Song Of The Week: 2/15/15

Song: "Modern Man"

Artist: Bad Religion

Album: "Against The Grain"

Year: 1990



"Modern Man" is a song that appears to be about how mankind has ravaged the Earth and destroyed her land, robbed her of her minerals and extinguished it's wildlife. Mankind has to be stubbornly proud as they consume their wealth and meaningless material things while the very thing that gives it life is being destroyed by it. Bad Religion formed as a band back in 1979, hailing from Los Angeles, California. The band featured Greg Graffin on vocals, Jay Bentley on bass, Jay Ziskrout on drums and Brett Gurewitz on guitar. In 1981, the band released the "Bad Religion" EP on Gurewitz' newly formed record label Epitaph Records. In 1982, Ziskrout was replaced by Peter Finestone and the band released their debut full length album, "How Could Hell Be Any Worse". This album featured the songs "We're Only Gonna Die" and "Fuck Armageddon...This Is Hell". 1983 saw the band release the odd, keyboard driven "Into The Unknown". At this time, Gurewitz left the band to enter a drug rehab and was replaced by former Circle Jerks guitarist Greg Hetson. In 1985, the band released the EP "Back To The Known", a return to a heavier sound, but not quite the punk rock that the band is known for. In 1988, Bad Religion had an epic return to form with the release of "Suffer", which was Epitaph's best selling album until the release of The Offspring's "Smash" in 1994. 1989 saw the band release "No Control", featuring such concert staples as "Change Of Ideas", "Big Bang", "No Control", "I Want To Conquer The World" and "You". In 1990, "Against The Grain" was released featuring one of the band's most popular tracks, "21st Century (Digital Boy)". At this point, Finestone left the band and was replaced by Bobby Schayer. 1992 saw the band release "Generator". This album featured the tracks "Generator" and "Atomic Garden", the latter which was the band's very first single, as well as their first song in which they shot a music video for. In 1993, Bad Religion signed to major label, Atlantic Records. That same year they released "Recipe For Hate" which reached #14 on the Billboard Heatseekers charts, thanks in part to the singles "American Jesus" and "Struck A Nerve". In 1994, "Stranger Than Fiction" was released. Featuring the songs "Stranger Than Fiction" and "Infected", this was one of the most successful Bad Religion albums to date. At this time, Gurewitz left the band once again, this time to focus on his now emerging Epitaph label. He was replaced by Minor Threat's Brian Baker. In 1996, "The Gray Race" was released, produced by The Cars' Ric Ocasek. This album featured the tracks "A Walk" and "Punk Rock Song". 1998 saw the release of "No Substance", an album that received mixed reviews from both critics and fans alike. 2000 saw the return of Gurewitz and the release of "The New America". This album featured the song "Believe It", the 1st song co-written by Gurewitz and Graffin in years. At this time, Schayer was replaced on drums by Brooks Wackerman of Suicidal Tendencies fame. 2002 saw Bad Religion return to Epitaph Records and release "The Process Of Belief". In 2004, the band released "The Empire Strikes First", featuring the single "Los Angeles Is Burning". In 2006, the band released a live DVD called "Live At The Palladium". 2007 saw the release of "New Maps Of Hell". Featuring the singles "Honest Goodbye", "Heroes And Martyrs" and "New Dark Ages", this album peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200 charts. To commemorate the band's 30th anniversary, they released the live album, "30 Years Live" in 2010. At the end of that year, they also released the album "The Dissent Of Man". This album reached #6 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. 2013 saw the band release "True North". This album reached #18 on the Billboard 200 charts making it Bad Religion's highest chartest album of their career. At this time, Hetson left the band to deal with some personal issues and was replaced on guitar by Mike Dimkich. The band released "Christmas Songs" later that year, a punk rock take on some Christmas classics. Bad Religion spent the summer of 2014 touring with label mates Pennywise and The Offspring. Currently, as far back as 2013, band members have confirmed that they are planning, and working on new material for a future release. Is 2015 the year we see it? That remains to be seen but Bad Religion has been as consistent as any band, if not more, especially one that has been around for more than 30 years. Influential? That's an understatement. You listen to any punk rock band that came out in the early to mid-90's revival and you'd be hard pressed not to hear some Bad Religion influence. Their songs are fast paced, melodic and full of social and political views that the band is not ashamed to wear on their sleeves and bring to the forefront. The should be Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers, Bad Religion could easily be on the Mount Rushmore of punk rock bands!!

Song Of The Week: 2/8/15

Song: "These Wings"

Artist: The Darlings

Album: "The New Escape"

Year: 2010



"These Wings" appears to be a song about the hopelessness and despair of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The horror that these people faced during the disaster was unfathomable, people stranded on rooftops and the blood of the dead filling the flooding waters. The terror of the storm was one thing. The blind eye and disturbingly slow response by our government had some of these victims questioning not only their country, but their own faith in God as well. Hailing from the Southbay in California, The Darlings formed as a band back in 2005. Before they even released any music, The Darlings honed their craft by opening up for some legendary bands including Pennywise, Social Distortion, Bad Religion, Youth Brigade, TSOL, Strung Out, Face To Face and the Circle Jerks. In 2008, The Darlings released their first EP, "The Darlings", which featured the song "Where Did We Go". In 2010, the band released their debut full length album, "The New Escape". This album featured the tracks "American Dream", "The Hard Goodbye" and "Broken Heart Still Beating", the latter which stayed at #1 for several weeks on famous Los Angeles radio station KROQ. In 2011, the band signed up with Gadsen Records before embarking on a 59 city American tour. That very same year, The Darlings were named a Featured Artist by Billboard Magazine. In 2012, The Darlings frontman, Buddy Darling, and Strung Out frontman, Jason Cruz, formed an Americana side project called Jason Cruz and the Howl. This side project did not deter The Darlings from making new music, however, and in 2014, the band released their latest album, "Made Of Phantoms" in July of that year. To support the album, The Darlings embarked on a tour with Jason Cruz and the Howl and The Pullmen. Currently, it appears that The Darlings are still in support mode for their latest album, "Made Of Phantoms". The band has really made a name for itself, mainly because of it's live shows. The raw energy and passion of the band, and their tightness musically, makes them an act worth seeing live. Musically, although they are lumped in with the many punk bands that they've toured with and are influenced by, you cannot really just throw the "punk" label on them alone. They have a bit of a 90's alternative rock feel to them as well. At times they're melodic, Bouncing Souls type, energetic punk and at other times their music is punk rock laced with a rock and roll vibe, ala Social Distortion. Either way, this is a pretty solid band that's worthy of attention.

Song Of The Week: 2/1/15

Song: "Whatever"

Artist: Godsmack

Album: "Live & Inspired"

Year: 2012



"Whatever" is a song written by Godsmack vocalist Sully Erna as a direct response to his then girlfriend when the band was just starting out. It was damn near impossible to keep a relationship at that time in the band's history because when they weren't jamming and rehearsing, they were working regular jobs and when they weren't working regular jobs, they were rehearsing. It was his response to her when she was vying for time with him. His band was his passion and nothing was going to get in the way of that. The original version of "Whatever" appeared on Godsmack's 1998 self-titled album. The version I chose for my song of the week appears on the band's 2012 live album "Live & Inspired". Hailing from Lawrence, Massachusetts, Godsmack formed as a band back in 1995. Erna, who was a drummer in previous bands, decided to form a new band and act as the lead vocalist. In 1996, the band released their debut album "All Wound Up", which cost the band $2600 and was recorded in 3 days. The song "Keep Away" gained the attention of local radio station WAAF in Boston who began rotating the song on a daily basis. In 1998, Godsmack signed to Universal/Republic Records and released "Godsmack". This album basically featured re-mastered tracks from "All Wound Up" and their new single "Whatever". The album debuted at #22 on the Billboard 200 and by 2001, was certified 4X platinum. "Whatever" was and still is the band's signature song. 2000 saw the band drop "Awake". This album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 charts thanks in part to the singles "Awake", "Bad Magick" and "Greed". Godsmack's song "I Stand Alone", which was featured on the soundtrack for the movie "The Scorpion King", became the #1 single at Rock Radio. It became the most played Active Rock song in 2002. 2003's "Fearless" was the band's 1st album to debut at #1. It sold over 269,000 copies in it's first week and featured the singles "Straight Out Of Line", "Serenity" and "Re-Align". In 2004 the band released an all acoustic EP called "The Other Side". In 2006, Godsmack released "IV", their second straight album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts. This album featured the songs "Speak", "Shine Down" and "The Enemy". To celebrate the band's 10 year anniversary, Godsmack released the greatest hits package "Good Times, Bad Times...Ten Years Of Godsmack". This album featured a cover of the Led Zeppelin track "Good Times, Bad Times". The band's next release was 2010's "The Oracle". Behind the singles "Cryin' Like A Bitch", "Love-Hate-Sex-Pain" and "Saints And Sinners", this album became the band's third to debut at #1. In 2012, the live album "Live & Inspired" was released. It came with a bonus EP of four cover songs. 2014 saw the band release "1000HP". This album debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 charts and featured the singles "1000HP" and "Something Different". In support of "1000HP", Godsmack headlined the 2014 Uproar Festival. Currently, Godsmack is most likely still in the support stage of their latest album "1000HP". They normally release albums every 2 to 3 years so I wouldn't expect a new full length until probably 2017 or so. Godsmack is one of the biggest hard rock/metal outfits that are out there as of today. They are often compared to Alice In Chains because of their brooding, dark themes and sound. Erna's vocals are eerily similar to that of Alice In Chains former frontman, the late Layne Staley. When Erna growls, his vocals are often compared to Metallica's James Hetfield as well. Despite the similarities and some critics knocking the band off as cheap imitations of those 2 bands, Godsmack has definitely carved their own niche in the rock and roll landscape. Godsmack, as well as fellow Massachusetts band Staind, are the current faces of heavy rock/alternative metal/post grunge music.

Song Of The Week: 1/25/15

Song: "This Song Is Recycled"

Artist: This Is A Standoff

Album: "Be Disappointed"

Year: 2009



"This Song Is Recycled" is a pretty straight forward song. It's basically about trying to protect the Earth and the environment. As the top of the food chain, humans have neglected the Earth and have taking everything it provides us for granted. The vocalist is basically saying that if we start taking care of the environment now, perhaps we can avoid animal distinction, polluted air and waters and the ultimate end of humanity. This Is A Standoff formed as a band back in 2007, hailing from Canada. When the band Belvedere broke up, members Steve Rawles and Graham Churchill decided that they quickly wanted to form a new band and get back out on the road thus, This Is A Standoff was formed. The band offered two demos on their MySpace page then earned an opening slot on a Mad Caddies' European tour. In 2007, the band released their debut album, "Be Excited", through Funtime Records. This album spawned the music video "You Won't Pass". In 2009, This Is A Standoff released their second album, "Be Disappointed". This album featured a music video for the song "Graveyards". 2011 saw the band release the EP "Be Delighted". By 2012, it was announced via the This Is A Standoff Facebook page that the band had decided to call it quits. For a band that started out as little more than a side project for the various members of the band, they wound up playing 322 shows and performed in 25 different countries. They played a brand of melodic hardcore similar to bands like A Wilhelm Scream, Reach The Sky or fellow Canadians Propaganghi. Lead singer/guitarist Steve Rawles apparently is working on a possible solo album currently. He has streamed some material via the internet while bassist Corey Tapp has formed a new band called Torches To Triggers. Other than that, it appears that This Is A Standoff is no longer a factor for any of the band members at this point going forward.

Song Of The Week: 1/18/15

Song: "Tiger Lily"

Artist: Matchbook Romance

Album: "Stories And Alibis"

Year: 2003



"Tiger Lily" appears to be about a night that is so perfect that the vocalist and his girlfriend just don't want it to end. It seems it's early in the relationship, perhaps even a first date, but the vocalist somehow feels that this is as good as it's going to get. He wishes he can just rewind the day to recapture the feelings that he and her both felt on this beautiful day with one another. Matchbook Romance formed as a band back in 1997, hailing from Poughkeepsie, New York. They were quickly signed to the famous punk label Epitaph Records. 2003 was a busy year for Matchbook Romance as they first released an EP called "West For Wishing", then later on in the year released their debut full length album, "Stories And Alibis". That album featured the singles "Promise" and "My Eyes Burn". They also released a split with Motion City Soundtrack which featured acoustic renditions of their songs "Playing For Keeps" and "Transit For You". In 2006, Matchbook Romance wanted to veer away from their emo/pop punk style and become a little darker, musically and lyrically, for their next album, "Voices". The lead single, "Monsters", shows a band that is definitely in a stylistic change. In 2007, Matchbook Romance announce via their MySpace page that they were going on an indefinite hiatus. For the next 7 years, the members of Matchbook Romance went off to do various side projects. Currently, after their long hiatus, it has been announced that Matchbook Romance will indeed reunite to perform on the 2015 Warped Tour. While it's official that they will be performing live together, it is not known if that may lead to the recording of new music together but it's at least a step in the right direction. Matchbook Romance kind of fall in the "watered down" group of punk, if you really want to call them that, bands that began to surface in the late 90's and early 2000's. The Warped Tour is actually a good source to see what type of punk bands are "the it thing" over the years. Mid 90's featured skate punk bands like No Use For A Name and Lagwagon. Late 90's started featuring more emo/pop punk like Matchbook, Taking Back Sunday and The Used, etc, etc. Matchbook Romance is a decent band. I actually prefer their style in the "Voices" era over the more poppy "Stories And Alibis" era. It will be interesting which direction they take their band now, if they do in fact decide to work on new music after their Warped Tour gig.

Song Of The Week: 1/11/15

Song: "Just One" (acoustic)

Artist: Hoobastank

Album: "Is This The Day"

Year: 2010



"Just One" is a pretty straight forward song. It appears to be about getting that one chance and taking that oppurtunity without hesitation or regret. The vocalist knows what he wants and he is going to go all in for it. This version of "Just One" is an acoustic rendition of the song that came on the Japan only release "Is This The Day". The original version of the song can be found on the Hoobastank album "The Reason". Hoobastank formed as a band back in 1994, hailing from California. After years of playing gigs together, the band self-released their first album, "They Sure Don't Make Basketball Shorts Like They Used To" in 1998. In 2000, the band was signed to Island Records. Hoobastank did have an album, "Forward", ready for release but the label did not like the direction of that material so the album was shelved. Some tracks from that album would be re-worked and re-recorded for their major label debut, "Hoobastank", which was released in 2001. Thanks in part to the singles "Crawling In The Dark", "Running Away" and "Remember Me", their self-titled debut reached #25 on the Billboard 200 charts and #1 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart. In 2003, the band released "The Reason" featuring the singles "Out Of Control", "Same Direction" and "The Reason". This album reached #1 on the U.S. and World Modern Rock charts. "The Reason" became the band's biggest single and the album was the band's most successful, reaching #3 on the Billboard 200 charts. 2006 saw the band release "Every Man For Himself". This album debuted at #12 and spawned the singles "If I Were You", "Inside Of You" and "Born To Lead". Though not as successful as their previous album, "Every Man For Himself" was certified gold in the U.S. In 2009, Hoobastank released "For(N)ever" featuring the singles "My Turn", "The Letter" and "So Close, So Far". Later in 2009, the band released a greatest hits compilation, "The Greatest Hits: Don't Touch My Moustache" and a live album which was exclusive to Itunes, "Live At The Wiltern". In 2010, after playing some acoustic shows in Japan, Hoobastank went into a recording studio to re-record some of their classic songs in stripped down, acoustic versions. These recordings made up the album "Is This The Day" which was only released in Japan. The last full length studio album by Hoobastank was released in 2012. The album was called "Fight Or Flight" and featured the singles "This Is Gonna Hurt", "Can You Save Me" and "Incomplete". In 2014, to celebrate having two million "likes" on their Facebook page, Hoobastank released the song "Sing What You Can't Say". Currently, while there has been no word as to whether Hoobastank are recording new material or not, I would assume that a new album by them will probably come in the not so distant future as they usually take 3 or 4 years between releases. Hoobastank are often compared to Incubus in style. Both bands played together often as they were from neighboring California cities. Hoobastank front man Doug Robb and Incubus front man Brandon Boyd have similar vocal styles plus both bands were signed to Island Records. While Incubus incorporated a DJ into their sound, Hoobastank was much more straight forward mainstream rock. Hard to believe Hoobastank has been around for 20 years now!! Their success speaks for itself as the band has sold more than 10 million albums world wide.

Song Of The Week: 1/4/15

Song: "Alison's Disease"

Artist: Joey Cape

Album: "Acoustic Volume Two"

Year: 2012



"Alison's Disease" is a song that appears to be about a girl who is either suffering depression or in a losing battle with drug addiction, maybe a little bit of both. Either way, the vocalist barely recognizes the girl he once knew. The disease is defeating her and there is no hope for her. At the end of the song it's hard to tell if she dies from a drug overdose or if she dies because of suicide. It's not known but the fact is, Alison is gone. This acoustic version of "Alison's Disease" comes off 2012's "Acoustic Volume Two", an album that features Joey Cape, of Lagwagon fame, and Tony Sly, of No Use For A Name, offering stripped down versions of their respective bands' songs. The original version of "Alison's Disease" was recorded by Lagwagon and could be found on the Fat Wreck Chords compilation, "Fat Music Volume 5: Live Fat, Die Young". Joey Cape has been active on the punk rock music since since 1989, hailing from California. Before I get to Cape's solo material, I'll give a brief history of Cape's musical endeavors over the years. Perhaps Joey Cape is most well known as the lead singer of Lagwagon who has been active from 1990 to the present day. With 8 full length studio albums, one EP, one live album and one compilation featuring b-sides and rarities, Lagwagon, along with NOFX and No Use For A Name, has been the face of 90's skate punk featured on the Fat Wreck Chords label. From 1995 till the present day, Cape has also been the guitarist for the punk rock cover band super group Me First & The Gimme Gimmes, which also features fellow Lagwagon member Dave Raun, NOFX's Fat Mike, Swingin' Utters' Spike Slawson and Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett. Me First has released 8 studio albums to go along with numerous singles. From 2000 till 2006, Cape fronted the band Bad Astronaut. This band released three full length albums plus a split EP with Armchair Martian. Bad Astronaut disbanded when drummer Derrick Plourde committed suicide in 2005. Bad Astronaut did play a few live shows in 2010 but have not created any new music. In 2007, Cape was in another side band called The Playing Favorites, who released one full length album. In 2011, Cape, Tony Sly, Jon Snodgrass, of Drag The River, and Brian Wahlstrom released an acoustic album under the moniker Scorpios. Cape and Snodgrass also released an album together called "Liverbirds", featuring stripped down versions of Lagwagon and Drag The River tunes. Cape got his first taste of the stripped down acoustic sound with his very first album with Tony Sly, 2004's "Acoustic". Much like 2012's "Acoustic Volume Two" with Sly, the first installment of "Acoustic" featured Lagwagon and No Use For A Name songs stripped down. "Acoustic Volume Two" would be the last release by Tony Sly before his untimely death on July 31, 2012. Now for Cape's true solo records. First, there was 2008's "Bridge". Released on Suburban Home Records, this album features 7 original songs as well as five stripped down versions of Lagwagon songs. 2011 saw Cape's second full length release, "Doesn't Play Well With Others". This album spawned two singles, "Going For The Bronze" and "I Always Knew This Was Going To End Badly". In yet another side project, Cape released full band versions of some of the songs from "Bridge" and "Doesn't Play Well With Others" under the moniker Joey Cape's Bad Loud. Joey Cape has got to be one of the hardest working men in the music business! If he's not writing songs, he's in the recording studio. When he's not recording, he could be producing songs, especially for his own label, One Week Records. When he's not producing, you can bet he's on tour, either doing solo acoustic shows, touring with his cover band mates Me First & The Gimme Gimmes or touring with his main interest, Lagwagon, especially on the heels of Lagwagon's new album, 2014's "Hang". The well respected Joey Cape is never in one place for too long. He's constantly moving and thankfully for his fans, seems to constantly be involved in new musical projects.