychedelia. This release exemplifies the experimental ethos of the early ’90s underground music scene, delivering an eclectic mix of styles and sounds that feel both raw and adventurous. Hailing from Norman, Oklahoma, Barnyard Slut combined traditional instrumentation with unconventional arrangements, creating an album that is at once grounded in roots music and boldly experimental. While Space Age Motel remained under the radar upon its release, it has since become a cult classic among fans of offbeat and boundary-pushing indie rock.
The album features a lineup of musicians who brought their varied skills and perspectives to the project, including Mark Lewellen on vocals, guitar, drums, and mandolin; Lance Angelo Pellegrini on drums, guitar, and vocals; Paul Lewellen on guitar; Johnson Bridgwater on bass and percussion; Tory Troutman on banjo and bass; and Robbie Egle on bass. This diverse array of instrumentation, which incorporates mandolin and banjo alongside more traditional rock elements, allows the band to seamlessly bridge the gap between Americana and indie experimentation. Tracks like “Cookie Jar” and “Hand Held Kennedy” showcase the band’s knack for blending jangly, melodic riffs with lo-fi production, while songs like “Shooting Flowers” and “Cactus” explore darker, more atmospheric territory.
One of the album’s standout moments is its cover of “Angel of the Morning,” the classic tune written by Chip Taylor. Barnyard Slut transforms the song into something uniquely their own, giving it a hazy, lo-fi aesthetic that complements the band’s eclectic style. Meanwhile, original tracks like “Bug Powder” and its reprise, “Bug Powder (Slight Return),” highlight the band’s willingness to experiment with structure and texture, creating an immersive and unpredictable listening experience. The album’s blend of melodic hooks, offbeat humor, and abstract lyrics creates an atmosphere that is both engaging and enigmatic.
The production of Space Age Motel reflects the DIY ethos that defined much of the underground music scene of the time. Recorded in various studios, including Noise New Jersey, White Rose Recording Studio, and Alien Studio in the band’s hometown of Norman, the album benefits from the creative vision of producers Kramer (known for his work with Galaxie 500 and Low) and band members Mark Lewellen and Robbie Egle. The result is a lo-fi, unpolished sound that complements the album’s experimental edge while maintaining a sense of authenticity and intimacy.
Space Age Motel received praise from those who discovered its unique charm. Critics and fans alike appreciated its fearless approach to genre blending and its ability to feel both familiar and otherworldly. Tracks like “Complain” and “Watery Grave” exemplify this balance, offering moments of introspection and experimentation that feel timeless. The album’s ability to draw on diverse influences while maintaining a cohesive sound is a testament to the band’s vision and creativity.
Space Age Motel remains a hidden gem in the world of alternative and indie rock. For collectors, the original CD release is a sought-after item. For listeners curious about exploring the fringes of ’90s indie music, the album offers a rewarding journey into unconventional soundscapes. Barnyard Slut’s fearless blending of genres and their embrace of both tradition and experimentation make Space Age Motel a must-listen for fans of lo-fi, psychedelic, and avant-garde music.
If you’re intrigued by bands that push the boundaries of rock and Americana, Space Age Motel is a compelling listen that captures the essence of an era defined by its creative freedom and genre-defying spirit.
Grass Records 6
Track Listing
cookie jar
long arm
angel of the morning
hand held kennedy
days I’m coming to
shooting flowers
watery Grave
Cactus
complain
bug powder
