Remember back in the day, when Lloyd Bensten dissed Dan Quayle in the vice presidential debates?*

He turned to Dan, and said something to the effect of, “I knew Jack Kennedy, and you, my friend, are no Jack Kennedy.”  Oh snap!

Well, I know Dungen personally.  And while I hope I never have to utter the words, “I know Dungen, and you, my friend, are no Dungen,” it doesn’t change the fact that I know Dungen, and they are incredible.

They’re a propulsive, explosive, and dynamic band from Sweden.  Their leader, Gustav, is a gentle genius, and they’re new record is out on Kemado Records.  They are playing the Henry Miller Memorial Library, here in Big Sur, on September 26th, with LA’s Entrance Band.  Live, Dungen sounds like Deep Purple meets Led Zep, circa ’71.  (Was too stoned throughout ’72; for all I know Zep may have been better then.)

Recently Hippie Sven stumbled upon Dungen’s bassist, Mattias, who was crusin’ through town.  Pathos and redemption ensue.  Check it:

* Remember when Dan Quayle was a heartbeat away from the Presidency?  Scary thought.