Dan Vapid & the Cheats show review/set list (5.27.11)

Friday night was the first show for Dan Vapid & the Cheats, which was held at the Cobra Lounge in Chicago. Off the bat, it was an interesting crowd. I eavesdropped while hiding behind my $3 tall can of Old Style, and heard British accents in several groups. A guy named Tor from Norway came out and introduced himself to me, and I know other Europeans made the trip as well. I talked briefly with two girls from England who came out but their accent was so heavy and the music playing over the PA was so overly loud, that I couldn't hear a thing they said.

Sheboygan, Wisc. pop-punk rockers, The Jetty Boys opened the night. Lead singer/guitarist Drew Fredrichsen is a great entertainer with a very active stage-presence. Even if you don't like the music, it's hard to take your eyes off the stage because it's entertaining. I've seen The Jetty Boys a number of times now, and it's always fun and they seem to get the crowd into it. The Kurt Baker Band played next, sandwiched between the Jetty Boys and the curious Dan Vapid band. Kurt Baker was great - he played a number of Leftovers tunes, which I was all about. I've seen The Leftovers a bunch of times, and they were great. Mike Byrne of The Methadones was supposed to play guitar for them, but I don't think he wanted to do double duty that night, as he was playing lead guitar for Dan Vapid & the Cheats. They were great though - infectious punk-rock influenced power pop. Like Fredrichsen, Baker captivated the audience with his dancing, engagement of the crowd and positive egotism, reminiscent of Joe Jackson or Elvis Costello. The Kurt Baker Band was excellent.

Finally, the moment I'd been waiting for - Dan Vapid & the Cheats. I knew the lineup was 3/4 Methadones (Dan Schafer, Mike Byrne, Mike Soucy) and 1/4 Screeching Weasel 2k10 (Simon Lamb). They opened up with The Methadones' "Say Goodbye To Your Generation." Pete Mittler (Methadones) came up and played bass on a few tunes, which was great for me, because a part of me thought I'd never see my favorite live band ever again, and lo and behold, they were playing all together on a stage Friday night. It was short-lived, and Lamb returned to bass. During "Someday" by Sludgeworth, Joe Principe (Rise Against) took over on bass, and looked like he was having a great time up there with Dan, Mike B. and Mike S. They played a fair amount of The Mopes ("The World Don't Revolve Around You," "My Heart Won't Bleed For You," "Baby Doll," etc.), Sludgeworth ("Someday," "Anytime," etc.), Methadones ("Say Goodbye To Your Generation," "Bored of Television," "Transistor Radio," etc.) and The Riverdales ("Make Way," "Heart Out of Season," "Crash of the Moons," etc.) songs as well as Screeching Weasel's "High School Psychopath," which Schafer told us he wrote after high school. They also played a new one called "I Could Be Into You (If You Were Into Me)," which will appear on The Black Sheep Band LP that both Schafer and Byrne recorded on. They had Black Sheep Cafe chef James Toland up on stage to sing backup vocals. During The Riverdales' "Crash of the Moons," Adam Cargin of The Riverdales 2k10 came up and gave Soucy a break on drums. It was fun interacting with Byrne. I even brought a yellow guitar pick in my pocket to throw in his mouth (I missed). They also played a cover of the Pointed Sticks' "Out of Luck," which appears on The Methadones' "21st Century Power Pop" album.

The show was a good time, and while I know a lot of people from out of town were bummed that they couldn't see Screeching Weasel, I enjoyed myself more Friday night than I would have had I saw Screeching Weasel. I like all Dan's bands more, and the songs are better, in my opinion. The Cheats didn't have any merch, which was something I was curious about. I did pick up a free two-song CD from Kurt Baker with the songs, "Why You Gotta Lie" and "Don't Steal My Heart Away." I had a great night, which only got better Saturday and Sunday.

Set List:
Say Goodbye To Your Generation (The Methadones)
Make Way (The Riverdales)
Heart Out of Season (The Riverdales)
Baby Doll (The Mopes)
Transistor Radio (The Methadones)
Back To You (The Riverdales)
High School Psychopath (Screeching Weasel)
Diabolik (The Riverdales)
I Don't Wanna Go To the Party (The Riverdales)
Bored of Television (The Methadones)
My Heart Won't Bleed For You (The Mopes)
I Don't Wanna Live Forever (The Riverdales)
The World Don't Revolve Around You Anymore (The Mopes)
I Could Be Into You (If You Were Into Me) (The Black Sheep Band)
Riverdale Stomp (The Riverdales)
Crash of the Moons (The Riverdales)
3-2-1 (The Methadones)
Turning Up the Noise (The Methadones)
Encore:
Anytime (Sludgeworth)
Someday feat. Joe Principe (Sludgeworth)
Far Away (The Methadones)
Out of Luck (The Methadones' Pointed Sticks cover)
I Don't Know How To Say Goodbye (The Mopes)

Ben Weasel/Danny Vapid - "My Brain Hurts" show review

Saturday night started out pretty well. I got some food, had a few RC Colas and was feeling pretty damn good. There was a terrible DVD looping on the TVs of Gang of Four footage. They were really artsy and didn't seem to carry any sort of rhythm. But luckily after that, there was a Dwarves DVD. It wasn't much better, but it beat that Gang of Four crap.
So between looking at the naked Dwarves on four screens and looking at the Repellants on the live Reggie's feed, I decided to get up and go next door. I missed the Repellants unfortunately, but caught the Chinese Telephones. They were great, as always. During the show, a dude that goes by codename Jerry Cola requested "Crying In the Chapel," to which Justin Telephone, the lead singer, said "No requests!"
I figured it was worth a shot. They did play it at the Subterranean a little while back, though.
I was disappointed to learn that the Chinese Telephones might be breaking up really soon. Justin informed me after the show that the show I just witnessed very well possibly could be their last, which sucks. Something about the drummer leaving, I believe, but I don't want to spread non-facts.
That kind of bummed me out, because the Chinese Telephones are absolutely awesome and fun fun fun to watch. It's a shame the crowd is never really into them. Then again, most of the words are impossible to decipher.

Next up were the Jetty Boys, who I wasn't all too impressed with. The lead singer/guitarist of the band played in Ben Weasel's band in May, so I recognized him right away. The music was pretty good, but after all the clap-your-hands stuff, I got kinda turned off. They weren't bad at all. I just wasn't feeling them, and I was so excited to see Danny Vapid play with Ben Weasel, that any band that was up there, I probably would have felt the same restless feeling.

After the Jetty Boys left the stage, Ben Weasel's band came out and tore right into "Making You Cry."
My favorite part of the night was the fact that Reggie's doesn't give a shit who goes backstage. I witnessed the whole show from the side of the stage, and wandered up to the fence-balcony for a song. It was cool.
"My Brain Hurts" is my absolute favorite album, blah blah blah. It's a lot of people's favorite.
What I especially enjoyed were Vapid's background vocals. That's something Ben can't capture solo. His backing band does a pretty dead-on job of nailing the notes and has timing down. Simon Lamb, Ben Weasel's guitarist, did a great job especially. But it's the backing vocals that complete the true sound of the album. Ben is great solo. But Vapid and Ben together were incredible. Ace from the Steinways also took over for Simon on a song. They played, I think, four Riverdales tunes. Which, obviously with Vapid there, was really really cool. Ben will do Riverdales tunes, like in May. Sometimes Vapid will do Riverdales tunes during Methadones shows or that Mopes show in 2006. But having them together was awesome. One more person, and it would have been a Riverdales reunion show.

After the show, there was a free Vacation Bible School gig next door. They were fun. I want to check out some of their stuff. Another band of note was Teen Slut. They were fast and right on as The Queers, and they did a couple of covers, too. They covered "Terrible Monster" by The Vindictives and "Island of Pogo Pogo" by the Groovie Ghoulies. I think they did "Rockaway Beach" too. But I forgot who sings that originally.
After THAT, The Arrivals played next door.
Both shows were free if you attended the Ben Weasel/Danny Vapid show. You can't go wrong with the Arrivals. They've got a certain charm about themselves. I believe they are one of the more underrated bands in Chicago. All in all, though, Saturday night was awesome. The burgers next door in the music joint rule, by the way.

'Over Leavitt' by Noise By Numbers

By Kevin Toomey
Rating: 2/5
Jump Start Records CD/LP
August 2011

My first impression of Over Leavitt was to say that Noise By Numbers is a very apt name for this band. After a couple more chances, I can’t say that my first impression was very far off. While I like Dan Schafer’s work in most of the other bands he’s been in (Screeching Weasel, The Riverdales, The Methadones, The Mopes, Sludgeworth, The Queers, Generation Waste), the majority of the material on Over Leavitt didn’t seem to really measure up to the songwriting standard that he’s set for himself in The Riverdales or The Methadones. The songwriting style isn’t that much different, although the sound of the band is a break from form. Everything '90s seems to be a thing right now and I guess it’s the case for punk music too. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I think that once that fad is done, Over Leavitt might sound a little dated. Noise By Numbers are definitely going for a bigger type of sound than The Riverdales or The Methadones ever had, but the substance isn’t really there to back up the big feel that they’re shooting for. The layered guitars sound good on “Yeah, Whatever,” but the guitars aren’t varied enough for each to shine through and the effect is a mostly boring song, even though it’s one of the better songs on the album. “Swarm of Flies” pulls off the big feel a little better and I wish more of the songs stayed in this vein. Two of the other decent tracks are “Lost My Way” and “I Don’t Think So,” where I can really hear the attempt at recreating an early ’90s Replacements sort of sound. I’d say listen to “Lost My Way” and “Swarm of Flies” and you can probably pass on the rest of the album.

Listen to the last two Riverdales songs ever

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.

Interview with Danny Vapid of Screeching Weasel/The Methadones/The Mopes/Sludgeworth/The Queers

By Chris Carlton

Squid Pro Quo: Thanks for taking the time to speak with Squid Pro Quo, Dan. I know you have a lot going on, so we'll get right to it. You've got a new band, Dan Vapid & The Cheats, and your first show is May 27th at Cobra Lounge. Who's playing with you, and how did you get the band started?

Danny Vapid: "The band is me on lead vocals and guitar, Simon Lamb (The Riverdales redux) on bass, Mike Byrne (The Methadones) on lead guitar and Mike Soucy (The Methadones) on drums. The idea behind performing as a solo act has been a suggested idea of sorts for a few years now. It started a few years back with a promoter in Genova, Italy who asked if I would be interested in touring over there playing my back catalog of songs from various bands I played in: Riverdales, Methadones, Mopes, Sludgeworth, Screeching Weasel etc... I thought it was a cool idea and a great chance to see Italy again, but never came into fruition because of other musical obligations. But since the unfortunate events with Screeching Weasel at SXSW, I would soon be left without a job. I got a call from Mike Byrne the following week and picked up some temp work through the company he works for. While working, he got a text message from the people at Cobra Lounge asking if I would be interested in doing a solo show on the same weekend that the Weasel anniversary fest was scheduled. At first, I wasn't very interested. I was still feeling very out of sorts and emotionally wrought from SXSW. Mike really liked the idea when we started talking about it and he offered to play guitar. Within a week, I began gravitating towards the idea of doing this show. I was getting lots of support after the SXSW fiasco from friends, bands and fans and that meant a lot to me. Not to mention all the people that booked airfare, hotels, etc... to see Weasel Fest, which is now canceled. It's a bad situation and not what most people made plans to come to Chicago to hear. But If there's a silver lining in this shit cloud, people can still stick around and get a chance to hear my back catalog of songs and get to see Kurt Baker and The Jetty Boys. So far, the response to this has been positive. As long as there are people who want to hear these songs, I'm more than happy to play them."

SPQ: In the past you've played "Make Way" and "Back To You" by The Riverdales and "Someday" by Sludgeworth during Methadones sets. Can we expect those songs this time around? Or is the set list being kept hush for the moment?

DV: "There are no secrets. We'll be playing all the songs you've mentioned and more. A whole set full of them."

SPQ: What can we expect from The Cheats this year? More shows or maybe some new recorded material?

DV: "I'm working on doing some more shows. I've already have had a few offers and will be playing Insubordination Fest in August. I have plenty of songs written for a new record so hopefully they will have a home with this project and we can generate some interest with some record labels on that front as well."

SPQ: You're a legend in the Chicago punk scene and you have been an influence on many, not just in Chicago, but around the world. Who influenced you as a musician and a songwriter?

DV: "Lots. Here are some songwriters. They range in genre, but here they are: Dee Dee Ramone, Joey Ramone, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, Kim Schattuck, Pete Shelly, Buddy Holly, Leslie Gore, Hank Williams Sr., Jeff Pezzati, Pierre Kedzy, Ben Weasel, Paul Collins, Cliff Johnson, Rick Nielson, Blake Schwarzenbach, Matt Skiba, Josh Caterer, John Samson, Ben Gibbard, Elliott Smith, Rhett Miller, Paul Westerberg, Bob Mould and many more. Also, autobiographies from musicians, books or documentaries on bands, producers or studios like Sun Records, novelists like Charles Bukowski and John Fante, comedians like George Carlin or composers of film scores like Bill Conti and Ennio Morricone; they all play a role, even if it's very subtle. I try to take what I like about something and give it my own twist or sensibility."

SPQ: You were recently involved in the Black Sheep sessions, and recorded a single. How did you get involved in the band and what was is like playing with such legends as Eric Spicer and Jake Burns?

DV: "Mike Byrne had told me about the project and how it was associated with a new restaurant opening and I thought it was cool. Many years ago, I went to culinary school and cooking has remained and interest with me ever since. I never had the opportunity to mix music and cooking; two things that I have so much interest in. So, I e-mailed James Toland (Black Sheep Restaurant) and asked if I could write a song for the project and it was done. I was really excited about the project and to work with musicians who have had such a big influence on me. Years ago, if somebody would have told me that I would write a song and Jake Burns from Stiff Little Fingers and Eric Spicer of Naked Raygun would play on it, I wouldn't have believed it. It was a bit surreal. As soon as Jake started playing guitar, I got goosebumps. Although not a S.L.F. song, it had all the nuances of his playing and I was totally eating it up."

SPQ: I heard some of the proceeds from sales of the Black Sheep single will go to charity. Is that correct?

DV: "Correct; the Children's Memorial Hospital."

SPQ: Are there any plans for another Black Sheep recording session in the near future?

DV: "It's hard to say. There are lots of people involved, all whom have projects of their own. But if everybody was down for doing it again, I'd love to.

SPQ: With all the bands you've played with, what do you feel is your greatest musical achievement thus far?

DV: "This question is always difficult for me to answer. But some of the Sludgeworth songs and my contributions to Screeching Weasel's "My Brain Hurts" were big achievements for me. They were breakthroughs as a musician. But, ultimately, I'm just happy to make a connection with the listener no matter what the song is. Being able to make music, travel the world and having people appreciate what I do is what means the most to me."

SPQ: You've been recording music for more than 20 years now. How do you feel the scene has changed from the early '90s to now?

DV: "The mid-'90s was the merging of 'punk rock' into the mainstream. There was the success of bands like Green Day and the influx of bands that followed. Some of it made for positive change and some of it was really stupid. Since about 1999-2000 and on, there have been so many sub-genres of punk rock not only in Chicago but around the world. In a populated city like Chicago, these sub-genres have grown into many scenes, some tightly knit, and spread out over the city and suburbs. It can be hard to keep track of them. I've read some of your other interviews with guys like John Haggerty, for example, who say when they started, it was much smaller and everyone knew each other. I totally agree. In my experience, it was also less fragmented. The guy who listened to Flipper and Husker Du was friends with the guy who liked Minor Threat and The Misfits. It was all kind of part of the same thing. It's not like that as much anymore. You have pop punk kids, emo kids, hardcore kids, etc... with scenes that have little or nothing to do with each other. Then, of course, technology and the Internet played a big role of changing the punk scene. There wasn't MySpace or Facebook, etc...

SPQ: When The Methadones decided to call it a day, people seemed to take a step back, kind of shocked. I know I was blown away by the news. Was it hard to say goodbye? And do you see the four of you playing together or recording ever again?

DV: "We were a band for 10 years, had internal problems for about 5 years and we still kept going. We tried to work through it, hoping there was some spark left. Even though I was a little sad about it, we were all ready to move on. We got to the point where we were going through the motions and it was getting very stale. We all went through periods of giving a shit and not giving a shit, all at different times. We're all still good friends and I'm sure we'll work together in some capacity, but likely not as the Methadones."

SPQ: Before I let you go, is there a website that you would like to plug for any of your former bands? And where can we go to find out about upcoming shows, releases or merch?

DV: "Since I'm not playing in those bands anymore, I'd rather plug who I am currently playing with. Look out for Noise By Numbers, which will have a new record on Jump Start Records titled, "Over Leavitt" out in July. Also keep an eye out for Dan Vapid & The Cheats- we'll be playing at Cobra Lounge on May 27th. Hope to see you there!"

SPQ: I would like to thank you again for taking time out to talk with us, Dan. I am excited to see the new group live, and want to wish you and the band all the best in the coming months! Thanks again, Dan.

DV: "Thanks for the interview, Chris!"

Best Releases Of 2008

Teenage Bottlerocket - "Warning Device"

I was so into "Total" from the time I got that album, that the three years (give or take) in between that and "Warning Device," were torture. Talk about wearing down an album. Those guys released it at the perfect time. Colored vinyl would have been cool though. I dig the gatefold LP and I can't wait to hear more by them soon.

Shot Baker - "Take Control"

I like to think of Shot Baker as Chicago's best kept secret. These guys blend old school Chicago punk and hardcore perfectly on their new album, "Take Control." Their music is introspective, raw and genuine and something anybody with any sort of internal struggle can empathize with.

The Ergs! - "Hindsight is 20/20, My Friend"

Yeah, I know it's a collection, but it's a fucking good collection of awesome songs. I just wish they didn't break up. The Ergs! are kinda like Tupac. They break up and yet keep on releasing splits and 12''s. If you're reading this, Ergs!, get back together and come to Chicago. And play a show.

The Copyrights - "Learn the Hard Way"

These guys are a truly great pop-punk machine, operating at full throttle, releasing material left and right. "Learn the Hard Way" is 14 songs in about 25 minutes, to give you an idea of it's pace. It's fast-moving, it's fun and its themes jump from girls to I-57, an interstate I'm actually very familiar with, to shit being straight up FUCKED. I can't wait to hear what The Copyrights come up with this year. Aside from the picture discs of "We Didn't Come Here To Die," which I'm excited to check out.

The Copyrights/The Methadones split

Besides the fact that The Copyrights and The Methadones are two of the best pop-punk bands today, they started their own label just for this split. Transparent Records, as Dan Schafer and Adam Fletcher call it, is their label, which is just that...a label of a jellyfish. I think it's brilliant though. Not naming any names here, but who would want to release an album under a shitty label that will take most of your money and not even promote your awesome band? Fuck that horse shit. The Methadones and The Copyrights completely CUT that middleman motherfucker out, and have released an amazing split embodying only the best of today's power pop, punk rock and pop punk sound. Oh yeah, and straight up pop as well. It's goooood. In fact, I think I'll do more than _____ Records ever did for them and post a MySpace bulletin right now promoting this amazing split.

The Steinways - "Gorilla Marketing"

And now for something NOT from Chicago...The Steinways are a pop-punk band, but unlike the cookie-cutter Ramonescore leather jacket crap (which I love, don't get me wrong), The Steinways kind of come off as a bunch of wussies. I mean, they are great, but they don't puff out their chest and sing about how tough they are. Rather, songs about school, weed, girls, unemployment and uh...did I say girls? Girls girls girls hey hey hey girls girls girls. I talked to Ace a while back and promised him I'd review this album, and having just ripped my LP to MP3 a month ago, I will uphold that promise. It's a truly great release by a truly FUN band. Seriously, you'll be singing along and feeling young and infantile again in no time, it's great.

Alkaline Trio - "Agony and Irony"

This one's an oddball. Epic Records, 10 different releases for the album, etc...etc...But Alkaline Trio is STILL my favorite band of all time. There is so much to empathize with in both Matt Skiba and Dan Andriano's vocals, and as overproduced and uh...I don't know "different" as "Crimson" and "Good Mourning" were, "Agony and Irony" really redeems them as the Trio I used to know. They really strip it all down in this record and despite all the special editions, digital only MP3 tracks and bonus 7'' songs, this album really acted as a bellow to my eternal Alkaline Trio flame (not to be misinterpreted as homoerotic love).

Mike Hale - "Broken With No Hope"

Mike Hale is fucking awesome, let me just say that. OK, now that that's out of the way, I want to talk about how amazing his voice is. It's SO amazing (HOW AMAZING IS IT?!) It's so amazing that when he opens his mouth, his guitar wants to play HIM. He's got a soothing voice, a real different sound than heard in his other bands, Gunmoll and In the Red. They're not bad either. But Hale's solo stuff is great. His guitar-playing is intricate and relaxing, a whole different side of him than he shows in his other bands. For fans of Chuck Ragan, Chris Wollard and uh...it doesn't matter, check this guy out.

Kepi the Band/Kepi and Friends - "American Gothic" and "Hanging Out"

This was a fun one. I got the double gatefold vinyl release of these two albums, on green and purple vinyl. Kepi and Friends released "American Gothic," which is acoustic, very mellow and fun, much like an acoustic version of the Ghoulies. Imagine that! There's songs about girls and the like, and he does a really Western take on these tracks. He even covers "Take a Look" from The Methadones' first album, which is really good. "Hanging Out" is by Kepi the Band, an all-electric band sounding even MORE like the Groovie Ghoulies. Wowie zowie, imagine that! These are mostly new songs. A couple of them, "It's You" and "A Kiss For You" were featured on his Valentine's Day card release with a 2-track CD inside. The rest (I think) are all originals - all very good. I especially like "Red Bat." If only bats could be kept as pets...sigh.

The Riverdales - "Phase 3" re-issue

I know this isn't a new album, but I believe it is worthy of mention because of the three unreleased Riverdales tracks, deeming this release (in my mind), worthy of making it to THE LIST. As if the first album re-issued wasn't good enough, now we have Phase 3 (that's right, numerals, not the word three) to listen to, with songs all rearranged out of order with new ones thrown in between. "Countdown" makes for a cool opener. It's not easy to count down from 10 and keep a rhythm at the same time. I tried it on my own, it was weird. Also on this are "Total Blockhead," "You Know You Do" and "Out For Myself." The latter of that list could totally be a Methadones song. Anyways, I look forward to the new Riverdales album in '09 er-this year and can't wait to hear more by 'em. Side note-anyone know where "I Can't Pretend" is from? I have heard that track and like it, but have never seen it on any sort of track listing. Maybe one of their 7''s?

Off With Their Heads - "From the Bottom"

This one is worthy of mention on many levels. It's a hard, gritty tale of life in the dumps and not being able to get straight. The music follows traditional pop-punk chords, but are much harder, with much more gruff vocals. This album paints a picture of desperation, heartache, frustration and sorrow with a hint of hope. Anyone feeling like shit can listen to this, and feel better or at least not so alone. Off With Their Heads are a great band not only on albums, but live as well. I've seen 'em three times and love it more every time. See 'em if they roll through your town and pick this one up, because it's their best release to date.

Shorebirds - "S/T" 7''

Shorebirds was born following the breakups of Jawbreaker and Latterman. While the 7'' was originally pressed in I think, 2007, it was repressed in 2008, deeming it totally worthy of making the list. Four songs about being outcast and upset with the world really are good. Matt C., the lead singer of Latterman sings on this release and Chris B. from Jawbreaker plays bass. Seriously, if you like either of those bands, you will love Shorebirds. They have a full-length release as well, which I have, but have yet to listen to. I'm sure that is great as well.

Chris Wollard and The Ship Thieves - "S/T"

Two hundred LPs were pressed for The Fest 7 this year, and there were a few left over, so I was lucky enough to grab one from No Idea Records. The LP is a rough version of the upcoming full-length by Chris Wollard and The Ship Thieves. I'm not sure who else plays on this, as the record is literally a blank-labeled LP with just a square of cardboard, but it is really good, and I can't wait for the polished-up release. On it are "No Exception" and "Reason In My Rhyme" from the Chris Wollard/Mike Hale split 7''. Eight other songs grace the album, and all of them are acoustic, mellow and just add to my love of everything Hot Water Music.

Chuck Ragan - "Ole Diesel" 7''

Speaking of Hot Water Music, Chuck Ragan released a 7'' in February on Rat Patrol records (UK). Two songs - Ole Diesel, an original Ragan tune about trains illustrates his southern roots with a real folk influence. "The World Turned Upside Down" is a cover Ragan did, originally a Digger's Song from a couple hundred years ago, actually. Billy Bragg did it, and then Ragan covered him. This one's a good release.

Mischief Brew/Joe Jack Talcum - "Photographs From the Shoebox" split

I'm a huge Dead Milkmen fan, so when I saw Joe Jack Talcum (Milkmen's lead singer) release solo stuff, I jumped on that. He re-did "Dean's Dream" with an acoustic and I think steel guitar as well. It sounds really good, and he follows his traditional songwriting techniques of writing songs that are kind of silly and weird, but pull you in till you're in love. The Mischief Brew side was great as well. I always like it when I buy a split for one band and it turns out the other one is great. They are an anarcho-punk band, but not in an Anti-Flag "let's see how many times we can get the crowd to chant 'Fuck Bush'" kind of way. They reminded me of old Against Me! and the World/Inferno Friendship Society. Kinda folk, kinda punk but really great. I swear, I've heard "Gather Ye Acorns" somewhere before, I just can't think of where. Anyway I heard the Dead Milkmen reunited for a show in Texas and plan on touring. I hope this is true and I hope that if it is, they come through Chicago so I can see them. Check out this release if you too have been wondering what Joe Jack Talcum has been up to lately. It's really good. (See: Mischief Brew's "Jobs in Steeltown" 7'' review).

Smoking Popes - "Stay Down"

In June, the Smoking Popes did a show at the Metro for an advanced release of their album, "Stay Down." It was an amazing show, with Neil Hennessy of the Lawrence Arms on drums. Well, the album is great. Not since 1997 have the Popes put out a studio-recorded album of new material (unless you count the Duvall stuff, which I'm not). It sounds like Josh's voice hasn't changed a bit. They picked up right where they left off, Josh found God and yadda yadda. But this album is seriously great. It's lyrics are full of hope, sincerity and meaning and while Neil didn't record with them, his strong presence on drums is seen in their live shows, which are something not to be missed. "Stay Down" is way up there on the Best of 2008 list. (See: "Stay Down" review).

Last but not least I want to mention Mike Felumlee, former drummer of Alkaline Trio and the Smoking Popes. While he has not officially released anything in 2008, he recorded and put up a slew of new tracks via MySpace and PureVolume. He has a split coming out this year, but I want to mention the new songs, because they are great. I'm a big fan of "64 Hours" and his split with Dan Andriano of Alkaline Trio. He's got a sincere, mellow voice, and a real knack for writing catchy, poppy guitar parts to accompany his heartfelt lyrics. I am really looking forward to his new material and anything else he does in the future.

Squid Pro Quo's Top 10 of 2009:

In the fashion of David Letterman, or as Butthead would say, "that uhhh...Letter dude," I have compiled a list of 2009's Top Ten Albums.

Honorable Mentions:
15. Deep Sleep - Three Things At Once (Grave Mistake)
14. NOFX - Frisbee/Coaster (Fat Wreck)
13. Mike Hale - Lives Like Mine (Suburban Home)
12. Gateway District - Some Days You Get the Thunder (It's Alive)
11. The Riverdales - Invasion USA (Asian Man)

Albums:
10. THE BOMB - SPEED IS EVERYTHING (No Idea)

The Bomb, comprised of Jeff Pezzati from Naked Raygun, Pete Mittler and Mike Soucy from The Methadones and Jeff Dean from Noise By Numbers, Four Star Alarm, etc..., put out its third full-length this year. It's a great follow-up to "Indecision." It also proves that a punk rock band CAN pull of an A Flock of Seagulls cover.
TOP TRACK: "A Song For The Helenas"

9. PSYCHED TO DIE - YEAR ONE (Dirtnap)

New Jersey's Psyched To Die revives classic hardcore and blends it with pop-punk and thrash, making for some catchy, harder-edged material. The lyrics are pretty nihilistic and bleak but damn, this stuff is good.
TOP TRACK: "Permanent Solution"

8. CHUCK RAGAN - GOLD COUNTRY (Side One Dummy)

Hot Water Music's Chuck Ragan keeps doing it; making good, honest music from his heart. It's modest and carries the torch of old-time folk songs that narrate the lives of hard-working-class men.
TOP TRACK: "Rotterdam"

7. DEAR LANDLORD - DREAM HOMES (No Idea)

Dear Landlord is the melding of The Copyrights, Off With Their Heads and Rivethead. It's gritty, dirty and raw - stripping down the walls of your standard pop-punk song structure. It's a great debut album for Dear Landlord. Hopefully there's a 7'' or a follow up album by them soon.
TOP TRACK: "Rosa"

6. THE LEFTOVERS - EAGER TO PLEASE (Oglio)

A heavily-fueled power pop band from Maine - The Leftovers - followed up its last album, "On The Move," with this one. It definitely tops it. It definitely draws more influence from musicians like Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson. The songs are about girls, girls and girls. You won't be able to get this one out of your head. It's as infectious as it is catchy and is a virus worth keeping around.
TOP TRACK: "The Only One"

5. CHRIS WOLLARD AND THE SHIP THIEVES - CHRIS WOLLARD AND THE SHIP THIEVES (No Idea)

Chris Wollard built the anticipation for this debut full-length with his split 7'' with Mike Hale in 2007. Hearing Chris Wollard and Chuck Ragan sing together all these years created something of a duality in my head, and I love their music both equally and separately in their own respects. If that makes any sense. This album is an introspective one and kind of a lonely one at that. It's riddled with insecurity and desperation but also with love and optimism. I'm gonna use the word duality again. It's a perfect balance and quite poetic.
TOP TRACK: "All The Things You Know"

4. HOUSE BOAT - THE DELAWARE OCTOPUS (It's Alive)

These guys again!? Yes, yes. I did review this album not too long ago. I wasn't kidding when I said it was fucking awesome and so on. It's funny. It's catchy. It's fast and poppy and upbeat and just cool. It's a cool fucking album by a bunch of cool fucking dudes. Especially Ace.
TOP TRACK: "My Guts Have Shit For Brains." Just kidding, it's their cover of "Traffic School."

3. Noise By Numbers - Yeah, Whatever... (Asian Man)

This new band emerged in 2009 called Noise By Numbers made up of Dan Schafer (Screeching Weasel, Riverdales, Methadones, Sludgeworth, etc...), Jeff Dean (The Bomb, Four Star Alarm, etc...), Neil Hennessy (of the Lawrence Arms - though he just played on the album) and Rick Uncapher (from Textbook). Rather than Schafer's more power pop/punk rock take on songs, these ones are a little different. They're influenced by more complex bands and ideas than say, The Ramones. I'd compare the music to something The Replacements inspired. It's closest to Dan's other band, Sludgeworth, I'd say. Just listen to it, words can't do everything (anything) justice.
TOP TRACK: "Waiting For The Train"

2. Banner Pilot - Collapser (Fat Wreck)

Holy shit, I thought. This sounds like their first album, "Resignation Day." I listened to it a few more times and realized I was completely wrong and now I know why they got signed to Fat. This album is pure gold. Plus it sounds incredible. As it should for spending $11,000 in recording costs. These guys have definitely earned the right to be on Fat and I can't wait to hear more.
TOP TRACK: "Starting At The Ending"

1. TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET - THEY CAME FROM THE SHADOWS (Fat Wreck)

Speaking of earning the right to be on Fat, it's about friggin' time! Teenage Bottlerocket has been putting out really solid albums for the last four years. They've been packing and selling out clubs across the country. Their last two albums have been very straightforward pop punk. This one explores thrash and skate punk a little more. "Bigger Than Kiss" is a straight-up Sack tune. I swear it! These guys are great dudes and they deserve to keep climbing the proverbial ladder. That and they simply rule. "They Came From The Shadows" landed them to a really great label and it's landing them to the top of the Squid Pro Quo Best of 2009 list.
TOP TRACK: "Fatso Goes Nutzoid"

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