In MKE Music Rewind we revisit notable Milwaukee music that was released before Milwaukee Record became a thing in April 2014. This week: Short Stuff’s “Manic Recession #2” and “Wise Up” from 1983.
We’re all familiar with classic rock artists who went through a “disco phase.” Think “Miss You” by the Rolling Stones. “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS. Whatever Ringo Starr was up to on 1977’s deliriously bad/wonderful Ringo The 4th.
But what about classic blues-rock artists who went through a new wave phase? There may not be many examples in this ultra-niche category, but Milwaukee can claim at least one: Short Stuff.
Blues harmonica player Jim Liban formed Short Stuff in 1969. The young Liban was already a seasoned pro in the late ’60s, having put in time with several Milwaukee blues bands and briefly relocating to San Fransisco with one of them (New Blues, later renamed A.B. Skhy). Another local star, keyboardist and vocalist Junior Brantley, joined Short Stuff in the ’70s, solidifying the group’s sound. (Brantley’s cover band Junior And The Classics opened for the Rolling Stones in Milwaukee in 1964.)
Short Stuff would go on to release two full-length albums: a self-titled debut in 1976, and Talk Is Cheap in 1980. Both records are stellar examples of expertly rendered blues-rock spiked with funk, soul, and ’50s rock ‘n’ roll.
Liban’s harmonica is a clear highlight on both records, though Brantley’s keyboard/synth flourishes on tracks like “Funky Woman” elevate Short Stuff to new heights—and point to a musical pivot to come.
“After 15 years of Short Stuff I was burned out,” Liban told video podcaster and fellow harmonica player Mark Hummel in 2024. But before Liban disbanded the group and moved to Nashville for several years, he took Short Stuff on a brief detour into the world of new wave. Enter the wild 1983 single “Manic Recession #2,” backed with the more traditional “Wise Up.” Is this Short Stuff or Devo Does The Blues? Whatever it is, it’s both an absolute delight and absolutely not your daddy’s blues-rock.
Liban eventually got back to his blues roots. He fronted several more Milwaukee bands and embarked on a long-running solo career. He’s retired from performing these days, but says he still practices and plays the harmonica. (“It’s the first thing I do every morning.”) Brantley would go on to play in groups like Leroy Airmaster and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He moved to Las Vegas in the ’90s. In 2019, his hometown of Milwaukee honored him with an official Junior Brantley Day.
Short Stuff has been honored, too, and was induced into the WAMI Hall of Fame in 2017. “Founded in 1969 by blues harmonica player Jim Liban, Short Stuff was a mainstay on the Milwaukee blues scene until 1984,” reads the Hall of Fame entry. And while it’s true that the band is best remembered for the blues, its foray into new wave remains a fascinating footnote.
(Big shout-out to Liban’s son, Milwaukee drummer Matt Liban, for uploading the “Manic Recession #2” / “Wise Up” video way back in 2010. And to Adam Levin for uploading this Short Stuff gem.)
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