tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78567771978007878372024-03-05T12:08:19.730-05:00Backstage PressYour Scene. Your News. Rock On.Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-79961077219923223292011-09-01T21:13:00.006-04:002011-09-01T22:14:52.101-04:00A Letter From The Editor<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Hello all. Josh here (the founder/editor of this little blog you're reading). I decided to make this post a bit more personal than others just to let you all know why there's been nothing happening on Backstage Press for the past few weeks.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsKH3r_dIXN9sEmVW1DaCoCwt3u4KhMuN_Dp1neXYZ1TusQTtn3mhQ_cQwXLYS5NysmEvLK973SrAmGVyy2Yk0nnILBCQCDMaa1KnH8RlVo_DoPROirEQT11aVlu2ZRyzivJoORAxzslk/s200/tumblr_lqhyzha5nJ1qct8ieo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647578951459756466" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Most of you that have been following us for a while know we're a New England-based blog. And if you flipped on the news at any point last week, you probably saw that the entire East Coast of the US was getting beaten up by Hurricane Irene. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">By the time Irene reached us up north, it had been downgraded to a tropical storm, but it still had plenty of strength left. We lost power on Sunday at 5 a.m., and as I write this now <span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">(9:30 p.m. on Thursday) we still don't have power. And the State of Connecticut is saying we probably won't get power back until sometime next week. Joy.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Needless to say, we weren't prepared for this. And if you're curious, I was able to find an internet connection and a working plug to get this info out.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And to make matters even more stressful, I'm currently in the middle of a move. Believe it or not, I need a 9 - 5 job to survive (just like the rest of you). And having just accepted a position in Massachusetts, I'm busy packing, finding a place to live and balancing my check book so the transition will (hopefully) go smooth.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">But I just want to let everyone know that I have not abandoned Backstage Press. I have a list of reviews, news and other good stuff I want to get to in the coming month. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">So for now I'm just taking a little break from writing and the <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/backstagepress">Twitter machine</a> to get my own life in order. But rest assured things will be up and running shortly.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And as always, thanks for sticking by. I've always said my readers are the reason I do this. I love you all. Check back soon, kids.</span></div></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-59190547558078132522011-08-18T15:21:00.001-04:002011-08-18T21:51:39.239-04:00Show Review: blink-182 Hartford, CT<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Neither New England's rainy weather nor Travis Barker's busted up hands could keep <a href="http://www.blink182.com/tour/">blink-182</a> and their droves of Connecticut fans from the <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/markhoppus/status/102942617125388288">Hartford stop</a> of the <a href="http://civictour.honda.com/">Honda Civic Tour</a> last Sunday night. Playing to a nearly full house at the Comcast Theatre (their first show there in nearly two years), the band presented themselves as a cohesive trio who are once again com<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXf58tW1Hkd1PEUqXFtLjgjAgIc1UU7bAdcOkXkTucgkBUNsXxW_CTLORsRNl38PHnNy2p9YQLmwShwo3AEqwzrCuXsQFJh1x9poZ9I9YH3ZyfbXq3vTwyTKpAgiBTusWuiqyzUqfRwar/s200/DSC04109+copy.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642272888375341202" />fortable enough with each other to take some chances on stage.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The SoCal natives opened up with their hit single, "Feeling This" off their 2003 <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blink-182/dp/B0000DZDTG">Self-Titled</a></i> effort. With the crowd warmed up, blink immediately jumped into "Up All Night", the first tr</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">ack released from their upcoming LP, <i><a href="http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2400882">Neighborhoods</a></i>.</span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">As the set continued, it was clear that blink had found their stride again. They seemed much more comfortable with each other on this tour than their previous North American tour in 2009 where their stage banter and song choices were more reserved. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Perhaps that was best demonstrated after "What's My Age Again?" when guitarist Tom DeLonge <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROkEwgBYZNQ">slipped on stage</a>. As if it were the late 90s again, bassist Mark Hoppus wasted no time in making fun of his fallen comrade. B</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">ut never to be outdone, DeLonge shot back, taking a dig at Hoppus' mother - which even got a rise out of drummer Travis Barker.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">From that point on, the show proved very lighthearted and fun. Between songs, blink even busted out some rarely heard material from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">their earlier years including "Family Reunion", "Happy Holidays, You Bastard" and a short, mashed up cover of My Chemical Romance's "Na Na Na".</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">The band also made sure to cover all their bases, playing cult favorites such as "Man Overboard", "Carousel", "Down" and "Josie", amongst others. In addition to the hits, blink flew seamlessly through another three brand new songs from <i>Neighborhoods</i> - "After Midnight", "Heart's All Gone" and "Ghost On The Dancefloor". </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9J5fopPEq55NFOocVCqnHoworfVIhq4wGa0MsBB4Xkq1Vf1oDSABvjubR3m1OQlHapXi2jIZv0eFPmQEOPOqMDXxNunqTIzJSATdgDVPEKeEoLOSEzYkwaCbPi50dsqhXaS7rh-qtLZG/s200/DSC04098+copy.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642272771572153474" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">But, as with any amphitheater performance, the show was much more than the music. Blink managed to put together a set design that was bigger and more visual than anything they'd previously had. Complete with moving LCD screens, a laser light show, fog machines and the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEPmcc0KMt0&feature=related">unforgettable Travis Barker drum solo</a> high above the crowd in the pit, the band have proved that outdoing themselves is an understatement.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Blink were supported </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">at this show by the Atlanta, Georgia outfit, <a href="http://www.themanchesterorchestra.com/us/home">Manchester Orchestra</a> and the goth-emo rockers, <a href="http://www.mychemicalromance.com/news">My Chemical Romance</a>. For more information on tour dates near you, click <b><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2011/07/2011-honda-civic-tour-preview.html">HERE</a></b>.</span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And take a look at some of Backstage Press' photos from the front row. We'd also like to give a shout-out to our new friends who held it down front row in the pit with us - Joe, Kyle, Andy, Big Lou and Abby. You guys rule!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><div><embed src="http://widget-af.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=lt&il=1&channel=1369094286748933039&site=widget-af.slide.com" style="width:605px;height:300px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:525px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=lt&at=un&id=1369094286748933039&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-af.slide.com/p1/1369094286748933039/lt_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=lt&at=un&id=1369094286748933039&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-af.slide.com/p2/1369094286748933039/lt_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=lt&at=un&id=1369094286748933039&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-af.slide.com/p4/1369094286748933039/lt_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-33498346912376795432011-08-11T16:10:00.024-04:002011-08-12T10:54:19.043-04:00Angels & Airwaves Premiere Their Film, "LOVE"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Since 2005, when the world first learned about <a href="http://modlife.com/angelsandairwaves">Angels & Airwaves</a>, rumors have been swirling about a movie release to accompany the band's music and overall message. And on Wednesday night, after five years of production and slight secrecy, the band debuted their feature film entitled, <i>LOVE</i>, as a one-night-only special event broadcasted in 500 theaters across the United States.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><b>Pre-Show</b></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pOliOnaqoRg-P57fh2mYu2lOOnYOBpxYLU4ljcs_68sSKofygVfk_u_bJ-6BiXjwGqTaa3xSqG-f9hzujD7gdrwVZq6jPXjqHMoVL25SBBuzLVzxovANe_oNNXrY68IHzk0bxHNCZDlF/s200/LOVE_AngelsAirwaves_Poster-600x886.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639801205343926050" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For eager fans and movie buffs, the film stood as a glance into the more matured mind of AVA lead sing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">er <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/tomdelonge">Tom DeLonge</a> and his fellow band mates. Prior to the start of the presentation the band chose to show four vignettes following a multitude of characters while they described their experiences with the most base form of human emotion, love.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">From a soldier torn from his family, to an old motorcycle racer bracing himself for a fight with an unnamed brain disease, the vignettes were set as a sort of prologue to get the audience's minds moving. In a college lecture kind of way, the pre-show had you asking yourself, "What does 'love' mean to me?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><b>The Film</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As the feature opened in the chaotic setting of a Civil War battle, we found ourselves following a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">soldier who was given the chance to escape combat and head west. As the shot closed, he was writing in his journal - penning words that would spark one of the most existential journeys to one man's life, hundreds of years in the future.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Cut to that distant future and Captain Lee Miller aboard the International Space Station, 220 miles above the Earth's surface. He is alone with only a treadmill and a few laptops that connect him back to mission control. Everything seems alright in the first few minutes of the scene, but suspense builds as we are swiftly introduced to the daily habits of our protagonist spaceman.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Amid the occasional sound of AVA intros, we are immersed in the totality of Miller's seclusion and isolation. The audience is never really able to acclimate themselves with anything familiar besides Miller's basic emotions.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">As everything is just starting to feel normal, it happens - Miller loses contact with Earth. In a frantic need for human response, he spends what could be hours, days or weeks trying to repair the broken communication portals. But nothing works. Then finally, the message comes. All he has left is one short radio transmission letting him know that he is in fact, alone.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">The following bulk of the film dips into the psyche of the abandoned astronaut. He develops an odd relationship with a woman in a photograph. He plays cards against himself, dealing two hands after every shuffle. His living space becomes a wreck, undoubtedly mirroring the personal torment and loneliness in his own head. And then, in one last attempt to fix his ship, Miller somehow discovers that journal from the Civil War solider.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YiYmAixzpMg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">The diary becomes his last reason for survival. Reading it is his inspiration to save his own life. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">It's at this point where reality, thought and emotion blur into an almost incomprehensible state. Six years have gone by and nothing seems real anymore. It's clear the film is coming to a close because we suddenly have more questions than answers, and there is no way Miller is making it out alive - if he is even alive anymore to begin with.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">In what can best be described as a dream, Miller is suddenly on board a city-like abandoned space vessel. He walks down its halls before finding a book with his name in it where he learns he is the last remaining survivor of mankind. And in another flash of cinematic effects and existential thought, Miller is all alone in space with the planets revolving around him.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">And thus the movie ends. Is he God? Is he dead? Is this a dream? Did any of this ever happen? Who knows. <i>LOVE</i> is like an acid trip at a planetarium. It's virtually unexplainable and extremely hard to grasp. But inevitably, it gets you thinking. And after all, isn't that what art is supposed to do?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:180%;"><b>After show</b></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhqzDMqFaaidu9EFQ8-8rjX_zRA0qjjLj7vOF4tx9aDdcrslRIf9g2KWr_QO7E5m_q99hOAhVkEPI6D7bvGlB1RRgZfZ8JfHShe7222qWH47Ye5z8d0sfrNwWTDx62VgZLrlSGfCw7RUJ/s200/angelsnairwaves.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639800846318157362" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">After the film, a live-feed from Boston's Paradise Rock Club was broadcast to theaters nationwide as AVA took to the stage for a three-song performance. The band fumbled through "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM3ykGr6Nj4&ob=av3e">Everything's Magic</a>", "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WktHeMzTBfA">Start The Machine</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMl8cQjBfqk&ob=av2e">The Adventure</a>" with an electronic drum kit and two synthesizers in place of guitars. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Following the performance was a Q&A session with DeLonge, as well as <i>LOVE</i>'s director and lead actor. It was then that DeLonge announced <i>LOVE II</i>, the CD/DVD, would be released on November 11 of this year. And fi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">nally, to cap the night off right, AVA premiered a video for their new song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-axrEZOXnk&feature=player_embedded#at=122">Anxiety</a>" off the upcoming record.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">For more information on <i>LOVE II</i> and other news on AVA, visit <a href="http://modlife.com/angelsandairwaves">http://modlife.com/angelsandairwaves</a> and continue to follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BackstagePress">Backstage Press on Twitter</a>. </span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-17790730154954749922011-08-08T16:55:00.001-04:002011-08-08T17:03:45.947-04:00Dan Andriano - Hurricane Season Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Following in the footsteps of his <a href="http://www.alkalinetrio.com/">Alkaline Trio</a> counterpart Matt Skiba, bassist Dan Andriano will be releasing his debut solo album, <i>Hurricane Season</i>, on August 9. Playing under the moniker <a href="http://www.purevolume.com/new/DanAndriano">Dan Andriano in the Emerg<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRBXcgzfp3SjuQRo8dXI07FHLKGAhUBJlMktJHSHrVPe_E8bNWKG9vyM1y074yjzADS6DCB08Jhb04awVph2lEB0_T3yRwGA9wZdMs9mf3pd5HByNwUurBrtUCgpIrhQXUWZgJPzRaNKFW/s200/Dan-Andriano-In-The-Emergency-Room-Hurricane-Season-2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638590856173099874" />ency Room</a>, the 34-year-old bassist is delivering a 10-track wonder that's some of his freshest and most personal work yet.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><i><a href="http://www.asianmanrecords.com/">Hurricane Season</a></i> is a deeply intimate look into Andriano's life as it stands today. The love for his family, his fear of losing them and his struggle with finding a sense of home in Florida (after spending years living in Chicago) are all themes that dominate the record. After more than a decade on the road with the Trio, Andriano used his solo platform as a sort of apology to his wife and daughter - the two of whom he had been away from for months at a time while pursuing a musical career. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Take for instance the album's third song, "Hollow Sounds". The soft acoustic track is what Andriano <a href="http://www.altpress.com/features/entry/track_by_track_dan_andriano_in_the_emergency_room/">described to Alternative Press</a> as a sort of "'I miss you' song, with a hint of, 'I know I'm gone a lot, but please don't leave me.'" And this certainly holds true as Andriano compares his unrelenting need for a cigarette to the longing he feels for his wife. "<i>I want to light you up and take you deep inside my lungs/Well maybe you can shine your light inside on all the damage that I've done</i>."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">As the record progress<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">es, it becomes evident that while his insecurities might be running on high, Andriano has come to terms with them and has put them to the wayside to just enjoy the present. During the album's ninth track, "The Last Day We Ever Close Our Eyes", he paints a picture of finding happiness with his loved ones as the world around them crumbles.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">"<i>And when they finally kill the lights, you get the glass, I'll pour the wine/On the last day that we ever close our eyes</i>."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 118px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD89EOe1z-xquw8FJxRLs4B4gdeAJVi-HbKoCe2uMHCuhSwV7ZMluYMIsUNkc8aSMgayrKztuodJurhwD4ghOYnl7EB_2pUxuJ6tKAuBptXEClMYzlxZMJI4mBZz1ZLMjHfWbv9cC2KoX/s200/Artist-564538-Screenshot20110803at13852PM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638590683091468578" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Ultimately what you'r<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ">e getting on this record are themes focused inward, rather than the usual dark and macabre scenarios played out on most of Alkaline Trio's discography. It's a completely different and fresh side of an artist that most people thought they had pegged. That itself is was makes this album worthwhile.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;"><i>Hurricane Season</i> stands as a journey of sorts that takes the listener through all the deep inner workings of a man struggling to find his place in life and hold onto it. What starts off as shaky and insecure in the beginning of the record develops into something that's happy and fulfilled at the end. At varying times, <i>Hurricane Season</i> is depressing, uplifting and funny, but somehow it remains catchy and honest throughout. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Simply put, the record is a must have for Alkaline Trio fans and anyone who likes things slowed down just a bit. You can preview a few tracks from the album below.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><iframe src="http://www.purevolume.com/_iframe/audio_playlist_simple_player.php?artistId=99745685&width=584" frameborder="0" width="584" height="360"></iframe></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-19759065185729524832011-07-31T23:47:00.000-04:002011-08-01T00:14:45.418-04:002011 Honda Civic Tour Preview<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Consistency has always been a strong point for the </span><a href="http://civictour.honda.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honda Civic Tour</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, who year after year seem to bring the biggest and most popular bands of the day together for a summer concert spectacle that's like no other. And in just days, the tour will once again kick off its North American journey with two of the most heavy-hitting names in alternative rock: </span><a href="http://www.blink182.com/tour/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">blink-182</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and </span><a href="http://www.mychemicalromance.com/news"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My Chemical Romance</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigU4fBpPA30MRqFlaPq0CCuVSRKs0S1KJn326PdxMhIsEo-_eG79ikpKi9Mn3bxN0E0eAjaqyrxr-krKZwupC040JM2RFXOJ9C1nIqWa3Ip8J2C4ZgkqM88URK5wPhUp4ec_Ed5jG8c-V2/s200/Blink-182+%25233.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635734347307395042" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Southern California natives blink-182 are touring the United States and Canada for the first time since their </span><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2009/09/blink-182-concert-reviews.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">summer 2009 reunion tour</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, which proved a massive success. Armed with a brand new, edgy single, "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JkoCkva-rBc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Up All Night</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">", and a new record on the way (</span><a href="http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1667394/blink-182-mark-hoppus-neighborhoods.jhtml"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rumored to drop on September 27th</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">), it's clear that blink are ready to bring ne</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">w life to the term "rock show."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They're returning to play this, the 10th anniversary of the Honda Civic Tour - a tour </span><a href="http://civictour.honda.com/heritage/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">they helped christen</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> back in 2</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">001 alongside Everclear.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In an interview on the </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10100132881396426"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honda Civic Tour Facebook page</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Mark Hoppus commented on what fans can expect to see during the coming tour. "We try and one-up every single tour and have each tour have its own look. We spent a lot of time with the set designers working on the sets, and lighting shows and things like that."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Considering their 2009 tour featured confetti machines, 20+ songs per set and Travis Barker performing drum solos while being </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZWIUTi0Lr4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">spun high above the heads</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> of the pit crowd, this coming tour should be a sight to see. Besides, this will be the first time fans will hear new blink music played live in eight years. What's not to love?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffCG1CpVhG-Tn2qfmWaSvxifPga44tiInfbFpCOP01CHohi7KIetjckfaBLEMce7EH8AAbO59zF2QnVXQuewab0GHet8Ktjl-vaIJ0GNRJFM5-G_bpnoioQccCrAJL_meeXQX7d4OdiuS/s200/My-Chemical-Romance-2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635734109095448210" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Add to the mix the lar</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">gely popular East Coast rockers, My Chemical Romance, as co-headliners and tour seems untouchable. While </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">still on the road promoting their latest release, 2010's </span></span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Danger-Days-Lives-Fabulous-Killjoys/dp/B0044KU7KU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, MCR have jumped back into the spotlight and aren't leaving any time soon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But let's not forget about the openers. The wildly popular indie rockers, </span><a href="http://www.themanchesterorchestra.com/us/home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Manchester Orchestra</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, will be kicking off the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tour in Holmdel, New Jersey on August 5th. Later dates on the tour will feature hipster act </span><a href="http://mattandkimmusic.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Matt & Kim</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, political punks </span><a href="http://againstme.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Against Me!</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and finally punk-rock legends, </span><a href="http://www.rancidrancid.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Rancid</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If there's one thing that should make the 2011 Honda Civic Tour stand out against the rest of summer's shows, it's simply how eclectic the tour will be. On any given night you might hear the new wave of indie rock, or perhaps catch a glimpse at the punk-rock scene as it was a few decades ago. And, of course, you'll hear those big </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">radio hits from the headliners every night - not to mention a few lesser known tracks packed in for the diehards in the audience.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipp02LR8JCSRD0X12uBzyiB8uWMDHYEBnUCld-EIHvrBfVL-U7zAkqWFaTZziOuM_yYMFGR3-0Vvbkxh5IimwttSUkndsRQGswASseUAPpA_jyvEpPWVT87md884G6HKwt2RprOjCYI622/s200/2011-Honda-Civic-Tour.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635733537124709298" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is one tour you won't want to miss this summer. So be sure and </span><a href="http://www.livenation.com/Honda-Civic-Tour-tickets/artist/1188506?camefrom=[=CAMEFROM=]&tm_link=tm_homeA_rc_image1"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">grab tickets</span></b></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> while you still can. Some seats are going as low as $20. No excuses this time around.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Check out the dates, locations and supporting acts below.</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/5/11 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/6/11 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon Theatre at Jones Beach *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/7/11 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon Theatre at Jones Beach +</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/9/11 - Boston, MA @ Comcast Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/11/11 - Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/12/11 - Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/13/11 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Pavilion *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/14/11 - Hartford, CT @ Comcast Theatre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/16/11 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/17/11 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/19/11 - St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/20/11 - Chicago, Il @ First Midwest Bank Pavilion *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/21/11 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/23/11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/25/11 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/26/11 - Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/27/11 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/28/11 - Calgary, AB @ Saddledome %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/30/11 - Victoria, BC @ Save-On Foods Memorial Centre %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/31/11 - Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/1/11 - Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater ^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/3/11 - Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater ^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/4/11 - Denver, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheater ^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/7/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Xcel Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/8/11 - Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena +</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/9/11 - Kansas City, MO @ Sandstone Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/10/11 - Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/11/11 - Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Centre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/13/11 - Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/15/11 - Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">916/11 - Saratoga, NY @ SPAC #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/17/11 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/18/11 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/20/11 - Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/21/11 - Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/23/11 - Miami, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/24/11 - Tampa, FL @ 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/26/11 - Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/27/11 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/29/11 - Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/30/11 - Phoenix, AZ @ Tempe Beach Park Amph. # (</span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">MCR </span></span></i></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">will not</span></span></b></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> be playing</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/1/11 - Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/2/11 - Sacramento, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/4/11 - Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/5/11 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/7/11 - Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Resort, Spa & Casino #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/8/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/15/11 - San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre #</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">* </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Manchester Orchestra</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">% </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Against Me!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">^</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Rancid</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"># </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Matt & Kim</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-To Be Announced</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-84379914909669270422011-07-26T12:51:00.013-04:002011-07-27T13:38:10.098-04:00Daniel Bobis Benefit Show Tonight<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><div><b><i>**UPDATE: 7/27** - Last night's Benefit Show <a href="http://tinyurl.com/42xyea6">raised over $2,000</a> to help the Bobis family fund the search & rescue efforts in Indonesia. Thank you to everyone who went to the show, donated or helped spread the word. </i></b> </div><div>________________________________</div><div><br /></div>Long Island musicians are rallying together to help raise money for a </span></span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/26/daniel-bobis-us-surfer-missing-indonesia-_n_909475.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">missing friend, musician and surfer, Daniel Bobis</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUCkFECjeUnmiiDC6b9Rd9nQCRfvWPqooHesRGHlMvh1_yL4Qs8xzwuK9sBWtiHswRDew_5f3y4eEClKKlA2RGE6Zok6FOv-7nSNeZKU40MYAPw8CgcOx1ss3Zsu5_N0KTk6ichLMQia7k/s200/tumblr_loxc5uQmCf1qcctiqo1_1280.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633748303213884562" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Bobis, 32, who works as a teacher at Long Beach High School in New York, was vacationing with his wif</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">e in Indonesia on Tuesday when he ventured out to catch a few waves. While riding one in, Bobis reportedly clipped another surfer's board and lost control, falling into the water. His board washed up on shore, but Bobis never came up.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In the time since the accident, Bobis' wife has employed helicopter search parties, dive teams and local surfers to help find her husband. But </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">unfortunately, all this is coming at a hefty price to her and her family. In other words, funds are running out.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Having heard this, local Long Island musicians, including </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/envyonthecoast"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Envy On The Coast</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">/</span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/northkoreamusic?ref=ts&sk=app_4949752878"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">North Korea</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> members Ryan Hunter and Brian Byrne, have teamed up with other artists and the community to </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170991586303170"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">bring together a benefit show</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> to support search efforts.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Tonight, Tuesday, July 26th, the </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170991586303170"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Daniel Bobis Benefit Show</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> will be held at The Leaky Lifeboat Inn in Seaford, New York at 9:30 p.m.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Hunter has </span></span><a href="http://rhunterny.tumblr.com/post/8073820056/please-watch-the-video-in-the-post-below-to-see"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">reached out</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> to musicians including Francesco Montesanto (Sainthood Reps), Ian Kenny and Tommy Fleischmann (NGHBRS), and Mike Desmond and Dylan Ebrahimian (Gabriel The Marine) - who will all be performing special acoustic sets tonight at the show.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Donations will be taken at the door and proceeds are going straight to fund the search efforts and help the </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/DanielBobisInfo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Bobis family</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> through their tough time. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ud1QDhQsuNU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In a statement about the tragic event and the show Hunter said, "Here on Long Island, we always help each other out in times of need, and I'm very fortunate to have a lot of great, talented friends who are going to come down and help raise money for Daniel's rescue. I'll be doing an acoustic set, and so will a lot of other great dudes."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">"This is the quickest I've ever thrown a show together," continued Hunter, "but we've got to be quick, and I would like to get the cash to Daniel's wife as soon as possible."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For directions to the venue for tonight's show, click </span></span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3603+Merrick+Road,+Seaford,+NY&aq=0&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.534108,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=3603+Merrick+Rd,+Seaford,+Nassau,+New+York+11783&z=16&iwloc=A&ved=0CA0QpQY&sa=X&ei=ZxcvTuqgAZPmzQTZ062WCQ"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">HERE</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. Again, the show starts at 9:30 p.m. and </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">will be held at The Leaky Lifeboat Inn in Seaford, New York.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><iframe width="200" height="200" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msid=205487499686375418179.0004a8fe3059121803099&ll=40.665015,-73.497162&spn=0.078126,0.102997&z=12&output=embed"></iframe><br /></span></span><small><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">View </span></span><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msid=205487499686375418179.0004a8fe3059121803099&ll=40.665015,-73.497162&spn=0.078126,0.102997&z=12&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Daniel Bobis Benefit Show - 7/26</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> in a larger map</span></span></small></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If you would like to donate but cannot make tonight's performance, a PayPal account has been set up in Bobis' name. Simply </span></span><a href="https://www.paypal.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">log in</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> and send your donation to dannybobisfund@gmail.com.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Let's come together as the tight-knit music community we are to help bring a fellow musician home to his family.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-55604406207197823642011-07-24T21:53:00.000-04:002011-07-24T21:56:48.976-04:00Alkaline Trio - Damnesia Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When you've got a discography as large as </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/alkaline_trio"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alkaline Trio</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, putting out another studio record seems, well... old. So what do you do to keep things fresh? Well, the dark rockers decided to release </span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Damnesia-Alkaline-Trio/dp/B0050546BY/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1311557450&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, a 15-track rehashing of some of the band's most classic work (with a couple new songs added for good measure).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="text-align: left;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3LcSOnRf5pbZgsdkVknjZ9xncWqIGys1WB6vlPBbaUyOaiJ1zHnXp4lilmas4vNrqjxYy8VDgfJtceMb2bsP9Ey0v12MUwg-hdubisrERtoRtpxKYQnZrehdwkBSA3mnUSUIuUDvHdv1/s200/51qEeGinXmL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633101299748738706" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the Trio didn't rerecord with all the bells and whistles this time around. Instead, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is a stripped down compilation of the fan favorites. Don't count on hearing anything electric on this record - but don't call this an acoustic album, either. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> might be fronted with acoustic guitars but there's enough percussion, heavy ba</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ss and keyboards to keep this record from being labeled as simply acoustic.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Alkaline Trio have always had a taste for the macabre and the creepy. So getting down to the bare bones of their music on this record seems like nothing new. And to be honest, the minimalist approach makes a lot of the tracks even darker.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take for instance "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS58AC3NqU8&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Could Be Love</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" (originally off </span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Mourning-Alkaline-Trio/dp/B00008YJDA/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1311557530&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Good Mourning</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">), which has more of a haunting presence to it with its lead melody played on keys rather than guitar. Lead singer Matt Skiba's vocal approach is noticeably better on the new version, though die-hards will hold fast to the original.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The real drawback to this album, if any, is the low level of energy. But again, it's stripped down. Where </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> lacks energy are also the same spots in which its dark and brooding presence are best exemplified. Looking again at some of their older work, "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf5qbOLtpo8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Private Eye</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" (originally off </span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Here-Infirmary-Alkaline-Trio/dp/B00005B2XU/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1311557557&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">From Here To Infirmary</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">), stands as another tr</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ack that comes across darker regardless of its slowed tempo and basic nature.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ksy13DPbVkY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">But </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> isn't just a horror movie inspired remake of the Trio's early work. The band also recorded two new tracks including "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFlgbM8Sxoo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I Remember A Rooftop</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">", led by bassist Dan Andriano, which could easily pass as a b-side off the band's last album, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This Addiction</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMD84KnUgNLmkpCc8Ufx-LmVfgN-r8kKq_TysJMdjk22qfRAjNc5da-J_vAGFG1uSF_guo0ktMh1X4XPxNlljeQxqTh6Ro4ZLh2Djh0M7EAX7D1Y1wVCv2zNUehht_yb7eClOT2fQoeR41/s200/alkalinetrio2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5633100852356200338" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The other track, "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTAOMZHHtGM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Olde English 800</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" is a short, comical nod to the malt liquor. If anything, its lightheartedness gives you a break from the nonstop bones, blood, death theme that runs through the rest of the record. Tack onto that a cover of The Violent Femmes "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4SQHloyXQo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I Held Her In My Arms</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" and </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> starts to feel more than just a rerelease.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Overall, the record should please most fans. Everyone always wants to hear a band play the "older stuff" anyway - and that's certainly taken care of here. Songs like "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaL4LP6FUo8&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mercy Me</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">", "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riLUSPlyFWM&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The American Scream</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" and "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkocZvQdJj4&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Calling All Skeletons</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" round out the band's newer material as well. And perhaps the best part of this record is that, while it's stuff you've already heard, it's presented in a new way.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If there's any band that can make lyrics about death sound so fresh, it's Alkaline Trio. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Damnesia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is a perfect addition to your heart and skull collection.</span></div></span></span>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-68566583456121581352011-07-15T21:50:00.012-04:002011-07-17T13:04:45.847-04:00Blink-182, "Up All Night" Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's been eight years since we last heard any new material from </span><a href="http://www.blink182.com/tour/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">blink-182</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. But Thursday night's premiere of the band's new song, "</span><a href="http://www.blink182.com/upallnight/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Up All Night</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">", solidified the resurgence of blink's presence in the 2011 rock game. </span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFluhEAYOF0c3HPud7zeBaDqtW974NNR9GgcdXZQn6as1pPllzCTWe3lrSr0QYZLY8Go1YYNJ7lSGDxicDTwo7BmcB7ACURvX3o4H2R2gFB39m8Hvssftl0qdwVz5Eocd5babdkK5VbqTP/s200/Blink-182-Up-All-Night_original.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629782850987123730" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While "Up All Night" is only a taste of what's to come off their new record, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Neighborhoods</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (</span><a href="http://propertyofzack.com/post/7652299445/blink-182-album-title-tentative-release-date"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">tentatively set</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> for release on September 27), it gives the blink community an idea of the direction the band are moving. With each member of the trio bringing significantly different influences to the table this time around, many critics and fans are being quick to label the new song as a recycled version of previous side-project material - which may or may not be a suitable description.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The track opens up quite heavy. It's far from the lighthearted pop-punk blink became famous on, but at the same</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">time it doesn't sound like a stretch. Remember, their last album was littered with darker and harder material, i.e. - "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgnsq2m95p8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Obvious</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">", "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrTZT49u0kM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Down</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" and "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q06crlaTuFQ"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Violence</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">". The intro, which lasts around 30 seconds, is a heavily distorted and choppy mix of chords and drum beats.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If there's one thing that's evident from this track, it's that blink aren't afraid to try new instrumentation and pedal configurations. There's a lot of ear candy present. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The verses have a familiar feel to them. With guitarist Tom DeLonge and bass</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ist Mark Hoppus trading off on lines throughout the verse, "Up All Night" starts sounding more like a Boxcar Racer song ("</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCW8fmq39So"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tiny Voices</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">") than anything else. There's a certain rhythm that's undeniably blink-182.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLUyms-CLymh3iU5A9LPrcPJIGfQf1YIX7O9K7DkPHukLGcBS7-9eQnalkb61YbdcZx0E1OwauakGSpRkNoHgvl8xwjSb4iL3c4uunND-OBOVZK6PiNDDVPaNXiL5xG3ak6Rb127qYHWz/s200/blink182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629783411103789058" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">The chorus is so</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">mewhat subdued. DeLonge, along with his airy vocal approach, take us through what sounds not too far from some</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">thing in the Angels & Airwaves discography ("</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz2ykckmHwc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Do It For Me Now</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">"). And somehow, after the weakened chorus, the track leaps right back into the heavy intro.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">The track is sort of a hodgepodge of sounds. It's eclectic in itself - an array of different songwriting techniques that takes a truly talented band to pull off. But </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">despite having so many layers, it still remains catchy.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Whether you like the track or not, let's not let "Up All Night" decide the fate of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Neighborhoods</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. If blink's </span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blink-182/dp/B0000DZDTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310785858&sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Untitled</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> record was any indication, this band are as multifaceted as they come. "Up All Night" is simply one eleventh of what's probably going to be one of the most mature, intense and eclectic records blink have ever put out. Get stoked.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><object height="81" width="100%"><param name="movie" value="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F19060461&"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed allowscriptaccess="always" height="81" src="http://player.soundcloud.com/player.swf?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F19060461&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"></embed></object><span><a href="http://soundcloud.com/upxallxnight/blink-182-up-all-night">Blink-182 Up All Night</a> by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/upxallxnight">UpxAllxNight</a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Lyrics:</span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Everyone wants to call it all around our life with a better name<br />Everyone falls and spins and gets up again with a friend who does the same<br />Everyone lies and cheats their wants and needs and still believes their heart<br />And everyone gets the chills, the kind that kills when the pain begins to start<br /><br />Lets get this straight, do you want me here?<br />As I struggle through each and every year<br />and all these demons, they keep me up all night.<br />They keep me up all night.<br />They keep me up all night.<br /><br />Everyone's cross to bear's a crown they wear on endless holiday<br />Everyone raises kids in a world that changes life to a bitter game<br />Everyone works and fights, stays up all night, to celebrate the day<br />And everyone lives to tell the tale of how we die alone some day<br /><br />Lets get this straight, do you want me here?<br />As I struggle through each and every year,<br />And all these demons, they keep me up all night.<br />They keep me up all night.<br />They keep me up all night.</span> </span></i></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-8968018867934763012011-07-03T23:32:00.001-04:002011-07-03T23:39:22.147-04:00What's Left Of The Political-Punk Scene?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Music and politics have always gone hand-in-hand. And certainly, the punk-rock community has been at the forefront of the confrontation. With bands like Anti-Flag, Rise Against, Bad Religion, Against Me! and Green Day leading the fight today, it seems like the fuse is burning brighter than ever.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 211px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXEeX5RcQwI1l1oCezlGqAJ2BKGej_UFXMcsxLXnFYtuH176vc-y31KwWeIdMuCvW7-_VgnYJRhXTrYl7W-mmivOOCTmE3k_Y-rTE34G5OUFPTEkBmDmjGADAh04Fty-s58U0h1SsmbjY/s320/logo-heart-fist.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625333057875897858" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But can the efforts of these bands and others resonate with not only fans, but also within the political realm? In other words, is any of this really making a difference?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For the answer to that, you really have to look past the songs and albums. After all, the message is usually clear with many of these political-punks. To see if the bands and the genre of music really are causing a stir, take a look at the little things the bands are doing - working with political groups, attending rallies and generally being outspoken outside of their recordings.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A few months back it seemed like the world was thrown into an upheaval of revolutions and political unrest from the Middle East to the United States. Leading the rush at home were the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/12/us-wisconsin-protests-idUSTRE72B2AN20110312">Wisconsin protests</a> against Governor Scott Walker's decision to place certain monetary restrictions on the state's unions. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This eventually gained national coverage and seemed to have struck a chord within our music scene, as well. Rise Against lead singer and Chicago native Tim McIlrath made an appearance during the rally (taking time out from finishing his band's latest release, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Endgame-Rise-Against/dp/B004J21HMK/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1300161524&sr=1-1">Endgame</a></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) and joined the protest. Before jumping into a cover of Neil Young's classic, "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdVMGKOFIwY"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ohio</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">", McIlrath was greeted by a chant of "Thank you! Thank you!" from the appreciative crowd.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">McIlrath responded by saying, "It's an honor to be here today with so many people who give a shit about the direction of our world and the direction of this city in particular. It's an honor. I'm proud to be here. Thank you for having me."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qk5p6u-JWmw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Don't think this was an isolated event for McIlrath or the scene in general. Even those in bands that don't exhibit a political standing have stepped up to the plate to defend democracy and human rights. Back in 2009, musicians from bands as eclectic as blink-182, Bayside, Motion City Soundtrack and Anberlin took to their Twitter accounts to <a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2009/06/green-with-democracy.html">protest against a reportedly rigged presidential election in Iran</a>.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">By throwing a shade of green over their profile pictures (the official color for the democratic movement) the band members made it known that their political viewpoints toward the election corresponded with that of the Iranian people's. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It may have been a small gesture, but when you have thousands, or even millions, of followers on the social networking site, the ideology you project can have a profound influence on people across the globe. Don't forget, the Middle Eastern protests of this year were essentially <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/11/egypt-facebook-revolution-wael-ghonim_n_822078.html">put together via social networking sites</a>.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These two examples may seem fairly insignificant to the big picture, but the fact of the matter is that things like this are going on everyday in the scene. With the amount of records being put out, the influence of movements like the <a href="http://takeactiontour.com/">Take Action Tour</a> and the small hand that independent groups have within the music and political scenes, the message is getting across.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perhaps it's not the big picture that's worth changing. Maybe it's just reaching common people that has the punk-rock community so grounded in the political atmosphere. Changing one life can go a long way, and what better way to do it than through music with a message?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">**</span><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Backstage Press would like to thank our correspondent D.L. for suggesting this topic</span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">**</span></span></div></div></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-25295444210981765652011-06-30T16:21:00.000-04:002011-06-30T16:26:45.223-04:00Taking Back Sunday - Self-Titled Record Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's not easy to be </span><a href="http://www.takingbacksunday.com/home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Taking Back Sunday</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Since releasing </span><i><a href="http://www.takingbacksunday.com/store/product/tell-all-your-friends-cd"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tell All Your Friends</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> back in 2002, the band have endured a staggering number of lineup changes, feuds with other notable acts and a sound that differed with almost every release. But regardless of the constant turmoil, the Long Island outfit have managed to gain a worl<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuko9CY8CgmojQl_yZ4EpILXJWq5VB57YzbyF7eCwpFUgflHx-4YiVl9qqqOB5P86FEc0TrsPSauWnStRAALjq5TAJPTlc2aO_RKeIavPQteqkQW8aWvmQuYFiVE5ptU0ptmQihmZDb0b/s200/Taking-Back-Sunday-self-titled.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624110861756321074" />dwide fan base that has been eagerly awaiting the release of the band's new </span><i><a href="http://www.takingbacksunday.com/store/product/taking-back-sunday-cd-only"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Self-Titled</span></a></i><a href="http://www.takingbacksunday.com/store/product/taking-back-sunday-cd-only"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> album</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/matt_rubano_and_matt_fazzi_out_of_taking_back_sunday_john_nolan_and_shaun_c/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">TBS reinstated</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> guitarist John Nolan and bassist Shaun Copper (both of whom made up the original TBS lineup) in early 2010 after letting go of Matt Fazzi and Matt Rubano. And in the almost year-and-a-half since bringing the two originators back, the band have been touring and excessively working on the new album - one that was promised to be one of TBS' best pieces of work so far. </span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So how does it stack up to the band's 2009 release, </span><i><a href="http://www.takingbacksunday.com/store/product/new-again-cd-only"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">New Again</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">? Better yet, c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">an it measure up to </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tell All Your Friends</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> - the only other record to be released featuring all five current TBS members.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Well, this album certainly feels nothing like </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">New Again</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. In place of the almost slowed down and lighthearted structure found on that record, TBS have come back swinging with a much darker and resilient chunk of rock 'n' roll. It's not punk-rock, it's not hardcore and it's not alternative - it's somewhere in between all of that.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z300zmq1XTo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Nolan's familiar screams and backups only help to accentuate lead singer Adam Lazzara's emotionally sparked vocals. In that respect, the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Self-Titled</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> effort is on par with </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tell All Your Friends</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. But lyrically, the new record comes across as a more mature sounding TBS. It's not necessarily as literal as some of the band's earlier work. The record wrestles with ideas of religion, happiness and the past, while at most times being open to interpretation. There's a lot going on throughout the album, and the message isn't always clear - a testament to Lazzara's heightened understanding of poetic license. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But musically, the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Self-Titled</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> release should please fans. Pair mosh-ready choruses like that found on "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbnb4wBbMD0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This All Now</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">" with the many singalong breakdowns ("</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA34VORZRi8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sad Savior</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">") and you're bound to get a record that will resonate with TBS followers. This album dances with the more technical side of the band. Look for a lot of lead guitars, overdriven amps and snare work.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-giGISOs65dmZiNAN1hRdnbynizLQ2dJ2jeS2m27AokQzVwLjheLVWKxDO2EDbbRMg7wELQlFUE7t8oEVq4jpcQBcpIVmI3kJ-ZbrabPKag5sWx4SFTGzQoYokRwDSzvU26uE6s1efs5/s200/Taking%252BBack%252BSunday%252BTBS%252B2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624110613555841730" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most of the songs on </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Self-Titled</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> should translate well to the band's live show. TBS have tried out a number of new songs during their last few tours, and they come across as much more energetic and lively when compared to other recent works in the band's collection.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All in all, this release will mark another interesting chapter in the book of TBS. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">While this new, but original, slice of the band is refreshing, it certainly won't define the them. They've managed to say goodbye to their emo-infused past while embracing a purely rock 'n' roll mindset. But let's face it, while a grownup sound might be the new face of TBS from now on, no one's ever going to forget those mic-swinging emo kids from Long Island.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-64790922741096644842011-06-29T16:57:00.000-04:002011-06-29T17:01:53.902-04:002011 Warped Tour Preview<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The </span><a href="http://vanswarpedtour.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Vans Warped Tour</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> kicked off its 17th summer on the road last Friday in Dallas, Texas. And with that sort of longevity comes change. Let's face it, this isn't the same tour that started almost two decades ago.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_YTRuequu8CLZncxsIeglCe4VJSk0MiJBJ9ZX0Q_woxfGVRC4XANDBfVzZOysg1YBdaX1KQ4pQPG9DsOtjtif3VTBpoWraegvQZGOf54CSOsI_ZP4nDM75ikyeXirHCfl4hPNe9AehTQ/s200/warped1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623747755683017778" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">For many, Warped Tour has represented the punk mentality. A day at Warped is a sweat-filled, filthy free-for-all wrapped around a music scene that celebrates outcasts. But in recent years, the tour has suffer</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">ed a backlash of </span><a href="http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/2011/06/the_five_best_and_five_worst_b.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">harsh words and criticism</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> from the now grown-up teens that were there when the tour began.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bands like Bad Religion, blink-182, NOFX, Rancid and MXPX were once the punk leading acts that drove the tour, and essentially gave it its reputation for mohawks and studded belts. Replace that with some of the more recent acts on Warped - Katy Perry, 3OH!3, Blood </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">On The Dance Floor, ext. - and you're bound to witness a changing demographic of fans attending the shows.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But does this wave of electro-pop-rap-punk mean that Warped has officially seen better days? Not necessarily. While yes, the majority of fans attending Warped just to see these new school acts are in fact younger than the tour itself, it'd be crazy to write Warped off as outdated or completely irrel</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">evant to the scene today.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lets' take a look at the high points of this summer's tour. All you pop-punk lifers should be stoked on Set Your Goals, The Wonder Years and A Day To Remember, who are all playing the entire tour. These bands are offering fresh, new music without losing sight of where they came from. No frills, no makeup, no computerized tracks playing over the live set - just a few guitars, a bass and a drum kit. Keeping it simple is back in style.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">For those of you that need something heavier, Warped has got you covered. The Devil Wears Prada will be there from day one offering up a mosh-worthy set on the Main Stage. Add to that the Craig Owens fronted supergroup D.R.U.G.S. and the Pennsylvania outfit, August Burns Red, and you hardcore kids have got a full day ahead of you.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IfGOhx4GNuQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">No Warped Tour would be complete without some of its originators - those bands there from the very beginning that seem to show up on the bill year after year. Less Than Jake certainly fill that spot in 2011. But with some other old school acts thrown in the mix like Against Me! and the Street Dogs, even the most jaded ex-Warped attendee might consider showing face th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">is summer.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And let's not forget some of the newer acts out there this year that are worth your time. Terrible Things are the </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spS0Rgs6NQs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">can't-miss act of the summer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Bringing a straight up rock 'n' roll element to the tour, you'll want to make sure these guys are on your Warped itinerary. Some other fresh faces to see include Falling In Reverse, who are ready to take back the metal core contingent of the tour.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXupC44JZuNAIvQhWTNmyBv5Esie1C54fQ5c7oSWLTyD6L9pw-M8JT4IaL8j88o4-GiZhCw72IiMC1toaldUMP2Il9Y5yAXiv8Di2CMJti0PhNuBXfnPAsPfEWgeOKgsb7TEOGeO7tr2AD/s200/5869025721_65444aa929.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623747517484128194" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In terms of the actual musi</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">c that makes up the festival, the 2011 Warped Tour stands as eclectic as ever. Undoubtedly, organizers will aim for the youth demographic. It seems the new wave acts of recent years are here to stay. After all, they do bring in an awful lot of money. But Warped hasn't l</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ost sight of its past. This year again is packed with notable acts from the punk and alternative scenes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fact of the matter is that no one is ever going to be crazy about the entire lineup. There are 114 bands this year alone that will be making appearances on Warped. With those kinds of numbers it will be easy to avoid those acts you want nothing to do with. So if you're thinking about going to Warped Tour this summer, don't get caught up hating those bands you don't want to see. Concentrate on spending your day seeing those acts that will make Warped as fun this year as it was the first time you went.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-1286176157928869172011-06-16T06:15:00.000-04:002011-06-16T06:15:01.116-04:00The Wonder Years - Suburbia Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The last year and a half has been monumental for the Philadelphia outfit, </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thewonderyears"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Wonder Years</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Their 2010 release, </span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Upsides-Wonder-Years/dp/B003WR9ND8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308181954&sr=8-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Upsides</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, has become the new standard in pop-punk. The record wove together lyrics about lif<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV4qoBVwbr5FPA6BggsTPtpAWGOvMBta4PNdf67NNBg8e7woHRLXEfGF3RcLywicwU1gbBXchRMyOBynlur-MiHqaa9hXdT6gZyvpQIc9WPkyp_UqA7II3KRQrV6s0xLwrJu1B38Fnfj1S/s200/The-Wonder-Years-Suburbia-Ive-Given-You-All-And-Now-Im-Nothing.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618605080362591954" />e, touring, friendship, relationships and surviving your mid-20s without hiding behind a veil of words and similes. It quickly became the most straightforward and honest record the scene had received in years - thus gaining the band national exposure and a growing fan base.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So with the release of The Wonder Years' latest album, </span><i><a href="http://nosleepstore.com/product/569"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia: I've Given You All and Now I'm Nothing</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, the pressure was on to make a pop-punk masterpiece capable of topping </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Upsides</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Fans would ultimately be looking for something </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">catchy, deeply relatable and on par with the band's ear</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lier work. So did TWY pull it off?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One listen through the new record and it becomes clear that once again we are met with the more intimate side of vocalist Dan "Soupy" Campbell's lyrics. Whether the topic concerns an ex-girlfriend, questioning where home is or whatever happened to the homeless guy that slept in Memorial Park, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> has a way of placing you in the shoes of its outspoken lyricist.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The album's opening track, "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwACX3ZHtBc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Came Out Swinging</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">", gives perspective on what the band have been up to over the last year. It begs the question of where home really is. There's an internal struggle going on that's no doubt brought upon by the band's burgeoning success and non-stop tour schedule. "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I came out swinging from a South Philly basement caked in stale beer and sweat under half-lit fluorescents/And I spent the winter writing songs about getting better/Well, if I'm being honest, I'm getting there</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It seems that </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> always keeps </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Upsides</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in mind. "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAk_KT17YXo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Local Man Ruins Everything</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">", one of the album's best tracks, combats the "I'm not sad anymore" mantra with a look into what happened when they finally turned the Logan Circle fountain off and it was time to get back to real life.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Perhaps the most out out place song on the record comes at the middle. "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66XuwuUHh4o&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I Won't Say The Lord's Prayer</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" is the "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LuBLpnp7Ck"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dynamite Shovel</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" of </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. It's the band's obligatory song on what they don't like about Christianity. And while the music itself is catchy, the topic just seems overdone and misplaced. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> wrestles with finding home and making a life for yourself w</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hile in a touring band. To drag religion into it again, with virtually the same message, feels like a stretch and makes this one of the more forgettable tracks on the record.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The second half of the album jumps back to that original high intensity level. "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3xmjFj-wvM"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Coffee Eyes</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" explodes in a dark, but quick, introspective </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">on what its like to have some structure in the place you grew up. Later on, "</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1IiQRQXI-8"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hoodie Weather</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">" again takes a stab at what it means to be home and the notion that somewhere else is always better. Is the grass really greener on the other side?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCO-CqLMyVmjWJApPKld0OuMFc88tX6eN9CDt8leqkkxoBySD26ZxrkegMc-IpNyBUZ_zngOordxfC7BhN5hURGUzb-krg9A8Y9Gojm2Oi2XAfWZZq2S7xESCtX2nvIFB_X-iEnxmj1TCV/s200/TheWonderYears620USE-620x400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618604517235071074" /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Musically, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">is as catchy as </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/twypoppunk"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">TWY</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">'s earlier work. There are plenty of layered guitar tracks, bass breakdowns and lots of quick, con</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">cise </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">drumming. This is an album that was made for the stage. There are no frills or tricks anywhere that would lead you to believe this record was made by a computer rather than musicians. The band have stayed as honest musically as they have lyrically - a trend that's undoubtedly catching on again as witnessed by their growing success in recent years.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So how does </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> measure up to </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Upsides</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">? Well, it's not </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Upsides</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Don't expect anything to blow your mind or change the face of pop-punk... again. However, this is a meaningful record for the scene. It's a natural progression for the band. With </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Suburbia</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> it seems that TWY have found their stride. This record is the next ste</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">p in building a </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">solid and memorable discography that might someday influence a whole new wave of pop-punk lifers.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's worth having in your collection.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-27590403095228094352011-06-13T19:23:00.009-04:002011-06-14T21:30:22.580-04:00Video Interview With Happy Body Slow Brain<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It's not easy to break into the music world. With the accessibility fans have to getting your m<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNh5dCAYViOyJJaH7eEH3RBtTByZIsnkCXslcW8XFwOVY8M3lmc4A0nmykPAOuffuuWVR-mFCRwFfUA0XorEPCCKn7oULo54Kz_CDKgQB1IkACe3SPWLwvBkXgHdKHOaL-rBn6ncRz469/s200/happybodyslowbrain.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618250904497240210" />usic, often time for little to no money, the outrageous cost of touring and trying to hold down a solid lineup of band members, the industry can often feel like a daunting career. But inevitably, there will be some who refuse to give up trying- building their band one fan at a time.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/HBSBmusic">Happy Body Slow Brain</a> are one of those bands. The do-it-yourself outfit comprised of ex-Taking Back Sunday guitarist/vocalist <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mattfazzi">Matt Fazzi</a>, guitarist/keyboardist Isaac Bolivar and a rotating group of drummers and bassists have spent the better part of the last year and a half writing, recording and touring the entire United States in hopes of gaining a concrete fan base nationwide.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The band released their debut album, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://happybodyslowbrain.com/merch/">Dreams Of Water</a></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, last fall. Taking a step away from the alternative sounds of Taking Back Sunday, Fazzi and crew opted for a more synthetic mix of guitars, keyboards and experimental drum beats. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JeJggLfT7n4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Ultimately, the decision to shy away from the norm has left the band off the beaten path, but they seem happier than ever. In a recent interview with the band, Fazzi told Backstage Press, "It's a refreshing experience to have a DIY thing and really play music that gets me excited. To have a support system like I do with my fiancée, and with my friends and being in a band with other like-minded musicians just </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">makes the whole thing a lot easier."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHetQojE59JTocGoY-0PJ-Yt_rx-mgk0eeHBvgrCrXn-WI9sPkyfi7P_9_Keh23FnOn7OoqAKYgMeGWRvDPpINoUHP8r0EvuI6JMtVyQdVNbNiVl1BVDqlHXO-eIbw80U1h01CW8dA6Awp/s200/1172022712-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618250608387004770" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"It's such a contrast going from Taking Back Sunday to kind of starting over," continued Fazzi, "but it's like the most rewarding contrast ever because I really get to forge my own path and do it the way I really want to do it."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And the hard work and determination seem to be paying off. At the end of the month, HBSB will be hitting the road with the Rx Bandits - a group that has played a vital role in influencing Fazzi along his musical career. After wrapping up that tour, Fazzi mentioned he will continue writing and hopes to get into the studio by the end of the year to begin work on the band's sophomore effort. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For more on HBSB, visit <a href="http://happybodyslowbrain.com/"><b>http://happybodyslowbrain.com</b></a></span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-9181332064413729102011-06-07T21:20:00.015-04:002011-06-09T14:37:58.042-04:00Your Summer Pop-Punk Playlist 2011<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Summer is here, which means warm weather. And warm weather means pop-punk. So we at Backstage Press have racked our iTunes accounts, old mix CDs and depths of the internet for the best in new, old and maybe even some forgott</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">en about pop-punk tunes. Bump this playlist and you're bound to get your summer started off right. Enjoy.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITc35r6kXw0SOjkPR0DWoaG7Su2EPFT25Rj6qtcaa3igUaGQpP8tfHTxEDGjN4lBFMSCn6cTZyqkIL-AZL4k1grx-5muGllCK_Fn71HoCRBl31nHof9htsjRcPaiCHg3srSO5BiK3Cik3/s400/The%252BWonder%252BYears%252Btwybbq2010_flattened1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616288177335573826" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(The Wonder Years know how to throw a summer BBQ)</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHxTQASxosA"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Harbor Water" - Handguns</b></span></a></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Off the Pennsylvania outfit's first EP, "Harbor Water" sums up all that is pop-punk. It's quick, catchy and written about a girl. It's everyt</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hing you need to get your summer going. With hooks and lyrics reminiscent of some early New Found Glory tunes, your friends will definitely be asking, "Who's this?" at the next BBQ. Also, max combo points to you for picking up on this up-and-coming group of dudes.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7hhDINyBP0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"The Rock Show" - blink-182</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A pop-punk summer anthem. This two-minute and fifty-two-second track celebrates being young by wrapping together lyrics about summer love, friendship, the Warped Tour and a certain sense of recklessness that reminds us all that sometimes it's okay to blow off responsibility and have little fun. Paired with an upbeat tempo, "The Rock Show" will always be a popular summer favorite. Plus it's blink, and you've got to get ready for their summer tour somehow.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.myspace.com/thistimenextyear/music/songs/mischief-with-no-direction-58025513"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Mischief With No Direction" - This Time Next Year</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The song title says it all. Remember driving around town with your friends late at night with nothing to do? Maybe you still do that. Either way, it inevitably led to some sort of trouble that you got into. And this track by pop-punkers This Time Next Year pays homage to those fond memories you've made while you're busy doing nothing. So why not add it to the playlist and cause a little trouble this summer?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMqnfGjfn4M"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Up & Go" - The Starting Line</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ah, summer 2002. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The humble beginnings of The Starting Line brought us some of their best and most loved pop-punk. "Up & Go", the opening track off the band's first full-length, is an honest look into young love and loss. It's catchy with no real frills or tricks - just a few guitars, a bass and drums. And with TSL announcing that their </span><a href="http://propertyofzack.com/post/6289676622/the-starting-line-discuss-being-active-once-again"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">hiatus is coming to a close</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, it's time to get stoked on having these pop-punk forefathers back for good.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfcLcDBII78"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"My Friends Over You" - New Found Glory</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">No pop-punk playlist would be complete without a New Found Glory hit. And by now you've probably had your fill of sappy love songs. Well, here's your redemption. "My Friends Over You" is about just that - choosing your friends over your significant other. So when summer love has got you bummed, keep this one on repeat and go hang with your friends. It's too hot to hold anyone's hand anyway.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAk_KT17YXo"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Local Man Ruins Everything" - The Wonder Years</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You loved the show growing up, you're going to love the band, too. "Local Man", which finds itself on the Philadelphia outfit's upcoming release, is one of the most honest and straightforward pieces of pop-punk of the last decade. Lyrically, it's insanely relatable and comes packed with a great message. Even if your summer ends up sucking, remember, "It's not about forcing happiness. It's about not letting sadness win."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsVK6upFvck&feature=fvst"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"All Signs Point To Lauderdale" - A Day To Remember</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stuck in your hometown for the summer? Hate it? No worries, throw on ADTR's "All Signs Point To Lauderdale" and grab a map. This track definitely comes in as the playlist's hardest song, but it's still packed with plenty of hooks that will remind you why it's pop-punk. It's your total cure-all for those geographical woes. So jump in your car, crank this and take that well deserved road trip.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Dvt5q0L1WE"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Growing Up" - Fall Out Boy</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Remember when Fall Out Boy actually played pop-punk (back when they were actually still a band, of course)? Well, if you do, you'll want this track on your playlist. Coming off the band's first two EPs, "Growing Up" recalls a time when you could find great pop-punk coming from any small club or basement around town. Forget arena shows, clothing companies and lewd photos leaked across the internet, this was Fall Out Boy at their finest. Oh, nostalgia.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0G6pFc7lEc"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"Wasting Time (Eternal Summer)" - Four Year Strong</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A new breed of pop-punk is upon us, kids. And it comes decked out in band shirts and beards. Four Year Strong struck gold with "Wasting Time", which chronicles a summer full of freedoms and firsts. Balanced with quick, chugging guitars and gritty vocals, this track is anthemic in its pop-punk approach. Note, this song lends itself perfectly to steering wheel drumming and air guitar. So be sure to rock out with your buddies on the way to the beach.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qd3dgB_ocQs"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b>"The Future Freaks Me Out" - Motion City Soundtrack</b></span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Nothing wrong with adding a little quirky twist into the mix. Motion City Soundtrack have always been known for their offbeat antics and fun music. "The Future Freaks Me Out" is the perfect singalong song for you and your friends. Packed with a two-part vocal breakdown, a chorus just about everyone knows and that catchy keyboard, and this track almost seems like a no-brainer for your playlist.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-48421893075435458782011-05-25T16:40:00.008-04:002011-05-25T19:31:13.585-04:00Thrown To The Lions' Den<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSuXYDgXEdCz9OAt7QkBR6VbUl7j07vbALLsVDm1t6cJie1cENIPwfn5F5UB3nQ7wtRCd_MqmJ6cOLgLJpMWv2nrQJNn1lZV9VrcodAkjjC_ZPjLxSQMzweRkI7t3tNnxlBC2RKdkFSFZ/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610798171952951842" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">On May 17, Vancouver pop-punk band </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/livingwithlions"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Living With Lions</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> released their second full-length record, </span><i><a href="http://store.adelinerecords.net/products/living-with-lions-holy-shit"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Holy Sh*t</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> (</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2011/05/living-with-lions-album-review.html">read Backstage Press' rev</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2011/05/living-with-lions-album-review.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">iew</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">). And in the eight days the album has been on shelves, it's managed to upset a whole lot of people and even pro</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">mpt a recall of hard copies from retailers.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Why, you ask? Well, it's not because of the music, but rather the album's artwork and a tiny little stamp on it that reads, "Canada." </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That's right, the artwork has been deemed religiously offensive by some. This is in part to the record's resemblance to a Bible - complete with the words "Holy Sh*t" on the cover, a subtitle </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Poo Testament</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, yellowed pages, a cracked binding and a depiction of Jesus as fecal matter ascending to Heaven.</span></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYchYhhOKx5oDFeFSV2CTgyQf5KxWu7oy0Y5mzW1oe5cCXAbfZdBUpvEHDCGcGaN08VX_lGvem4dKtVNqLlhxowLtRJObGxyit9tq-qNgDEVujI8iW-wXfPSd5-iuS27mVdxfAX3mMzZv/s200/ascension-thumb-480x642.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610797950569024962" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All in good fun? An artistic, yet silly, form of expression? The Canadian government didn't think so. Remember that little <a href="http://blogs.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2011/05/canadian_government_holy_shit_album.php">"Canada" stamp</a> we mentioned before? That wasn't the band trying to show some love for their home country, but rather Canada's official seal that appears on any federally backed recording.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The recording of</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Holy Sh*t</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> was partially funded by a government grant of $13,248. Th</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">e money came from a private, yet federally funded, non-profit organization called FACTOR (</span><a href="http://www.factor.ca/Default.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Foundation Assi</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.factor.ca/Default.aspx"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">sting Canadian Talent on Recordings</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So naturally, when some people objected to the controversial artwork, they blamed the government for funding the album. The band's label, <a href="http://www.blackboxrec.com/">Black Box Recordings</a>, has since pulled the record from retail shelves in Canada, and are urging international sellers to do the same. The band released </span><a href="http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/living_with_lions_issue_statement_over_album_artwork_controversy/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a statement</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> regarding the matter:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLrFZKxKLFJ3eiQPuUUTnt_KYERyOTkZCVl1BqL0quyI-oetuS3Ze-nuWqoXzQrl2nhFxmoE8d6yTRLnq6yCVDUZBBLFyM4TI1bVOqGmwBMOmf_zn2acS6yZTgpBlM9hehhYWjpqycfNFU/s200/linernotes-thumb-480x642.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610797299237456898" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"The content of our artwork for our new recording was created out of our passion for satire an</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">d absurdist humor. The lyrical and musical content of this record does not contain any commentary on religion, nor does it use a pejorative or malicious voice against any particular group of people (excluding possibly some of our ex-girlfriends)."</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The band have also decide</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">d to entirely return the funding so that they may re-release the album without the government stamp, thus allowing the record to, "forever remain true to the original for</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">mat."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This raises an interesting question for the art and music worlds. When is art art? Can it go too far, and when? And also, can government have a say in what a piece of art, album cover or not, can depict if it is federally funded?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We want to know what you think. Did Living With Lions cross a line? Should the Canadian government have the right to censor the artwork </span><a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/Vancouver+punk+band+draws+heritage+minister/4806396/story.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">they personally deemed, "offensive"</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">? What would you do in this situation? Hit us up with your comments, and </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BackstagePress"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">follow us on Twitter</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for any updates to this story.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-59209619823549347882011-05-23T23:57:00.001-04:002011-05-24T01:55:38.172-04:00Honda Civic Tour To Feature blink-182<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">That's right, the rumors are true. The </span></span><a href="http://civictour.honda.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2011 Honda Civic Tour</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> will be featuring </span></span><a href="http://civictour.honda.com/bands/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">blink-182</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> along with co-headliners, </span></span><a href="http://www.mychemicalromance.com/news"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My Chemical Romance</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGwg4-U5Q0HVhIKZhJ-JdQoTo9YjntamYeJ-AItfFVyBnSYR7plB2wwtT-tak7qZmL5kL4tY2T5iS5FlWeRlE9_hugWFFbjrka1MU1fuTUfGgw1pCQ08NevDyRLywWwo9WM8yntgw52_0/s320/honda-civic-blink-182-tour.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610154411960454402" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="http://www.blink182.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The tour</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> will kick off in early August and run through mid-October, while covering 48 cities in both the US and Canada. Additional supporting acts include Manchester Orchestra, Against Me!, Rancid, and Matt & Kim on select dates throughout the tour.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Honda Civic Tour, and it's obvious its creators decided to go big or go home. Since 2001, this traveling amphitheater tour has hosted some of the largest names in the punk and alternative scenes. </span></span><a href="http://civictour.honda.com/heritage/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tour alum</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> include Fall Out Boy, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, New </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">Found Glory and Good Charlotte, amongst others. In fact, this year's appearance will be blink's second go around at it, as they were part of the very first Honda Civic Tour in '01.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is a surprise move </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">for blink-182 since they recently announced they would be postponing this summer's European tour to finish wor</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">king on their long awaited new record (a followup to 2003's, </span></span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blink-182/dp/B0000DZDTG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Untitled</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">). Bassist Mark Hoppus </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/notes/mark-hoppus/check-it-out/10150203985197409"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">took to the internet</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> this evening to clear up the confusion.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aWUwsj2303A?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">"[The Honda Civic Tour] was booked ALONGSIDE the UK/European dates, a long time ago," wrote Hoppus. "We did NOT book the US tour after deciding to postpone the UK/European dates." He later stated that the band wanted to solely focus on producing a quality album before hitting the road again, and that fans should be expecting the new record soon.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Now there's a hard deadline for the album to be turned in, and it will be released during our US tour." </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In their </span></span></span><a href="http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/blink-182_reschedule_summer_tour_of_europe/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">UK/European tour postponement notification</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> a few months back, blink mentioned that they didn't want to tour without new music first being available to fans. And with an </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/kroq/status/70977029557854208"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">announcement from KROQ and drummer Travis Barker</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> last week, it seems </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">that some new blink music, even if it's just one song, is on its way this July or August - right in time for the kickoff of the H</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">onda Civic Tour.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 129px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnogXgi7NKp5jMJe3qR2vDKvhiihOGA2yunrXrdHXl8yPr1RZbpJIbO2gy9_tKuwp12FnpqLn1CeOEjy4juqeBg71eslBiGxa0IwWJGQl1oiEczZEHKNxwYhus7sOle_bPUPb0vMmiufMM/s200/blink182hondacivic620x400-620x400.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610154198421596338" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">Get stoked.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">According to </span></span><a href="http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/blink-182_my_chemical_romance_2011_honda_civic_tour_dates/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Alternative Press</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, presale tickets will be made available for those who are a part of the blink-182 or MCR fans clubs on Monday</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, June 6. Presale tickets will also be accessible on Wednesday, June 8 for fans who "like" the </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/HondaCivicTour"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Honda Civic Tour Facebook profile page</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. General public ticke</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">ts will go on sale for each show on Saturday, June 11.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Check out the dates, locations and supporting acts below.</span></span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/5/11 - Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/6/11 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon Theatre at Jones Beach *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/7/11 - Wantagh, NY @ Nikon Theatre at Jones Beach +</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/9/11 - Boston, MA @ Comcast Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/11/11 - Buffalo, NY @ Darien Lake Performing Arts Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/12/11 - Washington, DC @ Jiffy Lube Live *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/13/11 - Hershey, PA @ Hershey Park Pavilion *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/14/11 - Hartford, CT @ Comcast Theatre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/16/11 - Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/17/11 - Toronto, ON @ Molson Canadian Amphitheatre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/19/11 - St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/20/11 - Chicago, Il @ First Midwest Bank Pavilion *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/21/11 - Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/23/11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater *</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/25/11 - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/26/11 - Saskatoon, SK @ Credit Union Centre %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/27/11 - Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/28/11 - Calgary, AB @ Saddledome %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/30/11 - Victoria, BC @ Save-On Foods Memorial Centre %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">8/31/11 - Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena %^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/1/11 - Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater ^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/3/11 - Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheater ^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/4/11 - Denver, CO @ Comfort Dental Amphitheater ^</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/7/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Xcel Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/8/11 - Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena +</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/9/11 - Kansas City, MO @ Sandstone Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/10/11 - Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/11/11 - Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Centre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/13/11 - Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/15/11 - Pittsburgh, PA @ First Niagara Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">916/11 - Saratoga, NY @ SPAC #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/17/11 - Camden, NJ @ Susquehanna Bank Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/18/11 - Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/20/11 - Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Verizon Wireless Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/21/11 - Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/23/11 - Miami, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheater #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/24/11 - Tampa, FL @ 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/26/11 - Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/27/11 - Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/29/11 - Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">9/30/11 - Phoenix, AZ @ Tempe Beach Park Amph. # (</span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">MCR </span></span></i></b><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">will not</span></span></b></i><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> be playing</span></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">)</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/1/11 - Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/2/11 - Sacramento, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/4/11 - Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/5/11 - Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/7/11 - Las Vegas, NV @ Red Rock Resort, Spa & Casino #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/8/11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl #</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">10/15/11 - San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre #</span></span></li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">* </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Manchester Orchestra </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">% </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Against Me!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">^</span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Rancid</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"># </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-Matt & Kim</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">+ </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">-To Be Announced</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-72234723951590319752011-05-21T23:34:00.000-04:002011-05-21T23:35:26.817-04:00Exclusive Late Nite Wars Interview<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/latenitewars"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Late Nite Wars</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> have certainly had enough practice leading up to their first full-length release, </span><i><a href="http://www.panicrecords.net/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_11&products_id=406&zenid=rj4gbq1vqmntmmf7oqjhslv747"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Who's Going To Miss You If You Go?</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. They've been together since 2008, played countless shows nationwide and have three E<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZW-F2RyFjoN4dxoSvSHDQnCCbw5gdTGUmpgfzUgm3ZVVl-KA1VAbHIFDuweBNkYLEVkF-M4ZWKRW9UJsfFqppC1dN3ESossTnvtJruWbJ7H8kS-ClKYYX8zrpfWLBZJOryZWwCcGxQl4/s200/late-night-wars-whos-going.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609375515453735922" />Ps to their name thus far.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">And with that experience comes the pressure to live up to expectations from both </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">fans and themselves. So when the band entered the studio, they set a goal of completing a full-length </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">album this time around.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"We wanted to write something complete," LNW lead singer Kevin</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Quinn told </span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BackstagePress"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Backstage Press</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. "From the start we were thinking about a record in its entirety, not a song by song basis. I think that's what brought out some creativity."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The record certainly sounds like one solid piece. There are highs and lows, it's fast in spots and slow in others, but perhaps best of all, it sounds like LNW. The Merrimack Valley, MA outfit didn't pull any tricks on </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WGTMYIYG</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Fans of the band's earlier releases will find comfort in this record knowing the band have stuck to their pop-punk roots.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"None of us wanted 13 songs that had the same sound and structure," said </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Quinn, "however, we wanted to stay consistent to what makes us LNW."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 138px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs4wmjYdTP0JW-HLe4bLQiPxuKzZS0kuHCY3VLaPFB7PyUFeLGWanzAaGqWa6CFd1YR4zemgDnlxGfn-uCAuNXp-AWKVxvsUYaWolHtoHX-PD-8jo5X67m0Ep-9kPkmy52zuz2Ve7BEtu/s200/26086_382787821581_25536061581_4412895_2577262_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609375272873019490" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One listen through </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WGTMYIYG</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and it's easy to hear that the band are addressing a number of issues lyrically. What's it like to be a 20-something trying to find yourself? From working jobs you can't stand (which the band still do to support themselves), to failed relationships, the open road, touring and livi</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ng in New England - the record is certainly eclectic in its message.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"It's difficult to say exactly what the influence is for the record because all five of us bring something different," explained Quinn. "But lyrically, the setting is all New England. Many of the songs refer to the weather, and others refer to the landscape. The feel of the season can have such an impact that it's natural that it comes across in the lyrics."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Perhaps that's most evident on the album's fourth track, "Rock, Paper, Bitters". The song opens with, "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It's not hard to see that seasons change your mood/Just not as frequent as the weather/But it's cold and bitter, like these New England winters/It's coming on, and coming strong.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Throwing their surroundings into their music is nothing new for LNW, who have, through all their releases, made an effort to pay homage to the life around them. Whether that's Boston, a local venue, an old college dorm or their favorite karaoke joint, LNW are a band that survive off their locality.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0xlvhfxhnRsmVf6cpO6m-nC43Nhv_0NgVrMDMm45QodlFajhcaUw8AjOidNxvzOkfRF2FWuz6_PRYg8ictFh0O7CjoZpeaq8ymvB11Vy_UWTewhrsCpTl5h6k1VgUmUxqcfbTjjaVM7O/s200/29068_392145896581_25536061581_4626209_1911848_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609374457050200162" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And that sense of locality may be the driving factor in what keeps this band so connected to thei</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">r past. Though </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">WGTMYIYG</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> may be the band's first full-length record, they made the decision to rework three of t</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">heir previously released songs to fit onto the new album - an unmistakable shout out to their beginnings.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">With their last EP set as a precursor to the full-length, it was a no-brainer for the band to add "Work Isn't Working" and "Death By Routine" to the updated track listing. And as for "Dragon The Anchor", Quinn said, "we wanted to record it and see what it would sound like three years later. It's one of our favorite songs to play [live]."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Who's Going To Miss You If You Go?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> has certainly solidified LNW as a pop-punk band that's here to stay. They've challenged themselves musically and lyrically, without losing sense of why they're making music in </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">the first place. The band have certainly moved forward in their approach to leads, rhythms and vocals, but have left enough room to grow in the coming years.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So what's the bottom line? Get to know LNW... now. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To pick up the full-length album, released on </span><a href="http://www.panicrecords.net/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Panic Records</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, click </span><b><i><a href="http://www.panicrecords.net/estore/index.php?main_page=advanced_search_result&search_in_description=1&keyword=late+nite+wars"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HERE</span></a></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Also, make sure to </span><a href="http://www.panicrecords.net/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_10&products_id=410&zenid=rj4gbq1vqmntmmf7oqjhslv747"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">grab the 7" vinyl</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> containing two bonus tracks that weren't quite finished in time to make the May release. You can also stream the entire album </span><b><i><a href="http://www.punknews.org/bands/latenitewars"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HERE</span></a></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-67814527116857776372011-05-14T19:20:00.006-04:002011-05-14T23:41:53.760-04:00Living With Lions Album Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Canadian pop-punk outfit </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/livingwithlions"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Living With Lions</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> may best be known north of the border, far from the sun and palm trees that most newbies associate with the genre, but that's not stopping them from carving out their own piece of pop-punk real estate in 2011 - beards included.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntFLyNshbwRxQ9HwIrr6kYZ-8hoqHpAT3SsZ579Dld1qBHxxy-hHuChkTCkup_GRYenVXz-SARjgiXhWvA5HFpxt6-0bz9h_xjp4aysuIuy9Dzd9kvXmcafg0yVDYn3H8NvzgiGWMztWb/s200/tumblr_lklcc7Xlnv1qzxlbn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606760814647278450" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Living With Lions will be releasing their second full-length album, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://store.adelinerecords.net/t/adeline-records/bands/living-with-lions"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Holy Sh*t</span></a></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, this coming Tuesday. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">dd to that a </span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/livingwithlions/shows"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">current tour</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> with Such Gold, a recently wrapped up slew of dates with The Wonder Years and Firewo</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">rks, and an upcoming appearance at Bledfest, and it's clear LWL are taking North America by storm.</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But will </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Holy Sh*t</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> make the mark when it hits the pop-punk community this week</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">? Will this finally be the record to jump start the band's career outside their home country? If today's resurgence of heartfelt and honest pop-punk records leaves us any clue, then yes.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Holy</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is far from sunny and upbeat. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The album is bursting with grit, catchy hooks and a sense of nostalgia that will inevitably strike a chord with anyone who remembers better days.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Take for instance t</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">he sixth song on the record, "Maple Drive Is Still Alive". There's a mid-20s angst on the track that</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">'s only enhanced by the toe-tapping pop-punk beat. "</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We wasted days away/We kept the evenings long/Shared laughter and letdowns, beat out all the odds/Where are those days?</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The record also broods a sense of toughness between its nostalgic references and general uneasiness about life. Lead singer Stu Ross' vocals are raspy and grittier than most of what's heard in the pop-punk scene today, but it stands to work for the band. This isn't your whiney, south Florida punk. This is Vancouver pop-punk - where winters are cold and beards are thick.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dfERYYcyOW3OTCVA2qb-CS-2Rq3-WrGkeAFsV2pmAWITFmzAfzpnsfOBXjSyBUzjQrkueiV0N0XU1gtxzXO6hSTzxHDMqzPgkhucbCL0hpKnKZycUpvbudTVw7PkRb1TYqOuwMk9wW86/s200/holyshit.PNG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606760447702900738" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So is this record worth </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">y</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">our time? If you're looking for a pop-punk album that you can listen to even when it's snowy and cold out, then </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Holy Sh*t</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> is your answer. Packed with honest lyrics and a tough exterior, this is one album that's versatile enough for all the seasons and all your moods.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Seriously, get stoked on it</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. The band have. The five members even went so far as to tattoo the album's title on their rear ends. Two letters for each member's cheek, with one dude inking the entire release date onto his behind. (</span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPRwmsoXneA&feature=channel_video_title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Watch the LWL tattoo process here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">) Now that's dedication.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">You can also stream the full album </span></span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.muchmusic.com/music/firstspin/livingwithlions/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HERE</span></a></span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-33969587644432236682011-05-07T11:18:00.000-04:002011-05-07T11:34:59.749-04:00Silverstein - Rescue Review<a href="http://www.myspace.com/silverstein"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Silverstein's</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> discography stands as one of the most consistent of any band around today. The Canadian post-hardcore outfit have been dropping full-length albums since 2003, and despite the trends and industry changes over the past eight years, the band have remained true to their sound on each of their five LPs. And wit<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgho1dZwwRAnDr11zN0TdCrivIgdf-i_Iepz3_kAxILERQwvqlTJja0XfSIor7z8mphy8M5VF3lLZiybMcxL2J8JgypuXT-394PGCILOXuiVXTkurdVdnfXfwP154Ps0f1r2hjQcED4Or0V/s200/silverstein-rescue.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603997594572563042" />h their release late last month of </span></span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Silverstein/dp/B004Q6PX6K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1304781757&sr=8-4"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Rescue</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, the band have once again proved that melodic post-hardcore isn't dead - if you're doing it right.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The album simply picks up where Silverstein left off with 2009's release, </span></span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shipwreck-Sand-Silverstein/dp/B001RTCOWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304781792&sr=1-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">A Shipwreck In The Sand</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Rescue</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> is tough and edgy, but comes packed with enough catchiness to grab a wide array of fans from across the scene - as has mostly any of the band's releases. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Take for instance the second track on the record, "</span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jSrqANAY1Q&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sacrifice</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">". It starts out with a fast and technical guitar lead worthy of being called metal. Add to that Shane Told's brutal screams </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">to open up the vocals and the track cert</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">ainly sounds like the sharper side of the band. But when the chorus hits, it's a different story. Told's unmistakable singing takes center stage, over rhythmic and open guitar chords, that will undoubtedly be the singalong anthem of the band's live show.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Top this track off with a breakdown that encompasses everything Silverstein are - chugging rhythmic guitars laced with soaring leads, snare happy percussion and Told's growls that suddenly open up to a melodic hook before transitioning back into the chorus. In one word, balance.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><iframe width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9jSrqANAY1Q?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The aspect about this band that has kept fans coming back album after album is that balance. Silverstein walk a fine line. They're not quite metal. They don't play anything too poppy. There is screaming, but there's also a good amount of singing. Somehow, every record, including </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Rescue</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, has the perfect balance to it. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRlTsxJX0nxC1HHC6_cpHf8740CAWFm9HRi1JqekK4-lGgUSIed7nS1Hya1bb9OX4D3yy8tX93-KZsCQllceSMCKshIxo5TgJwUSbaSPM4SXG_Ccp_vFepN4vwIF_fBGYSZESlK_ABvm-/s200/Silverstein%252B%252B2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603997226719690898" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And this only becomes clearer as you move down the album's track listing. "</span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TllgqYqW4jw&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Burning Hearts</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">", which sounds strangely like a Hawthorne Heights song, adds the pop-rock element to the record that will grab at the emo contingent of Silverstein's fan base. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Further down, "</span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKNfCfPbBW0&feature=related"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Live To Kill</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">" throws out a vicious chorus that any hardcore enthusiast can latch onto and call their own. "</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">We live to kill each other/We are the wealthy and the poor/We shout, but we don't listen/All we want is more</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">".</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Overall, if you've enjo</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">yed anything Silverstein have done in the past, you're going to like </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Rescue</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. This isn't a band trying to reinvent themselves, or push their sound somewhere it shouldn't go. Silverstein have found their niche, and are sticking to it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Their balance and consistency have undoubtedly led to their success. </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Rescue</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> seems fresh, regardless of it sounding like another Silverstein record. Again, a balance between new and old. And certainly, a balance worth your time. </span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-21607549625253495932011-04-28T16:32:00.001-04:002011-04-28T16:34:58.596-04:00Dropkick's Own Ken Casey Opens New Pub In Providence<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ken Casey may be one of Boston's living legends. As the lead singer of the iconic </span><a href="http://www.dropkickmurphys.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Dropkick Murphys</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Casey has long been known for his Irish-infused tunes, affinity for a good pint of beer and love of all things B<img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRcX7lo3PlLx6IBT4f7pyQhNQV2bv8R_PuzH-IAtwqb5q490whn8XgU4sS-fMsvfy6ZIa44qgYDBAZ6Wr1UrpjgjUy81n_L8x-3xdnLVzuCtJkiBkMs8-6XFU8TdYXNJfHfVdMRzOHrzU/s200/securedownload+23-32-25.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600734303447289250" />oston. And having seemingly conquered the world with his band, or at least all of New England and anyone else in America with a shamrock tattoo, now seemed like the right time to do something a bit different.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Last month, Casey shipped down to Providence, Rhode Island for the opening his </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">new pub, </span><a href="http://www.thewhiskeyrepublic.com/index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Whiskey Republic</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. Located on the waterfront, The Whiskey Republic offers patrons a stunning view of the water and old mills in the area, a great selection of beer and liquor, an</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">d a reasonably priced menu.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But more so, Casey wanted his pub to offer Providence all that which makes New England great - music, booze and sports. Tucked away to the right of the entrance is a small corner stage, which plays host to many local and regional acts (including Dropkick on the pub's opening night). For a fu</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">ll list of events, click </span><b><a href="http://www.thewhiskeyrepublic.com/eventscalendar.asp"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">HERE</span></a></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidoXuwENdgdZ_7sjjfoApdFcxrHalw5TCvc50fgSFdmQ8MB03MZwgB56XaBlfGOVx5imKg9ETvxQDNUMjcdBG5k_1yxYzY_qJ_t4hbm7shKzgDrmxSKLQmv9aNWFakVYk3QYMUP5oXv6B2/s200/192274_189612211076788_183173145054028_403476_171315_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600733981286932194" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And of course, no pu</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">b would be complete without it's fair share of alcoholic beverages. The Whiskey Republic has plenty to choose from</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, too. Whether it be a local brew, like Fisherman's from Gloucester, Massachusetts, or something as simple as, well... whiskey, TWR certainly has your drink of choice.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The bar area itself is huge. With seating all the way around, taps on both sides and plenty of standing room, it's no wonder this place can draw quite the crowd </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; ">on weekends. This is also the place to go if you want to catch a local New England game. With TVs surrounding the bar, you'll easily be able to watch the Sox, Celtics or Bruins on any given night.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdP_VeBYob5sew9OI3cQwK2lj8WOWh5bYne-Pi8aozWYf_GU6OCaChPUt4jO4hooxwzimtOzYpZeo1f0r-s41B5mrqCT8Zbd0SdBY4IWAkXbYxG4YhMFNVOCsLOpiiSHwEgk7LtD-OZsa/s200/securedownload-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600733806201563010" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">But perhaps the best part of TWR is the food. The </span><a href="http://www.thewhiskeyrepublic.com/menus.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">menu is small</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, meaning what you're getting is fresh. Whether that be a fish plate, burger or salad, you can expect top quality. If you're unsure on what to try, ask a ba</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rtender. They've all got a pretty good handle on the food there, and are eager to let you in on their favorites.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So next time you're headed to Providence for a show at one of the city's many clubs, stop by The Whiskey Republic for a cold brew and some grub first. The atmosphere, music and prices are suited toward any punk pulling minimum wage. It's worth your while - don't miss it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Hours:</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Monday: Closed</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tuesday - Thursday & Sunday: 4 p.m. - 1 a.m.</span></i></b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Friday & Saturday: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.</span></i></b></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-17632875282898471272011-04-18T23:21:00.000-04:002011-04-18T23:32:31.295-04:00AP Tour Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There is no "I" in tour - meaning that it's impossible for one band to singlehandedly save an entire tour. Such is true for the </span></span><a href="http://theaptour.ning.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">AP Tour</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, which for yet another year in a row has managed to throw together a lackluster lineup of bands. The result? A forgettable show that's simply not worth your money.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpT1ktsgVrIprDkJ9ivuq7o8yW5mooMe0Zu-onsIDgjFYdN47TgMyJOOhi81eoG2NjUepaYI_aU13M9osw191yTbObCw8GxO7g3lu9tKYl7Yy1SxvusViuLT1KVPshM730idmcgj78LfR/s200/163465_181890688494674_148010411882702_684352_460892_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597130564910773010" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; "><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Perhaps the biggest draw to this year's tour are </span></span><a href="http://thisisdrugs.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">D.R.U.G.S.</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, the </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/craigowens"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Craig Owens</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> fronted supergroup that had a cult-like following before they even released their first record. But even Owens' charisma and showmanship just isn't enough to save this tour.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">The lineup, in addition to D.R.U.G.S., which consists of Black Veil Brides, I See Stars, VersaEmerge and Conditions looks more like something thrown together from a random search of bands on MySpace than a well thought out tour put together by the heads of Alte</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">rnative Press.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You've got your goth-infused glam-metal element, a poor man's Paramore and an electro-metal outfit that look like they belong on a college campus rather than a stage. Add to that the I See Stars' lead singer re</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">ferring to last week's New Haven, Connecticut crowd as "New York" numerous times and it's clear this grouping of misfits might not be ready to conquer the road just yet.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But the real problem with the 2011 AP Tour is the lack of consistency. This tour is full of club dates, not outdoor festivals. While this eclectic lineup of bands might work on Warped Tour, it's just too choppy for indoor shows. There's too much of a stretch, musically, to go from the pop sounds of VersaEmerge to the screamo post-hardcore brutality of I See Stars over a 20-minute set change.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOss3C7eaU0KDS4FE1u-9ipakmd9DOCkODrqOonz8-dZNcMdaw5pR_b3DOLx6LNS_uctghU3MQAzFPhT_3RFz-kihZRpXcudVmIuyS-ManXzbCO2Z07EWKMVfuHBd9JV2ZBw4U8L5Ej1D3/s200/AP_Tour2011_Pomona_JonWeiner1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597130260144172514" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It seems that Alternative Press haven't been able to put together a solid grouping of bands since the first AP Tour back in the </span></span></span><a href="http://theaptour.ning.com/page/spring-2007"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Spring of 2007</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. Rather than selecting bands that would stand as a concrete look into the alternative scene, the </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">AP bigwigs just keep grabbing for whatever band names will make them a quick buck.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">You can't really blame them, though. With the print magazine industry dying faster than Donald Trump's chance of becoming president, it's no wonder AP executives have decided on setting aside musical integrity in exchange for a wide assortment of band</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">s that will sell tickets to the trend-hungry youth of America that are armed with, and ready to spend, their parents' money.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take this as a warning. If you're planning on spending your own money for a ticket, or don't feel like bringing your mother to the show with you, then skip the AP Tour this Spring. There's no real music on this tour, just industry. And let's face it, anything that's industry just isn't </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">punk</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-69811157099682667132011-04-12T13:07:00.011-04:002011-04-12T17:19:52.254-04:00Record Store Day Preview<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Calling all audiophiles! </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Record Store Day</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> is less than a week away, and believe it or not, this year is gearing up to be even better than the last.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 74px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC880MmFgk_C0UMLBEBV9EBINXQSsm4oDqNniumv4pM22JTVl8hy2oXRrmKO3nR-g5V2m5jcwE-7fgoXthfkmzJHdqtL2iQU7w-cRYbpcaz_YLohVVz_lSx0NEGiDZcyMhwZoHLMbCinDy/s200/RSD2011versionsDATE1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594807111891365858" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those of you unfamiliar with the growing tradition that is RSD, here are a few facts that'll show you ju</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">st how important the third Saturday in April is for music lovers, record stores, artists and collectors alike. <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/CustomPage/614">As stated</a> on the official RSD website, "This is the one day that </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Basically, RSD is a chance for everyone to score something great. Whether that be the insane savings on vinyl and CDs, grabbing an exclusive RSD release from one of your favorite artists, catching an in-store performance, a meet-&-greet with your idols or simply just helping out your local independently owned record store, RSD is designed for those who believe music isn't just a hobby, it's a way of life.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And 2011's RSD, taking place this Saturday, April 16, will bring together some truly unforgettable releases and eve</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: small; ">nts. In terms of vinyl, there are enough alternative/punk bands releasing records and/or splits, that will have your needle wearing thin in the weeks following Saturday's events.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBhAhpBBWr6uz6Uhbit9H_v7VAsP-zBkB4nEaBAtt7ROKJFrhvSjM1aQa6WKDQZv9I1hGw8R1K-X6-gwsC1Q78eEmwfWy4Py99NQ9zS8NqS03TpwT821g5a476wNJ-pqUYSJEEGcMUSfL/s200/anberlin-cities.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594807541086551266" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">The heavy hitters this year are undoubtedly Anberlin, who are having what's arguably their best record, </span></span><i><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4848"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Cities</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, released on 2LP for the first time ever. In addition to the Florida five-piece's contribution, emo-rock godfathers Jimmy Eat World are releasing </span></span><i><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4901"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bleed American - Deluxe</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(32 tracks in total) on 3LP black vinyl.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If that's not enough, look for special/exclusive releases from </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4844"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A Day To Remember</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/5079"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Circa Survive</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4867"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Death Cab For Cutie</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4939"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rise Against</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4888">G</a></span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4888"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">reen Day</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4913"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Manchester Orchestra</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4907"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kings Of Leon</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4915"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Chemical Romance</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4973"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Transit</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4922">Of </a></span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/4922"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Montreal</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">many more</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. And remember, a lot of these releases will only be available on RSD and at at your local record store.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But RSD isn't just about buying a few new records. There's always a ton of free swag to be had from the countless giveaways and contests across the country. And don't forget about the in-store performances. From New England to California, bands like </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Event/37757"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Between The Buried And Me</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, Transit, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Event/37937"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thursday</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Event/38031"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">D.R.U.G.S., VersaEmerge</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> and hundreds more will be holding concerts and autograph signings for fans. For a full listing of bands, venues/stores and times, click </span></span><i><b><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/InStore"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">HERE</span></span></a></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><object height="100" width="210"><br /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><br /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"><br /><param name="movie" value="http://recordstoreday.com/templates/Store/pretty_new/swf/countdown.swf"><br /><param name="quality" value="high"><br /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><br /><param name="shuffle" value="true"> <embed src="http://recordstoreday.com/templates/Store/pretty_new/swf/countdown.swf" width="210" height="100" bgcolor="#ffffff" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain"></embed><br /></object></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So get ready. The weekend is fast approaching, and you don't want to miss all that's in store for this year's RSD. Whatever it is that drew you into loving your music scene - the concerts, the collectibles, the music, meeting your favorite band - will all be celebrated this coming Saturday. Get stoked. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">_____________________ </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For a look back at the last few years of RSD click: </span></span><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2009/04/indie-christmas.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2009</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">, </span></span><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2010/04/indie-christmas-part-ii.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2010</span></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Be sure to follow </span></span><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BackstagePress"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Backstage Press on Twitter</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> for our RSD updates when we're in Boston this year.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And we want to know, what are you most looking forward to on RSD 2011?</span></span></div></div></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-35984076148005152482011-04-10T22:57:00.000-04:002011-04-10T22:58:43.029-04:00North Korea - Basement Tapes vol. 1 Review<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">North Korea - a name shrouded in mysticism and fear. No, we're not talking about the country, but rather the band. Not much is known about this group of four guys besides where they came from. Each brings with them a better known history from a different band, and the desire to make the music they want to make.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn6J3-I39Ay-MzJT2a_v5m0gLMGVRlZae0p8QRdEPk-32aaGPY4UQxhyphenhyphenINQZxpb1TDQDERqsNW46FQMqE7XQtiXBMcnCUFNqdpdF-JuSX5RDOxD0Qcf5h0WkF4UYvL47iKlfcVasNpYpab/s200/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594153726939042450" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And with the release of their first EP, </span></span><i><a href="http://notpopular.com/2011/03/18/north-korea-dillinger-escape-plan-ex-envy-on-the-coast-announce-new-album/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Basement Tapes vol. 1</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, it's clear these guys are in no way creating music to fulfill a scene, label or set of industry standards. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Comprised of ex-members from a slew of different bands including </span></span><a href="http://rhunterny.tumblr.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Ryan Hunter</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> and Brian Byrne from </span></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/envyonthecoast"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Envy On The Coast</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, Michael Sadis of </span></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/therivalry"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The Rivalry</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> and Billy Rymer from </span></span><a href="http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Dillinger Escape Plan</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, North Korea have been hard at work over the past few months creating one of the most in-your-face, "</span></span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=dilligaf"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">dilligaf</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">", EPs that 2011 will see.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Consisting of only four songs, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Basement Tapes</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> manages to not only show a multitude of the band's influence</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">s, but also stands as an extension of where the members' other musical outlets couldn't go. The record is discordant, infectious and downright brutal at times. But keep listening and you'll hear some softer areas and a catchiness that will keep you coming back for more.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Take for instance the EP's third track, "Laced", which could be an evil twin brother b-side from EOTC's 2010 release, </span></span><i><a href="http://backstage-press.blogspot.com/2010/05/east-to-providence.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Lowcountry</span></span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">. It starts with a certain energy brooding from the driving bass line before exploding into the full-throttle chorus.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRiQRbfAceXK7FuHQ0KXi_yyx2y4RZkem7fqHoOR8Vhvv7bme1lO_o68gEWoEML3Pdy0ECXvXOucWJOFmcM3jpvKX0vLrEsQPZ9gq6AuQW4IsyGbCHS3Z2Kg2Oo1HoAzsO0Y8lyH1ndExP/s200/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594153384962802210" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Don't expect to hear only </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">what drew you in to liking each artist's prior musical gig, though. North Korea's </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Basement Tapes</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> isn't full on metal, far from emo rock and not anything you'd expect to get as the next step from any member. But hey, this is rock 'n' roll being rock 'n' roll and it's not supposed to be safe.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In a scene that has become wrapped up in the marketing and money side of music, North Korea are taking a step to make music for the sake of making music. They're even offering </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Basement Tapes</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> for free download to anyone willing to listen. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">For your free copy of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Basement Tapes vol. 1</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, click </span></span><i><b><a href="http://beta.projectrodney.com/northkorea"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">HERE</span></span></a></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">.</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-77380295775884384092011-04-04T13:34:00.007-04:002011-04-04T16:15:38.840-04:00Bayside Warmup For Take Action Tour<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In preparation for their headlining spot on the upcoming <a href="http://takeactiontour.com/take-action-tour/dates-tickets/">Take Action Tour</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bayside">Bayside</a> performed at UConn this past weekend to a handful of their New England fans. The free was show was part of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190263311008867">UConnaroo</a>, the first annual spring musical festival put on by the university.</span></span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoHxPZYha7Ozm-vBCuJxnrWBSoLNTzK6ydIjZTQGgTgvoT3wM1JFdntHoPVY3509ez5y5JcXu_0AyN8XRkpVMF-30SK8I5FqMu1wD-8mypacvYld3XCw_hgQxxX9iqFc1uq_XdjrYi9JZ/s200/securedownload+00-02-20.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591820045941330946" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Having just released </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Time-Bayside/dp/B004I1WIX4">Killing Time</a></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> this past February, the Long Island outfit used Saturday night's performance as a practice run to see how their new songs would work into their already powerful set list. A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">nd with the exception of a few songs and a bass mishap during "Montauk", the set was flawless.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bayside were able to mix in five new songs out of the 10 on </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Killing Time</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> into the night's performance. The first of the bunch was "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Lalc0Y78GY">The Wrong Way</a>" which came third in the set. Standing as one of the fastest a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">nd catchiest on the record, the three-and-a-half minute track transitions seamlessly into the band's live show.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The rest of the new songs, which in some cases were being performed live for the first time, were spread throughout the remainder of the set. Titles included, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlBB0CDMp_Y">Mona Lisa</a>", "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Tvv5_BYrQ">Sick, Sick, Sick</a>", "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FzqkdHdf-A">Already Gone</a>" and "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnJp_vkxb5I">Seeing Sound</a>". Each fit nicely in its own right, with the exception of "Seeing Sound", which seemed a little placid amongst Bayside's other energetic and emotional tracks.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhJhWsBiLi6c9K5iSbpwexVsXeii2KuatiSUHazqjqtKwajF9NCHoqDScCV7M0mmujbs7iae59n-ATHU8fPrl6zIb8CtANGGNhNkm_l7wYQwok7Vgi_hwXBK9X0OIqe6igcSHPltmTn-f/s200/screen-shot-2011-02-08-at-2-28-34-pm.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591820105771039250" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">The 15-song set managed to include songs from each one of the band's previous releases, plus a Weezer cover. A <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/BaysideBand/status/54580446650040320">Tweet from the band post-show</a> said there would be an updated set list with more new songs on the Take Action Tour, which kicks off in a few weeks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">From Saturday's show, it's clear that Bayside are bringing to the table a renewed sense of energy to their live show, a trait that was somewhat lacking during their </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Shudder</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> years. They come out swinging, and don't let up until the final chord is struck. If there's any time to catch Bayside live, it's now.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>Bayside Set List</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>University of Connecticut</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>April 2, 2011</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Montauk</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>No One Understands</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>The Wrong Way</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>The Walking Wounded</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Duality</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Already Gone</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Seeing Sound</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Masterpiece</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Rochambo</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Carry On</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Mona Lisa</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Sick, Sick, Sick</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>I And I</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>My Name Is Jonas (Weezer cover)</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b><i>Devotion And Desire</i></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">What would you like to hear Bayside play on the Take Action Tour?</span></span></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856777197800787837.post-55445956207727857582011-03-31T18:08:00.002-04:002011-03-31T21:33:51.076-04:00Green Day - Awesome As F**k Review<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><a href="http://www.greenday.com/cigsvaltn_splash/index.html">Green Day</a> are probably one of the most iconic alternative bands around today. Their releases over the past decade have been monumental in terms of musical power and merchandising alike. But perhaps their greatest quality is their live show. Packed with energy, pyrotechnics and a hint of humor, a Green Day show is a sight to see... and hear.</span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgly2rxdVmvcybSZ4TUT2S394Pb5rree0yUCZSbM5cc-llC47PdjK7sXtzvf3mafH1S7jeIIjCVIY2KxocJ8Ludc2pVbhopb5I-GVuPet1L-gYZf_c0JeTS07QoMrHXLzm1R5XYI5_yQYkg/s200/Green+Day+-+Awesome+As+Fuck+DVD2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590418715057025346" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">If you've never seen the three-piece live, or are just seriously missing the chaos of the live show, then the band's new CD/DVD combo, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Awesome-As-F-Green-Day/dp/B004GHBQ7O">Awesome As F**k</a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">, will scratch your itch.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The live CD is a 17 track listen through some of the best Green Day have to o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">ffer. It begins with three of their newer songs, "21st Century Breakdown", "Know Your Enemy" and "East Jesus Nowhere", before opening up into a solid mix of old school classics and previously unreleased tracks.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">You'll hear "Cigarettes And Valentines" from Phoenix, AZ; "Burnout" from Irvine, CA and "Going To Pasalacqua" from Chula Vista, CA. In fact, all tracks on the live CD were recorded from shows around the globe in both 2009 and 2010. This makes for a more in depth track listing/set than that which was fe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">atured on the band's 2005 live CD/DVD combo, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bullet-Bible-DVD-Green-Day/dp/B000B8QF14">Bullet In a Bible</a> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">(which was recorded from two shows at Milton Keynes in England).</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The rest of </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Awesome</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> is filled with a few classics both new and old. Songs like, "Minority" and "Longview" were put to the side to make room for "21 Guns" and "When I Come Around" - tracks that weren't in Green Day's live repertoire during their </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/American-Idiot-Green-Day/dp/B0002OERI0">American Idiot</a></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> tours.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="525" height="350" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yMM65xzM0gw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">In addition to the 17 tracks, iTunes offers three more live songs for download. Tracks include, "Letterbomb" from Chula Vista, CA; "Christie Road" from Hartford, CT and "Paper Lanterns/2,000 Light Years Away" from Alpharetta, GA. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:small;">If that wasn't impressive enough, then the live DVD will certainly blow your mind. The 17 song set, filmed in Japan, truly shows the energy and showmanship Green Day bring to the table. You'll find yourself getting swept up in the show - singing "hey-oh!" with the thousands of fans there that night.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvubT7wySJvEGk3m82V6-tQrcQK4O5XCu1RBsWaMB2D35i3c_N3r20Fea4QcNKAAOHZjpsCeU43eMCiTchakDs1G4CNqKQdlxZFan1OUqMzz77WPbEN7yVqHoA_qY-aVo87B7KVCAaUvQY/s200/Green%252BDay%252Bgreenday.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590418440185268642" /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Awesome</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">'s DVD will deliver the visual element that really sums up Green Day. From the hail of sparks raining dow</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">n during "21 Guns" to the nine-minute rock showcase that is "Jesus Of Suburbia", Green Day's true power as a band shines.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">And as a bonus you'll get a video performance of "Cigarettes And Valentines" just to round things out. With over an hour of live footage, the DVD will bring a full Green Day performance into your living room - sweat, emotion and eyeliner included.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As one of our correspondents noted, Awesome As F**k needs no description. It's all in the title. If all that live music doesn't put a smile on your face, you're not punk-rock. Fact.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><i>**Special thanks to our correspondent T.B. for help with this posting**</i></span></span></div><div></div></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></div></div>Josh Couillardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08255901313178566333noreply@blogger.com1