Top 10 Records of 2010

Well 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.

10. Against Me - White Crosses

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?

9. RVIVR - RVIVR

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 Life Moves and Derailer 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.

8. The State Lottery - When The Night Comes

The State Lottery really had my attention with their previous full length effort Cities We're Not From 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.

7. Off With Their Heads - In Desolation

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 In Desolation. 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.

6. The Gaslight Anthem - American Slang

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.

5. The Menzingers - Chamberlain Waits

The Menzingers returned with their second LP, and a very focused effort with Chamberlain Waits. 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. Chamberlain Waits 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.

4. Flogging Molly - Live at The Greek Theater

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.

3. The Bouncing Souls - Ghosts On The Boardwalk

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, Lean on Sheena 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 Hopeless Romantic 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.

2. Iron Chic - Not Like This

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.

1. The Flatliners - Cavalcade

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 Cavalcade, 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.

I HAVE RETURNED!

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.

Chic Fellows and Drug Trenches

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 Iron Chic, Fellow Project, Whiskey Trench and Go Sell Drugs. 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 Dead Broke Rekerds. Go buy the hell out of them, especially Iron Chic's new 'Shitty Rambo' 7 inch EP. It's good as hell.

Show details below...

Iron Chic
Fellow Project
Whiskey Trench
Go Sell Drugs
at...
Tommy's Tavern
1041 Manhattan Ave - Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Friday, December 4th - 9pm $5

train to Greenpoint Ave (use the India St exit)

B61 and B43 buses to India St

Farewell Cheeky - This Weekend in Brooklyn

Well Cheeky, 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.

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:

Cheeky (last show ever!)
Slingshot Dakota
Zombie Dogs
Stupid Party
Shellshag

at Death By Audio
49 S. 2nd St - Brooklyn, NY
Saturday November 28th - $5 - 7pm - All Ages!

to Marcy Ave.

to Bedford Ave.

7" Of The Week: Get Bent - Demo E.P.

Get Bent - Demo E.P.

Well it was nice while it lasted. Get Bent 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 Dead Broke Rekerds. 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.

Purchase this 7" from Dead Broke Rekerds! ONLY 30 LEFT!
Purchase the TAPE from Dead Broke Rekerds! *includes bonus track "Barback Mountain"!
Download MP3 from If You Make It! *include bonus track "Ridgewood, Son"!

7" Of The Week: Bridge & Tunnel / Young Livers split

Bridge & Tunnel / Young Livers - Split Record

Unless you've been living under a big shitty rock, you're probably at least familiar with either of these bands by name. Bridge & Tunnel 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. Young Livers 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. Pick it up for a measly $3 from the good folks at No Idea Records.

Metaphorically, that is the punk scene...

The Fest 5 - Mostly Champagne from NationalUnderground on Vimeo.

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.

Also I just remembered Off With Their Heads is playing Death By Audio here in Brooklyn the night I turn 25. Shit rules sometimes.

7" Of The Week: Pregnant - Wanna See My Gun?

Pregnant - Wanna See My Gun?

Brooklyn's own Pregnant 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 Don Giovanni Records, but if you need some now (which you do) their 7" EP Wanna See My Gun? was released in February and is loaded with awesome. Get your hands on that shit from Don Giovanni Records mailorder. Expect a lot more great things from this band in the future.

Recommendations... Again Damnit

Some more crap I like lately, you should like it too.

Iron Chic - Demo
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.

Download from If You Make It


Get Bent - Demo
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.

Download from If You Make It





These album downloads were once again made available from the awesome site If You Make It and the respective artists. Check out the Pink Couch Sessions 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.

Recommendations... Cause I Said So

Some EPs/demos I've been digging on lately and you should dig too.

Thousandaires - Land Seal Demo
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.

Download from In You Make It




Air Raid Barcelona - 4 Song EP
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.

Download from If You Make It




The Brass - Demo
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.

Download from If You Make It




All these albums are available to download for free* by the fine folks of If You Make It. Please support the site, bookmark it and check it daily, like you have anything better to do.


*that means when you go see these bands live, buy shit from them. ya greedy bastids.

Lucero - FINALLY returning to Brooklyn

Well it's finally fuckin' happening. After the last few laps through NYC saw Lucero 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, Music Hall of Williamsburg.

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.

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:

Lucero
w/ Titus Andronicus
Music Hall of Williamsburg
66 N 6th St - Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Saturday April 18th - 8pm doors 18+

train to Bedford Ave.

Off With Their Fucking Heads

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.

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.

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.

Ben Nichols gone solo

You're probably familiar with Lucero. 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.
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 here to pre-order the CD and receive and instant download. You'll be glad you did.

Top Ten Records of 08

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.

10.
H2O - Nothing To Prove
Bridge 9 Records

It was 7 years since the last new H2O 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?

9.
This Is Hell - Misfortunes
Trustkill Records

On their second LP, This Is Hell stepped further into their shoes and goes for a little run. Distancing themselves a bit from American Nightmare stylings of Sundowning 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.

8.
United Nations - United Nations
Eyeball Records

The hype and salivations by the masses for United Nations, a screamo supergroup has subsided. Everyone's gotten all their "best. album. ever.", "i dont get it" and "it just sounds like shitty Orchid" 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.

7.
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound
SideOneDummy Records

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 Gaslight Anthem have been slowly but surely turning heads over the past few years since their first LP Sink or Swim came out guns blazing with a raw Social D meets Hot Water Music style. With The '59 Sound 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.

6.
Thursday/Envy Split LP
Temporary Residence LTD

I was one of the few who were not disappointed in Thursday's A City By The Light Divided 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 Explosions In The Sky if they were a heavy band. Envy 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.

5.
Bridge & Tunnel - East/West
No Idea Records

I first heard Bridge & Tunnel 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 You & I expect not really at all. Cursive? Kinda. Hot Water Music? 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 Young Livers.

4.
Chuck Ragan & Austin Lucas - Bristle Ridge
Ten Four Records

Ever since starting his own solo career, Chuck Ragan 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 Austin Lucas 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.

3.
Fucked Up - The Chemistry Of Common Life
Matador Records

Ah, Fucked Up. 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 Hidden World, 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.

2.
Off With Their Heads - From The Bottom
No Idea Records

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, Off With Their Heads 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.

1.
Dillinger Four - C I V I L W A R
Fat Wreck Chords

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. Dillinger Four decided to make us wait 6 years since they released Situationist Comedy 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.

Reviving more than just a tour

Odds are you already know of The Revival Tour going on this fall featuring Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music), Ben Nichols (Lucero) and Tim Barry (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?

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. Vinyl Collective and Side One Dummy will have the record available on vinyl and you'll also be able to grab it at the later dates of the tour. 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 pre-order either individually or a special package of both for $25 from the good folks at Vinyl Collective. Yea, I got the package of both. As if I had a choice? Details of the NYC date can be found below.


The Revival Tour
f/ Chuck Ragan, Ben Nichols, Tim Barry and special guest Frank Turner
Monday Oct 13th
8:00
The Blender Theater at Gramercy
127 E 23rd St. Manhattan, NYC

subway:
6 train to 23rd St
R/W trains to 23rd St
L train to 3rd Ave

back again

Well it seems I've once again taken a long absence from writing. Laziness? Maybe. Lack of events to write about? Hardly. Distraction from third parties? OK that's it. I wanted to write about Renegade Craft Fair, a review of The Loved Ones at McCarren Pool, NYC Bubble Battle and Brooklyn Kickball. But those things are long past. Well I suppose I can still do a overdue review of Renegade. And if you so please, here's some pictures from The Loved Ones at McCarren Pool. And I go to the kickball games every week so that's still fresh. Ok so I guess I was just lookin for an excuse there with that "long past" nonsense. But alas, ever onward. It's NYC, it's summer, things are happening and if I think it doesn't suck I'll have some words on it here. First thing's first...


Tomorrow night is indeed one of the most anticipated nights of this summer for myself and anyone else who knows a damn thing about good music. Hot Water Music, Thursday and Paint It Black (or as I like to call it, the Time Capsule Show) will be performing together at Terminal 5 in midtown Manhattan. Unusual location for a show of this type, but hey they have fresh (I wish free) empanadas on the third floor balcony and beers are actually sensibly priced for that part of the city. However also that night, Alkaline Trio is headlining Irving Plaza with American Steel and Dillinger 4 supporting. Now I used to love Alkaline Trio, I really did and still love all those records and have even found songs I can appreciate on Crimson and Good Mourning. But to say they're even a shadow of the band who released Goddamnit and Maybe I'll Catch Fire would be a goddamn lie. I propose Alkaline Trio's bus be stopped and searched at the Lincoln Tunnel. And held for several hours forcing them to miss load in and soundcheck. American Steel and Dillinger 4 will have no choice but to come up to Terminal 5 and join the Hot Water/Thursday/Paint It Black show. I think it's a great idea yes? No? Who wants to help make it happen? More importantly who else is gonna be Lost & Found in Greenpoint Bklyn before the show gettin the day started right?

Get Loved at McCarren Pool this month

Usually when someone writes about an upcoming show, it's because of the killer headliner (see three posts down...). And it's not that I don't dig The Hold Steady, they're a solid band. But this is all about The Loved Ones. They first caught my attention in the summer of 06 while I was in Baltimore with my old band recording an album with Brian McTernan, who recorded their first EP and LP. They stopped by the studio while coming through town on tour and were really killer guys. So I checked their tunes out and was super into it. It was that solid, catchy punk rock that while many bands do well, they just do much better. Gritty yet melodic vocals, hook laden guitars and driving drum beats. Nothing outrageous, just something concrete and excellently executed. Their second LP "Build And Burn" brought more of a pop and at times folky element to the songwriting and they really started to shine through with their full potential without sacrificing anything fans of the first two records loved about them. So why did I mention The Hold Steady at first? Oh yeah. Well, The Loved Ones will be opening for them at McCarren Park Pool on June 29th. Like I said, it's not that I don't dig The Hold Steady. I just think The Loved Ones are far better. There will also be a special song performed during The Loved Ones' set. What is it? Well, you'll just have to go to the show (hint: Chuck will be proud!). Details are below.

JellyNYC Presents:
The Hold Steady
The Loved Ones
J Roddy & The Business
Sun June 29 at 2pm
McCarren Park Pool
780 Lorimer St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222

L train to Bedford Ave or Lorimer St.
G train to Nassau Ave or Metropolitan Ave
also accessible from B61, B48 and B43 bus lines.

Another place to dispose of your paychecks...

If there's one thing there will never be too many of in Brooklyn, or anywhere really, is record stores. Not CD stores, record stores where one can make purchases of the vinyl persuasion. While en route to Queens on Franklin Ave in Greenpoint the other week, a friend and I spotted this place, Permanent Records which we'd never noticed before (obviously cause it's pretty new). Immediately we spun our bikes around and popped in. And yes of course, we spent a good forty five minutes perusing through. I gotta say, impressive. Great selection of classic pop, rock and jazz records as well as more contemporary punk and indie stuff. And a great bin of seven inch records. It may not look like much at first glance, but you'll find yourself looking through every last record there and having to decide which ones to get and which to put back. Or maybe not? Everything is very modestly priced. I picked up 7"s from Minor Threat, The Cro(w)s and Wat Tyler and some new record cleaner for under $12. And did I mention that the guy working there (dunno if he was the owner?) was super nice and helpful? Yeah, I know. At a record store in Brooklyn, but believe me it happened. You could tell he really cares about and appreciates music. Give them a shot, you'll be happy. Then go celebrate your new favorite record shop and buy me drinks at Lost & Found as a token of thanks.

Permanent Records
181 Franklin St. (corner of Huron St.)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
718-383-4083

G train to Greenpoint Ave
B61, B43 buses to India St. & Manhattan Ave.

Death//Traitors doesnt wanna see you naked

The summer line from Brooklyn t-shirt company Death/Traitors is now available and waiting for you to buy it. It's about to get real hot out, might as well look hot as well. I'm particularly happy to see the Doomsday artwork now on a t-shirt (it was a sweatshirt in the winter line). Stay posted on their website about upcoming concerts and DJ party nights around Brooklyn. I'm sure I'll write about it here as well. Purchase your shiny new D/T swag from the website or at these retail locations:

KCDC
90 N. 11th St
Brooklyn, NY 11211

Autumn Skateboard Shop
436 E. 9th St
New York, NY 10009

Division East (exclusive D/T/DE collab shirt avail here)
460 Bloomfield Ave
Montclair, NJ 07042

Rumors
404 N. Harrison St.
Richmond, VA 23220

1998 NJ basements come to 2008 NYC

Hot Water Music. Thursday. Paint It Black. When was the last time you could have seen these three bands together? OK maybe Paint It Black woulda been Lifetime or Kid Dynamite, but you get the idea. On July 12th these three bands will be playing together at Terminal 5 here in NYC. After being disappointed by the lack of a Hot Water reunion show back in December when they started playing again, it can safely be said that this makes up for it tenfold. Missing this show should not even be an option. It's a Saturday night. It's reasonably priced. And well, Hot Water Music is playing. That right there is reason enough for anyone with ears to attend this. If somehow you're not familiar with these bands, check out their Myspace pages below:

Hot Water Music
Thursday
Paint It Black