Hohokam- King 12”
I’ve been keen on this band for some time, but never acquired more than a handful of tracks until picking up their debut 12” the other day. However, unlike most bands here on this site, there’s more info around about this one than most.
Named after an ancient archeological culture, Hohokam was first brought to attention by Gary Numan’s Numa records, formed as his popularity began to dwindle. While some may debate that Numan’s own material at this time was stagnant, the artists he was cultivating under Numa offered some fresh synthpop/new wave talent, including these scamps, who released three singles on the label. Numan would generally preside over the recordings, acting as producer and occasional contributor.
Rumor has it that these four lads trespassed onto Numan’s property with a demo tape that inspired him to create the label, and subsequently became the third release on the label. Their most succesful single, however, was a track called “Harlequin Tears,” which appears in both 12” and razormaid form, both which you can still hear in some more well-informed clubs to date.
The band supposedly recorded a full length, but it has never seen the light of day. After splitting up, drummer/keyboardist Tony Alum formed Aquilia with DJ Steve Andrews and continued on in a synthpop/techno vein.
Here’s the details for this 12”:
Hohokam- King 12”
1. King (Extended Mix)
2. The American Way
3. King (Radio Edit)
Fun fact: The name Hohokam apparently translates as “the ones who vanished.” Rather fitting for the blog! Read more about the band and this single here and here. Lyrics included!
Also, as many of you may have noticed, I’ve added a little facebook tab on the right side of the page here. Feel free to get in touch there, I know Facebook is a little more interactive for some than the Blogspot comments system, so I’d love to hear from you kids over there. That’s all for this month- have a happy Halloween!
October 29, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Hohokam definitely shouldn't be over-looked, this is one of my favorite club jams:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGdrOzZUJp0
P.S. Nice idea on the Facebook page, I may have to make one of those. 🙂
October 30, 2010 at 12:16 am
Happy Halloween..
August 24, 2011 at 8:29 pm
I have a 12" copy of this record bought back in the early 80's. In fact, I'm listening to it now. Had it wrapped up and is in pristine condition. I bought it in Anaheim and had to order. At the time I was told it was one of the last copies brought over. Loved the song when it first hit and had to have the extended version. Bought at Beggars Banquet but the place is long since gone. Picked up bootlegs there as well and is one of the reasons it'd not there anymore. But I have a very old copy!
March 11, 2012 at 9:14 am
Phonetics on Hohokam is "ho ho CALM" for those interested…
August 18, 2014 at 11:06 pm
HELP!!!!! See below!
August 18, 2014 at 10:39 pm
I bought a 12′ single at 45 rpm years ago at a place in Anaheim called “Beggar’s Banquet.
I was told then, when I bought it that it was the last import of that style record.
It was not a big seller and I heard the song on 106.7 in LA. I taped it and BB told me what the song was and ordered it. I still have it and it is in PERFECT condition! As a matter of fact, I just played it. Now I am listening to J.Geils Band….Full House……Live….Side 2!!!!!!!!!!
And if anyone is looking to buy my copy of “King”, forget it!!!!!!
I have had the record since it was sold to me. And the sleeve it came in is NOT what you see on line!
It’s black with white symbols and human figures!
The song is about 15 minutes long on the “A” side with “The American Way” on the “B” side with a short version of “King”.
It’s a “Num3” record if you are thinking that I have a fake.
Can ANYONE tell of this song and record history!!!!??????
Like I said. I have an original! HELP!!!!
August 18, 2014 at 11:05 pm
The “Anonymous”……is me!!!!! I have been looking for someone who has a copy like mine.
it is not a “Skull on a hillside” jacket. It is one I described above.
Can ANYONE help to find the history of this 12′ record bought in Anaheim at “Beggar”s Banquet”???!!!!
December 22, 2014 at 10:45 am
I can give you some information on that sleeve Gilbert. It’s what’s know. As a ‘house’ jacket. When the label reprinted the single it was done with a generic sleeve (that was used for many different artists from the same PRS distribution company). Once the picture sleeve pressing ran out you’d be more likely to find a copy in the generic sleeve you describe. Hope that helps.
March 18, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Hohokam were signed to the Numa label after a friend of the band put a tape through his front door in Virginia Water as he was a big Numan fan. They were originally called ‘Intermission’ but the label asked them to change it! ‘King’ was a remix of the original demo with some extra parts added and new vocals if I remember rightly.. Gary Numan played a big part of the b-side ‘The American way’ by adding the tribal tom-toms via a Linn Drum Machine and changing the vibe completely! One of the original members George Kamm sadly passed away a while back.. This single was originally released in the UK in October 1984.
April 1, 2016 at 11:40 pm
The drums on The American Way were indeed Gary’s idea but was actually a Prophet 5 synth. Gary lent his elbow across the keys creating the multiple Tom sounds heard on the track.
June 15, 2017 at 6:25 pm
HUMBY’S GREATEST ALL-TIME GENIUSES VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVyknGdsJtM
August 1, 2019 at 11:30 am
Does anyone have the lyrics please??