ADD And Hardcore

Final PG99 Show?!

2012-01-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

I've been spending days packing, cleaning and getting rid of useless stuff. Yes, we're moving, again. My family and I aren't known for spending more than a year or two in the same place. We like to get up and go on a moment's notice.

Rummaging through some old Cd's and transferring them to digital format, I came across a live recording of a band I played guitar for. It was recorded on a campus, I can't remember which, out on the east coast near DC somewhere. It was pg99's last show(or second to last show before they got back together). I know the first band is Fed By Fiction(I played guitar) and Textbook Traitors is second, but I can't figure out who the last band is. If anyone knows, let me know, please. It could be Exosus, Crestfallen, or perhaps Majority Rule or City Of Caterpillar. Never Enough(ex Fastbreak) played their first show at this show. Anywho, it's a good listen for fans of the mentioned bands. Check it out yo!

Pg99's final show

I know this much, the following day in DC at a community center was the final show for pg99. A lot of bands played including City Of Caterpillar, Crestfallen, Majority Rule, Corn On Macabre, Pg99, Circle Takes The Square and some others. The place was packed with people hanging from the rafters and the stage collapsed during Majority Rule. Such a good show, free too.

Let me know what you think. And sorry if I don't have much more to go on, I have ADHD.

Obama vs Brewer

2012-01-25T18:35:00.001-08:00

Obama has tense exchange with Arizona governor

Funny, what jobs are those coming over the border stealing from the Americans in this tough economy? Ditch digging, custodial work, labor intensive construction, yard work? I would love to see a greedy American citizen clean up garbage and expect the same rate of pay. Try to make a living on the wage given to those eager to earn a hard days pay. I'm in support of immigration reform, but at what cost? I do not support racism in any form so how could I support racist politics? Say what you want to say, racial profiling happens yet it's against the law and Arizona isn't doing anything about it. Why? Because republicans are greedy and democrats aren't doing anything to stop them aside from the occasional sign waving.

Church and State

2012-01-12T05:29:00.001-08:00

Mormons Confident US Ready To Elect First LDS President, Survey Shows | Fox News

Scary, a person can collect a group of voters based purely on his or her religious affiliation. Doesn't matter how outlandish or "out there" their political views are. Slap Mormon or something in front of your name and next thing you know you have the whole lot of them backing you. I'm not saying Romney is crazy, in fact he hasn't really brought up being a Mormon in debates like the other conservatives or evangelists who in my mind will force religion upon us, I'm saying that Romney's affiliation to the Mormon church has blinded those who will vote for him. Hear me out. People actually going out there and learning what a candidate stands for is gone. People aren't choosing who is best fit for the presidency, but instead looking at them and saying "that guy is Mormon so I'll vote vote him." I feel bad for Romney because people aren't even listening to wear he has to say. No, I don't think he's best fit and I don't agree with his political views, but unlike the other republican nominees, there is no dirt on the guy. If you've read any of my blog you'd know I choose not to follow a set rule on faith. mormonism is ludacris to me, but from being exposed to it I've learned that they are extremely family based and friendly. People who choose to go a genuinely good people. I have no problems with having a president who is a Mormon that is if he or she is best fit. Those presidents who have been outspoken Christian it devoted Catholic have in the past tried to force their religious views down our throats thus breaking apart wear this country was built to be, separation of church and state. Let's keep it that way. In the immortal words of the band RAMBO "I don't mosh in your churches so don't pray in my pit." I don't think that had anything to do with what I'm yakking about, but I've always liked that line.

Please, know who you are voting for.

2012-01-04T13:40:00.001-08:00

Police fatally shoot armed 8th-grader at Texas school

What is this world coming to? As a parent I fear for my children when they enter their adolescence. I hope that the parenting I give them will guide them to make the correct decisions concerning their well being. Things have changed since we were kids and they will continue to change. Avoiding situations like this just start at home. Pay attention to your children, listen to them and care. Seriously, love your children.

Feds: Seattle welfare recipient lives in million dollar home | KING5.com Seattle

2011-12-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

Feds: Seattle welfare recipient lives in million dollar home | KING5.com Seattle:

This a slap in the face to the millions of Americans struggling to pay bills and put food on their tables. How can anyone think this is ok? This can't be the only lone incident on said topic, but something needs to happen in order to help prevent current and future incidents. There are millions of people who are denied help from the government because they make to much or have to many assets, but are struggling to make ends meet, living pay check to pay check. Then there are people like this couple who have figured a way to cheat and live in million dollar homes, drive jaguars and work as a chiropractor whom obviously makes plenty of money to make ends meet. This isn't right.

This hurts.

Shootings, pepper-spray attack mar Wal-Mart Black Friday sales - latimes.com

2011-11-25T08:21:00.000-08:00

Shootings, pepper-spray attack mar Wal-Mart Black Friday sales - latimes.com:

More proof that the media has skewd our view of acceptable behavior in telling, us what we need and want. Disturbing isn't it? Way to set an example to our children and pushing all that we've battled for further and further away. People, get it together and pay more attention to what really is important, family. Then again, are material possessions and saving a dollar or really more important than your own family? If so, then I feel sorry for your family and look forward to more dillusional citizens that have a skewd view on acceptable behavior towards your fellow man.

I agree with saving money, but at what cost?

2011-11-21T06:39:00.001-08:00

Watch "Police pepper spraying and arresting students at UC Davis" on YouTube

How is it considered ok for one human to another to cause harm because he or she doesn't agree with whatever it is they are protesting? I can't fathom why this even happened. We are allowed to disagree with our government. We are encouraged to protest and have our voices heard. Please educate yourself about your rights and about what you are protesting before you wave your flag. You will face scrutiny and opposing sides. Be prepared. Go out and have your voices heard. Go out and vote, write your congressman or congresswoman. Speak out and peace will overcome.

I love you all. My thoughts are with you all in the occupied zone.

Ill informed politicians

2011-11-16T16:10:00.001-08:00

Politicians who use the word "socialist" when making claims that the president has socialist policies should actually know what the word means before using the word. By making such claims makes you look uneducated. Oh wait, politicians breed ignorance to what's really wrong with important topics. While the government is busy pointing fingers at opposing sides, the economy is getting worse and the unemployment rate isn't getting any better. Do us, the citizens of the united states of america, a favor and do the job we elected you to do.

Thank you,

A concerned and frankly frustrated citizen.

The Other F Word - Home

2011-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Other F Word - Home:

'via Blog this'

I'm going to double post this in my other blog as well. This is something I'd really like to see as being someone who has come from a childhood filled with Punk music and ethos. This is sure to be an amazing film.

Humanity, what?

2011-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

It's been a many moons since I've updated this blog with anything more than the heads up of my other blog. I've just been busy with other things in my life and the blog(s) are not on top of my list of things to do. That doesn't mean that they are dead, just means I won't be updating like a mad man.

Let me just jump into everything:

I was reading an article (this wasn't the first time I read an article like this) about a guy swimming in the ocean. Anyone who knows anything about the ocean, knows that there is a possibility, slim, but still a possibility of being eaten/attacked/maimed by a shark. This person was warned that a shark spotter spotted a great white just off shore in South Africa, "Don't go into the water!" That being said, he ignored all warnings and took a dip into the water. Not to long after, that shark took a dip into him. Say he lives, say he dies, truly it doesn't matter to me much. No, I'm not saying I wish pain and suffering on anyone, but the man was warned and he ignored everything and decided to go swimming. Apparently the shark was captured(meaning killed). Who's to say that was the shark? And further more, why did that shark have to pay to begin with? My point is this, and I've said it many times before, if you are in the ocean, you are taken into consideration that there's a possibility that you may not come out alive. What makes it right to go and kill an animal, fish or what have you because they were doing what they're meant to do, that is hunt? It's been proven time and time again, that sharks generally don't want to eat humans as they are not there food source, but occasionally in murky waters sharks will attack and release their victim. The vision in the water probably wasn't great. It was off shore and there are waves kicking up sand and churning the water and other debris. Back to my point, why do innocent animals have to be killed over some human's ignorance? Is it out of fear that maybe we aren't on top of the food chain in the ocean? Please, use your brains and think, use common sense. If I'm in the water and a shark eats me, don't go chasing it down and killing it. I was in its home, and maybe I wasn't supposed to be there or maybe it thought I was a seal, I don't know.

It's a dream of mine that everyone, all walks of life can coexist in pure harmony without so much ignorance and senseless killing. Am I alone?

I figured some powerviolence would be suitable for this discussion. And why not sharing with you perhaps one of my favorite splits between 2 gone, but not forgotten bands, The Swarm and MÖRSER . Angry as hell powerviolence, check it out HERE!

PS: MÖRSER is apparently playing shows again, RAD!

New blog

2011-04-04T11:49:00.001-07:00

For those who care, I've started a new blog focusing on parenting tips. It's called Real Parenting For Real Kids. I haven't shut this blog down, just wanted a place to share parenting tips and tactics I've learned. Check it out!

Violence is never the answer, seriously

2011-03-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

It is your right to protect yourself, but never should you throw the first punch.

Lyrics make me think

2011-03-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

" turn the television off cousin that ain't nothin for a girl to see i got a niece, an best believe she mean the world to me she don't need to see the shit they think a girl should be 90 pound, skinny bitch; that ain't even girl to me"

The Jedi Mind Tricks - "Trail Of Lies"

Treehouse half pipe

2011-03-25T19:09:00.001-07:00

I first saw these in a skate mag I bought for my son. There are videos on YouTube. And I got these images. From here. Super cool for those who like skateboarding and or has ever had a dream of living in a tree. Why not combine the two and skate in a tree? Simply amazing!

For all you shredders

2011-03-23T17:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.skatr.us/

Great site for all those looking for somwhere new to skate.

He can skate!

2011-03-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

He's not even 5 and he's showing that he can skate. I'm so proud of him. Check out that ollie!

a lot of parents, dads especially, trend to have a hard time getting their children to sorta get excited about things that they themselves are into. I'm a lucky one. Ever since he was around 6 months old, he has been around skatebogoarding. We had a 10' empty pool in our backyard which was frequented by locals. Needless to say, he slowly fell in love with skateboarding. I'm hoping his passion continues to grow. I've dreamt about throwing the ball around out back which we've done, but before I became a dad, I wouldn't gave guessed i'd be sharing skateboarding with my son.

You See Me Laughin'

2011-01-10T16:59:00.000-08:00

The blues........

2011-01-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

I wish I would have seen that set with Jake and Elwood Blues. Amazing, simply amazing.

Enough bitching and whining....

2010-12-17T19:27:00.000-08:00

This blog is vehicle for my own venting and getting my point across for whoever wants to read and or shares my views on certain subjects. You can tell from the beginning to how it's going now, my comfort levels when it comes to my voice. Where my grammar lacks, my heart shines. I speak what I want when I want without any hesitation. Subjects are thought over for weeks at a time and sometimes I start typing without knowing where if anything will show. The point is, that I don't care if anyone reads what I type. I don't mind if people have different views.

I feel better now.....

I sure do love splits. Wow that sounds horrible. Unruh hails from Arizona with members who have played in many other Arizona bands. Grindy hardcore played with the worst intentions creating some very angry music. Brutal, fast, and heavy with plenty of violence thrown at the crowd. Their live shows, I never witnessed, but have been told were something of a riot. Their split with Creation Is Crucifixion is yet another amazing split that I have the honor of owning, given to me by Mike Edwards(sorry for the name drop) who used to do vocals for Unruh. If you've read my previous post on Creation Is Crucifixion then you'll know how much I love this band. My first post with Unruh, but please don't let that fool you, it won't be the last. I just wish I would have seen them play live. Come to think of it, so many bands that I got into were far after they've called it quits. Thankfully, I've gotten to know some of the people who were in the bands and had them share with me some of their memories. Now I share with you the Creation Is Crucifixion/Unruh split 7".

Thanks guys.

Funny story about Nebraska

2010-12-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

It's no hidden secret that I work for a famous grocer. It's also not a secret that working at the register that you get to meet a slue of different people. Some call it people watching, but I feel that it's more of a bar tender sort of job. It's your choice to talk to people or not. Me, personally, I'd rather be known as a person, not a robot.

That being said......

A couple of older ladies wearing amazingly ugly Christmas sweaters(I actually think they're awesome) came through my line. The older of the 2(probably around 70) was excited about getting one of our stores in Omaha. I replied by saying, "A lot of great music comes from there." The other older lady in line replied by saying, "Yeah, Mannheim Steamroller." I guess it's fitting because of the season, but the older of the 2 said, "He's probably talking about Bright Eyes." I was taken by surprise and maybe it's a little ignorant to think that an older lady probably around 70 wouldn't know local artist, but it was awesome because then I started naming off The Faint and other bands from that area. And she knew them all. It goes to show you that you can still appreciate local music at any age. I had such a fun time with those ladies.

Bands have always been apart of labels that didn't follow the norm of that given label. Alli With An I was no different being tied to Thorp records. The pop punk bands hailed from North Carolina and put out a couple of albums. Somewhere along the lines of Cadillac Blindside and The Get Up Kids with a 90's emo pop sound. I love this band and so should you. Check out this album: Alli With An I - Long Story Short

It would be funny if you tripped

2010-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

I was working at the coffee shop one morning, working behind the bar. The bar looks out onto a busy street with parking meters and so forth. I tell you this because this morning, as normal as it was, was going to be the funniest morning ever. Mind you, this was a few years ago when smart phones weren't as accessible and the iphone probably wasn't even thought of yet, but texting was becoming more and more relevant in today's society. A girl walking down the street was paying more attention to her phone than the meter in front of her and walked right into it, hitting her gut and crumpling over. Sure, I find it funny when people are unfortunately hurt due to their own stupidity.

While on a typical shopping spree at the local Walmart(I don't usually shop there for whatever reason), I noticed an older man(maybe 45) walking carrying a soda and holding a suit case that you can pull behind you. Behind him walking was a toddler maybe 2 years old. Mind you, this is a Walmart parking lot with pleanty of cars who could care less about whomever is walking in front of their path. It appeared that the guy cared more about his soda than the little girl walking straight into the parking lot off of the side walk because he began to get frustrated that a 2 year old wasn't keeping up with the pace and that a car was coming rather fast.

The point being, people are to caught up in the latest craze of technology and perhaps more interested in what other people are doing, virtually, than what really matters. Who am I to tell someone what matters and what doesn't though?

What matters to me is human interaction. I love conversations, face to face about nothing and everything all at once. I love a cup of coffee with those who matter to me the most. I erased my facebook page months ago and haven't thought once about getting it started again knowing that I don't care if I'm in contact with someone I played in the sand box with when I was 5. My family matters to me, my friends I've been on contact for years matter to me. Put down your cell phone, hang up your facebook page and call it a day. You may find out that it's actually easier to carry your groceries out to your car with 2 hands instead of one. Maybe you'll pay attention to your children so when your conversation is over you don't have to find your 2 year old playing in the parking lot. Maybe just maybe, you might just function without a cell phone surgically attached to your finger tips. Focus on life, get outside, play. Hang up and drive and don't forget to actually live your life! I'll say it again, who am I to tell you how to live your life?

Apparently my original post about Ulver was removed for whatever reason. Someone complained which is good and fine, but I wish I would have known and or been asked. I understand all rules and such therefore am not angry to say the least. It was my mistake in NOT fully checking one way or another about an album perhaps being out of print or not. Although, I did think it was, just didn't know. Sorry all.

Here's something just as good:

Creation is Crucifixion/Suicide Nation split 7" is one of the best splits I've ever heard in my life! First off, you have Creation playing technical death metal and then Suicide Nation playing everything I love about black metal except expanding into what hardcore bands should have been playing all along. Amazing split that I think everyone should have owned, I do! Anywho, HERE you go......

So funny...Karate!

2010-12-01T12:15:00.001-08:00

Seriouls, I laughed hard for this one. Everyone should check this out!

Bindle Stiffs bike tour......part 1?

2010-11-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

Fall 2010 GABA Bike Swap from Mike McKisson on Vimeo.

It's been a while since I've done any real substantial post, but this has to be a very inspiring video for those who don't feel they've got the money to tour. The Bindle Stiffs decided to ride bikes from Phoenix to Tuscon, play shows along the way. They had their instruments towed behind them in trailers and strapped on their bikes. Look at the massive stand up bass! I'll have more photos, but for now, enjoy this video taken from Tuscon Velo at the Tuscon Bike Swap. Awesome.

Not dead, I swear it......

2010-11-12T06:55:00.000-08:00

I've been limiting my amount of internet time and have yet to come up with a topic I'd like to share with the Natural(virtual) born world. Sorry for the lack of updates and material, but soon?

Old Number 7!!

2010-09-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

Love this band so much. Everyone should be listening to them. A bluegrass band who's influences from Punk show. Just saying, one of the best bands to litter this earth. Check out The Devil Makes Three!

BRUTAL CRUCIFIXTION!!!

2010-09-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

Thanks again to Kill That Cat for this amazing video. Seriously one of the best bands to litter the metal world with everything from brutal death to technical metal and a lot of noise! Love Creation Is Crucifixion. Seriously amazing

Show support

2010-09-17T09:31:00.001-07:00

WFTV.com

Father confronts bullies on a bus. Please, support this guy, he did the right thing.

Speechless

2010-09-14T07:54:00.000-07:00

Simply amazing.

Seeing Double is always fun

2010-09-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

Still one of the best videos. There's a scene with Jesus giving Fat Mike a swirly. Seriously, super funny for those who aren't in the "know."

Sleep, here I come....

2010-09-10T10:21:00.000-07:00

It's been several years of sleeping on everything from inflatable mattresses to futon mattresses and even a pile of crap mattress that made you dread sleep and now we've finally purchased a new bed during one of the thousand Labor Day Sales. It was delivered today and I'm already feeling tired, hoping to squeeze in a nap, but I'm afraid of not wanting to get out of bed. However, with better sleep comes better moods and more energy. We might just feeling rested for once.

The music:

I've already talked about how amazing Tristeza is, and I've already posted their album "Dream Signals In Full Circles", but I thought I'd repost the album because I can't think of something better that makes me think of sleep than their album title. Besides, this post is about our new bed. So needless to say, the atmospheric sounds of Tristeza will relax you even to the point of sleep. Enjoy this instrumental masterpiece.

Tristeza's Dream Signals In Full Circles album.

Here we go again

2010-09-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

This egg fell out of a tree and is lying unnoticed in the brush of a backyard. Still intact, its mother bird will ignore it. It's a possibility that a passing by cat or some other scavenger will come by and take it up or perhaps a happier thought would be with the warmth from the sun, that it survives. That's what life is all about, right? Survival? Without a little suffering in life, it wouldn't be much fun? In fact, the small things would go unnoticed. We wouldn't appreciate what we have. This egg may be raised without a mother, but it does have life. Short lived or not, at least it's given a chance at life.

I owned a skate video with a guy Eric Burke skating. His song was "Heartbreaker," who at the time I thought was a Fall Silent song. Sure enough it was Fall Silent who covered it from Pat Benatar. I know, say what you will, but I lived a semi sheltered life. While at a show in my hometown, someone had set up a distro. I wanted to buy a punk album and found the split between Wellington and Fall Silent. The guy running the distro adivsed me to buy something else that this was not a punk 7". He couldn't be more right and wrong. I NEEDED to buy this record. It was amazing, 2 songs of awesomeness. I don't know much about Wellington other than Bjella plays in Black Hell now. And Fall Silent's song "Broke" is a favorite of mine. My physical copy of the 7" has been since lost with an ex girlfriend who might I add may have some other old 7"'s of mine, but that's water under the bridge. I swear I'm not harboring any ill will, I just wish I had that 7" in my grasps.

Here it is kiddies, the Wellington/Fall Silent Split 7"

For you fans out there!!!!!

2010-09-03T23:40:00.000-07:00

I've always loved Pinhead Gunpowder. They still play random shows that are out of the blue and no one knows about. Thanks to Kill That Cat for this video. Amazing set.

Music is life, why don't you live it?

2010-09-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

Music has brought me happiness in many ways. Without music, I may not have met my wife. I've found peace, passion, friendship. I've learned how to be more compassionate to all walks of life. Music got me through tough times and added a soundtrack to my life. Starting back to the beginnings in Vacaville, CA all the way to where I'm at now. From demo tapes, to MP3's, from Vinyl to CD's. I've played guitar in bands, wrote songs with friends, I've jammed out to the blues and everything in between. I would shop religiously Rasputin's in Berkley just to fill my craving. I was always searching for more than what I had. I was always good about getting the demo tapes of bands I'd see. I've seen countless bands in small basements to high school portables. I got that same feeling that I had the first time I saw a punk show, I felt like I belonged. My musical interests may have changed through time, but the feeling is still the same. It's my turn to pass on the passion, the knowledge, the feeling to my children. My son, Eaben, is starting off on the right foot. The meaning behind this post isn't just about my feelings for music in general, but it's my feeble attempt at inspiring those who read this blog or perhaps to bring people together who share the passion I have for music. If it wasn't for music, what would have? Music is life, why don't you live it?

I didn't know this actually existed. I always though Jeremy Enigk was always in Sunny Day Real Estate, but I am wrong. I found this tape on Lyrics Will Not Reach The Audience and was super thrilled to take a listen. I was expecting something heavier, but not this heavy. Was Sunny Day Real Estate a hardcore band at one point?! Holy crap, this tape reminded me of Still Life right away. Super good, take a listen for yourselves.

Sunny Day Real Estate's Flatland Spider tape.

Makes you think.......

2010-08-30T07:50:00.001-07:00

I just don't understand how people think binge drinking is glamorous and or cool. I really don't understand it at all. And most of all, where do they learn it from? This subject had me thinking after hearing about a story of Eric John, a diplomat for the USA in Thailand, and his daughter Nicole(17 years old) binge drinking and falling out of a New York apartment over 20 stories. Her blog constantly showing her drunk and hyping up drinking making it sound glamorous. It's not. Here's more of the story. Where does a 17 year old get alcohol? She had to have been drinking years before, so where does it start? Do they learn it from their parents, friends, where? Fake ID's are so easy to come by and the internet isn't helping the problem, but making it easier to obtain.

If anything that story makes you think. It should serve as a wake up call to parents and the nation as a whole. This problem isn't going away, but the media(movies, music and so on) is making this an epidemic. How do we put a stop to this?

As a parent of 2 young children, I worry about them getting together with "the wrong crowd." I think and feel that a strong parenting core may help prevent such negative lifestyles. I know I can't protect them forever and that someday they will make their own decisions. I say education. You need to educate your children and hopefully the education you give them will help keep them safe from peer pressure. I'm so flustered with the questions "how" and "why" people think binge drinking is cool. I'm asking the same question when it comes to our children dying because of such impulses. It doesn't have to happen this way.

Please please please, parents, educate your children.

Here are some good links:

Centers For Disease Control And Prevention

Learn About Alcoholism

And now for the music:

I love split albums, especially when each band covers the other's songs. I had to think about which was my favorite and several came to mind, but one that stood out is the Get Up Kids/Coalesce split 7". Such a solid 7" that never gets old listening to. Get Up Kids covered the song "Harvest of Maturity" from Coalesce's self-titled debut album, and Coalesce covered "Second Place" from The Get Up Kids' Woodson EP. Amazing amazing.

Here is the The Get Up Kids/Coalesce Split 7"

Do Zombies poop?

2010-08-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

While playing Zombie Flick and half watching Return Of The Living Dead 3(Directed by the same guy who produced Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Brian Yuzna. Funny), I came to think: Do zombies poop? Think about it for a second, they're constantly eating brains, arms, legs, whatever body part or flesh they can get into their decomposing mouths. But I ask you, where does it all go? This idea came during Return Of The Living Dead 3 when they're discussing exoskeleton suit they're creating, stating that it will be powered by pure meat batteries. A battery that never needs to be charged and the zombie will continue to just go and eat/kill. So does that mean, all of the brains and flesh they eat is automatically being turned into pure energy without any excess waste or waste at all? Then again, you could be asking yourself, "Why is he giving so much thought to this? Zombies don't exist!" Dude, are you seriously going to go there!? Of course they exist. Just look at Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. I kid. However, say Trioxin did exist and did create zombies. Is the only real way to destroy a zombie or stop them from working is to starve them? I believe they touch on this theory in 28 Days Later. Anywho, my only advice to this subject is to run when you see a zombie, but if you have to.........

Not to be confused with another band from the states(I think), but Stolen Bikes Ride Faster from Italy/France are an amazing band. And right when I think they're building steam, they stop existing. That's the problem with bands, they start out awesome and I want to hear more from them and then they break up. Stolen Bikes Ride Faster play a fast almost As Friends Rust style punk/hardcore. Maybe it's just their melodies and song structures. However, their album "Nothing Has Changed" was nothing short of phenomenal. Songs were smart and they flowed great. Their english may have been a little off, but it didn't matter. At first listen, I was hooked. Seriously, check them out if you're into street punk and hardcore.

Their Myspace page.

The Stolen Bikes Ride Faster - Nothing Has Changed album.

No information needed

2010-08-22T16:24:00.000-07:00

This is a short post of probably because I don't have much to rant about. However, I do have a short story to tell that may or may not go along with the music I feel like sharing.

I grew up in the suburbs of Vacaville, going to which ever show came to The Vacaville Community Center. Most of the bands that came through played along side the likes of Paparoach, our home town success story. Occasionally, bands from the surrounding area would come and play a show or 2. I saw Shove so many times play with Far and even picked up a tape from the band Skyscraper. This brings me to the post's title. I have little to no information on this band other than them being from the Sacramento area and have a tape called "Broke". Equal parts Jawbreaker, Face To Face, Leatherface, and Hot Water Music. Very fun, indie style street punk with plenty of melodies thrown in there. Vocals are gruff and sincere, as far as I remember. Anywho, I came across a digital copy of Skyscraper's tape on this blog. I was super excited and for some reason felt it necessary to go find my tape(actual physical copy). Yes my car may not have a bumper, but at least it has a cassette tape deck. Here's for your listening pleasure......

The Skyscraper - Broke EP

Enjoy

GOD!

2010-08-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

I love The Horror Show

You eat meat, I call animal abuse....

2010-08-20T14:53:00.001-07:00

So many things run through my mind when it comes to the lives of all living creatures. When people preach about animal abuse, they fail to mention that they too contribute to the abuse and slaughter of the voiceless. Animals are quarantined and killed to benefit the gluttony and selfishness of those who consume. I don't really know where I'm going with this other than feeling animosity to those who feel their own lives are more important than life as a whole. Not only are people taking from mother nature, but they aren't giving anything back. Not even a single ounce of truth, positivity or life. Stealing from man is a crime, stealing life is a sin to life. Seriously, please, open your eyes and see the harm being forced upon life. I'm not sorry for speaking the way I feel. I don't care if you know the way I feel. I'm doing what I can to help preserve life as we know it, I'm not perfect, but at least I'm putting forth effort. "I can't believe someone would harm an animal like that." But what's missing from this is that those who speak of such atrocities are also those who consume meat. They are killing for profit and greed.

While thinking over the past week and further on through life, I was trying to think of some really extreme music that would get the point across. No other band has created such controversy when it comes to animal rights and beliefs in general than perhaps Racetraitor. Their extreme views on life and sheer brutality in music has landed them in the forefront of 90's vegan metal, perhaps leading the way for the deathcore genre that would come almost 10 years after the fact. Molding death metal, hardcore, breakdowns and extreme vegan views, Racetraitor were one of the most prolific bands. I can't think of another band from the time period that was better at what they did. They toured with Clear and many others, preaching what they stood for. They proved that the midwest scene was little to mess with. Again, I don't know where I am going with this post, but thought I'd share something brutal while talking about something I feel so passionate about. Andy would go on to play in Fall Out Boy. Funny about that is listening to them play while thinking about Andy busting out in a blast beat.

I'm 32 years old now. I have a son(4 years old) and a daughter (1 years old), both are vegetarian. I work a full time job and I'm married. There's life outside of hardcore and being an activist. However, I still feel passionate about animal rights and will talk about the horrors that occur when people approach me. I may not be the go getting like I used to be, but I will be there for those who need me.

Vegan.org

Animals Matter

The Racetraitor - Burn The Idol Of The White Messiah album.

He's gotta be cold

2010-08-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

One thing I like to do from time to time is switch gears from the norm. Truth be told, I've been listening to a lot of really slow and mellow blues. You know, artists like T-Model Ford, Junior Kimbrough, and The Black Keys. So to switch gears, I was given a day from hell and it made me a bit angry. The way I like to vent is to vent through music. However, while at work, all I had was sappy old country and some crappy over played 80's pop. In my head, I wanted something evil that would send fear into the hearts of those who pissed me off. Ok, maybe it was the situation, but it still made my awesome day turn swiftly into a shitty one.

Here you go:

Marduk rules, period. What better to feed the fire than to listen to some angry pissed off satan loving black metal? I'm just saying.

Here's their Myspace page.

Here's their Heaven Shall Burn When We Are Gathered album.

And here's an interesting link to a wiki page about the name Marduk. Rather interesting actually.

Sharks could kick your ass

2010-08-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here's an idea:

A pool is required for such an event that I've decided to partake in. This idea came to me while watching Shark Week and then deciding I should watch Jaws. You will need a group of people, and a pool to make this happen. Somehow, you're going to need to figure out a way to get a tv and speakers out onto the pool deck without any chance of it falling into the water. Make sure it's night out or somewhat dark out. Dim the lights enough where it won't glare on the screen. Also, you're going to want to make sure you have flotation devices and perhaps brews to chill with. Then, to set the mood, turn on one of the greatest movies of all time, Jaws. Not only will you be watching an extremely good movie, but you're adding to the fear factor and the experience by watching it in water. Have fun with it, throw in some inflatable animals like an orca or something along those lines. People, I'm telling you, this is how Jaws was meant to be seen. It's a scary movie about a shark that's epic in proportions and destroys pretty much anyone in its way. A rogue fisherman, Sam Quint, was based off of a real person Frank Mundus who without his inspiration, Jaws may never have been made. Seriously folks, who's with me on this one? Though he was known for his shark hunting, Frank Mundus would later be inspired to preach shark conservation. But really people, this movie idea sounds amazing.

Sideburns...........

2010-08-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

"Get The Kid With The Sideburns"

An idea
Like no other
Ruined
And Tangled

Get the kid with the sideburns

Into a contradictive
Statement

Street by street
Block by block
You hypocritcal fucks
You and Tony Victory
Are nothing but corporate rock
You stand and call us fags
Leave the show with money bags

Get the kid with the sideburns

By: Reversal of Man off of the Revolution Summer 10" which is now out of print. There's a story that's behind the song that I'm not going to post here. I wasn't there and I don't know what happened. However, you can get the idea from the lyrics and the breakdown in the song. I'm impartial and really don't care to much about the situation because I like both bands and would like to still believe in unity. However, the situation from the story told was and is unfortunate.

Tiramisu Torte

2010-08-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of what to write or type about this new band coming out of the Arizona scene. A mixture of under aged dudes playing folky influenced music somewhere between Bob Dylan and Old Crow Medicine Show. It wasn't what I was expecting by any means, which is a good thing. At first, I was expecting to slam perhaps obvious Christian songs, but I didn't get any sense of the fictional beliefs. It doesn't mean it's not there, just less obvious if it is. Permanent Transient isn't the name I'd choose for this group, but it's the name they chose. I'd go with something more along the lines of Mountain Tops or something more hillbilly. Permanent Transient sounds something along the lines of Underoath or Taking Back Sunday. Nothing's further away from the mentioned.

Permanent Transient - I Don't Mind (Sunrise Session) from Tanner Hall on Vimeo.

The best part of these videos are the lengths they went to record them. Hiking at 445am to catch the sunrise for these college kids is a hard thing. Shit, waking up before noon has to be a challenge. On Top Of Old Smokey comes to mind thinking of them, Kenny aka Kip especially, hiking that early. Super good, super tight music. Heart felt? I'd have to hear more, but it really seems like they love playing music and that they thought out the songs they've played instead of just writing what's the new trend in music.

Permanent Transient - Body in a Box (Sunrise Session) from Tanner Hall on Vimeo.

Permanent Transient has the makings of recording some really good tunes and these videos will show it. Please, go support them and check them out when they play a show in the town near you. Seriously amazing stuff. Good job Kip!

I'm pretty sure they have a Facebook page, but the link I have isn't working. I also don't have a Facebook page and that alone could hinder any chance of me searching for it.

Natas Liah

2010-08-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

I found this picture at Vise Grip MC. Had to share it

I don't care what you think!!!!!

2010-08-07T10:49:00.001-07:00

My first taste of Codeseven is when they toured with Undying out to California. They were progressive and experimental in terms of hardcore. Songs were groove orientated with minor break downs that were smarter than your average tough guy song. I'd say a more upbeat Will Haven or even Deftones sound however sounding nothing like the mentioned.

Live, Codeseven were amazing. Come to think of it, their recordings didn't do them justice. 2 vocalists who put everything out there in their set. I don't know their names, but I think they'd eventually scale down to just one dude on the mic.

I would eventually move to Orlando where my roomate had four bands staying at our house at one time and one of the bands were Codeseven. Super nice guys, were very thankful and approachable. They were the only ones who helped clean up and that sticks in my head. Thanks guys!

"A Sense Of Coalition" was their first release. Very poetic hardcore. I'd say sounds were similar to the likes of This Day Forward(In Response era), Beloved, and maybe even later Poison The Well. Codeseven's later albums would go a little more radio friendly with a more poppy sound, perhaps ditching their screamy side. Not a fan, but I respect it.

As you can see from the flyer, they've decided to get back together. For how long, I'm not sure. Check em out!

The Codeseven - A Sense Of Coalition album.

Gnar Gnar

2010-08-04T18:17:00.001-07:00

Dude

You're not vegan/vegetarian if you eat fish!!!

2010-08-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

What irritates me more than anything is when someone is talking about being vegetarian and then, "I eat fish," comes up in the conversation. True to form, I keep to myself(When on the clock), but what I really want to say is that you're a fucking fool. You are not vegetarian when you eat a living creature fish or animal. And quit giving the bullshit line of, "I only eat Chicken on occasions," it's complete garbage.

So while thinking of such nonsense, I thought I'd share with the world, Birthright. Birthright are one of those vegan straight edge bands from the 90's that played with pure emotion, they wore what they stood for on their sleeves. Vocally outspoken and very approachable. Similar bands are Unbroken, Outspoken, Clear, and so many more. Check out this epic 90's hardcore album!

The Birthright - Ascension album

Wrecked em, damn near killed em

2010-08-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

After reading Die Alone's Myspace page I realized people think their demo is dead and gone, but alas it's not. I have it! And wouldn't you know it, I have access or a means to share it with thousands if not 5 people!

The demo was encased in a spray painted black case, probably one of a band you wouldn't want people to know that you ever owned. At least that's what I would have done. Songs were at times ahead of the times(bare with me) and at other times right where they needed to be. Songs were reminiscent of the period and they sounded like what other bands from the midwest(Milwaukee) were writing. Now back to the comment I made before, ahead of the times. If they would possibly have come out now, Die Alone would have fit in perfectly with the death-core(I hate using that term) genre. However, imagine if you will With Dead Hands Rising and you pretty much have Die Alone. I don't know though, Die Alone's drummer was awesome.

Die Alone had a dude doing vocals that wore space boots and floods(jnco jeans that were hemmed to high) and he used to get shit for it. But he could belt out them vocal chords! Spazzy yet black metal-esq guitars with a hint of death metal. They played all over and no one has heard of them which suprises me because they ruled! Their best set I saw was End This Day's final show. Super good.

Anywho, I can't find the case to this Die Alone demo so the track names aren't there. But at least you still get to enjoy this super good quality album.

Their Myspace page

The Die Alone - Demo

Enjoy!

FACE TO FACE

2010-08-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure this album is out of print so posting this won't be so hard on everyone in the record world.

Over It being my first taste of Face To Face along with several appearances in snowboard videos from the period, Over It stood out to be a collaboration of songs the band would be known for. Released on Victory Records which was kind of confusing because there was the hardcore label as well. So that was odd. Tracks like "Disconnected," "A.O.K.," "I Want," were all very good songs. Those songs would appear on more than one album and are a staple at Face To Face shows. Their songs are easy to sing along to and that's what attracted me to them. Melodic punk rock!

Face To Face are reported to be working on a new album to come out late fall of 2010! Super excited!

The Face To Face - Over It album

Embrace THIS!

2010-07-31T23:01:00.000-07:00

Where I came from, hardcore was plentiful. Bands ranged anywhere from your atypical NYHC style hardcore to more metalic hardcore. There were bands playing a posi-revival sounds similar to In My Eyes and so forth and Dag Nasty influenced hardcore. One band that was ahead of the rest as far as the metal sound goes was Embrace The End. Meshing vegan 90's hardcore(though they weren't a vegan band) with tougher mosh, they would soon find their sound when Bart started drumming. He brought a more chaotic sound and they'd soon fall into the grind or deathcore sound people are doing all over the place. Personally, not to take anything away from what they're doing now, I always loved their demo. Somewhere between Path Of Resistance and Another Victim. Fast, brutal and pleanty of fun 90's hardcore mosh! 2 step it! Ok, so I don't have access to transfering the demo tape and it probably won't play well. So I found my copy of their ep which basically has the original lineup perhaps even a copy of the demo thrown on there. I don't know, sounds rather like the old demo. Deceived is great. Check it out brah! I don't think any of the original members are even in the band anymore, weird. Jesse used to play in Beneath The Ashes and their old vocalist, Pat used to do vocals in Beneath The Ashes as well. Maybe I should post their stuff on here, too.

Their Wiki page

Their Myspace page

Their Embrace The End - Embrace The End EP

Thorns Of Life

2010-07-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

Featuring ex Jawbreaker, Crimpshrine, and Pinhead Gunpowder, Thorns Of Life were a short lived band living up to every expectation of the several bands that came before. I found this soundboard recording from The Gilman a while ago and have failed to post it. Very satisfying punk rock!

Thorns Of Life - Live Set 1/31/2009 @ The Gilman

Thorns Of Life Myspace

Thorns Of Life Wiki

Who likes fast fun hardcore!? I DO I DO!

2010-07-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

Brandon Sweesy of Sawchuk emailed me asking me to post their demo on my blog. At first, I was like um....ok but after listening, OF COURSE! Holy crap, I forgot how fun hardcore was until Sawchuk's demo fell into my grasps. Fast angry sounding hardcore similar to the likes of Floorpunch and northwest hardcore like Betrayed, Blue Monday and so on. People who like the circle pit need not worry, there's pleanty of it. And for those who feel the need to punch the floor, don't be worried, it exists! Trust me, this demo rules and Sawchuk will be a name people hardcore kids around the states will be talking about.

Sawchuk Myspace

Sawchuk - Miserable EP

Trust me, you'll love it.

Vindication

2010-07-27T23:18:00.001-07:00

I feel vindicated! You'd like some explanation wouldn't you? Well, I erased my facebook page. Didn't feel like I needed it anymore. Infact, I felt like it was everything I am against. It took time away from my family, my friends and lets face it, it's not very personal. I miss the days of snail mail. Whatever happened to an old fashion letter? Do people have pen pals anymore? See where I'm getting at? Needless to say, a huge weight has been lifted and I'm free to do as I wish. It's not to say I don't see the benefit to facebook, it's just I don't know if I need people trying to find me that I haven't talked to in years. Think about it, do you really need to know what Mary is doing since you haven't seen her since kindergarten? What's Billy up to? I haven't seen him since grade school. If you haven't kept in touch with someone what's the importance of getting back together with them? Sure, life throws you curve balls and you lose contact, but there's always ways to find whomever you miss. Do you really need the internet? If you really mean anything to me, then I have your phone number, your address maybe even your email address and I'll giving you a call or dropping you a message or perhaps writing you a letter.

While we're on the topic of friends past and present, I thought it was only fitting to upload Execution Style. Earth Crisis meets Sepultura with break downs and 2-stepping. Lyrics about friendship and loyalty . Justin sings in Alcatraz and Doug went on to play in Sworn Vengeance and Terror and First Blood. I think Dave did a short stint with Set Your Goals. Execution Style came around right when Vacaville needed it. They shared the stage with Paparoach at a few shows, and put terror in the hearts of the douche bags that follow such a band. An amazing band that never made it out of the bay and probably should have. They were on the first WCWW comp and played all over the bay area. Probably hardcore's best underrated undiscovered band to date. Love em.

Raise your glass to friendship!

Execution Style - Discography

The Battle may never be over..................

2010-07-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

Amazing. More than ever do we need his voice.

I thought I'd share this one as well........

I love the Goonies!

2010-07-22T19:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know how this came into my possession but it did and I had to share it

Rattle them bones

2010-07-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I was thinking, but here's a post with a mixture of music sure to rattle your bones. People, really, this shit rules......

I HAD to upload this soundtrack on the pure basis of the bands on there. Come on, it's the soundtrack to one of my favorite tv shows. I remember one year getting my tonsils taken out and having a General Lee car. I was playing with the car(After the fact) and my brother Brian ran it over with his big wheel. I may have been hurt more by the car being ran over than getting my tonsils out. Check it out! Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, John Schneider and so many more!

Dukes Of Hazard Soundtrack

Quoted as being Ferret's best release. In my minds, this record could rocket Torn Apart into the spotlight as one of the best lived hardcore bands of our time. This is what the 90's hardcore was about, brutal, fast and mathematical. Well thought out song structures, screamy vocals with a sort of groove about them. Bands HAD to have been influenced by them. 18 Visions before they turned to shit shows signs, Into The Moat, Eyes Upon Separation and so many more. This "the fifty-ninth session" is in the top five of my favorite hardcore albums ever written. I just wish I had the opportunity to see them love. Again, I missed out. If anyone has any live footage and or photos I could post, that would rule. Until then, here's Ferret's page on the band.

Torn Apart - the fifty-ninth session

My favorite hoodies

2010-07-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

For years, I've been acquiring hoodies from different bands and from shows all over the country. Some of them mean more to me than just the band printed on the front and others are just part of my collection. Here are a few that stand out in front.

LINK 80

Link 80 has always been a favorite band, top 5. Introduced to me by Justin back in the days. The hoodie was given to me by an old friend Martin. Amazing, Link 80 "Against The Rest" on the front and then ATRC in graffiti on the back.

PROPAGANDHI

There will never be band that has influenced me the Propagandhi has. I was on a search for a hoodie for many years before this was given to me. Michelle, I have never thanked you enough for this. This hoodie is my favorite hoodie of all time! Propagandhi "Purina Hall Of Fame" on the front with "Better lives have been lived in the margins, locked in the prisons and lost in the gallows than have ever been enshrined in palaces" on the back.

Female Fronted Hardcore...TSYB!

2010-07-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Somewhere between the Doughnuts and Undertow with hints of Unbroken, spazzy at times and screamy at others. A little chaotic at times, an intelligent all female hardcore band from the great North West.

Their album "A Thief A Poet An Enemy" fell into my hands while touring with The Great Redneck Hope. I can't remember who gave me the cd, but they just didn't want it. I said, "I'll take it!" And the rest is history.

To See You Broken myspace.

To See You Broken - A Thief A Poet An Enemy

Ska and Hardcore....GOONIES!

2010-07-14T11:12:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon The Goonies back in when Napster reigned supreme and would soon be given a shirt from an old friend Liz who had played with them on tour. More of a hardcore band with vocals similar to Minor Threat, maybe a little bit more scream and a horn section that wouldn't always be there. Man, I don't make much sense at all. Point being, I really love this band because I really love a good ska/hardcore band. For fans of Suicide Machines and Link 80. GO!

The Goonies - The Project

Work in Progress

2010-07-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on a few mixes, all centered around skating. That's skateboarding for all you tards out there. Soon

New York Taxi discography

2010-06-25T15:57:00.000-07:00

New York Taxi will always be something to talk about. Their music is straight from the heart and no one wants to play shows the way they do. I love you two Ryan and Shannon and hope you guys get out to the Phoenix area soon and play more shows. Acoustic folky punk done right and done well.
Download their DISCOGRAPHY and their MYSPACE account is constantly updated with shows and so on.

Mix tapes, a forgotten art form

2010-06-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

This is how I drink coffee, with force if I have to. Point of this post is to relive the art of making a mix tape. With playlists and mix cd's taking over, the forgotten art form of mix tapes is being forgotten. Now, all you have to do is drag and drop what you want to hear. Before you had to listen to the songs as they were being recorded. I still have mix tapes lying around from my younger years before cd burners and ipods.

Here's a mix I made for my friend from work, Kristen. It's properly titled "Mix It Up Volume 1" because I think that everyone should go back and listen to their mixes as they're being made. I don't know, it was fun wasn't it?

Track Listing:

1. Nancy Sinatra - Bang Bang
2. Grails - The Burden Of Hope
3. Radiohead - Street Spirit(Fade Out)
4. Maps and Atlases - Artichokes
5. This Bike Is A Pipebomb - Jack Johnson
6. New York Taxi - Jennarita
7. Saw Wheel - Southern Rock Anthem
8. Mono - Com(?)
9. Belle And Sebastian - I Fought In A War
10. Iron And Wine - Jezebel
11. Joan Of Arc - To've Had Two Of
12. Rosa - Chapel Hill
13. The Devil Makes Three - Old Number 7
14. Buddy Guy - Baby Please Don't Leave Me
15. The Grand Funk Railroad - Sin's a Good Man's Brother
16. Built To Spill - Else

Mix It Up Volume 1

Enjoy...........

Morph into Vermont!

2010-06-24T17:34:00.000-07:00

Vermont was a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based indie rock band and collaboration between Davey von Bohlen and Dan Didier of The Promise Ring and Chris Roseanau of Pele. The band released two albums on Kindercore Records and broke up in 2001, before von Bohlen founding the band Maritime.

Information taken from Vermont's Wiki page

The album sounds like an extended Promise Ring album or maybe where The Promise Ring wanted to go. I never liked their Wood And Water album, but this Vermont album is good. Man, I'm not doing well of describing this.........Just listen

Vermont - Living Together

Mono is still the best band I've seen

2010-06-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

Unwed Sailor is good stuff

2010-06-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

Building Peaks with Tristeza

2010-06-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Tristeza is one of the many bands I was introduced to by ErinEvans. They feature Jimmy LaValle(The Crimson Curse, The Locust, Swing Kids, Album Leaf) playing guitar. Musical exploration is how I'd explain Tristeza. Sounds ranging from free jazz to a more modern emo sound. There's a heavy, well produced, sound coming from the bass guitar that sticks out in the forefront. Building Peaks is the first track on "Dream Signals In Full Circles" and is probably my favorite song written by them. They are very chill, lots of bass, amazing rhythmic guitars and the drums have a very easy groove going for them. Similar bands would be Unwed Sailor(heavily influenced by Tristeza), The Album Leaf and Explosions In The Sky. Instrumental music done right.

Tristeza - Dream Signals In Full Circle

John Denver rules! TRAINS!

2010-05-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

John Denver has done so much for music and people forget about it. He spoke out against censorship and was outspoken for the freedom of speech. He wrote many amazing songs and had a passion for family life. This album is amazing so many ways. Not only is it a children's album, but it's also an album dedicated to trains. Who doesn't love trains?

John Denver - All Aboard

Honeysuckle Serontina

2010-05-28T21:04:00.001-07:00

I can't find anything on this band. I remember seeing them at the Gilman with The Locust yet they sounded and sound nothing like The Locust. Infact, completely opposite. Very melodic post hardcore emo sound from that era of music. I want to say they were from Canada, but I'm not to sure. Reminded me of a cross between The Get Up Kids and Stretch Armstrong, but not aggressive at all. Vocals had a hint of Janes Addiction, but sounded again nothing like them. I was able to bum enough money from the fake punk kids at the show(rich kids posing to be punk) to afford 2 shirts, a belt buckle and a cd. Had a great time and think everyone should enjoy this one.

Honeysuckle Serontina - Fireworks And Fur

If anyone has anything on this band, please let me know. I want to be in the know!

Weapons Of Brass Destruction, clever name....

2010-05-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

There's little known about Weapons Of Brass Destruction aside from the extremely clever name they thought of. I believe they're from or were from the UK, but I thought on their facebook page they're listed from several parts Vegas being one. I was hooked from the get go. The horn section was brilliant, not to fancy, reminding me of the horns in Link 80. Actually the whole band sounded very similar to Link 80 from the Struggle With In era. Mixing ska and hardcore to create one of my favorite skanres(yes I just invented a word) Ska-Core. Breakdowns, distortion, horns, both screamed and sung vocals. I love Weapons Of Brass Destruction. Kimber, check this!

Weapons Of Brass Destruction - Greatest Hits Volume 2 and From Ocean Sights To City Lights

It's a shame they're gone.

Strike Anywhere, this is how it's supposed to be!

2010-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Strike Anywhere (Phase 1) from hate5six productions on Vimeo.

This Is My Life

2010-05-05T13:19:00.000-07:00

Before you continue reading, please download the mix and listen while reading. That way you will get the full effect of this post. Thanks! This Is My Life!

I got this idea from another person's blog which I can't remember. However, the idea was to tell a story of one's life through songs. For that, I came up with a mix of sorts with songs that are related to something important that has happened to me or tells a story of a moment in my life. Now the songs may not tell a story lyrically or literally, but they are points in my life that I myself can elaborate on.

So it begins........

1. Metallica - One: I couldn't think of a better song to start with. So much of who I am is from this one song. I can still remember the moment when I heard this song, not knowing who it was.
I was watching MTV Sports and they were doing a segment on skateboarding. I had to be in 6th grade at the time. Frankie Hill was the person skating and there was a blistering fast song being played in the back ground. It turns out to be This song.
From that moment on, I was on a search to find more aggressive music. Up until then, the best tunes I was listening to were the Beastie Boys which are still in constant rotation on my playlist(s). However, gangster rap and what not were something I'd listen to for pure shock value, never really good though.
That song was the reason I researched metal music, found punk rock, and got into hardcore and was one of the main reasons I started skateboarding.

2. Slayer - Mandatory Suicide: I thought long and hard of songs that I could link to my mom. Yes, my mom. I don't ever remember being raised with music on other than crappy easy listening music like Yanni. Never really understood the stuff and never really liked it. However, my mom supported my skateboarding as much as she could. She bought me the Powell Skate Video "Hot Batch." From the get go, she didn't like the video. That's when I knew I'd love it. Sure, I was a normal kid who loved to push buttons.
Wade Spyer's part came on and it happened to be Slayer's "Mandatory Suicide." At the end of the song, "SUICIDE!" is screamed over and over. Hearing that my mom automatically wanted the video thrown away. I still have the VHS copy of it. The cover may be gone with something else inside of it, but the video I still have.
This song was my first taste of better metal than Metallica and is still my favorite Slayer song.

3. Sonic Youth - 100%: So much of who I am stems from skateboarding. It's a way of life to those who are true to form. Sonic Youth is one of my favorite bands and has been ever since the video. The video, again, had someone skateboarding in it. I remember sitting in front of MTV waiting for the video to come on. It was so new to me and I was like a kid in a candy store.
I saved my own money up and went to Werehouse Music and bought my first tape, Sonic Youth - Dirty.

4. Pink Floyd - Money: My mom and dad divorced when I was 4. Growing up, I was raised by my mom who also had my 2 brothers. My dad was and is a good dad, but I didn't see it that way growing up. I never knew why and still don't know why they split, but my dad said it best and that was that they weren't meant to be. However, I still didn't see eye to eye with my dad, still don't, but love my father just the same. So picking out a song that told a story of my dad was actually easy.
See, growing up and seeing my dad how ever often that we did, he taught me some important things. Camping is something he did very well. Having the money he does, you'd think he'd go camping in a trailer or something, no. He was a true camper. The only music I ever remembered him listening to was Pink Floyd. He's the reason I think so highly of one of the greatest rock bands in history. It reminds me of the time we spent camping together, the good times.

5. Black Sabbath - N.I.B.: There was a guy who lived in the apartment complex that we, too, lived in. He was moving one day and it turned out he was a DJ at a radio station a while back. So in payment for us helping him move, he allowed me to pick 10 records(yes vinyl). I grabbed all the Black Sabbath(first pressings) I could find. N.I.B. was and still is my favorite Black Sabbath song hands down. I think it's because the main riff reminds me of Cream's Sunshine Of Your Love which was in the movie "Uncommon Valor."

6. Fall Silent - Looking In: My wife and I grew up in the Bay Area of California though we never knew each other. There was a band, Fall Silent, out of Reno that I fell in love with.
I was at a Siren show in Vacaville and had my first taste of a distro. The guy had a bunch of 7"'s so I flipped through them. I knew Fall Silent from a skate video so when I came across their split with Wellington, I grabbed it. The skate video didn't have a Fall Silent song, it was a Pat Benetar cover. I didn't know what I was getting into, but fell in love with the song.
I gave some information about my wife and I because I would later find out her brother has been Fall Silent's roadie for years. Fall Silent being my favorite hardcore band and her brother being their roadie just further solidified the fact that Jessie and I were meant to be together.

7. Circus Tents - Go Away: Another song from the imfamous skate video Hot Batch. My only copy for the longest time of this song was my tape recorder plugged into the VCR and recorded on to a tape. I went over 15 years without a real copy of this song! I love it! Huge influence on AFI.

8. Journey - Don't Stop Believing: Jessie pulls up to our wedding at the top of these stairs in a hot wheels painted blue 57' chevy(all hot rodded out). She is led out of the car to the top of the stairs with her father at the bottom. This song starts playing and let me tell you, tears came swelling into my eyes. Tears of joy. It was the happiest moment of my life(next to seeing my children born). So every time this song starts playing, I relive seeing my beautiful wife walking towards me with Journey playing in the background. I love you hun!

9. The Devil Makes Three - Old Number Seven: While Jessie was pregnant with Eaben, she listened to The Devil Makes Three constantly. We would drive around town, or sit at home listening to The Devil Makes Three, singing really loud to the words. Fun times. This song reminds me of my son, Eaben. Now his favorite band is Black Sabbath, so that song NIB could remind me of him too, though his favorite song is Iron Man. You should see him drum around while listening to Iron Man, amazing.

10. Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues: For as long as I could remember, I've been a fan of Johnny Cash. He has a very straight and to the point approach to country music. He was outspoken for what he believed and was sort of an outcast in his own scene.

11. The Bindle Stiffs - Hard Times: The start of our life together, Jessie and I experienced some hard times. First, a hurricane, a car catching on fire and breaks going out. Mechanic offered us sanctuary at his home and helped us get on our feet. We've been around The Bindle Stiffs for as long as I can remember with Jessie working their merch table while ready to pop with Eaben in her belly. It was Eaben's first show(so to speak). So it's only fitting to see them on this list of songs.

12. Minor Threat - Steppin' Stone: For our senior year of high school, we made a senior video. I suggested this song for one of the segments. It worked, trust me. But it's not just the song that was important, it was the effort that went into making the video.
We worked day and night, not sleeping for 3 to 4 days straight, literally, to get the video done and edited. I lived on coffee alone for that time and was hung over so to speak the next couple of days, throwing up taco bell. However, the video went on without a hitch. It was a fun bonding experience for me and the other people working on the project.

13. Towards An End - Persuasion: I thought long and hard about this one. So many songs to think of and "Persuasion" was the only one that stayed in my head. Towards An End represents going to shows and having a good time. Maybe choosing this song was more due to watching some old footage from The Gilman, I don't know. Anyway, they were a fun band to see and everyone knew the lyrics to this song.

14. Link 80 - Packing Up: Probably one of the easier songs to choose. Kimber has and will always be a friend that no matter where I am in life, she will be there for me. We share a common bond for music and have passion for the Bay Area scene. Shit, hardcore/punk in general. Every time Link 80 comes on my playlist, I have to let her know I'm listening by either calling, texting, or whatever the words "A T R C!" Love you Kimber!

15. NOFX - Linoleum: Again, this goes back to looking for more aggressive, faster music. Punk rock had that sound I NEEDED, distortion, pissed lyrics and with NOFX, comedy. My first punk tape(s) were NOFX "Punk In Drublic" and Bad Religion "Stranger Than Fiction" from my buddy at the time, Rob. "That's me on the beachside combing the sand Metal meter in my hand Sporting a pocket full of change!"

16. Luckie Strike - Now You're Gone: What can I say about Luckie Strike that hasn't already been said by the people who know them? They are amazing people who allowed me the opportunity to roadie for them for a short period of time. They even offered me the chance to go on Warped Tour with them, but instead I decided to do one of my disappearing acts, ending up in Florida, which again was a blessing in disguise. Some of the best shows, most fun atmospheres and a band full of people with the biggest hearts. Meg, remember the merch tables where we'd just make each other laugh by falling out of chairs acting silly? You had to be there. Fun times.

17. Propagandhi - Hallie Sallasse, Up Your Ass: Propagandhi is one of those bands that have helped me become who I am today. The perfect band at the perfect time, sarcastic and smart with plenty of anger and hostility. This song sums up a lot about what I believe. And for those who don't know the lyrics, well then, just sit back and listen. "FUCK RELIGION FUCK RELIGION!" Enough said.

18. New York Taxi - Jennarita: I have a song about Eaben and Jessie, but nothing for Shea. No music has really stood out that reminded me of Shea aside from New York Taxi. Shannon and Ryan were there for us when we went to the hospital to deliver Shea. They watched Eaben all day while we had our baby girl. It was amazing thing. They even met up with us at Disneyland to celebrate Shea and Eaben's birthday(s). It's hard to explain or express our gratitude and love for them. And besides, New York Taxi is an amazing group. I've been saying for as long as I've known them, everyone should hear them.

19. Knowledge - Gnat(I'm All Alone): A somber yet fitting song to end this mix. Nick was taken from us way to early, but the memory of who he was to his family and to the music scene will live on for ever. Maybe this song was a sign of what to come, I don't know, but I can tell you I still get teary eyed when I hear the lyrics. "Destiny, My destiny, dance with me, dance with me, destiny destiny, my destiny, no escaping that's for me."

Well folks, there you have it. This is my mix, This Is My Life.

Kill That Cat

2010-05-04T08:58:00.001-07:00

Everyone should be checking out the blog Kill That Cat! It's an amazing blog with live powerviolence videos and hardcore videos. I've found Spazz videos to Pearl Jam to FKU and even that Fall Silent video I posted. Seriously an amazing blog that everyone should subscribe to!

FALL SILENT 5/17/97 @ 924 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA

2010-05-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Witch is good stoner doom

2010-05-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Psychedelic American Stoner Doom. Witch is just that, paying homage to legends such as Black Sabbath and staying true to form. Fuzzy guitars, heavy 60's/70's sound with really good blues style rock n roll leads. If you would have heard them on an old rock station after say Black Sabbath you would have thought they were from the past. Witch was formed in 2005 by Dinosaur Jr guitarist J Mascis and long time friend Dave Sweetapple. There are some interesting bits of information on the band at their wiki page. Check it out.

Witch - Witch

Flathead is awesome

2010-05-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Imagine Hank III with a more Johnny Cash sound. Very upbeat, twangy, just how I like it. Old Tyme Country! Lyrics are anywhere from driving a car, nuclear reactors, mutants to relationships. Easy to sing a long to and fun to dance to. I've seen Flathead several times at The Yucca playing with the Bindle Stiffs and other Arizona based country bands.

Flathead - Play The Good One

PS: Sorry I don't have the track list. I lost the case and can't find the list anywhere.

Their myspace can be found here

The Bindle Stiffs - Chip's House

2010-05-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've already made a post about The Bindle Stiffs. However, there's an EP of sorts that was recorded at Chip's house with tap dancing Jimmy Moore on guitar. This EP might just be my favorite recording because of the leads Jimmy lays down which gives The Bindle stiffs more depth and more of an upbeat sound. Keep in mind, The Bindle Stiffs have 2 core members, Matt and Mechanic and will always be that way. I hope they record more with some more twangy leads thrown in there. Also, Matt is playing steel guitar as well. Anyone who is a fan of their old tyme country sound will love this EP.

The Bindle Stiffs - Chip's House

And here are some good pictures my wife Jessie took at The Yucca.

Leaf Hound, stoner rock....

2010-04-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

I read a quote from a blog somewhere that wrote, "The best album Led Zeppelin never made," which pretty much sums up what you'll hear when listening to Leaf Hound. Upon first listen, I was thinking the same thing. Great stoner rock! Virtually unheard of, but has since reunited and seems to be playing some pretty awesome shows. I haven't heard anything about new material, but with album like Growers Of Mushroom, it would be hard, near impossible to follow up.

Leaf Hound myspace
Leaf Hound wiki with a bunch of fun information on the band.

Leaf Hound - Growers Of Mushroom(album)

Jud Jud GO!

2010-04-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Taken from their Myspace page:

JUD JUD started in late 1986 and has been one of the most influential parts of the 'Straight Edge' movement. At a time where bands were trying to preach purity in the scene, but being totally hypocritical and not aware of thier instrument abuse. JUD JUD managed to strip everything away and find the purist of centers. Using only thier mouths JUD JUD leave you standing drop jawed, with the speed and insensity of a train. A quote from The Demos 7"...

Come on, true to form, the most crucial straight edge band of our time. Fucking classic. If you don't know the Jud Jud, then you're missing out. For fans of 90's style hardcore including Youth Of Today and other youth crew bands. Seriously, amazing. Just see what they wrote about themselves:

"Our lyrics have always been the most important part of JUD JUD. We write them seperately and feel that is it necessary to print what each of us has to say. These words represent values, ideals, friendships and movivation. They define who we are. Thanxxx to everyone who has supported us over the years. You have made our dreams a reality. Go!."

Once you listen, you'll understand how awesome that is.

Jud Jud - No Tolerance For Instruments/Demos

2010-03-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

"Mortification is an Australian Christian extreme metal band. As one of the first and most successful Christian extreme metal bands in the world,[1] they serve as inspiration for many of today's Christian metal bands. The group was formed in 1990 from the ashes of Christian power metal band Lightforce by Steve Rowe, Cameron Hall and Jayson Sherlock. Over the years Mortification has released over twenty records and several videos on major record labels such as Nuclear Blast."

"During the early 1990s Mortification "belonged to the elite of the death metal movement," especially with their widely praised album Scrolls of the Megilloth. After the departure of their original drummer Mortification began experimenting with groove metal, hardcore punk and power metal. They achieved notable commercial success with Blood World, though the critics have not been interested in the band after the 1996's critically acclaimed EnVision EvAngelene.[1] Despite critical backlash, the band has maintained its status as "some kind of superstars in the Christian metal scene,"[2] and have been called in the mainstream media as "a legend in the death metal scene."[3] They returned to their deathrash roots on the 2004's Brain Cleaner album."

Taken from Mortification's wiki page with more information on the band.

I still find it hard to believe that Christian metal bands are to be taken seriously in the metal world. How can you be angry about something you feel so passionate about? That being said, this album fucking rules. Imagine Morbid Angel playing songs about god, Jesus and other fairy tales. Trust me, seriously brutal death metal with lyrics about being Christian and bible thumping. Just as I feel passionate about being atheist, they feel about god.

Mortification - Scrolls Of The Megilloth

PS: After seeing Ace Ventura and the scene with him and Cannibal Corpse, I HAD to discover more death metal. My friend loaned me this record. SO GOOD!

Forced Life, San Diego Hardcore

2010-03-20T19:18:00.000-07:00

"The band started in October of 1996. The original line up was Scott on guitar, Matt on guitar, Robin on drums, Damian on bass, and Pete on vocals. Well, after playing a few shows and just kind of hanging out with each other, we figured that Pete wasn't the best man for the job, and plus we really didn't care for his voice too much. Ok, so in came Tommy. He blew us away with his crazy antics and awesome throat. So after about a year of that, Robin and Matt decided to leave to go live back home on the East Coast. We quickly replaced Robin with Dan who was a friend of the bands. He worked out alright but we still weren't sure, but after a while we learned that he rips the drums apart. So then we started looking for another guitarist. We had a guy named Justin play with us but he didn't work out. Then we tried out the guitarist that Built To Last used to have, Rob Mertz (pro skater) and he didn't work out either. In February of 1999 Tommy decided to leave the band for personal reasons, so we are in search of a new vocalist, and today we stand with Scott on Guitars, Dan on Drums, and Damien on bass. We've been auditioning new singers, and hopefully a new one will be acquired soon." Taken from Forced Life's angelfire page. Yeah, everyone had an angelfire page at one time. Gotta love it! There's also a lot more information on the site about the band.

What can I say about a band that died way before it's due time? Forced Life played underrated super brutal hardcore similar to the likes of Hatebreed circa Under The Knife. What caught my attention were the drumming style that Dan had. Super tight double kick that was used when needed, not constant like so many other bands. Brutal breakdowns and great sing along parts that would get any hardcore kid involved. Their reign on the scene would be short lived. Forced Life flew under the radar for such a short period of time, but left their mark on those who were able to experience them. I can even recall Revenant covering one of their songs. They would record a few demos and appear on the "Call To Arms" California Hardcore Comp as well as an ep. If anyone has their demos, please, I'd love to have them!

Scott now plays in Built To Last, which is still one of my favorite hardcore bands of all time.

Forced Life - The Breakout EP(plus Call To Arms track)

Jugghead's Revenge

2010-03-06T06:26:00.001-08:00

Their official website has every album by them available for download. Check it out.

www.juggsrevenge.com/free.html

Instant stardom

2010-03-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

Build your momentum, fan base, and reputation by playing basements, house shows small venues. Pass out your demo to the fans who so rightly deserve your attention because someday, or so you hope, they will be the ones filling venues, buying your albums and supporting the music you so love to create. DIY ethics should be practiced by all who enter the music industry. I have little to no respect for those who seek the fast track towards instant stardom and bypass creating a fan base. It's then and only then that you lose any and all artistic credibility for the music you supposedly make. I'm not saying DON'T get paid to do what you love, but go down the right path and earn your spot. I could make a list that would go on forever of the bands who do this because they love to and by chance get paid to do it. They are the ones who love their fans and without the fans those bands wouldn't be able to do what they love to do, play music. I know this post sounds a bit one sided, and by all means let me know what you think(or even add to what I'm saying), but respect is earned, not bought. Once again, respect the scene because the scene will take care of you. Stay DIY.

PS: This has been on my mind for a while, sparked by hearing of someone sending his band's demo to all the big companies hoping for break. Funny thing is, they've never played a show. Even Paparoach started in some small portable trailer built for the over crowding of their high school. Even they started out by handing out demos. I'm not saying I enjoy their music by any means, but at least they started out at the beginning instead of jumping ahead.

My best example of DIY has to be Fugazi and the whole Dischord collective, period. Enough said. Please feel free to add your two cents.

Mark

New York Taxi dude.....

2010-02-23T16:13:00.000-08:00

Words can not express the gratitude and love I have towards Shannon and Ryan. They stepped in and watched my son Eaben as Jessie and I went into the hospital to deliver our daughter Shea. Through lack of sleep and maintaining sanity with a 3 year old(or almost 3 at the time), they made it through with smiles and willingness about them because that's just who they are. They're caring people that stories are written about. Through thick and thin, I will always hold them close to my heart, they are family.

New York Taxi is a band that Shannon and Ryan do together. Musically, along the lines of anarcho punk taking the scene by storm and lyrically poetic. Songs going from the love of Milwaukee, to drinking with friends and slamming religion, nothing short of brilliant. Working with Ryan and knowing him for even the short period I have, Shannon, too, you could see the passion within. Shannon, with the unknown, left her home of Wisconsin with Ryan to Ryan's other home of Southern California to follow their dreams of playing music. Getting signed and making money doesn't matter to them. Grab a beer, drink some coffee and hang out. Seriously, it's about the music, but I can see them going somewhere with this. They tour, they play, they do it because they love to. Not many bands or artists out there do it the old school way, DIY. This is what punk rock is about, this is New York Taxi.

Here's their myspace page.

New York Taxi - Demo

If it wasn't for the Circus Tents........

2010-02-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

If it wasn't for the Circus Tents, AFI may have never been. Truely an amazing band, short lived and then relived through skate videos and bands covering. AFI was the most well known band to have covered the Circus Tent's song "Open Your Eyes" appearing on Answer That And Stay Fashionable.Hailing from Grass Valley and turning into The Force, The Circus Tents were perhaps the pioneers of the East Bay Hardcore sound, following up with Redemption 87, Furry 66, Model American and AFI. My first skate video I ever owned, "Hot Batch," had 2 songs on the sound track during Chris Senn's part. I was so excited to FINALLY locate the songs. I was surviving on a tape that I recorded from the VCR back in the days. And the only other time I'd be this excited would be if I were to find out that The Legend Of Billie Jean were to be out on DVD. Billie Joel from Green Day was even sporting a Circus Tents sticker on his guitar.

Circus Tents - Hard Up ep

Circus Tents - Circus Tents

This is a must have for all AFI fans out there. Truely a great find.

Machine Head is brutal

2010-02-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

I would have to say that I owe my love for Machine Head to Dave Execution. He loaned me "Burn My Eyes" a long time ago and I was forever hooked. Though I would have seen Rob Flynn on stage singing a song with Powerhouse at Nick Traina's memorial show, I didn't know how heavy and brutal they were. Sure, they would go through a period where it seemed Numetal was the way to go, but soon after Machine Head would go back to their roots and play the kind of metal we love. "Burn My Eyes" felt/feels more like a hardcore album than a metal album, just listen to Davidian and Blood For Blood. Those tracks perhaps were key influences in Hatebreed's upbringing.

Machine Head - Burn My Eyes

Here's their Wiki page as well.

Exodus - Toxic Waltz

2010-02-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Probably one of the best videos ever done. Dude, the song is about moshing! I uploaded the video for download. Very good quality, ripped from VH1 classic.

I uploaded the video for download. Very good quality, ripped from VH1 classic.

Exodus - Toxic Waltz

This Is My Life

2010-02-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

I am currently working on a compilation of songs from my life that tell a story of sorts of where I've been. Songs will be markers of points in my life that were epic(so to say).

Trends in Hardcore

2010-02-17T09:27:00.001-08:00

This is more of an appreciation towards some of the greatest and most influential band(s) of our time. Without them, certain trends in hardcore may never have played out.

Slayer - Argue what you will, say what you'll say, but Slayer has spawned more bands in their honor than perhaps any other. Sure Metallica did what they did and people/bands tried following, but no one caused a surge in metallic hardcore like Slayer. The 90's were littered with Slayer-esq bands. Day Of Suffering, Morning Again, Culture, Green Rage and so on. All had that Slayer signature sound, dive bombs and all. Slayer may not have written the best albums as of late, but Reign In Blood, South Of Heaven, Hell Awaits, Seasons In The Abyss, and Divine Intervention were epic. More bands have covered "Reign In Blood" than any other song(so it seems). And perhaps the best known band to have been a spitting image of Slayer, in my opinion is All Out War. "Soaked In Torment" is Hell Awaits done by a hardcore band. And quite simply put, All Out War does it better. I know, that's some strong words, but what has Slayer done since and All Out War keeps writing true to form Slayer influenced songs. All in all, Slayer has left their mark in the hardcore world and we thank you.

Right at the turn of the decade, the hardcore scene saw an influx of Swedish metal brought on by none other than At The Gates. Slaughter Of The Soul was, by itself, responsible for influencing End This Day, Prayer For Cleansing, Arkangel, Dead To Fall, The Black Dahlia Murder, and so many more. That single album was responsible for one of my favorite trends in hardcore. It's on the top of many lists as one of the best metal albums to have ever been recorded. At The Gates is the reason why there is a genre in metal labeled as Swedish Metal. In Flames, Dark Tranquility, and Carnal Forge have all followed in At The Gate's footsteps. At The Gates, we salute you.

The latest trend in hardcore and or post hardcore is doom, sludge, stoner, whatever you call it. Every single band playing this sound, whether it be Mastadon, Isis, Buried Inside, Torche, High On Fire can thank Neurosis. Every band doing this said "sound" has cited Neurosis for influencing them or saying they listen to Neurosis a lot, something along those lines. With albums Enemy Of The Sun, Through Silver In Blood, Times Of Grace and Given To The Rising, Neurosis leaves a steady mark of excellence with every release. Even their earlier release, Pain Of Mind, peaks through, influencing bands like Crawl Back In, Fall Of Efrafa, Deadbird, His Hero Is Gone, and so forth. Neurosis is and always will be one of my favorite bands. Heavy, melodic, dark.

Daysgone - Hell No Compromise

2010-02-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

I picked this cd up when I was in southern california visiting my friend Tanya. I didn't know anything about the band, but I grabbed the cd. The quality isn't great, and the cd I would later find out was scratched. So the first track or 2 skips a little. However, a very amazing listen. Sounds somewhere along the lines of old Strife(One Truth) and Deadwait. Heavy(ish) and sorta that powerful 90's sound. Check it out!

Daysgone - Hell No Compromise

Arthur, MXPX side project......

2010-02-13T13:59:00.000-08:00

All the members of MXPX including their tech at the time Neil Hundt, formed a side band. They released one ep called "Loneliness Is Bliss." Cheesy lyrics about girls, love, broken hearts and so on. But like MXPX, the music is super catchy and easy to love. Sounds a lot like MXPX with a more Mineral twinge to it. I included some live recordings that sound like were played at some college or something.

Arthur - Loneliness Bliss

Sarge......

2010-02-13T10:19:00.000-08:00

Since I don't know much about this band other than them being a female fronted emo-punk band, I decided to post a link to their wiki page. Enjoy.

Sarge - The Glass Intact

PS: I couldn't find the case to the cd when I ripped it at the time, but the track listing is on their wiki page for those who care.

Bands we've played with......

2010-02-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

One of my old bands, while on tour in the dirty south, played a show with Faultlines somewhere. I wish I could remember where, but I can't. I came across this demo the other day while cleaning my closet. I thought I'd share it with you. Very fun post-hardcore in the realm of Small Brown Bike.

Faultlines

We played a show with Hercandane at a coffee shop in Milwaukee's campus. They sounded right along the lines of bands being influenced by Thursday's fame. Very good representation.

Hercandane

How can you not like Juiceboxxx!? Imagine if you will, a very annoying, snotty, lank 16 kid with braces, most of which are missing, spitting raps and coming out with quirky hip hop beats. Those premature days of Juiceboxxx are long gone, but his demo will live forever. He is now old enough to drink(I think) and plays bars around Milwaukee. Now if he will ever venture out. I don't know. His shows were amazing and fun, somehow getting the girls to go crazy. "Eating is the 5th element of hip hop"

Juiceboxxx

One of the more tight bands to come out of the greater Milwaukee area. We've played shows with these guys on numerous occasions and we always had a blast. They played intense post hardcore that sounded like Forstella Ford or something along the lines of the sound coming out of Milwaukee at the time. Their drummer was all over the place and played with the intensity of Dave Grohl.

The Felix Culpa

I believe the Mercy Chord were from Madison, WI, but I'm not sure. Small Brown Bike was becoming more and more popular and more bands were influenced by them. Either that, or people were listening to a lot of Jawbreaker at the time. Another super talented, super rad bunch of dudes playing music that I loved. I remember them being really loud.

The Mercy Chord

One of my favorite shows we ever played was with The Response. It was in the vets hall in Menomonee Falls, WI with Forstella Ford, Bosio, and The November Group. I missed The November Group, but caught the rest of the show. The Response played a poppy emo similar to the sounds of early Audio Karate. I don't know how else to describe them, but in the Wisconsin scene at the time, other than Bosio, no one was doing this. For fans of Midtown, The Movielife, and maybe NFG.

The Response

That is all for now.......

Belief In Promises

2010-02-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

Right when a more black metal approach was infiltrating hardcore, it seemed as if screamo was being phased out. Though I know very little about the band, having downloaded this collection of songs when mp3.com still existed, I have to say I'm impressed. Something original, something different. In my opinion, they were along the lines of Fordirelifesake, but less technical. Sounding very screamo, they were able to utilize the double bass and some tremelo picking thus creating a very unique sound. Check them out.

Belief In Promises

Sharp Knife SF punk

2010-01-05T09:14:00.000-08:00

I want to say Sharp Knife had someone playing drums that went on to play guitar in LifeLongTragedy. Not to sure though. Fast, energetic punk with the melodies of Dag Nasty and the intensity of Minor Threat. Dual vocals screamed at the top of their longs. Lyrics were angry and sarcastic. Imagine if you will a younger Against Me with more anger and frustration. I don't know, at times there's a ton of fast thrashy hardcore thrown in there. My old band played a show with them at the Shorewood Legion Hall in Wisconsin a long time ago. This short lived band ruled.

Sharp Knife - Self Titled

Set Your Goals demo

2010-01-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

How have I not posted this yet? With all this talk about Set Your Goals and them being on constant rotation on my ipod, Set Your Goals are still just a bunch of dudes doing what they love to do. Here's their demo which would later be re-released as the Reset album with a Jawbreaker cover. Set Your Goals has since caused the new generation of hardcore bands to follow in their footsteps, spawning similar acts. It's their true love for hardcore and punk rock alone and their fun showing in their live shows that's contagious. Support them, see them, talk to them. Hats off to you, Set Your Goals.

Set Your Goals - Demo

Huck, stoner doom....

2010-01-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

Huck reminds me a lot of a more distorted version of OM, slow and doomy with Black Sabbath influences to boot. Just 2 dudes form such a loud band with plenty of overdrive in the bass to create a garage band like fuzz and causing the walls of any room they play in to rumble. Mike aka Mechanic plays bass and sings while I'm not to sure who is currently playing drums. If Mechanic wasn't in so many bands, I could see Huck playing shows with High On Fire and so forth, if they already haven't. Their songs are long, but not redundant and never boring. This recording I have is a live set from May of 07. The quality is rather clear and good. Check it out. For fans of Sleep, OM, Asbestosdeath, Black Sabbath .

Huck - Live May 26th 2007

The Killing Tree and LifeLongTragedy

2010-01-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know much about The Killing Tree, but feel they sound like Rise Against meets Stretch Armstrong. Fitting seeing how Tim McIlrath of Rise Against sings for The Killing tree. So here's a link to their wiki page.

The Killing Tree - The Romance Of Helen Trent

We played a show with LifeLongTragedy in someone's backyard outside of Chicago(I think) a few years back when they first formed. This is their demo. Fast, angry hardcore similar to the likes of what was coming out of Northern California at the time.

Lifelongtragedy - Sealed Fate

Frontside...Chicago hardcore

2009-12-22T20:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know anything about this band. An old friend of mine had her friend, Ricky come to visit from Chicago who sang in Frontside. I gave him a skateboard for a cd. Not moshy, but had some breakdowns, fast and energetic, but not youth crew. Frontside didn't sound like anyone I heard of. Sort of hard to get into at first, but then I started to really dig them. They had this 90's hardcore sound, but with a more political stance. Dual vocals. Sorry I don't have anything more, but if anyone has any more information, please let me know.

Frontside - Self Titled

Former Members of Alfonsin and There Were Wires

2009-12-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

For those who don't know, the first birthday is always for the parents, the children are to young to remember and are usually being passed around from person to person all while wearing cake he/she smashed on their face.

It was my son's first birthday. Several people showed up in support. Along the many people coming over to have a good time(and cake) were a couple of hippies that were not invited, but tagged along with someone who was(3 to be exact). I have nothing against hippies, but I have to say it because it's part of the story. Anyone who doesn't shower and stay clean with their personal BO under control bothers me. It doesn't have to be a hippy. One of the hippies walks straight to the grill and pops a squat and starts bumming cigarettes from anyone around. Another one of the 3 asked if they could smoke weed and the other starts eating the food. First off, it's my son's first birthday so I was so consumed in what was going on and trying to maintain the maddness. Secondly, dude, it's a 1 year old's birthday. And thirdly, get a fucking job! There's more to that whole story, but I'm going to make this short. After they were done mooching off of the gathering(me and my wife), they sat on our coach. They smelled so bad that the coach literally needed to be recleaned and frebrezed. The point to the story is that people really need to shower and seriously consider your surroundings.

I don't know much about Former Members of Alfonsin other than some of the members went on to be in Please Inform The Captain This Is A Hijack! FMOA played energetic style of hardcore not to far off from the likes of Dag Nasty, but with more political lyrics. Vocals were at times screamed and other times spoken with dual vocals, male and female. I only almost hear hints of East Bay Hardcore influences. Somehow, somewhere, I aquired their demo tape, but here is their full length.

Former Members of Alfonsin - Let's Not Forget the City Burning in the

Imagine a screamo band playing moshy hardcore in the same manner of Poison The Well did during the Opposite of December. Musically, a bit more stripped down and more octaves with a repetitive sound that really doesn't get old. Here's There Were Wires' myspace page with a better description or more information for all you people out there.

There Were Wires - Descanting Decimation Lullabyes For the Disaffected

I tell stories, I listen to music.

East Bay Hardcore....Expect more!

2009-12-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, so the post title is a bit missleading, but it's meant the way it's written in that I will post more east bay hardcore soon, but for now......

After a long and well needed conversation with an old friend from the east bay the other night, I realized what the East Bay meant to me and to many others. I have since moved on, but I will for ever be from the Bay Area. I lived in Buffalo, Indiana, Milwaukee, Florida and Arizona and nothing holds a candle to the "scene" in the Bay Area. The people, the music, the zines and the venues were top notch and anyone was invited. Bonehead crews who would beat someone's ass just for being in their pit didn't exist. Fights were few and far between. The bands talked to kids at the show and everyone was welcome. Straight edge kids partied with the skinheads. The punks hung out with the hardcore kids and some of the best bands came from the bay area. I would meet some of my best friends through the scene, Kimber, Sarah, Donny, Justin, Doug, Dave, Dan, Greg, Andrea, Ryan, Brian, Joel, Kirby...The list goes on and on. All of whom will always be there no matter where I decided to move.

I started listening to AFI while in high school, not knowing that there was a much larger scene out there. AFI were labeled as "east bay hardcore." Naturally, I read the linear notes to see who else I should check out. I figured if AFI thanked them, they must be good. Screw 32, Powerhouse, Model American, Good Riddance, Furry 66, The Circus Tents, Link 80 all listed.

Siren fits the typical east bay hardcore sound, being fast and political with an easy to listen to pop sound. I would say similar artists would be Screw 32 and Furry 66 and perhaps earlier AFI. I remember seeing them play in Vacaville at the community center in one of the smaller rooms. Before their set, Brian Zero and Adam Glidewell made anyone who wanted one, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They sat and hung out with everyone and talked about anything. They were exactly what I wanted to hear and what I needed to see to pull me out of the funk that was Paparoach(long story). I still remember the lyrics to their song, "Marble Cities." "I have to ask you why you paved the earth with concrete surroundings." For some reason, those lyrics stuck out and since been embedded in my head. The lyrics to all of their songs were smart and catchy so it was easy to get into and have repeated in your head. Perhaps that's why their message was so easily obtainable. To this day, one of my favorite bands.

Sometimes it's hard to move on and to grow because the bands keep bringing back memories of amazing times with friends. This band proves my point.

Siren - Becoming Wheels

Siren - In The Absence Of The Sacred

Here is a link to their myspace with more information.

Fall Silent - NineteenHundredNinetySeven

2009-12-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Fall Silent was/is one of my favorite bands of all time. Blending, hip hop with grind and almost crusty brutal hardcore, they were able to go under the radar for some time. Each album offered a fun and quirky cover. "NineteenHundredNinetySeven" features Sesame Street. Come on, so good. Here's a link to Fall Silent's disco and another to their myspace with more information.

Fall Silent - NineteenHundredNinetySeven

Some of the Fall Silent guys are in this band, 1618. Check it.