I can’t believe there isn’t a single other music blog on the Internet that has a vinyl copy of this album to share with the world. In fact, the only two websites that even provide full track-listings (plus defunct sample clips) are Japanese record dealers trying to hawk their product. Alas, I managed to score a sealed copy of this much-sought-after “downer” folk record for a measly $25 so here it is. Consider this a Swan Fungus exclusive!
Recorded and released in 1979 by a record label called Future Productions, “No Hype” contains ten tracks of words and music by the Iowa City folk singer Robert Valente. It’s not the most uplifting record. The opening track states its intentions in the first verse: “Well I’m headed out for L.A. / I gotta get there right away / I don’t know what’s happenin’ / I don’t know what to say / But they’re bringin’ me down / and downer each and every day / They’re bringin’ me down / Hey today.”
Valente remains unaccompanied throughout the two sides (five songs per side), lending an added aura of lonesomeness to his dreary worldview. It’s just his untrained voice and an electric guitar. That’s not to say you should expect Jandek-style avant-outsider a-musical compositions. There are melodies present here, they just aren’t catchy. There are a couple attempts at pop tunes but for the most part it’s simple dirges whose number of chords can usually be counted on one hand. One had that might be cut short a few fingers. As for themes, well…”home,” seems to be a popular one returned to at different points on the album. On the opening track Valente sings of leaving home. On the very next track the protagonist sings of returning home. “Dreamin'” is about (again) saying goodbye to one’s life and getting away. “Come On People” is again about the desire to pack up and move — this time in an attempt to bring others along for the ride. Moving on from the past is a central theme, whether it’s relationships (“Dreamin'”) or childhood (“High School”). There’s an undercurrent of vengeance or redemption as well. Mostly it’s played and sung from the perspective of a loner seeking an audience. I think that’s what I love about this record. For all the hopelessness and grit and frustration with his station in life, Valente’s trying to share deeply personal feelings with the world that he hopes will resonate with listeners. And even if it’s not the most professional recording put to tape by an accomplished songwriter, it comes from the heart of a guy who isn’t ashamed of who he is or what he’s saying. And for that reason “No Hype” makes for viscerally real and pure album. It’s fantastic.
The weird thing about my finding this record is that I *think* the guy who sold it to me was Robert Valente. Why do I say that? Because when I met the person who was selling the record — which was a VERY brief interaction — not only did I receive this album, the man (who never gave me his name) also handed me CDs that turned out to be recent releases by Robert Valente. “Alive” was recorded in 2008. “The World’s Just A Circle” was recorded in 2007. So, as of a few years ago the man was alive and well and making music. Perhaps right here in L.A., where 30+ years ago he was singing about headin’ to from the “almost hell” on Earth that was Iowa City.
Or it could have just been some guy who thought he’d impress me with his knowledge of Valente’s modern musical output. Personally I prefer my idealized version of the story.
Robert Valente
No Hype
(Future Productions, 1979)
MediaFire DL Link
01. Headed To L.A. [MP3]
02. A Long Time Ago
03. Movie Show
04. Dreamin’
05. Chain Gang
06. It Won’t Be Long
07. Looking For Blood
08. Come On People
09. Feel All Right
10. High School
