Sunday, December 27, 2015

Song Of The Week: 12/27/15







Song: "Bike Thief"

Artist: Red City Radio

Album: "Midwestern Hymnals" Split EP w/ Streets Of Thieves

Year: 2007

Place Of Origin: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Years Active: 2007-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

I can't find the actual lyrics to "Bike Thief" anywhere on the net, so after careful listening, I think the song is about a broken relationship where the girl has perhaps moved on to something, or someone new and the vocalist isn't quite convinced that she made the right choice. I could be totally wrong about that as it's hard to make out some of the words in the song.

RED CITY RADIO DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2011 - "The Dangers Of Standing Still" (Paper + Plastick Records)
2013 - "Titles" (Paper + Plastick Records)
2015 - "Red City Radio" (Gunner Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF RED CITY RADIO:

Red City Radio formed as a band back in 2007, hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The recording that thrust the band on to the punk rock scene was their 2009 EP "To The Sons & Daughters Of Woody Guthrie". It was upon hearing this EP that the band forged a relationship with Paper + Plastick Records which released the band's debut full length album, "The Dangers Of Standing Still" and their second release, 2013's "Titles". The band would move on to Gunner Records for the release of their latest album, 2015's "Red City Radio". Original guitarist and part time vocalist Paul Pendley left the band before the recording of their self-titled album and was replaced on guitar by Ryan Donovan. Garrett Dale will handle all lead vocals from here on in for Red City Radio. Most recently, the band completed a summer tour of Europe in support of their "Red City Radio" album. Red City Radio offers a brand of melodic punk rock with gritty vocals much like some of their contemporaries Dear Landlord, The Flatliners, Off With Their Heads, Polar Bear Club and Banner Pilot. I would say all of those bands, including Red City Radio, are very much influenced by Hot Water Music. There has been a real influx into punk rock of these types of bands. They are really a breath of fresh air as far as i'm concerned. They aren't so melodic where they are pop punk. They just sit in between of pop/punk and melodic hardcore. Whatever genre you want to call it, it's really good music and Red City Radio is one of the best and brightest at what they do.

TEN RED CITY RADIO SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. We Are The Sons Of Woody Guthrie
2. Two Notes Shy Of An Octave
3. Spinning In Circles Is A Gateway Drug
4. Rest Easy
5. Never Bring A Cup Of Water To A Gunfight
6. Two Out Of Three Ain't Rad
7. A Version Of Events
8. Help Save The Youth Of America From Exploding (Less Than Jake cover)
9. Where We're Going We Don't Need Roads
10. Show Me The Doll Where The Music Touched You

Sunday, December 20, 2015

Song Of The Week: 12/20/15







Song: "Song About A Song"

Artist: The Gamits

Album: "Come Get Some" EP

Year: 1996

Place Of Origin: Denver, Colorado

Years Active: 1996-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Song About A Song" is kind of a tongue-in-cheek song that appears to be about, well, a song! It sounds as if the vocalist is having an argument with somebody else as to how the song should sound, how fast it should be, and what it should be about. In the end, the vocalist is sorry the song is not what the other person wants it to be, but it is what it is. A song about a song!!

THE GAMITS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2000 - "Endorsed By You" (Not Bad Records)
2004 - "Antidote" (Suburban Home Records)
2010 - "Parts" (Paper + Plastick Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF THE GAMITS:

The Gamits formed back in 1996, very much the brainchild of vocalist/guitarist Chris Fogal. After performing mostly in the local Denver area, the band released it's first music in 1996 and 1998 respectively with their 2 EP's, "Come Get Some" and "This Is My Broomstick". Their first full length release was 2000's "Endorsed By You". Soon after that the band was signed to Suburban Home Records for their 2004 album "Antidote". After touring to support that album, Fogal decided to take a break from The Gamits in 2005. In 2006, the band released a box set called "Golden Sometimes" which featured all their releases up to that point, including rarities and a live show. In 2009, Fogal decided to revive The Gamits and in 2010, the band released their last full length album, "Parts". Currently, there hasn't been too much news surrounding The Gamits. In 2013, they did a tour of Europe and also released the song "The KGB Are Still Looking For Me" through their Bandcamp site. Other than that, there hasn't been a whole lot of activity involving the band. The Gamits are a pop punk band, influenced by a band like Jawbreaker, but not as gritty and raw, and sounding similar to a band like The Ataris, but not quite as poppy as them. They sound similar to a band like The Lawrence Arms. They never really had major success as a band, though they do call themselves "America's best hidden pop/punk secret"! As I've said before, some bands lead the pack in terms of songwriting and origninality and so forth, while others follow. The Gamits are more in the category of followers. There isn't much that stands out about them. I'm not saying they aren't a good band. I personally think they are. They just don't stand out.

TEN THE GAMITS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Falling Apart
2. Your Love (Outfield cover)
3. Last Of The Mullets
4. Dotted Lines
5. How To Escape
6. No One Cares So Why Should I
7. Take It On The Run (REO Speedwagon cover)
8. The KGB Are Still Looking For Me
9. Take A Chance On Me
10. Somebody's Baby (Jackson Browne cover)

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Song Of The Week: 12/13/15







Song: "My Lion Heart"

Artist: I Am The Avalanche

Album: "Wolverines"

Year: 2014

Place Of Origin: Brooklyn, New York

Years Active: 2004-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"My Lion Heart" appears to be a song about breaking out of the darkness of what your life was and learning to enjoy every moment life has to offer. Once the vocalist got that little spark that changed his outlook on life, he embraced every moment of every day from there on. He realized that before he wasted so much time, so much of his life on negative vibes. Now, he cherishes each new day and has a much more positive outlook.

I AM THE AVALANCHE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005 - "I Am The Avalanche" (Drive-Thru Records)
2011 - "Avalanche United" (I Surrender Records)
2014 - "Wolverines" (I Surrender Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF I AM THE AVALANCHE:

I Am The Avalanche formed as a band back in 2004, hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Songwriter, vocalist and founder, Vinnie Caruana was already a staple in the New York punk scene as the vocalist for the band The Movielife. After that band disbanded, Caruana created I Am The Avalanche as his new project. The band's debut was in 2005, a self titled release. For whatever reason, the band did not release another album till 2011, 6 long years between their debut and their sophmore effort. Perhaps the wait was worth it as "Avalanche United" was critically acclaimed and it reached #9 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart. Their last album, 2014's "Wolverines", was a labor of love according to Caruana. A really solid album that reached #108 on the Billboard 200 charts. The band also released 2 split EP's, one with Bayside and the other with The Early November. The band has been featured on several festival tours, including the Warped Tour, Bamboozle Fest and Australia's Soundwave Festival and they have shared the stage alongside punk contemporaries such as Bayside, The Sleeping, No Use For A Name, Senses Fail, Bouncing Souls, The Loved Ones and Brand New. Currently, I Am The Avalanche most recently toured with Saves The Day in support of "Wolverines". Caruana has also played some reunion shows with The Movielife in 2015 as well. I Am The Avalanche seems to take their time between releases so it's unknown to what the future holds right now. The reunion shows with The Movielife could mean that Caruana has some intentions of working with that band again on new material, though that is not confirmed. I Am The Avalanche has it's similarities to The Movielife. Kind of a melodic/hardcore sound with the scratchy vocals of Caruana at the forefront. While The Movielife has the cult status, I think I Am The Avalanche is the more evolved band, especially their last 2 albums. Those 2 albums are some of the best punk rock that has come out in some time. Here's hoping that new material comes out sooner rather than later for I Am The Avalanche, but with their track record between albums, I'm not expecting something new till probably 2017 or 2018.

TEN I AM THE AVALANCHE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Green Eyes
2. New Disaster
3. Brooklyn Dodgers
4. The Shape I'm In
5. Holy Fuck
6. Two Runaways
7. I Took A Beating
8. Conan O'Brien
9. 177
10. Symphony

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Song Of The Week: 12/6/15







Song: "Interstate Love Song" (acoustic)

Artist: Stone Temple Pilots

Album: Taken from VH1 Storytellers

Year: 2000



IN MEMORIAM:

SCOTT WEILAND
1967-2015



Normally my song of the week comes with a small description of what I think the song is about, the artist's releases and a little bit of the band's history and possibly what's in store for the future. But every now and then, one of these artist's passes on. So, in that case, i'd like to offer a little bit about what Scott Weiland meant to me. When I was about 16, the first band that really hit home with me was Pearl Jam, which to this day is still my favorite band. When Stone Temple Pilots debut album "Core" came out in 1992, I can admit, I was guilty of calling the band a bit of a rip off. Weiland's growl was eerily similar to that of Eddie Vedder and Weiland was also making his best Vedder facial impressions in their video for the song "Plush". Deep down however, I had to be real with myself. "Plush" was a fuckin' great song!! 1994's "Purple" was the game changer with me. To me, this was the album where STP found their sound and style. Weiland himself has said that the band was trying to latch on to the grunge movement with "Core". He identified more with glam rock and even pop punk. He was more L.A. than Seattle. He found his voice on "Purple". And it was not that deep "Vedder" like growl. He was our generation's Bowie. Glammy, yet he explored several different musical avenues with his music. He could be psychedelic, he could be grunge, he could be mainstream arena rock, he could be trashy and he could be soft. His lyrics were often deep, routed in failed relationships and losing battles with addiction. In my mind, Stone Temple Pilots was Weiland's mark. Yes, he did release 2 very good albums with the all star group Velvet Revolver which featured ex- Guns'n'Roses members Slash and Duff McKagan. And he also released very eclectic solo albums. It was STP that made Weiland the star he was. He was an enigmatic frontman. He controlled both the stage and the crowd with his slanky like movements and powerful voice. Years ago, I paid tribute on this site to Tony Sly, frontman of punk band No Use For A Name, and in that tribute I mentioned that there's something to be said for bands and songs that you grew up on. I began following STP at 18 years old. Still trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life and which direction I wanted to go and to be honest, like so many kids, I had no idea. But whatever I did, I was always provided a great soundtrack through it all, and Scott Weiland and Stone Temple Pilots was heavily featured in that soundtrack. Just think back to how trully great their songs were. "Plush", "Interstate Love Song", "Dead And Bloated", "Unglued", "Big Empty", "Wicked Garden", "Trippin' On A Hole..", "Big Bang Baby", "Days Of The Week", "Between The Lines", "Down", "Sour Girl" and so on and so on. There's just so many great tunes by this band. If you can do drugs recreationally, God bless you. When they begin to control your everyday life, they begin to destroy you. Scott had his demons and his constant struggles with drugs and like Layne Staley and even Kurt Cobain, they destroyed him. And that is the tragedy, because he had more songs in him. Songs that would impact people in ways that maybe he himself could not imagine. I only know the man from his music. So my only tribute to him is to still play his music and feel the enjoyment of listening to it. The music world lost another great talent. And while his songs remind me of my youth, his passing acknowledges i'm getting old.

R.I.P.
Scott Weiland

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Song Of The Week: 11/29/15







Song: "Long Ride Home" (Patty Griffin cover)

Artist: Dave Hause

Album: "Unreleased"

Year: 2014

Place Of Origin: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Years Active: 1996-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Long Ride Home" is a pretty straight forward song lyrically. It appears to be about losing your spouse after a very long marriage (40 years in the song). It's about reflecting on the life you both had together and regretting perhaps, some of the things you said in those years and wishing you were kinder to that person. It's about how the house you once shared together now feels empty, much like you do on the inside. It's a beautiful song about losing your life long love. "Long Ride Home" was originally written and performed by Maine folk singer/songwriter Patty Griffin and was released on her 2002 album "1000 Kisses". This version I chose was covered by Dave Hause and performed acoustically for Altar TV in 2014. It was never released on any of his albums.

DAVE HAUSE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2011 - "Resolutions" (Paper + Plastick Records)
2013 - "Devour" (Rise Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF DAVE HAUSE:

Dave Hause first made his mark on the music scene back in the mid-90's. Hailing from Philly, his first musical endeavor was a hardcore/punk outfit called Step Ahead. His next project would be a band called The Curse, which he played guitar and shared vocals. Around the same time he was a part of The Curse, he joined the band Paint It Black as a guitarist and back up vocalist. In 2004, he would leave Paint It Black to focus on his new project The Loved Ones, for which he was the lead singer, guitarist and chief songwriter. In a 5 year span, The Loved Ones dropped 2 full length albums as well as 2 EP's. 2009 would see Hause begin his solo career. Hause's musical style reflected that of his contemporaries such as Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem) and Tim Barry (Avail). He too would be part of Ragan's annual "Revival Tour", where punk rock frontmen performed stripped down versions of their other band's material as well as original solo material, sometimes collaborating on stage with each other during the shows. Hause released his first solo album in 2011, called "Resolutions", which features the title track "Resolutions" as well as the single "C'mon Kid". In 2013, he released his second album, "Devour". This album features the stand out track "We Could Be Kings". While Hause is currently more focused on his solo career at the moment, the door has not been closed on The Loved Ones as of yet. In fact, Hause has gotten back with The Loved Ones to perform at select shows. His last releases date back to 2013, as he has released several EP's and 7" singles to go along with his 2 full length album releases. The Loved Ones last release dates back to 2009. I expect to see new material from Hause sooner rather than later, whether that is solo stuff or a new release with The Loved Ones. Hause is a gifted songwriter and lyricist. With The Loved Ones, he brought an energetic form of melodic punk rock that was similar in vein to bands like The Bouncing Souls. His acoustic material was more melodic rock than punk, but still vital in both their lyrics and structure. Hause is right up there with the best of the best when it comes to punk rock frontmen who went the solo/acoustic route. He is not out of place at all with the likes of Chuck Ragan, Tim Barry, Brian Fallon, Dan Andriano, Joey Cape, Tony Sly or Laura Jane Grace. In my mind, Hause should be even more popular on regular rock radio than he is. Makes me wonder if people have any idea what good music is anymore!!

TEN DAVE HAUSE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. We Could Be Kings
2. Prague
3. Time Will Tell
4. C'mon Kid
5. The Great Depression
6. Resolutions
7. Autism Vaccine Blues
8. Same Disease
9. Ghost On The Boardwalk (Bouncing Souls cover)
10. Pray For Tucson

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Song Of The Week: 11/22/15







Song: "You're No Match"

Artist: Bayside

Album: "Cult"

Year: 2014

Place Of Origin: Queens, New York

Years Active: 2000-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"You're No Match" appears to be a song where the vocalist has seen the person he was in a relationship with for what she really is. She's a devil in disguise who only gets involved with men to use them. The vocalist is not so much broken up over this failed relationship, in fact, he thinks he is so much better of a person than her that he considers her no match and someday, he feels confident that he will meet someone who will treat him as he should be treated while she will just continue on with hollow relationships for the rest of her life.

BAYSIDE DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2004 - "Sirens And Condolences" (Victory Records)
2005 - "Bayside" (Victory Records)
2006 - "Acoustic" (Victory Records)
2007 - "The Walking Wounded" (Victory Records)
2008 - "Shudder" (Victory Records)
2008 - "Live At The Bayside Social Club" (Victory Records)
2011 - "Killing Time" (Wind Up Records)
2014 - "Cult" (Hopeless Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF BAYSIDE:

Bayside formed as a band back in 2000. They managed to slip their demo tape to the band New Found Glory who helped Bayside get their foot in the door of the industry. Their very first release was an EP titled "Long Stories Short" in 2001. The buzz generated from that EP sparked some interest from label Victory Records who promptly signed Bayside in 2003. The band's 5 year run with Victory Records produced 4 studio albums, 1 live acoustic album and 1 full band live album as well. During that time the band churned out major singles such as "Masterpiece", "Devotion And Desire", "Duality" and "No One Understands". Tragedy befell the band in 2005 however, as their friend and drummer, John "Beatz" Holohan died when their van hit a patch of ice and tumbled over. The song "Winter" off the band's 2006 "Acoustic" album is a dedication to their fallen friend. In 2011, the band parted ways with Victory and signed on with Wind Up Records who released their 2011 album "Killing Time". Vocalist Anthony Raneri spent a short time focusing on his solo material before getting back together with the band for the release of 2014's "Cult", which was distributed by Hopeless Records. Currently, the band recently finished up a tour with The Early November in support of "Cult". Bayside is kind of a breath of fresh air as a band. With so many carbon copies out there, certain genres seem to get saturated with similar sounding bands. Bayside writes very good songs and Raneri's vocal style is rather unique. Musically, the band's contemporaries are Taking Back Sunday, I Am The Avalanche, Silverstein, The Swellers and Transit, but it's Raneri's vocal deliverary that makes Bayside stand out. While at it's core, Bayside is a melodic pop punk band, they are not afraid to explore different styles so long as the music is true to what Bayside's all about. Very solid band who stays ultra active when it comes to releasing new music.

TEN BAYSIDE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Already Gone
2. Devotion And Desire
3. Duality
4. Masterpiece
5. Winter
6. No One Understands
7. Pigsty
8. Sick, Sick, Sick
9. Time Has Come
10. Don't Call Me Peanut

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Song Of The Week: 11/15/15







Song: "The Rip"

Artist: A Wilhelm Scream

Album: "Mute Print"

Year: 2004

Place Of Origin: New Bedford, Massachusetts

Years Active: 1999-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"The Rip" appears to be a song that is about coming to the realization that any entity, whether it be government, religion or even just those people who you looked up to as heroes, are not exactly as they appear and they have basically just been using you all your life to get you to be followers of their agendas. The fact is, there are millions of people who fall into this following. This song is the anthem for those that buck the trend and put their own best interests as priorities in their lifes, not the interests of bigger entities.

A WILHELM SCREAM DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2000 - "The Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach" (as Smackin' Isaiah) (Tank Records)
2001 - "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud" (as Smackin' Isaiah) (Jumpstart Records)
2004 - "Mute Print" (Nitro Records)
2005 - "Ruiner" (Nitro Records)
2007 - "Career Suicide" (Nitro Records)
2013 - "Partycrasher" (No Idea Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF A WILHELM SCREAM:

A Wilhelm Scream's roots as a band date back to 1999. At the beginning, the band was known as Adam's Crack, which was more or less a Nirvana type band. Then with the addition of lead singer Nuno Pereira, the band changed it's name to Koen for a short period before settling on the moniker Smackin' Isaiah. The band's Smackin' Isaiah days saw a band that was generally writing skate punk songs that were often humorous in theme. With the release of 2001's "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud", you could see a band that was starting to take itself a little more serious and the lyrical content began reflecting that as well. It was after this album that the band officially changed it's name to A Wilhelm Scream. "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud" would actually be re-released under their new moniker by Jumpstart Records. From 2004 through 2007, the band put forth a 3 album assault on the masses, releasing "Mute Print", "Ruiner" and "Career Suicide". All three of these releases were on the Nitro Records label. In 2009, the band released their self-titled EP through Paper + Plastick Records. The band would then sign on with No Idea Records for what would be their latest release, 2013's "Partycrasher". Currently, as of August of 2015, the band has confirmed that they are working on new material which will be a follow up to 2013's "Partycrasher". A Wilhelm Scream is a staple in the local Boston punk rock scene. It took them a few years and a few band name changes to finally form a musical identity, but they definitely got it all figured out by the time of their 2004 release "Mute Print". I'd say if you took the classic, melodic punk style of a Face To Face, added in the technical musicality of a Propagandhi and a sprinkle of hardcore punk aggression of someone like a BigWig, you'd get a sense of the sound of A Wilhelm Scream. Their style will never garner them mainstream success, but that is not their crowd or who they are targeting. They target the underground hardcore punk scene and that is their comfort zone. If you are a fan of band's like Propagandhi, Strike Anywhere, Strung Out or Rise Against (especially early R.A.), then you should check out A Wilhelm Scream.

TEN A WILHELM SCREAM SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. The Soft Cell
2. I Wipe My Ass With Showbiz
3. Boat Builders
4. Stab. Stab. Stab.
5. Australias
6. The King Is Dead
7. Bulletproof Tiger
8. Number One
9. The Rip
10. The Horse

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Song Of The Week: 11/8/15







Song: "Fine Tuning The Bender"

Artist: Off With Their Heads

Album: "Fine Tuning The Bender" 7" single

Year: 2003

Place Of Origin: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Years Active: 2002-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Fine Tuning The Bender" appears to be about being stuck in a rut. The vocalist seems to be saying to himself that it's time to leave this cold and grey town, but for some reason, finds himself stuck in the same place. Days have turned into years and the vicious cycle continues for him. For whatever reason, he wants out, but cannot bring himself to leave. He's not even sure why he can't just up and go. Perhaps it's the alcohol that keeps him where he is.

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2006 - "Hospitals" (Rock Bottom Records)
2007 - "All Things Move Toward Their End" (No Idea Records)
2008 - "From The Bottom" (No Idea Records)
2008 - "Insubordination Fest 2008" (Insubordination Records)
2010 - "In Desolation" (Epitaph Records)
2013 - "Home" (Epitaph)

CURRENT STATUS OF OFF WITH THEIR HEADS:

Off With Their Heads formed back in 2002. The band is the brainchild of lead vocalist/guitarist Ryan Young. After dropping a slew of 7" splits and singles and dropping the 2006 LP "Hospitals", the band caught the ear of No Idea Records who signed the band to a deal. First thing No Idea did was to redistribute the band's 7" singles in the form of a compilation album called "All Things Move Toward Their End", then they released the band's 2008 album "From The Bottom". Off With Their Heads and No Idea Records did not exactly have a good relationship with one another however. There was a lot of tension and strife between the two. Off With Their Heads was hoping to release another compilation featuring more of their 7" songs, but No Idea basically squashed that idea. The band and label ultimately parted ways. This turned out to be a good thing for the band as they eventually signed with legendary punk rock label Epitaph Records who released their most recent albums, 2010's "In Desolation" and 2013's "Home". Under Epitaph, the band refined their sound and songwriting and began to shine as a band. Most recently, the band dropped a couple of singles in 2015, one was a cover of a Langhorne Slim and the Law song called "On The Attack" and the other was a Bad Religion cover song, "Sorrow". Both of these singles were released through Ryan Young's website/podcast "Anxious And Angry". Young created Anxious and Angry as a place where people can discuss various mental health issues via his podcast as well as being able to buy the band's merchandise. It's basically the go to place for all things Ryan Young and Off With Their Heads. Mental health issues are a definite focus in many of Young's lyrics as he has been dealing with them all his life, even suffering a nervous breakdown in 2013. The podcast has been as theraputic as his band and his music to help deal with his own issues. If you are a melodic hardcore/punk rock fan of contemporary bands such as Banner Pilot, Dear Landlord, Dillinger Four, House Boat or The Flatliners, they you should definitely give Off With Their Heads a listen. Very solid punk rock band that features very personal, heartfelt lyrics.

TEN OFF WITH THEIR HEADS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Drive
2. Nightlife
3. I May Be A Lot Of Shitty Things, But At Least I'm Not A Rapist Like You
4. Don't Make Me Go
5. Janie
6. Die Today
7. Sorrow (Bad Religion cover)
8. Clear The Air
9. Fuck This, I'm Out
10. Seek Advice Elsewhere

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Song Of The Week: 11/1/15







Song: "Burn The Bodies To The Ground" (live)

Artist: I Am Ghost

Album: "Live In Orange County"

Year: 2009

Place Of Origin: Long Beach, California

Years Active: 2004-2010



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Burn The Bodies To The Ground" almost appears as if it's about the vocalist just being disgusted and fed up with his surroundings and the people he associates with. Everyone is loaded and miserable, even his girlfriend is draped in misery. When I listen to the song and read the lyrics I get a sense like the vocalist is in his house with a bunch of leeches and hanger on's and maybe what he thought once was cool, he is now disgusted with, thus he just wants to burn down the house and everyone in it. He's seeking a drastic change in his life no doubt. This version of "Burn The Bodies To The Ground" is a live take from I Am Ghost's album "Live In Orange County". The original studio version can be found on the band's 2008 album "Those We Leave Behind".

I AM GHOST'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2006 - "Lovers' Requiem" (Epitaph Records)
2008 - "Those We Leave Behind" (Epitaph Records)
2009 - "Live In Orange County" (self-released)

CURRENT STATUS OF I AM GHOST:

I Am Ghost was formed back in 2004, the brainchild of lead singer Steve Juliano who sought out bandmates through MySpace. Soon after settling on band members, I Am Ghost self released and EP called "We Are Always Searching" in 2005 and soon caught the attention of legendary punk rock label Epitaph Records who signed the band and re-released their EP. The band's debut album, 2006's "Lovers' Requiem" showed a band that definitely offered a unique style in an over-saturated genre. While featuring aggressive, goth punk guitar riffs and hardcore and metal elements, the band also featured female back up vocals, violins and keyboards which distinguished them from the crowd. Tensions within the band created a rift as to what musical direction they should go and ultimately, the back up vocals of Kerith Telestai and the keyboards of Brian Telestai would be no more as both departed the band. While the band's next effort, 2008's "Those We Leave Behind", was a more aggressive and angry record, the band definitely lost some of what made them unique from their debut album. After touring the U.S. and Europe in support of "Those We Leave Behind", I Am Ghost decided to break up. The break up was officially announced on July 17, 2010 by lead singer and founder Steve Juliano. Currently, I Am Ghost is still very much no longer a band. Juliano has gone on to form another band called Requiem (formerly Requiem For The Dead) which is in the same vein as I Am Ghost. If you are a fan of dark/punk/goth/hardcore/metal type bands like Escape The Fate, Aiden, My Chemical Romance, Avenged Sevenfold and AFI, then you would probably enjoy I Am Ghost's music. It seemed this band was really on to something before the Telestai's both departed. After their departure, the band definitely sounded more generic. Not bad, just not groundbreaking either.

TEN I AM GHOST SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Pretty People Never Lie, Vampires Never Die
2. Our Friend Lazerus Sleeps
3. Those We Leave Behind
4. Killer Likes Candy
5. Bone Garden
6. The Girl Epilogue, Pt. 1
7. Lovers' Requiem
8. Kiss Me Like You Wanted - We Will Never Tell
9. Don't Wake Up
10. Saddest Story Never Told

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Song Of The Week: 10/25/15







Song: "Keep Us Alive"

Artist: The Briggs

Album: "Numbers"

Year: 2003

Place Of Origin: Los Angeles, California

Years Active: 2001-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Keep Us Alive" appears to be about holding true to your beliefs. The vocalist is trying to say that he and those who are close to him live their life by a certain code and there is a pride that goes along with following that code. Though life has brought some struggles, he has perservered through those obstacles all the while staying true to who he is and not sacrificing what he believes to achieve what he wants out of life. Looking back, the vocalist feels he's made it successfully in life because he has remained true to himself and his beliefs.

THE BRIGGS' DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2001 - "Is This What You Believe" (Northeast Records)
2003 - "Numbers" (Disaster Records)
2006 - "Back To Higher Ground" (Drastic Plastic Records)
2008 - "Come All You Madmen (SideOneDummy Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF THE BRIGGS:

The Briggs were a project put together by brothers Joey and Jason LaRocca as far back as 1999. Originally they went under the moniker I Decline but by 2001, the changed their name to The Briggs. The band hails from Los Angeles, California. The Briggs' first two releases featured a street punk style much like that of the Dropkick Murphys or the Street Dogs and even some Rancid, especially Rancid side project the Devil's Brigade. Jason and Joey LaRocca both shared vocals on these albums, which featured gravelly vocals. As they got to 2006's "Back To Higher Ground", Joey began to be more featured as the main vocalist. Also, while remaining street punk, The Briggs added a little celtic punk style to their sound as well, none moreso than with their song "Madmen" from their 2008 release "Come All You Madmen", which featured celtic punk legend Ken Casey from the Dropkick Murphys on guest vocals. Over the years The Briggs have shared stages with the likes of the Dropkicks, Bad Religion, Anti-Flag and Flogging Molly to name a few. They have also participated in four Warped Tours. The band went on a little hiatus after 2008 as vocalist Joey LaRocca (aka Joey Briggs) focused on some solo acoustic material, but in 2012 they got back in the studio and released the single "Panic". Most recently, the band released a self-titled EP in 2015 and embarked on a west coast tour with 7 Seconds to promote the EP. The Briggs are kinda like the west coast's answer to celtic/street punk from the east coast such as Dropkick Murphys or the Street Dogs. The band really began to find their sound on the "Back To Higher Ground" album and perfected it on "Come All You Madmen". "This Is LA" is a punk rock anthem in Southern California, so much so that it is even played at the beginning of Los Angeles Kings hockey games. There's no news yet as to whether they are working on a new full length album but they have been active on the touring circuit promoting their 2015 self-titled EP.

TEN THE BRIGGS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. This Is LA
2. Madmen
3. Panic!
4. Broken Bones
5. Devil's Playground
6. We Got The Neutron Bomb
7. Song For Us
8. Blacklist
9. Bored Teenager
10. Who Would've Thought (Rancid cover)

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Song Of The Week: 10/18/15







Song: "The Asylum"

Artist: Aiden

Album: "From Hell...With Love"

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Seattle, Washington

Years Active: 2003-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"The Asylum" appears to be somewhat straight forward. It's about being locked in a mental asylum. You get the sense that the vocalist feels he is not insane or sick but is being made to be by the doctors in the asylum and the medications that they force him to take. He is being drugged as well as being abused, physically and mentally so, perhaps before he went in, he was dealing with some problems, but after he went in, the asylum has began to drive him totally mad. It has made him feel totally worthless as a human being.

AIDEN DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2004 - "Our Gang's Dark Oath" (Dead Teenager Records)
2005 - "Nightmare Anatomy" (Victory Records)
2007 - "Conviction" (Victory Records)
2009 - "Knives" (Victory Records)
2010 - "From Hell...With Love" (Victory Records)
2011 - "Disguises" (Victory Records)
2011 - "Some Kind Of Hate" (Victory Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF AIDEN:

Aiden formed as a band back in 2003. After releasing "Our Gang's Dark Oath" in 2004, Aiden caught the ear of label Victory Records and the two formed a partnership that would span the band's career. 2005's "Nightmare Anatomy" proved to be the band's definitive album, both critically and monetarily. With hit singles such as "The Last Sunrise", "Die Romantic" and "Knife Blood Nightmare", Aiden was officially on the map. Aiden is a band that seems to be working non-stop, whether that be releasing music or touring. From 2004 till 2011, the band dropped 6 studio full length albums, 1 live album and a few EP's. Your talking new music from a band literally every year! The band also toured relentlessly, whether supporting other acts, headlining their own tours, or joining some festivals, most notably the Taste Of Chaos tour, Bamboozle Festival and the Warped Tour. From 2012 to 2014, Aiden took a short hiatus so frontman Wil Francis could focus on his side project William Control. In 2015, longtime bassist Nick Wiggins decided to leave the band, leaving Francis as the only origninal member of the band left. Currently, Francis has decided that Aiden will release one last album which is due out on October 30, 2015. This self titled album will be offered as a free digital download as a thank you to all the Aiden fans out there who stayed loyal to the band over the years. I expect a farewell tour will follow the release of the album before the book is closed on Aiden as a band. Aiden is very much influenced by goth/punk or horror/punk, in fact, The Misfits and The Damned are probably the band's 2 biggest influences. Their musical style is definitely derived from those influences and their lyrical themes are often of dark content, often dealing with pain, sorrow, depression and overall mental distress. I'd say the contemporary band that Aiden most resembles is AFI. I would say Aiden is not nearly as tight or accomplished as AFI however. Where AFI and a band such as My Chemical Romance might be at the head of modern goth/punk, Aiden is definitely lumped in with that crowd. Not a total follower, but not quite at the front of that musical movement either. Say what you want about Aiden, the fact is, they left the masses with a lot of music in a short period of time.

TEN AIDEN SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Knife Blood Nightmare
2. Die Romantic
3. We Sleep Forever
4. Scavengers Of The Damned
5. Cry Little Sister
6. I Set My Friends On Fire
7. Walk Among The Dead
8. Broken Bones
9. Crawling Up From Hell
10. One Love

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Song Of The Week: 10/11/15







Song: "Idle Idylist"

Artist: Tim Barry

Album: "Laurel Street Demo 2005"

Year: 2005

Place Of Origin: Richmond, Virginia

Years Active: 2004



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Idle Idylist" appears to be about not succumbing to a certain perception that's ingrained in people from the time they are younger that they have to get the "best" jobs to be able to buy the "best" things for yourself. Sometimes being happy in life doesn't have to be summed up by what material things you have or how good your job is. If your job is starting to strip you of who you are as a person or starting to change who you wanted to be, then maybe that "good" job ain't so good after all. It's really about appreciating the simple things in life and not letting your job or material things define who you are as a person.

TIM BARRY DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005 - "Laurel Street Demo 2005" (Suburban Home Records)
2006 - "Rivanna Junction" (Suburban Home Records)
2008 - "Manchester" (Suburban Home Records)
2010 - "28th & Stonewall" (Suburban Home Records)
2012 - "40 Miler" (Chunksaah Records)
2014 - "Raising Hell & Living Cheap: Live In Richmond" (Chunksaah Records)
2014 - "Lost & Rootless" (Chunksaah Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF TIM BARRY:

Tim Barry has major cult status in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. It all started for him back in 1990 when he joined Richmond hardcore band Avail, originally as the drummer but soon to take over on vocals. Though the band was king in it's hometown, they didn't quite attain success on a national level, though they were highly respected in hardcore punk circles. While in Avail, Barry and the band released 6 full length albums along with several EP's and live releases up until 2002. Avail hasn't released anything since that year and has only played live dating back to 2007. From 2004 till the present day, Barry has been focusing on his solo career, which is based on rootsy, acoustic style folk music, very much Americana. It's music that is more influenced by Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Hank Williams or Johnny Cash than by his old hardcore punk roots. Barry's lyrical themes often reflect those of the poor man or the drifter, going from town to town, just his guitar on his back, playing songs and singing about his travels. It's about struggle, simplicity and about appreciating what you have no matter how small or insignificant it might be to someone else. I'd say Tim Barry and Hot Water Music's Chuck Ragan were kind of the first of the punk rock frontmen who decided to pick up the acoustic guitar and experiment with folk music. Now you find a ton of them taking the same path from The Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon, to Against Me!'s Laura Jane Grace, to No Use For A Name's Tony Sly, to Lagwagon's Joey Cape and several, several more. You can find several of these artists joining together on Chuck Ragan's Revival Tours, which Barry has been a frequent participant in. I'd say of all of those artists, Barry's music has the most outlaw country feel to it. I'd also say that while the other artists' main bands are far superior to their solo material, though I'd put Ragan's solo stuff very close to his Hot Water Music stuff, Tim Barry's solo material, in my opinion, clearly overshadows his work in Avail. I think he found his comfort zone with his solo acoustic material and though he still isn't having major success as an artist, he gets by with his relentless touring and stays active releasing new material every two years or so. Currently, Tim Barry is most likely on the road somewhere supporting his latest release, 2014's "Lost & Rootless". After years of releasing albums through Suburban Home Records, Barry has hooked on with The Bouncing Souls label, Chunksaah Records, and has been with them since 2012. If you are into country music the way it was supposed to be played, like outlaw country along the lines of Johnny Cash or real Americana folk like Woody Guthrie, then Tim Barry should be right up your alley. It's funny how a punk rocker can make rootsy music about struggle and living cheap while the big, mainstream country artists sound more and more like bubblegum pop stars. The battle between what's real and what's fake!! Mr. Barry is a real artist for sure.

TEN TIM BARRY SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Avoiding Catatonic Surrender
2. Thing Of The Past
3. No News From The North
4. Idle Idylist
5. Driver Pull
6. Shed Song
7. This November
8. The James
9. Dog Bumped
10. Lost & Rootless

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Song Of The Week: 10/4/15







Song: "The Blues, Mary"

Artist: Brian Fallon

Album: Unreleased

Year: 2008/2009?

Place Of Origin: Red Bank, New Jersey

Years Active: 1997-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"The Blues, Mary" is a hauntingly beautiful song. To me, it appears the song is about two people who are from different worlds so to speak. The vocalist was raised in the streets and had to fight and claw and labor and steal to get by in life. It seems it's "Mary" who has sparked something in him so profound that he dreams of learning to love and to compromise and to be compassionate. It's possible he doesn't think the relationship could work with his "over the rainbow" reference. It seems that he thinks that's just a dream, but he holds on to that dream tight because deep down, i think he wants to change for her because she makes him feel something that he's never felt. This song is unreleased as of now, but may show up on a soon to be released Brian Fallon solo album.

BRIAN FALLON DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

*with No Release:

1997 - "The Coffeehouse Sessions" (Mean Little Man Productions)

*with Surrogate McKenzie:

1998 - "Surrogate McKenzie (?)
1998 - "Songs To Grow Up To (?)
2000 - "The Six Degrees Of Separation (?)

*with Amping Copper:

2000 - "Amping Copper"

*with Brian Fallon/Cincinnati Rail Tie:

2004 - "The American Music EP" (?)

*with This Charming Man:

2005 - "Every Little Secret" (?)

*with The Gaslight Anthem:

2007 - "Sink Or Swim" (XOXO Records)
2008 - "The '59 Sound" (SideOneDummy Records)
2010 - "American Slang" (SideOneDummy Records)
2012 - "Handwritten" (Mercury Records)
2014 - "Get Hurt" (Island Records)

*with The Horrible Crowes:

2011 - "Elsie" (SideOneDummy Records)

*with Molly And The Zombies:

5 songs released and available online.

CURRENT STATUS OF BRIAN FALLON:

Brian Fallon is a talented singer and songwriter that is best known for being the frontman and rhythm guitarist for the New Jersey band The Gaslight Anthem. From 1997 to 2005, Fallon toiled around with several different bands and projects, trying to settle on something that suited his style and where he wanted to go musically. When he formed the band This Charming Man, this was really the spark that led to finding his sound. Out of the ashes of that band came The Gaslight Anthem. Though they got lumped in with punk rock, I don't necessarily see The Gaslight Anthem as a punk rock band. Fallon does have some punk rock influences no doubt from New Jersey's own The Bouncing Souls to Hot Water Music and band's like Brand New as well. He is also heavily influenced by artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Tom Petty and The Rolling Stones. So if you mesh all those artists together, you might churn out something that resembles Gaslight's sound. Fallon is adept at writing anything from anthem rockers, haunting ballads and blues driven tracks. For what seems to be a pretty upbeat guy when interviewed or when interacting with audiences, Fallon can write some pretty dark music. His most personal recordings were probably done with his side project band The Horrible Crowes. Fallon is also a fan of Americana music, like Dylan or Johnny Cash. He formed a short lived project called Molly And The Zombies which released 5 songs online that showed off his root-sy side. Currently, as of September of 2015, Fallon has confirmed that he is working on a solo album, no news yet as to when it will be released. As for The Gaslight Anthem, the band is currently on a hiatus. Being that the band is really Fallon's main vehichle for his music, I don't think that they will break up, perhaps they just needed a break from each other to recharge the batteries and work on other projects. Brian Fallon is probably most associated with Bruce Springsteen when it comes to his music. Probably because of his scratchy, passionate vocals, storytelling lyrics and the fact that he's a Jersey boy! I can see why The Boss can see a little of his younger self in Fallon and the two have become friends and even performed with each other at each of their band's shows. Hopefully, Mr. Fallon keeps on cranking out the tunes, no matter what project he decides to do it for because he has a voice and a passion for what he does that shines through with each recording and performance.

TEN BRIAN FALLON SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. The '59 Sound (The Gaslight Anthem)
2. Bring It On (The Gaslight Anthem)
3. Here Comes My Man (The Gaslight Anthem)
4. Great Expectations (The Gaslight Anthem)
5. Behold The Hurrican (The Horrible Crowes)
6. American Slang (The Gaslight Anthem)
7. Tumblin' Dice (The Rolling Stones cover) (The Gaslight Anthem)
8. The Blues, Mary
9. Mae (The Gaslight Anthem)
10. 45 (The Gaslight Anthem)

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Song Of The Week: 9/27/15







Song: "Siouxsie Jeanne"

Artist: Polar Bear Club

Album: "Death Chorus"

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: Rochester, New York

Years Active 2005-2014



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

I'm not totally convinced what "Siouxsie Jeanne" is about, but my guess is it's about someone who is dying or near death and "Siouxsie Jeanne" is possibly his guardian angel. She is there to provide some comfort to him in a time that is anything but comfortable. It seems that every now and then he snapped back to his reality, back to the pain and back to the realization that he's dying, but as the light fades, "Siouxsie Jeanne" is there once again to comfort him. Could be totally wrong about that, but I guess that's why some songs are left open to interpretation!

POLAR BEAR CLUB DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2008 - "Sometimes Things Just Disappear" (Red Leader Records)
2009 - "Chasing Hamburg" (Bridge Nine Records)
2011 - "Clash Battle Guilt Pride (Bridge Nine Records)
2012 - "Live At The Montage" (Bridge Nine Records)
2013 - "Death Chorus" (Rise Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF POLAR BEAR CLUB:

Polar Bear Club came together from various post-hardcore bands that were based in the Rochester and Syracuse areas of upstate New York back in 2005. When the band released their first EP, 2006's "The Redder, The Better", they generated a lot of buzz on the underground punk/hardcore circuits, garnering interest from as far as Australia, who took a particular liking to Polar Bear Club. Taking influences from such acts as Small Brown Bike, Silent Majority, Hot Water Music and Lifetime, Polar Bear Club began to hone their musical style. One band that took Polar Bear Club under their wing very early on was The Gaslight Anthem who pegged the band to open for them on many tours over the years. Gaslight probably also had a great influence on Polar Bear Club as you can definitely hear a more melodic style on the more recent PBR albums, without losing some of their hardcore elements. To me, Polar Bear Club's contemporaries are bands like The Flatliners, Off With Their Heads and Dear Landlord. It's a sound that's rooted in hardcore, but has definite melodic and pop elements to it and the use of rough vocals (think Chuck Ragan of Hot Water Music). The band's Bridge Nine Records years were a highlight most definitely, including 2009's "Chasing Hamburg", 2011's "Clash Battle Guilt Pride" and the acoustic live album, 2012's "Live At The Montage". The band has built quite a cult following ever since the beginning with it's fans in Australia, and in 2011 and 2013, they got a chance to play for them as part of the Soundwave Festival in both of those years. When the band recorded their most recent album, 2013's "Death Chorus", vocalist Jimmy Stadt was having major voice issues. After years of really straining his vocals both in studio and on the road, Stadt realized he had to change his vocal style in order to keep on touring and making music so when you listen to "Death Chorus", you notice Stadt's vocals are much cleaner than on Polar Bear Club's previous releases. The band supported their most recent album by touring with hardcore legends H2O. The current status of Polar Bear Club is that they are on hiatus. Vocalist Jimmy Stadt confirmed this in 2015. As far as I know, this isn't a break-up, just the band taking a break. At least I hope that's all it is. Polar Bear Club is a very solid band. If you're already a fan of The Flatliners or Hot Water Music or even The Gaslight Anthem, Polar Bear Club should be on your musical radar.

TEN POLAR BEAR CLUB SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Living Saints
2. Killin' It
3. WLWYCD
4. Screams In Caves
5. At Your Funeral (Saves The Day cover)
6. Light Of Local Eyes
7. Blood Balloon
8. Close Knit
9. Hollow Place
10. Drifting Thing

Monday, September 21, 2015

Song Of The Week: 9/21/15







Song: "Wild Turkey"

Artist: A Wilhelm Scream

Album: "Partycrasher"

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: New Bedford, Massachusetts

Years Active: 1999-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Wild Turkey" appears to be about someone who has given up on whatever dreams he has and takes solace by spending his days at bars, where his only companion is his bottle. You get a sense that people look at the man and feel frustrated for him, like maybe he had some sort of talent and was destined to do something good with it, but he threw it all away and now drinks away his days. The man seems rather content with his decisions however, even going so far as to drink a toast to those people as well. It's a real drowning yourself in sorrow and booze type of song!

A WILHELM SCREAM DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2000 - "The Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach" (Tank Records)
2001 - "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud" (Tank Records)
2004 - "Mute Print" (Nitro Records)
2005 - "Ruiner" (Nitro Records)
2007 - "Career Suicide" (Nitro Records)
2013 - "Partycrasher" (No Idea Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF A WILHELM SCREAM:

When A Wilhelm Scream formed as a band back in 1999, they were originally called Adam's Crack, then soon changed to Koen before ultimately deciding on Smackin' Isaiah. Their 2001 album, "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud", was originally released under the Smackin' Isaiah moniker but was re-released in 2003 by Jump Start Records with the band's new name, A Wilhelm Scream. Though their early sounds before becoming A Wilhelm Scream were based on skate punk/ska, with the release of "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud", you can see the band was shifting into a form of technical, melodic hardcore punk, much like Propagandhi, Strike Anywhere or Strung Out. In 2004, the band hooked up with Nitro Records and put out a three album barrage in 4 years including 2004's "Mute Print", 2005's "Ruiner" and 2007's "Career Suicide". The latter album was so fast and technical that the band decided to drop some songs that couldn't keep pace! It would be 6 years before the band's next full length album release, the longest span between albums for the band. They did however release some EP's during that time as well as tour Canada and South America. The band's most recent release was 2013's "Partycrasher". Currently, as recently as August of 2015, the band has confirmed that it has been working on new material for a follow up to "Partycrasher". A Wilhelm Scream doesn't have the notoriety of some melodic hardcore bands like the previously mentioned Propagandhi or Strike Anywhere, but I would put them right up there with those bands. If you want aggression, A Wilhelm Scream brings it. If you want technical, fast paced punk rock, A Wilhelm Scream brings that too. The band's lyrics span a wide variety of topics, sometimes political, sometimes about social issues and sometimes about personal topics. A Wilhelm Scream is a very solid punk rock outfit, respected around the majority of punk rock circles but especially so in the local Boston punk rock scene. A Wilhelm Scream is a band that is all about the love of making music together and performing together. There are a slew of bands out there with the same passions, that have to grind along the way, touring relentlessly, getting their name out there, all while most likely having regular jobs back at home. It's that passion and hunger that comes through in their music and hopefully, they get enough out of their tours and music that they can sustain the ride in the future. Unheralded and under the radar, A Wilhelm Scream is a band that every punk rock music fan should know.

TEN A WILHELM SCREAM SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Bulletproof Tiger
2. The King Is Dead
3. Boat Builders
4. Rip
5. Number One
6. The Horse
7. The Soft Sell
8. I Wipe My Ass With Showbiz
9. Walkin' With Michael Douglas
10. Australias

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Song Of The Week: 9/13/15







Song: "Tonight We Feel Alive (On A Saturday)" (acoustic)

Artist: Four Year Strong

Album: "Enemy Of The World" (Special Edition)

Year: 2010

Place Or Origin: Worcester, Massachusetts

Years Active: 2001-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Tonight We Feel Alive (On A Saturday)" appears to be about not worrying about life's problems or the many obstacles you face as you go through life and having a positive outlook. It's more about striving ahead and forward and not looking back with regret nor having any fears about what might lie in the future. It's about living for the day and enjoying the moment and taking life as it comes. By shedding yourself of negative vibes and avoiding the many pitfalls and obstacles that might set you back, you tend to feel more alive and have a more positive energy about you. This acoustic version of "Tonight We Feel Alive (On A Saturday)" appears on the Special Edition of the band's 2010 album "Enemy Of The World". The full rock version of the song is also found on that album as well.

FOUR YEAR STRONG'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2005 - "It's Our Time" (Open Your Eyes Records)
2007 - "Rise Or Die Trying" (I Surrender Records)
2009 - "Explains It All" (Decaydance Records)
2010 - "Enemy Of The World" (Decaydance Records)
2011 - "In Some Way, Shape, Or Form" (Decaydance Records)
2015 - "Four Year Strong" (Pure Noise Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF FOUR YEAR STRONG:

Four Year Strong formed as a band back in 2001. The members were all in high school in Worcester, Massachusetts when they formed the band. After years of struggling to gain an audience outside of the local Boston punk rock scene, they finally began making some headway with their 2007 release, "Rise Or Die Trying". Their 2010 release, "Enemy Of The World", proved to be their most successful album to date however, peaking at #47 on the Billboard 200 charts. With songs such as "Wasting Time (Eternal Summer) and "It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now", Four Year Strong was building itself around a sound that was foundationally melodic, pop punk, emulating bands such as early Blink 182 and Green Day, but they also had a little bite to their music as well. They kind of remind me of a band like A Day To Remember. Their music is definitely pop, but with a bit of aggression to it. After a short hiatus from 2011 till 2015, rumors began to circulate that the band may be breaking up. That was put to rest, thankfully, as they first released an EP, "Go Down In History" and then a full length, 2015's "Four Year Strong". Other than that short hiatus, Four Year Strong has prided itself on being a hard working band that seemed adamant to get their name out there. Since it's inception, they have been touring relentlessly trying to garner a fan base. They have toured with a who's who in the punk rock world, including bands such as Rise Against, Bayside, Blink 182, The Swellers, A Wilhelm Scream, Story Of The Year and New Found Glory to name a few. They have also taken part of many festivals including the Taste Of Chaos Tour, Warped Tour, Soundwave Festival, Slam Dunk Festival and Bamboozle Festival. All in all, Four Year Strong is a solid band. They're nothing earth shattering and they don't really separate themselves from the pack, but they release energetic, melodic, fun punk rock sing-a-long type songs. They are as influenced by mid-90's alternative pop like Third Eye Blind, Everclear and No Doubt as they are punk bands like Green Day, Blink 182 or MxPx and you can hear it in their sound. Solid band.

TEN FOUR YEAR STRONG SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Stuck In The Middle
2. Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)
3. Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die
4. Go Down In History
5. Just Drive
6. Tonight We Feel Alive (On A Saturday)
7. Bada Bing! Wit' A Pipe
8. It Must Really Suck To Be Four Year Strong Right Now
9. We All Float Down Here
10. Tread Lightly

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Song Of The Week: 9/6/15







Song: "If Not For You"

Artist: Anti-Flag

Album: "Their System Doesn't Work For You"

Year: 1998

Place Of Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Years Active: 1988-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

I have absolutely no idea!!! I can't find the lyrics to "If Not For You" anywhere on the net. I can tell you that is a punk rocker in the same vein as very early Social Distortion. Think Social D's "1945". "If Not For You" is an Anti-Flag song, so I'll take a stab and say it's meaning probably has some sort of anti-government theme or some sort of social or political or anti-political stance to it. I could be wrong but hey, it wouldn't be the first time!!

ANTI-FLAG'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1996 - "Die For The Government" (New Red Archives)
1998 - "Their System Doesn't Work For You (A-F Records)
1999 - "A New Kind Of Army" (Go-Kart Records)
2001 - "Underground Network" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2002 - "Mobilize" (A-F Records)
2003 - "The Terror State" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2006 - "For Blood And Empire" (RCA Records)
2008 - "The Bright Lights Of America" (RCA Records)
2009 - "The People Or The Gun" (SideOneDummy Records)
2012 - "The General Strike" (SideOneDummy Records)
2015 - "American Spring" (Spinefarm Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF ANTI-FLAG:

Anti-Flag formed as a band back in 1988 but quickly dissolved after playing just one show! Thankfully, singer guitarist Justin Sane and drummer Pat Thetic decided to give it one more go and reformed the band in 1992. Establishing itself in the underground punk rock scene, Anti-Flag brought a style of punk that was about revolt and rebellion. Much like a band such as Bad Religion, Anti-Flag was and is not afraid to put their social, political or cultural views on their sleeves. They advocate many progressive political action groups, Greenpeace, Amnesty International and Occupy Together to name a few. Because their name is Anti-Flag, doesn't necessarily mean they are anti-American. Quite the contrary. They are pro 1st Amendment which allows them to speak out against some government policies or against wars or against other issues such as poverty and domestic abuse. Anti-Flag's message began to reach the masses a little more by the time their 2003 album "The Terror State" was released. This album was their highest charting album on the Billboard 200 charts and led to the band signing on with major label RCA Records for the next two releases. You can even go back to 1999 and say the band really began to hit their stride and find their sound when the line-up completely solidified with Justin Sane on vocals/guitar, Chris #2 on bass/vocals, Chris Head on guitar and Pat Thetic on drums. Anti-Flag as a band is very active. Since 1996, the band has not only released 11 full length albums (some of those are comps of old EP's), but they also released a slew of EP's, splits and compilations. Currently, Anti-Flag just released their latest album, "American Spring", in 2015 and they are touring to support that record. There are never too few social, political or governmental issues that a band like Anti-Flag can't expose and shine a light on in hopes of opening people's eyes to injustice. They fall in line with other politically charged and socially aware punk rock bands such as Rise Against, Bad Religion, Good Riddance, Pennywise and Strike Anywhere. Their views are also in line with hard rock/rap outfit Rage Against The Machine, with whom they played live with outside of the 2008 Republican National Convention as a form of protest. Even if you're not so much into politics in your music, you can't deny that behind all of the messages is some pretty kick ass punk rock tunes!!

TEN ANTI-FLAG SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. This Is The End (For You My Friend)
2. The Press Corpse
3. Turncoat
4. The Bright Lights Of America
5. 911 For Peace
6. A New Kind Of Army
7. No Paradise
8. Underground Network
9. Brandenburg Gate
10. Die For The Government

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Song Of The Week: 8/30/15







Song: "Eyes Of A Child"

Artist: Sully Erna

Album: "Avalon"

Year: 2010

Place Or Origin: Lawrence, Massachusetts

Years Active: 1986-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Eyes Of A Child" is a song that appears to be about how so many of us turn our backs to the pain and sufferings of innocent children. Whether that is children from poor countries or children who are terminally ill or even those who are abused. Basically, children who's innocence has been lost for whatever reason and those of us who can try to do something sit back and don't do anything or don't do enough. It's the tragedy of watching children suffer and not doing anything about it.

SULLY ERNA'S DISCOGRAPHY:

2010 - "Avalon" (Universal/Republic Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF SULLY ERNA:

Sully Erna has been a part of the music scene dating back to 1986. He got his first break with a band called Strip Mind who released an album in 1993 called "What's In Your Mouth". After basically getting kicked out of that band, Erna would make the career choice of his life, stepping away from the drum kit and becoming lead singer of a new band called Godsmack. From 1995 till the present day, Godsmack has earned it's status as one of the top hard rock/metal acts out there today. Erna and Godsmack released 7 studio full length albums as well as a live album and a greatest hits compilation in their 20 years as a band. Dating back to the band's 2003 "Faceless" album, Erna had privately been working on songs, including "Eyes Of A Child", that were not quite built for the Godsmack sound. While they were dark songs featuring, almost tribal overtones, they weren't quite heavy enough to be Godsmack songs. That's when Erna began to work on a solo album. In 2008 and 2009, Erna embarked on small solo tours while Godsmack was on a hiatus and in 2010, he released his solo debut, "Avalon". The album is a hauntingly, beautiful piece of music. If you like Godsmack songs like "Voodoo", "Serenity" or "Spiral", then you would enjoy Sully Erna's solo debut. It has a Zeppelin III vibe perhaps mixed in with "Jar Of Flies" by Alice In Chains. Erna has also released a live DVD, "Avalon Live", to accompany the album and also released an "Avalon" box set featuring the "Avalon" cd, dvd, a making of dvd and a live cd. Currently, Erna and Godsmack released their latest album "1000hp" in 2014 and toured to support that. He has also stated that he is working on material for a follow up to "Avalon". Because of his vocal style, Sully Erna will forever be linked favorably or unfavorably to Layne Staley of Alice In Chains and James Hetfield of Metallica. To be truthful, Godsmack is kinda like a mash-up of both of those bands. Maybe not as fast and aggressive as Metallica nor as dark and brooding as Alice In Chains, but somewhere in the middle. This has not hindered their success as a band however, even though you do have the haters who sometimes call them rip offs of either band. Erna's solo material, to me, tends to evoke Led Zeppelin, especially when they began experimenting with middle eastern sounds and vibes. Clearly, Sully Erna is one of the better metal vocalists out there today and has been for a while, whether solo or with his band Godsmack.

TEN SULLY ERNA SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Sinner's Prayer
2. Eyes Of A Child
3. Avalon
4. The Rise
5. Until Then
6. Broken Road
7. The Departed
8. 7 Years
9. My Light
10. Cast Out (Spirit Ceremony)

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Song Of The Week: 8/23/15







Song: "Porno And Snuff Films"

Artist: The Lawrence Arms

Album: "Apathy And Exhaustion"

Year: 2002

Place Of Origin: Chicago, Illinois

Years Active: 1999-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Porno And Snuff Films" appears to me to be about the music industry. It's how the industry basically strips an artist of all his ideals and goals and art and breaks them down to the point where they fall in line and create what the people in the "big chairs" want to hear. It's about having the artist stop being true to himself and his art to create something for corporate gain. Once you've sold yourself out, your art no longer has any integrity. Unfortunately, this is a reality for many artists who succumb to the corporate thumb. Their creativity and originality is the ultimate cost.

THE LAWRENCE ARMS' DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

1999 - "A Guided Tour Of Chicago" (Asian Man Records)
2000 - "Ghost Stories" (Asian Man Records)
2002 - "Apathy And Exhaustion" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2003 - "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2005 - "Cocktails & Dreams" (Asian Man Records)
2006 - "Oh! Calcutta!" (Fat Wreck Chords)
2014 - "Metropole" (Epitaph Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF THE LAWRENCE ARMS:

The Lawrence Arms formed as a band back in 1999, though all three members, Brendan Kelly, Chris McCaughan and Neil Hennessy, were already established musicians in the Chicago punk scene. Their debut album, 1999's "A Guided Tour Of Chicago", featured some political overtones which their follow up albums tended to veer away from, featuring more personal and introspective lyrical themes. The band is also known to incorporate history, literature and pop culture themes throughout their lyrics and song titles. The Lawrence Arms released an incredible 6 albums in 7 years! One of the albums being the b-sides and rarities compilation, 2005's "Cocktails & Dreams". While the band is most noted for it's relationship with Fat Mike of NOFX and his label Fat Wreck Chords, their latest release, 2014's "Metropole" was released through another legendary punk rock label, Epitaph Records. This release marked the longest time between full length releases for The Lawrence Arms, 8 years between albums. During that 8 year semi-hiatus, the band members focused on several side projects, most notably The Falcon, which featured Kelly and Hennessy along with Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano and Rise Against's Todd Mahoney. McCaughan also released solo/acoustic material under the moniker Sundowner. Kelly would also get into the solo acoustic stuff, releasing a split album with Smoke Or Fire's Joe McMahon called "Wasted Potential". Currently, The Lawrence Arms were most recently promoting their last release, "Metropole", which came out in 2014. They are a major player in the Chicago punk scene alongside bands such as Alkaline Trio and Rise Against. Though their success hasn't reached the levels as those two bands mentioned, The Lawrence Arms definitely has the respect of those who matter in punk circles. They are a band that champions the DIY ethic that so defines what punk rock music should be about. That view has put them in direct conflict with the promoters of the Warped Tour, which the members of The Lawrence Arms feels is responsible for killing the scene. The battle between art and corporate is something the members of The Lawrence Arms feels very strongly about and they want art protected and nourished, not saturated or infected by striving for corporate success at the expense of artistic integrity.

TEN THE LAWRENCE ARMS SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. The Slowest Drink At The Saddest Bar On The Snowiest Day In The Greatest City
2. Seventeener
3. You Are Here
4. Your Gravest Words
5. Great Lakes/Great Escapes
6. Porno And Snuff Films
7. The Devil's Takin' Names
8. 100 Resolutions
9. An Evening Of Extraordinary Circumstance
10. Them Angels Been Talkin'

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Song Of The Week: 8/16/15







Song: "Let The Train Blow The Whistle"

Artist: Joe McMahon

Album: "Wasted Potential" (split album w/ Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms)

Year: 2010

Place Of Origin: Boston, Massachusetts

Years Active: 1998-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"Let The Train Blow The Whistle" is so Johnny Cash! Why? Because it was originally written by the "Man In Black" for his 1994 album "American Recordings". The song is basically written as a eulogy to be read at his own funeral. And in Johnny Cash fashion, the eulogy has no problem giving a middle finger to those who deserve it! Forever the rebel, even in death!! He also says he's lived his own life far from perfection, but he has no regrets, even to go as far to say he'll see his enemies in hell!! Joe McMahon, best known as being the frontman for Fat Wreck Chords' band Smoke Or Fire", covered this Cash track and released it on a split album with Brendan Kelly (The Lawrence Arms) called "Wasted Potential".

JOE MCMAHON'S DISCOGRAPGHY (Full length albums only):

2010 - "Wasted Potential" (split album w/ Brendan Kelly of The Lawrence Arms) (Anchorless Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF JOE MCMAHON:

Joe McMahon grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and officially got on the music scene dating back to 1998. His original band was called Jericho. The band soon moved to Richmond, Virginia and due to legal problems with a band with the same name, they changed their name to Jericho RVA. After releasing one full length album and one EP, the band once again changed their moniker, this time to Smoke Or Fire. This was around 2004. Smoke Or Fire wound up hooking up with legendary punk label Fat Wreck Chords and would go on to release three full length albums with them, their last being 2010's "The Speakeasy". Like slews of punk rock frontmen, Joe McMahon caught the bug of the acoustic, roots/folk, solo thing that many others including Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!), Tim Barry (Avail), Joey Cape (Lagwagon), Tony Sly (No Use For A Name) and many others also caught. His one split release with The Lawrence Arms' Brendan Kelly proves that McMahon fits right in with all the others I mentioned. Currently, McMahon has released several live songs on his personal Bandcamp page which you can stream or buy, he's about to release a split 7" with Billy Liar and he also plans to have a new, full length album out sometime in the near future. Besides his solo material and his work with Smoke Or Fire, McMahon is also half of the acoustic duo called Billy + Joe, which also features Canadian female vocalist/guitarist Billy The Kid. If you dig punkers going acoustic or if you enjoy attending The Revival Tours featuring punkers stripping down their sound, then Joe McMahon is right up your alley.

TEN JOE MCMAHON SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Let The Train Blow The Whistle (Johnny Cash cover)
2. Delawhere
3. Irish Handcuffs
4. Yesterday
5. Filter
6. Little Bohemia
7. Jinx Removing (Jawbreaker cover)
8. Beauty Fades
9. What Separates Us All
10. Monster Among Us

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Song Of The Week: 8/9/15







Song: "The Earth Isn't Humming"

Artist: Thrice

Album: "Live At The House Of Blues"

Year: 2008

Place Of Origin: Irvine, California

Years Active: 1999-2012, 2015



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

"The Earth Isn't Humming" appears to be about an "end of days" type of situation. The Earth has a "hum" to it that is caused by the ocean's waves. So, perhaps the Earth has stopped rotating, or some sort of catastrophic event to cause the oceans to be still. Whatever natural occurence has happened, the vocalist watches as more and more people "fall down", which he is probably witnessing the end of humanity. "The Earth Isn't Humming" is actually a cover song that was originally performed by the Washington D.C. hardcore band Frodus. The original appeared on Frodus' 2001 album "And We Washed Our Weapons At Sea". Highly influenced by Frodus, Thrice covered "The Earth Isn't Humming" and the studio performance can be found on Thrice's 2008 album "The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV".

THRICE'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2000 - "Identity Crisis" (Greenflag Records)
2002 - "The Illusion Of Safety" (Sub City Records)
2003 - "The Artist In The Ambulance" (Island Records)
2005 - "Vheissu" (Island Records)
2007 - "The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II" (Vagrant Records)
2008 - "The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV" (Vagrant Records)
2008 - "Live At The House Of Blues" (Vagrant Records)
2009 - "Beggars" (Vagrant Records)
2011 - "Major/Minor" (Vagrant Records)
2012 - "Anthology" (Staple Records/Workhorse Music Group)

CURRENT STATUS OF THRICE:

Thrice formed as a band back in 1999 when the members were all still in high school. Their first release as a band was the 1999 EP, "First Impressions". Early on, Thrice developed a hardcore/punk style featuring blistering fast riffs and some gutteral screaming vocals. In 2003, Thrice released their crossover album, "The Artist In The Ambulance". This was the band's major label debut and it features classic Thrice songs such as "All That's Left", "Stare At The Sun" and "The Artist In The Ambulance". Their 2005 release, "Vheissu", featured a change in musical style. The band was veering away from it's hardcore/punk roots and becoming a more experimental band, using a wide array of instruments and slowing down their pace. The lyrics were also getting deeper, featuring several religious themes as well as being influenced by various literature and writings. "Vheissu" would be Thrice's highest charting album of it's career, reaching #15 on the Billboard 200 charts. By 2009, Thrice wanted to make a more upbeat record as they felt "Vheissu" and "The Alchemy Index Vols I, II, III & IV" were "sleepy" feeling records. They achieved this with their 2009 release "Beggars" and their 2011 release "Major/Minor" really encapsulated what Thrice was as a band for it's entire career. In 2012, Thrice decided that they were going to take a hiatus on being a full time band, though they did declare that Thrice was not breaking up. This hiatus allowed the band members to focus on their various side projects, most notably lead singer Dustin Kensrue's solo material. Kensrue would become a worship leader at Mars Hill Church in Bellevue, Washington where he and his family live, but he would resign his position in 2014 due to a controversy surrounding the church's pastor. 2015 saw Thrice get back together and perform at several music festivals including Amnesia Rockfest in Quebec, Heavy Music Festival in the U.K. and Riot Fest in Denver, Chicago and Toronto. Currently, it is not known if the festival performances might jumpstart a new album by Thrice in the near future. As I said earlier, the band members themselves did not close the door on Thrice as a band so hopefully, these reunion shows are a spark that leads to new material being released. Though Thrice has evolved musically over the years, their style is comparative to bands such as Brand New and Thursday. Their roots are hardcore/punk but they are always evolving musically, technically and lyrically. I don't want to call them unheralded, but, to me, Thrice never really got their due as to how good they are as a band. I personally think they are one of the best rock bands to come out. Top 10 rock band in my book!

TEN THRICE SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Stare At The Sun
2. Red Sky
3. Image Of The Invisible
4. Deadbolt
5. The Artist In The Ambulance
6. In Exile
7. Come All You Weary
8. All That's Left
9. Promises
10. Digital Sea

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Song Of The Week: 8/2/15







Song: "Requiem"

Artist: Avenged Sevenfold

Album: "Hail To The King"

Year: 2013

Place Of Origin: Huntington Beach, California

Years Active: 1999-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

If you read the Roman Catholic Church's definition for "requiem", it reads "a Mass for the repose of the souls of the dead". I think that's where Avenged Sevenfold is going with this song. It really creates an image of being in hell, your soul being tortured and tormented and you're begging for forgiveness and a savior to rescue your soul from this fiery pit of damnnation. Though Avenged Sevenfold is not a religious band, "Requiem" has religious overtones, especially in it's description of hell.

AVENGED SEVENFOLD'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2001 - "Sounding The Seventh Trumpet" (Hopeless Records)
2003 - "Waking The Fallen" (Hopeless Records)
2005 - "City Of Evil" (Warner Bros. Records)
2007 - "Avenged Sevenfold" (Warner Bros. Records)
2008 - "Live In The LBC & Diamonds In The Rough" (Warner Bros. Records)
2010 - "Nightmare" (Warner Bros. Records)
2013 - "Hail To The King" (Warner Bros. Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF AVENGED SEVENFOLD:

Avenged Sevenfold formed as a band back in 1999 when all the members were still in high school. After putting together a few demos, they released their debut album in 2001. Their first two albums saw the band incorporate a metalcore style, packed with screaming vocals and fast paced riffs. When the band signed on with major label Warner Bros., they decided it was time for a stylistic change. Vocalist M Shadows worked with a vocal coach to improve his tone and gone were the gutteral screams from their first two albums. This change was for the better in my opinion. The band's 2005 release, "City Of Evil", was the album that defined who they were as a band. Thanks to the hit singles "Bat Country" and "Beast And The Harlot", this album eventually achieved platinum status, making it Avenged Sevenfold's most successful record to date. The band's style shifted to a more heavy metal/hard rock sound that mirrored some of their major influences such as Black Sabbath, Pantera, Iron Maiden and Guns N' Roses. While their next few albums didn't sell as well as "City Of Evil", 2010's "Nightmare" as well as 20l3's "Hail To The King" both debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. Avenged Sevenfold is one of those unique metal outfits that can fit right in on an Ozzfest tour, as well as on the more punk infused Vans Warper Tour, much like contemporary bands such as Bullet For My Valentine, Atreyu and Blessthefall. The harmonizing dual guitar attack of Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance draw comparisons to that of metal legends Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Currently, M Shadows has confirmed that the band is to continue working on new material in 2015 for a follow up to "Hail To The King" which should be released some time in 2016.

TEN AVENGED SEVENFOLD SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Bat Country
2. Afterlife
3. Dear God
4. Unholy Confessions
5. Beast And The Harlot
6. Shepherd Of Fire
7. Hail To The King
8. Welcome To The Family
9. Almost Easy
10. Nightmare

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Song Of The Week: 7/26/15







Song: "Bottoms Up"

Artist: With Honor

Album: "This Is Our Revenge"

Year: 2005

Place Of Origin: New London, Connecticut

Years Active: 2002-2006



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

To me, "Bottoms Up" seems like a song where the vocalist is playing the part of heroin. It's as if the heroin is talking to himself and his scars, cuts, bruises and blood are his blanket. It really seems like it's about hitting rock bottom without much hope of getting out of his situation. His sorry state and condition is a lesson to all of what not to do. Perhaps it will help someone else but as for him, it seems like a lost cause.

WITH HONOR'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2004 - "Heart Means Everything" (Perfect Victim Records)
2005 - "This Is Our Revenge" (Victory Records)
2006 - "The Journey" (Burning Season Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF WITH HONOR:

With Honor formed as a band back in 2002, a mainstay in the hardcore punk scene in the state of Connecticut. Drawing influences from bands such as Sick Of It All, Face To Face, NOFX, Minor Threat, Strike Anywhere and Comeback Kid, With Honor set out to set their own mark on hardcore punk. In 2004, they released their debut album, "Heart Means Everything", but it was their 2005 album, "This Is Our Revenge" which is perhaps the band's definitive musical statement. The band released a music video for the track "Like Trumpets" off of that album. In 2006, the band released the compilation album, "The Journey". This album basically featured "Heart Means Everything" plus the band's self-titled EP and their songs from a split 7" with the band The Distance. Original vocalist Todd Mackey parted ways with the band in 2006, shortly after the release of "This Is Our Revenge". The band tried to continue with a few other vocalists, but ultimately decided to break up. Currently, With Honor appears to be a band that is no longer a full time venue for any of it's members. Though they have reunited for one off concerts every now and then, new material is an afterthought and there is not much of a future for With Honor. If you like bands like Ignite, Propagandhi, A Wilhelm Scream or Strike Anywhere, then you should give With Honor a listen. "This Is Our Revenge" is a solid hardcore punk album, very underrated and very underground. It's too bad that With Honor didn't get over the hump as a band because they seemed to have a lot to offer. Their music was aggressive and their lyrics were political, social and emotional at times. Solid band just couldn't cross over for any sort of sustained success.

TEN WITH HONOR SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Like Trumpets
2. Plot Two
3. The Mirror
4. With The Wind
5. Closets
6. Bridges And Gaps
7. Rethink/Return
8. You Always Said
9. Milwaukee
10. Elevens

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Song Of The Week: 7/19/15







Song: "Before Dust"

Artist: Chuck Ragan

Album: "Kindred Spirit" (split EP w/ Rocky Votolato)

Year: 2015

Place Of Origin: Gainesville, Florida

Years Active: 1993-present



WHAT I THINK THE SONG IS ABOUT:

It's a bit difficult for me to describe what I think "Before Dust" is about because I can't find the lyrics to the song anywhere on the net. After listening several times, I can pick up a few things. "Before Dust" could be a Biblical reference referring to a time before God created the Earth. Possibly, it could be a reference to life in the Great Plains before the devastating dust storms basically gutted people's crops and destroyed their livelihood between the years 1932 and 1939. Perhaps if I ever stumble across the official lyrics to "Before Dust" I will come back and edit this post with a better idea of what the song may be about.

CHUCK RAGAN'S DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):

2007 - "Feast Or Famine" (SideOneDummy Records)
2007 - "Loz Feliz" (SideOneDummy Records)
2007 - "The Blueprint Sessions" (No Idea Records)
2008 - "Bristle Ridge" w/ Austin Lucas (Hometown Caravan Records)
2009 - "Gold Country" (SideOneDummy Records)
2011 - "Covering Ground" (SideOneDummy Records)
2014 - "Till Midnight" (SideOneDummy Records)

CURRENT STATUS OF CHUCK RAGAN:

Chuck Ragan is probably most known for being one of the frontmen and guitarists for punk rock stalwarts Hot Water Music. Since 1993, Hot Water Music has released 7 full length albums as well as a slew of EP's, splits, live albums and appearances on compilations. In 1998, Ragan got his first taste of playing acoustic, rootsy songs when he and Chris Wollard of Hot Water Music created the side project Rumbleseat, who released one full length album. That project would plant the seeds for what was to become of Ragan's solo career. In 2005, Hot Water Music decided to go on a hiatus giving Ragan a chance to focus on his solo career. From 2007 to the present, Ragan proved to be a tireless worker and performer releasing full lengths, splits, singles and collaborations all while releasing yet another Hot Water Music album, 2012's "Exister", and doing Hot Water tours as well as solo tours. In 2008, in fact, Ragan created The Revival Tour, a tour that goes off almost yearly and features a who's who in the world of punk rock artists who perform stripped down acoustic sets. Those who have been featured on the tours are Ragan, Tim Barry (Avail), Laura Jane Grace (Against Me!), Kevin Seconds (7 Seconds), Frank Turner, Chris McCaughan (The Lawrence Arms), Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem), Dave Hause (The Loved Ones) and Dan Andriano (Alkaline Trio). Ragan's most recent effort was 2014's "Till Midnight". This album still featured Ragan and his acoustic but also more of a full band vibe, complete with shuffle drums, slide electric guitar and stand up bass. His most recent release was 2015's split EP with Lucero's Rocky Votolato called "Kindred Spirit". Chuck Ragan, along with Avail's Tim Barry, is one of the first punk rockers to go the Americana, roots and folk route with his music. Now, there are a slew of punk frontmen who have branched off to do acoustic stuff from No Use For A Name's Tony Sly, to Lagwagon's Joey Cape, to The Briggs' Joey Briggs to Chris Creswell of The Flatliners. Punkers going acoustic seems to be all the rage all of a sudden. But it all started with Chuck Ragan and nobody does it better than him. His personal heartfelt lyrics and passionate, scruffy vocal delivery are a perfect marriage over acoustic guitars.

TEN CHUCK RAGAN SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:

1. Meet You In The Middle (featuring Brian Fallon)
2. Ole Diesel
3. The Flame In The Flood
4. For Broken Ears
5. Something May Catch Fire
6. Pretty Good Year (The Loved Ones cover)
7. Bedroll Lullaby
8. Let It Rain
9. For Goodness Sake
10. Wash My Feet In The Waves