NWT: Pulsallama

Pulsallama was a short-lived, yet legendary, 12 piece all-girl percussion band who ruled Manhattan nightlife for a brief period in 1981 and 1982. Their sound has been described as “13 girls fighting over a cowbell.” The band often fought with each other verbally and physically in the studio and at shows. The groups rowdy behavior, theatrical stage antics, props and costumes and awkward time signatures were what the New York underground loved most about them.

In 1982 Pulsallama opened for The Clash, where an adoring audience of 6000 showered them with coins and cups of beer. Pulsallama’s single, ‘Devil Lives in My Husband’s Body’ was released on Y Records and was distributed by Rough Trade & became a minor college radio and cult hit.

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Pulsallama – “Devil Lives In My Husbands Body” (mp3) [Recommended]

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Pulsallama – “On The Rag” (mp3)

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Pulsallama – Ungawa Part 2 (mp3)

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Pulsallama – “Oui Oui” (mp3)

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Pulsallama – “May” (mp3)

Pulsallama’s record company ran out of funds during the last stages of recording their first full length and the band called it quits shortly thereafter. Jean Caffeine, one of the founding members went on to form a new group, Clambake.

The various 7 inces and singles that Pulsalamma did release are often on gemm. I got my ‘Devil Lives In My Husbands Body’ 7 inch from ebay a few years back and there actually is another copy on there right now going for $6.50.