2 Things about June 2012

The First thing about this month, is we have just had some great weather. i mean 105 Degrees AND my town sets on fire, i live in colorado springs and it has not been fun.

The second is that it has been a good month(season) for those 90's rock bands we have all loved since we were young. The Offspring have been releasing some songs off their new record. But lets be honest, i dont even like the offspring that much. What really mattered to me was The New Everclear Record "Invisible stars", and The New LIT "The View from the bottom" album. Smashing pumpkins released a big one, "Ocean" And maybe the new Eve 6 if you were into that kind of thing (just kidding eve 6 is good too).

Now we cant really take my opinion on every one of these records, because they are hitting the spectrum of 30 different genres all at once. and unfortunetly i am no magician so i cant really tell whats good to the die hard fans, and what isnt. But ill try my best

The New Eve6 album, "Speak in Code"  was way to poppy for me, it almost seemed like it was too aimed at getting everyone to dance to it. I mean i just wanna sit back and listen to eve6, or pop it in the cd player on the way to work. Not get up and move, who do they think i am? but, that aside, it was a descent listen and id take a gander at it.

The new lit album here it is...its mediocre. Lit may really only be known for a few songs, but in all honesty this doesnt really had any for me, accept for really one the last track on the album, "right This time" something about that track made it worth it for me. Given, im not a huge lit fan, i just know a few tracks out of everything they've done. and of course, this may sound like i have a negative opinion of this, but im reviewing these because these are really the best things thats been released since the summer began, or they are kind of related to the best things released(because the next one on this was terrible). So take this one, its good but, its good more together as an album, instead of the ol' "Oh track 7 is fantastic" you have to sit down and listen to it all at once.

Hated it

Everclear was MY band, back in the day. by that i mean, every song i ever heard by them i enjoyed enough to buy the albums, and really just get a feel for the band.  Now some of the more latter releases have made me want to throw up i was so thoroughly disappointed. But this one, this one has redeemed all the others. I like it so much, ive sat through it probably five times by the time i wrote this.  It has that classic everclear feel, and then some more energy just out of left field. I bet you think that everclear is one of those thats just like "oh they are getting old, they lost it long ago" well they arnt that old for starters, and they are back and better than ever with "invisible Stars"

Some great Punky clothes

Now normally i dont like to Advertise anything. But i have been recently been purchasing some high end clothes to get rid of the same ratty washed out, faded stuff ive been wearing for years. So ive found a few websites that may help anyone out there thats also looking to do the same thing.

Etsy.com
this one is ALL DIY stuff, everything on it pretty much is hand made, cant get any more home made than that.

SOURPUSS CLOTHING
http://sourpussclothing.blogspot.com
http://sourpussclothing.com/

now this one is great, but i know what youre thinking. "ITS REALLY EXPENSEIVE" but heres the deal, you arnt buying that run of the mill T shirt you get at the Abcrappy or Holishit. Everything on the website is very high end stuff, i bought a couple shirts and a dress off of it a while ago, and they are still like new. And they all look fantastic.

Alot of it is kind of that crossover Mod/Pin-up style fashion, but hey its actually not that hard to pull off, if you are looking for something new i highly, Highly, Recommend Sourpuss Clothing. and dont worry, its not always expensive, sometimes you'll catch a good deal, and they'll throw in something free too. Like a Wallet, or key chain. You'll be sure to fit in at the next Mustard Plug show for sure, i know i did.


Johnny Cupcakes
http://shop.johnnycupcakes.com/shop/

Now for a final cut i have this fore you. Johnny cupcakes is literally the best quality item of clothing ive ever had, but there is a reason, its essentially like hand made.  They are great, especially if you really like baking puns on everything you own, or classic nickelodeon references.

Now i dont know too much of the background of the people that are making this, but ive been told they only make a certain ammount of each design of t-shirts, so POUNCE on one you like right away. You wont regret it, and its like you have your own personal shirt made just for you and 200 other people. Head over to Johnny C's and get you a shirt, you really wont regret it.

Warped Tour 2012

So i Hit warped tour this year, first time in a long time. Aside from probably ruining my pretty face with a wicked sun burn, id have to say it was worth it.  I looked at the Bands playing, and have been looking at them for months in advance i thought there wasnt going to be alot of them i wanted to see. and i was right, there wasnt probably more than 4 i really wanted to see. I brought a friend with me, he is really into those Sudo Hot-Topic-core bands, like After the Burial and Born of Osiris, who were both on the tour.  I on the other hand went to see Streetlight manifesto, and all those mediocre pop punk bands i loved as a kid like New Found Glory and Yellow card.

I am not normally one thats big on moshing, mainly because i was beaten sensless in a guttermouth pit once, but at warped tour its different because no one there is really intense about moshing. its not a bad brains, agnostic front, or hatebreed by any means. its mostly metrosexual scene kids that think their tough because they bought a pierce the veil jersey. so the moshing this year was fun, at least at the shows i was at, really because it wasnt moshing at all, family fun pits.

The shows to see id really have to say, and not to be bias are Streetlight manifesto and Born of Osiris. Both of which were not really mainstage performances. Streetlight manifesto was like the first band to play, and really after that i felt i had gotten my tickets worth just from the one band. I have been waiting to see them for a while now, i really wish it wasnt on warped tour. they had such little time to play, but really made it a great production with what time they had. Born of Osiris, was really a bonus, i have never been to see anyone were only 20 people showed up and it felt like 3000 were there. So much energy, and musicianship on stage, unlike anything i expected because i was dragged there by my friend. The best part about that is im not even into metal all that much, and i really enjoyed them.

And thats just some words to take in when getting to warped tour this year

The Other F Word (Movie 2011)

On a Recent Documentary purge which i tend to do this time of year, i stumbled across this. The Other F word is of course on of those documentaries that's information really only matters to those who seek it, its Not a movie for the Public to watch but for those who wish to dive deeper into the life of their punk rock heroes' lives.

The Main idea of the film is to show how being a "teenage Anarchist" effects the lives of the rockers, skaters, singers, guitarists, freaks, and crazies after they grow up and might have a little responsibility of their own, as in most of them have families and kids now.  Featuring a ton of people you should know about: Jim Lindberg, Art Alexakis, Flea, Tony Adolescent, Fat Mike, and a lot more. Centering around Jim Lindberg's tour with Pennywise, it really breaks down the life of being on tour with a worldy popular punk band, its not what you expect. I mean, you'd figure the guys in the band would be still having a blast and sleeping on floor of a ratty old van. No its more of the guys are clocking in' day in day out to just get the show done, and are generally sick of each other in the band. And how the songs they sing, just make them want to throw up they are so done with them.

Featuring also some pro extreme sports athletes, like Tony hawk and them. They, which related pretty closely to the punk scene, also have it hard. Trying to keep a family together while still being a "birthday Clown" to all the kids that want to see them do their favourite trick, or sing their all time favourite song, just to make ends meet.

Seeing this really shows the shitty life some of these guys have to go through. Guys that really have contributed to society by pissing off everyone, so evidently not contributing at all. Singers that get hammered before each show, now having to deal with kids of their own.  As ive noticed some of my favorite old bands have kind of closed down, and opened the doors for new meat. This movie really shows why, That being an Authoritarian figure for a family of 4, while still trying to stick it to the man and say "fuck the world" is one trial that all of these guys are going through.  It really opens your eyes, for me the big one was that i am not a big blink 182 fan, but watching the guy in this film made me at least respect him a little more than i did before.

As coming from someone writing a blog that means nothing, and really just is added to when im bored, i highly recamend this film to anyone even remotely a fan of the Punk scene.

Bouncing Souls: Comet

Now im not the biggest Bouncing Souls fan. Given, i liked Ghosts on the Boardwalk, and The Gold Record, So i know a little bit how they go about things. Comet their Newest work, isnt bad. Since i dont follow the hype or anticipation behind the band i just saw it was new, i dont know how long it was waited for, or if everyone was waiting on the edge of their seat for it. But if it was i would say it falls in the same line as Exister by Hot water music did last month.

Its a very welcome addition to my library, i very much enjoyed it. Certain things really get to me though, following a theme of some similar artists the album has a much darker sound compared to previous installments.  the Track "static" seems to get me the most, for some reason it just seemed unexpected for me to hear this kind of tone on a Bouncing Souls record, Very well done though, its not out of place and it seems to hit all the right keys and set the atmosphere for the rest of the album.

Aside from being a tad darker, at least in my opinion. The album is one that doesnt disapoint on my opinion of the Bouncing Souls, usually bands that have had such an impression on music have a ton to live up to, and if they fuck it up slightly you'll hear about it. The Album is good, and makes me actually want to go back and listen to all the old stuff by BS's, if you have the opertunity please check out Comet.

Dan Andriano And the Emergency Room

Dan Andriano in the Emergency in the Room is one of Punk guys kinda going solo. Other artists did it like Tom Gabel, Chuck Ragan, Chris Wallord, Scott Klopfenstein, and many others. They are all really good, and as much as i love The duo from Hot Water music. i have to say Dan Andriano from Alkaline Trio has got be my favorite in the last year or so. Dan A. really pulls it through in his work, "Hurricane Season"

A Fairly new album, it came out sometime last year, and i may be behind on my music or at least behind enough to choose to review this now.  If you remember the last few Alkaline trio albums, the Musicality was never the highest selling point, more of the energy in the songs and the meaning of the lyrics.  And all of that proceeds in this solo album.

The Lyrics really get to me, for some reason im a real sucker for getting sentimental with lyrics that use rain as a metaphor.  The real theme of the lyrics seems to be your typical, "oh the girl left, and she doesnt love me anymore, and i want her back, i need her more than life itself, and on and on and on." really nothing new in terms of topic choosing, but hey i think it still works out.

Now as i mentioned before, the musicality is no intricate master work that needs to be acknowledged by everyone. But i will say it really fits the mood, and sets a very appropriate theme for the entire album.  Subtle piano entries, and synth backgrounds really add to the basic chords so well that you dont even care that you've listened to album 3 times through without noticing, because its simple and repetitive enough that you keep coming back for more.

For those of you really into your Emo/punk but really sick of your stuff for a day or too, or want an album to cheer you up on a day that really just sucks. i recommend Dan Andriano in the Emergency room: Hurricane Season .

Favorite albums

You know i start this blog with not really any direction so i figure ill start with something small. Albums ive enjoyed to their fullest. The albums that ill listen to forever, and the ones i actually cared enough to pay for. So i might as well get started and lay down the basics. Now a disclaimer, if you will, im not going through Track by Track, but mostly the album as a whole, and this is all about my favorites and the connections i make to them.

Sleater-Kinney: The Woods


Now, This band here is mostly popular for one of the members that has been casted on an up and coming TV show called, "Portlandia." Now the Show is very funny, and well worth the time. But let me tell you something, the girls in this Alt.Indie rock band really knew what was up. They took a sound that was defined in their previous albums, and made it glorious in this 12 track Fananza of Golden Jesus tears.  The Album starts out with "the Fox" which first impression, left me thinking i was listening to a shitty hardcore band that didn't know what they were doing. But fuck, i was wrong, it was the beginning to some of the Abstract weird shit thats on the album. Now some people probably think the other SK albums were better, or how this one was an abomination to their entire sound.  But hey when you are like 12. "Jumpers" and "rollarcoaster" stick with you forever, and for that i applaud this album


Catch 22 - Keasbey Nights



This album is a Staple in every Ska-Lovers library, but aside from really liking Ska it spoke to me on several levels.  Growing up as a kid, i had to move around alot, and at a young age i totally stole this album from my brothers girlfriend, then i proceeded to use this album to teach myself the Trombone and that was my real entry to music. Now they broke up a long, long time ago. but if i ever see that girl again i again i have to give her a hug or something.

The opening track on this album is still to this day, builds up anticipation beyond any other opening song on any other album.  if you dont listen to any other song off the album, listen to "dear Sergio." Now every other track has its own sound, but together it brings it all together to form a genius masterpiece that would appeal to anyone willing to take the time to listen to it. Even my parents liked this album, and they like the fucking eagles.

Like i said above, every song has its own value, so much so, that the track i would call my favorite has changed with how i changed. Like when i first listened i liked which ever song said "fuck" the most, but now i wouldnt even hesitate to say "supernothing" is the best track.  But best is suggestive, as when i play a track off the album, i cant listen to anything else until i finish the whole thing.

A Note worthy fact of this album is that the lead singer of this band at the time of its recording, Toh Kay, as he calls himself. Went on to do a band called Streetlight Manifesto, which are good on their own, but they rerecorded this album. Its good, but it will never be beyond the original.

The Ataris - So Long Astoria



Say what you want about the Ataris, Clearly one of the most unappreciated bands of the last decade.  They seem to be only popular for their cover of "Boys of the Summer." I could without a doubt say i know every word off this album, not because i tried, but because its one of the albums you rip to your xbox so you can listen to it while you play counterstrike and Need for Speed.  Given, Boys of the Summer is on this album, and if thats your thing, its ok whatever gets the album in your hands.  But the other songs on the album are so much worth while.

The Title track to this one, almost brings tears to my eyes for how much emotion i have behind it, as odd as that may sound. It also took me 10 years to learn that it was a huge reference to "the Goonies." Now its because i was really young when i started listening to it, and my music options was very limited, and i thought the guitar in the opening track was the Hardest thing ever recorded, so i didnt pay attention to the lyrics.  And now from all the other tracks just remind me of this girl i had a thing with a very long time ago, maybe its just me being nastolgic, but to me this album always has that special place in my heart, And i mean that in the panziest way possible.

The Cat Empire - Cinema



Alright now i get off the Train ive kind of been on, that is the punk train.  This is a Ska/Jazz/Hiphop album, its hard to really put a finger on one genre in particular.  This Australian group of goofballs put together many awesome works, but this one took the cake.  I cant get enough of it, its one of those albums you throw on the turntable to listen to when you clean your house, because you hate cleaning your house but the album makes it better.  Alot of people might not like it, it could be an acquired taste, could be to "out there" for anyone else to handle.  I cant really put any reason behind it, its just been one of my favorites since the album came out.  It seems like the album tells a story of romance that even Jude Law couldnt even portray correctly.  There isnt much else to say, Just please listen to this one.

Hot Water Music - Caution


If I was pulling a Tom Hanks and was stranded on an island, i would want at least this album. It hits every part of the Spectrum. Its a Post-hardcore punk masterpeice, Starting off well with a track that was on a Tony Hawk game, "Remedy" from Tony Hawk's underground.  But that really isnt a good idea of how the album is, The Song "Trusty Chords" holds up the $15 i spent on the album on its own, but it didnt end there. Every Track, one after another stacks up and shows how great the band is and what you've been missing out on. Every punk that knows whats up, has their favorite HWM album, between this one and "A Flight and a Crash" is usually the verdict, but when it comes down to it. If the band plays a song from this album live, you want to get up and move it just has that energy that most bands cant dream of putting out nowadays.

Now i have alot more favorites, but these are the ones that would hit a broader audience. I hope at least a few people pay attention to this, but if you already are into the good stuff you dont need to pay attention, because what you know is posted right there.

Plans

Recently i have had a Revelation. With the announcement of a band i very much enjoy(Hot Water Music), now going on tour with a band that is very popular(Rise Against). I've come to realize that not many people know about, or where to find quality music nowadays. There is just so much quality stuff out there, whether its big names, small labels, indie, or  even DIY basement recording.

Most of what we hear today is spread through word of mouth. Most people think the Radio is what is mainstream and popular, but if that were true we wouldnt have bands like Asking Alexandria around. So im here to share what i know and like, not so much tell everyone whats good. Hell i dont even care if anyone reads my garbage, i just want the effort made to spread the word of that quality stuff you all want to hear but dont know about.