Song Of The Week: 8/25/13

Song: "Stop Whining"

Artist: Rufio

Album: "Perhaps, I Suppose"

Year: 2001



Some say that "Stop Whining" is a song that bashes the "emo" scene. It takes offense to the whiney kids who act like they are always depressed and suicidal just to get attention. The vocalist is basically telling this person to grow up and think about the consequences of the things they say. Think about the people you would affect if you really did commit suicide. Think about others for once instead of only thinking about yourself. Rufio is a pop punk band that formed back in 2000. They are from California. The band hooked on with record label The Militia Group early on and in 2001 released their debut album, "Perhaps, I Suppose". In 2003, the band moved on to Nitro Records and released their second album, "MCMLXXXV". This album garnered them their first appearance on the famed Warped Tour. 2005 saw the band release "The Comfort Of Home". This album showed their sound mature a bit from their earlier releases and is my personal favorite of the band. Fractures in the foundation began to appear in Rufio in 2006. The band was forced to pull out of a tour supporting No Use For A Name amid various line-up changes and inner turmoil. In 2007, it was announced via the band's MySpace page that they would play one show on June 1, 2007 at the Glass House in Pomona, California, then embark on a farewell tour through South America. The band did reunite, however, to record and release their fourth full length album, "Anybody Out There", in 2010. This marked a return to The Militia Group for Rufio. Rufio also released "The Loneliest" EP in 2010 as well. After some touring in support of "Anybody Out There", it was decided in 2012 that the band would be no longer as Rufio officially announced their break-up. Currently, most of the band members are focused on other projects and it appears as though Rufio is a done deal. The band never really broke through and got the recognition that similar bands got. It appeared to be an uphill battle for Rufio from the very start of their musical career. They chugged along but could never quite get over the hump.

Song Of The Week: 8/18/13

Song: "We Are Not The World"

Artist: Silverstein

Album: "A Shipwreck In The Sand"

Year: 2009



To understand what "We Are Not The World" is all about is to understand that "A Shipwreck In The Sand" is a concept album. Without explaining too much about the whole album, it's basically about betrayal. The vocalist's partner has been caught cheating on him with his best friend and all he has left is their daughter, the only thing that keeps him going. The betrayal sparks rage in the vocalist, however, and he sets his partner's house ablaze. "We Are Not The World" is basically the scene when he is on trial for arson and when he finds out that they are taking his daughter away from him because of the crime he committed. Silverstein formed as a band back in 2000, hailing from Ontario, Canada. In 2000, they self-released an EP called "Summer's Stellar Gaze". After some line-up changes, the band independently released another EP entitled "When The Shadows Beam" in 2002. It was after this EP that the band signed with Victory Records. 2003 saw the band released their very first full length album, "When Broken Is Easily Fixed". This album featured six songs from their independent EP's that were re-recorded as well as some new material. In 2005, Silverstein appeared to have a more energetic and punky sound with their release of "Discovering The Waterfront". The band started to play some major tours after this album alongside bands such as Aiden, Hawthorne Heights, Bayside and Simple Plan. In 2006 the band released the compilation album "18 Candles: The Early Years". This album featured the band's first two EP's as well as some b-sides, re-recorded songs, acoustic tracks and remixed versions of songs. The band also played on it's very first Warped Tour that year. 2007 saw the release of "Arrivals & Departures". The band toured for nearly a year and a half in support of this album including the band's first stops in Australia and South America. In 2009, Silverstein released "A Shipwreck In The Sand". As I said before, this album was a concept album about betrayal. In 2010, Silverstein filmed and recorded a couple of shows they played in Toronto for a live cd/dvd release. This release would be called "Decade (Live At The El Mocambo)". After this release, the band officially left Victory Records. In 2011, Silverstein signed with Hopeless Records. Their first release with their new label was the EP "Transitions". This EP featured two new songs that were going to be on their upcoming album as well as three b-sides. That upcoming album would turn out to be 2011's "Rescue". Vocalist Shane Told said that this album would feature tons of screaming and musical breakdowns. In 2012, the band released the EP "Short Songs". This album featured songs that basically were no longer than one minute long. The album also featured Silverstein doing some cover songs, most notably a Green Day song and a NOFX song. 2013 saw the band release their sixth full length album entitled "This Is How The Wind Shifts". In support of this album, Silverstein decided to play the entire Warped Tour. In almost 13 years as a band, Silverstein has released six full length albums, one compilation album, one live album and five EP's. They have also toured relentlessly during that time. They have been labeled everything from post-hardcore to emo to punk to screamo. Whatever, they have stood the test of time and have distinguished themselves as a band that is at the front of the pack, not following behind it like so many similar sounding bands. Currently, they are in full support of their new album "This Is How The Wind Shifts" and if they are true to form, they will probably release a new album in 2015, as they have basically put out a new album every two years.

Song Of The Week: 8/11/13

Song: "Moment Of Surrender"

Artist: U2

Album: "No Line On The Horizon"

Year: 2009



"Moment Of Surrender" is a song about a drug addict undergoing a crisis of faith. The term "moment of surrender" is a common phrase that addicts refer to when they finally reach a point that they come to terms with the fact that they are an addict and that they need help. Those who go through addiction often wind up questioning their faith, whether that be faith in God or faith in humanity or even moreso, faith in themselves. U2 formed as a band back in 1976. The band members, vocalist Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr. were all classmates in a school in Dublin, Ireland when they formed the band. Though the band's influences were rooted in punk rock such as The Clash, The Jam and the Buzzcocks, their early sound was more in line with the British new wave movement. In 1979, the band released the EP "Three", which was only released in Ireland. By 1980, the band signed a contract with Island Records and released their first full length album, "Boy". This album would feature the band's first U.S. hit single, "I Will Follow". In 1981, the band released "October". Bono, The Edge and Mullen almost left the band at this time due to a conflict with their spirituality and them being rock stars. Luckily, the band felt that they can continue being in a rock band and still maintain their spiritual beliefs. In 1983, the band featured a harder edged sound with their album "War". This was especially true on their hit single "Sunday Bloody Sunday". The band also recorded a live album and video called "Under A Blood Red Sky" at this time. 1984's "The Unforgettable Fire" was the band's attempt to get more ambient and experimental. The album featured the single "Pride (In The Name Of Love)" which became the first single to chart in the U.S. Top 40. In 1985, U2 performed at Live Aid which was a huge benefit concert to aid in the Ethiopian famine relief effort. 1997 was a pivotal moment for the band. "The Joshua Tree" was released and topped the Billboard 200 charts for nine straight weeks. "With Or Without You" and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" were the band's first #1 singles and the album went on to win two Grammy Awards. "The Joshua Tree" was very much inspired by American culture and especially American music, most notably rhythm and blues and soul. In 1998, as a coninued homage to American music, the band released "Rattle And Hum". This album would feature live material as well as some studio tracks, some recorded in Memphis' famous Sun Studios, where Elvis Presley's early recordings were made. In 1991 the band released "Achtung Baby". This album marked one of the most trying times for the band. Internal conflicts about musical direction nearly split the band apart. It wasn't until the band got together in the studio to work on the landmark song "One" that the tensions began to dissipate and unity amongst the band members was once again apparent. "One" literally saved the band. In 1992 and 1993, U2 embarked on the ambitious "ZooTV" tour. The tour represented the sensory overload that is the digital age. In 1993, the band released "Zooropa". The band had mixed feelings about this album and felt it was more of an interlude rather than a proper album. 1995 saw the release of "Passengers". This album received poor reviews, the only highlight being "Miss Sarajevo" which featured Pavarotti on vocals. In 1997, the band released "Pop", an album which focused on tape loops, electronic programming and samples. This album felt like it was hurried and some felt it was a disappointment. The band did play a show in Sarajevo after the Bosnian War was over however. This proved to be a real highlight for the band. In 2000, the band finally decided to get back to their roots and make a great rock and roll record. This album would be "All That You Can't Leave Behind". This album debuted at #1 in 22 different countries. Thanks to hit singles like "Beautiful Day" and "Elevation", the album won three Grammy's. In 2002, U2's performance at halftime of SuperBowl XXXVI was an epic performance and touching tribute to the victims of 9/11. It is considered the greatest halftime show in SuperBowl history. In 2004, the band released "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb". This album doubled the record sales in one week of it's previous album setting a record. In 2005, U2 was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. In 2009, the band released "No Line On The Horizon". The sales for this album were low by U2's standards and it was really their only album which didn't feature a hit single. To promote the album, the band embarked on their "U2 360" tour. Lasting two years, this was the highest grossing tour ever. For over 30 years, U2 has been one of the biggest bands in the world. Though at times, their drastic stylistic changes turned off some fans at times, they eventually always seem to get back to their roots and make some great songs and albums. The band is not afraid to wear their activism on their sleeves, or their spirituality, and their fame has allowed them to support several causes that they hold dear to them. Currently, it has been said that they are at work on a new album which they hope to have released some time in 2013.

Song Of The Week: 8/4/13

Song: "Where We Breathe"

Artist: Boys Night Out

Album: "Broken Bones And Bloody Kisses"

Year: 2002



Some say "Where We Breathe" is based on a book titled "Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer". The song follows a relationship where the girl's worst day is better than the vocalist's best day. Though he tries to show that this doesn't grate on him, it is, in fact, eating him on the inside. He's at the point where he's ready to veer off the road and watch her die in the cold November water. Clearly, the vocalist is murderous. Boys Night Out formed as a band back in 2001, hailing from Ontario, Canada. In the early days of the band, as shown from my song of the week "Where We Breathe", the band kind of fit into the post-hardcore scene, with screaming vocals and a bit heavier sound. They released an independent demo called "You Are My Canvas" in 2001. This got the band signed to One Day Savior Records and in 2002, the band released the EP "Broken Bones And Bloody Kisses". Interest in the band began spreading rapidly and eventually they signed with Ferret Records. In 2003, the band released their full length debut album "Make Yourself Sick". The band's sound was notably lighter and more pop orientated with the release of this album. The album did, however, garner the band a supporting slot on My Chemical Romance's tour. It also marked the first time the band was invited to play the Warped Tour. Boys Night Out was also featured on the Nintendo Fusion tour around this time with fellow bands Motion City Soundtrack and The Starting Line. In 2005, the band released an ambitious concept album entitled "Trainwreck". The album follows a story of a man who loses his sanity, murders his wife and chops his hands off so that he can't murder again. The album is like a conversation between the man and his doctor. In 2007, the band released their self titled "Boys Night Out" album. This album featured the single "Up With Me". Thoughout their career as a band, Boys Night Out has been kind of a revolving door of band members. They never seemed to be able to keep a consistent line-up through the years. In 2009, after almost two years of not playing live shows or releasing any new material, the original five members of Boys Night Out played a one off show on October 24th in Toronto. They played "Broken Bones And Bloody Kisses" and "Make Yourself Sick" in their entirety at this show. Shorly after this performance, a message was left on the band's Facebook page stating that they are currently label free and they are enjoying the freedom of not having to be forced to have material done by a certain date. They are expectation free. Though they did not mention a break up, they did hint at a bit of a hiatus from playing live or recording any material at the time. In 2013, Boys Night Out lead singer, Conner Lovat-Fraser stated that he didn't believe the band would be getting back together. Fans got a glimmer of hope when it was announced on the band's Twitter account that the band had indeed just finished recording a brand new album. Two days after this tweet, however, the band said that their Twitter account was hi-jacked and they shot down any hopes of a new album. They also declared that the band has officially broken up. Currently, nothing more to really write about the band. They have broken up. Sometimes, it seems that some bands struggle to find their musical identity. I put Boys Night Out in this category. Do they want to be screamo or do they want to be melodic pop? I know bands want to grow and change and explore new territory, but it seemed with every release, Boys Night Out was changing their style dramatically. Hard to gain a solid fan base following when your sound is all over the place. I personally thought the band's highlight was "Trainwreck". Loved the concept and storyline of that album but still, Boys Night Out was just one in the pack. They never really stepped to the front of that pack, they just fell in line.

Song Of The Week: 7/28/13

Song: "Broken World"

Artist: Millencolin

Album: "Machine 15"

Year: 2008



"Broken World" appears to be a song about wanting to get away from how the world is being run. It's kind of a sarcastic jab at the evolution of humanity. As the world we live in decays around us, we look at leaders that have their own power hungry agendas and the vocalist is just fed up with it. He wants to start his own new land, one that cares about humanity and the environment that we live in. Millencolin is a skate punk band from Sweden that formed back in 1992. In 1993, the band released a demo tape called "Goofy". After this demo, Fredrik Larzon joined the band as the new drummer, officially making Millencolin a four piece. "Melack" was a second demo recorded by the band that year. This demo caught the attention of Burning Heart Records who released the single "Use Your Nose". Burning Heart officially signed Millencolin after the release of that single and in 1994, the band released the "Skauch" EP. Also in '94, Millencolin released their very first full length album, "Tiny Tunes". After getting some heat from Warner Brothers over the album title and artwork for "Tiny Tunes", the band re-released the album under the moniker "Same Old Tunes". 1995 saw the band release "Life On A Plate". This album would be distributed by Epitaph Records in the United States. In 1997, the band released "For Monkeys" and also played on their very first Warped Tour. "The Melancholy Collection" was an album made up of old EP's, b-sides and rare tracks that was released in 1999. 2000 would turn out to be probably the most pivotal time for the band with the release of their classic album "Pennybridge Pioneers". Thanks in part to the singles "Penguins & Polarbears" and "No Cigar", this album proved to be Millencolin's first major success and also allowed them to embark on their first major worldwide tour. While on tour to support "Pennybridge Pioneers", the band wrote and recorded material for their next release, 2002's "Home From Home". In 2005, the band released "Kingwood". This album was awarded "Best Swedish Rock Release" in their native country. 2008's "Machine 15" would be the last album of originally recorded material released by the band to date. It was around this time that the band also created the "Millencolin Open". This would be an annual event that would feature skateboard contests. Skating is what brought the members of Millencolin together in the first place and this was their way of giving back. In 2012, Millencolin released a CD/DVD called "The Melancholy Connection". This was a follow up to "The Melancholy Collection" and featured b-sides and rarities that were recorded from "Pennybridge Pioneers" and on. In between touring and recording with Millencolin, some band members also play and perform with various side projects as well, most notably lead singer Nikola Sarcevic's solo career, which is mostly folksy, acoustic material. On June 8th and 9th of 2012, Millencolin hosted a festival entitled "Millencolin 20 Year". This two day event was to celebrate the band's 20th year anniversary. Currently, there really hasn't been any updates as to whether the band is working on new material or not. They still, however, tour and perform quite often.

Song Of The Week: 7/21/13

Song: "Born Killer"

Artist: Scarface

Album: "Mr. Scarface Is Back"

Year: 1991



"Born Killer" is a song about someone you really don't want to fuck with! The vocalist is a manic depressive and a cold blooded killer who doesn't feel remorse or compassion for anything or anyone. He doesn't love himself so, he definitely doesn't have love for anyone else. He's a hardened criminal and a ruthless gangsta. If you mess with him, you probably won't live to see tomorrow. Scarface got his start in hip hop back in 1987. He actually went under the name Akshun. He eventually signed to Rap-A-Lot Records and joined the popular group Geto Boys. He was featured on the group's second album, "Grip It! On That Other Level". It was at this time that he changed his name to Scarface and he, along with the Geto Boys officially put Houston, Texas and the south on the hip hop map. In 1991, Scarface released his first solo album, "Mr. Scarface Is Back". This album would mark the beginning of a string of albums in the 90's which all achieved platinum status. 1993's "The World Is Yours" peaked at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop Album chart. 1994's "The Diary" debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. 1997's "The Untouchable" was Scarface's first album to debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 charts, thanks in part to the song "Smile", which featured Tupac Shakur. 1998 saw the release of "My Homies", a double album which featured guest artists 2Pac, Ice Cube and Too Short to name a few. In 2000, Scarface released "The Last Of A Dying Breed", an album that was not as commercially successful as previous efforts, but was praised critically. In fact, the album helped Scarface win the Lyricist Of The Year award at the Source Awards. In 2002, Scarface signed with Def Jam and released "The Fix". This album sold 159,000 copies in the first week of sale. 2003 saw the release of "Balls And My Word", which was a collection of b-sides and rarities that didn't make it on to his previous albums. 2006 saw the follow up to Scarface's 1998 album "My Homies" as he released "My Homies Part 2", another double album. In 2007, Scarface released "Made". This album reached #2 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop album charts showing that he was still very much relevant in the world of hip hop. In 2008, he released "Emeritus". Scarface indicated that "Emeritus" would be his final studio album at that time. However, in 2010, he indicated that he was in fact at work on a new studio album, tentatively titled "The Habit". Scarface was incarcerated for some time due to failing to pay child support, but as of August 2011, he was out of jail and said to be working on "The Habit" again. Along with his illustrious rap career, Scarface was also named the President of Def Jam South, and helped bring along artists such as Ludacris. He also is starting to work in the production side of the business and has dabbled in some acting as well. Scarface has also remained loyal to the Geto Boys and has managed to appear on all of their albums, even while focusing on his solo material. He, along with the Geto Boys, should be considered the forefathers of hip hop in the south. Their influence is great in hip hop circles, in fact, The Source magazine claimed Scarface to be #16 on a list of the top 50 lyricists of all time. Currently, fans have to be eagerly awaiting the release of "The Habit" which I assume should be finished soon.

Song Of The Week: 7/14/13

Song: "Get This Party Started"

Artist: Stretch Arm Strong

Album: "Punk Goes Pop"

Year: 2002



"Get This Party Started" was originally performed and recorded by pop artist Pink and released on her 2001 album "Missundaztood". The song was her highest selling single at the time and really is her signature song. It was actually written for Pink by Linda Perry, who was the former frontwoman of the band 4 Non Blondes. The song's meaning is pretty straight forward. She's getting ready to tear up the town with her friends on a Saturday night. The clubs will be partying hard, and they will be partying hard because of her new song. My song of the week is a punked out cover of the song done by the melodic hardcore band Stretch Arm Strong that was part of Fearless Records compilation, "Punk Goes Pop". Fearless put several of these "Punk Goes" compilations out over the years such as "Punk Goes Metal", "Punk Goes Acoustic" and "Punk Goes 80's". Stretch Arm Strong formed as a band back in 1992. They are from South Carolina. Though the band members are all active Christians and value their faith immensely, they do not want to be considered a Christian band, in that they don't preach to their audience about their beliefs. The band's first released material was an EP in 1995 entitled "Not Without Resistance". This was followed in 1998 by another EP called "It Burns Clean". In '98 the band caught the ear of Uprising Records who released the band's first full length album "Compassion Fills The Void". After this album was released, the band began a four year relationship with Solid State Records. Their first release under that label was 1999's "Rituals Of Life". This was followed by 2001's "A Revolution Transmission" and 2003's "Engage". After their deal with Solid State was up, the band partnered with We Put Out Records, which was a branch of the Warner Music Group. The band's first and only release under that label was "Free At Last". After releasing that album and doing a small tour to promote it, Stretch Arm Strong became mostly inactive for the next five years. In 2010, the band played two shows in January. According to the band's MySpace page, these two shows were going to basically be the last time you would be able to see the band as they had no intentions of playing any more tours nor recording any new material. In their MySpace message, the band did not say they were breaking up, but due to their being so inactive over the years, the writing is basically on the wall. In the years they were active, Stretch Arm Strong wasn't afraid to show their support for various groups, including Women's Rights, Animal's Rights and the rights of disabled persons. Currently, it's been over three years since the band played those two shows in 2010 and they remain inactive. Safe to say the book is most likely closed on Stretch Arm Strong.