Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano to release his debut solo album, 'Hurricane Season'

I doubt this is the album artwork, but it's what Dan Andriano's posted with the announcement for his debut solo album, coming out August 9, 2011 on Asian Man Records titled, Hurricane Season. Dan downloaded the mastered copy of the album today and says it's "exciting and a little nerve-wracking."
The album will be released under Dan Andriano In The Emergency Room. Keep checking his facebook page for more info!

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

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

Ed

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

The Chinkees / Photo by Jason Duarte

My photos of MU330 all came out blurry. Apologies.

Slapstick / Photo by Jason Duarte

Slapstick / Photo by Jason Duarte

Alkaline Trio's 'Damnesia' album cover and details

From the band's Facebook page:

High energy melodic cult rockers Alkaline Trio will be releasing a brand new album entitled Damnesia this July 12th via Epitaph Records/Heart & Skull. The new record features a selection of beloved fan favorites selected from the group’s extensive catalogue and presented in an intimate-semi unplugged format. Also included will be a cover of the song “I Held Her In My Arms” by influential indie rock trio The Violent Femmes as well as two brand new Alkaline Trio songs entitled “Olde English 800” and “I Remember A Rooftop.”

Also, on sale this week are tickets for the first leg of the group’s special 15th anniversary tour which kicks off July 10th. The band plans to make the tour something special for fans. As singer/bassist Dan Andriano explains, “We’re looking forward to our 15th anniversary tour this summer. We’re going to really try to put together a set that encompasses everything the band has done over the past 15 years and plan to play some songs that rarely find their way in to the set list. We will also play some songs in an unplugged style similar to what we’ve recently recorded on Damnesia. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Since forming in Illinois, in 1996, Alkaline Trio has continued to amass a devoted cult following with their infectious punk hooks and darkly dramatic tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Comprised of guitarist/vocalist Matt Skiba, bassist/vocalist Dan Andriano and drummer Derek Grant, the band has created some of punk's most memorable songs with favorites like “Radio” from the 2000 album Maybe I’ll Catch Fire, “Mercy Me” from the 2005 album Crimson, “Blue In The Face” from 2003’s Good Mourning and “The American Scream” from 2010’s This Addiction.

Presale Bundle For 15th Anniversary Tour and New Album Damnesia

A limited number of tickets for the upcoming tour have been held for Alkaline Trio fans and will be available through an exclusive Ducat King presale beginning Monday, May 9th at 12PM local!

By buying tickets through this presale, fans will be able to get tickets before anyone else AND save money on service charges. This special presale also includes an option to purchase a digital or physical copy of the band’s new record Damnesia, in stores July 12. Fans who pre-order the new record will also receive an e-mail with a link to immediately download the band's new version of "Clavicle" off Damnesia. Those who purchase the digital version ($7) will receive an additional e-mail just prior to the release date, with instructions on how to download a copy of the album. Those who purchase the physical version ($10) will receive the CD in the mail upon its release.

To pre-order tickets go to: http://alkalinetrio.ducatking.com/

Alkaline Trio West Coast Tour Dates

Sat 9 Milwaukee, Summerfest

Sun 10 Omaha, NE. Slowdown

Mon 11 Denver Summit Music Hall

Tuesday 12th Salt Lake City, In The Venue

Thursday 14 Seattle, El Corazon

Friday 15 Portland, Hawthorn

Sat 16 San Francisco Slims

Sun 17, San Francisco, Bottom Of The Hill

Tue 19 Los Angeles, Troubadour

Friday 22 Las Vegas, Hard Rock Café

Sat 23 Pomona Ca, The Glass House

Sun 24 Mesa Arizona, Nile

More dates coming soon…

Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano releases album artwork, three new tracks off "Hurricane Season"

Check out "Hurricane Season," "Hollow Sounds" and "Let Me In" off Dan Andriano's upcoming album, Hurricane Season, on his facebook page.

Check out footage of Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano, recording Hurricane Season

Here's some footage of Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano recording some stuff for his upcoming solo record, Hurricane Season.

Interview with DEREK GRANT of ALKALINE TRIO:

Derek Grant, drummer of Alkaline Trio, in rare form playing guitar at Debonair in Chicago (8.18.09). Photo by Jason Duarte.


Interview with Derek Grant of THE ALKALINE TRIO (August 6th, 2009):


Squid Pro Quo: All right! I guess first - I spoke with Matt in a club in Chicago not long ago and he had mentioned you guys are working on a new full-length. How is that coming and do you know when we can expect its release?


Derek Grant: We actually start recording this week, so there's no real progress to report. As for a release date, hopefully November.


SPQ: Do you guys plan to keep on the same track as you did with “Agony & Irony,” kind of keeping it stripped down and straightforward?


DG: Perhaps more straightforward even but we will do whatever is best for the songs.


SPQ: Where are you guys going to record this one?


DG: In Chicago, back to our roots.


SPQ: Is that Atlas Studios with Matt Allison?


DG: I can't really discuss the details at this point; top secret stuff!


SPQ: Right on. I know Screeching Weasel was a big influence for you guys. How's it feel to be playing with 'em - or Ben and Dan anyways - at Riot Fest?


DG: It's a huge thrill for us, and there are so many other great bands on that show as well. It's sure to be a blast.


SPQ: Awesome man. Back to what you guys are doing now - I heard you guys play a song I never heard before at the Metro in April, it was pretty fast and blew me away. Is that one of the new ones?


DG: Yeah, I'm not sure which one you heard; we played four new ones on the last tour. Usually one a night.


SPQ: How many tracks will be on the new album?


DG: Most likely 12 or so.


SPQ: Cool cool. Usually there's a longer waiting period between Trio albums. After “Agony & Irony,” did you guys just keep that creative momentum going or how does that work especially since you guys are scattered across the country? (Matt Skiba in California, Dan Andriano in Florida and Derek in Indiana).


DG: We definitely kept the momentum with no desire to have a long gap in between albums. Creatively, we just write separately and E-mail ideas back and forth until we have enough material to merit getting together.


SPQ: Nice. Where do you draw influence from, especially when you write a lot in a short period of time? Do you ever get "writer's block" so to speak?


DG: I think we've all dealt with writer's block at one point or another. Inspiration comes from so many different places, you can never be certain where it will arise next.


SPQ: How about with the newest songs?


DG: That question would be better suited for Matt or Dan as they've written the bulk of the new material.


SPQ: Do you ever write songs, or lyrics?


DG: I've only ever written music for the band. Matt and Dan are two of my favorite songwriters so it's hard for me to compete, lyrically speaking.


SPQ: Understandable. You diggin' any new bands or music out there today?


DG: I just listened to a band called The Avett Brothers the other day, pretty cool Americana. Also a band called Black Anvil plus a ton of old stuff, which is the bulk of what I listen to.


SPQ: Right on, man. What are some of those moments in your life that you'll never forget with music or bands you love? Like, what was the first show you went to see?


DG: The first show I saw was a band called Fastway, then it was ZZ Top.


SPQ: Cool. Are you still playing with The Vandals or working with them?


DG: Of course, I'm going to Japan with them next month.


SPQ: Right on! I'm actually going to Japan with my band in September. Never been, but I'm stoked on it. How long will you guys be out there for?


DG: The 4th-8th or something. I'm going to have to split soon.


SPQ: That's awesome man. Well hey, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me.


DG: No problem, take care.


Since August, I unofficially-but-very-reliably heard Alkaline Trio's new album will be called "Seven" and will be released in January 2010.

Mike Felumlee reflects on Alkaline Trio, Smoking Popes, his label and talks about new EP and what's to come

Shortly after doing his split with Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio, ex-Alkaline Trio and Smoking Popes drummer Mike Felumlee quit music.
“I spent 5 or 6 years without touching a musical instrument of any kind,” Felumlee said. “I decided I was just going to be a fan of music rather than play music.”
He simply got burnt out on it and if he wanted to make a career out of it, he'd have to tour a lot; something he didn't want to do.
“I have a son and I wanted to spend more time with him,” Felumlee said. “There have been a lot of ups and downs through the whole thing and I kinda just said, 'Fuck it, I don't want to do it anymore.'”
Around the turn of the century, Felumlee had a record label he started and managed called Double Zero Records which featured his own releases (his 2001 full-length, “64 Hours” and his 2002 split with Andriano of Alkaline Trio) as well as releases by fellow Chicagoans Split Habit, Amazing Transparent Man, the Smoking Popes, Duvall the Honor System and others.
“We had that Smoking Popes '1991-98' release and we did a Smoking Popes live album, which is funny because it's almost the exact same set list as the Victory (Records) live album that they did years later,” Felumlee said. “We had a lot of stuff that sold pretty well, but we ran into a couple problems early on – I had a distributor go bankrupt on me, so that kind hurt.”
Back in 2001, Felumlee played drums in Alkaline Trio on the band's “From Here To Infirmary” album.
“We were touring a ton the last year; we played 250 shows or more and we were kind of in the process of like setting up what we were gonna do the next year and Matt and Dan both wanted to go really on a stretch without having very much of a break at home,” Felumlee said. “It was something that I couldn't really do and I can see where they were coming from. They were gonna do the entire Warped Tour and the Plea For Peace tour - both of which are really good tours, but it was something I just couldn't commit to, based on my family situation. I think Derek fits with them really well.”
In January 2009, seven years after his last release, Felumlee came out with a split with Travis Brown from Split Habit's new band, Friendly Enemies. Felumlee and Friendly Enemies each have four songs on the split.
When he writes songs at home, Felumlee uses nothing but a guitar and computer software.
He uses Cubase Studio 4, Ezdrummer and Guitar Rig 2 to create drums, bass and guitar parts and then uses a microphone for laying down the vocals.
For guitar, he uses an audio interface called a Firebox.
While the demos were recorded at home, the four songs that appear on his split were done in a studio.
Felumlee plays drums on “Sing With Me” and “My Favorite Ghost.” Kevin Baschen played on “From Where You Are” and “I Hope It's Alright.”
Felumlee also plays the rhythm guitar on all of the songs. But when he's at home recording demos, he does everything.
As of now, the EP is only available online through iTunes and www.cdbaby.com. Felumlee and his fellow musicians currently lack the funds to press any CDs or vinyl.
“It's totally a budget thing,” Felumlee said. “I don't really have the money to front a bunch of CDs right now. If there was a label that wanted to press vinyl, I would be all for it. That would be really cool, but I definitely don't have the budget to record the stuff to press vinyl or discs at this point.”
Felumlee is considering doing a full-length this year as well. He's got over 60 demos at home that he's sitting on and a handful of cover songs as well, including Gloria Jones' “Tainted Love” and Alanis Morrisette's “Hand In My Pocket.”
“I've thought about doing a double album. Then I'm thinking, it's kind of funny for a guy nobody really listens to or isn't very popular to be making a double album, but I guess who gives a shit,” Felumlee said. “If I have the songs to do it, then what the fuck - who cares? Then the 10 people that like me can get my double album.”
Anyone who's listened to Felumlee's heart-quenching tunes know that most of them are about girls - “probably about 90 percent of them,” he said. “Eighty percent of them are about one girl in particular.
The one girl in particular he's referring to is a girl he dated in high school.
“When I go into lyric-writing mode, it's just easier to bring up thoughts from that time period. I don't quite know why. I think cause maybe when you're a teenager and experiencing feelings of love and all that kinda stuff, it's a lot more intense at that age so everything seems way more dramatic than it really is, even when you're thinking back on it.”
Even though he has no romantic feelings for her anymore, it's easy to go back to that point in time to write songs.
Felumlee was also married for 11 years, but he hasn't written any songs about that.
“Maybe it's too - It's totally too fresh. I rarely write about anything that's currently happening to me.”
Lucky for him, current girlfriends don't get jealous.
Check out Mike Felumlee and his band at 5 p.m. this Saturday at Mad Maggie's, 51 S. Grove Ave. in Elgin, Illinois with The Takeouts, The Dyes and Copper Harbor. Check him out on MySpace at www.myspace.com/mikefelumleemusic and PureVolume at www.purevolume.com/mikefelumlee.
His new EP is available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/felumlee, iTunes and by picking up a digital download card at one of his shows, which lets you download the entire EP online.

Top Releases of 2012

It's time for the fifth-annual Squid Pro Quo "Top Releases" list! It goes without saying that there were a lot of incredible releases this year. The world WOULD'VE ended on a strong note. First up is the top albums, then the top EPs/7''s/collections/demos and finally, the top splits. There'll be a brief write-up with a review (if I wrote one), the album art and then the streaming album. I shot a handful of videos this year too, now that I'm finally a smartphone user, so there's that too. Enjoy!

Top 20 Full-Lengths of 2012

By Jason Duarte

1. Masked Intruder - Masked Intruder (Red Scare)

Masked Intruder sneaked into all our windows and beds and took us by surprise this year. They literally came out of nowhere (as they do), released some 7''s, a full-length and were signed to Fat Wreck in no time. Besides being extremely talented, Masked Intruder embodies a creative, schtick-y mysticism that works wonders to their advantage and got tons of people talking about them. Will creeping and stalk rock finally be cool? It'll probably still land you with a restraining order. But with this year's presidential election, the fiscal cliff, domestic tragedies, this NRA controversy, the "end of the world" and all the other madness that 2012 bought, everyone has been lacking good fun, and Masked Intruder is just that.

TOP TRACKS: "25 To Life," "Crazy" and "Heart-Shaped Guitar"

[Below is a rare look at PINK INTRUDER, being pretty]:

2. Swearin' - Swearin' (Salinas)

A friend/old bandmate introduced me to Swearin' earlier this year. The band features members of P.S. Eliot, Big Soda, Bad Blood and Radiator Hospital. While I never listened to the aforementioned bands, Swearin' really impressed me and proved how good '90s-influenced indie/punk can be. They also received notable recognition this year by landing an opening spot on a large stretch on Japandroids' fall tour after the release of its debut self-titled album.

TOP TRACKS: "Kenosha," "Empty Head" and "Here To Hear"

3. Sundials - When I Couldn't Breathe (Asian Man)

Earlier this year, Jaded In Chicago asked me to review the new Sundials album. I was torn because I had already bought it from Mike Park over at Asian Man, and was afraid I'd write too-biased of a review, but I did it anyway, as honestly as I could. It's really good, and heavily recommended if you like Swearin', Braid, Harvey Danger and Chisel. Check out a more detailed review of this album here. 

TOP TRACKS: "When I Couldn't Breathe," "New York Crunch," and "Strange"

4. Black Wine - Hollow Earth (Don Giovanni)

Black Wine explores more haunting and eerie land in its third full-length release, Hollow Earth. All three members share lead vocal duties, making this album quite unique in its arrangement. The band showcases its talent beautifully on this record and best of all, the songs make you take a second look at things. Check out our glowing review from earlier this year here.

TOP TRACKS: "Burlap," "Hollow Earth 1" and "Naysayer"

[Below is a video from Black Wine's summer tour. It's from July 1, when they played "Burlap" at Township in Chicago]:

5. Teenage Bottlerocket - Freak Out! (Fat Wreck)

Teenage Bottlerocket released Freak Out!, its fifth studio album this year. The band keeps its fast, signature pogo-punk style and continues to dabble in skate/thrash territory. They maintain their sense of humor in songs like "Maverick," "Necrocomicon" and "Headbanger" (which was actually a Sack song first), making for a really, really fun album. This one also features two songs previously released on the Mutilate Me 7''. Read our write-up anticipating the release of this record here and check out an interview I did with Miguel Chen (bass) earlier this year here.

TOP TRACKS: "Done With Love," "Cruising For Chicks" and "In the Pit"

6. Treasure Fleet - Cocamotion (Recess)

Treasure Fleet is a Chicago supergroup, and one of the best new bands in the city. The band features Neil Hennessy (Lawrence Arms), Eli Caterer (Smoking Popes), Isaac Thotz (Arrivals), Dave Merriman (Arrivals) and Mike Oberlin (Sass Dragons) (and sometimes others). I can't call it stoner music. I can't call it psych. I can't call it punk. It's Treasure Fleet. And it rules. I haven't gotten Future Ways in the mail yet...otherwise I suspect that'd make the list too. But that'd be unfair since I haven't heard it.

TOP TRACKS: "Vice," "High On a Bicycle" and "We All Go To the Old Ghost Town"

7. Dan Vapid and the Cheats - Dan Vapid and the Cheats (Torture Chamber)

One of my favorite songwriters formed a band and released an album of new material after quitting his bands, Screeching Weasel and The Riverdales. If you don't know him from the aforementioned groups, you know him from Sludgeworth, The Mopes, The Queers, Noise By Numbers and The Methadones. This album is like a sampler platter of Dan Vapid songwriting. Some are Riverdales-esque, and some even take on '50s doo-wop influence. Check out our review and set list from the Cheats' first show last year here. 

TOP TRACKS: "Devo On Speed," "Work of Art" and "Torture Chamber"

8. Brick Mower - My Hateable Face (Don Giovanni)

After the release of its debut album, Under the Sink and non-stop touring, Brick Mower was signed to Don Giovanni Records earlier this year and released My Hateable Face. It relishes in pop punk, '90s-influenced grunge and rock and a heavy dose of a thing called originality. These guys are on tour all the time, and I highly recommend catching one of their live sets the next time they roll through your city. Check out a review of one of their Chicago shows earlier this year here.

TOP TRACKS: "Back To Haunt Me," "Trip the Stairs" and "Cheap Gasoline"

[Below is a rare glimpse of Eric caught in his natural habitat, feasting on a bhut jolokia - or more widely known as...A GHOST PEPPER (that my brother grew in Carol Stream, IL actually)]:

[Prior to the release of My Hateable Face, Brick Mower played a slew of new tunes on their tours. This was one of 'em]:

9. Wide Angles - Smile More (Dead Broke/Dirt Cult)

Wide Angles is, hands down, Chicago's best new band of 2012. Their 7''s have been very good but their debut album, Smile More, is one of the most solidly flowing, consistently rocking albums I've heard in quite some time. Reminiscent of Dead Mechanical, Hot Water Music and Samiam. This album is gold.

TOP TRACKS: "Blue Tiling," "I'll Get Back To You" and "Much Less Than Nothing"

[Below is Wide Angles playing "I'll Get Back To You" at Kildare Studios in Chicago on October 21]:

10. Mean Jeans - On Mars (Dirtnap)

Portland's Mean Jeans released its second full-length this year, following up Are You Serious? One of the best Ramones-core bands around, these guys are hilarious, but they seriously rule. Heavily '90s-themed and alcohol-fueled, they are all about partying on Earth, Mars and beyond. Their music videos are also SICK.

TOP TRACKS: "Life On Mars," "Nite of the Creeps" and "Anybody Out There?"

[Check out a video from Mean Jeans' Chicago show at the Crown Tap Room on June 12]:

 

11. Screaming Females - Ugly (Don Giovanni)

I've been a big Screamales fan for some time now, and got STOKED when I heard they were recording their new album with Steve Albini in Chicago. I think everyone's expectations were high, as Screamales seemed to blow up and get lots of press - and Ugly lived up to, and surpassed those expectations. Plus every time they come to Chicago, I get to see my buddy Frump, so that rules. I saw them a bunch in 2012,they always slay and I really look forward to what they do next. Stream Ugly here.

TOP TRACKS: "It All Means Nothing," "Leave It All Up To Me" and "It's Nice"

12. Hot Water Music - Exister (Rise)

One of my all-time favorites, Hot Water Music, returns with its first new album in eight years. There was a while I feared the band was done, with Chuck Ragan and Chris Wollard going solo, the formation and dissolution of The Draft, George Rebelo drumming for Against Me! and Jason Black playing bass for Senses Fail, but my fears were put to rest when I heard about this gem's release. It was recorded at the Blasting Room earlier this year. Stream Exister here.

TOP TRACKS: "Drown In It," "State of Grace" and "Take No Prisoners"

13. Cheap Girls - Giant Orange (Rise)

Cheap Girls, like Hot Water Music, was also signed to Rise Records and released a new album (also its first on Rise) this year. Cheap Girls is catchy, heartfelt, sincere and damn good indie/punk. This record, their third, might be their best to date. Stream Giant Orange here.

TOP TRACKS: "Gone All Summer," "Cored To Empty" and "If You Can't Swim"

14. The Hextalls - Rock You To Sleep (Self-Released)

The Hextalls are from Vancouver and have been a band since 1998. This is their third full-length since 2008, however. Pop punk gold. Highly addictive, and funny as hell. Songs about Kenny Rogers Jackass ala Mad T.V. with serious notes about becoming a dad. I can't stop listening to it.

TOP TRACKS: "Holy Fuck, I'm a Dad!," "My Name Is Kenny Rogers" and "I Just Want To Sleep In the Treehouse"

15. The Dopamines - Vices (It's Alive)

The Dopamines are known for being short and bittersweet - rocking hard in the least amount of time, and leaving an impression, probably on your forehead. They pack the party-punk in tight on their third album, Vices. If you have any doubts, ask anyone who was at the Subterranean show earlier this year in Chicago and they'll tell you how The Dopamines tear it up. The lyrically dark, introspective and sometimes disturbing themes sung by Jon Lewis have lingering effects, but the honesty and melody rules so inexplicably hard. I hope you can see this.

TOP TRACKS: "10 Stories," "Heads Up, Dusters!" and "Useless"

16. Toys That Kill - Fambly 42 (Recess)

Toys That Kill released its first new album in six years, making this one the band's fourth studio album since 2001. Clocking in at just over 31 minutes, Fambly 42 has a lot of great songs, albeit I admittedly don't know what a lot of them are about, or even mean. Toys That Kill are another one of those bands I love because they make me think and throw in a large dose of originality in the mix. Stream the album here.

TOP TRACKS: "The Nervous Rocks," "I Don't Wanna Be Around" and "Mobbed By the 3s"


17. Cory Branan - Mutt (Bloodshot)

Cory Branan stole my heart this year, seven years after I saw him play for the first time. He's a natural at guitar, telling a story and making you feel. At times, it's haunting, it's funny, it's true and it's sad. It's very much a Human Experience sort of folky-bluegrass/country/alt-indie album and I recommend it to everyone. More than anything, this album contains a good dose of reality. Check out Mutt here.

TOP TRACKS: "The Corner," "Survivor Blues" and "Yesterday (Circa Summer 80 Somethin')"

18. Chris Wollard and the Ship Thieves - Canyons (No Idea)

Chris Wollard is one of my all-time favorite songwriters, and I love hearing both his and Chuck Ragan's solo material, outside of Hot Water Music. I fell in love with his first album, and I fell hard for this one too. Wollard shines, and so does the rest of his band. Stream "Dream In My Head" here.

TOP TRACKS: "Dream In My Head," "Never Have Time" and "Heavy Rolling Thunder"



19. Sick Sick Birds - Gates of Home (Toxic Pop)

Sick Sick Birds is from Baltimore and they put out such a great album this year. Reminiscent of early Cure and Smiths, but with modern indie/punk. This album rules.

TOP TRACKS: "Pick and Choose," "Spinning Jenny" and "Caution Wires"







20. Like Bats - Midwest Nothing (John Wilkes Booth)

Not since early Lawrence Arms has punk been so desperate, gritty, raw, seething and real in Chicagoland area. I don't know what else to say about this album. It's so good. And you can download it for free.

TOP TRACKS: "This Haunted Life," "Sad Stories About Sad People With Pathetic Dreams" and "Double or Nothing"









Top 15 7''s/Collections/EPs/Demos of 2012

1. V/A - The Thing That Ate Larry Livermore (Adeline)

This was one of the best things I've heard this year. A lot of my favorite bands graced it, and I was introduced to some new ones too. Props, Larry Livermore and Adeline Records and Billie Joe Armstrong for doing this. It's so good. Stream here.

TOP TRACKS: "Business Papers" by The Dopamines, " "Anthem For a New Morning After" by The Max Levine Ensemble and "Right Where To Find Me" by Mixtapes.

2. Parasites - Non-Stop Power Pop Volume 1 (Kid Tested)

The Parasites covered a whole bunch of great '60s rock/pop tunes and Parasitized them in the way only Dave can do. This is album is so good and introduced me to so much good stuff from around the world that I hadn't heard before. All the covers are from countries that aren't the U.S. Quite rad. Thanks for this, Dave!

TOP TRACKS: "You Make Me Feel Good" originally by The Zombies, "Things Will Never Be the Same" originally by Just Four Men and "I'm a Fool" originally by The Sandy Coast

3. Masked Intruder - First Offense 7'' (Hang Up)

These guys again. Three songs that were re-recorded and made it to the full length and two that are exclusive to this awesome 7''. "ADT Security" and "Gimme Parole" are two of the most fun songs to sing along to at a live show I think ever, and I can't wait till this gets re-pressed.

TOP TRACKS: "Gimme Parole" and "ADT Security"

4. Lemuria - Varoom Allure 7'' (Bridge 9)

I was camping in Macomb, IL on Record Store Day this year, and was really bummed I couldn't get my dirty hands on this and the Joey Ramone 7''. But thanks to certain websites defeating the entire purpose of Record Store Day, I got them both! These two songs are some of the best Lemuria songs ever recorded, and knowing they are in the process of making a new record kinda gives me a chubby just thinking about how good this shit is going to be. This 7'' Rules. Listen to "Varoom Allure" and "Cannonballs To Hurt."

TOP TRACKS: Well, this is awkward.

5. Big Eyes - Back From the Moon 7'' (Grave Mistake)

I saw these guys in Minneapolis this year open for Dillinger Four and Nato Coles and His Blue Diamond Band. Wow. Needless to say, I bought up everything they've released to date. This EP is what started it all for me though, and it's highly-addicting pop punk with garage/grunge influence. Female fronted, but with an edge. Bittersweet. Fun. Relatable.

TOP TRACKS: Well, this is awkward.





6. Young Leaves - Alive and Well/The Long Song EP (Self-released)

I was introduced to this band via a friend's Facebook post, then again through a new friend from NH. I'm in love with these two songs, and really like their older stuff too. I'm excited to hear what this band does next and I hope it's along the same vein as this post-grungy/punk stuff. This is how it's done. Right. Here. And it's free. This EP is addicting.

TOP TRACKS: Well, this is awkward.






7. House Boat - 21st Century Breakroom 12'' (Bloated Kat)

House Boat really impressed me this year with this album. I was bummed they didn't play it live at the Don Giovanni Showcase pre-show earlier this year in February at their Brooklyn show, but holy shit - a 10-minute pop punk A-side, and a 30-second B-side. Genius. Hilarious. The cover art is a parody. This album is awesome. Check out our review here. Check out a review of House Boat's latest full length here. Some video and a review of that Bklyn show here! That's it.

TOP TRACKS: Well, this is awkward.

8. Great Apes - Great Apes 7'' (Say 10)

Great Apes is Brian Moss's (Olehole/Hanalei/Jahbreaker) new band. I am a huge fan of his voice, his lyrics and his music, and Great Apes seems to take a more pop punk direction to his post-hardcore style, and I'm all over it. Check out a review I did for Jaded In Chicago here.

TOP TRACK: "Sam's Song"








9. Science Police - Science Police EP (Self-released)

Fuck yeah! More post-Steinways Grath songs! Whenever I want to feel better about myself, I listen to Grath sing. Kidding of course, but this is so good. It's not too self-depreciating. Features Marissa Bergquist of Ergquist/The Chandeliers/The Besties on keys/vocals and Grivet and Chris Pierce and other pop punk (message board) celebrities. This EP kicks ass and I hope this band gets signed if they haven't already.

TOP TRACKS: "The Boat Dreams From the Front Desk," "She Blinded Me With Immunobiology" and "No Fun Intended"


10. Young Skin: The Sticky Pages EP 7'' (Paper and Plastick)

This new band came out of the blue, and then I realized it's a couple of my friends' new band! Features Miranda and Jeff of Black Wine, Brian Gorsenger of Night Birds and a guy whom I can't remember (sorry, guy). Very stripped down garage punk mixed with riot grrl mixed with indie. It's a lot of fun. Stream here!






11. Jabber - Too Many Babes (Bloated Kat)

NEW DANNY BAILEY BAND! This is best new all-female band, period (see what I did there?) Seriously, holy shit. Please tour. Please release more music. Pop punk. Spelling Babes with a V on your fridge. Fun hooks. Catchy melodies. You're gonna want to get on this if you haven't yet.

TOP TRACKS: "Maybe Next Year," "Talk To You" and "Girlfriend"







12. Mikey Erg - Fucifier flexi 7'' (Bloated Kat/John Wilkes Booth)

Merg wears many hats. Indiscernible vocals with no lyrics sheet pisses me off, and the music makes me pissed too. MAKES ME WANNA LIFT WEIGHTS. AND THEN THROW THEM THROUGH DOUBLE-PLATED GLASS. Merg is a sweetheart, but even sweethearts fill with rage and pent-up anger. This pain-in-the-dick flexi disc is the captured pressure from his release of anger. Dude's all, "I didn't go tot he studio with lyrics, but I knew who I was pissed at." Pretty hardcore.  I am still trying to figure out if "Chicago Pussy" is about a city full of windy meat curtains or...? P.S. This EP rules. I even bought the matching shirt. The longest song is 0:53. Deal with it.


TOP TRACKS: "Chicago Pussy," "The Art of Stupidity" and "Onezerothree"



13. Brick Mower: Why Are We Doing This? 7'' (Rok Lok)

Only 200 of these were pressed, so if you have one, you're smart. And lucky. These songs were recorded in 2010, according to Eric (I think). This 7'' has demos of "Cheap Gasoline," which was re-recorded and put on My Hateable Face and "Instant Rectification," which was re-recorded and put on Under the Sink. The other two songs weren't released anywhere else, far'z I know and they're a bit different than everything else Brick Mower's done. I love this 7'' and these people. Fun fact: Kristen's (bass) mom is in this photo. Can you guess which one she is?

TOP TRACKS: "Cheap Gasoline," "Instant Rectification" and "National Washboard"



14. The Vindicitives: Mono Flexi 7'' (Sexy Baby)

They're baaaaack. Holy shit. I really hope they play shows. Either way. Stream here.

TOP TRACKS: "Nightmare, Man" and "Joining the Circus"









15. Dan Andriano: Of Peace, Quiet and Monsters 7'' (Asian Man)

Dan Andriano kept busy while bandmate Matt Skiba was busy with theHELL and Matt Skiba and the Sekrets this year. This is better than both those albums combined. Listen here.

TOP TRACKS: Well, this is awkward.








Top 10 Split 7''s of 2012


1. Tenement/Cheeky (No Breaks/Let's Pretend)


Hands down the best split of the year. Released early in 2012, this one has two tracks by each band, and was released post-Cheeky breakup. It's awesome from start to finish - can't stop listening.

TOP TRACKS: "Perverse Universe" and "So Bored"








2. Dead North/Strong City (Bloated Kat)


Servo Jefferson put this one out - and I pre-ordered it before even hearing it, and I'm so glad I did because this split is incredible. I am new to both these bands and both contributed two great songs each. So catchy. Great Midwestern pop punk.

TOP TRACKS: "Letter Carrier" and "This Will Be the Death Of Us All"






3. Masked Intruder/The Turkletons (Hang Up)


Pop punk as fuck! This 7'' rules. I heard the full-length album by Masked Intruder before hearing this one, and noticed the difference in recording, but Masked Intruder still rules on this one, even though it seems a little lighter. The Turkletons are great. I have a demo of theirs from a few years ago, and recognized some of the songs, and I'm glad they re-recorded them and put them out on this amazing split.

TOP TRACKS: "I Can't Get You Outta My Head" and "The Kissing Disease"


4. Mikey Erg/Alex Kerns (Asian Man)


Two of my favorite dudes from one million of my favorite bands. Alex Kerns of Lemuria contributes two originals, and Mikey Erg does a Down By Law cover of "Flower Tattoo" and an electric full-band version of "Song Against Ian Raymond" (inspired from the movie High Fidelity). I would have loved some never-before-heard-from-the-depths Mikey Erg stuff, but this is great. The "Flower Tattoo" cover is one of the best covers I've ever heard. Listen here.


TOP TRACKS: "Criminal To Be Alone" and "Song Against Ian Raymond"

5. Wide Angles/The Brokedowns (Cassette Deck)

Some of my hometown favorites - The Brokedowns and Wide Angles. These guys have been putting out such solid material, it's only perfect that they release a split with each other. Flawless victory. 

TOP TRACKS: "Crime Still Pays" and "Painted In"







6. Noise By Numbers/The Magnificent (Solidarity/Drunken Sailor)


I hadn't heard of The Magnificent before, but I am a huge NBN fan, and these are two of their best tunes. I am also now a Magnificent fan. Good job, Dan, Jeff, Rick and Jimmy. Stream here.

TOP TRACKS: "Lost Luggage" and "Don't Send Me Flowers"







7. The Homewreckers/City Mouse (Mooster)


Thanks to Mooster for hooking us up with a copy of this 7''. I am so sorry I'm so behind on reviews, but this split is amazing. I am especially fond of City Mouse's side. The Homewreckers kill it - they remind me a lot of X. This split is a must-listen.

TOP TRACKS: "Gemini" and "Nervous Wrecks"






8. Dan Vapid and the Cheats/The Jetty Boys (Merman)


Dan Schafer makes multiple appearances on this list, as he's been a busy dude releasing killer stuff, and this split is no exception. The Cheats offer up an original and cover "Part of the Noise" by Pointed Sticks, while the Jetty Boys throw on an original and cover "Jimmy" by The Roman Line. This split is saturated with fun pop punk. Stream here.

TOP TRACKS: "One More Chance" and "Not Even Close"





9. Dan Andriano/Brendan Kelly (Red Scare)

This release features two of my all-time favorite musicians, put out by a great dude in my hometown. Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio and Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms each offer an original tune on this split. I used to always wish for an Alkaline Trio/Larry Arms split, but this is pretty damn close. I am all over it. Check out Dan's track.
TOP TRACKS: Well, this is awkward.






10. Sundials/Tatlin's Tower

I don't know what the status of this split is, or who's "officially" releasing it, but I've been stalking it on the band's Bandcamp pages and it's great. Check it out.

TOP TRACKS: "Assailant" and "Socialism In America"










Past SQUID PRO QUO best-of lists:

Best of 2008
Best of 2009
Best of 2010
Best of 2011