Annihilate This Week

Shipwreck

2008-08-01T12:17:00.003-04:00

I can't get enough of Shipwreck lately. The sound takes me back to 90's hardcore like One King Down and Trial and the imagery impresses me to no end. If I had a hardcore band it wouldn't sound like Shipwreck, but the lyrics and symbols would be the same.

August 9
ICC Church Boston

Have Heart
Verse
Blacklisted
Shipwreck
New Lows

Fuuuuckkk.

B9

2008-07-25T11:55:00.006-04:00

When I was getting heavily into hardcore in high school Bridge 9 Records was on top. As I went though college I grew wary of the bands they were signing: straight-brimmed hats and '508' tattoos. With the new Have Heart and Ceremony records, they've recovered for me.

I think Have Heart's Bostons is one of the best hardcore songs ever written. It's unbelievable. And I can't stop thinking about Ceremomy's "Still Nothing Moves You." It's beyond angry. Punk. Pure. In the spirit and vein of Kill Your Idols truly, NO GIMMICKS NEEDED.

IRON AGE

2008-07-19T13:39:00.004-04:00

I can't get enough of Constant Struggle. The metal feel makes me grin every time I rock this record. Definitely a party record too. Riffs and spliffs.

The evil belly of Rise and Fall or Integrity with the balls of Cro-Mags.

California

2008-07-17T09:20:00.002-04:00

I've been in California for awhile. Swimming, arcading and record shopping. The greatest surprise of all was driving by a record store called "TKO". It was closed so the next day we swung by and my assumptions proved right, it was the retail store for the San Fransisco punk label, "TKO". I spend a lot of time and (somehow) minimal money in there but I re-bought some old New England classics: The Vigilantes - No Destiny EP and :30 Over Tokyo's eponymous full-length.

It was pretty amazing to see these records as the :30 one is way out of print and I never thought I'd be able to get my hands of another copy. As I get back into these again I'll post about them.

Tuesday proved to be 90's day though. I saw the Melvins (!!!) then finally picked up Mudhoney's Superfuzz Bigmuff. It's the new Sub Pop Deluxe Edition. I can't turn it off and I'll post about that one too as I get more into it.

Blondes

2008-07-05T11:54:00.004-04:00

I work as a bartender and one of the absolute benefits of the job is listening into my customer's conversations. On a daily basis I meet assholes, alcoholics, yuppies and musicians. Last night though, took the cake of embarrassingly stupid conversations. The blonde's voices were high, dainty and airy. Every syllable was drawn out. I was so annoyed I was grinding my teeth.

Blonde 1: I think I'll get a Diet Coke. I need to wake up.
Blonde 2: Yeah. Good idea.
Me: Diet Coke doesn't have any caffeine.
Blonde 1: (Very confused look.) Umm, what do you mean? Like, your Diet Coke is caffeine-free?
Me: Uhh, no. Diet Coke is caffeine free.
Blonde 1: No it's not.
Me: Yes. It is.
Blonde 1: Ohhh my Godddd. What should I get?
Me: A Coke.
Blonde 1: No wayyy. Too many calories.
The other bartender: How about I make you an espresso martini?
Blondes 1 & 2: Yeahhh. We want those.
Me: Don't you think there's more calories in that than in a Coke?
Blonde 1: Oh wow. I didn't even think of that. Wow. Oh my Goddd. You're smart!

Fuck. I had to leave.

Iron Fist

2008-07-05T11:47:00.004-04:00

I recently got Motorhead's 1982 album, Iron Fist. It's no Bomber, Overkill or Ace of Spades, but like the Ramones, it's all fuckin good. The title track slays and the 11 others make me want to drink heavily. Job well done, Lemmy.

Straight to Hell

2008-06-21T13:47:00.003-04:00

I recently found and bought the "Straight to Hell / Should I Stay or Should I Go" 12'' single at my local record shop, in alright condition. I don't know how rare it is and I don't know how much it's worth. I don't care. Flipping through the bin and coming across it made me so excited; like first getting into punk rock and buying a Stooges record. I've been just staring at the cover, an image I've always loved and considered getting tattooed. The back cover is the blue dragon from the Combat Rock days.

It made me think about how stupid it is for people to spend hundreds of dollars on all of versions of colored vinyl and stick them in a bin in their closet. I don't think they'll ever get it. Sometimes it just takes $10 to get really excited about rock and roll vinyl.

It also made me think about the Poison Idea album, "Record Collectors Are Pretentious Assholes."

LIFE

2008-06-16T21:03:00.002-04:00

I just grabbed this 1983 double LP at my local record store. Recorded during Lizzy's farewell tour. "The All-Star Jam." God damn it's good.

Golden Shower of Hits

2008-06-11T20:48:00.005-04:00

"Golden Shower of Hits" was the first record I ever bought by the Circle Jerks. It was actually one of the first punk records I ever bought. At that point I don't think I realized that "Group Sex" and "Wild on the Streets" were such classics and that I should dive into those first. I had seen Circle Jerks T-shirts on the bands that I worshiped at the time and I knew that somewhere, somehow they had a connection with Black Flag. I didn't know or care what that connection was, and I was so in love with "Damaged" that it didn't matter; any band who had anything to do with the Flag was rad in my book.

As their third album, 1983's "Golden Shower of Hits" never gets the recognition it deserves. It's not as amazing as their first two records, but punk doesn't get much better than those records. I see a lot of copies of this in used bins all around and I have to say, it's worth much more than it's it's sold for. Classic hardcore punk.

Sidenote: I never realized until recently that the cover was actually a Glen Friedman photograph. It's included at the top. Now that dude was a hero.

"10 kids in a Cadillac
stand in lines for welfare checks
let's all leach off the state
Gee! The money's really great!

We just get by
however we can
we all gotta duck
when the shit hits the fan!"
-When the Shit Hits the Fan

Hard Skin

2008-06-06T10:34:00.000-04:00

Hard Skin just came through the USA and reminded me why I fucking love Oi! music. One of their terrific singles can be found at the following link.

Make My Tea: http://www.punkvinyl.net/blog/Hard_Skin-Make_My_Tea-ep/01-make_my_tea.mp3

November-Coming-Fire

2008-06-05T17:30:00.000-04:00

Originally planned to be a Misfits side project, Samhain became Danzig's full time band when the Misfits broke up in 1983. In three years they released two full-lengths and an EP, and my favorite remains 1986's "November-Coming-Fire." It's out of print now but you can definately download it somewhere, or find the songs in the Samhain boxset.

The record has a lot of reverb, which really adds to the mysterious and creepy feel of the songs. To say Samhain was merely Misfits part II doesn't do them justice. These songs are definately good enough to stand on their own and any Misfits fans who don't have any Samhain need to change that. The lyrics are just as dark, and the music is slower and even creepier. Also, there's a rad version of the Misfits' "Halloween II". Outstanding record.

RIP Bo

2008-06-03T10:22:00.000-04:00

Rest in peace, Bo Diddley. True originator. Opened for the Clash on their 1979 tour. I can see Bo and Strummer talking at a bar in heaven right now.

Ill Blood

2008-05-30T11:25:00.000-04:00

In 2001 Bridge 9 re-released Toronto's No Warning's self-titled 7'', and it was my introduction to the band. I remember going to many Worcester shows, seeing B9's small (at the time) discography on sale, and after awhile I broke and bought it. That record, with "A Day In The Life" and "Too Much To Bare" hooked me and I probably listened to it everyday that year.

Then one year later they put it to a full-length and released "Ill Blood", a record that not only introduced hundreds of younger hardcore kids to the Cro-Mags and Judge, but was absolutely the best NYHC record of my generation...and they're from Toronto! The energy, the hooks, the riffs, the lyrics, the heavy drums and that nuts live show.

In those couple of years I saw No Warning three times in New England, but the best was at the Back To School Jam in Framingham, MA. The line-up was out of control: Some Kind Of Hate, Impact, Fit For Abuse, Count Me Out, Panic, No Warning, Reach The Sky, Converge (canceled because Kurt broke his hand, Hatebreed showed up and played a set of covers), Stars & Stripes, Slapshot and Blood For Blood. Yeah, my thoughts exactly. Anyways, I remember that "Ill Blood" has just come out, kids were flying everywhere and the singer kept instigating the cops who were doing security.

"Ill Blood" was one of the greatest hardcore records to come out of my generation of hardcore bands and they inspired legions of bands to copy the sound that they copied and perfected themselves. Everyone needs this record. Even if they made some, ahem, bad decisions further down the line, it's heavy, pissed and focused.

Bjorn from Rise & Fall has a two-part interview with the guitar player at his blog: http://www.mindovermatter07.blogspot.com/

CURSED RIP

2008-05-22T17:13:00.001-04:00

fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck

[http://yourfuckingfuneral.blogspot.com/]

Cursed III: Architects of Troubled Sleep

2008-05-21T11:40:00.001-04:00

(For fans of all things very heavy and very angry.)

I've been a fan of Cursed since Deathwish put out their debut "I", in 2003. I loved the darkness in the guitar tones, Chris Colohan's intense lyrics and growl, and the band's imagery, evident on all their releases and merch. I remember buying "II" in the summer of 2005 and to this day that record reminds me of driving up and down 95 in the dead heat of summer, blasting those cold, sinister songs.

Three years later Cursed finally put out "III: Architects of Troubled Sleep", and it is by far their angriest, most intense record so far. The minute and a half sample collage that opens it sets the tone for the rest of the record. Voices go in and out, talking about fear. In the end a woman states, "We really begin to feel that you don't have any power. That you're just going through the motions," before a man interrupts her with, "Go shopping. Go back to the mall, go back to your normal lives. We'll take care of everything." With that, Cursed leap into a blast beat that they don't relent from for the next 30 minutes. Insomnia, distrust and frustration are the keys and fear through religion and government is the subject they explore.

Cursed are on the top of their game and I am sick of waiting patiently for them to tour the States, (they're from Toronto). Oh yeah, and the artwork (top picture) was done by Baroness's John Baizley. That man's resume is incredible.

"Kill the bosses.
Kill the priests.
Kill the shepherds.
Save the sheep."

"Don't wanna bite the hand that feeds
I wanna fucking break it off."

The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

2008-05-18T20:46:00.000-04:00

Yesterday at the bar I met a local Vietnam veteran. I picked his brain for a half hour about his experiences and when I asked him if his year and a half tour was of average length he replied, "My tour was a little more than average and at the time I was furious, but compared to our troops' tours today, I have no complaints."

After that I started thinking, really thinking about what it means to serve two + tours like is commonplace today. All I kept thinking about was the Pogues' "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda". The eight-minute traditional song, sung from the point of view of a young Australian soldier about his experiences at WWI's Battle of Gallipoli is, as my friend John drunkenly declared to me on St. Patrick's Day at his apartment in Cambridge, undoubtedly the saddest song we know.

The more I think about that declaration, the more I believe it. I don't know a sadder song. I can't think of another song that literally hurts to listen to like "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda". Love songs hurt on a personal level; "The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" hurts on a human level. It extends beyond your small life and looks at the experience of war that has lasted as long as humans have been on Earth.

No wonder Shane MasGowan's an alcoholic.

Cutest Couple of 2008

2008-05-10T10:27:00.001-04:00

True Punk & Metal

2008-05-03T21:07:00.000-04:00

http://truepunkmetal.blogspot.com/

This blog has been one of my absolute favorites over the past year or so. I think the guy who does it has a hand in Gloom Records, a great Albany label that has put out awesome bands like Last In Line, 9 Shocks Terror, Close Call, Cut the Shit and the Prowl. Anyways, he searches his amazing record collection, uploads a record, and reminisces about it. He pulls out a lot of gems and tells great stories about growing up as a metalhead in Albany in the 80's.

Example:
"I eventually bought this only because the band thanked bong hits & brew hahs, I was baffled that this came out on the label that it did, not typical at all. Listening to this totally brings back those memories of Luke picking me up Friday after work, and us hitting all four record stores in Albany. I typically might have spent about $80 a week on records back then."

Soo good!

Also

2008-05-03T15:14:00.001-04:00

A good week for Providence

2008-05-02T17:32:00.001-04:00

Also, Tragedy tomorrow!

IN RETURN

2008-05-02T17:08:00.000-04:00

I've been thinking a lot about Florida's Torche lately. Since I first heard them I've been absolutely hooked and they remain one of the heaviest live bands I've ever seen.

In the Spring of 2006 I went to see Mogwai at the Starlight Ballroom in Philly and was absolutely blown away by the volume and heaviness of the opening band, Torche. I knew the name, as they had opened up for Paint It Black a couple of years prior at the Church, but I had missed them then. I know the drugs had something to do with it, but I just couldn't get over their sound that night at the Starlight. Since then I've seen them once more, opening for Isis at the TLA.

The idea of intense riffs mixed with a slight pop sound is so simple and incredible that I wonder why it wasn't capitalized on earlier. Sabbath and QotSA might have flirted with it, but Sabbath relied more on songwriting than just riffs and Torche is a HUGE riff band.

Also, check out this awesome packaging courtesy of Robotic Empire.

I recommend: "In Return" and a six-pack.

sabbathbloodysabbath

2008-04-27T00:13:00.000-04:00

Study the cover, imagine what it sounds like. It's necessary.

Night On Earth

2008-04-25T11:17:00.000-04:00

Since I first saw "Dead Man", I've always loved Jim Jarmusch's films. The characters, dialogue, atmosphere and array of Tom Waits songs make them engaging and particular. I recently watched "Night On Earth", a 1991 film, which is (I think) only available on DVD through the Criterion Collection, making it a bit pricey.

Well, I just got Netflix so it was my first pick. "Night On Earth" features five short stories about the connections made between drivers and passengers in five taxis in five cities around the world. It takes place in Los Angeles, NYC, Paris, Rome and Helsinki. While overwhelmingly funny, there are some poignant moments that make it more than a comedy.

I highly recommend this film. Roberto Benigni's segment alone is worth every penny.

SPRING

2008-04-17T16:35:00.000-04:00

Deathwish Inc.

2008-04-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

When I starting veering from punk to hardcore in high school, Bridge 9 Records was making a name for itself with awesome records from bands like American Nightmare, Shark Attack and Carry On. Around the same time, Deathwish Inc. was putting out the more metal-inspired side of things, which I paid less attention to.

Over seven years I've watched a majority of hardcore recede from a scene of truth and individuals to a circus of flat-brimmed hats and tough guy attitudes. One of the only punk record labels that I've seen evolve and make an effort to branch out and put out new sounds is Deathwish Inc. I cannot compliment DW enough; they've released AWESOME bands like Rise & Fall, Life Long Tragedy, Pulling Teeth, Cursed, Breather Resist and Knives Out. These bands exist outside of the coffin that hardcore made for itself in this decade. They took hardcore back from the messageboards and reminded us all that no matter how dissonant, music is art. The packaging and artwork make me excited to buy music. It's no wonder it's run by a member of Converge.

I'm so fuckin thankful and stoked right now.

RIP Joey

2008-04-15T16:56:00.000-04:00

7 years ago today Joey Ramone died from complications due to lymphoma. The entire world misses you, man. I'm sorry that Michael Pitt had to be in this video. You deserve much better, my friend.

Narrow Teeth

2008-04-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

I rarely make the effort to get into new bands anymore, regardless of their genre. It's not that I think "it's all been done", there's just decades of music that's already been released and I'd like to focus on where everything from today came from, as opposed to where it's going. Traditionalist, I know.

It's not that I'm not into progressive music, it's just that I see a lot of today's music as idle and unoriginal. Unless the grandchild is Refused or Hot Water Music, why not focus on the grandparents? They were much more interesting. It was all their idea anyway.

Now, all of this of course comes with exceptions. I've been drooling over two new(er) bands for a while now. The first is Narrows, a band with only a single song available (http://www.myspace.com/narrowsnoise). The catch is that it has members of Botch, TAAS, Unbroken and many others. Botch's singer is back, this time with the brainchild of TAAS's awesome riffs, Ryan Frederiksen. I am so excited for this band to release their first 7'' on Deathwish later this year.

The second exception is Baltimore's Pulling Teeth. Their newest full-length, "Martyr Immortal" is the perfect batch of hardcore, punk and metal. P-E-R-F-E-C-T. I don't think they've created a new genre or anything but I just can't stop listening. Their doomy imagery, harsh vocals and riffs make me giddy inside. (http://www.pullingteethmd.com/)

New Wind

2008-04-14T18:09:00.000-04:00

I recently found 7 Seconds' 1986 LP, "New Wind" on sale so I picked it up. As someone who grew up on "The Crew" I was expecting short, fast and lo-fi. Instead, the opening track "The Night Away" greeted me with long, slow and (still) lo-fi. I let it drag out hoping for a change in the rest of the songs and overall I think I got it. Although the songs are all longer and slower than most Seconds songs, it definately has some strong points. Standouts include "Grown Apart", "New Wind", "Man Enough To Care" and "Put These Words To Music."

The harmonies are surprising and honestly, some of these songs really aren't that great. Regardless, "New Wind" proves that although this is probably my least favorite 7 Seconds record, they can't put out a truly bad one.

I heard that in the liner notes for the original pressing of the LP they thank U2 for "inspiration". That might tell you something. Also, I found some evidence that they toured on this record with Youth Of Today and Verbal Assault.

Is this the new Green Day?

2008-03-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

Shelly's in town for a couple of weeks and we spent the past three days seeing Henry Rollins, Paint It Black and Strike Anywhere in Providence and Cambridge, which was followed by 20 hours of getting drunk and philosophical with John. Thanks to the Sparks I consumed down by the Boston piers yesterday, I barely slept 4 hours last night. Today I feel like death and aside from coffee, Stiff Little Fingers' 3rd record, 1981's Go For It, has helped me get through the day. It's (obviously) no Inflammable Material, but the opening track, "Roots, Radicals, Rockers and Reggae" is really damn close. I can't believe I waited so long to get this.

"Comfort the afflicted and keep them from harm
Let age be protected and the infants be strong."

The World

2008-02-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

In junior high and high school, my buddy and I used to trade our CD's and tape them, making copies for ourselves and expanding each other's knowledge of punk rock. One Friday he brought in the U.S. Bombs' The World, which was released in 1999 on Hellcat Records. I was really excited because the few songs I had by them on compilations had always stuck out to me with their Clash sound. That weekend I stayed at my grandmother's house, and I remember listening to that CD over and over again on my discman, in my mother's old bedroom. I didn't see one of those 18 tracks as filler; I loved them all.

I was drawn in equally by the sound, which took from the punk rock that I loved, ('77 punk as opposed to the pop-punk that was rampant at the time), as by the skater, cut and paste political imagery. I loved that the political imagery wasn't all anti-US as most of my punk records were. Although there remained criticism of the US ("US bombs the world"), there was underlying American pride in the WWII imagery and songs like "Yanks & Rebs", where Duane sings, "I'm proud to be an American!"

The standout track for me was "Joe's Tune", which is credited in the liner notes as written by Strummer himself. I have yet to find out the real history behind that song. Was it written by Strummer for the Bombs? Or is it a cover of a Strummer song I've somehow never heard? Either way, The World remains one of my favorite punk records from the 90's, and thankfully it's still in print.

"Well the black man got the rhythm
And the white man got the law
And I know one thing I've been workin for."
-Joe's Tune

"That dunce in the corner says he wants to be a cop
Caught me smoking in the toilet stall
Said "I'll get you when I grow up."
-Billy Club

Homme

2008-02-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

As with most people with pulses, I think Josh Homme is the fucking man. And it's not just because he was in Kyuss or anything, but look at the man. Watch him smoke. Jesus. And he knows his garage rock history pretty damn well. Before I die I want a night out drinking with Homme and Jesse Hughes. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought that today.

Nobody Laughs Anymore

2008-02-20T12:53:00.000-05:00

When I was first getting into punk in the 8th grade I immediately found a small group of older and like-minded friends. Together we started a tradition where everyday we sat on a ledge outside of our high school listening to CD's through crappy computer speakers connected to an old disc man. Though we listened to a lot of classic bands such as Minor Threat, The Dead Kennedy's and the Ramones, we were lucky because at the time the New England punk scene was blowing up. All of the best bands around were available for us to see live on a monthly basis in Boston and suburban Massachusetts. This was right when the Dropkick Murphys gained Al Barr from the Bruisers and started making a name for themselves nationally, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones had released their commercially successful Let's Face It. Underneath all that were unbelievable bands like The Showcase Showdown, :30 Over Tokyo, The Pinkerton Thugs, The Ducky Boys, and my favorites of all of them, The Trouble.

Along with a couple of compilation tracks and 7'''s, The Trouble only released one LP, Nobody Laughs Anymore on GMM Records, which was re-released by Bridge 9 in 2005. The sheer force and energy of NLA along with Gibby's excellent lyrics, hooked me right away and I often found myself listening to it over and over again. I've always loved how it's a simple punk rock record, but in it are strong traces of street punk and hardcore. The lyrics are reflective, violent, and often dark, and the cover of Joy Division's "Insight" as a secret track cements NLA as a moody classic.

It's no surprise that the singer went on to form Panic, a front runner of the 2002'ish lyrical hardcore scene along with American Nightmare and Carry On. I'm sure a lot of people who didn't know The Trouble got into them from AN's cover of "Dead & Gone" on The Sun Isn't Getting Any Brighter EP, and because of the B9 re-release of Nobody Laughs Anymore. Either way, it's a classic 90's punk record, which gets played in my room on a weekly basis, and deserves more recognition.

"All things lost, nothing gained
Every passing day intensifies my pain
I look towards tomorrow, yet cling to yesterday
Hoping sometime I'll find my way.

Each day a reminder of my mistakes
Each day a reminder of what it takes
Nothing to look forward to from what I can see
The old days ended too soon for me."
-Dead & Gone

Bad Luck Zednik

2008-02-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

In 2002, my friends and I went up to Montreal for a school band tour. At the time the NHL playoffs were going on and the Bruins and Canadiens were playing at the Molson Center. When we got off the bus in the city, proudly wearing the black and gold, Canadiens fans violently shouted at and threatened us in French. We reveled in it and it wasn't until we got to our hotel room and turned on the TV that we really understood the hostility. In the third period with a commanding lead, Boston's Kyle McClaren elbowed Montreal's Richard Zednick in the face, knocking him unconscious and dealing him a serious injury. As fucked up as it sounds, we were kind of elated and laugh about it to this day.

Well, Zednick now plays for Florida, and on Sunday it looked like his life had ended. His teammate Olli Jokinen's skate accidentally cut the external carotid artery in Zednick's neck, spilling blood all over the ice, ending his season. For a few minutes no one knew what to think and hockey feared the worst. At least he's okay now.

The only other time that I know of this happening was in 1989 when Clint Malarchuk, the goaltender for Buffalo had his internal carotiod artery sliced open by a skate, spilling blood everywhere. I won't post the video because it's pretty gruesome, so just search on youtube if you want to see it.

Anyways, cheers to Zednick. One tough guy.

My War: Side B

2008-02-14T14:06:00.000-05:00

My War is probably one of the most simultaneously underrated and appreciated punk records of all time. The reason is mainly Side B: three sludgy tracks all over six minutes long. I feel like the people who are aware of it, are in awe of it. I've heard the Melvins cite those three songs as key inspiration for their sound, which in turn owes a lot to Side B because the Melvins inspired countless awesome bands.

When I was in high school I definately didn't appreciate those songs; I was a purist and those songs are not fast by any measure. I always loved Side A, with "My War" and "Can't Decide," and it wasn't until I moved to Philly that it all clicked and I really got the whole thing.

"Nothing Left Inside," "Three Nights" and "Scream" are how I feel inside on a regular basis, and listening to them is unbelievably fulfilling.

"I might be a big baby
But I'll scream in your ear
Until I find out just what it is
I am doing here.
Until then,
AHHHHHH!"

Ed Force One

2008-02-11T13:38:00.000-05:00

Iron Maiden has done it. They're new 757 has been dubbed "Ed Force One." Right on, fellas! Aces high!

Rodney Mullen OS!

2008-02-08T12:38:00.000-05:00

Live '84

2008-02-07T13:36:00.000-05:00

The first two Black Flag records I ever owned were Damaged and The First Four Years, which both seem to be the starting points for most Flag fans in general. They are after all, the most "accessible" of Ginn's creations, in that they basically follow the punk formula of short, angry and loud.
When I was in the 9th grade an older friend gave me a cassette tape of their Live '84 record, which, since that day has held a spot on the short list of recordings that changed my life. I had never heard anything so angry and tight before; I didn't realize that sound was even possible! The transitions between songs were brilliant. I clicked with Black Flag like I clicked with the Clash; I could have been in that band; I was meant to be into them. They were for ME.
I became obsessed with that tape and soon wore it down. The drum beat never relented and it powered an hour and 15 minutes of aggression and release. I related to Rollins' lyrics on a level I had never experienced. Paranoia, fury and impatience. It was like when I discovered Holden Caulfield, only MUCH better. After all, my entire class read The Catcher In The Rye, but Flag was mine.
Songs like "Can't Decide," "My War," "Slip It In," "Black Coffee" and "Wound Up" became my "Here Comes The Sun," "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" and "Strawberry Fields Forever." I had found my Beatles.

Black Flag was a whole different beast live than on studio albums, and their bootlegs are the reason I'll always defend Rollins as Flag's best frontman. Live '84, Who's Got the 10 1/2? and the Annihilate This Week EP are some of the greatest live punk recordings ever. So heavy. So original. So influential. And somehow, so underrated.

Rabbit In Your Headlights

2008-02-07T10:40:00.000-05:00

Last night I put on a random Radiohead mix that I had hanging around and "Rabbit In Your Headlights" came on. It's actually by Unkle and it simply features Thom on vocals, but sometimes I forget how great this song is. I worked someone once who had the quote from the movie "Jacob's Ladder" tattooed on their arm, as it's featured as a sample in the middle of the song. It's a great quote but it's also one of the longest quotes I've seen tattooed.

"If you're frightened of dying and then you're holding on, you'll see devils tearing your life away. But, if you've made your peace, then the devils are really angels freeing you from the Earth."

Anyways, the video for this song is one of my favorite ever.

Hipster Metal

2008-02-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yeah, that thing. The trend of the last year or so in which hip magazines and Websites cover certain heavy metal bands they deem chic and cool. Some of its first subjects were progressives like Sunn O))), Boris and Mastodon. As frustrating as it was to see a Website cover and equate Mastodon and the Hold Steady together, it was understandable because well, Mastodon's really fucking good. It makes perfect sense for someone to worship both at the alters of Mastodon and Radiohead.

In fact, the only coverage that was truly dumbfounding was that of Southern Lord and Relapse bands. There is nothing remotely accessible about Sunn O))), which is why it has always been the underground of the underground. So why the coverage? Why the mentions in Spin, Rolling Stone and Pitchfork? The hipster metal fad has always been inevitable. There' always been something bewitching (sorry) by the darkly esoteric nature of heavy metal in general. By nature, metal deals with mysterious and unnatural subjects, which are both entertaining and contemplative.

So maybe the "hipster metal" fad should be of no surprise. Even Shins fans must find metal alluring for at least a little while. Doesn't that guy from the Mountain Goats write for Decibel? Today in a write up on the new Disfear record, Pitchfork referenced Tragedy, Kylesa and Victims. They just couldn't help it, though. No one can disregard D-beat and Sabbath riffs. That's the point! The difference is that next year when we're still here, they'll have moved on to something new. Just please don't let it be disco-punk again.

Top 20 of 07

2008-01-21T11:51:00.001-05:00

THE LIST

20. Far From Finished - Living In The Fallout (Think Fast!)- Somehow this band went under my radar for a long time. They play punk rock the way I like it: influenced by the Clash and Social D. I can't get enough.

19. Neurosis - Given To The Rising (Neurot)- The most aggressive album of the year totally lived up to my expectations.

18. Pelican - City Of Echoes (Hyda Head)- Pelican are so good that even though this is their weakest record yet, it's still superb. "Dead Between The Walls" is one of their best songs.

17. Cloak/Dagger - We Are (Jade Tree)- I liked this band from the start, especially because I was a huge Count Me out fan in high school. I don't think all the songs are as strong on those from their demo or the "Pinata Breaks" 7'', but it's a great record nonetheless. "Kamikazes" and "Walk The Block" more than make up for the couple of filler tracks.

16. Torche - In Return (Robotic Empire)- I fucking love Torche. That's all that really needs to be said.

15. Pig Destroyer - Phantom Limb (Relapse)- I am not a metal head. Never was and never will be. But there's something about the violence and severity of Pig Destroyer that has always drawn me in. "Heathen Temple" makes my mouth water, lusting for destruction and ruin. Is that too cheezy to say about PD?

14. Explosions In The Sky - All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone (Temporary Residence) -They (still) do it best.

13. Modern Life Is War - Midnight In America (Equal Vision)- Nothing MLIW will ever do will be as good as "Witness". MIA is really good, though; better than most people have been giving it credit for. Standup tracks include "These Mad Dogs Of Glory," "The Motorcycle Boy Reigns" and the title track. "I drag my chains, they don't drag me."

12. Arcade Fire - Neon Bible (Merge)- Neon Bible reminds me a lot of last winter. Snow days and cold apartments. Walking around Philadelphia freezing my ass off. It's a terrific collection of songs and though a little indulgent at times, it's really triumphant.

11. Ceremony - Scared People EP (Bridge 9)- Obsession.

10. Blacklisted - Peace On Earth, War On Stage EP (Deathwish)- Believe the hype! "Canonized" was the best hardcore song of the year.

9. Baroness - Red Album (Relapse)- I-can't-stop-listening-listening-to-this.

8. The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works (Relapse)- Miss Machine part II. That's a really good thing. Sidenote: Gil Sharone is a maniac. Top tracks include "Nong Eye Gong," "82588" and "Milk Lizard." The closer is right on, too.

7. Grinderman - Grinderman (Mute)- Nick Cave is a fuckin role model. "No Pussy Blues" takes the award for best song title in music history.

6. Chuck Ragan - Feast Or Famine/Los Feliz (Side One Dummy)- This stuff has been on heavy rotation since it came out and was the soundtrack to my autumn. Really strong songs, namely "Do You Pray?"

5. Jesu - Conqueror (Hydra Head)- I always thought shoe gaze was really overrated. This proves me wrong.

4. Radiohead - In Rainbows (self-released)- Q: How did a new Radiohead record come out and it's not my number 1?

3. Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond (Fat Possum)- A: Because Dinosaur Jr. got back together.

2. The Good, The Bad & The Queen (Parlophone)- And because Damon Albarn made a record with Paul Simonon.

1. Pissed Jeans - Hope For Men (Sub Pop)- And because aside from Tragedy, Pissed Jeans are the best punk band on the planet.

The Daily Coyote

2008-01-17T11:44:00.000-05:00

A woman in Wyoming took in a baby coyote and it now lives with her and her cat Eli in a log cabin. The coyote's name is Charlie and she updates this blog daily with rad pictures and an occasional note on life with a coyote. Best blog on the Web.

http://dailycoyote.blogspot.com/

Best of 2007

2008-01-17T08:58:00.000-05:00

During each year I compile a list of new records that have come out, which I deem notable, important, or just plain good. I have been having trouble putting 2007's list in any order, and I came to the conclusion that it doesn't matter. I ranked the top 6, and the rest are all still really good.

1. Pissed Jeans - Hope For Men
2. The Good, the Bad & the Queen
3. Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond
4. Jesu - Conqueror
5. Radiohead - In Rainbows
6. Chuck Ragan - Feast or Famine/Los Feliz
Electric Wizard - Witchcult Today
The Dillinger Escape Plan - Ire Works
Neurosis - Given To The Rising
Modern Life is War - Midnight in America
Blacklisted - Peace on Earth, War on Stage EP
Baroness - The Red Album
Pelican - City of Echoes
Pygmy Lush - Bitter River
Grinderman - Grinderman
Pig Destroyer - Phantom Limb
Torche - In Return EP
Cloak/Dagger - We Are
Bad Brains - Build a Nation
Far From Finished - Living In The Fallout
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Some of 2007's new music that really disappointed me was:
The Stooges - The Weirdness
Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris
Bjork - Volta

2007 was a much better year for new music than 2006. Much better. And 2008 is looking to even exceed it. For far we can look forward to:
Cursed - III
Dead Meadow - Old Growth
Disfear - Live the Storm
The Loved Ones - Build & Burn
Paint it Black - New Lexicon
Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash
HWM - Til the Wheels Fall Off
Blacklisted - Heavier Than Heaven, Lonlier Than God
D4 - The Civil War
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!

One For The Underdogs (Here We Go!)

2008-01-15T10:59:00.000-05:00

(Yes, that title was a Ducky Boys reference.)

One of my favorite Oi! bands of all time is Germany's Oxymoron. I don't hear many people talk about them but those who do, love this band. They came out of nowhere and released one of the best street punk records of all time with 1995's "Fuck the 90's, Here's Our Noize!" on GMM Records. (Sidenote: Whatever happened to both Atlanta's GMM Records and New Hampshire's Cyclone Records?; they put out some amazing 90's punk records. I used to mailorder from both of them on a regular basis. Cyclone actually put out the Dropkick Murphy's first EP: "Boys on the Docks EP".) But anyways, I put on "Fuck the 90's" yesterday afternoon while I was shoveling and I fell in love with it all over again. It's dangerous, violent, and passionate in such an unconventional way. I think that can be credited to both the production and Sucker's voice. Oxymoron also released a second full-length, "The Pack Is Back" in 1997, a split 7'' with the Dropkicks in 1998 called "Irish Stout vs. German Lager," and a terrific EP, "Westworld" in 1999. They also put out a record in 2001 called "Feed the Breed", but I never got that one. If you're a fan of bands like Cock Sparrer, Sham 69, 4 Skins, Condemned 84, or old Dropkicks, get any of these if you ever come across them. I'm pretty sure they're all out of print (the split 7'' has been out of print since '98) so you might be able to find some used. Amazon has a few copies left too. Oxymoron's Web site seems to hint that they're on hiatus, as various members have side-projects going. (http://www.oxys.de/)

Speaking of underrated bands, one drastically different than Oxymoron is Denver Co's "Planes Mistaken For Stars." They've broken up but No Idea Records just put out a 24 song retrospective called "We Ride to Fight." It includes their first record, 3 EP's, a split, and some sweet Flag covers. I already had most of these songs but I ordered it anyway and it just came in the mail. It's $7 from No Idea and it's impossible to be disappointed with. This band was really special. Just do it. (http://www.noidearecords.com/)

Out On An Island

2008-01-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

"Shock Troops," Cock Sparrer's 1982 Oi! milestone, has always been one of my favorites. There was always one song on it though, that irked me, as it never fit in with the rest of the record. "Out On An Island", is a 4+ minute unhurried personal statement that I always saw as boring and expendable. That was until yesterday afternoon when I was listening to a punk show on URI radio, and I forced myself to listen to it. It's now one of my favorite Cock Sparrer tracks, and I don't know how I ever slept on or skipped over it. I'm into this Oi! sensitivity; where can I find more!?

"Everybody's got a number tattooed on their soul
And the time's gonna come boy, when your number's called
Everybody gets a uniform and a hut to live in
They give you your rank, you tell 'em your next of kin."

"But I'm gonna be out on an island
In the middle of the bright blue sea
Out on an island
Where nobody's gonna bother looking for me."

Damned Dickies

2008-01-10T11:37:00.001-05:00

Two of my most recent music buys have been two punk classics. I found "Machine Gun Etiquette", the Damned's 1979 album, along with "The Incredible Shrinking" by the Dickies on sale. MGE is 16 flawless tracks of their "Damned Damned Damned" sound, slowed down and more powerful. I'm really digging the song, "These Hands", a first-hand account of a killer klown and his exploits. This special edition also has an absurd cover of "White Rabbit". It works just as well as Slapshot's version, only it lacks the humor of a straight edge band covering a drug-classic.

The Dickies are what Green Day have long strived to sound like. L.G. Phillips' singing is the blueprint for the inflections and tones that Blowjob Armstrong has always gone for. This silly record is such a treat, and its humor ranks it along the Ramones and Descendents. One of their first singles was actually a hypersonic cover of "Paranoid" in 1979 (which isn't very worthy of the original), and this record contains other covers such as "Silent Night" and S&G's "Sounds of Silence." So much keyboard/organ between this and MGE!

Also, the new Paint it Black record, "New Lexicon" is unreal. With each record this band evolves more and more, and they exemplify the originality that is still possible in music as claustrophobic as hardcore. Dr. Dan's diction and rhyme are perfectly suited for Dalek's interludes and flawless production.
Key Tracks: We Will Not, Gravity Wins, The Beekeeper, Check Yr Math

Dear Shane MacGowan

2007-09-17T09:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Shane MacGowan,

Thanks a lot for drinking with me Saturday night. Never mind what people say about you being a reckless drunk junkie. You're good company. I mean, even though you now reside in a wheelchair and look like the Nazis destroyed by the spirits of the Ark at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark, no one else sings as nonchalantly about spending Christmas Eve in the drunk tank as you. I kind of wish you hadn't ashed all over my room and shat on my floor, but hey, you're Shane MacGowan.
Thanks buddy, cheers!

-T

Playlist
MLIW - Midnight in America
Chuck Ragan - Los Feliz
HWM
Billy Bragg & Wilco - Mermaid Ave. I
Explosions in the Sky

Axl Rose circa 2007

2007-09-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

Shiiiit...

Broken Bones

2007-08-03T12:43:00.000-04:00

Do you remember going to Chuck E. Cheese as a kid? Were you one of the ones whose parents threw your birthday parties there, or just the ones who were invited? I clearly remember having friends who were the "Chuck E. Cheese party kids". My parents put my birthday parties on in my garage. I remember it was before they had much money, and we would literally play pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and use coloring books.

Then when my dad got a new job and we got a pool, I was suddenly more popular. My parties were packed and my gifts got better. One year Connie & Pa (Sutherland grandparents) bought me a neon-green and black Nash skateboard. It should be stated that my driveway was excessively steep and long; ideal for sledding, not skateboarding, as it was a couple of hundred feet long. I flipped and I told my friends and cousins to follow me; that I would christen this amazing gift with blood and tar. Well, the truth is I thought I would make it. There was no doubt in my mind. "It's my birthday," I probably thought, "I'm indestructible!"

I remember walking up the driveway with my friends staring at me in awe. I felt so good. So cool. It was my only chance as an only child to prove my worth to the kids of my neighborhood. Then a cousin ran screaming into the house to warn the adults of what I was about to do. Realizing I had about three seconds before 15 ripened authorities ruined my birthday, I sprinted to the top, stood on the deck, and cruised down. At first I remember thinking, "this isn't so bad." Then I picked up speed at a horrifying rate. I don't think I lasted more than 75 feet altogether. I was tossed off the board and I fell on my knees. I don't remember the pain, but I can imagine it was agonizing. I definitely heard screaming. I ended up skinning my knees so badly that they were black from the tar for months. Blood was everywhere. I still have very faint scars on my knees to this day.

Anyways, I think that's where it all began. I would go on to break my leg under the wheels of an ATV and my ankle twice playing tennis. I would get my thumb caught in a van door and almost lose it completely on Thanksgiving day, at the same house where years later I would break my leg. I would fall on concrete steps and lose three front teeth, and crack two ribs skateboarding down a grass hill. I would crash my bike into my garage and lodge my handlebar under my chin. I would have my nose broken twice, once in a fight and once because the (older) singer of Most Precious Blood swings his mic very aggressively. I would get a few concussions (hockey, pillow fights in hotel rooms, Converge shows, more hockey). I lost count of the stitches. But I would also get a haematoma on my maiden tequila night, and chip countless teeth thanks to the fake teeth installed because I used to gnaw on pens like meat. I'm sure there's more, I just can't remember them all right now. I guess I hit my head a few too many times.
22 years and still going strong.

Playlist
Beta Band - The Three EP's
Subhumans - From the Cradle to the Grave
Against Me! - New Wave
Jesu - Conqueror
Converge - You Fail Me/Jane Doe
Michael Patrick MacDonald - All Souls: A Family Story from Southie

The Polyphonic Nightmare

2007-06-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

Over the last two nights I have had dreams that revolve around two bands: one of which I love and one of which I loathe.

The first began in suburban Rhode Island, where I met the leader of the Polyphonic Spree. I should state here that that "band" has always freaked me out to no end. I don't get it, and I don't want to get it. I'm okay with keeping the hell out of cults. In my dream though, they were less a "band" and more an environmental group, so I hesitantly joined.

After some time, I began to realize that they were in fact, trying for a New World Order-type worldwide cult in which everyone wore white and danced in the fields. I tried getting out but they wouldn't let me, so I ran away. Fearing for our lives, Shelly and I moved to upstate New York to get away.

I have these terrifying images in my head of a group of eight or so people in white robes chasing after me through fields and forests, trying to gas me.

I hate the Polyphonic Spree.

Last night I dreamt that Botch reunited at the Tweeter Center. For some reason my parents came and when we sat down the venue suddenly changed in a Transformers-way into a trailer home. Botch played in the trailer home and my parents freaked. People were going off left and right and my mom hid in the back corner. My dad tried fighting everyone there, and after the first song Rick ta Life walked in. People immediately tried killing him with knives and boots and a pretty serious melee broke out.

I don't know what goes on in my brain but whatever it is, I hope it keeps up.

LOLMETAL

2007-06-27T16:59:00.000-04:00

http://warehouse.carlh.com/article_141/

Just go here. It's amazing.

Sake

2007-06-12T16:06:00.000-04:00

Sake on Monday night with fellow gentleman Drew already made my week. I had always wanted to try it. Drew heard that it "tastes like fire." It smelled like white wine and tasted like a shot with half vodka, half whiskey. Quarts of Bud from Midtown and the History channel finish off nights well.
I hope that luck comes my way and I get a job at http://www.empowerment-group.org/
Loving this rainy weather. I hope it holds up.

Playlist:
Modern Life is War
Black Sabbath
Pissed Jeans
Suicide File
The Clash
Salinger - Nine Stories re-read

Pissed Jeans - Hope for Men

2007-06-11T15:25:00.000-04:00

A lot of bands sound so alike, you don't remember the first time you heard them. A year ago I booked Paint it Black at La Salle University and I left it up to Andy to decide who opened up for them. As a fan of Count Me Out, I was really excited about Cloak/Dagger being on the bill, and I didn't give much thought to this band called "Pissed Jeans." He did mention though, that they had recently signed to Sub Pop, so I went to their Web site and downloaded "Closet Marine" - four of the brashest minutes my ears have endured.
When they showed up to unload I was taken aback by how "normal" they looked. Especially the singer, they all looked like they had just gotten off their 9-5's. The other bands wore Minor Threat t-shirts and special edition Nikes. Pissed Jeans wore sweaters and boat shoes. Then they played...
Words like "primal" and "frustrated" come to mind when explaining their noise. They were wonderful. I bought their record and since it has been a staple in my rotation.
Last week they released Hope for Men, their debut lp for Sub Pop. I never realized how much they take from the Black Flag book until this record. The lyrics, like the "concept" of the record, deal with the mundane loneliness and frustration that accompanies modern life.
A million reviews have already been written about this band and record, which (rightfully) use the same adjectives and descriptions. I can't overstate however, how terrific this band is.

You'll feel a lot better with this record.

Sweet Leaf

2007-06-11T12:28:00.000-04:00

Saturday night was the final Boy Sets Fire show. We got there early so that we could get a spot on the balcony and we were successful. Tim Barry from Avail opened and was a blast. A lot of people started playing the Johnny Cash style a few years ago but Barry is one of the best at it. Like Avail shows when he constantly thanks "y'all", his country/bluegrass music is Southern and honest. BSF opened with "Release the Dogs" and closed with "Rookie"/"After the Eulogy." I wanted to hear more from the Day the Sun Went Out, but overall it was a great show. They played for at least 90 minutes. I had a problem with that show going on in my backyard and not being there.

That night I met two Aussies. We talked a lot about Silverchair.

Erich's art show was Friday.
http://www.myspace.com/erichroehre

I (finally) saw Mean Streets. It's amazing.

That's all

2007-06-08T12:27:00.001-04:00

If You Like Music...

2007-06-07T14:57:00.000-04:00

The new Pissed Jeans is unbearably good. You should get it if you like music.

There's a "new" band called Pygmy Lush. If you liked pg. 99, City of Caterpillar or Malady, it has all of those guys in it. They have a record coming out soon on Robotic Empire.

Torche is really great too.
So is Clockcleaner.

www.myspace.com/pygmylush
www.myspace.com/torche
www.myspace.com/clockcleaner

For Those About to Thrash...

2007-06-02T13:41:00.000-04:00

New Waste and Coliseum songs up on their myspaces. New Coliseum comes out in August and new Waste in a couple of weeks! Summer!!!

http://www.myspace.com/municipalwaste

http://www.myspace.com/coliseum

Riding the Skies

2007-05-30T18:53:00.000-04:00

I found these rad pictures from the 4/25/07 Lightning Bolt show at Circle of Hope in Philly. Great show.

Kamera

2007-05-30T18:29:00.000-04:00

I finally hooked my camera up to my computer. I live with very, very, very cute cats. It's kind of sick.

Emo

2007-05-24T21:52:00.000-04:00

Watch this segment from local cable news in Utah on "emo." It's amazing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYyUT3lG96Q

I <3 Bill Waterson

2007-05-23T14:11:00.000-04:00

I give you the Calvin & Hobbes Searchable Database!!! Waste the day away!!!

http://www.transmogrifier.org/ch/comics/search.cgi?options=advanced

(Thanks, Shelly.)

Bye Bye Moose

2007-05-23T11:46:00.000-04:00

So it seems Manny came up big last night and put the pathetic Yankees in their place. Thank you, Tavarez. My man Dan Shaughnessy had some great words about last night, as usual.

The highlight:

"While Pettitte and Schilling work at Yankee Stadium, Clemens will be pitching in Trenton (Double A). He is on course to return to the majors in Toronto next Tuesday. The perfect scenario would then have Clemens pitching at Fenway against the Sox on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" June 3. This would result in mayhem not seen at a Boston sports venue since July 1972 when the Rolling Stones showed up at the old Garden four hours late after getting arrested at the Warwick, R.I., airport. Boston Mayor Kevin White was credited with preventing a riot and the Stones, naturally, were greeted with wild applause when they finally hit the stage at 12:30 a.m."

"The Rocket will not be greeted as kindly. In fact, his reception will make Johnny Damon's return to Fenway look like a parade through the Canyon of Heroes. Imagine Don Imus being introduced at next year's NCAA Women's Final Four."

In other great sports news, the Ducks eliminated the Wings last night for a trip to the Stanley Cup against the Sens. At the very beginning of the season, my prediction was Anaheim vs. Buffalo. I'll pat myself on the back - the Sens eliminated the Sabres in the last series, so I came surprisingly close. This is going to be a very close series. I would like to see the Sens win, because they've been around for longer and never won the Cup, plus I'd like to see a Canadian team take it all. Then again, I wouldn't at all mind if Giguere won. I love this time of year...

Quack Quack Quack Quack

Killer Cars

2007-05-22T15:25:00.000-04:00

Friday night we left the Electric Factory and headed towards home to hit up some bars. When we began to cross Callowhill I noticed that there weren't any cars coming, and that their light would soon be turning green. As a result, I "jogged" across the intersection. Right when I got to the end I heard Shelly or Jeff Doug yell something to me. I looked to my left and saw a white car barreling towards me, seemingly unable to slow down. It all happened so quickly and before I knew it I was riding on its hood for about 20 feet. I quickly realized that I absolutely could not fall; if I fell I would be seriously hurt. Now, here's a quick history of me: I'm accident prone and I have terrible balance. Terrible balance. Apparently however, that's until I'm in serious danger. I rode that hood like a surfer rides a wave, and I kept my balance the entire time.

When I landed on my feet I immediately shook my body to make sure I wasn't seriously hurt. When I realized that I wasn't, I started walking in small circles in complete disbelief that I had just been hit by a fucking car. It was then that I noticed Shelly shouting at the driver after making sure I was okay, and the driver in turn yelling at me. That was the moment I came down to reality, walked to her window, and said, "Stop yelling at me! You just hit me with your Car! Okay?" I ended up fine. I took her information after convincing her that indeed, everything was fine and I wouldn't sue her or anything, it would just be a good idea to get the information.

Getting hit by a car was truly frightening. It was also one of those instances when I step back and say, "Only me..."

Graduation Playlist!!!
Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond (This new record is mint! Get it!)
Neil Young - After the Gold Rush
Queens of the Stone Age - Lullabies to Paralyze
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - Murder Ballads
Morrissey - Ringleader Of The Tormentors (Just got tickets! June 29!)
The Boss - Nebraska
Dylan & the Band - Before the Flood

I Just Wanna Bang on the Drum All Day

2007-05-15T09:45:00.000-04:00

It's official. On Sunday afternoon I graduated from college. I'd say "What a strange experience" or something sentimental like that, but honestly it felt natural. My uncle came down with my parents and we had a blast. The weather was perfect and the Guinness flowed like water. Last Wednesday I began interviews. I found my way up to Norristown and aced an uneventful and disappointing interview. That evening though, they invited me back for a second round the next day - a sort of "day in the life" experience. Again I trecked a couple of hours via train and bus to the suburbs. Long story short: I found myself an hour into Delaware selling pizza discounts door to door. I kid you not. That's what my writing gets me with a "direct marketing job". Needless to say, an hour into it I told him that I wouldn't be working for him. It was a frustrating and sobering experience because the guy I had the interview with directly lied to me about what I'd be doing so that he could get me there.

In unrelated news, I'm really trying to stomach this new Wilco record. The first times I listened to it I was completely disappointed - angry at Tweedy for making such a half-assed effort. Now though, some of it is growing on me. I also picked up the new Dinosaur Jr. record, Beyond. Now that is some stellar music. Mascis still rocks harder than Slayer. Speaking of metal bands, Venom was in my dream last night. They played La Salle's Dunleavy room. I just remember Erich and Lou being really excited for some black metal. Anyways, Dinosaur are not metal, they just bring me back to 1984. Well, they bring me back to 1984 the way a weekend with Jeff Doug brings me back to 1969.

Speaking of Jeff, he's coming down Thursday for a few days - namely the inappropriately confusing lineup of Mastodon, Against Me!, Cursive and TAAS on Friday night. Either way, it will be a trip.

If you dig stuff along the lines of Isis, Pelican, or My Bloody Valentine, there's a terrific "project" called Jesu, which recently released a new record, Conqueror. You can stream it at http://www.jesuconqueror.com/

I also shut down my old "lastfm" page because I'm very computer illiterate, and opened up a new one. Add me if you still keep one up. http://www.last.fm/user/whiteriot13/

And one last thing...come on Buffalo! You were my Cup picks. Regardless, Chris Drury and Daniel Brière remain hockey gods.

Lux Interior

2007-05-02T12:19:00.000-04:00

The Cramps have to be one of the greatest bands of all time. Check out these videos...one is live from the Napa State Mental Hospital. How did that show ever happen? How did authorities at a mental hospital let a band like the Cramps in?! Horror sex rockabilly punk pulp fiction. It's all there. The audience wanders around the room dancing like zombies. It's so strange. "Somebody told me you folks are crazy. Well i'm not so sure about that."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5OMuj4FpII

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9aYGKsbjP0

The Break-Up

2007-04-30T16:01:00.000-04:00

Friday I hiked around the city getting tickets for the last shows of two of my favorite bands: Kill Your Idols and Boy Sets Fire. BSF at the Troc is going to be a blast. It's been so long since I've seen them or anything, but I remember in high school when I borrowed J Ro's copy of "The Day the Sun Went Out"; I immediately copied it onto a cassette and listened to it over and over and over again for years. That was probably the first record that you could be angry and intense while maintaining a good deal of sensitivity. I remember going out and buying "After the Eulogy" not long after that and, even though it wasn't as "essential" to my youth, it still made an impression on me and I played the shit out of it. I feel like a lot of people are going to cry at this show. That will be entertaining, but I can't blame people for letting that band mean so much to them.

Saturday afternoon saw the final Philadelphia show for KYI. I've been really stoked/bummed on this show for awhile. I have never, since the 10th grade, missed a KYI show. Well, I missed one but it wasn't my fault. The last time they played was at the 7 Seconds show two years ago. I remember the show was almost canceled because of some lame fight involving FSU and a Champion roadie. We all waited in the cramped Church basement for over 1 1/2 hours until the decision was made to carry on. I was right up front and KYI walked on and made those 1 1/2 miserable hours completely worth while. Always been too punk for a lot of hardcore kids and too hardcore for most punk kids. Consequently, there shows have always been full of kids who listen to classic American hardcore. All hell broke loose that night, and in measuring it up to that, Saturday was kind of disappointing. There were so many people there but everyone just stood in the back. It was so fucking stupid. The last time they headlined in Philly there were about 30 kids there and we all went off because we all wanted to be there so badly. It was so obvious so early on this weekend that people were there so that they can say they were at KYI's last Philly show. Lame. I'd say about 15 of us consistently went off, but I was hoping for a lot more. Bad Brains and Jawbreaker covers rule though. Where was the Negative Approach!? Hopefully I can make it to there show in Jersey this weekend.

PS - I just heard that the Explosion are splitting too. Fuuucccckkkkkk...
PSS - Go Sox. Gregg, your Yankees suck.

Playlist
Pixies - Bossanova
Tom Waits

Ugh, allergies

2007-04-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

Tonight sees the start of the second round of the NHL playoffs. The NY Rangers defeating the Atlanta Thrashers in four games was perhaps the greatest shock of the first round. Now they go up against the mighty Buffalo Sabres. I maintain that Buffalo will win the Cup this year. Over the past few years I have slowly but surely become a hugs Sabres fan. I think the sentiment was finalized when we drove through Buffalo last summer on our way to Ohio and about 1/5 of the houses and apartments that we passed, had Sabres flags. I love that - when a city not only gets behind but breathes their team. Erich and I placed our next round of bets last night. Below are the upcoming series - my picks are bolded. I am very confident that I will be making some dough on this.

Buffalo (1) v NY Rangers (6) - We are not betting here as we are both aware of the power of the Sabres. Buffalo in 6.

New Jersey (2) v Ottawa (4) - Although Brodeur made me a bit nervous against Tampa Bay, and I hate to cheer for Jersey, Scott Gomez will carry them through. I don't think that Ottawa has the defense to hold NJ back. The goal tending battles will be interesting though. NJ in 7.

Detroit (1) v San Jose (5) - I know that the Sharks can beat Hasek, as great as he is. Thornton drew countless penalties against Forsberg and the Preds last series, giving the Sharks the upper hand, and I see him doing it to Detroit. Although the majority of hockey fans are picking the Wings, I think that San Jose will pull an upset. San Jose in 7.

Anaheim (2) v Vancouver (3) - Vancouver is exhausted from 7 very long games with Dallas, so the Ducks will (have to) win the opening home games. Roberto Luongo is the Canucks last chance. Expect more overtimes than in the Dallas series! Anaheim in 6.

Gooooooo SEPTA!

2007-04-13T10:50:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again! Prepare for the second annual "Melrose Mullet Madness Gallery!" Only Barry can reference Cool Hand Luke and soft-porn with hockey.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2007/news/story?id=2834375

By the way, mad props to SEPTA for taking 45 minutes on the Express line to transport me from City Hall to Olney this morning. I could completely understand if this was just a one time accident; a train in front of us was having problems and we had to wait under this sparkling city for repairs. But the more I ponder, the more I recollect this happening at least five other mornings since Christmas. You know, no, I really would rather spend my time in other places than an 8 AM lit class, but the orange line is not that place. I would rather jump naked into a tub full of broken glass. It's a good thing that today's Metro had less spelling errors than usual. Can you say excited!? Ecstatic!? Thrilled!? Boy oh boy that newspaper really puts a smile on this bearded face! Especially when I'm sitting a hundred feet underground on a Hepatitis coated seat, reading about how SEPTA's fares are estimated to increase by 30% soon.
I <3 Philly.

Playlist:
Tragedy
From Ashes Rise

Team Rollins

2007-04-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah, the new season of the Rollins Show begins this Friday the 13th, at 11 PM on IFC. Words cannot describe how great this show it. Half an hour of one pissed off man plus rad guests and musical performances.

Also, the NHL Playoffs commence tonight. Yesterday I placed my bets with Erich. It goes as follows:

Pittsburgh (5) vs. Ottawa (4)

San Jose (5) vs. Nashville (4)

Dallas (6) vs. Vancouver (3)

Minnesota (7) vs. Anaheim (2)

New Jersey (2) vs. Tampa Bay (7)

I have all the teams on the left. We are leaving the other three series out because both of us know that the NY Rangers will lose and that both Detroit and Buffalo will win. According to espn.com, I will win this round 3-2. According to my own judgement, the same will happen, only Pittsburgh will win where Dallas will lose. I also think that Minnesota has a genuinely good chance of defeating Anaheim. If they do it will be a huge upset and happen in 7 games. Anaheim has lost the steam that made them a #2 seed, and the Wild have been gaining that momentum. Either way this is my favorite time of year. It's funny because my mom's always pissed in these months because my dad's watching every game. Shelly has a genuine interest in hockey and will probably watch a couple of games with me, though more in the finals like last year. I'll just have to have beer present. The best lure in human history.

'91

2007-04-11T10:59:00.000-04:00

There's a documentary called "1991: The Year Punk Broke", which follows Sonic Youth and Nirvana on tour around Europe. There are also peformances by Husker Du, Dinosaur Jr, Ramones and others. It's rad as hell. Someone uploaded it onto Google Video. If you have an hour and 40 minutes to spare, check it out.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5074745239075255736&q=year+punk+broke&hl=en

Rose McGowan

2007-04-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

Last night I saw Grindhouse. I reccomend this film you you are not offended by any of the following: Rose McGowan go-go dancing, immense amounts of blood, immense amounts of slime, the word "fuck", the word "bitch", brain-less skulls, Rose McGowan, naked lesbians, accidental suicides of children, insane car chases, car crashes, severed limbs, Rose McGowan, Kurt Russell in a leather jacket, Sheri Moon Zombie, werewolf nazis, stakes in eyes, Bruce Willis playing almost as much of a badass as in Die Hard, severed balls and spending the best $9 you've spent in a long time. Seriously, Grindhouse was the greatest "theater experience" I've ever had. People walked out. It was that good.

This past weekend I found my old Mighty Mighty Bosstones records. That band is so good. I was skanking all afternoon Sunday. I read somewhere that Dicky Barret is now an announcer for the Jimmy Kimmel show. Huh?

Also, this new Cusack movie looks really rad. Check it out.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0450385/

Blue Moon & Egg & Cheeses (with tomato)

2007-03-30T11:30:00.000-04:00

Last night Shelly and I went to Kildares for their "Ms. Kildares" event. Pat Pirate's girl, Theresa, was competing so she put on us the guest list (my self-esteem just went up!). There was free Blue Moon and Coors Light from 9-11; we got there around 10. This left us with an hour to justify: 1) the 25 block walk there, 2) the atmosphere. I don't have anything against Kildares it's just not my kind of bar. The people who generally go there (20-something business school graduates with expensive shirts) are not the kinds of people I choose to surround myself with. So with that said, we drank a lot of Blue Moon in an hour. A lot. So much in fact, that when I stumbled out of bed this morning I was drunk and hungover simultaneously. You know those mornings. The problem with this was that it was 6:30 and I had to go to La Salle to give a presentation. Damn.

As I walked outside listening to music, I realized two things: the day might not be so bad, and I really needed an egg & cheese. Even as I walked through Suburban Station I was enjoying myself. Good song, positive outlook, egg & cheese. This lasted until I found myself sitting in class forty-five minutes later. Oh man. I was no longer stoked on the day. I will say this though, egg & cheeses (with tomato) from the Lunch Truck remain the tastiest mother fucking egg & cheeses (with tomato) in this city.

I'm wearing a Sonic Youth T shirt with a flannel today. Think I'll listen to some Alice & Chains when I get home.

Playlist:
Modest Mouse - We Were Dead...
Mission of Burma - ONoffON

Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!

2007-03-28T15:31:00.000-04:00

One defining aspect of spring/summer made itself prevalent today; the weekly newspapers began featuring full-page adds of outdoor shows. This week PW has a huge Morrissey advertisement. I saw him once...he changed his shirt three times during the show. That day definitely was not like Sunday.

Yesterday Shelly took off work and I skipped my internship. We took the R8 to Chestnut Hill and went hiking along Forbidden Drive. If you haven't done this yet, I highly recommend it. We walked for about 10 miles through the woods. It was a beautiful warm day and there weren't a lot of people out. Perfect day. When you're out there you feel like you're on the Appalachian Trail. It's amazing that, technically, you're still in this dirty, dirty city.

What's up with Modest Mouse tickets being $36?

Playlist:
Do Make Say Think
Hot Water Music - Caution
Avail

Handshake Drugs

2007-03-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

The weather has made the past three days beautiful. Although it's sleeting out as I type this entry and I was wearing my winter jacket during my classes this morning, I've been wearing T shirts lately. Strange NE weather. Last night I had this feeling of excitement for the summer. I hate the heat more than any one, but there's always something charming about summer. With hockey playoffs a few weeks away and spring training underway, I'm pretty excited. Speaking of hockey playoffs, it's always interesting to compare the conferences in the final weeks. Like usual, the standings in the east will most likely be determined in the final days of the season. It's been so close. Contrary to the what NESN might be saying, the Bruins are out of the race. They may have two more games to play than most teams but they won't be able to make up the points. The west on the other hand is not so close. I think Colorado is at least 10 points out, in ninth place. Western teams have so much talent that when the playoffs come most of their games are decided by one goal and go into seven games. As a result, when one gets to the finals they're too worn out to compete with the east. I'm would really love to see Pittsburgh win it all. Mario did a great job saving them again and keeping them in the city. Realistically though, I think Buffalo will indeed take it all. Either way I'm so freakin' excited.

Playlist:
Jawbreaker - Dear You
Wilco - A Ghost is Born
Built to Spill - all

ISIS @ the TLA

2007-03-14T10:30:00.000-04:00

Last night I attended the Isis gig at the TLA. Because I always end up going to their shows solo, I aimed to make it in time for the second (of three) bands, skipping the opener, and delaying the awkwardness of being around metal heads. The band I was aiming for was Torche. I saw them for the first time last summer when they opened for Mogwai and, stoned out of my mind, I felt like I was seeing the heaviest band in the history of music. Last night I was dead sober and I had a similar experience. It's not that they have a lot of chugga-chugga breakdowns or they paint their faces like Norwegian satanists or anything, their sound is just so thick and layered. Also, when the drummer uses double-bass he further emphasizes the sound by riding his first and floor toms, which are well-mic'ed at that. If I had to compare them to other bands/sounds I would probably say the doom atmosphere of Black Sabbath's Master of Reality, the layers of SunnO))) and the heavy heavy complexity of Botch. Right on. Anyways, as I was handing the door man my ticket they were literally striking their first chords.

After Torche came Isis. I was impressed that even after reaching the level of popularity that they have, they still set up their own equipment and everything. This made for a quick segue into the music with no lame delay to get the crows psyched like most bands do. The music was phenomenal. They opened with "Wrists of Kings" and went on to play(including the encore,) 8 songs in 1 1/2 hours, pretty much without breaks between songs. That equates to about 11 1/2 minutes per song. I might have miscounted and it was 9 songs, but you get the hint. You need an attention span for this shit. It was great. They also played "Not in Rivers, But in Drops," "So Did We," "Holy Tears," and amazingly "False Light." SoooOOOoooo Heavy. For an encore they played "Celestial" too. Everyone was so stoked.

The TLA was pretty filled up, especially considering that Jesu didn't end up playing as expected. You could tell that their tour with Tool won them some shithead fans though. I was standing behind a group of four kids who wouldn't stop talking about test presses and limited edition vinyl. I really don't get that stuff. The music is what's important. Why do you need limited editions of what you already have? Behind me were two kids discussing conspiracy theories between Dell, the Discovery Channel and the Catholic Church (that was when I put my ear plugs in.) Once the show got underway though, three scenesters kept making fun of and instigating a kid next to them because he was wearing a Rage Against the Machine shirt. Okay, so he's not as 'with it' as they are. Maybe they've seen Isis more than he has and been into them for longer. But when did this become some exclusive club? Oh, excuse me, it always has been. Jerkoffs like that have been around at every show in every state I've ever been. It's such a shame. They just weren't letting him enjoy the show and it was a real bummer. I remember reading an interview with Isis' frontman Aaron Turner recently and he was discussing how unfortunate it is that with the growing popularity of a band like his, comes idiot fans who ruin things. I remember seeing them at the Church last Autumn and a kid who, obviously isn't there to enjoy the music and instead to 'mosh,' was creating a scene and the overbearing Turner said some pretty aggressive stuff to the kid. It shut him up but it won't stop it across the board. I've read interviews with Kurt Cobain talking about meatheads coming to Nirvana shows when they got big. People just don't get it. It's like the girl standing in the back of a Bane show text-messaging. Are you listening to the lyrics, douchebag? Anyways, I won't let that get in the way of appreciating a great performance.

On the walk home a 40-something year old man in a car kept following me calling me sexy and whistling at me. At first I thought he was just messing around with me until he really started to creep me out. He wanted me to get in his car and to go somewhere. He was dead serious. I hate people.

Playlist:

Minus the Bear

EITS

2007-03-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

Alright I am dying to go to the Explosions in the Sky show at the Starlight Ballroom next Sunday. I really didn't think that it would sell out as quickly as it did. Does any one know anybody who has one or two extra tickets? Please let me know. And if I ever run into the prick who's selling one ticket for $100 on craigslist, i'm going to hurt him.

Oh yeah, Spoon @ the Starlight Ballroom, April 22!

1117

2007-03-09T10:36:00.000-05:00

It's official, I have "vacation syndrome." This morning my alarm went off at 8:30 and well, I could have gotten up then. I was tired but only in the "I just woke up" way. There was no "I'm tired because I got four hours of sleep"-exhaustion that the cats seem to be victims of after their eight-hour long naps. Instead I said "fuck it," turned the alarm off and slept for another hour and a half. "It's my last day of vacation," I murmured to myself as I dozed back off to dreams of Wendy's Spicy Chicken sandwiches and Volkswagen Jettas. I can justify anything to myself. I know people who would call that a flaw, but I suspect that's the jealousy talking.

In other news, Shelly and I are officially moved into the "Penn Center House" at 19th & JFK. We would have been idiots not to take this place. Sure, it's a little more than our last place (barely) but it's bigger, has (much) more storage, free cable, as well as a dishwasher and a washer and dryer in the freakin' unit. And it's just so nice. My dad brought down some old furniture for us and the place is going to look gorgeous. First though, we must conquer the cardboard jungle of boxes that has made its way into the bedroom. The vast majority of residents here are very old and they go on walks up and down the hallways. I kid you not. It's kind of sweet, kind of strange and more like Twin Peaks.

Lightning Bolt will be touring this spring. They'll be hitting up Philly on April 25. Now two things have begun/been announced that tell me that summer is well on its way: Spring Training and a Lightning Bolt tour. Bring it on...

Oh yeah, I'm definitely going to the Isis show next Tuesday night at the TLA. Too bad all my friends suck the fuck and won't be going. Anyone else interested?

Playlist:
Fugazi - Instrument Soundtrack
Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
Botch - Anthology of Dead Ends

Meeting Girls

2007-03-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

This morning Shelly and I were talking about one of the first times we spoke. We had a night class together and during the break she was sitting on the benches smoking a cigarette so I nervously approached and said hi. I was going to see the Shins that week and it was the only thing I could think of bringing up so i asked her, "Umm...do you like indie rock?" Okay, we'll stop there. "Do you like indie rock!?" If some girl came up to me and asked me if I liked indie rock i'd throw her ice cream in her face and then burp the alphabet for her. I think that was the moment I really decided that I need to think things out before I speak. I think her answer was something along the lines of, "Umm, yeah...I guess." This is the Scrubs equivalent of her throwing ice cream on me and then burping the alphabet for me. I don't know how she restrained sarcasm. If I only had that amount of self-restraint.
Check out this video of Thom Yorke talking about people "shagging" to Paranoid Android. Think about the fact that I asked Shelly if she likes indie rock and then put the video on mute. Watch the expression on Thom's face at the end. I rest my case.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksphoBLtAmk

Fucked Up

2007-03-01T11:10:00.000-05:00

Tell me that second flyer isn't the greatest thing you've seen all week. I was reading an interview with Ted Leo about a year ago and he was discussing the punk bands that really matter. The ones that he grew up on that he still listens to today. These are the ones, he argued, that have something to be angry about (aside from mom, dad & the cops.) They know what is corrupt and they build their band against it. He mentioned bands like the almighty Flag, Stiff Little Fingers, the Clash, Bad Religion and (as a contemporary example) Tragedy. I dare add Fucked Up to that list. Every week on their blog (lookingforgold.blogspot.com) they post intriguing articles and questions, about everything from religion to science to politics. I realize that this band is getting really big right now and that they're pretty hip to be into, but how great would it be if everyone talked about the issues they bring up? Semiotics, religion, etc. To be at the bar with your friends and talk about more than girls and money issues. I'm a Catholic and I continually welcome the issues that they bring up about my religion. My faith won't change but it's great talking about it. Seriously, check out their blog on a regular basis. There's a great article they have up on top right now about slot machines. The link's on the side of my page. Oh yeah, and they're playing the Church Friday. When they play "Baiting the Public/Generation" I am going to fight people.

Bane

2007-02-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

Last night Bane played the Church. There is no other band that I have seen as much as them. The first Bane show I went to, about seven years ago, was as exciting, fresh and exhilarating as last night. I remember my parents wouldn't let me go to shows back then, so I lied and said I was sleeping over my friend's house. His older friend drove us up to Worcester. One King Down played. Wow. I remember the third or so time I had to lie again. I don't remember what my cover was, but the lineup was out of this world. It was at (the old) Lupos in Providence. Hatebreed, Bane, Poison the Well, Shadows Fall, What Feeds the Fire and Most Precious Blood. I remember when Hatebreed played my buddy and I were scared shitless. We went up on the balcony to watch and people were moshing up there. Huge circle pits everywhere. We used to go well out of our way for Bane shows too. Great shows in Salem, Taunton and Fall River, almost always with Reach the Sky.
Yesterday when I woke up I realized how excited I was. I can't think of a better compliment for a band than that. Over 7 years my love for Bane has not changed. It hasn't budged. Last night they opened with Count Me Out and went straight into Can We Start Again. Among others, they also played In Pieces. Oh, hell yeah.

Semiotics

2007-02-21T10:19:00.000-05:00

We were discussing semiotics in class today, and I was surprised when I understood what it means. Unknowingly, I have been thinking a lot about its basic principles lately. Though semiotics deals primarily with symbols and signs, it also includes the study of "how meaning is constructed and understood." In short, we were discussing truth. The idea is used everyday by both the Right and the Left. Many/most believe that there is one truth. One answer. In theory, Wikipedia challenges this, as a database of "truths" on particular subjects. Moreover, these "truths" are written by the public. It's strange. But what's particularly scary is how people use these universal truths when it comes to morality and religion. Beliefs that there is one way to live. One "good" way to live. One "evil" way to live. Does any one have any good sites or know any good books about this stuff?

2007-02-20T13:13:00.001-05:00

Mastodon - Blood Mountain

2007-02-19T17:18:00.000-05:00

For most, the notion of heavy metal conjures images such as the longhaired guy in their high school chemistry class who barely spoke, and a deluded reality-TV dad who seems to have forgotten that he once fronted one of the most badass bands of all time. On the other hand Mastodon’s new record, Blood Mountain, introduces us to a whole new world of popular heavy metal.
Their major label debut establishes a land filled with ogres, dwarves and magic crystals. Wow, can things get any more lame? At first you can practically picture the band sitting around a table in one of their parents’ basements, arguing semantics about Dungeons and Dragons or Star Wars role-playing games. It just fits so perfectly; the idea of 30 year old “men” living with their parents, still fascinated by wizards and hobbits.
But then you put their music on and your perception changes completely as your ears bare witness to amazing drumming, deafening guitars and fuming vocals. Sure, Blood Mountain is a concept album concerning fantasy worlds, but they made it so convincing and cool. The album tells the story of a man in search of the Crystal Skull, which he needs to place atop Blood Mountain. During his journey he encounters numerous varieties of creatures that ultimately threaten the success of his voyage. The story is a metaphor for the journey that the band is on as they face the challenges to being new to major labels and giant tours. Once atop their mountain they will have achieved the artistic success that they strive for.
Songs such as “The Wolf Is Loose,” “Sleeping Giant” and “Hunters of the Sky” document the beings the man stumbles upon, and also the temptations and lures of fame and fortune that threaten to bring the demise of the band. The song “Crystal Skull,” perhaps the best song altogether, showcases the technical transitions in the guitars and in the bass as it often shifts from participating in the leads to simply going off in a completely different direction. Drummer Brann Dailor’s unprecedented talent often provides the leads, which is an unorthodox and original approach to drumming.
The album also features numerous special guests such as Joshua Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Isaiah Ikey Owns from The Mars Volta, and Scott Kelly from Neurosis. Homme and Kelly, on separate songs, provide their signature vocal styles. In addition, Mastodon’s records always feature instrumental prog-rock interludes, clearly influenced by bands like The Mars Volta, whose participants play a key role in the songs they appear on.
All in all, Blood Mountain is an outstanding effort from a gifted group of musicians. It becomes evident by its end that this is not a group of metal heads living in their parents’ basements, playing fantasy games. They’re just a little weird yet very creative. Come on, I know you saw and loved the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy. Give this a try.

These Arms are Snakes - Easter

2007-02-19T17:15:00.000-05:00

For those familiar with Seattle’s “These Arms Are Snakes,” nothing extremely new, vital or groundbreaking will be found on their new record, Easter. The record’s production treads the same ground as their past two efforts as guitarist Ryan Fredericksen’s innovative licks continue to practically drone out singer Steve Snere’s yelps. Drummer Joe Preston, formerly of the revolutionary bands “Earth” and “the Melvins,” continues to provide excellent skilled beats and fills, constantly reminding the listener of his presence. However, if the band did indeed strive for a new sound on Easter, merely one listen undoubtedly proves that they stuck to the same formula that has defined their sound over the past few years.
Regardless of such negative comments, Easter may please old fans of the band in the argument that if they had indeed changed their sound to a discernible extent, it would probably be very dreadful. “These Arms Are Snakes,” despite their clearly idiotic band name come from a scene with a history of breeding strange, original and successful “indie” bands such as “Pretty Girls Make Graves,” “the Blood Brothers” and “Minus the Bear.” “Snakes” fits in with these bands with their use of bizarre and often meaningless lyrics, (if anyone can explain the meaning of the lines, “What was found on the wall was written by a third grader and read “I was found like molten rats in your city unkept,” I’ll take it all back.) Also assisting in their strange persona are keyboards, their tendency to tour with pioneering bands such as “Isis” and “Planes Mistaken for Stars,” and their secret weapon in guitarist Ryan Fredericksen. Prior to “Snakes” Fredericksen played in the seminal math-core band “Botch,” famous for pioneering a heavy sound with precise and uncanny time signatures somewhat similar to that of “the Dillinger Escape Plan.”
While tracks from Easter such as “Child Chicken Play,” “Lady North” and “Crazy Woman Dirty Town” (there are those horrible lyrics again) do indeed explore new melodies musically; others fall short in such endeavors. Two songs, “Subtle Body” and “Corporeal” each run between six and seven minutes. It’s not the length of these songs that kill them; it is the fact that they drag on, quite literally, without anything happening. In the band’s two efforts prior to Easter there are likewise two songs on each record that run anywhere from five minutes to eight minutes. These songs however do not bore the listener as the new ones do. Their centerpieces are incredible crescendos that erupt in violence and fury by their ends, most notably in “Drinking From the Necks of the Ones You Love.”
It seems as if “These Arms Are Snakes” have backed themselves into a corner with their music and are left to write the same songs over again, without the emphasis on originality that made them so remarkable in the first place. Unfortunately with Easter many people will be hearing the band for the first time and hopefully will not be turned off by the record. This band is excellent, both live and on their previous records. Don’t let their mistake with this record ruin your perception of them, even if with future efforts they do prove to be a band of the past.

TVotR -Return to Cookie Mountain

2007-02-19T17:11:00.000-05:00

Prior to the release of their new record Return to Cookie Mountain, TV on the Radio, one of the most original bands of recent memory, was at a crossroads. They immediately garnered critical acclaim with their first releases, demonstrating influences as diverse as the Beach Boys and Gang of Four, along with hip-hop. Their last offering, Desperate Youth, Blood Thirsty Babes, while fresh and innovative, was too dense for its own good. Its nine tracks did not allow for a healthy progression in the record as a whole. Instead the songs each stood out as individuals rather than comprising a full developed record. On their major label debut however, their comfort level is obvious as they flow though 11 songs with such ease it’s a wonder why they aren’t the biggest band in the world.
The record opens with “I Was a Lover,” which features a deeply orchestrated sound often interrupted, in a very stunning way, by walls of noise. The song begins with a laid back hip-hop beat before the gorgeous textures of instruments and harmony flow though it. Then said noise breaks right in. It is unapologetic and brash, yet invigorating as it threatens to literally block out the rest of the music, which at that point has moved from centerpiece to background.
The vocals have always been the most refreshing part of TvotR. The band thrives on vocal synchronizations that take the Beach Boys’ harmonies and dresses them up in haunting imagery and tones. Though this dark, moody and invigorating style of harmony is present throughout the entire record, it flourishes like never before on “Wolf Like Me.” This is by far their best song to date. It opens with a single driving beat and gloomy synthesizers, which at first could be misheard as an opening for a more artsy Nine Inch Nails song, a band who they toured with this summer along with Bauhaus. By the time the vocals cut in the song is pushed farther and farther into a beautiful melody. Lyrically the song illustrates tension as they sing, “Got a curse I cannot lift, Shines when the sunset shifts, When the moon is round and full, Gotta bust that box gotta gut that fish.” Perhaps representing their apprehension on a major label, the brilliance of the song proves that they won.
Featuring an impressive guest vocalist on “Province,” it becomes clear that it only makes sense that David Bowie is on the record. As a figure that represents the fundamental basics of art and originality, he works well with TvotR, who have shown that they are worthy of carrying the same torch. With “A Method,” a simple doo-wop influenced song; the listener can practically see the band standing on the corner of Broad and Olney in 1950 doing the song, snapping their fingers and drawing spectators.
Such lavish atmosphere resounds though out Return to Cookie Mountain. Like past efforts, this one features density, but the patience in the record along with their lengths, makes it work. They have, undoubtedly, succeeded.

Music of 2006

2007-02-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

I have finally gotten around to organizing my ideas and opinions of music in 2006. To get right to the point, the year seemed to be in limbo between 2005 and 2007. Many great bands/records came out and will come out in those years. Thus, 2006 served as a year writing those records and touring on them.

For example, 2005 saw new releases from Against Me!, My Morning Jacket, Broken Social Scene and Sleater Kinney. 2007 will see releases from Wilco, Modest Mouse and Arcade Fire. Big bands that came out with new material last year included Mastodon, Built to Spill, Sonic Youth and Belle & Sebastian. Are these bands of the same caliber? Yes, but their efforts did not seem to be as strong. MMJ's 2005 record, "Z," was one of their best releases in their history. Sonic Youth's 2006 record, "Rather Ripped," though good, was rather just like their last two records. Sleater Kinney's 2005 record, "The Woods," again, found itself amongst their top three records of all time. Belle & Sebastian's 2006, "The Life Pursuit," was a dissapointment, especially when placed next to their 2005 compilation, "Push Barman to Open Old Wounds."

2007, so far, holds much promise. Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible," is absolutely amazing. Already my candidate, in February!, for album of the year. The Good, the Bad & the Queen put out a stellar eponymous debut. Released tracks from upcoming records by Jesu and Wilco show considerable promise.

2006 did have a lot of nice surprises, however. With hesitation, here is my list for "top records of 2006." There are 11 here because I heard 11 records that deserved it. Not enough to warrant a dwindling down to 10. Sad.

11. Tragedy - Nerve Damage
10. Mission of Burma - The Obliterati
9. Isis - In the Absence of Truth
8. Boris - Pink
7. Converge - No Heroes
6. Built to Spill - You in Reverse
5. Mastodon - Blood Mountain
4. Planes Mistaken For Stars - Mercy
3. Thom Yorke - The Eraser
2. Tom Waits - Orphans
1. TV on the Radio - Return to Cookie Mountain

There were too many dissapointments on the year. Flaming Lips "At War with the Mystics" worked too hard to accomplish its goal of "Yoshimi Part II." Pretty Girls Make Graves "Elan Vital" had three decent tracks on it, namely "The Nocturnal House." And what is it with all the critics blowing "The Hold Steady?" Those dudes are empty.

Musically, 2006 was best remembered by me for getting into new bands/obsessing over old ones even more. It was the year I picked up the Trojan Records Box Set of Dub. The year I obsessed over Elvis Costello, Isis and Dylan even more. The year I picked up The Velvet's "White Light/White Heat." It was also the year I got into Nick Cave. Those are much more memorable than my list.

So, here's to 2007!

GBV

2007-01-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

Remember this band? The other day Lazor was over and he pointed out our Robert Pollard poster. I realized that I hadn't listened to GBV in a really long time. I was trying to find one of those live pictures where you can see the "puke" and "piss" buckets onstage. If anyone finds one, let me know. The most drunk band ever. God, Ohio is such a strange place. Still very bitter about missing their last show in Philly. Damn you Franz Ferdinand and the lure of Scots!

Confections

2007-01-19T11:44:00.000-05:00

One of the best presents I got for Xmas is pictured about. It's finally starting to come in really nicely. I can't believe that Chia's have been around since 1982. I remember when I was a little kid, seeing commercials for them while watching GI Joe. There was an overabundance of Chia and Clapper commercials in those days. The funny thing is, Chia Homer came with an advertisement for the Clapper. Only $25. Remember those commercials, though? With the old man who couldn't reach the light switch so he just clapped and then kissed his 75 year old wife goodnight. I think that turning off a lightswitch is one of those telltale signs that one needs to enter a nursing home. Turning off lights and going to the bathroom.

Lately, my apartment has been a White Russian Tavern. Regular Kaluha is 40 proof, but I found a "Special" Kaluha, which is 70 proof and only $3 more than regular. Last night, after a "few" Russians, I decided to make a bag of "Movie Theater Popcorn." You know the kind. Loaded with butter. It was Orville Redenbacker too. The good stuff. When I began eating it I realized that it was actually Kettle Corn. Apparently I had grabbed the wrong bag. What I discovered though, was a remarkable taste. White Russians and Kettle Corn popcorn go together like whiskey and pizza. Try it, I unbelievably serious.

I Saved Latin

2006-12-12T11:02:00.000-05:00

It's official, I have one semester of college left. Two hours ago I walked out of my final exam of my seventh semester of college. Wow. If I lived on campus and had "lasting" relationships with more people at La Salle I would probably feel more nostalgic and perhaps a bit sad. But instead I'm kind of freaked out. Freaked out because this time next year I'll (hopefully) have a "real" job. Not just answering phones or serving families at their dinner tables, but wearing a tie and taking things seriously. Man, I hate this growing up stuff.

I've been listening to a lot of bands lately from the "glory days" of my generation of hardcore. Bands like American Nightmare, The Hope Conspiracy and Reach the Sky. Thinking about times when the Suicide File, There Were Wires and What Feeds the Fire would open up for Bane at the Met and northern colleges like UNH. I miss those times. It amazes me when I think about how much AN influenced modern day hardcore. They, quite literally, changed it. This happened in regards both to asthetic and lyrical content. Before them, New England (and nationwide, for that matter) hardcore kids dressed like they were going to see Ten Yard Fight and In My Eyes. Baggy-ish pants and everything. Then when AN came around, clothes got tighter and hair everywhere was dyed black. The lyrics weren't all about "the edge" and bad friends, they were about directed frustration. They attacked things that mattered. The 'scene' was less violent and more...dark. I remember waiting outside the Met in Providence for one the of best shows I have ever been to...Converge, American Nightmare, The Hope Conspiracy, Thursday and Planes Mistaken for Stars. Everyone outside wore black hoodies with the hoods up. Everyone was super nice and would eat Spike's hot dogs and wings before the show. The atmosphere was unbelievable.
Now it seems that the only thing that has remained is the look. Black hoods and tight jeans (I'm not criticizing that, I'm wearing the same thing at this moment.) But it's all intimidation. It used to be about intimidation against those we hated...the 9-5's and the emo-singer who stole your girl. Now everyone's against each other.
I don't know what the point of this is really. I just remember having terrible weeks at school and home and exploding when Bane or AN hit the stage. Screaming along to the Hope Con's "Truth and Purpose." Nothing else mattered. Now I don't wanna go to shows because I don't want to pay not to dive and go off. The Suicide File needs to get back together. The Hope Con needs to come around. Modern Life Is War, the closest thing we have to AN (we wouldn't have MLIW without AN,) needs to come around more often. And most of all, December 30 needs to roll around sooner. Bane in Worcester. Outbreak. And someother band I love (you know who.) But unfortunately because it's 2006 we'll have to deal witht the bullshit...the metal bands that have no place in a hardcore show and that gang of fuckers that needs to chill out.

I need to start a fucking band...

Playlist:
The Suicide File - Some Mistakes...
The Hope Con - all
AN - Background Music

Kafka - The Metamorphosis

Mercy

2006-12-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

Check out Klosterman's article concerning Ali and hip-hop (it's a precursor of sorts to ESPN's special airing on Sunday, which explores the relationship between the boxer and rap.) I like how he calls T.O., "more apolitical than Jay Leno."

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=alirap1

Also, Planes Mistaken for Stars' new record, "Mercy" is great. Amazing? It's up there. Their set last night on the Church stole the show (as usual.) It amazing me how this band can be so great yet so underrated for so long. They've been around for a decade (next year.) I've only seen them headline a show once and the place was (maybe) a third full. Everybody needs to get into this band. Gutsy music.

Playlist:
PMFS - Mercy
Silent Drive - Love Is Worth It
Avail

Get-Hard (That's right, I'm 10.)

2006-12-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

You should all check out the project that my buddy Gregg began. He decided to attends events in the city that he has never tried before, whenever he can. For instance he went to a "Rock School" and also Women's Wrestling in South Philly. Check out his blog. It's very entertaining.

http://gregggethard.blogspot.com/

Mmm...term papers.

2006-12-05T14:57:00.000-05:00

Cop Killa!

2006-11-30T15:55:00.000-05:00

Tis' the time of year of stress. Why is it that professors feel the need to wait until the end of the semester to load up the assignments? And why do I also wait until the end of the semester to begin term papers? Some things i'll forever ponder.

I found, well...Shelly found, my ipod last week. I'm not even going to say how long I was without it. Much too long. Last time I had it I used her luggage to go home and it was during this time that I lost it. I figured it was stolen and, actually, was planning on buying a new one in the coming weeks. Last week Shelly called me while she was packing to go to that state and she apparently found it hidden in a pocket in her luggage. To no avail I searched high and low for it for months; even looking in the luggage. But now I have it. So much music I missed. I always liked walking around the city listening to music. As someone who overthinks everything that happens, it's nice to just listen to music between locations. I was most excited to get back Spoon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the White Album, and assorted Dylan bootlegs. It's also nice to hear Ginsberg's and Bukowski's voices again.

So two weekends ago I had a bit of an incident. If you're reading this you probably already know about it, but honestly i'm still so angry and shaken up from it i'm not ready to rant about it yet. But as Gregg said, "One day soon you'll find this to be the funniest story of your life." Maybe so. But not until all the consequences are finished. And after I firebomb the police station. (Joke, officers.)

On another "i'm a big fuck-up and my life's a mess right now" point...i quit my job last weekend. Because Moriarty's is in the theater district and a magnet for simple-minded, Miller Lite soaked frat parties, my boss scheduled me 6 straight nights. Keep in mind, i'm in the heart of stressfull term paper/finals month. As a result I told him I didn't think I could continue working for him. As I told him, "There is no way i'm getting C's because of a fucking Irish Pub." Now, this might seem a bit aggressive but let's look at the facts. I've never missed a shift or been late in over three months, however my bosses continuously tell me to "get my shit together," along with other such positive reinforcements. One day, at the beginning of a shift when I had one single table, which had one single patron, I was in the kitchen making him a salad. The owner, being the hothead, Irish, ex-drill sergeant that he is, walked by and said, "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" "I'm, ummm...making a salad." "No you're fucking not," he continued. "Are you always this fucking slow or just today?" In response I was honest; "Just today, sir." At that the entire kitchen broke out in laughter. "Oh shit," I thought, "the Mexicans know sarcasm. Now i'm in trouble." "Well, smartass. THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE A SALAD!!!" At that moment he walked over to the salad bin, shoved his hands in, threw it on the plate (creating a fucking mess), looked me in the eye and said "That's how you make a fucking salad!" Wow. I'm been speechless ever since. Now keep in mind that the first time I was ever "in trouble" at the pub was because I made a salad that was messy. I've had my fair share of bosses. And as a result i've had my fair share of jerkoff bosses. But this guy takes the cake. So do me a favor. Next time you walk by Moriarty's on 11th & Walnut...i don't even know. That's how messed up they are. They suck so much that I don't even know how to take revenge. Give me some ideas. Just do something. Just don't go in unless you're going to puke on patrons. Help me out.

Been a long time

2006-10-03T11:35:00.000-04:00

A lot has happened over my last post. I work at Moriarty's Bar/Pub at 11th & Walnut. Come in and visit. I can't get you free beer but probably some fries or soup. Hell yeah...fries and soup. Because I had "so much experience as a server" they hired me. I fuck up more often than on occassion and my boss and I (surprise, surprise) hate eachother, but it pays well. Like any other job with workers my age, the drama never stops. It's annoying and frustrating so I deal with it by going in, doing my shit without talking to anyone, and leaving.
For those of you who know me, I love drinking. Most nights by 11 i'm sitting infront of the TV, watching Baseball Tonight and having some drinks. Sometimes even when I go out with friends I have "a little too much" and get a little, as Erich puts it, "rowdy." But the best beers I have ever drank are at 2:30 AM after i've been on my feet for 11 straight hours busting my ass. Soo good. And with 28 different beers on tap i'm in heaven.

On another note I saw Isis at the Church on Sunday. Wow. With about 10 amps and 15 pedals on stage I needed to change my pants every 10 minutes. So good. They had a day off from touring the Tweeter Centers of the country with Tool so they went for the intimate show. Soo loud. And I wonder why I get migraines.

I bought a bottle of Ballinger Scotch Whiskey yesterday after listening to Tom Waits and Johnny Cash for 2 straight hours. Mmmmm. I then proceded to stay up drinking while listening to "Live at Folsom Prison" on repeat. I love life.

I made two lists (I'm not trying to be Rob Gordon, I swear) in Stalinism today of the best shows I saw this summer, and the single best sets.

Best Shows (Lineups, atmosphere, etc,)
1. Radiohead - Tower Theater
*New songs were unbelievable. "Let Down"!
2. Mogwai & Torche - Starlight Ballroom
*And to think, I almost didn't get to go
3. Paint It Black, The Loved Ones, Cloak/Dagger - The Church
*Drunk stage diving
4. X & the Rollins Band - TLA
*Hot rockabilly girls
5. Bane, Modern Life is War, Outbreak - The Church
*No comment needed
6. Gorilla Biscuits & Murphy's Law - Starlight Ballroom
*Sung the last verse of "High Hopes" with Civ, while on the crowd. On par with singing "Walk Together, Rock Together" with Kevin Seconds
7. Sleater Kinney - Starlight Ballroom
*Third to last show ever. Made me a true believer
8. Sonic Youth - Starlight Ballroom
*Be Your Own Pet sucks so badly they bumped this to #8
9. Strike Anywhere, Modern Life Is War, Ignite - The Church
*More drunk stage diving
10. Envy - The Church
*Best live band ever

Best Sets (Performances, setlists, etc.)
1. Radiohead - Tower Theater
*Yup
2. Mogwai - Starlight Ballroom
*Yup
3. Gorilla Biscuits - Starlight Ballroom
*See above
4. Sleater Kinney - Starlight Ballroom
*And again
5. Envy - The Church
*Get stoned and listen to Envy, then you'll see
6. Paint It Black - The Church
* Dave's last show. Best PIB set ever
7. Lightning Bolt - Starlight Ballroom
* Woah...fucking insane. Way too drunk and stoned for that one
8. The Rollins Band - TLA
*Original lineup. Rollins live is...is...i don't even know what to say. Intense
9. Mission of Burma - The Church
*"That's when I reach for my revolver!"
10. Red Sparrowes - The Church
*I can't believe I was not on drugs for this

**Runner up --- Sonic Youth - Starlight Ballroom
*Didn't play enough old songs

Some say I need a life...

Senior??

2006-08-29T13:35:00.000-04:00

So it's my first day as a Senior in college. So far i've succeeded in forgetting everybody's name and being late for my classes. I'm an asshole. Things around here are indeed weird as most of my friends graduated last year. I need some Uber St. love.

I have an interview tonight at Moriarty's bar/pub on 11th/Walnut. My Uncle John is covering my ass saying that I served at his pub in RI for about a year. This way I can prove my "experience" as a server. I hope this works out, I need a job.

Playlist:
Wilco - Summerteeth
Bob Dylan - Desire
Ian McEwan - Saturday

My Birthday

2006-08-17T14:47:00.000-04:00

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=686470&blogID=155778502&MyToken=2992702f-0212-4c13-b425-9857ca820bc5

It's all there...

Hyped Bands (Usually) Suck...

2006-08-04T14:39:00.000-04:00

I was welcomed at the computer this afternoon to news that last year's ultra-hyped cool-kid band, "Death From Above 1979" broke up. It reminded me of Bloc Party, Art Brut, the Rapture, and the 10,000+ other bands that yesterday and/or today have been deemed "cool," yet who fade out a year later. These bands rely on and swell in the drool that drips from the mouths of early and mid-20's "indie kids" with moustaches and jackets in August. Anti-hipster blog propaganda with always exist, but shit...last year this band was literally THE COOLEST BAND EVER. They sold out the Church on numerous occasions. "Duude...you haven't got their record yet. You should check it out duude. It's so, The Futureheads meets Wire meets Lightning Bolt. You'd like it maan."

There will always be "cool new bands," but not all of them are bad. Some deserve the credit they'r given so early on in their careers. The Strokes write really good rock and roll songs. The Decemberists are really original. The Arcade Fire, as annoying as they've become, are really talented song-writers. But dance-punk-pop, even when made simply with drums and a bass, is not original. Your moustaches suck. Your girl pants suck. I could start a band like all that shit, dress like them, and I'll bet people would take notice. It's fuckin sad.

Playlist:
Fear & Black Flag

One More For Papi

2006-08-01T12:45:00.000-04:00

Riot Grrls are Hot (But They'd Probably Beat Me Up If They Read That)

2006-08-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

Last night was the long awaited Sleater-Kinney show at the Starlight, one of their last shows together. To be honest, I wouldn't have put that much effort into going if my girlfriend wasn't so into them. But I went. I looked forward to it, but not like others did. Holy shit though, they blew me away. Maybe it was the Bud Ice I was constantly ingesting but a 30-something year old woman with short hair, electric guitar, and screaming at the top of her lungs makes me giddy and hot all over. Woah. Perhaps the second best set I've seen all summer (behind Mogwai.) I wish I could find a setlist somewhere. Oh yeah, and they appreciated my request for Mother. "Hahaha...Danzig ::shakes head::"

I'm at La Salle working right now which means that no, all those motherfuckers I've been applying to for a job the past month don't wanna hire me. Oh well, I'm done caring (I think.) Anyways, Friday was the Paint it Black show at the Church. In typical fashion drinks were had at the Midtown beforehand. 24 oz.'s in the street between sets. Cloak/Dagger rules. Erich's a moron and hurt himself really badly during the Loved Ones (also known as "a bunch of rock stars.") PIB played one of their best sets ever. No joke. Stage dive mania. Next Sunday is Gorilla Biscuits and I'm gonna dive once every 45 seconds. Go ahead, pilgrim...prove me wrong.

Ahhh summer...stagedives & high-fives. Fuckin hot out. Depressing world news. Go Israel. Fuck the Yankees. Go Sox. Go Twins. Fuck nursing students. Go dehydration...

Playlists:
R.E.M. - Eponymous, Automatic for the People
These Arms Are Snakes - Easter (Got my hands on an advanced copy. This band doesn't relent. So good.)

The Economist
Pet Cemetary - Stephen King

Horror

2006-07-28T15:18:00.000-04:00

I have officially yet accidently found the scariest thing of all time. This surpasses all. Listening to Sunn O))), while reading HP Lovecraft, alone, while it's storming so badly outside that it looks like it is 8 pm rather than 3 pm. Fuck.

Ohio: Where Nothing Has Changed Since 1803

2006-07-26T13:53:00.000-04:00

I survived, and, contrary to my expectations, I had a blast. My family and I went to Ohio this past weekend for my cousin's wedding. 26 hours in the car all together. I could write a book about the weekend but highlights included: getting drunk with family everynight, telling people to stop ask me who's getting married next, getting closer with my cousins, and dancing like a drunken fool to 60's R&B with my mom at the reception. It was simply a really good time. Plus when I was in RI I got to have (real) clamcakes & chowda, watch the Sox on NESN, argue about the politics with every single person around, drum on my kit, and actually drive a car. I hadn't driven in about 6 months so when driving on 95 through my state I went an average of 50 mph like the old folks from Woonsocket. It's good to be back in Philly though...

I had my interview for my internship at the Food Trust this morning. It took 10 minutes for me to get it. Fuck yes. It's a rad organization; dealing with the school districts to ban soda and junk food and to get more healthy foods in there. They also put on Farmer's Markets throughout the city, suburb, and Camden. In a nutshell they make healthy and affordable food available to those who either don't have access to it or cannot afford it. Neil Young and Willy Nelson would be proud. I'm down. www.thefoodtrust.org

Oh yeah, and Lance from N'Sync is gay. Who would've guessed??
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/26/people.lancebass.ap/index.html

Playlist for Vacation:

Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
Tom Waits - Mule Variations
Dropkick Murphys - Do Or Die
Strike Anywhere - Change Is A Sound
Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today
Bad Brains - all
Trojan Records Dub Box Set
The Pogues - Greatest Hits