Song Of The Week: 10/2/11

Song: "Sleep"

Artist: Lagwagon

Album: "Live In A Dive"

Year: 2005



"Sleep" is a punk rock love song. It's a story of longing for someone who is far away from you. The vocalist is on tour with his band and is yearning for the day that the tour ends so he can be back with his girl. He is full of hope. Hope that his band will return from the road successful as well as hope that he and his girl will eventually have children and become the family that he has always envisioned would happen. The version of "Sleep" I chose as my song of the week comes from Lagwagon's live album "Live In A Dive". "Live In A Dive" would be a series of live recordings released by Fat Wreck Chords. Other notable acts to have released "Live In A Dive" albums were Fat Wreck bands No Use For A Name, Strung Out and Swingin' Utters. The original version of "Sleep" could be found on Lagwagon's 1995 album "Hoss". Lagwagon along with NOFX and No Use For A Name really define the skate punk sound that dominated Fat Wreck Chords since the early 90's and beyond. Lagwagon is a band that doesn't take itself too seriously. Much of their material is written with tongue very much in cheek. There is no denying, however, that this band has earned the respect in punk circles for paying their dues and always staying true to themselves. Lagwagon formed as a band back in 1990. During their career, they have released seven studio albums, one EP, one live cd, as well as a collection of b-sides, compilation tracks and demos. The last official release by Lagwagon was 2008's "I Think My Older Brother Used To Listen To Lagwagon" EP. Since then, most of the band members have been working on other projects, most notably lead singer Joey Cape has released two albums which are mostly singer/songwriter, acoustic type projects. The band has got together to do a few small tours during this little hiatus they are on however, and Cape has said that Lagwagon has not broken up. He is, however, not sure if the band will ever release a full album again. They may get together to record a few songs here and there for release in the future and perform shows from time to time. Currently, Fat Wreck Chords is planning to re-release the band's first five albums in November of 2011. These re-issues can either be purchased separately or as a boxed set entitled "Putting Music In It's Place".

Song Of The Week: 9/25/11

Song: "Family System"

Artist: Chevelle

Album: "Live From The Road"

Year: 2003



"Family System" appears to be a song about a family that is crumbling apart. There does not appear that there is any possible way to fix the situation as well. It definitely feels like divorce is going to be inevitable, especially when you read the lyrics and the vocalist says things like the things he used to love (family, spouse perhaps) he's learned to hate. There's no resurrecting this family structure. Chevelle formed as a band back in 1995, hailing from a suburb just outside of Chicago. The band was made up of three brothers, Pete Loeffler on guitar and vocals, Sam Loeffler on drums and Joe Loeffler on bass. After playing live shows for a few years, Chevelle finally recorded their debut album "Point #1" in 1999. The album began generating some buzz in music circles and when their small record label folded, they would be picked up by Epic Records and in 2002, would release their most successful album, "Wonder What's Next". The original recording of "Family System" would open up this album, the version I chose as my song of the week was from the band's live album, 2003's "Live From The Road". "Wonder What's Next" achieved platinum status thanks in part to the hit singles "The Red" and "Send The Pain Below". After recording their next album, 2004's "This Type Of Thinking (Could Do Us In)", the band parted ways with brother Joe. As his replacement, Chevelle kept it in the family by bringing in their brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini to perform bass duties. Chevelle remained a very active band as they would release new material basically every two years including 2007's "Vena Sera" and 2009's "Sci-Fi Crimes". Their style can basically be boiled down to alternative hard rock with hints of metal. They are often compared to Tool, mostly because of Pete Loeffler's singing voice which is similar to that of Maynard James Keenan. While both bands feature dark elements in their music and their lyrics, Chevelle's music is definitely more radio friendly than Tool. I would probably say Chevelle is more similar to bands like Staind, Helmet and Handsome. Currently, Chevelle is in the process of wrapping up what will be their sixth studio album which is set for release in December of 2011.

Song Of The Week: 9/18/11

Song: "Speeding Up The Octaves"

Artist: Hawthorne Heights

Album: "The Silence In Black And White"

Year: 2004



"Speeding Up The Octaves" appears to be yet another song about a relationship that has crumbled to the point that it can no longer be salvaged. You kinda get the feeling like the guy has been caught cheating or has definitely been the dishonest one. He seems to be trying to win her back but she just burns his letters and pictures in the fire. I think as the song goes on, he comes to the realization that he must let her go and move on with his life. Hawthorne Heights formed as a band back in 2001, hailing from Dayton, OH. The band originally went under the name A Day In The Life and released a few things under that moniker. By the time the band had signed with Victory Records to release their major label debut, "The Silence In Black And White", they had officially changed their band name to Hawthorne Heights. The band achieved some early success with the help of singles "Ohio Is For Lovers" and "Niki FM". That success would continue on with their follow up album, "If Only You Were Lonely" in 2006. The good times come to a screeching halt in 2007 however, when guitarist and "unclean" vocalist Casey Calvert was found dead in the band's tour bus. He had died of a mixture of prescription drugs and vicodin. After mourning the death of their bandmate and friend, Hawthorne Heights decided to go on as a four piece and ditch the "unclean" vocals for future albums, though they would bring them back but not as frequently as their first two albums. By using "clean" and "unclean" vocals, Hawthorne Heights could often be compared to bands such as Silverstein, Senses Fail or The Used. They are sometimes referenced as emo, screamo, pop punk or just plain alternative rock. During their ten year career, they have release four major label studio albums, their most recent being 2010's "Skeletons". Currently, the band has formed their own record label, Cardboard Empire, and plan on releasing a trilogy of EP's, beginning with "Hate", which was released in August of 2011. Each of these EP's will be released within four or five months of each other.

Song Of The Week: 9/11/11

Song: "Lost In A Portrait"

Artist: Trapt

Album: "The Punisher" Soundtrack

Year: 2004



"Lost In A Portrait" appears to be a song about needing someone in your life that completes you as a person. The vocalist sees his imperfections and flaws and he readily admits to them. He compares his life to a portrait on a canvas. He believes, even with his flaws, that he has a solid outline, but he needs her to be the colors that fill it in and make it whole. Trapt was formed in a California high school back in 1995. These classmates honed their musical chops in garages and parent's houses, generating enough spark until eventually they won a spot opening up for Papa Roach. After releasing a self-promoted album as well as a few EP's, Trapt drew interest from major labels and eventually released their official debut on Warner Bros. Records in 2002. This self-titled album would be the height of Trapt's success as a band thanks to high charting singles such as "Headstrong", "Still Frames" and "Echo". This album would lead to the band hooking up with more prominent tours and even beginning to headline more often. It also led to them being asked if they could lend a song of theirs to the movie "The Punisher". The band gave the unreleased song "Lost In A Portrait" for use on "The Punisher" soundtrack. From 2004 to 2010, Trapt would release three more studio albums as well as an EP and a live cd. The band would also continue to headline and co-headline several tours throughout that time period. Most notably, Trapt was awarded an opening slot for Motley Crue on 2008's "Crue Fest" tour which was also supported by bands Buckcherry, Papa Roach and Sixx A.M. Currently, Trapt is still supporting their latest release, 2010's "No Apologies" which hit the shelves in October of 2010.

Song Of The Week: 9/4/11

Song: "Leave It To Tomorrow"

Artist: Rancid

Album: "Demolition Sessions"

Year: 1994



"Leave It To Tomorrow" is a demo by the band Rancid that was released as part of a collection of demos and outtakes that were recorded between 1993 and 1994. The whole "Demolition Sessions" compilation is a must have for any Rancid fan and, while considered a rarity, is not very hard to find while searching the internet. Before forming Rancid in 1991, guitarist Tim Armstrong and bassist Matt Freeman were in the influential punk/ska outfit Operation Ivy. After Op. Ivy dissolved, Freeman wanted to continue to work along side Armstrong and thus, Rancid was formed. In 1993, Lars Frederiksen would join the band as a second guitarist as well as another vocalist. Rancid, along with the bands The Offspring, Green Day and Bad Religion, were at the forefront of the punk revival of the mid-90's. Just after grunge exploded on the music scene, a series of punk bands began to attract some of the spotlight. Rancid, however, would stick with independent punk label Epitaph Records while several other bands would sign with the mainstream. This always gave Rancid that extra street cred in punk circles. 1995's "And Out Come The Wolves" would be the pinnacle of Rancid's success as a band thanks to the hit singles, "Timebomb", "Ruby Soho" and "Roots Radicals". Record sales alone would not signify Rancid as a band. To this day, they are one of the most respected bands in punk circles and beyond. Their style is reminiscent of punk legends The Clash. Rancid, like The Clash, are not afraid to delve into other genres besides straight-forward punk. They've dabbled in reggae,ska, rockabilly, blues and even some hip hop. After releasing 2003's "Indestructible", Rancid went on a little bit of a hiatus in which they focused on side projects, most notably The Transplants, Devil's Brigade and The Bastards. In 2009, the band got back together and dropped "Let The Dominoes Fall". Currently, after a short tour opening up for Blink 182, Rancid is set to hit the studio in September of 2011 and are hoping to have what would be their eighth studio album hit the shelves sometime in 2012.

Song Of The Week: 8/28/11

Song: "Ay"

Artist: Flaw

Album: "American Arrogance"

Year: 1997



"Ay" is a song that appears to be about the determination and sacrifice that it takes in order to achieve success or fame. Sometimes while on this journey, you begin to find out who your real friends are and who are those that are just trying to ride on the coattails of your success. The latter seem to fall by the wayside if things are not working out for you. "Ay" is the first song off of the debut album from Flaw entitled "American Arrogance". This album was only released on cassette, independently by the band. Flaw started out as a band back in 1995 and they tried to ride the wave of the nu-metal, post grunge scene that was beginning to emerge at the time. The band's highlight of their career was their major label debut, 2001's "Through The Eyes". This album would award the band a slot in the 2002 Ozzfest tour. Success did not last long for Flaw however, their next release, 2004's "Endangered Species" was a flop. Inner turmoil and dissensions amongst band members would eventually lead to cancelled tour dates and an abrupt break-up of the band. By 2006, some members of Flaw began to kick the tires on a reunion. In the last five years, Flaw has been nothing more than a revolving door of band members and in-house fighting. The only constant in the band during this time was lead vocalist Chris Volz. In 2009, the band did manage to put together enough material for release called "Home Grown Studio Sessions". This would be a digital release that, once again was independently released by Flaw. When the band tried to pick up the pieces and go on the road to support this album, all of the old skeletons started raring their heads again and most of the dates were abruptly cancelled. Currently, while not officially disbanding, it's pretty safe to say that Flaw is pretty much a defunct band. They just can't seem to work together as a cohesive unit.

Song Of The Week: 8/21/11

Song: "Goodbye Forever" (acoustic version)

Artist: Alkaline Trio

Album: Recorded during a live acoustic session in London.

Year: 2005



This song appears to be a relationship type song where the man is letting the woman go. This is not an angry break-up between the two, but he just feels that she can not grow or blossom into the person she wants to be by staying with him. He is content to watch her from afar and is somewhat happy for her even though he is letting go of one of the best things he's ever had. The original version of "Goodbye Forever" appeared on a 1999 EP called "I Lied My Face Off" and was later put out on a 2000 compilation entitled "Alkaline Trio" which featured the band's early recordings from EP's and various rarities. Alkaline Trio broke onto the music scene back in 1996. They are part of a tight-knit Chicago punk scene that also features bands such as 88 Fingers Louie and The Lawrence Arms. Alkaline Trio features the dual vocals of guitarist Matt Skiba and bassist Dan Andriamo. Their style could be considered skate punk with a definite appeal to goth themes. Many of their songs revolve around drug use, depression, death, sorrow and failed relationships. That tends to lend itself to the band's gothic punk feel. Alkaline Trio has been around long enough that their influence is widespread amongst punk circles. They are also a very hard working band, having released eight studio albums, two compilation records, as well as various EP's and split cd's during their fifteen year musical career. Skiba and Andriamo also have put out solo material as well during breaks from Alkaline Trio. Skiba formed a band called Heavens which released one album, as well as releasing more music as a solo artist, most recently 2010's "Demos". Andriamo meanwhile has just released a cd in 2011 under the moniker Dan Andriamo In The Emergency Room. Currenty, Alkaline Trio released an album entitled "Damnesia" in July of 2011. This album is basically an acoustic album where the band reworked some of their previous songs in a stripped down format. The band's last studio release with all new material was 2010's "This Addiction".