Shot Baker 'Takes Control' on new album

In July of 1946, shot Baker was a shallow-water nuclear test conducted by the United States Navy to determine the effects of atomic detonations on ships. The test sunk eight ships. And because shot Baker kicked so much ass, the deep water test was canceled. Little did anyone know, the Baker blast would be reincarnated in the 21st century and its energy distributed among four musicians hailing from Chicago, who would keep the name and the effect alive.
Shot Baker was born from the ashes of lead singer, Tony Kovacs’s former band, The Poonanies and drummer, Chris Gach’s former band, The Dorks.
“Chris was the main promotion guy in his band and I was the main promotion guy in my band,” Kovacs said. “When our respective bands broke up, Chris and I decided to get together and start a band and the goal was to be a real working band, not to completely half-ass it and try to take the music thing as far as we could.”
Since then, Shot Baker has released an EP titled “Time To Panic” and two full-lengths. The most recent of which, “Take Control,” was just released on Tuesday, June 24.
“It’s a lot like everything else we’ve put out in a sense that it’s a lot of harder-type punk rock with kind of a mix between faster songs and mid-tempo type songs,” Kovacs said. “I’m pretty happy as far as lyrics, because that’s what I do. And not to sound totally boring, but it’s a lot of the same stuff, I mean it’s a similar style. We don’t experiment that much. We know what we like and go with it.”
Gach thinks the lyrics in the album are a lot more personal than in “Awake” and “Time To Panic.”
While the new music has stayed true to its roots, “Take Control” shows growth for the individual musicians as well as their interaction with each other.
We went to the studio to record “Awake” and Tony didn’t have final lyrics for some of the songs and so we were doing backups and not even knowing the lyrics for the songs, Gach said.
But for “Take Control,” Shot Baker has a few years worth of shows under its tough, worn belt and the band members have gotten to know each other a lot better.
They figured out the hard way that they can be stuck in a van for 32 hours together and not want to kill each other. They drove from Phoenix to Chicago in one drive, taking shifts. Right outside of St. Louis, their van broke down, a mere six hours from Chicago.
“We were on the road for 24 hours straight and then the van breaks down. With all the touring so far, we’ve all gotten along really well, which is a really good thing,” Gach said.
Just as they fit nicely together outside and on the road, they work well with each other inside the studio.
“We’ve really become a lot more comfortable with each other as far as writing goes and we have a better idea of what works and what doesn’t. We bounce off of each other better than in the past and I think it shows in the music,” Kovacs said. “Well, hopefully it does.”
But when making “Take Control,” the band focused on quality and not just getting the record out. When they had enough material and were ready, they went in and recorded it.
The themes in the songs off "Awake" and "Time To Panic" range from confusion, anger and frustration to sincerely introspective lyrics concerning life and even love.
“The album title is kind of the general undertone of the whole album,” Gach said. “That’s my take. If you listen to every song, it’s more about live in the now. Take control. Do what you want to do and don’t just settle and let shit fly by (because) when you look back, shit’s gone.”
“Awake” was a bit more scattered and some of the songs weren’t so personal, he said.
“Take Control” features 11 songs, short and sweet.
Shot Baker has a philosophy based on that “short and sweet” feel. It applies to their albums and live shows.
It’s definitely better to see to a band for about 30 minutes or less and find yourself wanting more than to sit through them for longer than you’d like and never want to see or hear them again, Gach explained.
“We figure that less is more in a sense,” he said.
Shot Baker is signed to Riot Fest Records, an up and coming Chicago label. “Take Control” will be the label’s second release. “What Poor Gods We Do Make: The Story and Music Behind Naked Raygun” was its first.
They like the fact that their band is the only one signed thus far because Riot Fest puts all its effort into them and what they want to do.
“Us and Riot Fest, we’ve actually grown to have a really strong personal work relationship with them,” Gach said. “It’s not just business. They really believe in what we’re doing. They believe in us and we believe in their label as well, so it’s on a really cool level like that.”
The “Take Control” record release show will be held at 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at the Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont) in Chicago. Admission will be $8 and the show is 17+. This will be the last show on a string of tour dates and will act as a sort of “homecoming” for the band.
“Normally at the end of a tour, you’re like a machine, so we wanted to be as good as we possibly can,” Kovacs said.
Shot Baker will kick off its tour Monday.
Check them out at here and be sure to catch them live if they pull through your neck of the woods.

Shot Baker - "Take Control" review

Most of today's "Chicago punk bands" have strayed far from their roots. By roots, I mean bands like Naked Raygun and The Effigies, two Chicago originals from the early 1980s that gave Chicago a defined, unique sort of working-class sound.

Sure, Chicago has popular bands like Alkaline Trio, whose influences include Naked Raygun, Pegboy and a slew of Chicago originals, but they are a completely separate animal.

But in 2003, Shot Baker exploded onto the scene.
My first time hearing them was at a Mopes reunion show at the Beat Kitchen in the summer of 2006, where I picked up a five-song demo with a little bird on the cover.
I immediately fell in love with the philosophical, yet contemplative lyrics backed by such strong, driving music.
At first, I was reminded of Screeching Weasel, not by the band's sound, but by its messages and thoughts. One of my favorite elements of Ben Weasel's lyrics is that he admittedly doesn't know everything, but finds a niche in not knowing and he still tries to figure things out. I sensed this in vocalist, Tony Kovacs' lyrics.
It's something I can relate to, just like Shot Baker's new album, "Take Control," released on June 24 on Riot Fest Records.

The album, less than 30 minutes long, has a lot packed into it.
The first song, "Short On Time," is a straight up punk song about accepting the way things they are, even if they would be better changed. It's not a song about giving up, but a song about living and going with the flow, so to speak.
Kovacs sings "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em/I'm done searching for the truth."

Immediately following "Short On Time" is "Falling Apart," a song re-recorded from the little bird demo I picked up two summers ago.
This tune's eye-opening lyrics sing of fear and man's ignorance. Kovacs sings about how the borders of large and powerful countries are nothing more than lines drawn in sand and how depending on which side you're on, the other side's men are always going to be less than yours.
It's about the ridiculousness of pride and arrogance. But like most Shot Baker songs, it's a hopeful tune, ending with a message.
"Let evolution strike the human heart/Ignite the light of truth/Compassion will triumph over ignorance/It all starts with you."
Kind of like a "Your vote matters" message, only without the false pretense lying underneath.

The next song that really caught my attention and sparked a bunch of neurons was "Just In Case."
Kovacs really digs a philosophical mine in this one, as he breaks everything down by saying, "Did you ever stop and think? Your ancestral history. All those people had to meet and all the circumstances had to be just right, down the line, back to the time when man first started. This big bad life is what you're handed, will you take your time for granted?"
There's a little hint of sarcasm in there, poking fun at all the depressed people we have wandering the Earth for no real reason.

But the real kicker in this song that makes me want to live each day to the utmost fullest is when Kovacs says, "Now is your greatest journey, make it all worthwhile just in case there is no afterlife/Live like it fucking matters, search for heaven deep inside just in case there is no afterlife."
I can't say enough about how truly amazing "Take Control" is. It covers both spectrums of musical enjoyment. If you're more into the words, this album's got it. If you're more into the sound, this album has it down to a beat.

Do your ears and mind a favor and pick up "Take Control" by Shot Baker. For anybody else who hasn't quite figured things out but are open to life's possibilities, this album is an ass-kicking, reassuring pot of gold.

Riot Fest 2011 lineup announced

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

Plus a whole bunch more to be announced soon."

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

May 25, 2008: Ben Weasel at Reggie's

I never thought I'd actually see the day where Ben Weasel sings Screeching Weasel in front of me live and in person.
But he did on Sunday, and a week later, it feels like a dream. I was right there in front of him, singing along, yet somehow my memory eludes me. It's like I don't remember the show, when in fact, I remember all of it at the same time. Like it didn't even happen.
Anyways, it was awesome. I got there a bit late and missed The Guts, who I wanted to see. But I caught the end of The Leftovers' set, which was very awesome. They did a cover of "A Hard Day's Night," which was really good. After them, Shot Baker went up and rocked, as they usually do. They've got a new album coming out this summer, which I look forward to.
Not too much longer after Shot Baker left the stage, Owen from Weasel Radio came out to introduce Ben Weasel. His bandmates came out, then finally, Mr. Weasel came out and opened the night with "Acknowledge" off Screeching Weasel's album, "Emo." Ben Weasel played a little of everything Sunday night, including some Riverdales.
He played the old ones like "Dingbat" and "This Ain't Hawaii" to "I'm Gonna Strangle You," "Cindy's On Methadone," "The First Day of Spring" and "The First Day of Summer." He closed the set with "Cool Kids," elongating the end of the song, giving everyone in the front a chance to sing, "It's a real cool club and you're not a part of it." It was a lot of fun and made me feel a sense of belonging in an adverse sort of way. Like a "We don't need you, so fuck you" kind of sense. It was nice.
But before I forget, towards the end of the set, Ben told us a story about this rumor of how he hated getting donuts thrown at him on stage, and he said it wasn't true and that nothing of the sort ever even happened. So, following that statement, he brought out boxes and boxes of chocolate donut gems and glazed donuts. I was lucky enough to get the first one tossed out, so I wanted to make sure I hit Ben with it. (Sorry, but at the same time, thanks!) Got him in the chest. I can't imagine how much of a pain in the ass Reggie's was to clean after the show, but it was a lot of fun, and well worth the sticky mess.

Afterwards, my girl took me to this place called "Berlin" where they were holding "Prince Night." I have to admit, it's the first time I've ever been to a gay bar. It kind of felt like I was trapped in a shitty 80s movie all night. The worst part of the night was trying to piss with a line of gay dudes standing behind me. I'm pee shy in straight bars, OK. I was a bit more nervous in the new setting. Regardless, it was a good time.
Pictures are of Ben Weasel and Larry Livermore with Little Type (of Lookout! Records!!!). Oh yeah, and thank you, Little Type (pictured with Larry Livermore), for the buttons!

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.

T.S.O.L./Shot Baker U.S. Tour Announced

Wow!!! T.S.O.L. and Shot Baker are embarking on a U.S. tour in May. Looks like the tour in coinciding with T.S.O.L. singer, Jack Grisham's memoirs release.

These are the tour dates released thus far:

5/5 San Antonio, TX @ Korova
5/6 Austin, TX @ Red Seven
5/8 Dallas, TX @ Double Wide
5/14 Chicago, IL @ Reggie's Rock Club
5/16 Omaha, NE @ Waiting Room

Joe Queer on the Ben Weasel incident:

Most of us pop-punk fans have been following the Internet buzz following Screeching Weasel's SXSW show, where Ben Weasel punched two girls. Dan's dismissive hand wave at the end is my favorite part of that video. Anyway, Teenage Bottlerocket says they're out because they don't want to be associated with Ben/anyone who advocates violence and the Chinese Telephones, The Soviettes, Chixdiggit! and Kepi Ghoulie have all dropped out as well, for the same reason. Shot Baker and Banner Pilot have said they would still play. But, Vapid and the gang all quit the band as well so it looks like Weaselfest is off. Now here's what Joe Queer has to say about it:

"This whole Weasel thing is way out of hand. I mean come on and let's put this in perspective. The chick deserved a punch-unfortunately Ben gave it to her and not some other girl who would have been called a hero-but Ben's a monster. He doesn't advocate hitting chicks. I don't either. But as a lead singer in a punk band I know as well as anyone that sometimes you just fucking lose it with assholes onstage bugging you and causing trouble. This isn't Mother Teresa we're talking about here folks-it's a little troublemaker acting like she's a victim.Yeah I wish Ben had handled it differently-hell I'm sure he does. But everyone knows Ben isn't a guy who beats on chicks. Come the fuck on.
And after all Ben has done for the scene out there everyone jumps ship on him and all of a sudden he's persona non grata. I'm ashamed at all you people who could at least show him some support instead of acting all high and mighty and bailing out acting like you're some saint. Playing Weaselfest doesn't mean you condone hitting chicks for crying out loud. Talk about adding 2+2 and getting 5. Christ if Ben didn't start SW half you fuckers wouldn't even have a band. Ben's been around the scene for years-has he ever hit a chick before-no. Is he a guy who hates girls and beatson them-no. And you all fucking know it!@!Fuck you assholes who throw him under the bus like you're some righteous motherfuckers. Hey we've all fucked up-Ben has too. That doesn't mean he isn't my friend. I'm just glad it didn't happen to me-I honestly don't know how I'd react. For a chick to do that shit and then hide behind the fact she's a girl is bullshit in my book. In the old days-when a punk was a punk and not some self righteous asshole who doesn't dare to step out of line lest his Hot Topic earing punk pals make him conform to their rules-the crowd would have cheered when the chick got smacked.It's really nice at the first sign of trouble everyone bails out. Managers and booking agents and bands on Weaselfest. It's that herd mentality-everyone is terrified they do something that goes against the grain. Hey I don't advocate hitting chicks but everyone knows Ben doesn't either. You guys are all acting like you've never been to a punk show before. You people and bands who should know better too. In the heat of the moment he lashed out after getting spit directly in the face. Mother of God I pray it happens to all you do gooders out there. Let's see how cool you all are. The sad thing is Ben would be the first one sticking up for you too.

To all you bands out there-mainly those flying under the radar screen who can see thru the bullshit still instead of believing they're some self righteous do gooders-Thank you!! Right fucking on! We don't give a fuck what Fat fucking Mike-that rich bastard who has nothing whatsoever in common with his fans-says. Ben's my friend and he's done so much for the scene-he's our fucking friend and we're not abandoning him for one stupid incident at a punk show. You'd think he was throwing Jews in the oven at Aushcwitz the way these people are talking. And bands dropping off Weaselfesttoo-fucking A you pussy motherfuckers. Fuck you!! Talk about fair-weather friends. Boy this has shown me everything I need to know about a few people. You scumbag motherfuckers."