Think your favorite rock band is out of this world? Please. They're barely out of their minds. Zolar X is an alien space combo that rocks harder and catchier than a case of groupie clap. They speak in a language only known to them (and their planet, of course) and have antennae big enough to give you penis envy.

Some may call them mad, but Mr. Skin calls them friend. For if there's truly a universal language, it's not music but skin. Ygarr Ygarristlead vocals, laser lead guitar, and synthesizerstook time off from his intergalactic tour to speak with Mr. Skin about the release of Zolar X's first album of new material in over twenty earth years, X Marks the Spot (Alternative Tentacles).

Learn why more than Mars wants earth girls, the connection between Zolar X and the Monkees, and what Plutonian marmalade is. Then buy the record, become Zolar X's friend on MySpace, and prepare for blastoff!

It's been over twenty years since the band has made a recording; why are you giving earth a second chance?

This dimensional door swings both ways . . . Earth gets a second chance to hear and see Zolar X and we get our second chance to perform. Right now in music there's a real dark edge to the lyrics and the hip-hop sound is way over done. Our musical goal has always been to unite mankind and help bring them into the light.

Former Dead Kennedys singer Jello Biafra has been a champion of yours, and his Alternative Tentacles label has released this album and a previous compilation. How did you meet up with him?

In 2002 I received a letter from Chuck Nolan Jr. with questions about Zolar X. The letter went on about a record label called Alternative Tentacles owned by Jello Biafra and that he was interested in releasing a Timeless reissue CD/LP. He gave me Jello's phone number. Jello and I talked many times on the phone, and in September 2003 I met him at my home in Nevada.

Do aliens age the same as humans, and if so how does it feel to be middle-aged and still rocking out?

All individual life forms age differently, alien or human. When I strap on the guitar and look over at Eon and Qazar I truly feel timeless.

Can you talk about some of the songs on X Marks the Spot, such as "Holiday on Mars"? Is that a popular destination for your people, and why?

"Holiday on Mars" is about Earth's future in an alternate reality, what could and should have been, but mankind spent their resources on weapons of war!

What is "Plutonian Marmalade"?

It's like jam, made from the nectar of BeBeBooBaKinn on Plutonia.

There are a couple of songs about Los Angeles on the new record, such as "Saucers on Sunset" and "Back in Hollywood." What is it about Southern California that is so attractive to your people?

The city of Angels, the Boulevard of Stars, the Transmissions of Fantasy. It sounded like the place to land on Earth.

With your straight blonde hair, sharp features, and dual antennae you look like the Andorians that earthlings would recognize from the old Star Trek TV program. Are you any relation?

I've heard that rumor before. No! They're just make-believe.

Does any earthbound music make it to the airwaves in your galaxy?

Over time we've sent scout ships to collect samples. In the time frame of Earth's twentieth century they brought back numerous recordings of the birth of rock 'n' roll: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley. This piqued our curiosity and left us needing more.

We traveled to Earth and caught the British wave of the '60s, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Who, Kinks, Yardbirds, and Hendrix, so many! The one who really made our antennae tingle was not a rock star; it was Beethoven!

Zolar X has been called a glam-rock band, but how would you describe your music?

Over the years we've been labeled many things; we are "Rocket Rollers." The music we play is high energy elfin power pop with a space-punk twist and classical harmonics.

There was talk of Zolar X becoming the new Monkees at one time. Was there a TV show in the workswhat happened?

Once upon a time we talked with a TV producer (Steve Binder) in Beverly Hills, California, about such a show; it would have been an interesting course. Ego trips and unreasonable demands were made and the project was cancelled.

Didn't you once reside in the notorious punk-rock dive the Canterbury House, one-time residence to the Screamers, Go-Gos, and X, among others? What were the L.A. punks like?

Speaking for myself, yes I lived at the Canterbury. It was pretty wild to say the least! The L.A. punks were great. I made friends with Don Bolles of the Germs, put out fires with Geza X, and took every drug known to man. I think every L.A. punk band either lived there or knew someone who did.

I'd see [Go-Gos] Belinda Carlisle and Jane Wiedlin (Picture: ) walking through the lobby, [Germs singer] Darby Crash heading down to the basement to rehearse. One time some fool broke into our apartment and threw my Hywatt top out the fourth-floor windowit didn't break. The best thing for me and Zolar X at the Canterbury is that the song "Timeless" was written there.

What have you been doing since disbanding in the early '80s?

In 1982, after we broke up, I took my master tapes and had Timeless released DIY fashion on an LP. I continued writing new songs and recorded a few demos in 1983-84.

In 1986 I left L.A. for Nevada and began to live like an Earthergot a real job.

In 1989 I finally gave up alcohol and drugs, been straight ever since. Worked in a casino for ten years and a cabinet shop for five years, then my second chance came when I talked with Jello.

How do you find our earth women? Are there any movie stars that your people find exceedingly sexy?

We love Earth girls!!! To us, all women are sexyespecially on Trontee!

When you landed on our planet do you recall the first time you saw a nude scene in a mainstream movie, which one, who was the actress, and what was your reaction?

Was E.T. nude?

Is Mr. Skin known universally? What are the most popular movies and actresses for aliens to browse on our site?

He's very popular on Toron Grigg, and the rumor going around the Pleasure Fare sector is he's going to host the Galaxy Girls pageant. Superhero movies are our favorite. There's an interplanetary website for viewing Elfett in their vovee (bikini). Does that count?

Hopefully we won't have to wait another twenty years, so what's next for Zolar X?

With over 200 new songs already written we'll be in the recording studio a lot. The documentary/movie called Timeless: Starmen on Sunset is due out in 2008. Videos, tours, soon our website will be up and running ZolarX.com. With imagination anything is possible! Our past is your future!


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