Song Of The Week: 4/28/13

Song: "Project X"

Artist: Smackin' Isaiah (A Wilhelm Scream)

Album: "Give Girls More Beer"

Year: 1997



"Project X" is a lighthearted song that appears to be about a project to cure the unbearable stench of one of their classmates. Back in the day, the band that would become A Wilhelm Scream, had a much lighter sound to them, mixing a skate punk and at times ska sound, almost like Less Than Jake. The band that they are today is more like the hardcore sounds of a Propagandhi. The beginnings of A Wilhelm Scream date back to 1996. Hailing from New Bedford, MA, the band formed under the name Koen. Koen released one demo cassette titled "The Big Fall". In 1997, the band changed their name to Smackin' Isaiah and released "Give Girls More Beer". In 1998, Smackin' Isaiah released "Gets Eaten Alive". These two releases helped the band get signed by Tank Records. Between 2000 and 2002, the band released a split EP with the bands Moronique and Merrick called "6:6:6". They also released what the band called their first "real" release entitled "The Way To A Girl's Heart Is Through Her Boyfriend's Stomach". Lastly, the band put out "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud". This album started showing the signs of where the band would be headed musically, a heavier edge was starting to evolve in the band's sound. In 2002, the band was signed by Jump Start Records. With their change in sound, the band also decided to change their name. A Wilhelm Scream was born. Jump Start would re-release "Benefits Of Thinking Out Loud" under the new band name. 2004's "Mute Print" focused on a faster, more aggressive and technical sound. The rights to that album were bought by Nitro Records. In 2005, the band dropped "Ruiner". This album allowed the band to go on their very first trip to Europe as the support act on Lagwagon's tour. In 2006, the band released the "Diver" EP which featured some tracks that were left off of "Ruiner". 2007's "Career Suicide" cemented the band as a solid hardcore punk act and the band's reputation as a strong live act continued to grow. In 2009, the band signed with Paper & Plastick Records. Their first release through that label was their self-titled, five song EP. In 2010, A Wilhelm Scream got back in the studio to begin work on their next full length studio album. Currently, the band is still hard at work, hopefully putting the finishing touches on their new record. The recording process was halted a few times in order for the band to go out on a few tours but the latest is that they hope to have the new album out in the Spring of 2013.

Song Of The Week: 4/21/13

Song: "Walking Is Still Honest" (stripped down version)

Artist: Against Me!

Album: "Crime" EP

Year: 2001



According to Against Me! lead vocalist and chief songwriter, Tom Gabel/Laura Jane Grace, "Walking Is Still Honest" is about the time when he moved out of his mother's house. When you're young, you kind of take for granted the protection of being under your parent's care. You tend to think you don't need them and that they don't know everything but when you get out on your own, you kind of start to appreciate the things or advice they gave you to help you when you get out in the world. You find that maybe they did know a little something about surviving and you have greater appreciation for what they did for you. A more rocking version of this song appeared on the band's 2002 album "Reinventing Axl Rose". Against Me!, from Naples, Florida, formed as a band back in 1997. It began as nothing more than a vehicle for frontman Tom Gabel to get his solo material out there. In 1997, Gabel released "Against Me!", which was a cassette demo. In 1998, drummer Kevin Mahon joined Gabel for the "Vivida Vis!" demo. 2000 saw the release of a self-titled EP. In 2001, Against Me! released the "Crime" EP, which was their first widely distributed recording. That same year, they also released the "Acoustic" EP. In 2002, the band signed with No Idea Records and released their first full band effort, "Reinventing Axl Rose". In 2003, the band joined the well respected punk label Fat Wreck Chords and released their second full length album, "The Eternal Cowboy". This album would reach number 36 on Billboard's Top Independent Albums chart, thanks in part to singles "Cavalier Eternal" and "Sink Florida Sink". To capture the band's 2004 Spring tour, Against Me! recorded the DVD "We're Never Going Home", which was released that same year. In 2005, Against Me! released "Searching For A Former Clarity". This album was their first to chart on the Billboard 200 and spawned hit singles like "Don't Lose Touch" and "From Her Lips To God's Ears (The Energizer)". 2006 saw the band release the live album "Americans Abroad!!! Against Me!!! Live In London!!!". By 2007, Against Me! signed to major label Sire Records and attained the services of famed producer Butch Vig for their next album, "New Wave". This album reached number 57 on the Billboard 200 charts and Spin Magazine declared it the album of the year. The album was boosted by the singles "Thrash Unreal", "White People For Peace", "Stop!" and "New Wave". In 2008, the band released the digital only EP "New Wave B-Sides". The band would release more demos and unreleased material in 2009 with the album "The Original Cowboy". These demos were taking from "The Eternal Cowboy" sessions. In 2010, Against Me! released their fifth studio album, "White Crosses". Singles such as "I Was A Teenage Anarchist", "White Crosses" and "High Pressure Low" helped this album reach number 34 on the Billboard 200, the highest charting album of the band's career to date. 2011 saw the band release more demos and unreleased material with the albums "Total Clarity", whose songs were taken from the "Searching For A Former Clarity" sessions, and "Black Crosses", whose demos and acoustic renditions were recorded during the "White Crosses" sessions. The band also released the two song 7" "Russian Spies/Occult Enemies". Continuing what was a busy year for the band, Against Me! formed their own record label, Total Treble Music and well as their own recording studio in Florida, Total Treble Studio. In May of 2012, Against Me! founder and vocalist, Tom Gabel, came out as a transgender and officially changed his name to Laura Jane Grace. He said he had been suffering with gender dysphoria since he was a child. He, or should I say she now, has said that coming out will not affect the future of Against Me!, in fact, the band is currently working on their sixth album which will be titled "Transgender Dysphoria Blues". Currently, Against Me!'s new album should hit the shelves in the very near future. As I said, the band have been working on the new album since February of 2012, so it's most likely almost completed. Butch Vig was once again tabbed as the producer on the record.

Song Of The Week: 4/14/13

Song: "Great White Whale"

Artist: Secret & Whisper

Album: "Great White Whale"

Year: 2008



According to Secret & Whisper vocalist Charles Finn, "Great White Whale" is a story about being the only human left on Earth. Due to the man's loneliness, he decides to kidnap the biggest animal in the world, the great white whale, and keep it locked in a tower. The rest of the animals cause an uprising in order to get their whale back. In the end, the man releases the whale back to the wild. The overall theme is being lonely, but not letting your loneliness affect your good judgement in the end. Hailing from British Columbia, Canada, Secret & Whisper formed out of the ashes of the band Stutterfly. When Stutterfly lead singer Chris Stickney decided to leave the band, the rest of the members decided to carry on, hiring former Thebleedingalarm lead singer Charles Finn for their new vocalist. Because of the totally different sound the band had with their new singer, they decided to change the name as well. Hence, Secret & Whisper was born on February 24, 2007. In 2008, the band released their debut album, "Great White Whale". This album reached number 17 on the Itunes top 100 albums in the first week of sale, thanks in part to the singles "XOXOXO" and "Vanishings". In 2010, Secret & Whisper released their sophmore effort, "Teenage Fantasy". This album produced the single "Warrior (Southern Arrowhead)". Shortly after the release of "Teenage Fantasy" their were rumors that frontman Finn was being tabbed as the new singer for the band Saosin. Those rumors were shot down however by Saosin themselves. In February of 2011, Secret & Whisper streamed the b-side track "Pixie" on their Myspace page. By July of 2012, the band announced through their Facebook page that they were going on a hiatus. By late 2012 and early 2013, the remaining members of Secret & Whisper were focused on several other musical projects, most notably of which were Shreddy Krueger, Faux Fur as well as Charles Finn's solo material. Currently it appears as if the shelf life of a promising band is now over. As I said, most of the focus of the band members of Secret & Whisper is on various other musical projects. While it's too early to say that the book is officially closed on Secret & Whisper, the band is very much in hibernation at this point.

Song Of The Week: 4/7/13

Song: "10:45 Amsterdam Conversations"

Artist: Funeral For A Friend

Album: "Between Order And Model" EP

Year: 2002



"10:45 Amsterdam Conversations" appears to be a song about a break-up, but more importantly, it seems like it takes place at the exact moment when the person knows that the relationship is over. It's in that moment that all the emotion and heartbreak reaches the surface. It's that "lump in the throat" moment! The song was originally on Funeral For A Friend's debut EP, "Between Order And Model", but was also released on their 2003 EP "Seven Ways To Scream Your Name". Funeral For A Friend is a post-hardcore band from Wales, United Kingdom. They formed as a band back in 2001. The band caught the ear of Mighty Atom Records who would release the band's first two EP's, "Between Order And Model" in 2002 and "Four Ways To Scream Your Name" in 2003. That year the band also dropped their debut full length, "Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation". This album proved to be an iconic release in the British post-hardcore scene, producing three top 20 singles in the U.K., "Juneau", "She Drove Me To Daytime Television", and "Escape Artists Never Die". The success of that album led to the band signing with major label Atlantic Records who released the band's 2005 album "Hours". The single "Streetcar" would be yet another top 20 single for the band. The band also got the headlining gig on the British leg of the Taste Of Chaos tour alongside bands The Used, Rise Against and Story Of The Year. 2007 saw the band release "Tales Don't Tell Themselves and yet another top 20 single in the U.K., "Into Oblivion (Reunion)". This album would reach number three on the U.K. album charts. In 2008, Funeral For A Friend decided to go back to their roots and get back to the aggressive, screaming vocals that were prominent on their debut album. "Memory And Humanity" definitely brought the band's heavier side back to the forefront. In 2009, the band released a greatest hits album called "Your History Is Mine: 2002-2009". The band also recorded four brand new tracks for this album in order to make the purchase worthwhile for fans. In 2011 the band released "Welcome Home Armageddon" which also spawned the EP "See You All In Hell". This EP featured one brand new song as well as acoustic tracks and remixes of songs from "Welcome Home Armageddon". In 2013, Funeral For A Friend released their sixth studio album, "Conduit". This album reached as high as number 34 on the U.K. album charts, proving that Funeral For A Friend is still very much relevant, especially in their home country the United Kingdom. For ten plus years, Funeral For A Friend has become one of the most influential post-hardcore bands in Britain. Here in the U.S., they don't seem to get as much respect as they deserve but I feel they have been one of the top bands to come out. For music of the 2000's, I'd say that Funeral For A Friend, Thrice and Rise Against were the top, at least on my musical mountain they were. Currently, Funeral For A Friend is about to embark on an Australian tour in support of their latest album "Conduit".

Song Of The Week: 3/31/13

Song: "Pinhead"

Artist: Ramones

Album: "Leave Home"

Year: 1977



"Pinhead" was inspired by the Ramones watching the 1932 film "Freaks". The song became a big anthem for the band and introduced the rallying cry "Gabba Gabba Hey". The song was a staple of their live shows and a definite crowd favorite. The Ramones formed as a band back in 1974 in New York City. The band featured Joey Ramone on vocals, Johnny Ramone on guitar, Dee Dee Ramone on bass and Tommy Ramone on drums. The band is almost synonomous with legendary punk venue CBGB. In August of 1974, the Ramones made their CBGB debut, then played the club a whopping seventy-four more times before the end of that year. In 1975, the band was signed to Sire Records and in 1976, the band's classic debut album, "Ramones", was released. It was around this time that their sound was labeled as "punk" and a new genre was about to assault the music world. The Ramones legendary gigs, one at the Roundhouse in London and the other at The Roxy in Los Angeles helped galvanize the punk rock movement. Soon The Clash, Sex Pistols and Black Flag would be directly influenced to create their own punk anthems, due to seeing the Ramones live. In 1977, the Ramones released "Leave Home" and "Rocket To Russia". The single "Rockaway Beach" reached number 66 on the Billboard charts, the highest any Ramones single would reach in the U.S. '77 also saw the release of a double live album called "It's Alive". In 1978, Tommy Ramone decided he would no longer be the drummer but would stay on to produce Ramones' albums. Marky Ramone would take over on drums and the band would release "Road To Ruin" which featured the classic "I Wanna Be Sedated". In 1979, the Ramones appeared in the movie "Rock'n'Roll High School". In 1980, Phil Spector produced the album "End Of The Century". At number 44, it was the band's highest charting album but guitarist Johnny Ramone felt that the sound was watered down, especially on the more aggressive tracks. Another disappointment was 1981's "Pleasant Dreams", which Joey Ramone claimed was the record company's futile attempt to get on American radio. In 1983, the band released "Subterranean Jungle". This album was the last Ramones album to crack the Billboard Top 100. Marky Ramone was also fired and Richie Ramone took over drumming duties. Joey Ramone felt that Richie breathed new life into the band, both with his drum playing, his vocals and his songwriting capabilities. In 1984, the band released "Too Tough To Die". "Bonzo Goes To Bitburg" was released as a single in 1985 but was re-titled "My Brain Is Hanging Upside Down" and included on 1986's "Animal Boy". 1987's "Halfway To Sanity" would be the last album to feature Richie Ramone on drums. His replacement, Clem Burke of Blondie (Elvis Ramone), proved to be disastrous as he was fired after just two shows. Marky Ramone returned as the drummer at this time. 1989 saw the release "Brain Drain". Dee Dee Ramone decided to leave the band at this time. He was replaced on bass by C.J. Ramone. In 1992, the Ramones left longtime label Sire and signed with Radioactive Records. Their first release with them was "Mondo Bizarro". In 1993, the Ramones released a cover album entitled "Acid Eaters". In 1995, the Ramones released their very last studio effort called "Adios Amigos". They embarked on a farewell tour and also joined that year's Lollapalooza tour. On August 6, 1996, the Ramones performed their last show at the Palace in Hollywood. The show was packaged as a cd/dvd called "We're Outta Here". In 1999, Dee Dee, Johnny, Joey, Tommy, Marky and C.J. appeared at the Virgin Megastore in New York City. This marked the last time the original four members of the group appeared together. On April 15, 2001, Joey Ramone passed away after his long battle with lymphoma. In 2002, the Ramones were inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame. On June 5, 2002, Dee Dee Ramone was found dead at his home, the victim of a heroin overdose. 2004 saw the release of the documentary, "End Of The Century: The Story Of The Ramones". Then, on September 15, 2004, the band lost yet another member as Johnny Ramone died from his battle with prostate cancer. That very same day, the first official Ramones Museum opened it's doors in Berlin, Germany. In 2007, a dvd was released called "It's Alive: 1974-1996". This collection featured 118 songs from 33 performances throughout the band's career. Finally in 2011, the Ramones received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Though the Ramones ceased to be a band after 1996 and despite the tragic deaths of three of their original members, there is no denying the impact that they made on the music world. While it can argued whether or not the Ramones are the first official punk band, there are absolutely no arguments that can be made about how influential they were to punk and garage bands all over the world. 1977 was a prominent time in the musical landscape. Punk rock provided a jolt to what was becoming a stale time in music and the Ramones were at the forefront of that.

Song Of The Week: 3/24/13

Song: "Beautiful Girls"

Artist: Bayside

Album: "Punk Goes Pop: Volume 2"

Year: 2009



"Beautiful Girls" is a cover song that appears to be about a boy who is suicidal over the failure of his relationship with a "beautiful girl". The song was originally performed by reggae-influenced musician Sean Kingston and was featured on his "Sean Kingston" album in 2007. The Queens, New York based punk band Bayside covered this song for the "Punk Goes Pop: Volume 2" compilation which features punk bands covering songs by artists that are featured on mainstream pop radio. Bayside formed as a band back in 2000. That year, they managed to pass along a demo to the punk band New Found Glory who then helped Bayside get their foot in the door. In 2001, the band released their very first EP titled "Long Stories Short". Then in 2003, Bayside and the band Name Taken released a split EP. After this release, the band caught the attention of Victory Records who would go on to sign Bayside. Their very first full length album would be released in 2004, called "Sirens And Condolences" and would feature the single "Masterpiece". In 2005, the band released "Bayside". On October 31, 2005, tragedy struck the band as they were in a serious van accident in Colorado. Bayside drummer, John "Beatz" Holohan died from his injuries in this accident. The band would honor their friend and bandmate by releasing a live acoustic cd which featured the song "Winter" which was a tribute to Holohan. In 2007, Bayside released "The Walking Wounded" which featured the single "Duality". 2008 saw the release of Bayside's fourth full length album, "Shudder". With singles like "No One Understands" and "I Think I'll Be OK", Bayside's new album definitely featured a more punky edge to their music. The band also released their first live album, "Live At The Bayside Social Club" that year as well. In 2010, Bayside left longtime label Victory Records and signed with Wind Up Records. Their first release with their new label would be 2011's highly anticipated "Killing Time". The band showed continued growth with the singles "Already Gone" (awesome song!!) and "Sick Sick Sick". In 2012, singer Anthony Raneri focused some time on a solo project which would turn out to be the "New Cathedrals" EP and he did a small solo acoustic tour to promote the record. At the end of 2012, Bayside went into the studio and made their "Covers: Vol. 1" EP. This release featured the band covering artists Van Morrison, Del Shannon, The Ronettes, Billy Joel and Elvis Costello. The band also announced that it would be likely that they will release more volumes of their "Covers" project in the future. Currently, their is no news of the band working on a new album at this time, but if their past is any indication, it probably won't be long for some new material to pop up as the band has been very active since their formation.

Song Of The Week: 3/17/13

Song: "Method Man"

Artist: Wu-Tang Clan

Album: "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)"

Year: 1993



"Method Man" is kind of like the introduction to the world of one of the best MC's in the rap game, Method Man. Complete with pop culture metaphors and odes to sparking up the "broccoli", Method Man delivers the grimey rhyme flow that would make him, as well as the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan, legendary in the world of hip hop. The Wu-Tang Clan formed as a group back in 1992, comprising of nine emcee's hailing from New York's Staten Island as well as Brooklyn. The group consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa and Ol' Dirty Bastard. Cappadonna was also a frequent performer with the Clan. In 1993, they dropped their debut album, "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)". This album is regarded as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. The Wu-Tang style is a product of the RZA, whose beats were gritty, street anthems and each of the rapper's lyrics matched that gritty production to a tee. Unlike many other groups, Wu-Tang Clan had a unique partnership with their record label, Loud/RCA, in that they would come together as a group under that label, but be allowed to seek out their own labels for solo projects. Between 1994 and 1996, the first wave of these solo projects came out, featuring albums from Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, GZA and Ghostface Killah. In 1997, the Clan released their second studio album, "Wu-Tang Forever". This multi-platinum double album went on to receive a Grammy nomination. The single "Triumph" would feature every Clan member, including Cappadonna, though O.D.B. just spit the intro, not dropping a full verse. At this time, Wu-Tang Clan began focusing on several affiliated projects, most notably were albums from Cappadonna, Killah Priest, Sunz Of Man, Popa Wu and more. From 1998 to 2000, a second round of solo albums hit the shelves, including debuts from RZA, U-God, Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa as well as follow ups from Meth, GZA, O.D.B., Raekwon and Ghostface. In 2000, "The Wu" was released. Though the album achieved double platinum status, the style changed somewhat. Some of the material seemed to be crossing over and getting away from those dirty street anthems that the group had been known for. This style was impacted even more with the release of their fourth album, "Iron Flag", in 2001. This album featured several outside producers instead of leaving the music in the RZA's hands and this hurt the product I believe. While I think it's ok for using different productions on their solo projects, the Wu-Tang style and the RZA is synonomous and the group efforts should be led by him on the production end. 2004 began with a rift between RZA and U-God. U-God felt that RZA wasn't really pushing him as a solo artist and that hurt his career. This rift was shortly laid to bed however and the Clan embarked on a European tour, one that featured each member of the group for the first time in years. 2004 also saw the release of the live album, "Disciples Of The 36 Chambers: Chapter 1" as well as the music video album, "Legends Of The Wu-Tang Clan". Tragedy struck the group late November of 2004 as Ol' Dirty Bastard collapsed in the studio and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. In 2006 the group's career was celebrated by VH1 on their annual "Hip Hop Honors" program. 2006 to 2010 saw yet another wave of solo albums, though the group did manage to squeeze in "8 Diagrams" in 2007. This album caused a small beef between RZA and Ghostface because RZA decided to release the album around the same time as Ghost's solo effort. Ghostface was not happy about that and wanted to release a full Wu-Tang album called "Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang" without any production from RZA. This album did come out but it was not a Wu album just a collaboration mostly of Ghostface, Raekwon and Method Man. In 2011, there was talk amongst the Wu-Tang camp that they would get together to drop another album. They did, however, run into some problems getting each member on the same page. Currently, as of January 2013, it has been said that the Wu-Tang Clan have in fact entered the studio to work on what will be their sixth album. RZA has stated that they'd like the album to be out by November of 2013 which will mark the 20 year anniversary of "Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).