tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65160749106202805752024-03-13T13:09:52.352-04:00Exploding Penguinmusic and events going on in brooklyn, nyc and my headMike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-53191481407054738212011-01-08T13:12:00.006-05:002011-01-08T13:22:04.956-05:00Hell Gate Brewing Co.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtSwgmLtU-xj6tUAS0WKTML1JLepwceYFq6j6Tv3mzrtqIDTyAjTMth2Tskbi3cOQFLpUoS_w7eetXWWoUmLLojWqLYSPZ4HFdfZrmTy625nNAqpiXJKL1SAsxgiHyqdy_1K8zsTq3dg/s1600/hellgate_web.jpg"><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/AVvXsEiOtSwgmLtU-xj6tUAS0WKTML1JLepwceYFq6j6Tv3mzrtqIDTyAjTMth2Tskbi3cOQFLpUoS_w7eetXWWoUmLLojWqLYSPZ4HFdfZrmTy625nNAqpiXJKL1SAsxgiHyqdy_1K8zsTq3dg/s200/hellgate_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559879680818602770" /></a>You may or may not know this, but I personally love beer. Like, I really really love beer. From a cheap can of Genny Cream Ale to a glorious bottle of Dogfish Head's Miles Davis Bitches Brew, I love all beer. Well except horse piss like Corona or Bud Light. Fuck that. A while ago, my awesome brother bought me a home brewing kit for Christmas. Unfortunately, due to limited space and time in where I was living, I was never able to dive into it. Now that I have a much bigger apartment with my lady love, it was time to make some beer. The first batch was a light summery beer with some citrusy notes, moderate head retention, unfortunately almost no lacing and was unveiled a tad prematurely. However it was still a decent first beer and in September 2010, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Gate-Brewing-Co/180876158601342">Hell Gate Brewing Co.</a> was established with its inaugural batch the "Fuck Summer Ale". <div><br /></div><div>After noting where I went wrong (well, where I can improve), the second batch will be bottled tomorrow. After a few weeks of carbonation and conditioning, the "Steinway Irish Stout" will make it's grand debut. Future brews will ensue as soon as the fermentation keg is cleared and will include the "Ditmars Roasted Marzen", "TriBoro TriHop IPA" and "Ravenswood Imperial Stout" as the next planned runs. Since the brewery is established and named for my lovely little area of Queens, all beers will continue to carry Astoria related titles. </div><div><br /></div><div>To keep up with activity and the brew schedule, make sure to "Like" <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Gate-Brewing-Co/180876158601342">Hell Gate Brewing Co.</a> on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hell-Gate-Brewing-Co/180876158601342">Facebook</a>. </div>Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-36813985677822236192010-12-24T10:16:00.006-05:002010-12-24T13:07:15.404-05:00Top 10 Records of 2010Well here it is. The same self serving pretentious list every other shmuck with a keyboard and a Gmail account is posting this time of year. I guess the hardest thing was trying to think of 10 records I actually liked this year. I'm surprised I did. Oh well, take a read, and I guess try to agree with me. <div>
<br /></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div><b>10. Against Me - <i>White Crosses</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNth_Jzr8hTYUO-AFXsBnW3-USuLbEIksLVyhAWDidcvjjf2_0sAIFkhdNzA8Szea8by3fz2kb_sV8a52Ivb-7LekWXs2KUxhVxKzbIUPFmJdiCYlnIu_wwQOKE5si3Sx3ByonoibP_kw/s200/against-me-white-crosses1.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554141265394763522" border="0" /><meta charset="utf-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div>First off, I posted this album artwork because I fucking hate the ridiculous artwork they used on this record. It looks like some shit The Killers would use. I fucking hate that band, they're a buncha sassy turds in make up, fuck them. Other than that, I didn't want to like this record, I really didn't. I wrote it off the first time I heard it. It was as far from the Against Me! I'd know and loved as it had ever been. A few months after I let the "OH YER SO NOT PUNX NO MORE" wear off, I gave it a few spins. And fuck goddamn if this is not a great record. No, this is not the band that reminded you "baby, I'm an anarchist, and you're a spineless liberal". And, they make you aware of that in the song "Teenage Anarchist". Don't pretend like you don't agree. Are any of you over the age of 25 still trying to "fuck the system, man!" or smell like a pile of rotting vegan vomit? No, you're probably not. But it's cool man, you just grew up. Like Against Me! did and most people should. Bottom line, this is a solid record and just has shitty artwork. Plus, George from Hot Water Music played drums on it, gotta give em SOME punkpoints right?</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8">
<br /></div><div><b>9. RVIVR - <i>RVIVR</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtxFPqFzvctaOugoHngnXP_JyFviyTA8naT7GZ19r3A0PGYb4TPPp3QGW8ktUJI23mLwGJaoFh8vlGMUSX5z9QSL3B1UZhf0EcCJyJQjLU8iDqV3REscvyRL7ELD4TEOKCLWwlsf1Qaxs/s200/rvivr.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554065866502270770" border="0" /><div>After Shorebirds split, I was pretty bummed. Latterman + Jawbreaker = instant music boner for many folk. You disagree? Didn't think so... So what was one to do? Well after RVIVR (featuring Matt Canino from Shorebirds/Latterman) put out the <i><a href="http://www.rumbletowne.com/rtr/rtr-releases/RTR-004">Life Moves</a> </i>and <i><a href="http://www.rumbletowne.com/rtr/rtr-releases/RTR-006">Derailer</a> </i>7"s, it was obvious he wasn't slowing down any time soon. Canino trades of vocals with Erica Freas (of Glue! and Hooky) and together they craft an affirmative, passionate but reflective breed of punk rock. It's brash and honest, but it's melodic and relaxing even. Not sure how they figured that out, but shit if I'm gonna tell em to stop doing it. All in all, I hope LP number 1 doesn't end up being LP number only, there is a lot of good that has and will come from this group of people and it would be a real shame for it to be cut short.</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div>
<br /></div><div><b>8. The State Lottery - <i>When The Night Comes</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZ5hj30UQFujOqBRiS9Ek8EPUofWK2qZ1SZgTRCvdh2enSXV3AjUzv-gtPl3-F9zeVJB0dTtzPVqtIMVzHqBgdSB-n1IlJH3A94jMAzBEtNaqIw7s6FQg_SRGGmEkTVLUPgE3UzMZ3Xo/s200/statelottery.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554073845448217122" border="0" /><div>The State Lottery really had my attention with their previous full length effort <i>Cities We'r</i><i>e Not From </i>with their gouging perspective on the things we surround ourselves with, be it by choice or force of environment. The world isa cold and shitty place, anyone not living under the veil of financial support knows this. What I loved about The State Lottery, from the first LP and through this way is how they paint it. They show it for all it's ugliness and evil in a vivid presentation. But they offer comfort and recognition in that yes things can suck, but only if you allow that to be the path you work your life down. You can be aware and compassionate of the way we are more or less forced to go about our days and jobs and relations, but it doesn't have to be the end all-be all of who and what we are or what we do. The State Lottery looks at it, and says something about it. Something we should all listen to.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>7. Off With T</b><b>heir Heads - <i>In Desolation</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><meta charset="utf-8"><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtl_VllkZGE3iIMh47isuCZXJqZ2PkDcuIKs7OTC-fi2CNMhHHD5DsP0rnEKmD3GKbyMZQH47LVJ9BcJ8tvbFoz3d8bDwN5FHcU11FX308Z5XyKtVb7XhzbnXThP1Jm-ivRRG5nWljQD0/s200/offwiththeirheads.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554268376392416818" border="0" /><div>Welp, Off With Their Heads done gone and signed to Epitaph Records. Not that I have anything against Epitaph really. They've put out several of my favorite releases in my lifetime. But then they spent a bunch of years signing some of the worst bullshit I've ever heard in my life. Like, worse than the band I used to shit years of my life away in. Anyway, Epitaph eventually didn't mean shit to me. So Off With Their Heads signing to them just felt kinda lame to me, especially coming off No Idea who can rarely do any wrong. Anyway, their last LP was fuckin marvelous. Angry, hateful, self loathing spills over simple songs that put the power in powerchords (fuck you). All of that is still here on <i>In Desolation.</i> I guess my only qualm is that it's all still there. Nothing new really. I'm not one to say change the formula when it works, but I feel like there's just something missing from this record. That being said, it's still one of the best records to come out in 2010, so word.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>6. The Gaslight Anthem - <i>American Slang</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbyWJ1mgHzA9Q9cAVEQ7mjlxL9le7Kl45FADofK-Ja7ur0lf2mCtFDCDxU6cgtsPyWqTPOQJK4X18UIaxxXaQVv005VIfKdCWAq67vTV7_PU7zKPc2l9xMsiGRd9QstaDsWU9AEfUH0s/s200/Gaslight+Anthem+American+Slang+Cover.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554129697685646642" border="0" /><div>I know I know, it's just about as easy to get your hate on for Gaslight as it is for Against Me!, maybe even easier depending on how much of a miserable curmudgeon you are. But put yourself aside for a second and tell me there is NO WAY AT ALL you can enjoy anything about this record? Bullshit, you're full of filthy rotten bullshit if you say so. The Gaslight Anthem came up from the same hallowed New Jersey basements as any of us, they just found what they were good at (soulful rock n' roll) and figured out how to put themselves (Jersey punks) into it and not only have it make sense, but for it to be good as hell. Gaslight could be looked at as the Springsteen for punks if you wanna be cliche and discard all that is good and unique about the band. Or they can be looked at as a band with talent, composure and sense of self who's just doing what they're good at doing and taking what comes along with it.</div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>5. The Menzingers - <i>Chamberlain Waits</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdZ_kBMG6-Fbt_9-GplMb4TxQz3SfgmkWB-DgKoBMt6AncpgshbrvioHtHXTmX0c3P4aceGd14oIKdJVWtXpcuYjbmd5ikrOPjjsHDP7W3xkxvPod0lQRF-v31eBhvFzYTppvhTV7r_I/s200/menzingers.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554138501172427570" border="0" /><div>The Menzingers returned with their second LP, and a very focused effort with <i>Chamberlain Waits. </i>They took what was already beloved of their efforts: infectious melodies that married polar harmonies over simple yet mind catching instrumentation and arrangement that put them beyond being just another catchy punk band. <i>Chamberlain Waits</i> finds The Menzingers becoming comfortable in their own skin and not being afraid of it, but embracing it and allowing the band as a collective to unfold and show their true potential. I have a feeling their next LP is gonna slay.</div><div>
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<br /></i></b></div><div><b>4. Flogging Molly - <i>Live at The Greek Theater</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi322YiRlIo9QQPk8dRGW-mzNoVg5DgxuyOInRW2vy0Tl25j9gwD0Cc27dFXYl91M1fe71uTIFUK0oArS_3oy7UOxrm3JA-gDGaDJ6sw2xlP_uNOtjHXrf5HcDddUGmAuUnaP1IeRZgUv4/s200/Flogging_Molly_-_Live_at_the_Greek_Theatre.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554140791450287362" border="0" /><div>Flogging Molly is a band I have always loved dearly. Whether it be my love of folk music, my Irish heritage or maybe the fact that they've taken traditional Celtic folk music, saw what The Pogues were doing if decided "needs a fuckin electric guitar and louder drums!" that has drawn me to their music. I would say it's their live show, but I've seen them a good 40+ times after two years of the Vans Warped Tour alongside them, and we all know that aint the same. Or maybe it's all of these things. Maybe it's just Flogging Molly is that kinda band, that when it finds its place within a certain listener, it's going to remain there forever. Well I guess that'd be me. And this record presents their live show in all for what it is. They're a band of honesty and sincerity, a band of talent, a band of compassion, and most of all, a band of fun. If you don't hear this record and want to go see them play a show, there's a lot wrong with ya.</div><div><b>
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<br /></b></div><div><b>3. The Bouncing Souls - <i>Ghosts On The Boardwalk</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJriVpX04Llo88IrtC0p5-BMiM0RhaudgvCEI0mg0MZiRS6zfKHwN_wlVZMsDtTDjX1igqhaWIeQfazd1Ye_KNmUUDlP-L6C437M8cF6_BEBMlo3M9VTgZpaMUh7Z4bspLuw0kuFygBvQ/s200/The_Bouncing_Souls_-_Ghosts_on_the_Boardwalk.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554133789900873186" border="0" /><div>Ahhhh The Souls... You glorious bastards. The Bouncing Souls have been around since 1987. That's the year my girlfriend was born (I'm only 3 years older, I'm not a creep, dicks...) as well as my brother. Obviously I wasn't there since the beginning but I have been loving them for a good 13 years or so. Their recent albums have fallen under amounts of expected scrutiny from fans who've been around for longer than I have (fuck you guys, <i>Lean on Sheena</i> is an awesome song). But the fact is, The Souls are doing what any band who's been together for more than a decade (or two) does, try some other shit out! This record is a compilation of a series of 7" records the band released over the course of a year. Yeah, songs on here you would never have heard on <i>Hopeless Romantic</i> and vice versa. But The Souls put together a well rounded and appropriate record for where they are and who they are now. It reflects where they've been and looks forward to where they're going. In short, The Bouncing Souls rule. If you disagree, you're a very very unintelligent person and should probably be pissed on just because you deserve it in some way or another.</div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div><b>
<br /></b></div><div><b>2. Iron Chic - <i>Not Like This</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPWZRPTZnMnILM3Ij08_dnk0vvWSiykS7KE5KFStmJMKBEmjrlB3eeqoSJbRtPlQLE1n8lAuS2YD3tgSA805I0Dt6h98yzJ9ebRr-JMvfJj15P9A5eThrDQwwxwisKx62D9S3WIkBRNo/s200/iron+chic.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554061061277062482" border="0" /><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><div>Well I guess it would be kinda obvious that this would make one of my top spots. As an avid lover of Latterman, their demise left me sad. But they all have gone on to great things. Matt had Shorebirds and then RVIVR (who made it to my list this year). Pat has Bridge & Tunnel, Stolen Parts and Daytrader all doing amazing things right now. And Phil got things moving with Lubrano of Small Arms Dealer and Explosivo! fame with a band called Iron Chic. Iron Chic takes everything you loved about those bands, and kinda turns it on it's head. The parts that would be so Explosivo! or Small Arms Dealer sound so Latterman. The parts that would be so Latterman sound so Explosivo! or Small Arms Dealer. And all of it, is just Iron Chic. It's straight and honest melodic punk rock. Rough vocals carry infectious melodies of simpler things that still aren't as simple as they could seem over a layer of driving and powerful punk rock accented by Phil's seemingly distaste for a single powerchord. It's a great package all wrapped up in a nice LP that really, everyone should have. Go forth little ones, ye shall be free. </div><div>
<br /></div><div><b>1. The Flatliners - <i>Cavalcade</i></b></div><meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcFF8HKCKnYoF6SFLW6BJabryrBpA7P4IRUZObLGq1Nr7waOGIP6K_ZL-yehwTvoIxk5KLjRnehY9JUiMoDJAqfABDJ2j6ljjwVsnZt6gkLe3Cl1eHoMG0btcv3QFrzG1R2XkwzUrG58/s200/Cavalcade.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554136453838542098" border="0" /><div>Well, The Flatliners... Might I say, did you turn it up a notch or twenty with this record. I've always enjoyed and appreciated The Flatliners. They've provided a dosage of young, anthemic punk rock with a few sprinkles of snotty Clash-y reggae to make a human smile. But with <i>Cavalcade,</i> they've taken every single thing they are good at, and put it on hyper drive. The record blazes through breakneck speed punk rock songs to fists in the air sing along anthems without blinking and eye or thinking twice for a second. It is seamless in so many ways. The Flatliners take something that is dirty and turn it into something beautiful, in a simple manner. It has been a long time since a record has struck me the way this one has, and I anticipate it being a very long time until another one does. Well done gentlemen, well done indeed. I'd buy yas a case of Pabst if I could. </div><div><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></div>Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-46879092060995000422010-12-18T11:30:00.005-05:002010-12-18T11:48:43.137-05:00I HAVE RETURNED!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJuoNPWu0vf3hgC38AoMvsQLKFVvBaXCjms_296IiIl1UUVvzVnm5iG0IeJ1ouYsmI5W08i2m30FHcpTvWjEcYmOJonMzmL-s2F3mMZne7DQLTG45__Hk3Hwds3FIbwW_ObdXmsLXBBg/s1600/156327_478648541842_617421842_6163630_3116145_n.jpg"><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/AVvXsEjwJuoNPWu0vf3hgC38AoMvsQLKFVvBaXCjms_296IiIl1UUVvzVnm5iG0IeJ1ouYsmI5W08i2m30FHcpTvWjEcYmOJonMzmL-s2F3mMZne7DQLTG45__Hk3Hwds3FIbwW_ObdXmsLXBBg/s200/156327_478648541842_617421842_6163630_3116145_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552065017259927250" /></a>I'm pleased to announce that I have returned to the blogging world. My life has changed significantly for the better since I last posted. The new incarnation of Exploding Penguin will focus less on me getting wasted alone in my small Brooklyn apartment and ranting on how much I hate shit. Version 3.0 of EP will now focus on my appreciation of fine beers (and cheap ones, here's lookin at you Rheingold), the comforting pint at an Irish pub, seeing your favorite punk rock band from over a decade ago still put on a hell of a show and the never ending quest for the greatest slice of pizza. So join me again friends, as we await our Flogging Molly tickets to arrive in the mail, enjoy a Guinness on the house at Shillelagh Tavern, measure out how much Cascade hops to add to this new batch of home brewed IPA and scour the streets of northern Queens for a slice.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-51683772649833069112009-12-01T21:04:00.006-05:002009-12-01T22:39:22.928-05:00Chic Fellows and Drug Trenches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/107/m_4871c09aa77543fa900b30cefd451f12.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 253px;" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/107/m_4871c09aa77543fa900b30cefd451f12.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Awesome show alert. Every now and then you see the lineup for a show and you think to yourself "there's not a single band on this that I only kinda want to see, cuz I wanna see them as much as I want to see Taco Bell Day become a nationally recognized holiday". I'm not alone on that Taco Bell Day thing, right? Anyway. This Friday we have one of those shows. Hop on the ol' reliable G train and come on out to Tommy's Tavern and catch <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ironchicsmyspace">Iron Chic</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/fellowproject">Fellow Project</a>, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/whiskeytrench">Whiskey Trench</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/goselldrugs">Go Sell Drugs</a>. Cheap show, cheep beers, great bands. Win, win and win. Whiskey Trench is in town from Canada so best see em while they're stateside! Bring some dollas to snag some shwag from them too (its tough times for touring bands!) All bands also have amazing records available from the fine folks at <a href="http://www.deadbrokerecords.com/">Dead Broke Rekerds</a>. Go buy the hell out of them, especially Iron Chic's new 'Shitty Rambo' <a href="http://deadbrokerecords.com/distro/product_info.php?products_id=443">7 inch EP</a>. It's good as hell.<br /><br />Show details below...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Chic</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fellow Project</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Whiskey Trench</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Go Sell Drugs</span><br />at...<br />Tommy's Tavern<br />1041 Manhattan Ave - Greenpoint, Brooklyn<br />Friday, December 4th - 9pm $5<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>train to Greenpoint Ave (use the India St exit)<br /><br />B61 and B43 buses to India StMike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-80805811793928303312009-11-26T12:40:00.013-05:002009-11-26T13:33:05.563-05:00Farewell Cheeky - This Weekend in Brooklyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_67ff24f74134cb5ac934e66981813a52.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 264px;" src="http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/28/l_67ff24f74134cb5ac934e66981813a52.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cheekyli">Cheeky</a>, you had a hell of a run. But as always, great bands usually break up with only a few releases out. They always have their reasons, and they're usually the right ones (or else they wouldn't be breaking up, right?) but ya never wanna see the really great ones go. Cheeky is one of those really great ones. They breathed a reviving breath into punk rock with straight forward, angsty and goddamn-catchy-as-hell songs that hadn't really been seen very often in recent years. Kate Eldridge belts out to the point choruses like "Get out of here! Leave me alone!" that need not go any further than that. Just get out of here, and leave her the hell alone. Simple. Far too many bands lately seem to try so hard to put more insightful or thoughtful meaning masked behind their lyrics, and it's getting fucking annoying (especially cause 90% of those bands are aweful). I think the chorus of that Cheeky song applies to those bands nicely.<br /><br />Well now unfortunately, it's time to say goodbye to Cheeky. They've decided to wrap things up where they are and if that's the best thing for them, then so it is. That said, come say farewell to them this Saturday in Brooklyn at Death By Audio. Here's the show details:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cheeky</span> (last show ever!)<br />Slingshot Dakota<br />Zombie Dogs<br />Stupid Party<br />Shellshag<br /><br />at Death By Audio<br />49 S. 2nd St - Brooklyn, NY<br />Saturday November 28th - $5 - 7pm - All Ages!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-J_svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-J_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>to Marcy Ave.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>to Bedford Ave.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-53874507093784092672009-05-14T22:21:00.006-04:002009-05-14T23:03:54.619-04:007" Of The Week: Get Bent - Demo E.P.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh238/deadbrokerek/getbentcvrthmb-1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 199px;" src="http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh238/deadbrokerek/getbentcvrthmb-1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Get Bent - <span style="font-style: italic;">Demo E.P.</span><br /><br />Well it was nice while it lasted. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/getbentson">Get Bent</a> unfortunately is no more but they leave behind a handful of songs for us to enjoy and remember em by. This is their demo released on 7" format by the good folks at Long Island's <a href="http://www.deadbrokerecords.com/">Dead Broke Rekerds.</a> Four songs of quirky and gritty pop punk. Dynamic guitars bounce around mid tempo shout along songs wrapped around raspy vocals belting out melodies that call for high fiving your nearest buddy. Get Bent, ye is gone far too soon. Don't worry, the dudes are all up to other projects which are just as great, nobody likes staying musically bored around these parts. Seriously how many people in the NYC/LI scene are in more than one band? I'm in three myself. If you supply an actual number I'll buy you a copy of this. Speaking of which, only 30 remain of the 500 pressed, so get on it before you're shit out of luck.<br /><br />Purchase this 7" from <a href="http://www.deadbrokerecords.com/">Dead Broke Rekerds</a>! ONLY 30 LEFT!<br />Purchase the TAPE from <a href="http://www.deadbrokerecords.com/">Dead Broke Rekerds</a>! <span style="font-style: italic;">*includes bonus track "Barback Mountain"!</span><br />Download MP3 from <a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/get-bent/demo/">If You Make It</a>! <span style="font-style: italic;">*include bonus track "Ridgewood, Son"!</span>Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-2263884415980704782009-05-10T22:28:00.004-04:002009-05-10T22:54:15.102-04:00Leave Home ...and go to this<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3478156249_368ef451be.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 329px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3478156249_368ef451be.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Who likes art, bands, booze and cheap good times? Yeah, just about anyone I guess... Well if that kinda stuff is your cup of tea, head over to Death By Audio in Williamsbur on Friday evening for Leave Home, an art installation by Kate Wadkins, Lauren Denitzio, Cristy Road and Tamara Waite-Santibanez. There's also booze, usually courtesy of the guy in the back room slingin' cans of Busch from a cooler. Hurray beer! (feel free to throw some tall boys or 40s in your bag as well before heading over). And as if that all wasn't good enough, you'll be fortunate enough to have your ears loved by the sounds of the lovely <a href="http://www.myspace.com/laurastevenson">Laura Stevenson </a>and your face rocked by Brooklyn/New Brunswick's <a href="http://www.myspace.com/littlelungsnynj">Little Lungs</a>. More artists TBA, who will more than probably be great as well (why ruin a good thing?) Full details and all the what not can be found below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br />Leave Home</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Collaborate Art Installation</span><br /><br />Artists:<br />Lauren Denitzio / Black And Red Eye<br />Cristy Road<br />Kate Wadkins<br />Tamara Waite-santibanez / No Guts No Glory<br /><br />Bands:<br />Little Lungs<br />Laura Stevenson<br />+ More Tba<br /><br />at Death By Audio<br />89 S 2nd St in Williamsburg, Brooklyn<br />8PM - $5 donation<br /><br />Purchase Little Lungs' 7" <a href="http://www.salinasrecords.com/release/little-lungs/hoist-me-up/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Hoist Me Up</span></a> from <a href="http://www.salinasrecords.com/">Salinas Records.</a><br />Download Laura Stevenson's album <a href="http://quoteunquoterecords.com/qur019.htm"><span style="font-style: italic;">A Record</span></a> for free from <a href="http://quoteunquoterecords.com/">Quote Unquote Records</a>.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-56711461004732636282009-04-27T20:36:00.002-04:002009-04-27T20:52:18.960-04:007" Of The Week: Bridge & Tunnel / Young Livers split<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.noidearecords.com/bands/releases/covers/bridge_younglivers.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 217px;" src="http://www.noidearecords.com/bands/releases/covers/bridge_younglivers.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Bridge & Tunnel / Young Livers - <span style="font-style: italic;">Split Record</span><br /><br />Unless you've been living under a big shitty rock, you're probably at least familiar with either of these bands by name. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bridgeandtunnelmusic">Bridge & Tunnel</a> hail from the same place I like to call home and have been on a steady rise over the past year as word of their dynamic records and passionate live shows spreads amongst buddies. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/younglivers">Young Livers</a> offer up a rough and gritty breed of intense punk with gritty vocals and melody heavy songs that seems to becoming a popular thing. This split does a great job of showcasing what both bands do best on the one song contributed by each. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in seeing what either of these bands are all about. <a href="http://www.noidearecords.com/bands/releases/bridge_younglivers.php">Pick it up</a> for a measly $3 from the good folks at <a href="http://www.noidearecords.com/">No Idea Records</a>.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-32851117884915604812009-04-24T23:37:00.002-04:002009-04-24T23:41:26.205-04:00Metaphorically, that is the punk scene...<object width="400" height="267"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1443523&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1443523&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="267"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/1443523">The Fest 5 - Mostly Champagne</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user241833">NationalUnderground</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />This is an "interview" (i fucking hate people who make quotes with their hands) with Ryan from Off With Their Heads and Paddy from D4 at Fest 5. Two of my favorite bands doing what they do best (aside from music), be drunk and fuck around. If you're not terribly familiar with one or either of these bands, just watch this and imagine it becoming music.<br /><br />Also I just remembered Off With Their Heads is playing Death By Audio here in Brooklyn the night I turn 25. Shit rules sometimes.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-57290553666740315122009-04-19T15:18:00.003-04:002009-04-19T16:08:59.714-04:007" Of The Week: Pregnant - Wanna See My Gun?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dongiovannirecords.com/images/art/dg28.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 216px;" src="http://www.dongiovannirecords.com/images/art/dg28.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Pregnant - <span style="font-style: italic;">Wanna See My Gun?<br /><br /></span>Brooklyn's own <a href="http://www.myspace.com/pregnantinbarnio">Pregnant</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span>have been out and about for a while now hitting the NYC and NJ scenes with their Dischord-influenced brand of punk with all they got. They're currently working on a new LP that is due out this summer on <a href="http://www.dongiovannirecords.com">Don Giovanni Records</a>, but if you need some now (which you do) their 7" EP <span style="font-style: italic;">Wanna See My Gun?</span> was released in February and is loaded with awesome. Get your hands on that shit from <a href="http://www.dongiovannirecords.com/store.html">Don Giovanni Records mailorder</a>. Expect a lot more great things from this band in the future.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-55868749644736362582009-04-18T10:38:00.003-04:002009-04-18T10:54:24.008-04:00Happy Record Store Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://recordstoreday.tuneportals.com/photo/433690"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 110px;" src="http://recordstoreday.tuneportals.com/photo/433690" alt="" border="0" /></a>Happy <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home">Record Store Day</a> to all! Every year this day comes around and to celebrate, bands and record stores around the country team up and offer exclusive vinyl releases and in store performances. It's a day to celebrate, and if there's one place with a plentiful amount of record stores taking part in the today, it's NYC. Here's a list of the stores I'll be definitely hitting up today.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venue/5968">Academy Records</a><br />96 N 6th St. Brooklyn, NY<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venue/5333">Generation Records</a><br />210 Thompson St. New York, NY<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venue/5361">Bleecker Street Records</a><br />239 Bleecker St. New York, NY<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venue/5681">Earwax Records</a><br />218 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn, NY<br /><br /><a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venue/3790">SoundFix Records</a><br />110 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn, NY<br /><br />To find stores in your area head to the Record Store Day's list of <a href="http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venues">participating venues</a>. Get out and support your local record. Fuck Best Buy, fuck Target, fuck Walmart, fuck Circuit City... oh wait. Independent records stores care about the music they sell, they do it because they love it. So whether you buy vinyl or CDs, go out and show your appreciation to your local record stores.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-71279432113295448052009-03-07T15:31:00.003-05:002009-03-07T15:55:40.538-05:00Papacito's garden opens May 5th!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v372/243/96/775304177/n775304177_893031_6350.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 218px;" src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v372/243/96/775304177/n775304177_893031_6350.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Who likes Mexican street style food? You're a liar if you didn't raise your hand. Who likes beer? You fucking liars, get your hands up! Well good news for all, on May 5th <a href="http://papacitosbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">Papacitos</a> will open their beloved patio and beer garden! Along with the grand fiesta, Papacitos will be unveiling new nightly specials, a daily $1.50 taco special and $ Tecate special. Not to mention they also have a great new vegan menu! Yes, Papacitos caters to eaters of all walks, and everything is delicious.<br /><br />Oh and did you know they deliver? Cause they do, <span style="font-weight: bold;">TIL 5 AM</span> starting May 5th! And they've just expanded their <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNFKJMPjpRAY_K8tmPlyrmlXGN6Wn1CWbiYhOwQWDtd7gtgnRca7IhTgm5qBVWEEgNIWDgQ2RIFha7UJySH7DrlA9CPZh_1ZPduQjlHlgsAZT9LiL0OcHnOgHXCTfjyzYyz3DwlEqe4Y/s1600-h/papa's-map.jpg">delivery zone</a> to even include the lower parts of Long Island City. Check out their menu on their website, but honestly you're better off just stopping by, grabbing a 32oz Tecate and kickin back with a burrito that could beat up your dad. If your dad was also a burrito...<br /><br /><a href="http://papacitosbrooklyn.blogspot.com/">Papacitos Brooklyn</a><br />999 Manhattan Ave<br />Greenpoint - Brooklyn 11222<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>train to Greenpoint Ave<br /><br />B43 and B61 buses to India StMike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-29813709157364443812009-03-02T22:43:00.003-05:002009-03-02T22:59:10.302-05:00Recommendations... Again DamnitSome more crap I like lately, you should like it too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iron Chic - <span style="font-style: italic;">Demo</span></span><br />I'm just gonna say it now, you need this. Just download it now. Remember Latterman? Yea me too, they fucking ruled and they're not a band anymore. Life sucks, move on, as they have. Iron Chic is another chapter of that featuring members of Latterman and the also awesome Small Arms Dealer. Shout along songs that are almost nostalgic in a sense but not in a cheesy way at all. It's just some great pop punk anthems. These guys are gonna make some great records in the future. Listen to the demo, and listen often. I love it more and more every time.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/iron-chic/demo/">Download </a>from If You Make It<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/7.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Get Bent - <span style="font-style: italic;">Demo</span></span><br />Some killer dudes from Ridgewood, Queens (gotta support the locals). Some more rough catchy as hell pop punk with some interesting guitar work as well. Sing alongs like woah. Another band we'll hopefully see a lot more from in the future.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/get-bent/demo/">Download</a> from If You Make It<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These album downloads were once again made available from the awesome site <a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/">If You Make It</a> and the respective artists. Check out the <a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/category/pink-couch-sessions/">Pink Couch Sessions</a> on If You Make It for some great exclusive performances by some of the best artists out there right now. Support your local DIY music scene and go see these bands when they play. If they have shit, buy it.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-45576022784906831782009-02-16T10:58:00.009-05:002009-02-16T12:35:11.028-05:00Recommendations... Cause I Said SoSome EPs/demos I've been digging on lately and you should dig too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/8.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thousandaires - <span style="font-style: italic;">Land Seal Demo</span></span><br />A mixup of members of Bridge & Tunnel, Halo Fauna and Get Bent. Usually listing this kinda information means shit, but not in this case. It pretty much sounds just like a melting pot of those bands, which is a great thing. Hope we see more music from this collective.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/thousandaires/land-seal-demo/">Download</a> from In You Make It<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Air Raid Barcelona - <span style="font-style: italic;">4 Song EP<br /></span></span>They're a band, then they're not a band. Then they're a band again. Somethin like that. Urgent, driving, catchy punk rock from New Paltz. Rough vocals which compliment the music in a delicious manner. Would be killer to see an LP by these guys one day in the next few years.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/air-raid-barcelona/self-titled/">Download</a> from If You Make It<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/images/covers/6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Brass - <span style="font-style: italic;">Demo</span></span><br />The Brass rip. Nuff said. Seriously they just rip hard and that's all you need to know. Listen to this band. People who miss On The Might of Princes will be stoked on this (as it features ex OTMOP, dur). Also features members of Latterman, Air Raid Barcelona and Potboiler. Get into it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/the-brass/demo/">Download</a> from If You Make It<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />All these albums are available to download for free* by the fine folks of <a href="http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/albums/">If You Make It</a>. Please support the site, bookmark it and check it daily, like you have anything better to do.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">*that means when you go see these bands live, buy shit from them. ya greedy bastids.</span>Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-4402872179785877042009-02-09T23:23:00.006-05:002009-02-10T07:57:14.641-05:00Lucero - FINALLY returning to Brooklyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://b4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00727/43/20/727460234_l.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 298px;" src="http://b4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/00727/43/20/727460234_l.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well it's finally fuckin' happening. After the last few laps through NYC saw <a href="http://www.luceromusic.com/">Lucero</a> playing on boats or opening for The Black Keys at Terminal 5 (I'm aware of the Mercury Lounge date that happened after but I had my own drunk punk-country band to tend to), Lucero is finally playing a normal club show. And I cannot really complain about the location. On April 18th they will take the stage at the North Si... err, <a href="http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/">Music Hall of Williamsburg</a>.<br /><br />It's a Saturday night, that could not have been more perfectly planned. Why? Because the only way to see Lucero is by trying to out drink them throughout their set. A feat very few can tackle (this is Lucero people). If you're not familiar with Lucero, there is something wrong with you first off. Secondly you need to aquaint yourself with them. I can cite no specific record to dig into first (ok maybe That Much Further West) as they're all whiskey and beer soaked masterpieces. You cannot listen to them and not be affected somehow.<br /><br />I cannot lie, one of my goals in life is to one day get drunk with Ben Nichols and start playin' songs. Yeah it'll probably never happen, but a guy can dream yeah? Tickets go on sale Friday at noon. Do not miss this. Show details can be found below:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lucero</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">w/ Titus Andronicus</span><br />Music Hall of Williamsburg<br />66 N 6th St - Williamsburg, Brooklyn<br />Saturday April 18th - 8pm doors 18+<br /><img src="file:///Users/mikesaffert/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/mikesaffert/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-3.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/mikesaffert/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-4.jpg" alt="" /><img src="file:///Users/mikesaffert/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-5.jpg" alt="" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />train to Bedford Ave.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-63773009408099464112009-02-05T21:22:00.005-05:002009-02-10T23:24:34.706-05:00Lulu and Alligators<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3105084083_d3b14fbb9f.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 262px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3148/3105084083_d3b14fbb9f.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lulu's changed to Lost & Found. No biggy. Lost & Found was an excellent neighborhood establishment in north Greenpoint. It offered a decent draft beer selection, cheap Black Label, PBR and High Life, Simpsons pinball, a photobooth, pool table, skeeball (yep, skeeball), free hot dogs and pretty much the coolest bartenders around. It was never packed unless there was a show going on upstairs. Which was fine because that's how I was introduced to one of my favorite bands right now (<a href="http://www.myspace.com/bridgeandtunnelmusic">Bridge & Tunnel</a>, dig em).<br /><br />The one night, while severely drunk, they informed me that L&F would be closing soon for renovations due to new ownership. I was crushed. I was also shitfaced. So it wasn't too bad. Then they didn't close for a while, and I thought all was honky dory until the day I rode past on my bike, and saw the site we see documented to the left in that photo. There used to be a ferris wheel and it read "Lost & Found". Devistation.<br /><br />Months go by, and finally it reopens with a new name. Now it's Alligator - Greenpoint. Owned by the same folks who own Crocodile Lounge in the city and Alligator Lounge in Williamsburg, the free hot dogs are gone, replaced by free pizza. Which I'm not against, cause its damn good. But there's so many places to get free pizza in north Brooklyn. I was drunk when I came in to check out the changes, but they were vast. All the cool stuff is gone from the walls. They cleaned off the graffiti in the bathroom. High Life prices went up, no more PBR/Black Label. All the games appear to be gone. New random seating areas. I dunno, it wasn't bad. But it wasn't great. Still the same bar staff though so I can/will enjoy that. I guess you'll just haveta see for yourself. If you're new to it, you'll probably like it. If you're used to Lulu's/Lost & Found, you'll be let down. But I'll give it a chance to grow on me.<br /><br />Oh yea and they're still doing shows. Bridge & Tunnel on March 12th. Do it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">*Another notable change i realized: happy hour is now only $3 drafts from 3-6 when it used to be half priced til 8. Who the fuck can get there before 6 oclock? I do believe you've lost me now... RIP old friend.</span></span><br /><br />113 Franklin St.<br />Greenpoint, Brooklyn<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>train to Greenpoint Ave<br /><br />or just go somewhere better, like Tommy's or Goodman's ($1.50 Bud draft and nothin but metal).<br /><br /><img src="file:///Users/mikesaffert/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-1.jpg" alt="" />Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-48740928299055389272009-01-22T01:11:00.005-05:002009-01-24T12:47:10.897-05:00Off With Their Fucking Heads<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.latenightwallflower.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/l_2879275dfddefa551132e695eca83de0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 185px;" src="http://www.latenightwallflower.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/l_2879275dfddefa551132e695eca83de0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'd like to start by saying fuck the Kaiser Chiefs. Not only do you have one of the shittiest names ever, and really some of the shittiest music ever, but because you chose to title one of your crimes against music "Off With Their Heads" you are stealing Google search results from a band who people will actually like in another six months. I hope this band gets AIDS and dies in front of loved ones on their birthdays.<br /><br />And now I'm kinda too drunk to remember why I was originally gonna post this. But seriously, fuck the Kaiser Chiefs. Stop making music that dipshit Manhattan hipsters think is putting them on another level. I'd actually love to see Ryan from Off With Their Heads drink a case of Bud, do a buncha meth and fight the singer of the Kaiser Chiefs. I have no idea what this turd looks like but I bet he needs his ass kicked.<br /><br />I guess what I'm trying to say is go buy Off With Their Heads records. And drink beer. Then listen to those Off With Their Heads records. Then kill a hobo. Just because.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-86119304291182251552009-01-11T12:38:00.002-05:002009-01-11T12:55:26.590-05:00Ben Nichols gone solo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hearya.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ben-nichols1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 191px; height: 255px;" src="http://www.hearya.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ben-nichols1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>You're probably familiar with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lucero">Lucero</a>. If not you goddamn better get yourself on it cause you are missing out on one of the best bands you'll ever hear. The heart of Lucero's whiskey soaked country-punk rock lies in the words and voice of frontman Ben Nichols. That signature gravely Memphis howl has been the backbone of their music and the more than perfect conduit for his tales of broken hearts-down on your luck-broke down truck nights at a bar with a broken jukebox and still have a bottle of Jack Daniels left in front of ya.<br />Next week, Ben Nichols will release his first solo album called "The Last Pale Light In The West". The seven song album was recorded in two days in Memphis and showcases Ben Nichols in a much more stripped down and intimate light than the crunching twang of Lucero. There's acoustic guitars, pedal steel, accordian and piano and that's all ya could really want on it. Just that and Ben's voice. The songs themselves are based on the novel "Blood Meridian" by Cormac McCarthy. If you've read this the record makes even more sense (and if you haven't read it, read it). The record's been available in digital form for quite a while actually, so I'm way late on this post. I tried to hold out til the album's physical release but I caved and pre-ordered yesterday and got my download with it. I'm also crossing my fingers for a vinyl pressing, but we'll see. Click <a href="http://www.luceromusic.com/store/index.php">here to pre-order the CD</a> and receive and instant download. You'll be glad you did.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-26931563258172710822009-01-10T11:35:00.003-05:002009-01-10T11:38:57.970-05:00Listen to Bon Iver<object height="284" width="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ePatJIwB-sI&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ePatJIwB-sI&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="284" width="340"></embed></object><br /><br />I am understanding his music more right now than I did when I first heard him. It's both painful and comforting. That is all.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-85217021084322495692009-01-02T14:45:00.004-05:002009-01-02T15:06:49.263-05:00Get Fucked Up in Brooklyn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/35/m_89e4669e1e69473a9c3eed49fcde4f24.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 112px;" src="http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/35/m_89e4669e1e69473a9c3eed49fcde4f24.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Who wants to go see <a href="http://www.matadorrecords.com/fucked_up/">Fucked Up</a>? You'll say yes if you know what's good for you. Anybody who's been to a Fucked Up show knows what I'm talking about. Anybody who hasn't been to a Fucked Up show? It's time you found out what I'm talking about. On Tuesday January 20th they'll be playing at the Inauguration Day Hardcore Show at Danbro Studios Warehouse in Bushwick with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/viviangirlsnyc">Vivian Girls</a> and <a href="http://www.subpop.com/artists/pissed_jeans">Pissed Jeans</a>. Both bands you should get to know as well if you don't already. Now I know I know, it's inauguration night for our newly elected president Barack Obama. I'm looking into set times and inauguration schedules as much as I can. This would be an ideal strategy: Drinks and inauguration at Duck Duck or Kings County, pizza at Roberta's, then go see Fucked Up. Sounds like good times, right? Check out the details below.<br /><br />Tuesday January 20th - 8pm<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fucked Up, Pissed Jeans, Vivian Girls</span> <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">+ secret guests TBA</span><br /><a href="http://danbrostudios.com/">Danbro Studios Warehouse</a><br />260 Meserole St<br />Bushwick, Brooklyn<br /><br />by subway:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a> train to Montrose Ave<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a> train to Broadway<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-J_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-J_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-M_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-M_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a> trains to Hewes St or Flushing AveMike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-85771571143288500772008-12-30T20:59:00.009-05:002009-01-02T14:38:58.876-05:00Bridge & Tunnel @ Generation Records<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/m_f716adff0c7c453aa8e5b5138894f1b9.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 226px;" src="http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/63/m_f716adff0c7c453aa8e5b5138894f1b9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>The increasingly great (and my number 5 LP of the year!) <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bridgeandtunnelmusic">Bridge & Tunnel</a> will be making a special appearance at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/generationrecordsnyc">Generation Records</a> in Greenwich Village next month. Generation shows are always awesome and special in some way, even when they get absurdly cramped and you can't see much (anybody catch the Fucked Up show there?). <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cheekyli">Cheeky</a> will be opening the show which kicks off at 8pm on Wednesday Jan 28th. Free as long as you bring a can of food to donate (bring more than one if you're awesome).<br /><br />Can't make this? Bridge & Tunnel will also be performing a month<br />later on Feb 28th at Matchless in scenic Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Cheap Pabst, Bridge & Tunnel and a 5 minute walk home? You bet I'll be there.<br /><br />Details:<br />January 28th at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/generationrecordsnyc">Generation Records</a><br />210 Thompson Street<br />Greenwich Village, NYC<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-A_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-A_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-C_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-C_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-E_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-E_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-B_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-B_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-D_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-D_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-F_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-F_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-V_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-V_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>trains to West 4th St Station<br /><br />February 28th at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/matchlessbar">Bar Matchless</a><br />Manhattan Ave & Driggs Ave<br />Greenpoint, Brooklyn<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-G_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a> train to Nassua Ave<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 16px; height: 16px;" src="http://www.nyctransitforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bullets/75px-NYCS-bull-trans-L_svg.png" alt="" border="0" /></a>train to Bedford AveMike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-49104637631294486892008-12-21T12:26:00.014-05:002008-12-21T16:12:53.141-05:00Top Ten Records of 08<span style="font-size:100%;">Everyone loves to read end of the year top ten lists. And everyone loves to make end of year top ten lists and push their personal opinions upon others. So here we go, my Top Ten Records of 2008. My list is better than your list.<br /><br />10.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbrDQ-KKKrLfXosury-XywE00wGKf4fKndVQFzAGGQxI13Ue6_wX96HQ_nfh8eBz7Skyp436mxzYBcxNG6mPsAwIvj9HBcowNXftnrLuot4GExPZ8lWvVajNZh807TcG2i-yr2r5snoY/s1600-h/h2o.jpeg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbrDQ-KKKrLfXosury-XywE00wGKf4fKndVQFzAGGQxI13Ue6_wX96HQ_nfh8eBz7Skyp436mxzYBcxNG6mPsAwIvj9HBcowNXftnrLuot4GExPZ8lWvVajNZh807TcG2i-yr2r5snoY/s200/h2o.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282309131715703970" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >H2O - <span style="font-style: italic;">Nothing To Prove</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Bridge 9 Records</span><br /><br />It was 7 years since the last new <a href="http://www.myspace.com/h2ofamily">H2O</a> record. Usually that amount of time between records causes people to forget about a band. But those kindsa people probably don't listen to bands like H20. No biggy, more for me. H2O returns as family men who are taking a look at the new state of "punk" bands, and they don't like it too much. Choice tracks like "Nothing To Prove" and "What Happened?" show that H2O hasn't forgotten who they are, but they kinda want to know: who the hell are you?<br /><br />9.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Iz73x6Zm_8Lz0TIrcymu2IBCWGwJEvXKY6qJ46Ubk-N2tVzXhyFde21Lj_Lzvg2ok9Xrc4sve3gPmWFFSugP03NpHnWOZxLn4AhuVkB9o5J0lnx6ZeQMoEduuEwvWgVsk2gGoDq9H8/s1600-h/thisishell.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Iz73x6Zm_8Lz0TIrcymu2IBCWGwJEvXKY6qJ46Ubk-N2tVzXhyFde21Lj_Lzvg2ok9Xrc4sve3gPmWFFSugP03NpHnWOZxLn4AhuVkB9o5J0lnx6ZeQMoEduuEwvWgVsk2gGoDq9H8/s200/thisishell.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282311013760938930" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >This Is </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Hell - <span style="font-style: italic;">Misfortunes</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Trustkill Records</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />On their second LP, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thisishell">This Is Hell</a> stepped further into their shoes and goes for a little run. Distancing themselves a bit from <a href="http://www.myspace.com/giveuptheghosthxc">American Nightmare</a> stylings of </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Sundowning</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> and drawing more metal influences, they've gifted us with a new, raw and refreshing hardcore album that's been a regular staple in my rotations this year.<br /><br />8.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMAvSTI52h54L7cUzjPzpm-Puk_EU4TatxHzYZDxNZfG1CLPgCRhT5gjJAZQIUDTkqwMjocxodggQTetjk2uNYGAEOEzbXWM70tFK02PsGO0H3er3DNyTpEliiY6-WaWC4YfEFk5aixI/s1600-h/unitednations.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMAvSTI52h54L7cUzjPzpm-Puk_EU4TatxHzYZDxNZfG1CLPgCRhT5gjJAZQIUDTkqwMjocxodggQTetjk2uNYGAEOEzbXWM70tFK02PsGO0H3er3DNyTpEliiY6-WaWC4YfEFk5aixI/s200/unitednations.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282314472588829746" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >United Nations - <span style="font-style: italic;">United Nations</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Eyeball Records</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />The hype and salivations by the masses for <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/unitednations">United Nations</a>, a screamo supergroup has subsided. Everyone's gotten all their "best. album. ever.", "i dont get it" and "it just sounds like shitty <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chaosisorchid">Orchid</a>" out of their systems, so maybe now we can just enjoy this record for what it is. I won't lie at first the hype almost turned me off to enjoying the band, but it's kinda just not possible. The album shreds, shreds real hard. Now if only Eyeball Records would send me the fucking vinyl copy I ordered almost two months ago and claims shipped. Seriously, I'm really pissed and if anyone knows someone at Eyeball, tell them to watch their backs.<br /><br />7.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusZiSc-GqDZad_2GuErkP2QPKiSYMSvIfzONBMnZioKC8CFBtSh2_YENMIHCxLvAk0_BhX5gHUU0RI9rXlhQN7nZd0kfMKBr4qJVz1YqHdZRuxFkJ_I27BI0Ue3VYkKNs458G4F3A1Xs/s1600-h/59sound.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusZiSc-GqDZad_2GuErkP2QPKiSYMSvIfzONBMnZioKC8CFBtSh2_YENMIHCxLvAk0_BhX5gHUU0RI9rXlhQN7nZd0kfMKBr4qJVz1YqHdZRuxFkJ_I27BI0Ue3VYkKNs458G4F3A1Xs/s200/59sound.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319579102185634" border="0" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >The Gaslight Anthem - <span style="font-style: italic;">The '59 Sound</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >SideOneDummy Records</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />The New Jersey success story of the year. Been a while since we had one of them hasn't it? Comprised of a strong match of NJ punk scene veterans, The <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/thegaslightanthem">Gaslight Anthem</a> have been slowly but surely turning heads over the past few years since their first LP </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Sink or Swim</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> came out guns blazing with a raw Social D meets Hot Water Music style. With </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The '59 Sound</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> the guys turn down the distortion and roll their packs of smokes into their t shirt sleeves. This time it's all about the stories in the songs and polaroids you could imagine them being documented on. If Bruce Springsteen were to go punk, it'd sound like this.<br /><br />6.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mNpZf8q8AFZRap_v8x_pMQ-sK-T-HQDjnp5L52wDxsnkYPbtnmUJUhxFIyxT7Ux1lensefbePxlvDFGTk3qY2nNkHvgvkI-n6_4j_F4Al-NUMmRWwx7DUhFhGiV-oD-DR1vpAzS-kQY/s1600-h/thursday.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mNpZf8q8AFZRap_v8x_pMQ-sK-T-HQDjnp5L52wDxsnkYPbtnmUJUhxFIyxT7Ux1lensefbePxlvDFGTk3qY2nNkHvgvkI-n6_4j_F4Al-NUMmRWwx7DUhFhGiV-oD-DR1vpAzS-kQY/s200/thursday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319584797197362" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Thursday/Envy Split LP</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Temporary Residence LTD</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />I was one of the few who were not disappointed in <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thursday">Thursday</a>'s </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >A City By The Light Divided</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> but I do this weird thing where I listen to bands I already know with an open mind and an understanding of them wanted to try new things. Crazy I know. Free from their contract with Island, Thursday really shows a return to form with some of their most creative material yet, including two instrumental tracks. Imagine <a href="http://www.myspace.com/explosionsinthesky">Explosions In The Sky</a> if they were a heavy band. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/officialenvy">Envy</a> as always does not disappoint either with texture rich songs that make you wonder so much what they're singing about (cause its in Japanese). Releasing it only on vinyl? Also a glorious idea.<br /><br />5.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJQMMeKpt0IkHhGulDCoX-T4iSFP8IA-kAfFeHsrsE7B_5wGzgvnPmYcH8-my75VD8asLK8n_QF-Bbd39UusBhIX6C6TdJxmOtJTFBeiQs9hxhJe6jw01jct-jlLQCBesh-TfnoxVetw/s1600-h/b&t.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJQMMeKpt0IkHhGulDCoX-T4iSFP8IA-kAfFeHsrsE7B_5wGzgvnPmYcH8-my75VD8asLK8n_QF-Bbd39UusBhIX6C6TdJxmOtJTFBeiQs9hxhJe6jw01jct-jlLQCBesh-TfnoxVetw/s200/b&t.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319585382131426" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Bridge & Tunnel - <span style="font-style: italic;">East/West</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >No Idea Records</span><br /><br />I first heard <a href="http://www.myspace.com/bridgeandtunnelmusic">Bridge & Tunnel</a> a while back at my favorite bar Lost & Found (RIP) here in lovely Greenpoint Brooklyn. Normally I get kinda pissed when there's an unexpected show at L&F cause one of the bar's main draws in the relatively low music levels and never-packed-ness. But this time I figured whatever, a buncha friends are already here and I'm about 5 Miller High Life's deep, go with it. Bridge & Tunnel struck my attention right away. I felt as if they were reviving something, but I wasn't sure what. They reminded me of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/youandinh">You & I</a> expect not really at all. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/cursive">Cursive</a>? Kinda. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hotwatermusic">Hot Water Music</a>? A bit. Regardless I was in love and bought their 7" on the spot. This summer they followed up with East/West and it picks up right where the 7" teased at. Dynamic guitars, split male/female lead vocals and observational songs about life in general. Get this record. And their 7". And their split with <a href="http://www.myspace.com/younglivers">Young Livers</a>.<br /><br />4.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvVcudBjAWEU7Rsq00jZUXlQz0IqTXfkViM0o7KehwLOav41Mk9aqWx-AYwmGlKAOBnPyLJnN67-NK-nP6V1vEeupom539zjdzlHmWgNoGYoTSJtF-alUva3kf5j9uYrYG8JvzB8Flx0/s1600-h/raganlucas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvVcudBjAWEU7Rsq00jZUXlQz0IqTXfkViM0o7KehwLOav41Mk9aqWx-AYwmGlKAOBnPyLJnN67-NK-nP6V1vEeupom539zjdzlHmWgNoGYoTSJtF-alUva3kf5j9uYrYG8JvzB8Flx0/s200/raganlucas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319580946545202" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Chuck Ragan & Austin Lucas - <span style="font-style: italic;">Bristle Ridge</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Ten Four Records</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Ever since starting his own solo career, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan">Chuck Ragan</a> really has not slowed down one bit. From the 7" club releases with No Idea, one live LP, one studio LP and countless other 7" singles and splits it seems that if Chuck writes a song, he's gonna release it. This has got to be his most ambitious effort yet. Teaming up with natural born folk singer <a href="http://www.myspace.com/austinlucas1">Austin Lucas</a> they crafted some of both's finest songs yet. From rootsy bluegrass and folk to striped ballads and nonholy gospel, Ragan and Lucas riffle through their own songs, collaborations and some old standards and present them in a way only these two could together. Also featuring Chuck Ragan live show staples Digger Barnes and Jon Gaunt, and Austin's father Bob Lucas, who recorded the record in his rural Indiana home. It really doesn't matter what your music of preference is, you will love this record.<br /><br />3.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtQNtLiQVhciPPiEgymYcX1Cknh005CWlCkM-SFrDPAz4nm1ZGGKFyOvP4LneXgNCpK-uCQClUexzcfmVE30I02IgZJzmiwunQrk3owI1GwAbl-uy7g1K5soGpVg_w4MApqbMMyi8_vg/s1600-h/fuckedup.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxtQNtLiQVhciPPiEgymYcX1Cknh005CWlCkM-SFrDPAz4nm1ZGGKFyOvP4LneXgNCpK-uCQClUexzcfmVE30I02IgZJzmiwunQrk3owI1GwAbl-uy7g1K5soGpVg_w4MApqbMMyi8_vg/s200/fuckedup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282319584704186466" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Fucked Up - <span style="font-style: italic;">The Chemistry Of Common Life</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Matador Records</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Ah, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/epicsinminutes">Fucked Up</a>. What will you do next. Never a band to take kindly to restrictions or boundaries many tend to place on hardcore music (I can barely even consider them a hardcore band), Fucked Up is at it again. Opening the record with a lone flute, it eventually unfolds into everything you love about Fucked Up. Songs of epic length and sonic mindfucks. Bizarre instrumentions dance around power chord heavy rhythm sections and Damien's signature growl on an even more ambitious effort than </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Hidden World</span><span style="font-size:100%;">, as if that were possible. See them next month in Brooklyn. It won't be another 12 hour show, but it'll be one to remember.<br /><br />2.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtDLJ_3JblcBph2KjsTTaVfUjIg-IXOXPI-Z5hLLzOtuyJUgbNnqb39A45b8rn1zLa5iLkd_XOUvI6eIUpFd2TV7WXxNV1kOSx1ugaQKhDIER0SCQb64Atn93aDJT18ceTIel2H7la6M/s1600-h/offwiththeirheads.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtDLJ_3JblcBph2KjsTTaVfUjIg-IXOXPI-Z5hLLzOtuyJUgbNnqb39A45b8rn1zLa5iLkd_XOUvI6eIUpFd2TV7WXxNV1kOSx1ugaQKhDIER0SCQb64Atn93aDJT18ceTIel2H7la6M/s200/offwiththeirheads.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282322127223692306" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Off With Their Heads - <span style="font-style: italic;">From The Bottom</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >No Idea Records</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Something's got to really suck in this dude's life to sing the things he sings. I'd cite something specific but really, just listen and you'll see what I mean. Seriously, like I really hope playing the songs and touring is theraputic for him. Regardless, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/offwiththeirheads">Off With Their Heads</a> play the kind of gritty punk rock that is catchy as hell but doesn't compromise any substance. The vocals are harsh and gravely (a friend equated it to a drunk pirate) and really aren't for everyone. But if it is for you, odds are you already love the band. This record really resonates with all the energy and dont-give-a-fuck attitude that makes bands like this so great. They're on tour for the rest of their lives, so if they come through town definitely make it a point to see them, buy all their LPs, 7"s and a shirt. They deserve your love, and Taco Bell.<br /><br />1.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfyWZbzogmMWIz2OLgBoddnbXRrlyUijzBetZtq_oqtPbPWIjQRxX_mqkelSFkH41UDJfBqSfwTK-71bixoZ3jLDnEobA6xuE8PaWU5ow5z3dwZsMFhMxecvixi2yQROW3gT1JDlK5oQ/s1600-h/D4.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfyWZbzogmMWIz2OLgBoddnbXRrlyUijzBetZtq_oqtPbPWIjQRxX_mqkelSFkH41UDJfBqSfwTK-71bixoZ3jLDnEobA6xuE8PaWU5ow5z3dwZsMFhMxecvixi2yQROW3gT1JDlK5oQ/s200/D4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282322129352743938" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Dillinger Four - C I V I L W A R </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Fat Wreck Chords</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Here it is folks, my favorite album of the year. This prestigeous honor goes to another band who's been taking their sweet ass time releasing a new record. <a href="http://www.myspace.com/dillingerfour">Dillinger Four</a> decided to make us wait 6 years since they released </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Situationist Comedy</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> to grace us with another release. And well, it was goddamn worth it. This record is infectuous. Nothing new or ground breaking. No experimentation from D4. Nothing to validate the 6 year gap in records. But fuck it, this is all you need. Dillinger Four doing what they do best. Drinking beer and playing energetic four chord punk songs with absurd titles about pop culture and Jesus. And when they come through on tour you're gonna do what you're obligated to do as an American with civil duties, get drunk and go have an awesome time at the show. Get this record and all their others, it might make you a good person.</span>Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-42149725382716106172008-12-21T12:11:00.003-05:002008-12-21T12:19:29.876-05:00I have returned<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3120348051_da7eb82dfc.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 193px; height: 145px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3120348051_da7eb82dfc.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a>Well it's been a good three months or so since my last post. Sounds about right. Write for a few weeks, then disappear. Write another few weeks, disappear. Rinse, repeat. I'm going to try to stay more active here and also invite contributions from anyone else interested in yammering about things relating to non shitty music and cool stuff going on around Brooklyn.<br /><br />I think to close out 2008 I'll opt for posting a top ten list of year. Maybe a few of them. Definitely a top 10 records of the year. Maybe top 10 bars? Top 10 shows? Did I even go to 1o shows this year? We'll see. You'll see.Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-85339139522608854232008-09-16T22:31:00.007-04:002008-09-16T23:07:41.152-04:00Reviving more than just a tour<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2082335773_cdf9306815.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2169/2082335773_cdf9306815.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Odds are you already know of The Revival Tour going on this fall featuring <a href="http://www.myspace.com/chuckragan">Chuck Ragan</a> (Hot Water Music), <a href="http://www.myspace.com/lucero">Ben Nichols</a> (Lucero) and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/timbarryrva">Tim Barry</a> (Avail). Odds are you know it's going to be an incredible show to experience as these three are some of the most influential song writers in contemporary punk music and what really is punk rock but folk music with fast drums and distorted powerchords?<br /><br />Well the fine gents making up The Revival Tour figured it's not enough to just provide us all with a sure to be memorable performance, but we should have some music to take home with us. Chuck and his wife recently pressed a CD called "Revival Road" on their own Ten Four Records. The disc features songs from Chuck, Ben and Tim and will be available every night of the tour. Vinyl you ask? Duh of course vinyl is going to be available. <a href="http://www.vinylcollective.com/">Vinyl Collective</a> and <a href="http://www.sideonedummy.com/">Side One Dummy</a> will have the record available on vinyl and you'll also be able to grab it at the later dates of the tour.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82056366/images/11/revival_brown.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/82056366/images/11/revival_brown.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> There are 500 pressed on brown vinyl with Kraft paper silkscreened jackets and 1,000 printed on white vinyl with black paper silkscreened jackets. You can currently <a href="http://www.vinylcollective.com/2008/09/16/tppo-va-revival-road-lp-w-chuck-ragan-tim-barry-and-ben-nichols/">pre-order</a> either individually or a special package of both for $25 from the good folks at <a href="http://www.vinylcollective.com/2008/09/16/tppo-va-revival-road-lp-w-chuck-ragan-tim-barry-and-ben-nichols/">Vinyl Collective</a>. Yea, I got the package of both. As if I had a choice? Details of the NYC date can be found below.<br /><br /><br />The Revival Tour<br />f/ Chuck Ragan, Ben Nichols, Tim Barry and special guest Frank Turner<br />Monday Oct 13th<br />8:00<br />The Blender Theater at Gramercy<br />127 E 23rd St. Manhattan, NYC<br /><br />subway:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">6</span> train to 23rd St<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">R/W</span> trains to 23rd St<br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">L</span> train to 3rd AveMike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6516074910620280575.post-29275284797531370862008-09-15T17:23:00.003-04:002008-09-15T17:26:48.585-04:00Extend your stay, amongst other thingsCame across this lovely video whilst boredly perusing the intrawebs. I've stayed at Extended Stay Hotels before, and while I must say it is comfy as hell, I didn't experience this high degree of "relaxation". Maybe they've got some killer new wings at the hotel bar? It might be time to plan another trip though, that's some impressive power.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xBLDcuxYzqw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xBLDcuxYzqw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Mike Explosionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01751076777929643002noreply@blogger.com0