Squid Pro Quo

We're headed east to attend the Don Giovanni Showcase 2012!

2012-02-08T12:01:00.003-06:00

From Don Giovanni Records:

"Our showcase is just one week away and there will be four brand new records available there:

For Science - Revenge For Hire LP
Noun - Holy Hell LP
Noun - S/T 7"
Screaming Females - It All Means Nothing 7"

It's going to be three awesome days and I hope you can join us for at least one of them:

Saturday, February 11th, 2012
Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Screaming Females
Laura Stevenson and The Cans
For Science
Shellshag
Black Wine

$12 advance
http://www.facebook.com/events/286127894763570/ [www.facebook.com] »
Tickets: http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/event/80865[www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com]
----
Friday, February 10th, 2012
Death By Audio, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Mikey Erg
House Boat
Nuclear Santa Claust
Secret Police
Plastic Cross

Doors at 8

$8
---
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Forum Theatre, Metuchen, N.J.

DIRTY WORK (35 mm print)

Doors at 7:30 p.m.
Movie at 7:45 p.m.

$10 / $8 in costume"

Stay tuned for pictures and words...

'Midwest Nothing' by Like Bats

2012-02-06T09:05:00.010-06:00

By Vito Nusret

12/10/2011

LP: John Wilkes Booth Records/Bloated Kat Records

CD: S-P Records

Rating: 4/5

Those old scars scratch open and bleed anew, dripping off your fingertips. The drained bottle follows suit shattering glass into a cymbal crash. That familiar pain feels ludicrous without the angst of youth, but you still handle it the same way: you drink, break bottles and listen to a gravely punk band mash their own hearts up between its teeth. Wash, lather, rinse, repeat.

But this one's different somehow. The band, just like the latest one who broke your heart, has its own hurts, hopes, highs, lows and identity but you hold them up to the crucible to be compared to all those who came before anyway. Who can resist? A turn of phrase or nervous gesture breathes new life into those long lost heartaches while simultaneously augmenting the acuity of your current dolor. Good thing there's those languid guitar outros because it's gonna be a long night. You turn up the volume and enjoy the well worn territory of gruff vocals, power chords, driving bass and frenetic drumming, each with the desperation of Ghost Stories and dissonance of Fuel for the Hate Game, but with a rawness that only a couple of years at the bottom of a bottle pouring out into the basement can yield.

Cynics could say that we went though all of this a over a decade ago; that we should learn from our past and move on. Just get over it, to put it succinctly. But getting over your crush is a whole lot easier when you have a record not unlike Like Bats' Midwest Nothing to scream along to; to pour your drink out and your heart into. It's at least a lot easier to carry around that way.

Stream Midwest Nothing:

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://likebats.bandcamp.com/album/midwest-nothing"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Midwest Nothing by Like Bats&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Lemuria released first music video for "Wise People"

2012-02-02T11:39:00.002-06:00

Lemuria released its first music video for "Wise People," off Pebble, the band's latest album (which made our top albums of 2011 list). Check it out!

'Scum Again' 7'' by Scum Again

2012-01-19T10:08:00.001-06:00

By Jason Duarte

10/10/2011

Toxic Pop Records

Rating: 3/5

Scum Again is a relatively new four-piece Baltimore punk band, formed in 2010 by ex members of Warpriest, The Squints, Diablero, Mind As Prison and Plaguewielder. My first impression based on the cover art and the fact they are a punk band I've never heard of led me to believe they were part of the scummy, crusty-punk genre. I'd say they're a cross between that and '90s DIY punk bands like Crimpshrine and The Broadways.

"Mike's Job Application" is a short, crusty hardcore punk tune with scratchy, high vocals, but the vocals vary. "Damn, Corey Haim" is the best track on the EP because it's catchy, melodic and the music has a heavier, more progressive composure. All five are relatively short tunes, keeping in line with typical hardcore songs. This is a great 7'' for anyone interested in hardcore, DIY punk or old Leftover Crack-type street rock. The art is my favorite part (the back cover is cool too), and it's on gorgeous clear red vinyl. Stream the 7'' below. It's available via Grave Mistake Records, since Toxic Pop and Firestarter's websites have been down.

First pressing: 300 on red vinyl.

the HELL (Matt Skiba and Atom Willard) premier first song off debut EP

2012-01-12T10:47:00.017-06:00

Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio fame and Atom Willard of Offspring, Social Distortion, Rocket From the Crypt and most recently, Angels & Airwaves fame formed the HELL last year. Thus far, the band appears to be using a Facebook page as its website, where it's been hyping their (very) limited four-song 10'', titled Sauves Les Requines, which will be released today. The HELL's debut EP will also be available via iTunes. Stream the first song, "R.R.R." here.

*EDIT 1/13/12: The 10'' is available for purchase here, by itself or bundled with a T-shirt. All orders get a digital download.

The band released this teaser video via YouTube on December 5.

Matt Skiba has been referencing another new project titled, Matt Skiba & the Sekrets, which finished mastering its debut release January 6 with Gene the Machine at Oasis Mastering in Burbank, CA. More on that to follow.

Matt Skiba's solo tour dates:

Jan 25 – Riverside, CA – The Barn at UC Riverside
Jan 27 – San Francisco, CA – Slim's
Jan 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
Jan 29 – San Diego, CA – Bar Pink

Top Albums, EPs, 7''s, Splits and Demos of 2011

2011-12-13T15:41:00.538-06:00

First up is Top 20 full-lengths followed by Top 20 EPs/7''s/collections/demos and finally, Top 8 split 7''s. By each band name and release is a link to the label to which it was released, followed by a brief writeup, a link to a review (if it was reviewed), the album art, and then streaming music from the release. A lot of great releases came out this year. I hope you enjoy, and find at least something new. What were your favorite releases this year?

Top 20 Full-Lengths of 2011

By Jason Duarte

1. Tenement - Napalm Dream (Mandible)

Tenement is a band I saw a couple years ago, but paid no attention to, as I had never heard of them at the time. When Napalm Dream was released this year, I recognized the band and gave it a listen, which turned into giving it a shit ton of listens. This album channels garage, punk, indie and rock music and weaves it all into a beautiful sonic tapestry. This is the best album I've heard all year. Check out our review of Napalm Dream here.

TOP TRACKS: "Stupid Werld," "Spit In the Wind" and "Running Into Mirrors."

2. Samiam - Trips (Hopeless)

Samiam has an impressive back catalog, but since 2000's Astray, nothing has grabbed me the same (I know there isn't a lot since 2000). I picked up a copy of Trips at Reggie's without having heard it prior, and I am so happy I did, because it saved me from shipping charges. This album is Samiam at its best - the songwriting is top-notch, very well thought out and you can tell the band really took its time to write this one. Recorded at Green Day's Jingletown Studios, this album is great from start to finish, and the recording quality is incredible. Check out our blurbs about Samiam here.

TOP TRACKS: "80 West," "September" and "Happy For You."

3. Banner Pilot - Heart Beats Pacific (Fat Wreck)

This year, Banner Pilot released its new album - it's third Fat Wreck release (including the remastered re-issue of Resignation Day). Nate Gangelhoff's pronounced bass lines and songs are tighter than ever, the songs are personal and the sound holds true to the band's previous releases. This is also the perfect album to listen to in winter. Check out our blurbs about Banner Pilot here.

TOP TRACKS: "Forty Degrees," "Eraser" and "Intervention."

4. Black Wine - Summer of Indifference (Don Giovanni)

This year, Black Wine kicked all our ears' asses with an album titled, Summer of Indifference. I was in love with their first album and thought, "eh, they probably can't top it." What happened with that scenario was the complete opposite. This album is awesome. It's more held together by the members. They've tightened up. They've honed in on the sound they're going for, and they executed it wonderfully. The album art is nice and simple and just cool. I was lucky enough to catch two of their shows in Illinois this summer, and book one/house them for one. A great album by some great people.

TOP TRACKS: "End of Days," "Spit To See the Shame" and "Ocean's Skin."

5. House Boat - The Thorns of Life (Traffic Street/Kiss of Death?)

Fucking finally got my physical copy of this shit! House Boat released its second full-length, which turned out awesome. I was all "meh" about the Processing Complaints 7'' (but really dug it), but this full-length blew me away. As always, it could use more Mikey Erg! and Ace (of bass) vocals (screw you, Zack (just kidding)), but hey - you know what, it's like the Steinways never died, and I'm OK with that. In fact, it's like The Steinways evolved. This album kicks ass, and as of Christmas day, I wasn't sure if this thing was ever going to see a physical release, being I ordered it on July 31. Also, I was promised a poster and a pin when I ordered this, and didn't receive either - did anyone get those items, cause I'd feel a lot better if everyone didn't get them. I'm writing a letter, damn it!

TOP TRACKS: "Now We Are 31," "Real Life As a Metaphor For Real Life" and "A Song In Which I Convince Myself To Stop Being Such a Fucking Idiot."

6. Night Birds - The Other Side of Darkness (Grave Mistake)

"What the fuck, another east coast band on your top whatever list," you say? "Yes." Night Birds is awesome - no one can argue with that (they can try). After releasing a bunch of 7''s and EPs and shit over the last few years, they finally released a much-anticipated full-length. Before this, we had to hold ourselves over two or four songs at a time. The band re-recorded two songs from their demo CD-R, "I Can't Get Clean" and "Paranoid Times." There's also a song about the movie They Live called "Hofmann Lens." It rules and so does all 22 minutes of this record. Check out our full review of The Other Side of Darkness here, and other reviews of their stuffhere.

TOP TRACKS: "Born of Man and Woman," "Demon Haunted World" and "Hofmann Lens."

7. Sundials - Never Settle (Toxic Pop)

Sundials was another new band to my ears this year. A great indie/punk band from Richmond, Virginia, Sundials sings from the heart and captivates its listeners. Much recommended. Check out our review of Never Settle here, and our interview with the band from earlier this yearhere.

TOP TRACKS: "Take You In My Coffee," "Either Way" and "Probably Not."

8. The Copyrights - North Sentinel Island (Red Scare/It's Alive)

The Copyrights are one of my favorite bands, and it used to be they'd release a full-length every year. But it's been three years since Learn the Hard Way's release. The band took its time on this one, and recorded it at Atlas Studios in Chicago with Matt Allison. They went all out and added keyboards and a couple other things they haven't introduced to us yet. I love this album, and the band's Crutches 7'' is a great accompanying release. Check out our interview with Luke McNeill (drums) from earlier this year here.

TOP TRACKS: "Bow Down," "20 Feet Tall" and "Never Move Your Back Row."

9. Deep Sleep - Turn Me Off (Grave Mistake)

Deep Sleep is one of the only current hardcore bands I listen to, as I'm not much a fan of modern hardcore, but this band gets it. It's not just screaming and yelling and blind agression; there's a point to the songs, and that's key. Like Night Birds, Deep Sleep has released a handful of 7''s and a collection album before releasing a proper full-length. All 13 minutes of this album is filled with intense, urgent and great hardcore. Check out our review of Three Things At Once here.

TOP TRACKS: "Slow Down," "Be With You" and "Head Spins."

10. Noise By Numbers - Over Leavitt (Jump Start)

Noise By Numbers released one of my favorite albums a couple years ago and now they've released another one, along the same vein of heartfelt, geocentric songs by beloved Chicago punk musicians. I am a huge fan of this album, though I'm not sure it tops Yeah...Whatever. Check out our review of Over Leavitt here, and one I did for Jaded In Chicago here.

TOP TRACKS: "Lost My Way," "I Don't Think So" and "Over Leavitt."

11. Lemuria - Pebble (Bridge 9)

Lemuria is an awesome indie/pop/punk band from Buffalo, NY. Sheena Ozzella (guitar) has a higher, vulnerable voice and she switches lead vocals with Alex Kerns (drums), who has a lower, more monotoned voice. They compliment each other wonderfully and the catchy tunes on this album will resonate with you for a long time. I've been playing this with the band's entire back catalog for weeks. Their most recent DIY space show in Chicago was incredible and I can't wait to see them again.

TOP TRACKS: "Chautauqua County," "Pleaser" and "The One."

12. Underground Railroad To Candyland - Knows Your Sins (Recess)

Underground Railroad To Candyland is one of the most fun bands to see live. I was lucky to catch them at Schuba's this year with Screaming Females and Treasure Fleet (though it took me three hours to get there). I can't say enough good things about URTC. Check out our review of Knows Your Sins here, and at the Elgin Courier-News here.

TOP TRACKS: "We Aren't the World," "And You Think You Can Tame Me" and "Stop Cryin' Kid."

Stream Knows Your Sins here.

13. Spraynard - Funtitled (Asian Man)

Spraynard is a great young band from Pennsylvania. Its posi-punk, anthemic songs are nicely-layered, especially for a three-piece. I was fortunate enough to catch them twice in San Francisco this year as part of the AMR 15-year anniversary festival, and see their raw talent and emotion come through with the songs. Spraynard is a great contrast to a lot of the more negative or otherwise nihilistic punk rock songs out there. Check out our review of this year's Broadways reunion show featuring Spraynard here.

TOP TRACKS: "The Denver Broncos vs. The Denver Broncos," "Homies Where the Heart Is" and "Quite Exciting, This Computer Magic."

Download and donate here.

14. Kepi Ghoulie - I Bleed Rock 'N' Roll (Asian Man)
KEPI!! What a pleasant surprise this album was. Kepi keeps it Kepi-esque while switching it up a little bit, introducing more rock 'n' roll riffage and energy. The dude is a machine. I love this album, and wrote some reviews for it. Check it out, and give this one a listen - one of Asian Man's best releases this year!
Check out our review of I Bleed Rock 'N' Roll here, and over at Jaded In Chicago.

TOP TRACKS: "The Fever," "Nikki Lee" and "I Bleed Rock 'N' Roll."

Stream I Bleed Rock 'N' Roll here.

15. The Dead Milkmen - The King In Yellow (Self-released)
It's been too long since the Dead Milkmen released a proper full-length, and holy crap! We have a new one! The band put it out themselves, and are selling CDs and digital versions of the songs on its website. The songs are funny, satirical, serious and cynical. They don't skimp out either with 17 new songs on this one.

TOP TRACKS: "Meaningless Upbeat Happy Song," "Passport To Depravity" and "Or Maybe It Is."

Preview the album here.

16. Brick Mower - Under the Sink (Viking On Campus/Stumparumper)
Brick Mower is a three-piece from NJ, heavily influenced by grunge and punk. I was lucky enough to meet these guys (and girl) this summer while they were on tour with Black Wine (NJ). The bands stayed at my house in Elgin and played the Gasthaus, and then Chicago the next day. Those two days were absolutely packed with fun, and I'm happy to have been introduced to these guys. Their music is straightforward and raw. This album gets better the more you listen to it.

TOP TRACKS: "Tuxedo Bitch," "Slow Too Fast" and "Weaving."

17. The Gateway District - Perfect's Gonna Fail (It's Alive)
Minnepolis's Gateway District is a fun band. Their first album, Some Days You Get the Thunder was amazing, and this follow-up album carries the rock. This album is upbeat and fun and one of my favorite It's Alive releases of the year.

TOP TRACKS: "Leaving Me Behind," "Waiting For the Sirens" and "I'll Take the River."

18. Dan Andriano In the Emergency Room - Hurricane Season (Asian Man)
One of my all-time favorite songwriters. Dan Andriano gushes with honesty and raw emotion. This record starts off pretty melancholy but by the end, the sun's out. Check out our blurb about Dan here.

TOP TRACKS: "Let Me In," "It's Gonna Rain All Day" and "Me and Denver."

Check out a track-by-track article on the album here.

19. Face To Face - Laugh Now, Laugh Later (Antagonist)

Face To Face was one of my first favorite punk bands in high school, and this is their first new album since 2002's How To Ruin Everything. Seeing them with Strung Out this year was amazing, as it was my first time. This album is upbeat, and just as awesome as anything else they've done (OK, not anything, but still...for 9 years of breakage, this album rules). The bass line on "What You Came For" is the best part of the entire album. Check out our blurb aboutLaugh Now, Laugh Later here.

TOP TRACKS: "What You Came For," "It's Not All About You" and "Should Anything Go Wrong."

Stream here.

20. Smoking Popes - This Is Only a Test (Asian Man)

One of my all-time favorite bands are The Popes. This Is Only a Test is the band's first new album since Stay Down was released in 2008. This album is great - as it is a concept album told from the perspective from a high school-aged male. Interesting and intriguing, but I felt it pigeonholed itself (just a little bit). This is a great record, and I look forward to the next Popes album.

TOP TRACKS: "Wish We Were," "Freakin' Out" and "Letter To Emily."

Stream the album here.

Top 7''s/Collections/EPs/Demos of 2011

1. Tenement - Blind Wink LP (Cowabunga (LP)/Dead Broke (cassette))

Formerly released exclusively to cassette, I was happy this gem found a proper vinyl release. I know it's heavily Tenement, but they've been the band of the year over here. This collection of demos and other tracks is a great deviation from Napalm Dream. So much so that it quickly climbed to the top of my list.

TOP TRACKS: "Lost Love Star Lust," "Hey Soozie" and "(Messy Endings) In Middle America."

2. Iron Chic - Split N' Shit EP (All In Vinyl/Yo-Yo)

Not Like This was my favorite album last year. The split they did with Pacer, plus the Bikini Kill cover and European tour song are all packaged into one on this digital EP, which is nothing short of amazing. I can't wait till the second full-length release this year.

TOP TRACK: "Climate Is What We Expect, Weather Is What We Get."

3. Tenement - Taking Everything 7'' (Toxic Pop)

The Taking Everything 7'' is an amazing follow-up to Napalm Dream. One catchy, hook-laded electric song, a slow one and another catchy slower one are on here with a bonus track called "Jesse's Poem." Check out our review of the Taking Everything 7'' here.

TOP TRACK: "Taking Everything."

4. Chixdiggit! - Safeways Here We Come LP (Fat Wreck)

Chixdiggit! is back with its first release since 2005's Pink Razors. This 12'' EP is seven songs long and just as tight and funny and amazing as their past stuff. The first song's about Miso Ramen (or is it?), and then KJ Jansen wrote some songs about hating on his friend's dog, stupid hairstyles, his disgust for basketball and so on. This release is awesome.

TOP TRACKS: "I Hate Basketball," "Swedish Rat" and "I Hope Things Will Turn Around."

Stream the EP here.

5. The Steinways - Promise It'll Never Happen Again LP (It's Alive)

This is one of the best pop punk bands ever. This LP is a collection of various 7''s the band released over the years (Rocket Surgery, the It's Alive Wedding split, the Peabodys split and more). There's a lot of great pop punk on this album. Makes me wish The Steinways were still a band. Check out our review of Gorilla Marketing here.

TOP TRACKS: "Always? Never!," "Headache-Girlfriend=Zero" and "I Shit (You Not)."

6. The Measure [sa] - My Heart and the Real World: Another Collection of Standard Waits and Measurements (No Idea)

The Measure [sa] broke up this year, playing its last show at Fest 10 in Gainesville, FL. The last few shows they've played, they were giving away a 7'' called Jersey's Best, and I was kind of disappointed those songs didn't make it on this collection LP. BUT, a whole bunch of the band's 7''s made it on here including its splits with The Ergs!, the Art of the Underground 7'' and many others. For someone like myself who hasn't tracked down and rounded out his Measure [sa] collection, this is perfect. Pre-orders from No Idea also came with a bonus 7'' with a song that also isn't on the collection (argh!) and some live songs from Fest 9. Awesome! I wish I had them digitized!

TOP TRACKS: "We've Upped Our Standards, Now Up Yours," "Remember the Devillock" and "Workage."

7. Night Birds - Fresh Kills, Vol. 1 (Grave Mistake)

Pre-dating The Other Side of Darkness came this release, a collection of the band's 7''s and EPs. It has everything TOSOD doesn't, and it's amazing. If you don't have all the other releases, I'd recommend picking this up.

8. Night Birds - Midnight Movies 7'' (No Way)

Night Birds released a collection CD this year, titled Fresh Kills, Vol. 1, which features theMidnight Movies songs, but before that came this 7''. Four fast, sick songs in 6 minutes. The artwork, by Mike Diana, is arguably the best part of this release. Research him if you're not familiar. Check out our review of the 7'' here.

TOP TRACK: "Midnight Movies."

9. Mikey Erg! - Heart-Shaped 12'' (Paper + Plastick)

Mikey Erg! is arguably the coolest dude ever. We got to hang a bunch in San Francisco this summer and around the country in some other parts this past year (NJ, Chicago, etc.). He's one of my favorite songwriters and can do no wrong by me. On Valentine's Day this year, Paper + Plastick released three colors (I have all of them!) of a two-song heart-shaped 12''. Both are catchy as fuck, and will resonate in your head for months (at least). Read some Mikey Erg!blurbage!

TOP TRACK: "Little Hands of Concrete."

10. Teenage Bottlerocket - Mutilate Me 7'' (Fat Wreck)

Teenage Bottlerocket made my number 1 album of 2009 list, and now they've followed up with this 7'' titled, Mutilate Me. It's just enough to hold me over until new TBR songs come out. Word is, they're writing/recording for a new full-length. The two originals on this 7'' are amazing and they do a great cover of Bad Religion's "Henchmen" at the end. Check out our review of Mutilate Me here.

TOP TRACK: "Mutilate Me."

Stream here.

11. RVIVR - The Joester Sessions LP (Rumbletowne)

RVIVR is a band I got into post-Latterman and post-Shorebirds. I like them a lot more. They're proactive, gritty, bold and aren't afraid to speak their minds and shatter the status quo. This collection LP features the songs off the Life Moves 7'', the Dirty Water 12'' and the Derailer 7'', with a bonus song titled, "Elizabethan Collar." This is one is a fun one.

TOP TRACKS: "Seethin'," "Life Moves" and "Tallest Tree."

12. The Old Wives - Backed In a Corner EP (When's Lunch)

The Old Wives are in my top two favorite bands from Canada (Chixdiggit! is the other one). They are an amazing pop punk band and on this new EP, bassist Ryan Dix takes over on lead vocals for a couple of tracks. It's an awesome change-up, as his vocals compliment Liam's very nicely. He's a lot more smoother, a little higher and poppier and Liam's are a bit grittier and lower. I highly recommend this band, and their full length kicks ass.

TOP TRACKS: "Backed In a Corner," "Heroes" and "Dix 1N1."

Stream the EP here.

13. Worriers - Past Lives 7'' (No Idea)

So The Measure [sa]'s last show was at Fest 10 in October, and from the ashes, Lauren Measure, MIke Hunchback and two other dudes formed this band. It sounds very Measure-esque. The intros to the songs are all pretty similar; individual notes being plucked from chords, but the songs are great. Being I'm such a huge fan of The Measure [sa], I'm happy to hear Lauren's still making music. Check out our blurb on Worriers here.

TOP TRACK: "Past Lives."

14. Chris Wollard and Addison Burns - Lil' Bitta 7'' (No Idea)

Chris Wollard is one of my favorite songwriters, and since Hot Water Music's hiatus, he's been dabbling in his own solo material. He released a split with Mike Hale, Drag the River and a couple other 7''s before this one, where he teamed up with Addison Burns. This 7'' features four original tracks and is great folky, mellow tunes in the vein of Rumbleseat and The Draft. Can't wait till his next release.

TOP TRACK: "Lil' Bitta."

Listen to/watch songs from Lil' Bitta here.

15. The Bomb - The Challenger 11'' (No Idea)

The Bomb features Jeff Pezzati of Naked Raygun on vocals, Pete and Mike S. from The Methadones on bass and drums and Jeff Dean on guitar. You might call The Bomb a Chicago punk supergroup, and really, that's what they are. This 11'' from No Idea features four new ones and four live ones from the first two albums. A real treat.

TOP TRACKS: "Man...Atlanta," "Hey World" and "A Song For the Helenas (Alternate Take)."

Check it out here.

16. The Measure [sa] - Jersey's Best 7'' (Don Giovanni)

I missed their last two shows in NY and the Fest 10 final show, so I wasn't able to pick this 7'' up in person, but lucky for me, No Idea had extra copies and I was able to snag one. This is The Measure [sa]'s final recordings (to date), and it's awesome. I feel like The Measure [sa] is a band that improved with time, so they definitely went out on a high note with this one. The song "Jersey's Best" is nothing short of amazing. I love this 7''.

Check out our review of Notes here.

TOP TRACK: "Jersey's Best."

17. Latterman - Our Better Halves 7'' (Self-released)

Latterman did a reunion show not too long ago in New York, and the band pressed up a bunch of these one-sided 7''s featuring a song they recorded in 2007 called "Our Better Halves." It was the last song the band recorded together and it was never released before the band called it quits. This year, it saw the light at the reunion show. It sounds more up Iron Chic's alley to me, or RVIVR, but it's an amazing song. A little pricey for one song, but it's not like new Latterman material is going to be recorded again.

TOP TRACK (heh): "Our Better Halves."

Listen here.

18. RVIVR - Belebend 7'' (Yo-Yo)

RVIVR released this European-label-only 7'', which I hadn't heard of till just a few weeks ago. The songs are on YouTube, and the 7'' is available in distros/labels overseas, and it's awesome. I especially love "Wrong Way One Way," which I believe they played the last time they came through Chicago at that basement show. It sounded great, and I'm glad there's a studio version now. If some domestic distros pick this up, I'm going to snatch it.

TOP TRACK: "Wrong Way One Way."

Listen to "Wrong Way One Way" here.

19. Hot Water Music - The Fire, The Steel, The Tread 7'' (No Idea)

Hot Water Music hasn't released any new material since 2004's The New What Next (unless you count that Bouncing Souls cover), so this has been a long awaited and much anticipated release for me. They played Milwaukee, WI earlier this year and some friends and I drove up to catch them at this ballroom venue, and they were incredible. This 7'' is great, but not HWM's best stuff. Still, it's nice to hear new tunes, and I can't wait for the release of the 3xLP of the Live in Chicago stuff. I was at both those shows in Feb. 2008 and can't wait to hear how that came out. Hopefully they put out a full length soon.

TOP TRACK: "Up To Nothing."

Stream here.

20. The Copyrights - Crutches 7'' (It's Alive)

The Copyrights released North Sentinel Island via It's Alive and Red Scare, and It's Alive pressed this 7'' to accompany it. It features "Crutches," from the record, a demo version of "Worn Out Passport," also from the record and two demos that didn't make the record. I'm glad The Copyrights went with the songs they did for the full length, but for any fan, this 7'' is an essential and fun release to have.

TOP TRACK: "Current Event (Demo)."

Top Splits of 2011

1. Cheap Girls/Lemuria 7'' (No Idea)

Cheap Girls and Lemuria are two bands I just got into this year, so this split has been getting a lot of play. Lemuria offers two songs to Cheap Girls' one, but all three are solid. The Cheap Girls song may be the best Cheap Girls song I've heard to date, and the Lemuria ones are among my favorites of theirs as well. This one's essential to your collection, and the best split 7'' of 2011.

TOP TRACK: "Lemons (Lemuria)."

2. Spraynard/Sundials 7'' (Evil Weevil)

These bands are friends and teamed up this year to release this split, which is awesome. Both bands were new to me this year, and all their songs have been ear-pleasers. This split is fun, and I've found myself flipping it over and over again.

TOP TRACK: "Snowballs At Cops (Sundials)."

3. Dear Landlord/The Dopamines 7'' (Paper + Plastick)

Finally, new Dear Landlord songs, and they're awesome! Especially "Neighbors." More mentions of trailer parks and shitty living conditions, but it's easy to relate to. Their other one, "A Little Left," is a slower song, which picks up after about 0:45 and rules. The Dopamines' side is great as well, though if it was Dear Landlord vs. Dopamines, Dear Landlord wins (sorry, Dopes, I still love you). The Dopamines' best song on here is "Heads Up Dusters," which is extremely anthemic and will stick to you. This split rules and was worth every penny (though it did take forever for the label to release it, to which they made it available for super cheap, which was awesome. I think they're still super affordable, so get one!)

TOP TRACK: "Neighbors (Dear Landlord)."

Stream here.

4. Caves/Sundials 7'' (Kiss of Death)

Sundials made a lot of appearances this year, but they're one of the best bands of the year, and this split with Caves is awesome. I'm not so much a fan of the Caves side, but the Sundials songs here are golden.

TOP TRACK: "Viking Funeral (Sundials)."

5. Tenement/Cülo 7'' (Cowabunga)

At the very end of the year, Tenement squeezed in one more awesome release; a split with Chicago hardcore band, Cülo. Tenement's songs are a little more upbeat and fast on this one - not necessarily to match the hardcore on the opposite side, but in general. The Cülo side features five fast songs.

TOP TRACK: "Your Life Or Mine (Tenement)."

6. Mean Jeans/Hollywood 7'' (Big Neck)

I'm a huge Mean Jeans fan, so when I saw there were a limited number of these being pressed, I had to grab one. The Hollywood side is pretty good, but the Mean Jeans song is awesome. I hope they release another full length this year.

TOP TRACK: "(Let's Go Before I Blow My) Brains Out (Mean Jeans)."

7. Marvin Berry & the New Sound/Nude Beach 7'' (Freedom School)

Dammit, I can't find art for this 7'' anywhere. Not even the label has a picture of it on its site. I wish I had a scanner. But I don't. Handy. Anyway, Marvin Berry covers a song and plays an original. The Nude Beach side is great too. Oh hey, stream the split here.

TOP TRACK: "Howlin' At the Highway (Marvin Berry & the New Sound)."

8. Rise Against/Face To Face 7'' (Folsom)

Two of my favorite bands, back when Rise Against was local and hardcore, and Face To Face was...well, active. This 7'' is just fun. Rise Against covers one of my favorite Face To Face songs and while I'm not all that fond of the song Face To Face chose to cover, I think their spin on it is cool.

TOP TRACK: "Blind (Rise Against)."

Preview the split here.

'I Bleed Rock 'N' Roll' by Kepi Ghoulie

2011-12-12T10:25:00.004-06:00

By Jason Duarte

11/28/2011

Asian Man Records

Rating: 4.5/5

[Originally written for Jaded In Chicago].

Former Groovie Ghoulies frontman Kepi Ghoulie is back with a new album titled I Bleed Rock ‘N’ Roll, his first since 2009’s Life Sentence. The album starts out with the short, sweet and defining “Rock ‘N’ Roll Shark,” which sends the strong message that like a shark that stops swimming, Kepi will die if he stops rockin’. “Nikki Lee” is a very upbeat, Chuck Berry-esque rock ‘n’ roll tune, and one of the album’s strongest. The title track reinforces the opener as Kepi sings, “I bleed rock ‘n’ roll. I believe in rock ‘n’ roll. When every single friend is gone, the music just keeps playing on and out into the universe, second verse same as the first.” To Kepi, rock ‘n’ roll is more than just a job or a passion; to him it’s a way of life. Kepi also re-recorded “When I’m Gone,” which originally appeared on his solo EP, Yes Depression. The new version is electrified and the guitar work is reminiscent of something out of a rock ‘n’ roll standard. Another revisited track is “Love to Give,” which originally appeared as “(I’ve Got) Love to Give,” on the Groovie Ghoulies’ final album in 2007, 99 Lives. There is one cover that Kepi chose for this album, and that’s Johnny Thunders’ “Blame It on Mom.” I enjoy Kepi’s cover better because he left out the saxophone. My favorite track on the album is “The Fever,” for its infectious chorus and dedicated lyrics. I’m with Kepi when he says, “What the world needs now is rock ‘n’ roll.” The album closes with a melancholy acoustic song called “Hard to Forget,” which surprised me as a closer. I wish it were toward the middle of the album, so it would serve as a break, but the album is still strong. I Bleed Rock ‘N’ Roll pleasantly surprised me. Kepi branches further from his previous material and continues to make great songs, and also revisit and put a twist on some old ones.

'Up All Night' by The Van Buren Boys

2011-11-27T18:54:00.018-06:00

By Kevin Toomey

9/30/2011

Self-released

Rating: 5/5

Local power-poppers The Van Buren Boys are back with a second full-length album, Up All Night. The band sounds tighter than ever on this album and it’s apparent from the first notes that the whole group improved since its debut. The first thing I noticed about this album was how good the vocals sound. Lead singer Tyler Hansen has been working on his singing and it shows. The backups and harmonies sound great too, which really helps the songs on Up All Night rise above the one-dimensional sound Six String Love had. Listen to “Don’t Wanna Stop” or “Run Around” to see what I mean.

The new album doesn't sound as jam packed with riffs and fancy guitar work, which is a good thing. The Van Buren Boys are good with their instruments but they let the songs on Up All Night speak for themselves rather than hit you over the head with a 'look-what-I-can-do' mentality that crams as much as possible into a song. That’s not to say that the songs are lighter; just a bit more subtle and more natural sounding. The creamy guitar leads combined with the vocal harmonies are catchy as hell and I can’t recommend this record enough. Up All Night is a great sophomore effort and shows a lot of promise for The Van Buren Boys. Stream/download Up All Night at the band’s Bandcamp page and be sure to check out our review of Six String Love here.

<a href="http://thevanburenboys.bandcamp.com/album/up-all-night-lp">Up All Night LP by The Van Buren Boys</a>

'The Outsiders' EP by The Outsiders

2011-11-21T16:22:00.002-06:00

By Kevin Toomey

10/4/2011

Underground Communique Records

Rating: 2.5/5

After a casual first listen, I didn’t have much to say about the seven songs on this EP. The songs sound like they could be a mix of Banner Pilot and Against Me! but fail to capture the spirit and energy of either band. The songs presented here are from a few different recording sessions and the disjointedness shows.

The first track starts with a breakdown and takes more than 30 seconds to build into anything substantial and right when it seems to end, it sort of picks up again; a couple of times. The rest of the tracks don’t flow that well into each other, but that might just need to be worked out in sequencing. I think the best track is “Bonships and Friendfires” and it’s on here twice. The live version at the end of the EP is a hint at what The Outsiders might sound like live, and based on the live track, The Outsiders might be worth checking out if they come through your town.

Check out the band's Bandcamp page to hear some of their other releases and Underground Communique's Bandcamp page to stream/purchase a digital copy of the EP for $3. The CDEP is available at Underground Communique Records for $5 and at Interpunk for $6.

Track listing:

1. "The Beginning of the End"

2. "Walk Away"

3. "Crazy Jenkem Party"

4. "Bonships and Friendfires"

5. "Sleeper"

6. "Finding Reason"

7. "Bonships and Friendfires" (Live)

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://theoutsiders.bandcamp.com/album/shallow-graves-ep"&amp;amp;amp;gt;SHALLOW GRAVES EP by Outsiders&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

BIG RECORD SALE!

2011-11-21T12:42:00.011-06:00

I'm getting rid of a bunch of records. Some you might like, some you might not. The bids mostly start at $0.01 with $3.99 shipping. Here's the list and link:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/x_thehaunting/m.html?item=250937062426&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

7''s:

Rupert Hine/Cy Curnin - "With One Look (The Wildest Dream)"

Frank Mills - "The Poet and I" b/w "

Gary Lewis & the Playboys - "Everybody Loves a Clown" b/w "Time Stands Still"

Robin Ward - "Dream Boy" b/w "Wonderful Summer"

Roger Williams - "Take Care" b/w "Autumn Leaves"

The Caravelles - "The Last One To Know" b/w "You Don't Have To Be a Baby"

Bill Haley & Haley's Comets - "Fractured" b/w "Pat-A-Cake"

Jan & Dean - "Heart and Soul" b/w "Midsummer Night's Dream"

Dionne Warwick - "(Theme From) Valley of the Dolls" b/w "Alfie"

Christmas Hymns & Carols sung by the Canterbury Choir 7'' box set

Herman's Hermits - "For Love" b/w "Door Swings Both Ways"

The Dell-Vikings - "How Can I Find True Love" b/w "Come Go"

The 4 Seasons - "Stay" b/w "Goodnight My Love"

Bobby Vee - "Everyday" b/w "Rubber Ball"

Paul Anka - "Lonely Boy" b/w "Your Love"

Herman's Hermits - "Sea Cruise" b/w "Just a Little Bit Better"

12''s:

AKAs (Are Everywhere), The - White Doves & Smoking Guns (sealed)

Avalon, Frankie - S/T

Bad Company - Desolation Angels

Baker, Chet - Quietly There

Blues Project, The - S/T

Buckinghams, The - Greatest Hits

Campbell, Glen / Gentry, Bobbie - S/T

Carpenters, The - Now & Then

Casualties, The - Die Hards (picture disc)

Chicago - IX: Greatest Hits

Dave Clark Five, The - Having a Wild Weekend

Davis, Mac - Baby Don't Get Hooked

Denver, John - Poems, Prayers & Promises

Diamond, Neil - Double Gold (2xLP)

Diamond, Neil - Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Gary Lewis & the Playboys - A Session With Gary Lewis & the Playboys

Gary Lewis & the Playboys - New Directions

Gary Puckett & the Union Gap - Greatest Hits

Gary Puckett & the Union Gap - S/T

Grant, Amy - Unguarded

Jones, Jack - Greatest Hits

Laine, Frankie - The Frankie Laine Collection

Lawson-Haggart Jazz Band - Blues On the River

Lopez, Trini - Live at Basin St. East

McGuinn, Roger / Hillman, Chris Feat. Clark, Gene - City

Mamas and the Papas, The - Farewell To the First Golden Era

Murphey, Michael Martin - The Best of Michael Martin Murphey

Rabbit, Eddie - Horizon

Rich, Charlie - The Charlie Rich Collection

Richie, Lionel - Can't Slow Down

Rush - All the World's a Stage (2xLP live album)

See You Next Tuesday - Intervals (#680/1000)

Three Dog Night - Golden Bisquits

Tillotson, Johnny - S/T (autographed)

Vinton, Bobby - Greatest Hits

Walsh, Joe - But Seriously Folks...

Walsh, Joe - The Confessor

Young, Faron - Greatest Hits

Compilations / Box Sets:

Bacharach, Burt / Warwick, Dionne / Campbell, Glen - On the Move (Chevy promo album)

Big Chill soundtrack, The (Feat. Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, etc.)

Great Groups The (2xLP Feat. Tommy Dorsey, Pied Pipers, etc.)

Great Rock Revival, The (2xLP)

Greatest Rock 'N' Roll Hits, The (box set)

No. 1 Hits of the '60s, The (box set)

Original Oldies Vol. 11, The (Feat. Beach Boys, Richie Valens, etc.)

Philharmonic Orchestra, The - Verdi Aida Feat. Caballe, Domingo, Cossotto, etc. box set

Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day

Poster:

The Steepwater Band - 10-Year Anniversary Gig @ Reggie's Rock Club, Chicago, IL

VHS:

Dawn of the Dead (1998)

http://www.ebay.com/sch/x_thehaunting/m.html?item=250937062426&sspagename=STRK%3AMESELX%3AIT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649&_trksid=p4340.l2562

'Taking Everything' 7'' by Tenement

2011-11-13T13:45:00.006-06:00

By Jason Duarte
10/28/2011
Toxic Pop Records
Rating: 5/5

Following its debut full length release, Napalm Dream, on Mandible Records, Tenement released the Taking Everything 7'' October 28 via Toxic Pop Records. The songs, "Taking Everything" and "Daylight World," were recorded at the same time as the songs for Napalm Dream, in the spring of 2010 at Howl Street Studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first song, "Taking Everything," is a driving poppy melodic grunge/punk/rock tune about misinterpretation and coming up short and learning a lesson from it. Lead singer/guitarist Amos Pitsch does a real nice job of mixing rhythm and lead guitar together in one, and utilizing feedback as well. His riffs are catchy and not your standard chord progressions. I have to throw the drummer and bass player some props as well - they really carry the song. There's also a part in the song where it's just drums and vocals and it sounds awesome, as does the nifty guitar solo.

Side B features the upbeat tune, "Daylight World;" a song that starts out slow and folky before drums, bass and clarity kicks in. It sounds like a love song.
"When the clock stops, will you catch me in your arms? Today could be the day," Pitsch sings in the chorus.
Pitsch sounds like he's trying to coax a girl out of the house, so they can be outside together and go for walks before the weather gets "cold and dark again." There's an element of a deadline thrown in there, giving it a sort of urgency, but the music remains steady and upbeat yet calm and collected. This 7'' is available from Toxic Pop Records for $5 and comes with a download code with two bonus tracks ("Paper Airplanes" and "Jesse's Poem"), and the digital copy with two extra tracks is available on Tenement's Bandcamp site for $5 as well. Also check out Kevin Toomey's July review of Napalm Dream here.

Pressing Info:
First pressing: 10 test pressings, 10 "blood in the water" red/black/clear transitionals, 100 clear vinyl, 390 black vinyl.

Taking Everything 7'' track listing:
A. "Taking Everything" (2:28)
B. "Daylight World" (2:00)

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tenement.bandcamp.com/album/taking-everything-b-w-daylight-world-plus-2"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Taking Everything b/w Daylight World Plus 2 by TENEMENT&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Beavis and Butthead: Season 9, Episodes 3 and 4, "Drones" and "Holy Cornholio"

2011-11-11T10:34:00.003-06:00

Check out last night's episode, "Drones," where Beavis and Butthead mistake military drones as GTA: San Andreas and start flying them into things such as sheep, which they think are prostitutes wearing fur coats.

And the second one, "Holy Cornholio," where Beavis becomes the leader of a spiritual cult. He needs all the TP for his bunghole.

A sneak peek of episode 5 can be seen here, where Beavis and Butthead go on a 30-day fast food eating binge in order to try and make money and score with chicks.

MTV Shows

Beavis and Butthead: Season 9, Episode 2 stream/Episode 3 sneak peek

2011-11-09T10:38:00.005-06:00

So last week's episodes, "Daughter's Hand" and "Tech Support" were hilarious. So many good jokes packed into so little time. I am so happy they are back. Here is the full episode for your viewing pleasure. Uh huh huh, pleasure.

And here's a sneak peek of tomorrow's episode:

MTV Shows

Wish I could write more about these, but I gots to get back to work.

Alkaline Trio announces New Years at the Metro

2011-11-01T14:09:00.005-05:00

Been thinking about what you're going to do this year to ring in 2012? The Metro announced today that Alkaline Trio will take the stage on December 31 before midnight. The show starts at 10:30 p.m. (doors at 9 p.m.) and openers have not yet been announced. Tickets are $61 in advance and will go on sale Saturday, November 5 at noon. The show is restricted to 18+, and 21+ show-goers will ring in the new year with 'The Champagne of Beers' at midnight. Those who attend will also receive an exclusive limited edition poster commemorating the event. This will be the first time Alkaline Trio has played the Metro since August 2, when the Trio shared the stage with the Smoking Popes and River City Extension. Check the link above for pictures and the night's set lists (Alkaline Trio and Smoking Popes). This'll also be some way to ring out the band's 15-year anniversary and ring in their 16th. What do you think they'll close with?

Missed FEST 10? So did I.

2011-11-01T09:07:00.004-05:00

Samiam:

Mikey Erg:

Watch live streaming video from altpress at livestream.com

The Flatliners:

Against Me! (1/2):

Against Me! (2/2):

The Arrivals - "Simple Pleasures In America":

Dillinger Four - "Gainesville":

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (1/2):

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists (2/2):

Teenage Bottlerocket (1/5):

Teenage Bottlerocket (2/5):

Teenage Bottlerocket (3/5):

Teenage Bottlerocket (4/5):

Teenage Bottlerocket (5/5):

The Dopamines (1/5):

The Dopamines (2/5):

The Dopamines (3/5):

The Dopamines (4/5):

The Dopamines (5/5):

Dear Landlord (1/4):

Dear Landlord (2/4):

Dear Landlord (3/4):

Dear Landlord (4/4):

A Wilhelm Scream - "The Rip":

'Ah, young love'

2011-11-01T08:55:00.002-05:00

MTV has a sneak peek for this Thursday's episode of Beavis and Butthead, where the duo appears to be courting a woman. Judging by Beavis's "boi-oi-oing," I'm not sure that what they want with her hand is marriage. He also said, "She's got two of 'em," when Anderson told them only one of them could win her over. I'm intrigued, but still not so sure what episode 2 is about. Either way, I've been excited since episode 1 ended. This should be good. Tune in at 9 p.m. central time Thursday to MTV and watch the sneak peek here:

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, Full Episodes

Beavis and Butthead: Season 9, Episode 1 review/stream

2011-10-28T10:41:00.011-05:00

Screen shot of Werewolves of Highland

Last night was the first time in 14 years Beavis and Butthead returned to MTV with a new episode. I'm not one of those people who walk around talking about how they feel "old" every time I cop out of something and need a quick scape goat. I really believe in living in the moment, existing on the out breath and all that, but I realized my entire lifetime (and then some) passed since it went off air in 1997. My parents weren't the type of parents that didn't care what you watched. They weren't crazy about not letting me watch shows like Beavis and Butthead, but they didn't like me watching it because I would obsessively imitate the characters and do things they did, because I thought they were hilarious. I remember spraying the lit stove with Lysol and dragging a fireball around the kitchen with my brother going, "FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!" But everyone knows shows and video games don't influence behavior. We really just thought fire was cool. And nachos and chicks. ANYWHO, the characters were staples and foundations for a lot of things I found funny and still do. They played an integral role in the development of my sense of humor and even personality. Some of my best friends to this day loved the show just as much and had the same bond with it. Another huge thing for me was that the show also introduced me to alternative music. Since I was in third/fourth grade, I was obsessed with B96, a Chicago station that used to (and I think still does) play hip-hop, R&B, rap, etc. But Beavis and Butthead introduced me to bands like Tool, MC 900 Ft. Jesus, Hole, GWAR, grunge, punk and countless other bands and genres I may have never otherwise had an in with.

That being said, the past 14 years have been spent repeatedly renting the Beavis and Butthead VHS tapes (the ones that only had like 6 episodes on each one) from Blockbuster, which turned into owning the Time Life DVDs and playing the shit out of those. That turned into downloading bootleg copies of chronological episodes people used to record onto VHS tapes off their TV, which turned into the Mike Judge Collection DVDs which brings us to now.

The first episode, "Werewolves of Highland," was a spoof on Twilight. You know what, screw this whole review thing. You got 20 minutes? You should just watch the episodes for yourself. Nothing I say can do it justice. And why take my obvious bias? You might think it's a piece of shit. Here's the premier episode of Beavis and Butthead:

Get More:
Beavis and Butt-Head, Full Episodes

And if you missed Beavis and Butthead on Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday, that's here too:

29 hours until BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD ARE BACK

2011-10-26T15:30:00.002-05:00

I've been amped about this since it was announced. Tomorrow, October 27th at 9 p.m. central time, Beavis and Butthead will be back on MTV for the first time in...uh...a lot of years or something. Here's another new clip:

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, Full Episodes

Stream 'Heart Beats Pacific' by Banner Pilot

2011-10-19T12:18:00.003-05:00

The good folks at punknews.org are streaming Banner Pilot's new album, Heart Beats Pacific. It's what's ringing in my ears now. Get it in yours here. Heart Beats Pacific will be available October 25 via Fat Wreck Chords. Order your copy here, and download "Alchemy" while you're there. Stokage.

Henry Rollins appearance at Oak Park Public Library tomorrow

2011-10-17T11:21:00.003-05:00

Punk icon turned writer and photographer Henry Rollins will lead a discussion centered around his book, Occupants, a collection of photographss and writings on the volatile places he’s visited, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Vietnam and other countries. The discussion, followed by a signing, will start at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, at the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, IL. The event is free and open to the public, and is hosted by The Book Table. For more information, call (708) 386-9800 or visit www.oppl.org.

I need to find a camera for this. Who's going?

10 DAYS AND COUNTING UNTIL BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD RETURN

2011-10-17T11:15:00.007-05:00

Remember the episode where Beavis and Butthead prank call Harry Sachs and piss him off? This screen shot is from one of the new clips of Beavis and Butthead where Harry Sachs bursts open the door and kicks their ass. I am so excited they are bringing back the obscure characters. This is a dream come true.

So like, I've been seeing all this Occupy stuff and TV and hearing it on NPR and it got me thinking about how I want to get involved, so Thursday, October 27 at 9 p.m. (Central time), I'm going to occupy my couch and watch the season premier of Beavis and Butthead. They are BACK in 10 days. I've been playing and re-playing the video that's been released and circulated over the Internet in order to fill the void in me created by anticipation (second one down) but I just found MORE VIDEOS, released by MTV, hyping the comeback of BEAVIS AND BUTTHEAD. Check out the new "trailer" below, then ALL THE OTHERS (I totally called the Shake Weight one):

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows, Full Episodes

And if you haven't seen this one already...what are you waiting for?!

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows, Full Episodes

Shake weight promo:

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows, Full Episodes

Jersey 'Sore' promo:

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows, Full Episodes

Gym. Tan. Butthead promo:

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows, Full Episodes

'Epic' promo:

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows, Full Episodes

None More Black to play 7 shows this year

2011-10-12T23:34:00.002-05:00

None More Black announced seven dates as a part of its late October/early November tour. The band will be heading from its home state of New York down to Florida for Fest 10, then play a few shows on its way back up. About a year ago, Fat Wreck released Icons.

Oct 25 - Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY * w/ Polygon
Oct 26 - Fat Tuesday, Fairfax, VA
Oct 27 - Soap Box, Wilmington, VA
Oct 29 - The Fest, Gainesville, FL
Oct 31 - It's a secret.
Nov 1 - The Camel, Richmond, VA
Nov 2 - Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park, NJ

Now if they would just come to Chicago...

AMP streams 'Spanish Reds' by Banner Pilot

2011-10-12T12:12:00.003-05:00

This morning, AMP Magazine posted "Spanish Reds," a new song by Minneapolis' Banner Pilot, off it's upcoming album, Heart Beats Pacific. Check out the track here. The new album will be released October 25 via Fat Wreck Chords. Also, check out "Alchemy," which was posted October 5. Got my re-order on colored wax from Fat Wreck comin' my way.

Squid Pro Quo will be on hiatus due to my laptop being stolen

2011-10-06T08:48:00.004-05:00

Last night, I was pretty stoked to see X at the Bottom Lounge, even though I was going alone. Being tired from work and moving this week, my mom calls me to let me know I have a $100 traffic ticket from August 2 sitting at her house. I asked her when it was due and she said September 2. So that wasn't good, since I'm on probation for getting three speeding tickets in 12 months between this year and some of last year. I'm not sure if this means jail time in IL, a hefty fine, etc.
I get to the Bottom Lounge and stand in line to get into the screening of X: The Unheard Music, which I'm super pumped for, because I've never seen X, or the documentary, and I'm already downtown and been dealt a shitty week, so I'm ready to ignore and repress the shit out of it.
Then X takes the stage and plays Los Angeles in its entirety, then they played another set which included my favorite X song, "We're Desperate."
The show was great, except for the drunk girl who kept trying to hold my hand and dance on me. So I made my way back to my car, which was parked at Ava and Fulton. Then I saw that my rear passenger window was busted out. I noticed my backpack and carry-on bag/briefcase were missing. I looked around and there was nothing of mine in the street or on the sidewalk.
Someone stole my laptop, charger, two external hard drives, my red Night Birds hoodie, the unabridged Bhagavad Gita this Hare Krishna gave me (which I was really getting into), another book and whatever else I had in there (possibly my camera, an SD card, etc). The two external hard drives and the 500-GB one I just installed in my laptop were loaded with 11+ years of collected music/family, vacation, concert, etc. photos/software/movies/videos/other stuff.
The bags were closed, and on the floor in the back seat. I usually put stuff in the trunk, but last night, the thought didn't even cross my mind. The bags weren't open. No other vehicles around me were burglarized. So I did the only thing I could do: file a police report with the Chicago PD. Then I realized my phone was dead.
Fortunately, I have a car charger, but something in the wires are loose, so if it's plugged in and I move it around, the phone will turn off or restart itself. So attempts #1 and 2 were foiled and I was cut off mid-report. On attempt #3, I decided to put it on speakerphone and not touch the damn thing, and that worked. Only the woman on the other line didn't speak or understand English very well, so she kept thinking I was saying "Fullerton" instead of "Fulton," getting my ZIP code wrong, etc. So spelling and reciting everything out and having her say it back to me got annoying. But the report was filed, and they gave me a report number and my drive home was cold and long because I ended up going the wrong way home, which set me back a bit. But at least when I got home, a little kid wasn't waiting for me in the shadows to kick me in the balls and top off my night. Cheap, shitty McDonald's food was dinner around 1 a.m. Then I crawled into bed and fell asleep.
Anywho, enough complaining. I've got my work computer and I wanted to let you know that until I can afford a new computer, I probably won't be doing much writing. I can try to do some from work, but it is difficult, being I can't concentrate or commit to anything for more than a few minutes at any given time. I will do my best to keep up on posts unless something really shitty happens to me for getting a red light ticket while on probation for speeding.

AP streams 'Alchemy' by Banner Pilot

2011-10-05T12:56:00.004-05:00

This morning, Alternative Press posted "Alchemy," a new song by Minneapolis' Banner Pilot, off it's upcoming album, Heart Beats Pacific. Check out the track here. The new album will be released October 25 via Fat Wreck Chords. Download it here.

JuiceheaD releasing 'How To Sail a Sinking Ship' Tuesday, embark on US tour

2011-09-30T09:48:00.008-05:00

Power-punk trio JuiceheaD's new studio album, How To Sail a Sinking Ship, will be released October 4 via Misfits Records. Fans can check out the boisterous new song, “Lorraine,” streaming now at Punknews.org.

JuiceheaD was forged from the ashes of several local punk bands in 2003. The three-piece consists of Rob Vannice (guitar/vocals), Tommy Kloss (bass) and Mike Garelli (drums). Since '03, JuiceheaD has toured across North America (including the Misfits Records’ Fiend Fest tour) with surf-punk pioneers Agent Orange, The Adicts and The Misfits.

The new album was produced by longtime Misfits & Ramones collaborator John Cafiero and recorded at Bennett Studios in New Jersey. Fans or curious readers can listen to a single off How To Sail a Sinking Ship titled, “Rotting From the Inside" (Descendents influence, anyone?).

The new album features guest appearances from celebrated cello player Melora Creager (Nirvana, Rasputina) on the punk-goth ballad, “Black Roses” and The Punk Pipers (consisting of NYC Firefighters), adding a traditional bagpipe flavor to, “When I Fall From Grace.”

The band began its U.S. tour yesterday, and will tour through the end of November.

How to Sail a Sinking Ship track listing:

1. Better Days

2. Rotting From the Inside

3. Death of Democracy

4. Lorraine

5. Deadly Nightshade

6. A Fire That Always Burns

7. No Good Deed

8. Kiss Your Pretty Ass Goodbye

9. Black Roses

10. How To Sail a Sinking Ship

11. American Dream

12. When I Fall From Grace

13. Disenchanted Youth

14. No Regrets

15. Pissing in the Wind

16. Take Your Home

17. Rick James

18. Until We Meet Again

19. Sail On

20. How To Sail a Sinking Ship (reprise)

JuiceheaD Tour Dates:

Sept 29 – Santa Clara, CA – The Avalon

Sept 30 – Ventura, CA – Majestic Ventura Theater

Oct 2 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

Oct 3 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues

Oct 4 – West Hollywood, CA – House of Blues

Oct 5 – Tucson, AZ – The Rialto Theatre

Oct 6 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

Oct 7 – Scottsdale, AZ – The Canyon

Oct 8 – Albuquerque, NM – Historic El Rey Theater

Oct 9 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall

Oct 14 – Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance

Oct 15 – Auburn, ME – Club Texas

Oct 16 – Danvers, MA – The Palace Ballroom

Oct 18 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel

Oct 19 – Murfreesboro, TN – Gilligan’s

Oct 20 – Newport, KY – The Historic Southgate House

Oct 21 – Cleveland, OH – Peabody’s

Oct 22 – Detroit, MI – Harpos

Oct 23 – Joliet, IL – Mojoe’s

Oct 25 – Rochester, NY – Montage Music Hall

Oct 26 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre

Oct 28 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom

Oct 29 – Toledo, OH – The Omni

Oct 31- New York, NY – B.B. Kings

Nov 3 – Towson, MD – Recher Theatre

Nov 4 – Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock

Nov 5 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights

Nov 6 – Springfield, VA – Jaxx

Nov 9 – Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen Music Hall

Nov 10 – Houston, TX – Stereo Live

Nov 11 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Pour House

Nov 12 – San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live

Nov 14 – Dallas, TX – Trees

Nov 17 – Orlando, FL – Firestone Live

Nov 18 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room

Nov 19 – Daytona Beach, FL – Sickboys

Nov 20 – Pensacola, FL – Vinyl Music Hall

Fat Wreck to release big-ass Lagwagon box set

2011-09-23T10:56:00.003-05:00

Fat Wreck Chords announced a massive Lagwagon box set and individual re-issues of it's first five albums today, set to be released on November 22. The re-issues will be remastered with bonus tracks. Details on the Putting Music In Its Place box set can be seen below in a video of Joey Cape (vocals/guitar) talking you through finding all the tracks and assorted bonus material, the remastering process and the band's metal beginnings.

CD Box includes:
1. Duh 2xCD
2. Trashed
3. Hoss
4. Double Plaidinum
5. Let’s Talk About Feelings
6. Live DVD

LP Box includes:
1. Duh 2xLP
2. Trashed 2xLP
3. Hoss 2xLP
4. Double Plaidinum 2xLP
5. Let’s Talk About Feelings 2xLP
6. Angry Days 7”
7. Live DVD
8. 24×36 poster

Mikey Erg unveils 5 seconds of new solo record

2011-09-16T11:32:00.008-05:00

Photo courtesy of the Newport, KY police department

The much-esteemed, highly-regarded and all-around great guy (and official public intoxicant) Mikey Erg! unleashed 5 seconds of a new song titled, "The Art of Stupidity." Check it out here. The song will be released on his upcoming solo album, Fucifier, at some unknown point in time by Bloated Kat Records.

Word on the street is that this is actually the song in its entirety, and it will be released on seven different colors of vinyl with the 5-second "The Art of Stupidity" as the A-side and an etching of his mug shot on the B-side. The song is allegedly Mikey Erg's greatest achievement to date, and the mug shot etching was all my idea, and should come to fruition because it's a good idea.

"It's about the starving children in Nairobi," Erg says.

Catch Mikey Erg! in your town either tomorrow or at any given point in the next 3 weeks and take him through the McDonald's drive-thru. He likes that.

Heather Gabel to exhibit Alkaline Trio artwork

2011-09-15T15:49:00.002-05:00

On October 7, Heather Gabel, who has done artwork for Alkaline Trio throughout the past 15 years, will host a hometown Chicago show called "Black & White & Red All Over," showcasing the work she's done for Chicago's punk trio. It'll take place at Johalla Projects. Gabel will also release a limited edition book, detailing her history with Alkaline Trio at the show. On a personal note, I've been a fan of hers since 2001, the year I first saw Alkaline Trio live, and the year they became my favorite band. I've followed her ever since, and have attended a show of hers in the past. I'm looking forward to this one, especially since Alkaline Trio will be more intertwined with her artwork. I know the turnout for this will be well.

The Fur Coats (Das Kapital, Devon Kay and the Solutions, No Empathy, etc.) releases demo

2011-09-15T10:46:00.004-05:00

The Fur Coats, a new band featuring Marc Ruvolo, Devon Kay and Mark H, posted its demo to its Bandcamp page not too long ago. Check out the four-song demo here. It's an interesting lineup, featuring members from Das Kapital, No Empathy, Devon Kay and the Solutions and other local schmucks.

Night Birds live set, interview on Crust Never Sleeps radio

2011-09-12T10:10:00.004-05:00

Grave Mistake recording artists Night Birds will be interviewed and play a live set tomorrow on Crust Never Sleeps radio from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (central time). So mark your calendar. The show will be broadcast live here. For more information, go here. For a chortle, go here. Son of a bitch looks like John Travolta. Creepy.

'The Other Side of Darkness' by Night Birds

2011-09-06T09:17:00.019-05:00

By Jason Duarte
9/13/2011
Grave Mistake Records
Rating: 4/5

New Jersey's Night Birds will release its first studio full-length titled The Other Side of Darkness on September 13. I've been following Night Birds since the band's early days in 2009 (by obtaining a couple copies of the demo CD-R at Insubordination Fest 2009), and I've been waiting around for a proper full-length release of this band for two years. The 7''s held me over, but finally, The Other Side of Darkness is here.
In keeping with Night Birds tradition, the album opens with a horror theme, "Demon Haunted World." The song, along with most on the album, doesn't even make the two-minute mark, but it's OK. Its flow into "Neon Gray" makes a seamless transition. "Born of Man and Woman" is a song about Jamie Lee Curtis. OK, it's really not. But it's a really catchy song about a hermaphrodite as a sideshow freak, and not fitting in with society.
"Landfill Land" is written by Joe Keller, the Night Birds' bassist. Immediately, the band's Dead Kennedys influence shines through with a song about living in a landfill.
The album slows down briefly at the start of the title track, but only for 30 seconds before the band's back in full swing, churning out fast, upbeat, surfy punk. In keeping with tradition on a couple of its 7''s, the band has an instrumental track titled "Day After Trinity."
"Hoffman Lens" is based off the movie, They Live. The Hoffman Lens were a pair of glasses used in the movie. For example, the main character sees a Coca Cola ad, but through the Hoffman Lens, it says "Believe the Goverment." They glasses are attributed to Albert Hoffman, the creator of LSD and they lenses are supposed to let you see the true meaning behind messages. It's an interesting but hopeless wake-up call to 'the masses,' which are implied to have always been blind to government and businesses' control, and inevitably always will.
I was excited to see two of the band's first four songs re-recorded toward the end of the album. "Can't Get Clean" and "Paranoid Times" play back to back, and it's nice to hear the re-vamped, but still familiar tunes. The album closes with "Oblivious," a song about wanting to be oblivious to the end of the world. It's also the longest track on the album with a playing time of 2:51. I recommend this for anyone who's a fan of the band members' previous bands: The Ergs!, Hunchback, Psyched To Die as well as fans of the Dead Kennedys, The Misfits and early punk and hardcore.

The Other Side of Darkness track listing:
1. Demon Haunted World
2. Neon Gray
3. Born of Man and Woman
4. Landfill Land
5. One Eye
6. The Other Side of Darkness
7. Day After Trinity
8. Hoffman Lens
9. Sex Tape
10. Failed Species
11. Can't Get Clean
12. Paranoid Times
13. Oblivious

Underground Railroad To Candyland to tour with Screaming Females

2011-09-02T09:35:00.005-05:00

Photo submitted by Southern Lovin'

California’s catchy, kooky, jangly, indie rock, garage party icons Underground Railroad to Candyland will be embarking on a lengthy U.S. tour to support their sophomore album Knows Your Sins, released this past April on LP/CD via Recess Records.

A majority of the tour dates will be with their good friends, Screaming Females and will end at THE FEST 10 in Gainesville, FL.

Read below for a complete listing of tour dates.

URTC made several videos for the songs from Knows Your Sins:

“We are Not The World”

“Animals Run”

“Stop Cyring Kid”

“2010”

“That I Dunno” “Wicked Shakes” LIVE

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TO CANDYLAND TOUR DATES:

· 9/25 – San Pedro, CA @ Ports O’ Call Village

· 10/06 – Washington, DC @ Black Cat

*w/Screaming Females

· 10/07 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Barbary*

· 10/08 – New York, NY @ The Bowery Ballroom*

· 10/09 – New Haven, CT @ Lilly’s Pad (Toad’s Place)*

· 10/10 – Coram, NY @ O’Briens Ale House*

· 10/11 – Portland, ME @ SPACE Gallery*

· 10/12 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs*

· 10/13 – Easthampton, MA @ Flywheel*

· 10/14 – Buffalo, NY @ Mowhawk Place*

· 10/16 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern*

· 10/17 – Detroit, MI @ Small’s*

· 10/18 – Grand Rapids, MI @ The Division Ave. Arts*

· 10/19 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern*

· 10/20 – Milwaukee, WI @ Linneman’s Riverwest Inn*

· 10/21 – Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock*

· 10/22 – Fargo, ND @ The Aquarium*

· 10/23 – Iowa City, IA @ Blue Moose Tap House*

· 10/24 – Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop*

· 10/25 – Carbondale, IL @ The Hangar 9*

· 10/26 – Nashville, TN@ The End*

· 10/27 – Chattanooga, TN @ JJ’s Bohemia*

· 10/30- Gainesville, Fl @ THE FEST 10

See the Knows Your Sins review.

Stream 'Trips' by Samiam

2011-09-01T12:44:00.002-05:00

I've never had the chance to see Samiam. They're one of those bands that I got into way too late in life, but I'm excited they have a new album coming out and they're hitting Reggie's in Chicago next weekend. I've had my ticket for some time now, and I'm overwhelmed with excitement to see this band live.
Even more exciting is the news of a new album, Trips. What's more exciting than that is you can listen to the whole thing right here, courtesy of Alternative Press, Samiam and Hopeless Records.
I gotta say, two songs in and I'm sold.

NPR.org posts full concert by Circle Takes The Square

2011-09-01T12:36:00.002-05:00

Despite Hurricane Irene’s torrential downpour and horrendous winds, fans packed the sold-out Black Cat venue in Washington, DC on August 27 to see experimental indie-hardcore band Circle Takes The Square perform for the first time together in three years…and NPR.org was there to record the entire set.

Listen to Circle Takes The Square’s complete set here.

“The thing that struck me, though, in all the twisting time signatures, start-stop dynamics, overlapping screams and metallic chaos, was how 'now' it all still sounded,” said NPR reporter Lars Gotrich. “In a carefully considered set list culled from the band's small yet strong discography, this was the embodiment of impassioned renewal.”

Circle Takes The Square’s energized passion can be felt wholeheartedly on their new EP, Rites of Initiation, which is available now for stream and purchase here.

Rites of Initiation is the first of three chapters that will be featured on the band’s long-awaited new album Decompositions: Volume 1, which is due out in November.

Banner Pilot releases track listing, artwork for upcoming album, 'Heart Beats Pacific'

2011-08-19T11:41:00.007-05:00

Minneapolis punk rockers Banner Pilot is set to release its third full-length, Heart Beats Pacific, via Fat Wreck Chords October 25. It'll be available on both CD and LP.

Track Listing:
1. Alchemy
2. Forty Degrees
3. Red Line
4. Spanish Reds
5. Eraser
6. Expat
7. Isolani
8. Calling Station
9. Western Terminal
10. Intervention
11. Division Street

Blink-182 release artwork, announce track listing for 'Neighborhoods'

2011-08-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

OK, the artwork's been out for a little while now, but yesterday, the track listing to Blink-182's upcoming album, Neighborhoods was released. Fans can pre-order the album on vinyl, CD and deluxe CD, the latter of which includes three bonus tracks: "Kaleidoscope," "Fighting the Gravity" and "Heart's All Gone." Not sure about the pressing info. or vinyl color(s) for all you fellow collector nerds out there. I've heard "Up All Night," which I wasn't impressed with at all, but "Heart's All Gone" sounded like old-school Blink, and I've come to the conclusion that if this album is going to have any redeeming qualities, it will be because of Mark Hoppus. Listen to "Up All Night" here.

Track Listing:
Ghost on the Dance Floor
A La Mode
This Is Home
Snake Charmer
MH 4.18.2011
Even If She Falls
You Too
Up All Night
After Midnight
Natives
Deluxe CD Bonus Tracks:
Kaleidoscope
Fighting the Gravity
Heart's All Gone

New Green Day songs leaked on YouTube, plus lyrics/live audio to new song, 'Amy'

2011-08-17T15:51:00.003-05:00

So Green Day played a secret show Thursday, August 11 at the Tiki Bar in Oakland, CA. From what I hear, there was a no camera, no phone policy, but someone broke that rule and recorded a few brand new Green Day tunes. The quality is kind of shitty, but I'm assuming that's because whoever was recording was trying to be sneaky.

This first one is called "Amy," and while the band never said it was about Amy Winehouse, I could see how the lyrics and title could imply it being about the late musician.

"Amy"

Lyrics:
"Is your heart singing out of tune
Are your eyes just singing the blues
Dirty records from another time
Some blood stains on your shoes
No one really knows about your soul
And I barely even know your name
Burning rhythms and posting lies
For a bunch of fools drown in shame
Amy don’t you go
I want you around
Singin’ woah please don’t go
Do you wanna be a friend of mine?
Did you tattoo a lucky charm
To keep you out of harms way?
Warding off all evil signs
But it never really kept you safe
You’re too young for the golden age
Cause the record bin’s been replaced
27 gone without a trace
And you walked away from your drink
Is your heart singing out of tune
Are you eyes just singing the blues?
Dirty records from another time
Some blood stains on your shoes
May I have this last dance
By chance if we should meet?
Can you write me a lullaby?
So we can sing you to sleep"

Here are two other new (live) Green Day songs, and an Ozzy Osbourne cover.

"Last Gang In Town"

"Sweet 16"

"Goodbye To Romance" (Ozzy Osbourne)

The set list from that night is as follows:

Set List:
1. Nuclear Family (played rwice)
2. Stay The Night
3. Too Young To Die
4. Oh Love
5. Carpe Diem
6. Crushing Bastards
7. Little Boy Named Train
8. Trouble Maker
9. Sweet 16
10. Wow, That’s Loud
11. 8th Avenue Serenade
12. Ashley
13. Gabriella
14. Wild One
15. It’s Fuck Time (Foxboro Hot Tubs)
16. Stray Heart
17. Last Gang In Town (New song, not a Clash cover)

Encore
18. Amy
19. Goodbye to Romance (Ozzy Osbourne cover)
20. Welcome To Paradise
21. Burnout
22. Murder City
23. J.A.R. (Jason Andrew Relva)
24. Only Of You
25. Hitchin’ a Ride
26. St. Jimmy
27. Minority

Dinosaur Jr. releases lost track from 1988

2011-08-17T13:07:00.003-05:00

In late 1988 or early 1989, when Dinosaur Jr. entered the Fort Apache studio to record a Neil Young cover for the The Bridge: A Tribute to Neil Young album, they recorded not one, but two tracks: "Lotta Love," which was used, and "I've Been Waiting For You." The latter was never released, but Lou Barlow recently posted the MP3 on his website.

"I found the cassette of this stuff while home for the holidays...it hasn’t aged well, not the condition of the tape (sounds whooshy and chewed), not the performance of ‘I’ve Been Waiting For You’…it ain’t great, but it’s rare,” Barlow said.

Listen to it here.

Circle Takes The Square to release 'Decompositions: Volume I' in November

2011-08-17T11:12:00.005-05:00

Photo courtesy of Secret Service Publicity

In April, we posted an entry on Circle Takes The Square when the band was in the studio recording its new album, Decompositions: Volume I.

Seven years after the release of its debut, As the Roots Undo, experimental cult rock band Circle Takes the Square has announced plans to release its second full-length album, Decompositions: Volume I, in November via their own Gatepost Recordings.

Recorded/mixed/mastered by Anthony Stubelek at Rockstudio in Brunswick, GA, Decompositions: Volume I is a collection of songs, comprised of three central musical narratives. Each composition maintains its own identity and story arc, while also playing an integral role in the overarching plot line that will unfold throughout the Decomposition series. Given the self-contained nature of each individual passage, CTTS will be unleashing the complete first chapter from Decompositions: Volume I, titled "Rites of Initiation" as a digital EP on August 23 here in advance of the full album’s release in November.

"Rites of Initiation" finds CTTS breaking into new territories, from the crushingly primitive to the technically transcendent, from stripped down metallic riffs to harmony embellished, eerie folk passages, all within a framework consistent with their trademark discordant and experimental approach to high-speed, outside-the-box punk/hardcore.

“We have spent vast amounts of time exploring every fractal peak and recursive valley in the landscape that these songs describe, and we are eager to provide our listeners with the opportunity to glimpse a portion of this realm, and to immerse themselves in the labyrinth of startling curves and staggering depths that we've been lost within for so long,” said co-vocalist/guitarist Drew Speziale.

“Rites of Initiation documents the ill-lit, inward-leading, forever-winding pathways that eventually take hold, on a search for the authentic in an increasingly artificial world. When the boundaries between thinking and knowing, dreaming and waking, living and dying all begin to blur, a terrifyingly primal vision begins to bleed through the fragile veil of consensus perception. To surrender to it, embracing the other side is our 'rite of passage.' We've crafted these songs in an attempt to sing that transition into being.”

"Rites of Initiation" is CTTS’ first recorded music since their debut album, As the Roots Undo, which was released in 2004, and gives fans a peak at what’s to come on the long awaited follow-up Decompositions: Volume I.

Stay tuned here for news and information regarding CTTS’ forthcoming, cryptic new album, Decompositions: Volume I.

Rites of Initiation Track Listing:

I. Enter By The Narrow Gates
II. Spirit Narrative
III. Way of Ever-Branching Paths
IV. The Ancestral Other Side

Happy 37th anniversary to The Ramones for playing its first show at CBGB

2011-08-16T09:37:00.004-05:00

On this day in 1974, The Ramones played its first show at CBGB in Manhattan, NY. I've never seen The Ramones, but I have been to CBGB in 2005, before it closed its doors for good. It was sad to see it go even having never experienced what it was in its heyday. The Ramones will always be one of my favorite bands and one of the very few I will never see play live. Thirty-seven years ago today, The Ramones played this song for the first time at CBGB, and we're lucky that someone was in the audience filming. It's hard to believe "Judy Is a Punk" is that old of a song, but this is the first time of many The Ramones played it at CBGB:

Wolves Like Us to release 'Late Love' September 13

2011-08-15T16:11:00.005-05:00

Oslo, Norway’s Wolves Like Us’ debut album, Late Love, is coming out on September 13.

Featuring former members of Norwegian acts Amulet, JR Ewing, Infidels Forever and Silver, Wolves Like Us exploded onto the European rock scene with its debut album. The band combines elements of rock, punk, hardcore and metal into a flurry of intense sound while maintaining infectious rhythmic grooves and memorable choruses. The album features 10 tracks like “Deathless,” “Sin After Sin,” “My Enemy” (Afghan Whigs cover) and “Burns Like a Paper Rose,” which is streaming today on Noisecreep.com.

Check 'em out on Facebook and MySpace.

Bridge & Tunnel touring Australia, unleash new track

2011-08-12T14:54:00.004-05:00

Photo courtesy of Southern Lovin'

Bridge & Tunnel recently announced the dates for its first Australian tour (see below). To help promote the tour, the band allowed Australian punk site Bombshellzine to leak a track from their upcoming sophomore album titled Rebuilding Year.

Click here to listen to “Synchronized Swimming.”

Rebuilding Year was recorded and produced by J. Robbins (Against Me!, Small Brown Bike, Jawbreaker) and will be released on 9/20/11 via No Idea Records on LP/CD.

The album follows their 2010 10'' EP, Indoor Voices and their 2008 debut album, East/West.

Bridge & Tunnel will also be performing at THE FEST 10 this year. Expect extensive touring following the release of Rebuilding Year.

BRIDGE & TUNNEL - Australian Tour Sept. 2011:

with PAPER ARMS

9/9 - Brisbane @ SUN DISTORTION

9/10 - Brisbane @ THE ORIENT

9/11 - Sydney @ THE SANDO HOTEL

9/14 - Perth @ THE CIVIC DEN

9/15 - Adeline @ CROWN & ANCHOR

9/17 - Melbourne @ EAST BRUNSWICK CLUB - "Poison City Weekender Fest"

Alkaline Trio cover "Movin' Right Along" for Muppets movie

2011-08-11T12:05:00.007-05:00

So allegedly, there's an Alkaline Trio tribute album in the works, but the band's been busy recording its own tribute - for the upcoming Muppets movie. The song, originally sung by Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear, now features Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano trading off vocals, and will be featured on The Green Album, set to be released August 23.

Track Listing:
1. OK GO - "Muppet Show Theme"
2. Weezer and Hayley Williams – "Rainbow Connection"
3. The Fray – "Mahna Mahna"
4. Alkaline Trio - "Moving Right Along"
5. My Morning Jacket – "Our World"
6. Amy Lee – "Halfway Down the Stairs"
7. Sondre Lerche – "Mr. Bassman"
8. The Airborne Toxic Event – "Wishing Song"
9. Atreyu's Brandon Saller and Good Charlotte's Billy Martin – "Night Life"
10. Andrew Bird – "Bein’ Green"
11. Matt Nathanson – "I Hope That Something Better Comes Along"
12. Rachael Yamagata – "I’m Going to Go Back There Someday"

MTV sets October 27 for Beavis and Butthead premiere

2011-08-11T11:15:00.003-05:00

On July 21, MTV released a clip of some new Beavis and Butthead material. I admit it gave me a stiffy and since then, I've been scouring the Internet with probably like...uh...a hundred other people looking for an official premiere date. October 27th at 9 p.m. (central time) is when you should turn on MTV. I never thought I'd encourage anyone to turn on MTV, but it's gonna be cool (I said "butt"). Till then, it's like...you gotta take care of your own Woody Woodpecker. Here's what I'm going to be doing the night of October 27th:

Go to 7-11. Get the big burrito. Get a Big Gulp. Get some nachos. Get some beer. Go find a TV. Watch Beavis and Butthead and fill the 14-year void that's been in my chest since it left the air. This is gonna be cool.

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows

Rival Sons make TV debut and announce tour with Evanescence

2011-08-11T09:05:00.002-05:00

L.A.’s rock revivalists Rival Sons made their explosive television debut on Lopez Tonight Tuesday night where they electrified the audience with a raucous rendition of their new single/title track, “Pressure and Time,” and an incendiary performance of “Burn Down Los Angeles” from their new album, leading host George Lopez to exclaim “that’s how you rock ‘n’ roll, like that!”

Rival Sons announced plans to tour the U.S. this fall with Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum rock act Evanescence and The Pretty Reckless. The tour will begin October 11 in Oakland and culminate on November 1 in New York.

Rival Sons' continued success can be directly attributed to their music. Their blues-influenced rock riffs and singer Jay Buchanan’s impeccable vocal range harness the true power of pure rock ‘n’ roll that’s rarely found in music today. Word of mouth has spread from Los Angeles to London and beyond.

Rival Sons Tour Dates (w/Evanescence & The Pretty Reckless):

Oct 10 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre

Oct 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Palladium

Oct 14 – Phoenix, AZ – Comerica Theatre

Oct 18 – San Antonio, TX – Sunken Gardens

Oct 19 – Dallas, TX – Palladium

Oct 21 – Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Ballroom

Oct 22 – Chicago, IL – Congress Theatre

Oct 24 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

Oct 25 – Toronto, ON – The Sound Academy

Oct 27 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis

Oct 28 – Worcester, MA – Palladium

Oct 30 – Atlantic City, NJ – House of Blues

Nov 1 – New York, NY – Terminal 5

For More Information:
www.rivalsons.com

www.myspace.com/rivalsons

www.facebook.com/rivalsons

www.twitter.com/rivalsons

Insubordination Fest 2011

2011-08-08T08:49:00.007-05:00

Wednesday, August 10th is the Insub '11 pre-show, hosted by Pat Termite of the Beatnik Termites. Sponsors for this year's fest are National Bohemian, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Insubordination Records, Interpunk, Knock Knock Records and Nuthin' Zine.

Insub 2011 Pre-Game:

Motorettes

Mallstars

Degenerettes

Flamingo Nosebleed

Braceface

Singleton

Lexington Arrows

Mandroids

Event Info:

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Doors 5 p.m.

Tickets: http://www.missiontix.com

The Sidebar Tavern

218 E. Lexington St.
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410) 659-4130

Insub Fest Pre-Show Party:

Connie Dungs 12-12:30 a.m.
Young Hasslehoffs 11:10-11:40 p.m.
Max Levine 10:20-10:50 p.m.
Direct Hit 9:40-10 p.m.
Dead Mechanical 9-9:20 p.m.
Army Coach 8:20-8:40 p.m.
Barecat 7:40-8 p.m.
Shutouts 7-7:20 p.m.
Doors 6-7 p.m.

Event Info:

Thursday, August 11th, 2010

6 PM

$13

Tickets: http://www.missiontix.com

The Ottobar

2549 North Howard Street
Baltimore, MD 21218-4506
(410) 662-0069

Insubordination Fest Day 1:

Danny Vapid and the Cheats 12:20 a.m.

Mikey Erg 11:15-12 a.m.
Kurt Baker 10:20-10:55 p.m.
Dopamines 9:30-10 p.m.
Jetty Boys 8:40-9:10 p.m.
Mixtapes 8-8:20 p.m.
Be My Doppleganger 7:20-7:40 p.m.
Firecrackers 6:40-7:00 p.m.
Marshmallows 6-6:20 p.m.
Doors 5 p.m.

Event Info:

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Doors at 5 p.m.

Cost: $27.50

Tickets: www.missiontix.com

The Ottobar

2549 N. Howard Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21218

Insubordination Fest Day 2:

Chixdiggit 12:40-1:30 a.m.
Copyrights 11:40-12:20 a.m.
Kepi 10:40-11:20 p.m.
Dear Landlord 9:50-10:20 p.m.
Beatnik Termites 9-9:30 p.m.
Emily's Army 8:10-8:40 p.m.
Potatomen 7:20-7:50 p.m.
House Boat 6:40-7 p.m.
Iron Chic 6-6:20 p.m.
Fatal Flaw 5:20-5:40 p.m.
New Creases 4:40-5 p.m.
Murderburgers 4-4:20 p.m.
Karmellas Game 3:20-3:40 p.m.
Sun Puddles 2:40-3 p.m.
Quarantines 2-2:20 p.m.
Doors 1 p.m.

Event Info:

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Doors at 1 p.m.

Cost: $38.50

Tickets: www.missiontix.com

The Ottobar

2549 N. Howard Street

Baltimore, Maryland 21218

(410) 662-0069

'The Thorns of Life' by House Boat

2011-08-05T13:44:00.007-05:00

By Jason Duarte
Traffic Street Records
8/13/2011
Rating: 4/5 (you guys didn't get a 5 because there is only one Ace song. Bitches.)

House Boat is definitely the best "Hey,-there's-these-leftover-Steinways-tunes,-what-should-we-do-with-them" band of the decade. This band scooped up not only pre-existing, disgruntled-by-their-demise Steinways fans, but Ergs! fans, Off With Their Heads fans and a couple of Rivethead fans. These tricky bastards covered the east coast AND the Midwest fanbase just by being like, "Hey, we're a band. No, a supergroup."
So they had success and (HIV-)positive feedback with their first album, The Delaware Octopus. Upon announcing a second album, fans all over the world (or at least the east coast and Midwestern USA) thought, "Shit, album number two. This is where they're gonna sell out. I bet it's gonna sound a lot like 'Load' by Metallica. I bet Mikey Erg's gonna get contact lenses. I bet Grath's gonna start auto-tuning his vocals. I bet they're gonna sign to Fat Wreck and they're gonna put people like Sam North and Adam Ali on the street. We'd better sell all our House Boat shit before it comes out so it looks like we never were a part of this band's fanbase."
BUT THEY WERE WRONG! They really were. Mikey still owns his glasses and I don't think Grath's vocals are that auto-tuned.
As over-produced and with as many synthesizers and lasers as The Thorns of Life has, it's a great record, with one exception: there's one fucking Ace song (remember that foreshadowing under the album art? You knew this criticism was coming, House Boat). I was told that it was going to be less of a Steinways band and more of a House Boat band, so I expected more Ace and Mikey Erg lead vocals. They do some great backups though. Guess I'll just have to wait for Ace's solo album, so I can have something to mack on my girlfriend with. Whatever. Hurry up.
In all seriousness, AIDS. No, this is a great pop punk record. It's everything that's a step up from The Delaware Octopus but with the same amount of power chords. That's hard to do, right? Best song: "Now We Are 31." Dude, this shit even ends with a fucking acoustic ballad by Grath called, "Bug Out." It's a good, hopefully-optimistic song about missing a girl and waiting around for her. I imagine him playing it at shows and everyone puts their arms around each other and sways around and sings along. About 3/5 into the song, drums come in and there's some electric guitar feedback beefing up Grath's ballad. It's just feedback though, it doesn't go, "DUNNNNNNN" at any point, like you expect it to. Whatever. Get this album cause it's fun and good and stuff and I'm not gonna talk about any of the songs other than the ballad. I'm not gonna mention the album art and it's similarity to Screeching Weasel's Television City Dream cover or the fact that the album title is the name of a defunct band fronted by Jawbreaker singer, Blake Schwarzenbach.

The Vindictives offer pay what you want for entire discography

2011-08-05T10:10:00.008-05:00

Chicago snotty punk legends The Vindictives launched a website in which fans (or those new to the band) can pay what they want to download the band's discography or any part(s) of it. The website features The Many Moods of The Vindictives (the band's collection album), Partytime For Assholes (the band's covers album), Leave Home (the band's Ramones cover album), Hypno-Punko™, Original Masters (1990-1992) (featuring Ben Weasel on guitar and backup vocals), Curious Oddities and Bare Essentials, Muzak For Robots and Unplugged. Check it out here and have yourself a party. With a bunch of assholes.

Listen to the last two Riverdales songs ever

2011-08-04T12:38:00.003-05:00

Ben Weasel posted two unreleased Riverdales tracks from the Tarantula sessions. The tracks, "When In Rome" and "Dead End House," will be released as singles by Ben if Facebook users "like" each one 250 times. The count is at more than 150 "likes" for each song. There's a site I found that converts YouTube videos to MP3s. The Riverdales are broken up, after Ben Weasel's band left him after his violent onstage meltdown at SXSW earlier this year.

Alkaline Trio/Smoking Popes/River City Extension at Metro, Chicago 8/2/2011

2011-08-03T09:14:00.011-05:00

All photos by Jason Duarte for Squid Pro Quo

Last night was the second of a two-night Metro stint Alkaline Trio played with the Smoking Popes with River City Extension. I walked in before the Smoking Popes took the set. The day was really hot. Paul McCartney's voice didn't fill Clark Street. The Metro was sticky. Just standing there encouraged sweating and discomfort. It was all worth it. So here's the beef.

Smoking Popes Set List:
Before I'm Gone
Rubella
Waiting Around
If You Don't Care
No More Smiles
Gotta Know Right Now
How Dangerous
Let's Hear It For Love
Writing a Letter
Megan
Brand New Hairstyle
I Know You Love Me
Not That Kind of Girlfriend

Alkaline Trio Set List:
Armageddon
In Vein
Private Eye
Snake Oil Tanker
Blue Carolina
Cooking Wine
Hating Every Minute
Old School Reasons
All On Black
I Lied My Face Off
Trouble Breathing
Calling All Skeletons
San Francisco
This Could Be Love
I Remember a Rooftop [Dan acoustic]
Clavicle [Matt acoustic, full band]
You've Got So Far To Go [Dan acoustic]
Blue In the Face [Matt acoustic]
Olde English [Matt acoustic, full band]
I Held Her In My Arms [Violent Femmes cover/with the Smoking Popes]
Encore:
Crawl
97

Blink-182 releases first piece of album artwork for 'Neighborhoods'

2011-08-02T10:11:00.003-05:00

Apparently, Blink-182 is releasing its album artwork piece by piece, to tease its fans. It's pretty easy to figure out that there are going to be rooftops that spell "Blink 182" and I'm willing to bet somewhere on the cover, it'll say Neighborhoods. SURPRISE! I'm actually hoping the rest of the album reveals this:

Alkaline Trio/Smoking Popes/River City Extension at Metro, Chicago 8/1/2011

2011-08-02T09:15:00.023-05:00

Let me just start out by saying that this show last night was awesome, though it was the biggest pain in the ass to get to and here's why: Paul McCartney. Right across the street, Sir Paul was playing Wrigley Field, and traffic and parking were both nightmares. Even though we walked two miles each way to avoid parking fees, it was worth it. We walked in just as the Popes played through a couple songs, and they were great as usual. I love seeing them headline though, because they are so much more into it and relaxed and into doing their own jamming. A year or so ago, I saw them at some old church-turned-venue in Naperville and Josh did a sweet acoustic solo rendition of Duvall's "Racine."
Anyway, the Smoking Popes were great as always; Neil Hennessy's stellar drum performance, Matt Caterer's choice of T-shirts, Eli Caterer's sweet lead guitar noodling and Josh's voice, always on target. Check out some photos Amy Meyer contributed to Squid Pro Quo. Thanks, Amy!

All photos by Amy Meyer for Squid Pro Quo

Alkaline Trio came on and played about a 90 minute set, half of what Paul McCartney was playing across the street (I heard that guy went for three hours straight. Stamina!).
Matt Skiba came out sporting a Cubs hat, which looked brand new. A little bit into their set, some random kid wandered up on stage with a Sox hat, and Skiba took off his Cubs hat, put the Sox hat on (to which the audience roared with applause), then when the kid was about to get escorted off stage, he took the Sox hat off and put his Cubs hat back on. More applause. It was a mixed audience and somehow, that kid managed to find his way back on stage a couple more times, and he stage-dove off before security could escort him. Skiba told him, "You've got balls, kid." He couldn't have been older than 9. So Alkaline Trio just released Damnesia, and so part of their set was broken up and stripped down to fit the Damnesia thing, so this is how it went:

Alkaline Trio Set List:
Cringe
In Vein
Private Eye
Nose Over Tail
Goodbye Forever
Another Innocent Girl
Old School Reasons
Mr. Chainsaw
Maybe I'll Catch Fire
Blue Carolina
Mercy Me
San Francisco
This Could Be Love
[Damnesia banter]
If You Had a Bad Time [Dan solo acoustic]
Clavicle [Matt Skiba acoustic with Dan's electric bass and Derek on drums]
You've Got So Far To Go [Dan acoustic]
Blue In the Face [Matt acoustic]
Olde English 800 [Skiba said he wrote this jingle 13 years ago]
I Held Her In My Arms [Violent Femmes cover/Hennessy on drums, Skiba on vocals, Eli on lead guitar, Dan on bass, Matt and Josh on backup vocals, Derek on acoustic guitar]
[Encore]
My Friend Peter
Crawl
97

All photos by Amy Meyer for Squid Pro Quo

Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine) and Tim McIlrath (Rise Against) embark on 'The Justice Tour' to benefit The Nation Institute

2011-08-01T12:56:00.005-05:00

Tom Morello and Tim McIlrath of Rise Against have joined forces for The Justice Tour. The tour will bring them to Madison, WI, Cleveland, OH and Flint, MI this September with all profits benefiting The Nation Institute. This month, Morello released the EP, Union Town, with all profits benefiting the America Votes Labor Unity Fund via SaveWorkers.org. The release consists of pro-union songs and was inspired by Morello’s performance in Madison, WI in February of this year in protest to an anti-union bill put forward by Governor Scott Walker. Tom Morello stated, "This year’s Justice Tour aims to support independent media which is battling the mountain of disinformation and propaganda foisted on the public by right wing media barons. We will also return to the union battlegrounds of the Midwest to help steel the backbone of workers under siege." Tim McIlrath added, “Playing with Tom on the steps of the Capitol building in Madison last February was an inspiring experience. I can’t wait to join him again for such an important cause. Media has become a battleground, and we're out to even the odds.”

Tom Morello is the Grammy-winning guitarist and founding member of Rage Against the Machine whose third solo album, World Wide Rebel Songs will be released on August 30^th. It is the 14^th studio album of Tom Morello’s influential career. With Serj Tankian of System of a Down, Morello formed Axis of Justice, an organization whose purpose is to bring together musicians, music fans, and grassroots political organizations to fight for social justice.

Tim McIlrath is the lead singer of Rise Against, a band that has recorded together for 12 years. McIlrath and Rise Against are well known for lending their voice to causes as well as their close relationship to their fans. Past songs with a bent toward social activism have included "Ready to Fall" in support of PETA, "Hero of War", written in response to the military action in Iraq and most recently “Make It Stop (September’s Children)” in connection with the It Gets Better Project. In 2011, the band released its 6^th album, Endgame.

A nonprofit media center, The Nation Institute was established to extend the reach of progressive ideas and strengthen the independent press in the United States. It's dynamic range of programs include a bestselling book publishing imprint, Nation Books; an award-winning Investigative Fund, which supports groundbreaking investigative journalism; the widely read and syndicated website TomDispatch; the internship program at The Nation magazine; and Journalism Fellowships that fund up to 15 high-profile, convention challenging reporters every year. Work produced by The Nation Institute has sparked Congressional hearings, new legislation, FBI investigations and the resignation of government officials, has changed the debate and has a regular impact on the most urgent social and political issues of our day. Much more on the Institute's work can be found at www.nationinstitute.org.

The Justice Tour:

September 5^th - Madison, WI The Barrymore Theatre (All Ages)
September 6^th - Cleveland, OH Grog Shop (All Ages)
September 7^th - Flint, MI The Machine Shop (18+)

Andrew Jackson Jihad releasing 'Knife Man' on Asian Man, embarking on full U.S. and Canada tours

2011-07-31T21:29:00.003-05:00

Andrew Jackson Jihad announced the release of its fourth studio album, Knife Man, on September 20 via Asian Man Records. The band just debuted a new track, “Hate, Rain On Me” exclusively at Altpress.com.

At its core, Andrew Jackson Jihad is a band made up of a social worker and a gravedigger. Starting in 2004 and hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, these two men have been making music that attempts to understand and explain human nature. The music focuses on the horrid and beautiful ways that people treat each other, as well as the possibility that one day we will be able to reconcile this.

Typically playing live as a two-person band (Sean Bonnette: guitar, vocals/Ben Gallaty: upright bass, vocals), Andrew Jackson Jihad’s show is a cathartic experience that invites the audience to sing along. With the energy of a punk band, they blaze through song after song, stopping occasionally to interact with the audience. Their lyrics are tragic yet humorous, crass yet intelligent, heartbreaking yet uplifting. One listener has described the music as “sad in the key of happy.”

Their new album, Knife Man, is a record about love, poverty, violence, luck, discrimination, homelessness and Phoenix, Arizona. Recorded by their longtime engineer jalipaz at audioconfusion, Andrew Jackson Jihad formed an Arizona all-star band, borrowing members from ROAR, Doth, French Quarter, Swell… Adios, and Malakai. The Knife Man sessions have yielded Andrew Jackson Jihad’s most cohesive and driving album yet.

Andrew Jackson Jihad has played shows with The Gaslight Anthem, Xiu Xiu, Titus Andronicus, Against Me! and Deer Tick among many others. They are about to embark on a six-week full U.S./full Canada tour as the main support act for Frank Turner.

Knife Man Track Listing:

1. The Michael Jordan of Drunk Driving

2. Gift of the Magi 2: Return of the Magi

3. American Tune

4. Back Pack

5. Distance

6. Fucc the Devil

7. Hate, Rain on me

8. If you have Love in your Heart

9. No One

10. Sad Songs (intermission)

11. Zombie by the Cranberries by Andrew Jackson Jihad

12. People II 2: Still Peoplin’

13. Sorry Bro

14. Skate Park

15. Free Bird

16. Big Bird

Tour Dates:

Sept 20 - Danbury, CT - Heirloom Arts Theater

Sept 21 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

Sept 22 - Millvale, PA - Mr Smalls

Sept 23 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar

Sept 24 - Richmond, VA - Canal Club

Sept 25 - West Colombia, SC - New Brookland Tavern

Sept 27 - Orlando, FL - The Social

Sept 28 - Gainesville, FL - Double Down

Sept 29 - Ft. Laouderdale, FL - Culture Room

Sept 30 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar

Oct 1 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade

Oct 3 - Austin, TX - Emo’s

Oct 4 - Dallas, TX - The Loft

Oct 5 - Oklahoma City, OK - Conservatory

Oct 6 - Kansas City, MO - The Record Bar

Oct 7 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater

Oct 8 - Albuquerque, NM - Launchpad

Oct 10 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room

Oct 11 - Pomona, CA - Glass House

Oct 12 - San Diego, CA - Soma

Oct 13 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theater

Oct 14 - San Francisco, CA - Slim’s

Oct 15 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theater

Oct 16 - Seattle, WA - Neumos

Oct 17 - Vancouver, BC - Biltmore Caberet

Oct 19 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room

Oct 20 - Calgary, AB - Republik

Oct 21 - Regina, SK - The Exchange

Oct 22 - Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Center

Oct 23 - Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock

Oct 25 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall

Oct 26 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge

Oct 27 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick

Oct 28 - Toronto, ON - The Phoenix

Oct 29 - Montreal, QC - Corona

Oct 30 - Ottawa, ON - Maverick’s

Oct 31 - Quebec City, QC - Cercle

Nov 2 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East

Nov 3 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom

Nov 4 - Philadelphia, PA - Theater of Living Arts

For More Information:

http://www.andrewjacksonjihad.com/

http://www.andrewjacksonjihad.tumblr.com

https://www.facebook.com/andrewjacksonjihad

http://twitter.com/ajjtheband

http://www.myspace.com/andrewjacksonjihad

http://www.asianmanrecords.com/

STREAM HOUSE BOAT'S NEW ALBUM, 'THE THORNS OF LIFE'

2011-07-31T20:25:00.002-05:00

So, these guys just came out with a new record on Traffic Street Records. Keep 'em coming, bands in 2011. Holy shit.

Listen to it here.

Buy the CD/LP/shirts, etc here.

Nick 13 of Tiger Army begins U.S. tour August 11

2011-07-31T16:49:00.002-05:00

Southern California country/Americana musician Nick 13 has announced additional dates to his much anticipated U.S. tour. Heartfelt singer-songwriter Audra Mae will tour in support in August and former frontman for The Juliana Theory and thriving Americana artist Brett Detar will support in September and October. Tour dates and ticket info can be found here.

Hitting the road in support of his critically acclaimed, self-titled debut, Nick 13 will entertain packed venues across the country beginning in August with his blissful amalgam of honky-tonk, roots, country western and American music.

Known by many as the frontman for the internationally celebrated dark rock trio Tiger Army, Nick 13 is blazing new trails as a country music artist to the delight of fans and critics alike. In a recent interview with CMT.com, Nick 13 talks about his passion for vintage country and his transition from rock star to country artist.

“It doesn't make sense on the surface to some folks how I could come from that sort of background musically and be as into country as I am, but that's the real connection. It's raw emotion, and it's honest. That's the thing they really share.”

Critics are abuzz with Nick 13’s new solo album, which recently entered Billboard charts at #132, #2 Heatseekers and #22 Country Albums, calling it “a set of stylishly evocative originals” (Philadelphia Inquirer) and “a gorgeous tribute to the best country formulas out of Nashville's golden music era in the 1960s” (Roughstock.com).

Nick 13 Tour Dates:

Aug 11 - Velvet Jones - Santa Barbara, CA

Aug 12 - SLO Brewing - San Luis Obispo, CA

Aug 13 - The Alley - Reno, NV

Aug 15 - Aladdin Theatre - Portland, OR

Aug 16 - Tractor Tavern - Seattle, WA

Aug 18 - Amoeba – San Francisco, CA

Aug 19 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA

Aug 20 - Rio Theatre - Santa Cruz, CA

Sept 12 - The Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AZ

Sept 13 - Launchpad – Albuquerque, NM

Sept 15 - Club Dada – Dallas, TX

Sept 16 - Continental Club – Houston, TX

Sept 17 - Sam’s Burger Joint – San Antonio, TX

Sept 18 - Austin City Limits Music Festival - Austin, TX

Sept 21 - Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC

Sept 22 - Ottobar – Baltimore, MD

Sept 24 - The Bell House – Brooklyn, NY

Sept 26 - Firehouse 13 – Providence, RI

Sept 27 - Mohawks Place – Buffalo, NY

Sept 28 - Grog Shop – Cleveland Heights, OH

Sept 29 - Southgate House – Newport, KY

Sept 30 – TBA – Chicago, IL

Oct 1 - Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI

Oct 2 - 7^th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN

Oct 4 - Knuckleheads Saloon - Kansas City, MO

Oct 5 - Waiting Room – Omaha, NE

Oct 7 - Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO

Oct 8 - State Theatre – Salt Lake City, UT

For More Information:

http://nick13.com/

facebook.com/nick13official

myspace.com/nick13

twitter.com/nick13official

www.sugarhillrecords.com/

Fest 10 announces more confirmed bands, gives away free compilation

2011-07-29T10:24:00.018-05:00

THE FEST 10 recently announced more confirmations on their website for its big 10-year anniversary of their annual multiple-day, multiple-venue party down in Gainesville, Florida.

Added to the massive roster of bands will be onikers, Kyle Kinane, The Emotron, The Forthrights, Scum of the Earth, Worlds, Rivernecks, Alligator, Mouthbreather, John-Micheal Bond, Billy Wallace, Greys (Canada), Pujol, Kite Party, Teenage Softies, Wet Witch, The Fucking Wrath, Arms Aloft, Despite Everything (Greece), the Ex-Boogeymen, Over Stars and Gutters, Unfun (Canada), Liquid Limbs, Nato Cole and the Blue Diamond Band, Sister Kisser, Dig It Up (Canada), Luke Fields, Chicken Little, Charles the Ospery, Nightmares For A Week, Hold Tight, Vena Cava, Timeshares, Rose Cross, Post Teens, Nightlights, Douglas Shields and the X-Factors, Saint Alvia, Die Hoffnung, Chotto Ghetto, Sister Kisser, Evan Rocha, Luther, Party Drag, International Dipshit, Young///Savage, Kevin Seconds, Mauser, Wavelets and Creepiod.

You can read below for a complete list of bands performing including Hot Water Music, Against Me, Less Than Jake, Bouncing Souls, Lifetime, Dillinger Four, Samiam, Youth Brigade and more.

The festival will take place Oct 28,29 and 30 of 2011. Weekend passes are currently SOLD OUT but organizers are trying to find more venues willing to participate so they can open more weekend passes up for sale

FEST 10 also launched a Bandcamp page where anyone can grab a free downloadable comp featuring some of the artists performing. This will be the first of a six-comp series being released over the weeks leading up to the festival. You can go here to download (or just click on the album art):

Even though the FEST is SOLD OUT, organizers have been working with bands and local venues to help organize two PRE-FEST shows to happen on Thursday Oct 27^th.

Bands performing include Cobra Skulls, Nothington, Banner Pilot, Worn in Red, Bridge & Tunnel, Moutherbreather, Spanish Gamble, O Pioneers!!!, Shores, Caves, Pure Graft, Landmines and Fellowship Project. There are also two TBA special guests to be added at a later date.

Head to the FEST 10 website for venue and ticket information.

Bands confirmed so far:

Hot Water Music, Against Me!, Less Than Jake, Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Touring Company, Samiam, Ted Leo + The Pharmacists, Defiance Ohio, Franz Nicolay, Lifetime, Bouncing Souls, Youth Brigade, Dillinger Four, Smoke or Fire, None More Black, Paint it Black, Small Brown Bike, Dead to Me, Teenage Bottlerocket, Toys That Kill, Lemuria, Tim Barry, A Wilhelm Scream, Polar Bear Club, Circle Takes The Square, Off With Their Heads, The Holy Mountain, Cobra Skulls, Magrudergrind, Bomb The Music Industry, No Trigger, P.S. Elliot, Trap Them, Dear Landlord, Underground Railroad to Candyland, The Menzingers, The Copyrights, Broadway Calls, La Dispute, Fake Problems, The Soviettes, Cheap Girls, Ninja Gun, Nothington, Good Luck, Shook Ones, Paul Baribeau , The Arrivals, Banner Pilot, RVIVR, Static Radio, Rehasher, Armalite, Screaming Females, Coliseum, The Swellers, Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves, We Are The Union, Grabass Charlestons, Iron Chic, Mikey Erg, Ampere, Worn in Red, The Measure (sa) [FINAL SHOW], Burning Love (Canada), Tiltwheel, Bridge and Tunnel, Dan Padilla, Blacklist Royals, The Snips (Canada), The Brokedowns, The Bomb, The Catalyst, Algernon Cadwallader, Red City Radio, New Bruises, Shores, Future Virgnis, The Riot Before, Make Do and Mend, We Were Skeletons, Pianos Become Teeth, The Flatliners (Canada), Young Turks, Campaign, OK Pilot (UK), Look Mexico, Dirty Tactics, The Dopamines, The Arteries (UK), Bent Left, SSSSNAKES(UK), How Dare You, Comadre, Grown Ups, Such Gold, Tigers Jaw, Touché Amoré, The Great Explainer, PJ Bond, Carpenter (Canada), Annabel, One Win Choice, Amateur Party, Cynics (UK), Sexy Crimes, Greenland is Melting, Spanish Gamble, Captain We’re Sinking, Senders, O Pioneers!!!, Pure Graft (UK), Caves (UK), Mixtapes, Vultures United, Living With Lions (Canada), Mose Giganticus Mockingbird Wish Me Luck, Whiskey & Co., Protagonist, Dukes of Hillsborough, Max Levine Ensemble, Big Eyes, No Friends, Failure’s Union, 1994!, Landmines, Heartsounds, After the Fall, Cletus, Coffee Project, Savage Brewtality, King Friday, Fellow Project, Gateway District, Worthwhile Way (Japan), Calvinball (UK), Leagues Apart (UK), Glocca Morra (Canada), The Slow Death, The Anchor, Punch, Goddamn Doo Wop Band, Banquets, Old Man Markley, Red Collar, Weak Teeth, Deep Sleep, No More, Reverse the Curse, Assassinate the Scientist, Army of Ponch, Naïve, Capsule, Jeff Rowe, Koji, Go Rydell, Pine Hill Haints, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, Former Thieves, Elway, The Wild, Pygmy Lush, Too Many Daves, Joey Briggs. City of Ships, INxSANE (Slovenia), Spraynard and Vacation Bible School.

THE FEST 10 will host 250+ bands over three days at 11 venues all within walking distance in downtown Gainesville, Fl.

Last year, The FEST 9 had over 5,000 folks in attendance with visitors from 46 states and 14 countries such as Canada, UK, Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

In past years, The FEST has hosted numerous bands such as:

7 Seconds, Able Baker Fox, Against All Authority, Against Me!, Alexisonfire, American Steel, Ampere, Ann Beretta, Armalite, The Arrivals, As Friends Rust, ASG, Assholeparade, Atom and His Package, A Wilhelm Scream, Banner Pilot, Baroness, Bear vs. Shark, Ben Davis, The Blood Brothers, The Bomb, Bomb the Music Industry, Bouncing Souls, The Briefs, Bridge & Tunnel, Broadway Calls, Burning Love, Cheap Girls, Chuck Ragan, Cinemechanica, Circle Takes the Square, Cloak/Dagger, Coalesce, Coliseum, Communique, Das Oath, Dave Dondero, Dead to Me, Dear Landlord, Defiance, Ohio, Dillinger Four, The Draft, Drag The River, Engine Down, The Epoxies, The Ergs, The Eyeliners, Fake Problems, The Falcon, Fifth Hour Hero, The Figs, Finfangfoom, Fleshies, Floor, Frank Turner, The Gaslight Anthem, Ghost Mice, Good Luck, Gospel, Government Warning, Grabass Charlestons, Gunmoll, Hard Skin, Har Mar Superstar, The Holy Mountain, Hot Cross, Hot Water Music, J Church, Joey Cape, Kylesa, Latterman, The Lawrence Arms, Leatherface, Lemuria, Less Than Jake, Look Mexico, The Loved Ones, Lucero, Marked Men, Mastodon, Mates of State, Matt & Kim, Mercury Program, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, The Methadones, Minus the Bear, Municipal Waste, Naked Raygun, None More Black, Off With Their Heads, One-line Drawing, Paint It Black, The Pietasters, Pink Razors, Planes Mistaken For Stars, P.O.S., Polar Bear Club, Pretty Girls Make Graves, Radon, Rehasher, Riverboat Gamblers, Russian Circles, The Sainte Catherines, Savage Brewtality, Seaweed, Sinaloa, Small Brown Bike, Smoke or Fire, SNUFF, The Soviettes, Strike Anywhere, Suicide Machines, The Swellers, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, This Bike is a Pipe Bomb, Thunderbirds Are Now, Tiltwheel, Tim Barry, Tiny Hawks, Torche, Toys That Kill, Transistor Transistor, Twelve Hour Turn, Valient Thorr, VCR, The Velvet Teen, Whiskey & Co., Wow, Owls!, Young Livers and Youth Brigade.

The FEST is put together by the folks who run No Idea Records and Southern Lovin’ PR.

'Domesplitter' by Direct Hit!

2011-07-29T08:49:00.010-05:00

By Kevin Toomey
Kind Of Like Records
8/2/2011
Rating: 4/5

I thought I was going to hate this record. The first song is awful. It opens with some guy bellowing, “FUCK YOU! GET PUMPED!” and it’s just really really cringe-inducing. I could only assume that this was just another Dillinger Four rip-off band, but I was really relieved to be proven wrong. Direct Hit is no D4 wanna-be band; they’re ripping off Blink-182. The riff on “Monster in the Closet” or almost any of the other tracks could be mistaken for a Blink song. I’d even bet that at some point in time, the guitar player in this band owned one of those surf green Tom DeLonge Stratocasters (you know, the one you wanted when you were 14). This is angsty, snotty pop punk music the way it should be. Lyrically, most of the songs are about general boredom and alien invasions and don’t offer anything too insightful, but sometimes that’s a good thing. I still can’t get over the fact that this isn’t some hidden gem from 2002 or 2003 that went unreleased until now. Highly recommended for fans of any/all of the following: Dear Landlord, Home Alone 2: Lost In New York and being 17.
[Domesplitter is comprised from re-worked and re-recorded songs selected from the Direct Hit EPs and available in digital format or available on LP (edition of 500).]

Sneak peek video of comeback episode, Beavis and Butthead returning to MTV in October

2011-07-26T12:22:00.005-05:00

The most influential show of my childhood and adolescent years is coming back (huh huh, I said coming). It's been 14 years since MTV aired a new episode of Beavis and Butthead and this time around, they set their cross hairs on Jersey Shore. Below is a preview of the first episode of their return titled Holy Cornholio, in which Beavis ingests a bunch of pain pills prescribed to him for injuries he sustained in both his hands. As he and Butthead are leaving the hospital, two members of a religious cult spot him "speaking in tongues." They remembered that their master always spoke in tongues and riddles.
"Why do I not use TP for my pee-pee?"
Beavis holds his hands up, and by now, the growing crowd of religious followers see the injuries on his hands, acknowledge it as stigmata, and being to worship Beavis.
They raid wholesale stores of its toilet paper. They steal it from port-o-potties. They steal it from other shoppers' carts. They pile it on a stage with Beavis in the middle commanding everyone to bring him "more TP." The "camera" zooms out and reveals a crowd of hundreds of Cornholio followers, shirts pulled over their heads, and chanting, "I need TP for my bunghole" in unison.
Check it out, and more, for yourself...

Get More: Beavis and Butt-Head, MTV Shows

A specific date for the release has not yet been set, but once it has, I will let you know. Find the nearest Kwik Mart because when it airs, we're going to buy nachos, large sodas and the big burrito. Huh huh huh. This is gonna be cool.

'Independent: Chicago Band Photography' opens July 29th

2011-07-22T11:39:00.003-05:00

Photo submitted by Katie Holland

Independent: Chicago Band Photography is a gallery show in the Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival, taking place in Logan Square July 29th-31st along Milwaukee Ave., between California and Diversey Avenues.

With countless venues, Chicago is a hotbed for local musical acts. Many popular bands got their start in small venues here, playing to eager friends and fans. This gallery will exhibit film and digital photography of local bands and solo acts, from newer to already established; focusing on the punk and indie genres. This includes live photos, band promos, the crowd, candid shots, etc. The aim of this exhibit is to convey the feeling of community and excitement from a live show and bring this into a gallery space.

There will be a trolley running up and down Milwaukee Ave. so you can easily check out all the amazing galleries and bands that will be playing.

Friday, July 29th will be the opening reception for the show from 4 p.m.-11 p.m. at Crown Liquors at Diversey and Milwaukee (bar will be open till 2 a.m.). Come have a drink and browse the photographs of Chicago punk and indie bands.

July 29th-31st at Crown Liquors

2821 North Milwaukee Ave,

Chicago, IL

Friday: 4-11 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Noon-11 p.m.

Artists:
Carlos Canario
Patrick Fraser
Patrick Houdek
Katie Hovland
Diane de Ribaupierre

Curator: Katie Holland

General festival info: http://milwaukeeavenueartsfestival.org

No Idea Records to release 3xLP HOT WATER MUSIC: 'LIVE IN CHICAGO' 9/27/11

2011-07-21T15:01:00.003-05:00

From No Idea Records:

"Rewind to 2008. HOT WATER MUSIC shocks many by resurfacing for a string of reunion shows. Everyone was in a frenzy, shows sold out in record time, airline tickets were purchased and fans were ecstatic. No Idea Records got the crazy idea to record the shows to document the grand reunion. Turns out the results were amazing, so the label created a 7” series. Six volumes in total were made over 2010 and 2011. Each volume was limited to 1,000 copies and sold out immediately leaving many folks empty handed.

Enter the present. No Idea takes the best version of every song they played at The Metro in Chicago on February 1^st & 2^nd, 2008 and compiles them into one collection. The final product boasts a 30-song, 90-minute live journey through the band’s history in your choice of three formats.

Release Date: 9/27/11 via No Idea Records.

Formats:

-3xLP, die-cut, wide-spine jacket with printed inner sleeves.

-2xCD

-Digital (First time available for any of the songs.)

Vinyl color variations will be announced on release date.

There will be no pre-order for this collection!

TRACK LISTING
1. A Flight and a Crash
2. Remedy
3. Wayfarer
4. Trusty Chords
5. Jack of All Trades*
6. Rooftops
7. End of a Gun
8. Better Sense
9. Kill The Night*
10. Instrumental
11. Free Radio Gainesville
12. Giver
13. All Heads Down*
14. Moonpies for Misfits
15. God Deciding*
16. I Was on a Mountain
17. No Division*
18. Just Don't Say You Lost It
19. Old Rules*
20. Swinger
21. Our Own Way
22. Choked and Separated
23. Manual
24. Paper Thin
25. Turnstile*
26. 220 Years
27. The Sense*
28. Alachua
29. Position*
30. Hard To Know

* previously unreleased

'Gotta Get That Feeling/Racing In the Street ('78)' Live 10'' by Bruce Springsteen & the E. Street Band

2011-07-21T11:24:00.009-05:00

By Justin Schwier

Columbia Records

April 16, 2011

Rating: 3/5

The second annual Bruce Springsteen Record Store Day 10'', being a huge fan of the Boss, this was another must-find for me this year. It’s basically a single for the song, “Gotta Get That Feeling” from last year's “The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town” box set/album of outtakes. The A side is a studio recording of this great song, quite indicative of the Darkness-era of the band. It's earnest and triumphant, but with a full horn section, that definitely adds the '70s-era E. Street Band flavor to the song. When you consider the context of the album it was recorded for, it’s understandable that it didn’t make the cut, but it’s a solid outtake (like virtually all of his B sides - see his “Tracks” box set) and I’m excited that it’s been polished up and re-released to the world.

Side B was the reason that I needed to have this: a 1978 live version of “Racing In the Street;” my favorite Bruce Springsteen song. First off, this is a crystal clear-sounding recording and not only is this song quite catchier and more upbeat than the original that appears on “Darkness,” but it has a violin player on it, which oddly enough makes it sound like a more recent version of the song as the E. Street Band usually has a violinist on tour with them these days. I still prefer the original album version, but I love to hear these alternate takes, another thing the “Tracks” set is good for.

Additionally, I must address the fact that the art department at Columbia misprinted the word “Street” on the back cover of the record that’s in huge print letters in the “Racing In the Street (‘78)” song title, which is a pretty impressive screw-up if you ask me. That aside, this is a cool EP. The notes on the back cover also state that the tracks come from the forthcoming single disc version of the “The Promise” DVD with some minor added live footage and other expanded nerd-dom. If you picked up the box set version, you won’t need to get it. Kind of like this 10''; you don’t need it, but if you have one, you enjoy it.

'Napalm Dream' by Tenement

2011-07-15T23:21:00.010-05:00

By Kevin Toomey

Mandible Records

June 30, 2011

Rating: 4/5

Long awaited, possibly overhyped, and hard to get, but finally here. This record has been called record of the year by a few people, and even garnered comparisons to The Ergs! Taking the opinions of the Pop Punk Message Board with a grain of salt, I had to see for myself. After about five listens, I can say that this album is good. Real good. I don’t know that it sounds much like The Ergs! but I can see some similarities in song structure. “City Bus #30” is a good example of this. It starts out kind of wail-y and then really picks up around the 45-second mark. The songs are so earnest, and catchy (another similarity with The Ergs!) that it’s hard not to immediately want to listen to the album again. The only track that drags is “Death in the Family,” and I found my self skipping over this every time it came up just to get to “Schadenfreude.” I don’t really know what else to say about Napalm Dream; it’s just good midwestern pop-punk. Head over to tenement.bandcamp.com to let the album speak for itself.

11/13/2011 UPDATE: Check out a review of Tenement's new 7'', Taking Everything here.

'Broken Heart Attack' by Lipreader

2011-06-28T09:44:00.006-05:00

By Kevin Toomey
Lucky Gator Records
October 26, 2011
Rating: 3/5

In my last review (Noise by Numbers - Over Leavitt), I mentioned the growing influence of the 1990s resurgence and how it could be a bad thing. This time around, I’m getting a '90s vibe that I’m not bummed out by even though I probably should be. Lipreader’s (ex-Das Kapital) Broken Heart Attack 7” out on Lucky Gator Records presents four songs with a sound reminiscent of Jawbreaker or a less political Broadways. I think I like it better because Lipreader doesn’t sound like they’re trying to recreate the signature sounds of their influences, but instead take that sound and make it their own.
The record starts off with a bit of a snoozer, “The Next Train Home,” but it’s over before you get a chance to really give it much thought. The next track, “CHOKE,” brings it back up with a song about the ex-girlfriend that can simultaneously make a guy want be with her as she is “choking out all the life I have left.” Depressing as it sounds, this is a song I kept going back to. The band’s own description of: “Sad songs. Happy guys.” is pretty accurate. The last two songs, “Blankets and Sheets” and “Sleeping In,” are also really good and almost sound like a toned-down Off With Their Heads. All songs are available streaming on the band’s MySpace, two are up for free download at Lucky Gator Records' site and the 7'' is available for $5 here.

Blink-182 unveiling a new song next month; fingers crossed it doesn't suck, but it probably will

2011-06-24T12:07:00.005-05:00

Photo by Getty Images
By Jason Duarte

So Tom DeLonge had this to say:

“We have these songs that are total throwbacks, exactly what people know Blink is. Then we have songs…that are madly different and experimental, (and) songs that are prog-rock blink music, taking a blink song but (adding) stadium rock qualities to it. I really think we have a tremendous, diverse palette. We will have the album that I think is really modern and relevant to where we are in our career.”

Wow. Sound stadium rock much? I admit I do miss the old Blink stuff Dude Ranch and pre-Dude Ranch. Hell, even pre-Take Off Your Pants and Jacket I enjoy. I don't care how many punk points I lose by saying that. However, I'm excited yet skeptical of this new stuff they're coming out with. I remember that S/T album they came out with in 2004, and that was when they died to me. I used to love Blink and go to their shows whenever they came around Chicago back in high school, but then after I graduated high school, they released that shitty record then toured with No Doubt and I haven't seen or listened to anything they've done since. So anyways, if this is a throwback to old Blink, I'd be into it. If it's a continuation of where they left off; they're still dead to me. But I'll still probably go see them for old time's sake when they come to Tinley Park with My Chemical Romance just for the hell of it. The new song is tentatively called "Up All Night" and hopefully it's not a Records, Draft or Unwritten Law cover.

Blink's new song HAS been leaked and you can listen to it right here!

Danzig/Doyle to play Misfits, Samhain sets at Riot Fest 2011

2011-06-24T09:04:00.003-05:00

I didn't think this would ever happen. Riot Fest just announced at 9 a.m. that Glenn Danzig will play a Misfits set with Doyle October 7 at the Congress Theater in Chicago. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. via TicketFly. Apparently, there will also be Danzig and Samhain sets as well. I am so beyond stoked for this. I hope the Misfits play "Horror Hotel." What do you guys want to hear? And who's coming to Chicago for this? I'll keep you posted. Thanks for reading and loyally following Squid. I love you.

Interview with John Polydoros of Vacation Bible School/Vicelords

2011-06-24T08:47:00.005-05:00

Photo by Patrick Houdek
By Chris Carlton

Squid Pro Quo: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, John. Can you give us a little history on Vacation Bible School?

John Polydoros: "Hey, thanks for taking the time to want to talk to us. We've been a band since late '97 or early '98. It's been so damn long, we really can't remember which it is. We formed in the northeastern 'burbs outside of Chicago, and spent the first several years writing pretty immature and terrible songs, while trying desperately to play the Fireside Bowl, which was the best venue on the planet. It smelled like beer, and faintly of urine, or the other way around; truly, truly awesome. We've spent the last several years kicking around the Midwest, with an occasional jaunt out west or down south. We've recorded three full-length records, and three 7-inch splits in the roughly 13 years or so that we've been a band. We are extremely lazy, but I think we're looking to turn that around. We recently discovered that people in other places like our band, and now that the shock of that has worn off, we're gonna get off our asses and try and hit the road to play for some of these people."

SPQ: Your split with the God Damn Doo Wop Band came out in April of 2010. Are there any plans for a new release in the coming months?

JP: "We did a limited CD pressing of our most recent record, "Ruined the Scene," back in December, and it looks like the vinyl version will be out mid-summer. Our buddy Justin Schwier at Underground Communique Records is putting it out. For those who don't know Justin, he's one of the best dudes ever. After that, we have a split with The Brokedowns that will be coming out as soon as we record two new songs. Did I mention we're lazy?"

SPQ: I recently saw an online interview with Dear Landlord where Brett Hunter said he was a fan of the band. Will there be a DL or Copyrights tour with VBS in the future?

JP: "We would love to do that. We actually had the opportunity to go out with Dear Landlord recently, but circumstances were so that we couldn't do it at the time. We won't miss out if we get a second chance at that, I don't think. We really enjoy both of those bands, so hanging out and getting to see them play on a nightly basis would be all right with us. Its also worth noting that they're all quality guys too."

SPQ: Has the band played many shows outside of the Chicagoland area? Are there any plans for a tour outside of Illinois?

JP: "We've done a handful of shows the last couple of years throughout the Midwest in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota. We've been fortunate enough to be asked out to both Awesome Fest, in San Diego, and The Fest in Gainesville, FL the last three years, which have only gotten better for us each year. We're genuinely surprised, and stoked each year that they'd have us back. Again, touring is something we're planning to address soon. We occasionally get a message from someone that says they live in Texas, and we should play there, and now we're thinking, hey, that's not a bad idea."

SPQ: I hear a lot of influence in the band's songs. What are some of your musical influences and how do you incorporate them into the bands songwriting?

JP: "We, especially Ryan, grew up on Chicago punk rock, mostly. I lived down south as kid, and then out west, so I was listening to a lot of crusty weirdness, as well as anything Lookout! Records put out. We don't really make a conscious effort to incorporate our influences, so much as that it just happens. I think we just write the kind of music we want to listen to."

SPQ: Are there any VBS shows coming up in the coming weeks?

JP: "We're hoping to be able to play with the Slow Death, and Dan Padilla at Underground Lounge on July 2nd. We're planning our record release show for mid-summer, and we'll be playing at The Fest in Gainesville this October."

SPQ: The band recently played the Windy City Sound Clash show at the Subterranean here in Chicago. Was this your first time playing WCSC?

JP: "Jeff Wegner, the brains behind WCSC, has been nice enough to ask us to play each of the three years he's put on these shows. Its been a great time each year."

SPQ: Is there a website you would like to plug where fans get get up to date news on new releases, shows and merch?

JP: We have a MySpace, and Facebook page that we are terrible at updating. Underground Communique is ran much better. Even its Facebook page is more informative than our own."

'Fresh Kills Vol. 1' by Night Birds

2011-06-22T09:55:00.007-05:00

By Jason Duarte
Grave Mistake Records
April 5, 2011
Rating: 5/5

After releasing the Midnight Movies 7'', Night Birds released a collection of everything they've recorded to date; the 2009 demo, the Art of the Underground 7'', the S/T 7'' and the Midnight Movies 7'', and called it Fresh Kills Vol. 1. This gem's only available on CD, but it's enough to hold me over until the band's first proper full length, The Other Side of Darkness. I saw them a couple weeks back at the Lucky Gator Loft in Chicago with Canadian Rifle and they played a few new ones.
The album starts with "Killer Waves," off their AOTU 7'', which is one of my favorites. It's a fast, intense and urgent song about the apocalypse coming in the form of (can you guess?) worldwide killer tsunamis. It's sometimes a lovely daydream, but then something happens like in Japan that makes you think twice about how much you actually romanticize the idea of near-human extinction. Nevertheless, I get it. Night Birds isn't hating on anyone, but the band's music is rooted in a sort of fantasy/escapist mentality.
Take for example "Thrilling Murder." Lead singer Brian Gorsenger sings about waiting in line at the grocery store when some asshole with a full cart cuts him off, wasting his entire afternoon. It's nice that Gorsenger didn't actually stab him in the neck, but the song's a great release for what happened that afternoon. I always hate it when I'm cut off, and for a brief second, I go to the extreme and think something like, "If I had a knife, I'd cut your dog's throat, then slice it from sternum to abdomen and hang him outside your front door right after you go to sleep." Never would I actually do such a thing to a cute, innocent pooch, but nevertheless, we all have those impulses and tendencies (if you don't admit it, you're in denial).
I highly suggest everyone who's a fan of The Ergs!, Deep Sleep, Psyched To Die, Hunchback, the Misfits, Dead Kennedys, any skate punk and/or any hardcore check out the Night Birds, because briefly and bluntly, they rule.

Fresh Kills, Vol. 1 track listing:
1. Killer Waves
2. Midnight Movies
3. No Way Home
4. Bad Biology
5. Triple Feature
6. Prognosis: Negative
7. Thrilling Murder
8. Unanswerable
9. The Gift Givers
10. Harbor Rats
11. Send Me Home
12. Living In the Middle
13. Can't Get Clean
14. Paranoid Times
15. Squad Car

Check out Fresh Kill, Vol. 1 here. Check out "Landfill Land" off their upcoming release, The Other Side of Darkness, out August 16 on Grave Mistake Records. Fresh Kills, Vol. 1 as well as the band's previous releases can also be found on Grave Mistake's web site.

Interview with Sundials

2011-06-20T13:25:00.007-05:00

Photo by Scott Misturini
By Chris Carlton

Squid Pro Quo: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo. For those new to Sundials, can you give us a little background on the band? How did you get started?

Sundials: "We're a three-piece pop punk band from Richmond, VA. Harris plays guitar and sings, Carl plays bass and sings and Cory plays drums. We got started as a band in late summer/fall of 2009 when Harris approached Carl and Cory about starting a band that sounded like Young Widows. Clearly, that isn't what we ended up sounding like, and the Young Widows guys would probably squish us if we ever made that comparison. We ended up writing six songs and recording them as an EP that is available for free download at www.ifyoumakeit.com. We played our first show in October of 2009."

SPQ: Your new album, Never Settle, is such a departure from what most 'punk' bands are doing in this day and age. You have a sound and style all your own. What bands are you guys influenced by?

SD: "We all grew up in punk, but in slightly different sub-genres. Cory comes from the DC suburbs, and grew up listening to a lot of stuff put out by Dischord, as well as bands such as Malady and Hot Snakes. Harris grew up listening to a whole bunch of stuff, but has been hugely influenced by '90s indie rock bands such as Pavement and The Lemonheads as well as pop punk such as Alkaline Trio. Carl listens almost exclusively to Punk O’Rama 4 and The Beatles."

SPQ: Do you all contribute equally in the songwriting process or are there certain songs where one person writes a majority of the lyrics and another comes up with the melody?

SD: "All three of us write music and lyrics. Usually, one of us will have a song that is almost completely finished and then we will start practicing it together and work together to arrange the song and give it a little more of a cohesive shape. You could say that we write songs individually but arrange them as a band."

SPQ: You guys are currently on the road with Timeshares and Hold Tight. In July, you head over the pond for shows in the UK with Caves. Is this your first extensive tour?

SD: "We’ve done plenty of touring in our short life as a band, including a 27-day tour of the eastern half of the US last summer but have never done anything quite as crazy as leaving the country."
SPQ: Are you guys excited about touring outside of the country?
SD: "It's hard to fully express how excited we are for the UK tour. Caves have been so wonderful in helping us make it a reality and we can't wait to live in a van with them for a few weeks. We really don't know what to expect over there, but we are beyond ecstatic at the opportunity. Our main concern right now is that we'll get deported or someone will use the cruciatus curse on us for making too many bad Harry Potter jokes. Oh no! There's one right now!"

SPQ: In such a short period of time, the band has released a six-song EP, a split with Spraynard and your debut full-length, Never Settle. Are there any plans to release more material in 2011?

SD: "We have already finished recording and mixing songs for an Art of the Underground Single Series 7" and a split 7" with Caves to be released on Kiss of Death. We plan on having at least three more 7"s out by the end of 2011. We try to keep pretty busy."

SPQ: What can fans expect from Sundials in the coming year? Will we be seeing a Sundials US tour in the near future?

SD: "Extensive touring is difficult as all of us have been in school for the entirety of the band's existence. Carl just recently graduated, but Cory and Harris are still working towards getting undergrad degrees. We’re certain that we will end up doing a full US tour, but it probably will not be until we release our second LP."

SPQ: Is there a website where fans can reach you and get news, tour dates and merch?

SD: "We recently started a blog for all things Sundials, you can check it out at www.sundialsva.tumblr.com.The blog has links for tour dates, news, and our Bandcamp, where you can download most of our stuff for free. We have yet to organize an official merch store, but you can buy records and shirts at both www.trafficstreetrecords.com and www.toxicpoprecords.com."

SPQ: I want to thank you guys again for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo. I seriously love the new album and I want to wish you all the very best on the tour and in the future. I hope to see you in Chicago real soon. Thanks again guys.

SD: "Thanks! Hopefully we’ll see ya in Chicago in the not to distant future."

Here is a link to listen to the brand new Sundials song, "Drag Me To The Core."

Riot Fest 2011 lineup announced

2011-06-20T10:07:00.002-05:00

"Riot Fest Chicago 2011 Lineup
October 5-9, 2011:
Weezer
Social Distortion
Descendents
X (playing Los Angeles in full)
Youth of Today
Suicide Machines
ALL (Scott, Chad and Dave)
Helmet
D Generation
Down By Law
The Business
Strike Anywhere
The Tossers
Macabre
Nachtmystium
The Flatliners
Flatfoot 56
The Menzingers
Banner Pilot
The Pavers
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band
Shot Baker
The Copyrights
Cheap Girls
Larry and His Flask Dusty Grooves
Chinese Telephones
The Crombies
The Holy Mess
The Van Buren Boys
Neutron Bombs
The Infected Black Actress

Plus a whole bunch more to be announced soon."

I think Weezer's a bit weird (but I would love to see them play their old stuff), but I am really really excited for this. Even the smaller bands; Chinese Telephones, Cheap Girls, The Holy Mess, the Neutron Bombs, Shot Baker, The Copyrights, Banner Pilot...all those bands rule. I'm stoked.

The Broadways / Bomb the Music Industry / Ratasucia / Spraynard at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco

2011-06-18T01:22:00.014-05:00

The Broadways / Photo by Jason Duarte

This afternoon, The Broadways played their reunion show at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. There were three mystery slots before The Broadways' set. Right before the show, I found out that Spraynard, Ratasucia and Bomb the Music Industry were the opening bands.

First up was Spraynard, whom I have never seen, but have their split with Sundials, and I really like both sides of that split. Seeing them was awesome, and I'm excited to hear more by them, and maybe see them live again if they ever come through Chicago in the future.

Up next was Ratasucia, featuring Dan Hanaway of The Broadways and Slapstick. I really liked them. They were pretty progressive awesome heavier punk rock. The three-piece also featured Chris Carr of the Honor System. After them was Bomb the Music Industry, whom I've never really listened to all that much, but I've seen their name everywhere lately, and I know they've developed quite the following. They were awesome. Very high energy. The lead singer jumped into the pit and lots of people were singing with him for a while. People were going pretty nuts for them, and they were great.

Up next were The Broadways. They opened with "What Happened?" It was insane. They played a solid set of 17 songs, finishing the encore with "15 Minutes." It scared the crap out of me actually. I thought they were totally done, but they came back and played "Fifteen Minutes," which was incredible. That is easily my favorite Broadways tune. Well, here's the set list. Enjoy!

The Broadways set list:

What Happened?

Everything I Ever Wanted To Know About Genocide, I Learned In the Third Grade For Free

The Kitchen Floor

Police Song

Floundering

Not Necessarily the News

Broadway and Briar

Fuck You Larry Koesche, I Hope You Starve And Die Someday

Natural Disaster

We'll Have a Party

It Was Pancho Villa

Under My Belt

Lake Michigan

Rainy Day

Routine

The Nautical Mile

Encore:

15 Minutes

Spraynard / Photo by Jason Duarte

Ratasucia / Photo by Jason Duarte

Bomb the Music Industry / Photo by Jason Duarte

The Broadways / Photo by Jason Duarte

Alkaline Trio / Hot Toddies / Kepi Ghoulie / The Atom Age at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco

2011-06-17T23:25:00.013-05:00

Alkaline Trio / Photo by Jason Duarte

So last night's show at the Bottom of the Hill was Alkaline Trio with the Hot Toddies, Kepi Ghoulie (electric) and The Atom Age. This show was mostly awesome. Let me explain.

The Atom Age was awesome. Those guys sounded tight, and made me want to check out more by them. They were full of energy and had a saxophone player, which I thought added a cool dynamic to the standard rock formula.

After the Atom Age was Kepi Ghoulie with a full band. Kepi is awesome as always. His music; his stage show; everything. This was the first time I've ever seen the full-suited monsters dancing around at a Kepi show. For his last song, "Freaks On Parade," he had Mikey Erg go through an obstacle course of sorts. First, Merg had to take the bass from Dino, play that for a while, then play the tambourine for a while. Then, he took over on drums mid-song, and then played Kepi's guitar. It was pretty entertaining. He also had at least 6 large garbage bags full of balloons, which everyone was hitting around in the 240-person venue. He also threw out streamers, danced around like crazy (along with everyone else) and made it one hell of a party. Everyone was having a blast. During "Chupacabras," one of the fully-suited monsters came out, who was a CHUPACABRA! A few songs after that, an ape guy came out and was dancing around and kneeling and moving around with his fists like a real ape. It was awesome.

After Kepi Ghoulie were the Hot Toddies, which was the low point of the night for me. I understand the whole surf-influenced girl pop thing, but they just didn't do it for me. The vocals were pretty monotoned and the music was just too soft and low-fi for me. They did a creepy song called "Matt Skiba Sandwich." They were over, then it was time to see my favorite band in San Francisco.

Alkaline Trio took the stage and killed it the entire. fucking. set. I mean, they didn't practice and it was slightly noticeable cause Skiba would concentrate a little more than usual on the songs, but it was so loose and relaxed and awesome that it didn't matter. Plus they weren't using their own gear or anything either, and they played fantastically. They opened with the first song they released under Asian Man Records; "Cringe." What followed was amazing. At the end of their set, people rushed the stage and started bringing everyone they could on stage to sing along (though scarcely anyone knew the words to the Nomeansno cover). It was a great show and Alkaline Trio always pleases me when I see them.

Alkaline Trio Set List:

Cringe

Armageddon

Emma

Cooking Wine

Clavicle

Crawl

Nose Over Tail

Goodbye Forever

Mercy Me

You've Got So Far To Go

Snake Oil Tanker

Maybe I'll Catch Fire

This Addiction

I'm Dying Tomorrow

My Friend Peter

Bleeder

Trouble Breathing

San Francisco

Encore:

Radio

Two Lips, Two Lungs and One Tongue (Nomeansno)

The Atom Age / Photo by Jason Duarte

Kepi Ghoulie / Photo by Jason Duarte

The Hot Toddies / Photo by Jason Duarte

Alkaline Trio / Photo by Jason Duarte

Slapstick / MU330 / The Chinkees at Slim's in San Francisco

2011-06-16T12:05:00.013-05:00

Slapstick, Slim's, San Francisco, CA, 6/15/2011

Photo by Jason Duarte

So Slapstick played with The Chinkees, who haven't played since 1999, and MU330 last night. It was amazing. Brendan Kelly's voice has changed, but not for the worse. Dan Andriano fucking nailed it, and played fast and awesomely. It was cool to see Matt Stamps play live as well as Rob Kellenberger, Dan Hanaway and Pete Anna.

Mike Park came out and introduced himself, and the festival, and danced his ass off in a suit the entire time. It looked as if he didn't even break a sweat. It was awesome. He introduced his band, and the crowd was going nuts and skanking. During one of the songs, Mike Park called Matt Skiba up to the stage and made him skank during the length of one of their songs. It was pretty funny and great.

MU330 was up next, and they killed it. They played an amazing set, and again, the crowd was going nuts and it was obvious that it was all building for Slapstick. At this point, I hadn't slept in nearly two days, so when Slapstick took the stage around 11 p.m., it was like my mana had been recharged.

It was awesome. I mean, everyone knows Slapstick, but not everyone realizes how many amazing bands came from Slapstick. And to see Slapstick - the band that started off so many great things - live, was so surreal. I found a handy little family tree diagram on the Internet. It should get bigger if you click on it.

Brendan Kelly, Dan Andriano and the gang came out and opened with "Colorado," to which everyone just started going nuts, singing along, skanking and moshing. The set was incredible, but then it got a little awkward when Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio made his way very drunkenly to the stage, and started talking about Asian Man fest, and somehow got into throwing a jab at Asian drivers. I don't think he meant anything by it, but it was admittedly a bit awkward to witness. the best part was when Brendan said, "Now I know how Chris McCaughan feels." The show was amazing. I recommend you all YouTube it and see for yourselves.

And for everyone who couldn't make it (suckers!), and want to live vicariously through all of those who went, make an iTunes playlist of the songs below! Enjoy!

Slapstick Set List:

Colorado

Crooked

Not Tonight

She Doesn't Love Me

Eighteen

February One

My Way

There's a Metal Head In the Parking Lot

What I Learned

Good Times Gone

The Park

Almost Punk Enough

Cheat To Win

Sick of This Place

74 Fullerton

Encore:

Nate B.

Broken Down

The Chinkees / Photo by Jason Duarte

My photos of MU330 all came out blurry. Apologies.

Slapstick / Photo by Jason Duarte

Asian Man Records 15th Anniversary Festival!

2011-06-16T11:51:00.002-05:00

Squid Pro Quo is going to San Francisco! Er-is in San Francisco I should say, for the Asian Man Records 15^th anniversary festival! As I'm typing this, I'm 36,000 feet above sea level and Chicago is a distant anthill. I awoke sharply at 3 a.m., and got a ride from my roommate's dad to O'Hare International Airport, where we parted ways, and I headed to security with my essentials on my back. As I made my way to the place where they touch you, then yell at you for ejaculating, I ran into Katie Hovland – Chicago concert acquaintance and Jaded In Chicago photographer. We reveled in excitement to see Slapstick before the sun awoke in a sleepless, exhausting state, and then we passed through security. The other half of Jaded In Chicago, Bill, met us on the other side, as he actually works at O'Hare. The three of us trekked over to the food court near our C gates, and I got the cheese danish. I walked back to their gate with them, as their flight was scheduled to take off an hour prior to mine, and we talked music, travel, work, all the while crossing our fingers as the rain fell, the lightning flashed and the thunder rumbled. Katie and Bill's flight began boarding, and they got their two standby seats. I began heading across the way to my gate, when I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask if their flight was one-way or if it had layovers. The ladies said it was one-way, and I asked if they knew if the weather was going to improve. The one woman said it was supposed to get worse and that last week, they had a line all the way down the corridor. “Really?” I said, “Because mine's supposed to take off in an hour.” I asked if it was possible to hop on this one, as I already had a ticket for the 7 a.m. flight. She typed a bit and told me there was a $75 charge. “Ah, OK. No thanks,” I said. I began walking to my gate, and I hear the woman yell something. I wasn't even sure if it was at me, but I turned around and she waved me back over to the desk. She said she'd waive the fee because they want to get as many people out of the airport and on their flights as possible, and seated me next to my friends, Katie and Bill.

What luck! I stepped on the airplane, waited until the lightning cleared the area, and here we are, chugging along to San Francisco, California! Now I don't want to make this too rambling and off-putting, but I haven't seen a whole lot west of the Mississippi River, especially as far west as one could get. So the last couple of weeks have been nerve-wracking. Don't get me wrong – I'm super excited to get there and go to these shows, but I'm just as excited to see San Francisco and be as much of a tourist as I possibly can. I looked at the surrounding area via Google and noticed the Anchor Brewery is right by the venues I'll be frequenting all week. Being a homebrewer and avid beer connoisseur (so I pretend, anyway), I am excited if not to take the brewery tour, then to try a few fresh, tap beers. The weather's supposed to get up to 73 degrees today, so I am excited for that. I'm excited to be near the ocean. I'm excited to fill my lungs with slightly salted air. I'm excited to not be at work this week. I'm excited to get out of the Midwest. I'm excited to cross off a few more bands on my list of “Bands I Thought I Would Never See.”

I'm excited to meet and spend some time with Mike Park and my friend Mike Yannich and my roommate and his brother. I miss my other half, Susanne, already and know I will until I return, but I have her with me in spirit. That doesn't make me miss her less, but makes me feel better about getting to explore without her with me. I can't wait to tell her all about everything. I'm going to try to add to the hour and a half/two hours of sleep I accumulated last night. Stay tuned to us and Jaded In Chicago as well. They have some KILLER material coming and I can't say I'm not a bit envious. Westward!

Interview with Eerie Von of Samhain/Danzig/Rosemary's Babies

2011-06-14T14:16:00.006-05:00

By Chris Carlton

Squid Pro Quo: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, Eerie. You recently had a book of your photographs taken throughout the years released called Misery Obscura. How did the book come about?

Eerie Von: "I wanted to put a book out for years; couldn't do it. It was just the right time for it to come out, and it did; just luck."

SPQ: You recently talked about doing a book signing tour for Misery Obscura. How did the tour go, and are there going to be any more dates in the near future?

EV: "Couldn't get the money together to do a book tour, and the publisher wouldn't front it, so it never happened. I'm staging art/photography shows myself. The first one is in Columbus, OH on June 25th. I hope to do more if I can."

SPQ: Some of your photos were used in the insert for the Misfits "Walk Among Us" album dating back to your high school days. How did you get started in photography?

EV: "I started shooting sports, and the pretty girls at my school. You can get friendly with everyone if you take their picture! It was just something fun to do, then I got pretty good at it."

SPQ: You've played so many different styles of music throughout the years, from your days in Rosemary's Babies to Samhain to Danzig up to your solo career. What are some of your musical influences?

EV: "My musical influences are many, but mostly '50s rock 'n' roll, motown, the blues and punk."

SPQ: On top of being a musician and photographer, you're also a skilled painter. How long have you been painting?

EV: "I've been drawing and painting all my life, since about five years old. I've only been selling the 'Fiend Art' for about 12 years though."

SPQ: You've been keeping busy since your last album, 2009's Kinda Country with your book release, art tour and working with Kara Clark. Are there any plans for a new solo record?

EV: "Working on a new record now, when I can. Been pretty busy lately, but I plan on releasing a new record in the near future."

SPQ: When the new Kara Clark album is in the can, will you be touring with her in support of the new release?

EV: "I don't know if I will be doing any touring with Kara Clark, but I may do some dates here and there, or get up and do a song. Her new EP is fucking awesome."

SPQ: Fans and Fiends around the world are always wondering, will there ever be a reunion of either Samhain or Danzig with the classic lineups?

EV: "I don't think there will ever be a reunion of those original bands."

SPQ: Is there a website where fans can find news on upcoming releases, tour dates and merch?

EV: "Right now, it's best to go to the Facebook fan page. I don't have the new EerieVon777 page up yet and www.eerievon.com is not my site."

SPQ: Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, Eerie. I hope we get to see you in Chicago real soon! Thanks again.

EV: "It's been a pleasure. We hope to take the art/photography show to Chicago!"

Interview with Luke McNeill of The Copyrights/Hospital Job

2011-06-13T08:55:00.005-05:00

Photo by Patrick Houdek
By Chris Carlton

Squid Pro Quo: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, Luke. The new Copyrights album, North Sentinel Island is set to be released August 9th via Red Scare/It's Alive Records. This will be the band's first full length in three years. Why so long of a wait?

Luke McNeill: "It was sort of planned to wait a while between records just because we felt like we were always rushed in some way or the other on past records and we wanted no time constraints with this one. It kinda got out of hand though and each step took forever. We forgot how lazy we are."

SPQ: The band's last album, 2008's Learn The Hard Way, was a really strong album. What can fans expect from the new album?

LM: "Well, this new one is definitely our poppiest and weirdest album. That's relative though, of course. It's still a punk rock album after all; kind of, anyway. It was produced by Matt Allison who did Make Sound and the Methadones split. It's definitely our best-sounding record in terms of production. It's also my favorite in terms of lyrics/themes."

SPQ: Can you give us a little history on the band? How did you guys get together?

LM: "Me and Adam have been playing together since we were 15 years old. We decided to start a heavily Screeching Weasel-influenced band at first, then we've tried to at least put our own influences and spin on the tried-and-true formula of melodic punk rock."

SPQ: What are your personal musical influences? And do those influences show up in your songwriting and playing?

LM: "I like tons of stuff, and I'm sure I rip off everyone I like equally. I'm a big fan of '90s alt-country like Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, Wilco, Whiskeytown; old-people stuff like that. I'm also pretty into hip-hop lately, at least the Wu-Tang family and east coast stuff. As far as contemporary punk rock bands, I still really love Dillinger Four obviously. The Dopamines, Dear Landlord, House Boat and Iron Chic are all great but everybody knows that. I'm pretty obsessed with Fucked Up too."

SPQ: The band has been a non-stop touring machine for the last few years. Are there plans for more European dates as well as state side dates for this album?

LM: "I think we're actually planning on touring Europe next year again. This year, we're gonna do the west coast in early September, and then do the eastern U.S. in late September/October."

SPQ: You're also a producer and engineer, and worked at Sonic Iguana Studios. Can you name some bands and albums you've worked on throughout your career?

LM: "The only band I've produced besides my own in the past five years or so has been House Boat. They're all my friends and it's a blast getting together with them every once in a while to do a record. Back when I worked there full-time, I worked on records by The Riverdales, The Groovie Ghoulies, Common Rider, Squirtgun, The Lillingtons, Teen Idols, Beatnik Termites and a bunch of other ones. It was really fun and Mass taught me a ton of shit about producing and engineering both."

SPQ: Do you find it just as enjoyable working on other albums as working on a Copyrights album?

LM: "Hmm, I think it's more fun working on our albums just because they're my songs and I'm more 'emotionally attached' or whatever. But it's also a ton more stressful and you second guess every possible thing. For the House Boat records, I don't even care if the tracks get recorded. I think there's a song on their new record that doesn't have a lead vocal. Whatever, people won't even notice."

SPQ: The Copyrights released an LP of all its past albums. Will the new album be released on vinyl as well?

LM: "Yeah, we were really adamant about vinyl being released the same time as the digital formats. Adam Alive is taking care of the vinyl on the new record so we're not worried, it'll be out when the digital comes out."

SPQ: With the new album coming, are there any big festivals that you guys have signed on for that you can confirm?
LM: "We're doing the usual Insubordination Fest in Baltimore and The Fest 10 in Gainesville, Florida. I think we're also doing Red Oktoberfest in Chicago in October."

SPQ: Is there a website you would like to plug where fans can get news updates, tour dates and merch?

LM: "www.itsrainingtwoandahalfmen.com"

SPQ: I want to thank you again for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, Luke. I'm looking forward to the new album and catching you guys live again. Always fun seeing you guys live. Thanks again.

Interview with Dave Lake of Diesel Boy

2011-06-10T09:34:00.004-05:00

By Chris Carlton

Squid Pro Quo: Thanks for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, Dave. It's been more than 10 years since Diesel Boy's last album, Rode Hard and Put Away Wet. What have you been up to since the band split up?

Dave Lake: "Work, marriage and fatherhood mostly."

SPQ: Can you give us a little history on the band? How did you guys get together?

DL: "Oh, it's a long and boring story to be honest, but Diesel Boy had a few folks leave the band in quick succession. Right around the same time, a band we were friendly with called Escape Goat had basically the same thing happen. So three dudes from Escape Goat joined me in Diesel Boy and that was (the) lineup (of) our first two albums."

SPQ: On songs like "Cock Rock," you mention being a fan of '80s metal bands like Dio, Dokken and Metal Church. Growing up in the '80s, I actually listened to some of those bands. Did you really listen to them or was that just tongue-in-cheek fun?

DL: "No, I was a teenage metal-head of the highest order. I spent my high school years banging my head and blasting landmark L.A. metal station KNAC as loud as I could. I was super into Motley Crue, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Faster Pussycat, L.A. Guns, Tesla, Dokken, Cinderella and on and on. It was the late '80s in L.A. so the Sunset Strip was totally happening, with the street packed with spandex and hairspray and bands like Poison, Warrant and Tuff headlining every weekend at the Roxy or the Whiskey or Troubadour. Unfortunately, I was too young and uncool to really indulge but I tried. A lot of my high school friends were into Fishbone and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Funkadelic, so that stuff got played a lot too, but I definitely took a lot of shit for my taste in music back then. I went to a lot of concerts too. I had one metal buddy in particular, and as soon as we could drive, we started going to every big show that came through L.A. You can even find the two of us in the "Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" home video. We got interviewed at Tower Records in Hollywood the night Metallica's black album was released. They stayed open until midnight to sell the record, and when fans came out from buying it, the cameras were there. We say a few things to the camera and I have a ridiculous haircut and I'm wearing an Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians T-shirt. Beat that."

SPQ: Who were some of your musical influences growing up?

DL: "The Beatles have endured the longest, which I discovered as a kid and who I still listen to frequently. Duran Duran were my very first favorite band and Men at Work was the first concert I ever went to. I played the first two Men at Work albums to death. I was basically into '80s pop music as an adolescent – whatever they played on MTV. Then metal took over after hearing Motley Crue's "Shout at the Devil." And it was Bad Religion's "Against the Grain" that turned me on to punk. I couldn't believe music could be just as melodic as the stuff I grew up listening to, but with so much more intensity and such thoughtful lyrics"

SPQ: There are a couple other songs I want to ask you about. Was there really an "Andy Stern?" And is that story about him coming up with the catch phrase, "Mean People Suck" true?

DL: "Yep, he's a real guy. And yes, he did create those stickers, but he didn't invent the phrase, he borrowed it from NOFX, who have a song called "Mean People Suck" on their S&M Airlines album. He was a fellow musician in our circle of friends who went on to open a screen printing business, Diesel Fuel Prints, which is still around, though he moved to Portland years ago. But that Mean People Suck sticker definitely paid his rent for a few years."

SPQ: I gotta tell you, the song, "Waltz of the Disappearing Girl" was one of the greatest songs I feel you did in Diesel Boy; such a beautiful song, and a huge departure from what we came to expect from the band. Was that song autobiographical?

DL: "Thanks. And yes, that song is about a specific person. There are actually a few songs on the Rode Hard and Put Away Wet record about that girl. Most of the Diesel Boy songs contain autobiographical elements, or were at least inspired by someone in some capacity. That song is autobiographical though. I was hurting over that girl when I wrote it and the lyrics and whole song just kind of spilled out in a matter of hours, which wasn't usually the case for me. And it was recorded in one take in the living room of the recording studio."

SPQ: With four amazing albums under the band's belt, why did you guys break up?

DL: "We didn't really break up as much as take a really long break. It seemed like things with the band had just kind of run their course. I know I needed a break and I definitely wanted to make more money than I was making. I was also worried about what my future would look like without any skills other than singing and playing guitar. Though touring and making records was a blast, the lifestyle was rough and the pay was meager. I ended up taking a job at a music dotcom in Silicon Valley which eventually got acquired by Microsoft, which is how I ended up in Seattle. I worked at Microsoft and did Diesel Boy simultaneously for a bit, but it just wasn't sustainable. There were some personal things going on for some other band members too that also made touring very difficult, and that played in to us stopping as well. But we never officially broke up or had some conversation about stopping, things just kind of wound down."

SPQ: I know that you and the other band members live between Washington State and California now, which would make it hard to do a lot as a continued unit. But last year, you guys actually got together and played again. What was it like reuniting after so long and playing those songs again?

DL: "It was awesome and just like it always was for all those years in our rehearsal space. We reminisced and laughed a ton. All those old band quirks and behaviors immediately surfaced, which was actually comforting. But I love those guys and we all have really fond memories of our time together and we had a ball playing together again. I suspect that won't be the last time it happens."

SPQ: The four of you still look fit, and you're not geriatric yet. What are the odds of a Diesel Boy reunion album and/or possible tour?

DL: "We talk about it. Time is the biggest issue for us. Most of us are married and have kids, which makes any kind of endeavor like that really tough. I suspect we'll do something at some point, but whether it's just a couple of shows or another record, I have no idea. I suspect something will emerge that will just makes sense and we'll do it."

SPQ: When all's said and done, what do you think people will remember most about Diesel Boy?

DL: "That's for the fans to decide, not me. I'm just pleased there are a loyal few who do remember what we did fondly I know we had a blast doing it."

SPQ: Is there a website where fans can get in touch with either you, the band or any other bands you guys are currently playing in?

DL: "Our Facebook page is probably the best spot. There are links on it to all of our various projects and bands and the four of us check out the page pretty regularly and weigh in when appropriate."

SPQ: I want to thank you again for taking the time to talk with Squid Pro Quo, Dave. It's been a blast getting the lowdown on all the questions I've always wanted to ask. I appreciate it. Thanks again.