Another Mercury music section to read at the gym while you feel the burn with your personal trainer, the world’s smallest bodybuilder.

The Portland Jazz Fest ignored my suggestions about titling this year’s event, “39 Years of Jazzercise!” Instead they just booked some guy named Orenette Coleman. Whatever.
VIDEO: Ornette Coleman, live in Rome (1974)

Kay Kay and His Weather Underground are the biggest rock and roll alter ego since Chris Gaines captured the nation’s heart in 1994.
MP3: Kay Kay and His Weather Underground - Hey Momma

Little know fact about Foreign Born: Before they developed their stylish pop sound, the band used to be a Foreigner and Born Against tribute band called, well, what else, Foreigner Born Against. As you might have expected, they were terrible. The idea works on paper, just not on stage.
MP3: Foreign Born - It Grew On You (EP version)

How to go from grunge, to Blue Cheer, and back again, in three easy steps.
VIDEO: Blue Cheer, “Summertime Blues” (live)

Contrary to what Blue Cheer says, there is actually a cure to the dreaded Sumertime Blues, it’s End Hits.