Grinderman was put on hold in 2008 while The Bad Seeds got working on and subsequently toured Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! In late 2009, once again via social media, word began to leak that Grinderman had recorded a second album of guitar-based uncompromising songs which would likely be taken out on the road.
In July 2010, the new single was made available via soundcloud with some words offered up via pitchfork:-
It’s the first single from the second album from Nick Cave’s balls-out Grinderman project. It’s swampy and bluesy and you may feel like you need a wash after listening to it. The “Heathen Child” single is out on limited edition 12″ colored vinyl September 6 and features another version of the song– dubbed “Super Heathen Child”– with an ear-blasting guitar solo from the one and only Robert Fripp (David Bowie, King Crimson).
Word also soon got out that long-time video collaborator, John Hillcoat, had been involved in the promo side of things, but the alleged controversial nature of the film meant you were never likely to catch it on any television screen.
Heathen Child was issued on red 12″ vinyl. It came with an old-fashioned sexist poster featuring a naked woman. If Grinderman were keen to get folk talking, they certainly succeeded:-
mp3 : Grinderman – Heathen Child
mp3 : Grinderman – Star Charmer
mp3 : Grinderman & Fripp – Super Heathen Child
The most surprising thing was that the b-side was a quiet and gentle ballad, giving some evidence that the new album which was due for release just a week later, would be less one-dimensional than the debut. The extended cut with Robert Fripp has his unmistakable guitar licks, quite akin to the Scary Monsters-era Bowie.
Oh and as this isn’t a television station:-
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 