The long, hot summer of 1993 was like any other in L.A. The only difference being the apparition of Claw Hammer’s "Pablum", their fourth album and the first for Epitaph Records. Renowned for their intense live shows at dives like Al’s Bar, Jon Wahl (possessor of one of the most unique vocal styles in rock) and his gang of henchmen ran roughshod over Angelenos for years. I always felt that their most appreciative audiences would be in Europe, but they never made it over - drag. "Pablum" is chock full of Claw Hammer’s patented brand of twisted heavyrock/blues dementia. ‘William Tell’ recounts the story of Billy Burroughs failed attempt to shoot an apple off of the top of his wife’s head. All this while Chris Bagarozzi’s guitar spits fire all over the place. Very chewy stuff. Currently, Jon Wahl leads the Amadans; Bob Lee continues to pound the skins for local power trio Backbiter; Rob Walther is pursuing an equestrian future in the great expanses of Boise, ID; and Chris Bagarozzi is raising kittens while listening to Om’s "Variations on a Theme".

(Download "Pablum On My Mind")

(Download "William Tell")