12/30/02
It's that time of year again when we lay down our top ten's and say goodbye to another year. The top ten lists will be posted next week. 2002 saw the loss of Dee Dee Ramone and Joe Strummer. Mutant Pop Records once again looks like it is down for the count. On the positive side, the Clash were named to the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, punk rock permeates the media more than ever and great independent labels like Hostage, Pelado, Rapid Pulse and TKO continue to put out exceptional music for little gain. I can honestly say that there is more music out there today that I want than ever before. Please let me win the lottery in 2003!!!
The Distraction "Calling All Radios" CD (Dirtnap)
Knock, knock. Who's there? The Distraction. The Distraction who? The Distraction that'll cause you to forget about buying the new Stitches record (well, for a while anyway). Dirtnap Records strikes again!
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Mid-90s style pop punk with guest vocals by Joe Queer and produced by Mass Girogini. That should tell you plenty.
New additions this week:
Labels:
JSNTGM Records D.I.Y. label out
of Blackpool, England. Been around since the early 90's.
Idio Records New
label.
Other Links:
The Pits A bar in Belgium that
books punk acts and has their own web site to detail some of the shows.
Independent Music Cafe Get a live
video chatroom for your band.
12/22/02
My first new year's resolution is to devote a little more time to the site. This has been a weird year and my mind hasn't totally been with it. But I am in new Punk Information Directory headquarters and the motivation should flow with the new surroundings.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
12/16/02
I messed up the URL for the Extras CD last week so you want a copy, get it from the following URL: www.lastvestige.com/extras
I don't have much to add this week because I am busy, busy, busy moving into to new quarters and I picked up some bug and feel like shit.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
New additions this week:
Labels:
None
Mail Order:
None
Other Links:
Rerock4Ever Punk rock clothing.
Lots of t-shirts.
12/08/02
2 new reviews this week of the bands Extras and Blue Collar Special. Check them out here!
OK, so I've found a way to tie my sports enthusiasm into my even more enthusiastic punk rock fanaticism. If you go to a game, you know that they pipe in loud music to get the fans, and presumably the players, pumped up. I heard Blitzkrieg Bop playing in the background watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this morning and they kicked Atlanta's butt. The Yankees use this song all the time and we all know that they are perennial post season attendees. In 1998 the Arizona Cardinals were also using this song but somehow it got out of the rotation the following year. They've SUCKED ever since. Case closed.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Wimpy's - "Do the Wimpy's Hop!" (1+2) CD
The Wimpy's are Japan's answer to the Ramones. Plenty of "Hey Ho,
Let's Go"'s and whoa ohs. It's difficult to pick a best song because
they are all so good. Classic pop punk.
New additions this week:
Other Links:
Rerock4Ever Punk rock clothing.
Lots of t-shirts.
12/1/02
December is finally here! The move to the new Punk Information Directory headquarters is only 9 days away!
It's official! I have decided to not renew my season tickets to that abomination known as the Arizona Cardinals.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Stitches - "Automatic" (TKO Records) 7"
The greatest punk rockers on the planet deliver again, this time on the great
TKO Records. Look up punk rock in the dictionary and you'll find a picture of
the Stitches.
Willy's top ten/playlist for November
American Heartbreak “Postcards From Hell” CD (Coldfront)
Eyeliners
"Here Comes Trouble" CD (Panic Button)
F.M. Knives "Useless and Modern" CD (Moo-La-La)
Nine Pound Hammer “Live at the Vera” CD (Scooch Pooch)
Pits “The Face of England” CD (Government)
Queers "Pleasant Screams" CD (Lookout)
Stitches "8x12" CD EP (Vinyl Dog)
SuperBees “Las Vegas Shakedown” CD EP (Cabeza de Tornado)
V/A
"Stranded in the Doll's House" CD (Hurtin')
Yum Yums "Blame It on the Boogie" CD (Screaming Apple)
New additions this week:
Labels:
Bling Bling Records New pop
punk label out of Syracuse, N.Y.
11/25/02
Impossible Ones/Blue Collar Special/Dames
The Rogue, Scottsdale, AZ November 22, 2002
Friday night at the Rogue and first up was the Dames, a local female trio.
They had a large contingent of family members attending the show that provided
most of the applause for this very average band. They alternated between
screeching vocals and boring slow bluesy numbers sung by someone with a very
good voice. That's about the most positive thing I can say.
Second up was So Cal's own Blue Collar Special. This was the first stop on
their tour and I really enjoyed their show. They displayed many different
styles ranging from punk rock'n'roll to dashes of hardcore to tunes that
reminded me of Blink 182 with balls and others that reminded me of Bad Religion.
They are very competent musicians and have a pleasant stage manner.
Although they didn't blow me away, they are worth seeing if you get the chance
during their tour.
Headlining were local heroes, the Impossible Ones (previously known as the
Impossibles and the U.S. Impossibles). This was the first time I have seen
the band. They recently reformed after putting out several records over a
multi-year period. They look like they thoroughly enjoy playing and the
banter between the band and the crowd is good natured and fun to watch.
The song structure reminded me a lot of the Toy Dolls without the whacked
out vocals. They had a lot of energy with melodic poppy punk traces in
their music.
Overall, not a bad way to spend an evening.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Vindictives - "Nuttin' For Christmas" (Stardumb Records) 7"
The Vindictives are back with two Yuletide ditties for your enjoyment and it's
on Stardumb Records and comes in three festive colors of vinyl. Do I need
to say more?
11/17/02
Time to hit the pub again! This Friday, November 22nd at the Rogue (423 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ) will be the Dames, whom I know nothing about, local heroes the Impossible Ones (aka U.S. Impossibles aka the Impossibles) and Blue Collar Special from the San Fernando Valley. Blue Collar Special have put out several punk rock'n'roll releases on their own Destroy All label and have a record store in Hollywood called Destroy All Music. They play a lot and I'm looking forward to their first visit to Arizona. The Impossible Ones are a band that I think I've missed out on big time. I sampled some of their MP3s and was throughly blown away. A show review and CD review of Blue Collar Special's latest CD will be coming next week.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Ubangi Stomp - "S/T" (Brain Drain Records) CD
This came out a couple of years ago and I have recently rediscovered this gem.
Big doses of straight ahead rock'n'roll served up over driving punk rhythms.
14 anthems from these North Carolinans.
11/10/02
OK, here's a great deal for you. Do you have a 7", LP or CD you have put out and want to get reviewed? Do you have a used disc (in near mint condition) that you don't listen to any more? How about trading it for a sealed Black Jax CD? Read the reviews. If you like punk rock'n'roll or '77 style punk with a melody, this will be a great trade for you. If you are sending me band material and you want it reviewed, please tell me that when you request a trade. Also, e-mail me before you send anything so I can tell you if I already have it.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Travoltas - "The Singles Collection" (Wynona Records) CD
The Travoltas are one of the world's (from the Netherlands) most awesome pop
punk bands with their Beach boy-esque harmonies and absolutely great songs.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Broken Rekids San Francisco
based label that has been around since '91 and have around 100 releases.
Other Links:
AUSTIN
CELEBRITY PROFILES
Austin has a fabulous punk rock scene. Check it out.
Franky and Minx Get some
"hot tattoo influenced products for rockin' girls".
11/3/02
Check out our latest review of Broomfiller's "Watching the Girls Go Bi".
Public Service Announcement: Vote or don't complain when you're stuck with some morons running your state or country.
It's about time to level set again. This web site is a continual work in process. If I was to guess, I'd say it's about 33% done and that might be optimistic. If you send me an update, it will always be added that week. Otherwise, I will have to add things as I become aware of them. You, the reader, are my best source for new information. Don't assume I know and get pissed because it's not there, send me the information (OK, Phil?)!! I have to admit that my motivation has been a bit low over the last 4 months as I have had to move into very cramped temporary quarters. That will change next month, and with it my attitude.
Epoxies “Clones (We're All)” 7" (Dirtnap)
Stinking
Polecats "A Song For Your Boyfriend" CD (Wynona)
Thee Impossibles "Shut Up and Play!" CD (X-Records)
Total Chaos “Anthems From the Alleyway” CD (Epitaph)
Travoltas “The Singles Collection” CD (Wynona)
V/A "Battle for the Airwaves Vol. 2" 7" (Radio)
V/A "Punch Drunk III" CD (TKO)
V/A “3 Chord Rocket Science” CD (Suckerpunch)
V/A
"3 Minute Heroes" CD (Pelado)
Workin' Stiffs "Whippin Boy" 7" (TKO)
Mario’s top ten/playlist for October
Chinese Takeway “Totally Taken Away” CD-EP (Bastard Beats)
Coyote Men “Two Sides Of The Coyote Men” CD (Estrus)
F.M. Knives “Useless and Modern” CD (Moo-La-La)
Huntingtons “High School Rock” CD (Tooth and Nail)
The Influents “Check Please” CD (Adeline)
Kill-A-Watts “Electrorock” CD (Rip Off)
The Masonics “The Masonic Machine Turns On You” CD (Vinyl Japan)
The Pinkos “S/T” CD (Empty)
Slash City Daggers “Backstabber Blues” CD (Unity Squad)
Smut Peddlers "Ism" CD (Ransom)
MARIO's Pick of the Week
WILLY's Pick of the Week
V/A - "Punch Drunk III" (TKO Records) CD
Great song after great song from this great label providing you with the
greatest street punk and punk rock'n'roll including an exclusive Stitches song.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Artifix Records "We are
an independent record label dedicated to releasing vintage punk rock from the
early years as well as some new releases by legendary bands."
Head Line Records Putting out
exclusively 7" vinyl so far including a new recording by the fabulous
Skulls (L.A. circa '77).
Mail Order:
Head
Line Records Very extensive catalog of new and old punk titles.
Record Stores:
Head Line Records An excellent
selection of new and used punk vinyl and CDs. The used CD selection is better
than the used vinyl selection. This store has the biggest and best selection of
punk t-shirts.
10/27/02
Congratulations to the Anaheim Angels!!! And now back to music......
F.M. Knives/Tyrades/Zodiac Killers
The
Distillery -- Sacramento, CA
Friday, October 25, 2002
The Distillery may very well be the best bar in which to see a punk show in Sacramento. Cool vibe, good sound, friendly folks behind the bar, and booking that leans towards garage and the “rock” in punk rock (without forgetting the locals) are several reasons why this is one of my favorite venues in town.
I was a little surprised when the Zodiac Killers were the first band to set up their equipment for the evening. Advertisements for the show depicted the Zodiac Killers as the middle band on a three-band bill with the F.M. Knives headlining and The Tyrades opening. I viewed this lineup shuffle as a nice gesture on the part of the Zodiac Killers. By opening the show, they prevented The Tyrades from opening or closing the show – difficult slots for a relatively unknown touring band. Infused with new blood, including a new-ish guitarist and drummer, the Zodiac Killers were in fine form. They opened with “Kamikaze Attack” and blazed through a set of hi-energy garage punk that has become synonymous with Rip Off Records. There was very little pause between songs save for a snare drum change (more on that later), which provided a forum for some good-natured heckling by Greg Lowery. Everything and everybody was fair game as he tried his hardest to bait the crowd, singling out people in the audience sporting facial hair and backwards baseball caps among others. “Do you know punk?” inquired Mr. Lowery. “If not, we’re The Clash,” he quipped. Without missing a beat, his guitarist followed-up with “If you do, then we’re the Groovie Ghoulies.” Most people weren’t sure whether to smile or frown at the ambiguous reference to a hometown band, but I found the comment amusing in light of Zodiac Killers’ drummer Matt Kanelos’ (a.k.a. Matt K. Shrugg) departure from the Groovie Ghoulies not too long ago. Scene drama aside, I can’t say enough good things about Matt’s drumming prowess. The kid attacked his kit like a madman, and literally pounded the skins hard enough to put a hole in his snare drum several songs into the Zodiac Killers’ set. Overall, the band turned in a fantastic performance fitting of a headliner, and you should definitely see them live if you get the chance.
I would have been content to call it a night after the Zodiac Killers’ set -- they were that good; however, I was really looking forward to seeing The Tyrades. Of the three Tyrades’ singles available, I’d only heard their Rip Off Records 7” prior to the show. I thought the record was good, but I wasn’t sure if it was good enough to warrant buying their 7”s on Big Neck Records and Broken Rekids, respectively. When I’m on the fence about a band, a live showing usually determines whether I return to their recorded output with renewed enthusiasm or simply file the records away. The verdict? The Tyrades did not disappoint at all; I thought they were fantastic and turned in the most energetic set of the night. The Tyrades don’t sound like a “typical” Rip Off Records band. They've got the requisite garagey and trashy elements, but there is an arty streak to some of their songs, which sets them apart from others in the genre. The Tyrades' straightforward garage punk numbers were excellent and full of punch, and I loved the tension created by the stop-start whoosh (syncopation) and discordant guitar that weaved their way into the material. The energy level remained “in the red” for the duration of The Tyrades’ set as the band pushed each other and played hard. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the bass player’s “Yes, I’m going for the Adolf Hitler look” mustache, which was funny. I bought their other records after the show and you should buy them too.
In their short existence, Sacramento’s F.M. Knives have generated quite a buzz. Their debut CD on Moo-La-La Records is brilliant, and every review I’ve seen has been positive (check out the newest issue of Horizontal Action for an interview). What makes this band so great lies in the saying, “What you see is what you get.” No bullshit, no posturing, no flash; just four ordinary “old” guys armed with great songs and impeccable chops playing pogo-friendly, poppy punk. The F.M. Knives played an inspired set to a packed house to bring the evening to a close. They aren’t the most interesting band to watch, but perhaps they don’t need to be. Ultimately, it’s the songs that count, and the F.M. Knives’ songs speak for themselves. Full of tastefully executed guitar leads, bass lines, and drums fills, and accentuated by singy-songy, whiny vocals, the F.M. Knives are doing the right things at the right time. Everything has its place, and everything fits. The band played songs from their “Useless and Modern” CD including “The Man from O.S.I.,” “Down the Street,” and “Summer Holiday,” along with some new material, which was fantastic. I was also impressed with guitarist Chris Woodhouse’s technique for drinking a beer and playing guitar simultaneously without missing a note. Now that’s impressive!
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Vapids - "Charm School Dropouts (AMP Records) CD
This was released a year ago but continues a long line of Ramones inspired pop
punk with a bite. These Canadians wear their Ramones influence on their
sleeves with no apologies.
10/20/02
So it's Sunday. That can only mean one thing - football!! Not that soccer crap you non-Americans like to call football. So the local Arizona Cardinals played an ugly, ugly game today and came out on top 9-6. The first time they have been 4-2 after 6 games since 1988. San Francisco and St. Louis in the coming weeks so they'll have to play much better.
And, being a former resident of Anaheim, California, an dhaving followed the trials and tribulations of this cursed team, let's hope the Angels can exorcise the ghost of Donnie Moore and win the World Series.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Various Artists - "Battle For the Airwaves Vol. 2" (Radio
Records) 7"
The West Coast vs. the East Coast, as the Workin' Stiffs, Bodies, Wretched Ones
and Templars duke it out for street punkers on each coast. Killer 4 songs
from the always reliable Radio Records. You'll have to decide yourself who
wins the trophy.
10/13/02
"The Day I Helped Save Geza X's Ass"
Geza X was one of the true eccentrics of the early L.A. punk scene. He used to get up between sets and tell the story of Mean Mr. Mommy Man. One of the other things he liked to do was expose himself on stage. I remember him and Bruce "Barf" Moreland standing up in front of a crowd while fondling each other and jabbering away about something I don't remember any more.
One day there was a gig at Club Azteca in East Los Angeles. The club had hired a female rent-a-cop. So Geza exposes himself and the rent-a-cop was all over him like a fly on shit, and it wasn't to get a better look. Fortunately for Geza, the punks that came to the show, myself included, helped release Geza from her clutches and I don't think I ever saw him expose himself again.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Various Artists - "Back To Rockaway Beach Volumes 1-3" (AMP
Records) CDs
Canada's AMP Records knows how to put out a killer comp (or 3 in this case).
Each volume has wide assortment of pop punk, garage, punk'n'roll and glam to
keep everybody happy. I don't how they manage to collect so many good
bands in one place but I'm not complaining.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Black Power Records
New label from the San Gabriel Valley in California with a couple of compilation
releases featuring aggressive punk and no "emo or pop bull".
Dirtnap Records One of the best
labels going today. Home of the Briefs and Epoxies.
Mail Order:
Coloring Outside the Lines
Mailorder site for Aimee Cooper's book reviewed last week. The review in
can be found in the October 6 update in the What's
New section.
Dirtnap Records Get all the
latest Dirtnap releases and more.
10/06/02
Review of Sanbox's "Rocks" CD in the Music Reviews section.
This week we're gonna take our first stab at a book review. Here it is:
"Coloring Outside the Lines: A Punk
Memoir" by Amie Cooper was a very interesting read because it paralleled
some of my own experiences as a young man in the formative years of the L.A.
punk scene. Amie got her introduction into punk when she saw Johnny Thunders at
CBGB's in '77 or '78. Fast forward a couple of years and the University of
California, Santa Barbara alum ventures into Hollywood and discovers the L.A.
punk scene.
The early punk scene had a way of drawing people to the scene that came from
dysfunctional families or that felt they were outcasts in some way. Once
accepted in the scene, it was very much like having a second family, a quite
extensive one in Amie's case. Amie came from a loving family but writes of her
lack of self confidence and identifies the moment that she felt she belonged
within the scene.
Amy made her living by working for Slash magazine, her dream since the time she
saw a copy of the mag in New York. This allowed her to interact with many
of the founders of the early L.A. scene such as Exene Cervenka, John Doe and Lee
Ving.
Amie's experiences during the 18 months that she made Hollywood home, are at
times amusing, other times sad and ultimately end in her disillusionment with
the scene. The early 80's were a time when goons that had no love for the music
just came out to see how many people they could beat up. It was Hollywood vs.
Huntington Beach and it was ugly. This violence ultimately ended up driving many
of the early supporters away from the scene.
This is a good companion piece to the fabulous "We Got the Neutron
Bomb" co-written by Masque founder Brendan Mullen. There are hundreds of
stories that could be told by those who frequented the Hollywood underground in
the late 70s and early 80s. We are fortunate to have one of those stories
documented by Amie in this wonderful book.
"Coloring Outside the Lines: A Punk Memoir" is available through Amazon,
directly from Amie through her
website, Interpunk
and soon at a book or music store near you.
Freddie & The Dreamers “The EP Collection” CD (See For Miles)
Gories “Outta Here” CD (Crypt)
Insults “Insults To Injury” LP (Brain Transplant)
Reclusives “LP” LP (Mortville)
Saltwater Vampires “S/T” CD (Saltwater Vampires)
Screamers “In A Better World” 2 x CD (Xeroid)
Trend “Batman Live At Budokan” LP (Hate)
Vectors “Behind The Orange Curtain” CD (Vectors)
V/A “Cuts, Volume 1” CD (Hostage)
X "Aspirations" LP (Rock n' Roll Blitzkrieg/Now)
Black Jax “S/T” CD (Wankin' Stiphs)
Pea Shooter “S/T” CD (Imperfekt)
Queers “Punk Rock Confidential” CD (Hopeless)
Prostitutes "S/T" CD (Pelado)
Pushers "Turning Blue" CD (Disaster)
Put-Ons "S/T" CD (Manic)
Raggity Anne "Only Square People Thinks It Cool To Be Cool" CD (Boss Tuneage)
Dee Dee Ramone “Hop Around” CD (Other Peoples Music)
Red Planet "Let's Degenerate" CD (Gearhead)
Spent Idols “Spent City Rockers” CD (1+2)
Crushstory "A+ Electric" CD (Pop Kid)
I really enjoyed Crushstory's 7"/CD-EP on 702 Records. The energy level dips a bit on their debut full-length, but the songwriting has improved and the Elvis Costello vibe is even more apparent than on their EP. This is way more pop than punk, and it is really good. If I mentioned that this band at one time included Zac Damon of Zoinks!/Screeching Weasel/Big In Japan fame, would you be more likely to buy this CD?
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Kevin K - "13th St." (Vicious Kitten) CD
From Australia's great Vicious Kitten label, 13 glam punk killers. Fans of
Jeff Dahl will love this.
10/06/02
New category!!! Mario has created an "About the Author" page. Mario has been a welcome addition to the Punk Information Directory staff (all two of us). His insightful reviews and picks have added a much needed infusion of new blood into the site.
Check out Mario's latest review of the Saltwater Vampires S/T debut.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Stiphnoyds - "Portland Punk 1979" (Rave Up) LP
Volume 27 of this vinyl only "America Lost Punk Rock Nuggets" series
on Rave Up Records. Portland, Oregons's very own Stiphnoyds 12 early punk
classics from 1979. Vital stuff!
9/23/02
I am a day late on my update this week. I spent a marvelous Sunday afternoon in 107 degree temperature watching my team featuring Jake "The Fake" Plummer get their ass whupped thanks mainly to the aforementioned Mr. Plummer. Arggghhhh!!!!
To make matters much worse, this past week brought news of a relative's death, the death of Jed's dad immortalized in song by the Philiacs on their self titled Mutant Pop SRCD, and the news of a very dear friend's bout with breast cancer requiring surgery today. My thoughts go out to all of those affected by these tragedies.
I have a new review of Seattle's Reckless Bastards 3 song demo.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Red Squares - "Modern Roll" (Rave Up) LP
If you ever needed a reason to buy a turntable, Rave Up Records "America
Lost Punk Rock Nuggets" series is reason enough. Arizona's very own Red
Squares play these 12 early punk'n'roll tunes from 1982. Great stuff!
9/15/02
I am in a self-imposed music purchasing drought at the moment as I save for the down payment on my new home. One thing this has done is to have me pull out a box of CDs sitting in the closet waiting to be transported to it's new destination and pull out some stuff I haven't listened to in years. Sappy Songs For Summer Nighst by the Mansfields is a pop punkers wet dream, Feel Lucky Punk by Klover is a much overlooked mid-90s classic, Anagram Records put Powerjive and King of the Mountain by the Lurkers together on one CD for this early UK punk band that reformed in the late 80s for these 2 classics, and finally Hate Your Friends by the Lemonheads is as good a punk album as you'll find from the earky 90s. Being reunited with old friends is mostly always a positive experience.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Various Artists - "A Fistful of Rock'n'Roll" (Tee Pee [Vols.
1-6] and Victory [Vols. 7-9]) CD
The brainchild of SAL CONZONIERI of ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN, this compilation
series of punk rock'n'roll hits never fails to deliver. My favorite is
volume four with great tunes by the Black Halos, American Heartbreak, Graveyard
School and many more.
9/8/02
West End Crooks/Lady Killers/Beelzebullies/Bullet Train To Moscow
Jugheads
– Phoenix, Arizona
Saturday,
September 7, 2002
Jugheads is a little hole in the wall on the eastern end of Phoenix. The place was packed pretty tight after 10:00.
First up was Bullet Train to Moscow. They were a very nice Oi! band That had their fair share of very good songs and some that didn't quite grab me. They did a nice rendition of Cock Sparrer's "Stormtrooper".
The Beelzebullies played some really annoying thrash which is a shame because the guitarist when he wasn't just strumming as fast as he could, played some really outstanding guitar leads. Only one song broke from the formula, and it was a fantastic song.
The band I came to see was was the Lady Killers from L.A. Led by Levine "The Sex Machine", sporting an Elvis Presley pompadour and Buddy Holly glasses, the thing that really stood out was the band's musical expertise. Levine on Bass, Geoff on guitar and Brian on drums all sounded like they had been doing this for many years. The songs are in a punk rock'n'roll vein and varied from slow to mid-tempo to rockin'. Brian threw his drum set all over the area in front of the stage as they concluded their set to the applause of the appreciative crowd. This is a band to watch for. Check them out if they come your way.
As I'm writing this my home page hits have reached 49,993. Sometime within the next hour my 50,000th visitor to the home page will have arrived. The support is really appreciated and upward and onward to 100K!!
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Skulls - "Life Ain't So Pretty" (Head Line) 7"
Amazing packaging to this single by one of L.A.'s first punk bands, one I was
fortunate to see in their formative years. Billy Bones recently
resurrected the Skulls and recorded some new stuff. This sounds like it
could have been recorded in 1977. Numbered edition of 500 which includes a
20+ page booklet, stickers and a badge. I'm sure it's long sold out by
now, but get it if you can.
9/1/02
I have updated the "About the Author" section to make it more applicable to my current situation. I have added a section at the end of that category that lists the bands I have seen have live. It is a work in progress.
Synergy: The whole is greater than the sum of it's parts. The annual Labor Day Weekend trek to the Valley of the Sun by my lifelong friend, Steve Stiph is well under way. We have known each other since kindergarten and were roommates after moving away from home. I got into music pretty early on when the Beatles hit the scene and Steve eventually shed the chains of a repressed childhood and put his energies full steam into music too. I was into sixties style pop and progressive album rock in the early seventies and Steve was into more harder edged stuff. As time went by his influence on me for the harder stuff grew and we sought out the rockingest stuff we could find. Slade, the Status Quo, Mott the Hoople were regular purchases during this time.
I asked him if he wanted to go see Kiss in Long Beach and that was his first concert of many, many hundreds to come. We saw together the Ramones in Hollywood in '76, the Germs first show, the beginnings of punk rock in L.A. He bought stuff that I was turned onto and vice versa. Our tastes in music are so incredibly similar it is amazing. I think it is because it is "our" taste developed together over the years. It is a synergistic relationship that I wouldn't trade for any in the world.
Aerobitch “C’mon Cop, Make My Day” 10” (Punch)
Atom & His Package “Redefining Music” CD (Hopeless)
Cripples “Dirty Head” LP (Dirtnap)
Dead End Cruisers “Deep Six Holiday” CD (TKO)
Epoxies “S/T” CD (Dirtnap)
Masonics “Down Among The Dead Men” LP (Sympathy)
NOFX “45 or 46 Songs…” 2 x CD (Fat)
Nuevo Catecismo Católico “To Hell & Back” 10” (Punch)
Smugglers “Growing Up Smuggler” CD (Lookout)
Spent Idols “Punk Rock” 10” (Hate)
Aerobitch “C’mon Cop, Make My Day” 10” (Punch)
Black Jax “S/T” CD (Wankin' Stiphs)
Hextalls
“Call It A Career” CD (Shredder)
Pink Panthers “...Gilrs Just Wanna Have Fun” CD EP (Wynona)
Popsters/Carbona “The Popsters vs. Carbona” Split CD (Wynona)
Riffs “Dead End Dream” CD (TKO)
Ritchie
Whites “Snitches Get Stitches” CD (TKO)
Spits “S/T” CD (Nickel & Dime)
Thunder Pistols “S/T” CD (Pelado)
Weaklings “Just the Way We Like It” CD (Junk)
MARIO's Pick of the Week
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Andrew W.K. - "I Get Wet" (Island) CD
Add me to the growing legion of fans that appreciate this 3 guitar assault on
the senses. Sounds like Bruce Springsteen on speed.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Big Llama Records New
hardcore label out of Canada.
Oi-Man Records New label out of
Canada.
8/25/02
I am a lifelong baseball fan. I played little league and pony league and grew up in L.A. during the era of Koufax and Drysdale. Last year was one of the most exciting post seasons in major league history with local team, the Diamondbacks, providing the thrills. That said, if there is a baseball strike and the post season is once again lost, I am outta here. See how much money you make when no one is watching you any more you greedy bastards!
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Popsters and Carbona - "The Popsters vs. Carbona" (Wynona
Records) CD
Italy (The Popsters) vs. Carbona (Brazil). More Ramones style pop punk
from these two great bands reprsenting Europe and South America. I like
this better than the Popsters full length and Carbona is one of the world's best
Ramones-core bands.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Kevlar Records New label
looking to release a compilation.
Other Links:
The Black Car Leaving
Official web site for new punk novel.
8/18/02
So I see in the paper this morning that Rick Wakeman has rejoined the 70's rock band Yes for a new tour. Rick Wakeman, one of the biggest assholes to ever disgrace popular music. Most of you probably aren't old enough to remember but Rick Wakeman was responsible for having the Sex Pistols dropped from the label A&M after he threatened to leave the label if the Pistols were part of it.
I guess the joke's on you, Rick. Punk rock music has invaded popular culture. You hear punk rock more often in movies, commercials and on the radio than in any time in history. Garage rock is actually going mainstream with bands like the Hives and the Vines.
Here's to hoping your tour is a miserable failure and that we no longer need to hear about any more Rick Wakeman comebacks. Asshole!
NEW CATEGORY!!! Check out the Columns section where we get more in depth about punk topics that interest us. The fabulous first column details Mario's recent vacation to visit as many California record stores featuring punk as possible.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Thunder Pistols - "S/T" (Pelado Records) CD
More Thunders than Pistols, these Southern Califrnians add to Pelado's already
impressive line-up of punk rock'n'roll releases.
8/11/02
Phoenix is a great place to live if you want to buy a new home and you don't mind 100-115 degree temperatures for 4 months of the year (60s - 80s the other eight months). People with even moderate incomes can afford to have a new home built for them. That's where I am right now. I sold my old home and I'm living in an apartment while my new home is built. The downside to the whole thing is that I don't have my full down payment saved which means I am saving every last cent I make towards that down payment. I don't go out, I don't buy any beer and worst of all, I can't buy any music. Me, who used to spend every available left over dollar on music, is on the wagon. I am quite depressed and the only thing keeping me going is the promise of that new home and the music room that will be part of that home. Buy some Black Jax CDs, OK??
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Pink Panthers - "...Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" (Wynona
Records) CD EP
I'm always a sucker for a pop punk all female band. These Italian young
ladies deliver the goods with style and flair and 7 scorchers that'll have you
bopping your head.
8/4/02
Italy has one of the most vibrant punk rock scenes in the world. The Ramones influenced pop punk scene has no rival anywhere in the world with such bands as the Retarded, Stinking Polecats, Manges and others. Not to stop with one genre, straight ahead punk rock from the likes of the Peawees and the Alley'Gators' also originate from Italy. Tons of great labels also such as Be Nice To Mommy, Bad Man, Wynona and Gonna Puke. If you haven't gotten on the Italian express yet, jump on before you miss the train.
Continuing our journey into Italy, a new fanzine called Bam! has hit the market and includes a fabulous CD on the Bad Man label with the Alley'Gators (Italy), Yum Yums (Norway), Guitar Wolf (Japan) and the Spazzys (Australia). The fanzine contains tons of reviews (if someone could translate the Black jax review to English, I'd appreciate it), interviews and columns. Don't let the fact the 'zine is written in Italian discourage you because the CD is worth the price all on it's own.
New reviews of the latest Hextalls album, and CD EPs by Toxin III and Bubba Daddy here: Music Reviews.
Mario's top ten/playlist for July
Black Rebels/Nearly Deads split 7” (Jonny Cat)
Superhelicopter Ltd. “Twisted Baby” 7” (High School Refuse)
The 1-4-5s “Planetary Annihilation” 7” (Estrus)
The Inhalants “Alright, Hit It!” 7” (Estrus)
The Drones “Further Temptations” 2 x LP reissue (Get Back)
The Kids “Naughty Kids” LP (bootleg)
Spider Babies “Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” LP (Sack o’ Shit)
The Skirts “Look Up!” CD-EP (Catastrophe)
Starmarket “Sunday’s Worst Enemy” CD (Pop Kid)
X “Los Angeles/Wild Gift” CD (Slash)
Willy's top ten/playlist for July
The Apers “S/T” CD (Stardumb)
The Business “The Best of the Business” (Dojo)
The
Crumbs “S/T” CD (Lookout)
Dimestore Haloes “Revolt Into Style” CD (Pelado)
The Fuses “I Wanna Burn” CD (American Punk)
The Heartdrops “East Side Drive” CD (Melted)
The
Humpers “My Machine” CD (Mean Dog)
The Huntingtons “Rock 'N' Roll Habits for the New Wave” CD (No!)
The
Manges “Rocket To You” CD (AMP)
Weaklings “Just the Way We Like It” CD (Junk)
MARIO's Pick of the Week
Clone Defects "Blood On Jupiter" CD (Tom Perkins)
This band rips. Garagey, rockin', art-damaged...it's all there. As good as their three singles, if not better. Fronted by Timmy Vulgar, formerly of the Epileptix.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Riffs - "Dead End Dream" (TKO Records) CD
Another solid TKO release from these Oregon punkers that have their Sex Pistols
riffs down pat.
7/28/02
I'm back after a week's absence. I moved last weekend and somehow thought it would take about a day. Well, five days later, I was finally done and had internet access again. Moving is pure hell and I get to do it again in December.
I will have new reviews of the latest Hextalls album, and CD EPs by Toxin III and Bubba Daddy NEXT week. Nothing new this week but check out the latest reviews here: Music Reviews.
MARIO's Pick of the Week
Homoplastik/Pushers split 7" (Eat Me Records)
Snotty, '77 punk from these two Italian bands. Count me in as a fan of Homoplastik; their 7" on Hate Records and 10" on Ken Rock Records are worth checking out too. The Pushers (Italy) are the winners here, though, with two tracks that have a Sex Pistols' feel.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
New Town Animals - "Is Your radio Active" (Mint Records) CD
I've seen this described as "new wave" but this is pure, unadulterated
punk rock done '77 style. Great songwriting and performance.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Bar Code Records New label from
Canada.
Other Links:
Short Music For
Short People Site documenting the lyrics to the Fat Wreck Chords release,
Short Music for Short People.
7/14/02
So it's official. I cataloged my recent purchases in my music database and for the first time ever I own more full length CDs than I do full length LPs. As a purist, it took me a long time to even give in and buy that first CD. Over the years I have come to appreciate the CD's contribution to music as more and more obscure music from the past that never would have seen the light of day otherwise has made it's way into my collection. Current tally 1612 LPs, 1619 CDs.
Check out Mario's latest review at Music Reviews.
MARIO's Pick of the Week
The Dialtones - "Short Sharp Shock" 12" (Radio Blast Records)
This band sounds like they listen to a steady diet of the Humpers and Devil Dogs. No complaints here. Punk rock n' roll for punk rock n' rollers.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
The Ladykillers - "S/T" (Self Produced) CD EP
4 song EP sent to me by my friend, Susan who saw these guys play recently and
figured I needed a copy. She was right! Great punk'n'roll tunes from
these Southern Californians.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Fallout Records New
label.
Other Links:
Mean Little Man Productions
Articles, reviews, web radio stations...
7/7/02
All updates sent in during the previous two months should now be applied. If you sent an update and it is not now listed, please let me know.
Back in '77, maybe '78 we saw an advertisement for a show at Larchmont Hall with the Avengers headlining. One of the warm up bands was a 4 piece with 3 guys and a female singer. The male bassist and female singer would each sing lead. The female singer wore these boxing gloves and I thought to myself "Man, these guys would pretty good if they lost that ugly female singer". Many albums later, X is probably the most critically acclaimed band to come out of the 70's L.A. punk scene. My first impression was dead wrong. The band would not have gone far without Exene's influence.
Mario's top ten/playlist for June
Big In Japan “Destroy The New Rock” CD (Honest Don’s)
Henry Fiat’s Open Sore “Directed by Alan Smithee” 10” (Ken Rock)
Puffball “The Super Commando” CD (Gearhead)
Somethingtons, Goin’ Places, & Die Cheerleader Die SRCDs (Mutant Pop)
Smash Your Face “Dirty, Nasty…” LP (Mangrove)
50 Million “Bust The Action” CD (Broken Rekids)
Luxo Champ “S/T” CD-EP (Super 8)
Peechees “Do The Math” CD (Kill Rock Stars)
Lurkers “Fulham Fallout” CD reissue (Captain Oi!)
Killer Klown “Dr. Pedophilous” 10” (Kill Yourself)
Willy's top ten/playlist for June
Avengers
"S/T" 12" EP (White Noise)
Backwood Creatures "Kings of Beach Boulevard" LP
(Screaming Apple)
Cheeks
"Have Some Real Fun and Sure 'Nuff Action with the...." LP
(Screaming Apple)
Hore Hounds "No Time For You" 7" (Rapid Pulse)
Ladykillers "S/T" CD EP (Self Produced)
Lovemasters "Hot Pants Zone" 10" EP (Total Energy)
New Town Animals "Is Your Radio Active?" (Mint)
T.V.
Killers "Fuckin' Frenchies" LP (Radio Blast)
Various Artists "Murder Punk Vol. 1 and 2" CDs (Murder Punk)
Various Artists "Music For Truckers" CD (Skaletta Rock Club)
MARIO's Pick of the Week
WILLY's Pick of the Week
No Time For You - Hore Hounds (Rapid Pulse)
Rapid Pulse continues to release nothing but exceptional 7" vinyl.
This one has 3 driving, rock'n'rolly punk tunes just the way I like them.
New additions this week:
Labels:
Crackle Records Great label
out of the UK with tons of melodic punk. One of my favorites.
Mail Order:
Crackle Records
Crackle also has an extensive mailorder catalog.
Other Links:
China Punx Find out about punk rock
in China!
6/30/02
Let's go back to 1979 for a minute. One of the L.A. hot spots for punk was the Hong Kong Cafe. It was in the middle of Chinatown and competed with Madame Wong's for the fans dollars. Madame Wong's gave up on punk after a Bags show where furniture was freely tossed about the restaurant. They then catered to the "new wave" scene. So the punky shows were at the Hong Kong Cafe. I saw the Controllers, Silencers, Germs, Red Cross (before they had to change their name to Redd Kross), Black Flag, D.O.A. and countless others. One day Steve Stiph and I were standing outside the Hong Kong Cafe as we often did before shows or in between sets when we see this little feisty guy duking it out with 3(!!) long hairs. This was at a time when being punk meant hating hippies. Having long hair meant you were a hippy. So he's having his way with these 3 guys and we gave him the name Mr. Macho (I know it sounds stupid now but we were young then). Later Steve tells me that Mr. Macho has his own band and their really good and his real name is Mike Ness and the band is called Social Distortion. Damned if they haven't been one of the greatest fucking punk bands of all time .
Sorry for the delay in putting in your updates. I'll get caught up this week with a nice 4 day weekend coming up.
MARIO's Pick of the Week
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Now Wave Magazine Web Site
I'm going to change up a bit here and include a web site as my pick of the week.
The brainchild of Josh Rutledge, maybe the best punk rock writer there is.
The commentary is biting, the reviews are right on (although Josh has delegated
review duty to his worthy staff) and the musical taste of said Mr. Rutledge
mirror mine so closely that any recommendation is certainly a must have.
6/24/02
Don't miss Mario's review of the A-Frames and the 3 new SRCD releases from Mutant Pop on the Music Reviews page.
Also several concert reviews by Mario below.
The
Boardwalk – Orangevale, California
Friday,
June 14, 2002
The Boardwalk is a spacious, 450-capacity club that recently became an all ages venue. They have geared more towards punk-oriented shows than 80s hard rock, metal, and classic rock reunion tours in recent months, although Eric Martin of Mr. Big “fame” played there only one week prior to this show. On this night, The Boardwalk played host to the record release show celebrating the release of new CDs by the Groovie Ghoulies and Secretions, respectively.
Drowning Adam opened the show, and I tried my hardest to tune them out while I perused the merch tables. The baggy pants and backwards baseball cap crowd might flip for their brand of speedy punk with emo overtones, but not me. There was nothing to set Drowning Adam apart from the hordes of bands in this genre. I am sure they will be playing a Warped Tour near you soon.
Les Dragueurs, a French garage punk trio featuring Jon Von (Rip Offs, Mr. T Experience), were up next and turned in the best set of the evening. I eagerly picked up Les Dragueurs’ debut 7” a few months back hoping to be floored, but the record left me wanting more. Nevertheless, I was excited about seeing the band live. My excitement heightened when they came out on stage dressed in matching striped shirts and berets; snappy dressers, these Frenchmen. Following a brief introduction by Jon Von in his newly discovered, cutesy French-English accent about the meaning of the word “dragueur” – a French word for a guy who “picks up chicks” – the band launched into a fun-filled set of poppy punk sung in French with songs about how to pick up chicks. Rule #1: wearing sunglasses improves your chances of scoping out the babes because they don’t know where your eyes are wandering. Rule #2: the marketplace in Paris is a great place to pick up chicks because chicks like to shop. Rule #3…you get the picture. It was hilarious. I don’t think I stopped smiling during their entire set. Thankfully, the band had the hooks and chops to back up the humor. Imagine a looser, garagey (but not lo-fi) Groovie Ghoulies minus the b-movie/sci-fi references and imagery and you have an approximation of how Les Dragueurs sounded live. Jon Von looks as though he is having the time of his life onstage and that persona resonated well with the audience, who loved every minute of Les Dragueurs’ set. Hopefully, I’ll have a chance to see them again soon.
The Secretions struggled to find a label to release “‘Til Death” until Springman Records finally stepped up. A lot has changed in the year or so that has passed since I last saw them play. This is not the same scrappy, pop-punk band that released “Attention Deficit Disorderly,” a collection of silly songs in the vein of Screeching Weasel or The Queers. The Secretions now have a harder punk sound, not unlike a bastard child of Motorhead and the Ramones. The band has also upped the ante in terms of its live show: bigger guitars, bigger amps, and bigger props (they had a huge “Secretions” banner and the band emblem hanging behind them during their set). In simple terms, the Secretions have their shit together and are more of a “band” now than they were the last time I saw them. Nothing wrong with that, of course; however, some of the charm that first attracted me to the band is no longer there and my attention waned during their set. They were impressive – tight, animated, and alternating between raging rockers and poppy numbers effortlessly. A lot of people seemed to be into them, and with good reason, but as is usually the case with bands that develop a bigger following, the bonehead quotient seems to increase by leaps and bounds. Bands gets bigger, fans get dumber, so it goes. At times, the pit resembled a football tryout. I was scratching my head wondering if I was at a hardcore show (perhaps everybody was confused by the Secretions’ windbreakers for sale). I witnessed several people emerge from the fracas bruised and battered, which made no sense to me.
The crowd response during the Secretions’ set prompted the promoter, who was emceeing the show, to get onstage and remind everybody the goal is to have fun at shows, not beat the crap out of people. Ironically, it was the Groovie Ghoulies who talked about the absence of “mosh pits” at their shows in an interview that appeared in the local weekly just the day before. The Groovie Ghoulies are a remarkably consistent band. They don’t stray from their formulaic, Ramones-influenced pop-punk sound and that’s okay. Kepi is the consummate frontman; one can’t help but wonder if the guy has Flubber in his Chuck Taylors. Roach doesn’t do anything that hasn’t been done before in terms of guitar work, but she does what she does very well. And with the addition of Scampi on drums, who is a great fit for the band style-wise, the drummer slot just might be solidified for a while. The Ghoulies’ energetic set consisted of material from “World Contact Day” to the present, and showcased material off their new CD on Stardumb Records, “Go! Stories.” Following a trip to Europe, look for the Ghoulies in a town near you soon.
-Mario
Solis
The
Frisk/Broken Society/Scattered Fall
Westcoast Worldwide Records – Sacramento, California
Saturday,
June 15, 2002
Home to the Sacramento-based hardcore band, the Hoods, Westcoast Worldwide Records is a practice space that doubles as a show space. It is located in a nondescript building in midtown Sacramento, across the street from a great Mexican restaurant and an office building where I used to work. It is a great space for shows, and I can honestly say I have never seen a cleaner venue. I am a clean guy and I like clean things, but it was a little weird.
The influence of AFI on young kids playing hardcore cannot be underestimated. The first band on the bill, Scattered Fall, sounded like a cross between AFI and Boy Sets Fire. They were fast, screamy, and angry, and their singer was a dead ringer for Davey Havok right down to the pale skin and black bangs in his face. I was amused. Scattered Fall was tight and their stage presence was commendable, but the band didn’t do much for me. If I wanted to listen to AFI, I would have stayed home and listened to one of their older records. You know, the good ones.
It is probably safe to say that just about anybody who has ever toyed with the idea of being in a band has tossed around a band name that included the word “society.” Show of hands, please? Broken Society’s music was about as exciting as their name. They were responsible, however, for the question of the evening in my mind: why spring for a wireless if all you’re gonna do is stand in the same spot for every song as though your shoelaces are tied in knots? Inquiring minds want to know…
For my money, few people can hold a candle to the amount of energy Jesse Luscious puts forth onstage. Spastic, random movements; herky-jerky dancing; contorted facial expressions; and snotty vocals reminiscent of the Germs’ Darby Crash always keep things interesting. With that said, The Frisk don’t quite recreate the magic of The Criminals. The Frisk formed out of the ashes of said band, and currently feature Hunter Burgan of AFI on drums and Zac Hunter of the now-defunct Nerve Agents on guitar. Ex-Criminals bassist, Mike Sexx, recently left the band. The Frisk played a short but intense set (they only have a handful of songs) to the twenty or so people in attendance. Hunter’s drumming prowess impressed me, and Jesse’s voice cracked and wheezed through songs like “Scream My Name” and the old Criminals’ song, “Leech.” They were good, but there was something missing. Their 10”/CD-EP on Adeline Records is worth a few spins and I may buy their next record, but I don’t know if I would make it a point to see them live again.
-Mario
Solis
Smut
Peddlers/Pretty Girls/Hit By A Semi/Riff Randals
The
Distillery – Sacramento, California
Saturday, June 15, 2002
After seeing The Frisk, we whisked away to the Distillery for this show, which was billed as an after party for the All-American Tattoo Festival that took place over the weekend. For those who are keeping track, this was my third show in less than 24 hours. The Distillery is a great place to see a show. It is a bar/restaurant with good sound, friendly people, and reasonable drink prices.
The Riff Randals (with an “a” and one “l”), from Sacramento, got the evening started off right with a great set of poppy punk with (sex) hidden (sex) messages (sex) in (sex) the (sex) lyrics. These four attractive young ladies know how to rock hard and they don’t mince words when it comes to what they look for in a man. They don’t want commitment, they don’t want money; they just wanna fuck. Their songs are a lot of fun and one can’t help but smile at the frankness with which the lyrics are delivered, whether they are sincere or not. Musically speaking, they almost remind me a little of Black Fork, an East Bay punk band that had a record on Lookout Records (which was overproduced and didn’t do them justice), but without the fingernails-on-the-chalkboard vocals and more of a mid-tempo pace. Every time I see this band, I like them more and more.
Hit By A Semi were up next and played a solid set of street punk with a rock n’ roll feel, kind of like One Man Army meets Social Distortion, but not anywhere near as good as either of those bands. Their set wasn’t bad, but it was unspectacular and the songs failed to grab me by the throat.
This was my first time seeing the Pretty Girls and they were pretty good. The crowd didn’t quite know what to make of their 70s punk sound a la the New York Dolls or the Heartbreakers. Their songs had a real rootsy, rock n’ roll swagger to them, and I enjoyed their set quite a bit. Unfortunately, the mix was bass heavy and the two guitars were obscured somewhat. Heckled by some, there were a few people in the audience bopping their heads, including Smut Peddlers’ vocalist John Ransom who called the Pretty Girls one of his new “favorite bands” during their set.
I really like the Smut Peddlers. Purveyors of the Hostage Records “sound,” the Smut Peddlers successfully fuse the beach punk sounds of Beach Boulevard with the hardcore energy of the Circle Jerks or Black Flag. They are one of the better southern California punk bands around along with The Stitches, Smogtown, The Crowd, etc., and their live show is not to be missed. Armed with a great new record, “Ism,” the Smut Peddlers flat-out kicked ass and tore the place down. I secured a great spot up front and bounced around to a plethora of material from “Ism” and its predecessor, “Tarball 2000,” including “Inglewood Heroin Morning,” “Do The Flop,” “Riot At The Pier,” “Lennox Loner,” “Mona From Pomona,” and “Recreational Doper.” The band only played one song off their first two records, the anthem that is “Fuck You…That’s Why,” and revealed their true colors with a fabulous cover of The Gears’ “Baby Runaround.” John Ransom’s voice cuts right through you like a knife. Roger Ramjet (Pushers, ADZ) is an incredible guitar player. The rhythm section, Julia Kelly and Gish Thaxton, are no slouches either. This band rocks like nobody’s business and deserves your attention. Now!!!
-Mario
Solis
MARIO's Pick of the Week
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Groovie Ghoulies - "Go! Stories" CD/LP Stardumb
Records
Stardumb and the Ghoulies hit another home run with this arrangement of pop punk
gems in true Ghoulie tradition. They didn't make it to Arizona this
go-round and I'm bummed!
6/17/02
Those of you who have followed this site at all know that I have been around the punk scene for a long time. During that time I have raised two great daughters. They were exposed to punk rock from the time they were infants until today when they have the ability to make their own minds up about what music they like. I am happy to say that they have chosen punk as their genre of choice even if their sub-genre is not particularly to my likely. It sure the hell beats the shit out of lsitening crap like the Backstreet Boys, Limp Bizkit a thousand other bands that MTV rams down your throat. The point of this trip through time is that yesterday was Father's Day and I received this massive book called PUNK: The Definitive Record of a Revolution from my eldest daughter. The thing must weigh 20 pounds. My girls know what to get their dad. Thanks, Allison!
MARIO's Pick of the Week
A-Frames - "S/T" LP
Fusing elements of post-punk, art-punk, garage, and pop, the A-Frames
just might become your new favorite band. The LP is a yearly top ten
contender. Look for a full review next week.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
S/T 7" - Rock 'n' Roll Class
Proving that you don't have to be slick and polished, this lo-fi affair exudes
the essence of early punk - d.i.y. punk played with passion. From the
great Hate Records out of Italy.
6/09/02
1-2-3-4!! More sad news this week as we lose Dee Dee Ramone. I remember that August evening in 1976 when I saw the Ramones for the first time and I think they only stopped once during the whole show to say anything. Otherwise, it was Dee Dee bellowing 1-2-3-4 before the start of each new song. Dee Dee was the musical genius behind the band, the one who wrote the mahority of the singalong anthems we have come to know and love. Dee Dee was a cretin. He took drugs. He died. "4-5-6-7, all good cretins go to heaven". May you finally have peace and know what you menat to a generation of young kids. R.I.P., Dee Dee.
A big thank you to Mario for supplying much of the content over the last month as I go through some major life events.
A-Frames/Duchess
of Saigon
The Loft – Sacramento, California
Saturday, June 8, 2002
This show marked the A-Frames’ only appearance in northern California on their summer 2002 tour. Never heard of the A-Frames?!?! Read on, read on…
The Loft is appropriately named; it is nothing more than a loft located behind a bookstore in “midtown” Sacramento. About the size of an average bedroom, The Loft hosts shows, band practices, and recording sessions. The Loft experience is fun, informal, and intimate: bands are given an opportunity to shine in front of an appreciative and interested audience of 25 to 50 people. In lieu of a cover charge, donations are accepted for touring bands. You are more likely to hear about a Loft show from a friend than see flyer on a telephone pole or read about it in the local alternative weekly. Word-of-mouth is the primary method of advertisement for these shows and this formula has worked out well for both bands and fans during the venue’s existence.
The Duchess of Saigon kicked things off with a short set of jangly, vaguely poppy but not pop, songs. This was my first time seeing this band and I was very impressed. Clean guitar, female backing vocals, and drumming that is more of a lead instrument than a timekeeper define this drum n’ guitar combo. Their songs are short, funny, and catchy, with enough of a twist to set them apart from other drum/guitar combos I have heard. A 7” is forthcoming on SS Records, which should be available at http://www.sl.net/~ttbooks/moolala/ss.html soon.
Proving that there is more to Seattle than corporate behemoths, rain, grunge, and The Briefs, the A-Frames are a breath of fresh air in the Pacific Northwest music scene. They played a blistering set of loud, angular punk and gave new meaning to the “power trio” tag. These guys sounded louder and fuller than most bands do on a good day. The drumming is simple yet solid; the bass tone is filthy and distorted; the guitar work is both restrained and over-the-top without being wanky; and the vocals are spoken/sung/screamed, sometimes all within the same song. The A-Frames’ songs are remarkably catchy and rate high on the head bop-o-meter. Some songs hit you square in the chest with their hooks, while others teeter on the brink of chaos before unleashing a killer melody and/or chorus that brings it all together. Discordant yet tuneful, edgy yet cohesive, challenging yet approachable, the A-Frames’ music is wonderful live and on vinyl.
This tour coincided with the release of A-Frames debut LP on Dragnet/SS Records. The LP is limited to 500 copies and pressed on 180-gram black vinyl with a screened cover. In speaking with the band before the show, I learned that Dirtnap Records wanted to release the LP on CD and include the band on an upcoming comp, but the band declined. It is Dirtnap Records’ loss.
Check out the A-Frames and see what people are talking about.
-Mario Solis
MARIO's Pick of the Week
Live From The Masque - Volumes 1, 2, and 3 on CD
Great sounding live material documenting an important place and time in southern
California punk history and punk history in general. Too many classic bands
to mention. Essential.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Shattered - The Shifters
Great punk rock'n'roll sounding like a cross between the Stitches and the
Victims (Australia) of "Television Addict" fame. Catchy tunes,
great guitar action brought to you by the fabulous Radio
Records.
6/2/02
Below you will find a new monthly feature which will be posted the first Sunday of each month. These are records old or new that just happen to be what Mario and I are listening to at that moment in time. There is no particular order to the entries, they are all noteworthy.
Mario's Top Ten
Playlist for May
The Cadavers "Never Mind The Bodies..." 7" (Noma Beach)
One Man Show Live "It Don't Matter" 7" (Call & Response)
Catholic Boys/Kill-A-Watts split 7" (Electrorock)
Jerky Turkey/Steve McQueens split 7" (Lollipop)
Superhelicopter "Rock n' Roll Damnation" 10" (Manuel Wastl)
Bad Times "s/t" LP (Goner)
Moorat Fingers "Punk (As In Prison)" LP (Radio Blast)
The Crowd "Punk Off" CD (Unity Squad)
F.M. Knives "Useless and Modern" CD (Moo-La-La)
The Reds "It's About Time" CD (Rip Off)
WIlly's Top Ten
Playlist for May
Vox Poppers "Say Go" CD (Self released Demo)
F.M. Knives "Useless and Modern" CD (Moo-La-La)
Saturday Night Kids "Total Knockout" CD (She's Gone)
Philiacs "S/T" CD (Remission)
Yum Yums "Blame It On the Boogie" (Screaming Apple)
Various Artists "Music For Truckers" CD (Skaletta Rock Club)
Beldons "Fatal Road" CD EP (Mutant Pop)
Dimestore Haloes "Long Ride to Nowhere" (Pelado)
Various Artists "3 Minute Heroes" (Pelado)
Dirtshakes/Battledykes "Split" 7" (Stardumb)
MARIO's Pick of the Week
Gore
Gore Girls "Strange Girls" CD
Fun, punchy, soulful rock n' roll by this all-female trio from Detroit,
Michigan. New CD out now on Get Hip
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Say Go - Vox Poppers aka The Kranks
This is a local band that has released a demo CD EP as the Vox Poppers, a demo
CD as the Vox Poppers and a new demo with their new name, the Kranks, but
same line-up. If you like your music with both rock and melody, here's
your band(s).
5/27/02
New reviews by Mario of The Decay and The Cadavers in the Music Reviews section.
Columbian
Neckties “Abrance” LP
WILLY's Pick of the Week
Total Knockout - Saturday Night Kids
The debut full length by the fabulous Saturday
Night Kids. I absolutely LOVE this album (#1 of the year so far)!
13 pop punk songs that will have you bopping and singing along.
On Thursday, May 30th, my daughter graduates from high school. She grew up listening to punk rock because it was pretty hard to avoid it in this household. She actually introduced me to one of my favorite labels, Mutant Pop. I took her to some of her earliest gigs, The Queers, Muffs, Chixdiggit, Groovie Ghoulies. I remember her and her sister sitting in a corner at that first Queers show probably wondering what the hell dad got them into. Her tastes moved from pop punk to emo to more hard edged stuff like AFI and Hot Water Music. I always figured she had to find her own music because it would really suck to be a teenager and like exactly the same stuff your dad does.
Andrea has always marched to her own drummer which is why she will be successful in her chosen field of business. She has a hard edge and is driven to be the best. I couldn't be prouder and I love her dearly. Congratulations, Andy!!
5/27/02
New reviews by Mario of Bad Times, Teenage Rejects and a Nazis From Mars/Foreheads split in the Music Reviews section.
WILLY's Pick of the Week
S/T - Philiacs
The debut full length by the fabulous Philiacs.
This is good news because it means that Scott is recovering from the Big C and
we are blessed with another 13 pop punk classics by these Southern Californians.
The weather is heating up (already several 100+ degree days in Phoenix) and the summer concert season is heating up as well. Dirt Bike Annie, The Queers, The Travoltas are all coming through Arizona this summer and I am ready! The Stitches last week were a great warm up for what looks to be a classic punk rock summer. Get out and support these bands, buy their stuff and help the underground punk rock scene thrive!!!
New additions this week:
Labels:
Bridge Nine Records Hardcore label
out of Boston.
Reptilian Records "Punk
fuckin' Rock, hardcore, noise, emo, grind, garage, indie-rock, post-whatever--
we dig it all as long as it kicks!"
5/12/02
New reviews of the Queers and Numbers by Mario in the Music Reviews section.
Don't miss the "PICKS OF THE WEEK" below the concert review.
The Stitches/The Wongs/Krank
The Rogue -- Scottsdale, Arizona
Friday, May 10, 2