This is a weekly blog to let you in on what song and/or band that i've been feeling for that particular week. Music will always be a very important part of my life. I see it as the soundtrack for memories that bring you back to a certain place and time and new songs help to create new memories. Hope you enjoy!! :)
"Scorpios" appears to be a song about, well, the Scorpios! As in, the lyrics describe the guys in the band and how they all come together from various parts of the country to make music and go on tours together. It's kinda like the Scorpios introduction to their band. It is their, "Hey Hey We're The Monkees"!
SCORPIOS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
2011 - Scorpios (self-released)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2017 - One Week Record (One Week Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON SCORPIOS:
Scorpios is a band that formed back in 2011 featuring Brian Wahlstrom (Bandaid Brigade), Joey Cape (Lagwagon), Jon Snodgrass (Drag The River) and Tony Sly (No Use For A Name). This is an acoustic side project for all these guys who find the time between their main gigs to get together and make music together and tour. In fact, most of these guys toured together as separate solo acoustic acts before they decided to collaborate together. Their debut album, "Scorpios", came out in 2011. Unfortunately, Tony Sly passed away tragically on July 31, 2012. From the time of Tony Sly's passing and 2017, the other guys pretty much worked on their other projects. Scorpios enlisted Chris Cresswell of The Flatliners to replace Tony Sly and in 2017 they released "One Week Record". As is the case with side projects, these guys are often working on other projects and eventually get back together to either record new music or just go on tour. I have no news as to whether Scorpios will be releasing anything new anytime soon. This of course can change in an instant. I got into Scorpios right off the bat being that I'm a huge No Use For A Name and Lagwagon fan. Pretty much anything from those bands or solo stuff from Tony Sly and Joey Cape I scooped up rather quickly. I also love when Snodgrass harmonizes on background vocals. If you like to hear your punk rock heroes over stripped down acoustic guitars then you should definitely give Scorpios a listen. R.I.P. Mr. Sly. Can't believe it's almost been 10 years.
"Suffer" appears to be a song about the suffering that the masses of humanity have to endure each and every day. The world is basically split between the haves and the have nots and the haves wield the power and wealth to keep the have nots suffering. Funny how in 1988, Bad Religion was speaking almost of the very same class war that is rampant in our country here in 2022.
BAD RELIGION DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1982 - How Could Hell Be Any Worse? (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1983 - Into The Unknown (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1988 - Suffer (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1989 - No Control (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1990 - Against The Grain (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1992 - Generator (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1993 - Recipe For Hate (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1994 - Stranger Than Fiction (Atlantic Records)
* peaked at #87 on the Billboard 200 on 9-24-94
* certified gold
1996 - The Gray Race (Atlantic Records)
* peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200 on 3-16-96
1996 - Tested (Dragnet Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1998 - No Substance (Atlantic Records)
* peaked at # 78 on the Billboard 200 on 5-23-98
2000 - The New America (Atlantic Records)
* peaked at #88 on the Billboard 200 on 5-27-00
2002 - The Process Of Belief (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #49 on the Billboard 200 on 2-9-02
2004 - The Empire Strikes First (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200 on 6-26-04
2007 - New Maps Of Hell (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 on 7-28-07
2010 - The Dissent Of Man (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 on 10-16-10
2010 - 30 Years Live (Epitaph Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2012 - True North (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #19 on the Billboard 200 on 2-9-13
2013 - Christmas Songs (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #101 on the Billboard 200 on 11-16-13
2019 - Age Of Unreason (Epitaph Records)
* peaked at #73 on the Billboard 200 on 5-18-19
MY THOUGHTS ON BAD RELIGION:
Bad Religion formed as a band back in 1980, hailing from Los Angeles, California. The band's debut album would be 1982's "How Could Hell Be Any Worse?". While that debut showed major promise for this up and coming hardcore punk band, they followed the album up with a prog-rock album called "Into The Unknown". Not only did this change of sound alienate their fans, it eventually caused the band to break up. Vocalist Greg Graffin began to reassemble the band in 1986 however and in 1988, Bad Religion released "Suffer". This is one of the most important albums in punk rock history and a foreshadow of the hardcore/skate punk sound that would permeate throughout southern California in the 90's. The band would drop four more albums in a 5 year span, 1989's "No Control", 1990's "Against The Grain", 1992's "Generator" and 1993's "Recipe For Hate". All of their releases up to this point were on Epitaph Records which is a label that Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz formed in the early 80's. Epitaph is now synonomous with punk rock music. The major success of grunge music in the early 90's cleared way for a punk rock revival movement of the mid-90's which featured smash success albums by bands like Green Day, Rancid and The Offspring. Bad Religion would also ride that wave and get signed by major label Atlantic Records to release their 1994 album "Stranger Than Fiction". This album would be certified gold. The downside is that Gurewitz decided to leave the band to focus more of his time on Epitaph which was having major success at the time. Bad Religion released 3 more albums through Atlantic Records, 1996's "The Gray Race", 1998's "No Substance" and 2000's "The New America". 2002 saw the band go back to Epitaph and also saw the return of Gurewitz on guitar for the release of "The Process Of Belief". This album was part of a string of 5 top 50 albums, including 2004's "The Empire Strikes First", 2007's "New Maps Of Hell", 2010's "The Dissent Of Man" and 2012's "True North", the band's highest charting album reaching #19. The band would release a Christmas album in 2013 that is actually phenomenal! In the longest period between releases, it would take 6 years before Bad Religion would release their most recent album, 2019's "Age Of Unreason". In January of 2021, the band released the song "Emancipation Of The Mind" and there has been word that they are working on new material for a brand new album with no tentative date yet. Bad Religion is one of the most important bands in punk rock history. In my mind, one of the most important bands in rock and roll period! These guys laid the groundwork for what would become the punk rock revival in the mid 90's. They set the blueprint with fast, melodic songs. They were also not afraid to speak out about ills of society, religion, government and the environment. They were like punk rock scholars and their songs not only made you rock out, they also made you think. These guys are just at the top of the mountain when it comes to punk. I got into Bad Religion around 1993's "Recipe For Hate". Yeah, I was late to the party! I believe when I saw the "American Jesus" video I was hooked. At that time, I was all over the Seattle sound, but Bad Religion really introduced me to that California skate punk style that I totally fell in love with. It was Bad Religion that led me to love bands like No Use For A Name, Pennywise, Lagwagon, Good Riddance and Pulley. The 90's is still my favorite decade of music.
"Mandy" is a song that appears to be about letting go of someone and then going through life regretting it. The vocalist now realizes that this person was his rock. She supported him unconditionally through the ups and the downs and he failed to see it then. Now that she is gone, he knows he needs her more than ever but he knows it will never happen. "Mandy" was originally called "Brandy" and written by Scott English in 1971. It catapulted to fame when the song was changed to "Mandy" and released as a single by Barry Manilow in 1974. Me First gives it a little punk rock overhaul!!
ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1997 - Have A Ball (Fat Wreck Chords)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1999 - Are A Drag (Fat Wreck Chords)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2001 - Blow In The Wind (Fat Wreck Chords)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2003 - Take A Break (Fat Wreck Chords)
* peaked at #131 on the Billboard 200 on 7-19-03
2004 - Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah (Fat Wreck Chords)
* peaked at #197 on the Billboard 200 on 11-6-04
2006 - Love Their Country (Fat Wreck Chords)
* peaked at #169 on the Billboard 200 on 11-4-06
2008 - Have Another Ball (Fat Wreck Chords)
* peaked at #163 on the Billboard 200 on 7-26-08
2014 - Are We Not Men? We Are Diva (Fat Wreck Chords)
* peaked at #102 on the Billboard 200 on 5-31-14
MY THOUGHTS ON ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES:
Me First And The Gimme Gimmes are a punk rock supergroup that formed in San Francisco, California in 1995. The band consists of Spike Slawson (Swingin' Utters) on vocals, Fat Mike (NOFX) on bass, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters) on guitar and Joey Cape and Dave Raun of Lagwagon on guitar and drums respectively. The band's first release was a 2 song single called "Denver" in 1995 which featured John Denver covers. The band's first full length album would be 1997's "Have A Ball" which featured covers of singer/songwriters of the 60's, 70's and 80's. The 1999 release, "Are A Drag", featured covers of showtunes. 2001's "Blow In The Wind" featured covers of 60's classics. 2003's "Take A Break" featured Me First's takes on R&B tracks. The band recorded a live album in 2004 at an actual bar mitzvah titled "Ruin Jonny's Bar Mitzvah". In 2006, the band tackled country and western songs on "Love Their Country". 2008 the band released the compilation "Have Another Ball" which featured b-sides and outtakes from their "Have A Ball" sessions. 2014 saw the band cover popular divas with their release "Are We Not Men? We Are Diva". The band's most recent release was a stand alone cover of the Eartha Kitt song "Santa Baby". Chris Shiflett hasn't been in the band for a few years now but his spot has been filled by his brother Scott Shiflett more often than not. As I said earlier, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes are a true punk rock supergroup. The band only plays covers and has no original material but their versions of the songs are amped up with a punk rock energy and vibe. The band is pretty active even though all the members have their main projects to focus on. Though, the material hasn't been coming out as often lately. The band played a livestream concert in May of 2021 so they still make plans to get together every now and then. These guys are just fun. I've never seen them live but I would imagine it would be a great time. The first time I heard these guys was on an old Fat compilation when I heard "Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard" and I just fell in love with the band. Me First are the balls son!!
SIMILAR ARTISTS:
Lagwagon
NOFX
No Use For A Name
The Bouncing Souls
MxPx
TEN ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES SONGS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT:
1. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard (Paul Simon cover)
"Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced" is a tongue in cheek type of song where the vocalist often goes to the local watering hole to get smashed and brag about everything that he is not. It's funny how you grow a set while looking through drunken eyes! In a moment of clarity, however, he admits that he's none of those things he was bragging about but deep down, he's an all around nice guy and has a heart of gold so he deserves a shot to leave the bar with a fine lady! For my song of the week I chose the live version of "Kiss Me I'm Shitfaced" from the Dropkick's 2012 album "Live At Fenway". The original version can be found on the band's 2003 album "Blackout".
DROPKICK MURPHYS DISCOGRAPHY (Full length albums only):
1998 - Do Or Die (Hellcat Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
1999 - The Gang's All Here (Hellcat Records)
* peaked at # 184 on the Billboard 200 on 4-3-99
2000 - The Singles Collection, Vol. 1 (Hellcat Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2001 - Sing Loud, Sing Proud (Hellcat Records)
* peaked at #144 on the Billboard 200 on 2-24-01
2002 - Live On St. Patrick's Day (Hellcat Records)
* peaked at #155 on the Billboard 200 on 9-28-02
2003 - Blackout (Hellcat Records)
* peaked at #83 on the Billboard 200 on 6-28-03
2005 - The Singles Collection, Vol. 2 (Hellcat Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2005 - The Warrior's Code (Hellcat Records)
* peaked at #48 on the Billboard 200 on 7-9-05
* certified gold
2007 - The Meanest Of Times (Born & Bred Records)
* peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 on 10-6-07
2010 - Live On Landsdowne, Boston MA (Born & Bred Records)
* peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200 on 4-3-10
2011 - Going Out In Style (Born & Bred Records)
* peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 on 3-19-11
2012 - Live At Fenway (Born & Bred Records)
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
2013 - Signed And Sealed In Blood (Born & Bred Records)
* peaked at #9 on the Billboard 200 on 1-26-13
2017 - 11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory (Born & Bred Records)
* peaked at #8 on the Billboard 200 on 1-28-17
2021 - Turn Up That Dial (Born & Bred Records
* did not chart on the Billboard 200
MY THOUGHTS ON DROPKICK MURPHYS
Much love to my Boston homies Dropkick Murphys! Well, ok they are actually from Quincy, MA but close enough. The Dropkick's got their start back in 1996, a nice little Celtic punk/street punk band formed by Ken Casey (bass/vocals) and Mike McColgan (vocals). Early on, the band received huge support by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, who took them on their very first tour. They also received huge support from Rancid who signed the Murphy's to their Hellcat label and Lars Frederiksen even produced their first album, 1998's "Do Or Die". Not long after "Do Or Die" was released, McColgan decided to leave the band. The Dropkick's recruited The Bruisers frontman Al Barr to take his place. As the band entered the 2000's, they began to see all their albums charting on the Billboard 200. Their 2003 album "Blackout" started getting some radio support with their single "Walk Away". In 2004, the band re-recorded an old song about the Boston Red Sox called "Tessie" that turned out to be a battle cry for the team en route to their first World Series victory since 1918. 2005 saw the release of their most successful record, "The Warrior's Code". This is the band's only album to be certified (gold) thanks in part to the song "I'm Shipping Up To Boston" which was featured prominently in the Martin Scorcese film "The Departed". This helped the single become platinum selling! At this point in the band's career, they decided to put their albums out on their own label, Born & Bred Records. 2007's "The Meanest Of Times" reached #20 on the Billboard 200 charts. Their next three studio albums peaked in the top 10. Their 2011 album, "Going Out In Style" would be the band's highest charting album, peaking at #6. If you're a Bostonian, you'd love the video for the title track of that album as it features several prominent Boston sports figures and more. Plus a lot of it was filmed at the now closed local pub McGreevy's, which was owned by Ken Casey. The band released "11 Short Stories Of Pain & Glory" in 2017 and their latest release would be the 2021 album "Turn Up That Dial". The Dropkick Murphys, in my mind, are at the top of the mountain when it comes to Celtic punk. Am I biased being from Boston? Sure. But the Dropkick's resume speaks for itself. These guys wear their Boston roots on their sleeves, whether they're playing their annual St. Patrick's Day shows in the city or just lending their support to local causes, most notably their charitable support for the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. I knew of the Dropkick's pretty much since they came out but I really got into them when they released "Blackout" in 2003. The songs "Walk Away"and "The Dirty Glass" really made me fall in love with the band and I've been a big fan ever since. This band has always been very active both releasing new music and relentlessly touring. They have been playing live shows with fellow punk stalwarts Rancid most recently.
