In honor of the coming new year, I've decided to do one of those lame ass high fidelity top 10 type lists! here's 10 songs from 2010, the ones that mattered, in no particular order.
1) A More Perfect Union - Titus Andronicus
"oh woe, woe is me"
And thus, my year had a theme song. 8 minutes of loud, fuzzy, angry and confused noise that damns hometowns and spits on the future.
2) Memory Boy - Deerhunter
"did you stick with me? let me jog my memory"
Hazed out, hooky dissonance. For me, this song felt like letting go of old bullshit and embracing something else. Which was sorta my mantra thoughout this year.
3) The Suburbs (continued) - Arcade Fire
"if I could have it back, all the time that we wasted, I'd only waste it again"
All the brilliant, marching structure of the opening song... reduced to minor notes on violins and an echoed lyric reprise. Of all the songs on this brilliant record, this one hit me most despite being so short. It felt like walking away.
4) Radical Artiface - In Vacuo
"love me famous person vacating the airwaves for another of equal value"
So much crap music this year, so much dishonest arrogant self important overly arty bullshit. Fucking Kanye. So it was nice to hear a 2 minute long schizophrenic attack on all of this from one of Calgary's best and weirdest hardcore bands, especially after a painfully long hiatus.
5) White Crosses - Against Me
"white crosses on the church lawn, I want to smash them all"
Don't buy into high minded "punk politics," because this band still walks honest. Protest of anti abortionists may be the spark of this song, but its for anyone who felt pissed off at something they couldn't change beyond small and visceral actions.
6) Summertime - Sex Bob-Omb (Beck)
"drinking shampoo and I'm tasting my grave"
Ghost written by Beck for Scott Pilgrim's awesomely bad garage punk band. Lyrics way to weird to be drug induced, a throwaway hip shaking riff and plenty of "woo-oo-oo's" along with a vague theme of strutting your stuff. Who cares? Sloppy lo fi fun, thats how I describe both this song and my own summer.
7)Airplanes - B.o.B
"can we pretend the airplanes are shooting stars..."
ahahahahahah JUST KIDDING
7) Fever Dreaming - No Age
"fever dreaming, fever dreaming"
Something about these two grindy, fuzzed out chords just kept me dreaming. Its really loud and really fast but somehow, it just calms you with how natural it sounds. I love No Age, and the places they take you with there simplicity.
8) A Slow Drag With Josephine - Elvis Costello
"gavotte, garrotes, cotillions and slow arabesques"
I'm such a sucker for this guy. I honestly think he's the most brilliant musician and artist and lyricist and composer and etc etc alive. This song is super low key but it tells a really cool story and its what stuck with me the most off his new album. I hummed it on the way to work every day. So there you go.
9) Giving Birth To Imagined Saviours - Red Sparrowes
(no lyrics)
Red Sparrowes, a new discovery for me this year, hit me straight in the heart with this emotional, sweeping song. I can't describe it. I wanted to stare at nothing else but the backs of my eyelids when I first heard this.
10) If I Knew - Paul Baribeau
"if I knew what was wrong honest I would tell you"
It all comes back to this, 4 chords strummed on an acoustic guitar by a guy who doesn't how to say whats on his mind in any other format then music. Sitting in my kitchen at 4 in the morning trying to figure myself out, I suddenly really understood this song.
-
so there it is. 2010, you've been cool sometimes, a total dick others. alot of the music I seemed to graviate towards was fuzzed out, hazy, indirect in one way or another. maybe I was trying not to think to hard, after spending to much of previous years thinking. anyways, 2011, I'm stoked for you! please be good!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Grown Ups - PRETTY MUCH FUCKING EVERYTHING THEY'VE RECORDED
Sorry I havent posted in awhile, I am deep in the run of a play right now! I'm done December 30th however and all will be back on schedule!
Quick post from work, this is one of my new favorite local Calgary bands. The Grown Up's play summer bummer punk, scummy and fuzzy but still poppy enough to fit on a nineties mix tape. Its brainless in the brainiest possible way.
If Sex Bob Omb was a real band, they would wanna play in basements with these guys. They're all super friendly people, the music is super catchy, and I saw these dudes play Duderanch.... 'nough said. There has been some lineup changes recently but you wouldn't know it to see or hear them! They've posted all there recordings for free download so have at her. Enjoy!
DL Link here!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Deerhunter - "Halcylon Digest"
Sadness has never sounded so sublime.
This release by the noise/indie/experimental collective is one of the best things 2010 has offered us so far, blending lush sounds with spazzy noise. It brings to mind, for me, the feeling of first hearing a sound or song you really love; that moment where you forget music politics. That moment where, if the song was a woman, you'd be moving your hand up the skirt. Its intimate and stripped down and evokes feeling of nostalgia, but not nostalgia of an era or a person; of a sound and a moment that so many music groups forget as they go along. It jumps from loud to quiet over and over, blending in dozens of different instruments without ever overwhelming you and with tons of stream-of-conscience lyrics to support it all. Its post punk dissonance, shoegaze daze. For fans of Animal Collective, My Bloody Valentine, etc!
01. Earthquake
02. Don't Cry
03. Revival
04. Sailing
05. Memory Boy
06. Desire Lines
07. Basement Scene
08. Helicopter
09. Fountain Stairs
10. Coronado
11. He Would Have Laughed
DL Link here!
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Throwaways! w/Downers, The Wastoids (Oct. 21)
Its always a bummer when a really, REALLY good show is held on an odd day... like a thursday night. Its great for guys like me with seesaw schedules, who don't really care for the whole "responsible living" idea or any of that jazz. I'll gladly stay out till 2 in the morning, drink, carouse, and get rowdy at a show... then wake up the next day for work. But that may be my ever prevalent youth talking. Point is, no matter how awesome the bands are, those off days just lend themselves to a weird vibe amongst the crowd.
I kinda feared this walking into Tubby Dog, more then a few drinks strong. (note; for those of you who haven't experienced it yet, Tubby Dog is a great and intimate venue. Free, all ages, communal vibe, and red couch to jump off of!) For instance, none of the bands showed up till about an hour later then the show was supposed to start. The place was relatively empty for awhile as well, until a few of the usual suspects showed. So I had my reservations.
The Wastoids set things off on a good note though. Musically, the band is a Calgary institution; I've been seeing them live for about 4 years and nothing has really drastically changed. But goddamn if it isn't a well oiled, tight, energetic institution. Fast punk rhythms, anchored by insane bass work and a whole lot of punk shouts and yells, The Wastoids do it fast and loud. I was really stoked in fact, because the last time I saw them they were short a guitarist and quite sloppy. Not so tonight, as they blared through a 20ish minute set with precision and fun. Thats the key really; The Wastoids are fun, happy-go-lucky bullshit.
As I hinted at before, however, the crowd was unnervingly polite.
The Downers were next and I was really excited! I had heard good things of them through some friends and better yet, I heard rumors of them doing a front-to-back cover of "Dude Ranch" by Blink 182 at the Halloween show I am so anticipating; groovy!
They sure delivered, though it wasn't at all what I expected. I was expecting something akin to The Wastoids, and what I got was spastic nuggets of pop punk craziness with howled vocals and knee jerk guitar work. The girl on drums was awesome, playing that really jangly jungle style drumming rather then straight up punk drumming while simultaneously throwing a feminine howl into the mix of guy shouts. It was sorta like this time I put Dr. Pepper into my Froot Loops; sugary, violent, with a sweet/sour aftertaste. Awesome!
Now here's the odd thing; despite them being the headliners it felt like alot of people left before The Throwaways got there time onstage. Shame to! I have a feeling a little more rabble would have been roused had more folks stayed around.
Now I use the term "pop punk" quite carefully. After all, it can mean ultra produced, warped tour style break down music (which has its place, don't get me wrong) or it can be boiled down to its literal meaning; a punk band with poppy, catchy hooks. Iggy Pop meets Beach Boys. Garage-y and scummy, but still sweet enough to hum. The Ramones were arguably the first pop punk band ever. Keep this in mind, as this is the definition I have in mind.
Fronted by two female vocalists and guitarists, The Throwaways are a glue sniffin', hip shaking, freak-out-your-mom, poppy-like-a-dr.pepper fuzzy punk band. Loud, fast, sugar fueled, sweet like pixie stix, sharp like a buzz saw.... its fucking perfect is what it is! Check out there recent split with Spastic Panthers. The music and lyrics is so fast that if you blink for a moment, you might miss it... but its so mesmerizing, so eye catching, so CATCHY, you wont blink. At all. Like Mika Miko on speed, like the Descendants with a shot of estrogen, its impossible to just stand there and listen to it. You just gotta give in and trust me, given a bit more time, everyone would have lost there shit. And you could feel the tension building to, as the adorable singer screamed bloody murder into your face.
And yet... it just had to end. And it was 11, on a work/school night. And all the responsible kids, they had to leave. Including myself, as my ride was leaving right away. Bummer to, as there was one last band scheduled, the Grown Ups, who are absolutely phenomenal.
Its a bit disappointing when you go to a show like this and end up standing still or sitting the whole time, but it happens. Its no-ones fault, its just life. Here's for high hopes over the weekend! In the mean time, I'm just gonna listen to sugar induced, female fronted pop punk all day.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Titus Andronicus - "The Monitor"
I'll leave all the grand statements and rants I have about this band out for now, as I already (slightly) covered it when I previously posted them. Long story short, Titus Andronicus is the only band today that matters, and this second and most recent album of there's is no less breathtaking then the first.
This album see's the band expanding on the deeply personal lyrics of there debut and infusing it with an overall story; a rock opera, maybe, but only in the same context of Husker Du's incredible "Zen Arcade" in that, its a sloppy, hard to follow, beautiful mess. Its contradictory, bipolar, schizophrenic, freaked out and lonely music... one of the most humane albums ever written.
There's civil war themes; the album title takes its name from a battleship of the era. Sound clips of Lincoln speeches are used. "I am now the most miserable man living," easily mistaken for an over dramatic lyric, is in fact a proclamation from the president. And don't mistake this for a cliche'd politcal statement. Feelings of alienation and strife, all common throughout this period of history, serve to illustrate the lyrics and yet its not at all set during the civil war; in fact, as far as I can tell, its about an emotionally fucked up kid running away from New Jersey. Its ridiculous, a major stretch in terms of lyrical content but its all delivered with such emotional honesty and rabble rousing energy that you don't care how much sense it makes; you feel what it invokes in you and ultimately, that is the point of the album. This band is deeply thoughtful, a major rarity in punk music, and the civil war themes just further prove that.
As far as the music goes, Titus Andronicus expands on there previous work in various subtle ways. Tattered, drink-everything-but-the-carpet bar tunes that surge forward like a damn train wreck is the name of the game here. Sounding like they're just holding it together yet doing it so amazingly, Titus Andronicus plays indie music as if its an axe and punk music as if its a comforting pillow. Its flailing and jagged, buzz sawed to perfection with Springsteen inspired riffing and shoe gazing being thrown in your face. Whats interesting is the thicker sound they lay on at times, especially in the opening track; the distorted yet uplifting manner brings to mind, of all things, Dinosaur Jr... or "Pinkerton" era Weezer.
I think I've written enough. I love this band! I truly do! And I hope you do to.
Stay Free!
01 - A More Perfect Union
02 - Titus Andronicus Forever!
03 - No Future Part Three; Escape From No Future
04 - Richard II
05 - A Pot In Which To Piss
06 - Four Score And Seven
07 - Theme From Cheers
08 - To Old Friends And New
09 - ...And Ever
10 - The Battle Of Hampton Roads
DL Link here!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
THE BUZZCOCKS, BLINK 182, GG ALLIN, HOT DOGS, ETC.
Its especially unusual that, on a halloween weekend, the best party will be an all ages show at a hot dog joint. Seriously though, throw together a costume and get your ass to 17th ave!
"HALLOWEEN TUBBY DOG HOT DOG COVER BAND COSTUME PARTY! ON THE EVE OF THE DEVIL, GROWN-UPS, TOPLESS MONGOS AND DOWNERS WILL APPEAR, BUT NOT AS THEMSELVES!!!
Come to Tubby Dog on October 30th for costumes, hot dogs, cheap drinks and bands covering other bands, Halloween style.
Downers are playing the Buzzcocks! Grown-Ups are playing Blink 182's "Dude Ranch"!!! And Topless Mongos are playing fucking GG Allin!!! There will be DJs playing punk, psych and garage, all night.
This show is free and all-ages. There might be more bands. ALSO, THERE IS A COSTUME CONTEST WITH REAL, ACTUAL PRIZES!"
In addition to all this;
- The Shitfits!
- Tubby Dog Staff covering Wu Tang!
- Possible Act Fast/Wastoids "Dookie" cover band!
- DID I MENTION A FUCKING COSTUME CONTEST?!
Seriously, how much more fun are you gonna have on a Saturday night for free?
Hail to the king, baby!
"HALLOWEEN TUBBY DOG HOT DOG COVER BAND COSTUME PARTY! ON THE EVE OF THE DEVIL, GROWN-UPS, TOPLESS MONGOS AND DOWNERS WILL APPEAR, BUT NOT AS THEMSELVES!!!
Come to Tubby Dog on October 30th for costumes, hot dogs, cheap drinks and bands covering other bands, Halloween style.
Downers are playing the Buzzcocks! Grown-Ups are playing Blink 182's "Dude Ranch"!!! And Topless Mongos are playing fucking GG Allin!!! There will be DJs playing punk, psych and garage, all night.
This show is free and all-ages. There might be more bands. ALSO, THERE IS A COSTUME CONTEST WITH REAL, ACTUAL PRIZES!"
In addition to all this;
- The Shitfits!
- Tubby Dog Staff covering Wu Tang!
- Possible Act Fast/Wastoids "Dookie" cover band!
- DID I MENTION A FUCKING COSTUME CONTEST?!
Seriously, how much more fun are you gonna have on a Saturday night for free?
Hail to the king, baby!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Blackbird Raum - "Under the Starling Host"

Formed by a nucleus of anarchist squatters and hobo's, Blackbird Raum is what happens when a bunch of folks to poor to afford electricity want to play anarchist punk music. Utilizing bathtub basses, banjos, acoustic guitars and a whole lotta stank, this band somehow defies that label "folk punk" that I so nostalgically apply to many bands. Instead, they sit in a far darker place; refusing the old time memry's of there peers, they play entirely original tunes rather then Woody Guthrie covers. They jump from sea shanty like hyms to fast, gypsy like howling polkas. Witches, poison, malice and politics dominates there lyrical content.
Like the old gypsy lady winking at you from her porch, Blackbird Raum is entirely unsettling... and intriguing as fuck.
01 - Turning away
02 - Catherine's wheel
03 - Lucasville
04 - All turning backs in the meadow and wait while bones are thrown
05 - To the barricades!
06 - William
07 - The helm of ned kelly
08 - Crumbs
09 - Snare
10 - Ensemble suicide
11 - Old one eye
12 - Conquest of bread
13 - A rat in my dream
14 - Path of raven
DL Link here!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Midnight - "Complete and Total Fucking Midnight"
Quick post tonight because I am le tired, and still rather sick!
These guys were recently in town and since I missed it, (broke bastard I am!) all I have is this amazing CD of blackened heavy rock and roll to ease the pain! Plus, a good friend requested it.
I hope you enjoy!
01] Funeral Bell
02] All Hail Hell
03] Servant Of No One
04] Unholy And Rotten
05] I Am Violator
06] Hot Graves
07] Long Live Death
08] White Hot Fire
09] Endless Slut
10] Lord In Chains
11] Strike Of Midnight
12] Take You To Hell
13] ... On The Wings Of Satan
14] Turn Up The Hell
15] Death Sentence
16] Vomit Queens
17] Cross Held High
18] Wicked Women (Scarab Cover)
19] Eyes Of Satan (Pagans Cover)
20] Watch Your Step (Girlschool Cover)
DL Link here!
Caravan Palace - "Self Titled"

Remember the Cantina scene from the original Star Wars, where Han totals Greedo? Remember the band playing background music in that scene? Take that band, send them to Paris, and have them get jumped by a bunch of palieo punks and Django addicts, then brought back to good health by a french house DJ; you might get something close to Caravan Palace.
Combining french gypsy jazz, electronica, swinging punk vibes, raging scats, uptempo beats, good intentions and bad attitudes, its silly just how good this band is. Based in Paris and still fairly underground, these guys are a surreal and fun listen, leaving you feeling dirty... in the best sense possible! I first heard this band when I happened across "So You Think You Can Dance" during one of my rare channel surfing sessions. "Suzy" was scoring an insane dance which included a gas mask, at least 3 back flips, and twitchy/creepy movement... I was hooked instantly!
If you love Django Reinhardt, Gogol Bordello, Kultur Shock, Benoit Cherest, or any of the music from the "Triplets of Belleville" (posted earlier on this very blog!) this band is for you. Hope you enjoy!
1. Dragons
2. Star scat
3. Ended with the night
4. Jolie coquine
5. Chill out
6. Suzy
7. Je m'amuse
8. La valse
9. Brotherswing
10. L'envol
11. Oooh
12. Bambous
13. Lazy place
14. We can dance
15. La Caravane
DL Link here!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Against Me! in Calgary! (again)
Monday, Sept. 20th
MacEwan Hall Ballroom
Imagine you have an old friend who you periodically drop in and out of contact with. We all have them; that one person who just "gets it," the guy or gal we click with on a level so profound that it never lasts. And sometimes, when out of contact with them, you hear things about them, like how arrogant or moody they have become. A terrible haircut. Perhaps some piece of gossip. You hear these things and you have your worries and your doubts, you stress out without realizing, right up until the moment you drop back into contact with them; maybe for an insane bender of a night, maybe for a few weeks of philosophical talks over tea. Regardless, your worries melt away and your left with one impression when they leave again; They're every bit as amazing as you remember, and they have simply grown.
This is what seeing Against Me! live is like.
Perhaps all the shouts of "sell out" and "poser" get to you, maybe the new album just sounds to slick and produced, the merch is to expensive, whatever. It's very easy to lose faith in those onetime "mysterious anarcho punks" from Gainseville. Hell, I've seen them 4 times now myself and I still get that feeling.
But then, you see them live. You see them live and you realize, this is one of those bands that matter. This is the band that you cheat on your favorite band with. These guys make you want to scream, clap your hands, clench your fist, hold your friend, and lose yourself to. Fuck what everyone says; Against Me! may not be playing in laundromats and basements anymore, but they may as well be for what they inspire in you... passion.
With this in mind, I walked into the ballroom with my good friend Richard and surveyed the small crowd gathered by the stage. Now I've never been in the Mac Hall Ballroom before; I must say, compared to the hall beneath it, its a a far more superior and intimate venue. Granted, the walls are still rather tall and echoing... there's still guarded railing right in front of the stage, preventing you from crowd surfing or stage jumping. But you feel far more connected to the band, with the venues smaller size and low level lighting. Observing a mixed crowd of teenaged hipsters, bearded surf dudes and corset wearing woman folk, I glanced at my ticket. a band called Young Livers was up first.
OK!
I've never actually heard of or listened to Young Livers, so it was pretty neat seeing them. They played a rather intense blend of 80's punk, heavy rock, and modern hardcore; whiskey fueled vocals with heavy guitars and plenty of breakdowns. To be honest, they sounded a bit like Alexisonfire trying to cover Motorhead; an odd combination to say the least but it was actually pretty sweet. I must admit though, the songs got a bit repetitive and the energy was low... but that could be blamed on the audience I guess, as alot of people were busy being pretentious and hanging out in the beer garden's, leaving a couple overly zealous kids in trucker hats to half heartedly mosh and bang there heads. Ah, the curse of the opening band.
Next up was Flatliners, some straight up punk rock. They did what they do best, which is unfrilled, no bars held punk played with a giant shit eating grin and a jump in there step. I say this as both a compliment and a criticism, as I'm actually a pretty big fan of there records! But maybe I was just in an eclectic mood; the power chord blitzkrieg they uncanned on everyone was awesome, but rather one dimensional. Thank god for the occasional break into punk-reggae they made! Neat band, clearly with some hardcore fans who know every lyric to all of there songs.
So the stage cleared. Kids began pressing against me (see what I did there!) from behind, clamoring to get close to the front. Joints started getting passed, lyrics chanted, and I'm pretty sure I felt an ass grab. I should point out that I had ripped the sleeves off of my t shirt prior to the show.
I knew what I was getting into!
It was at this point I started having the inevitable doubts that I mentioned above, watching the roadie set everything up. A banner? Lighting? Towels beside the amps? Come on now.
But then Against Me ran onstage. I promptly stopped thinking and started singing.
Opening with "Amputations" (off of Tom Gabel's solo album,) I pretty much lost it from then on out. A constant push pit of sweating bodies and screamed lyrics formed. I befriended a fellow in a Clash shirt named Kevin, by way of standing upfront and having him wrap his arms around my shoulder, screaming every single lyric along with me. I flailed and jumped and screamed, utterly primal, so caught up in this band I loved... this band I love. I really can't describe to you the emotion and energy Against Me brings to a stage, no matter how big or small.
Being the overly emotional fan boy I was, I was far to busy smashing into people and waving my fist at Tom. But let me tell you, this is a band that never forgets where they come from and the sojourns they've taken along the way. Blending songs like "White Crosses," "Pints of Guinness" "Sink Florida Sink," "Up The Cuts," and "Miami" from almost every album they have released just goes to show these guys haven't changed; they've just grown, and the incredibly varied music shows it. From the angered folk of older work, over driven punk of more recent albums and the sleek shimmer of there modern output, I really don't care that Tom Gabel isn't screaming into a cassette by himself anymore as long as he still knows how to scream. This band has become the new Clash, constantly growing and evolving there art no matter what shit is flung there way. This is music that resides somewhere in these guys hearts, and they simply want to share it with you. Thats music, friends.
Highlight of the show? Band runs offstage; Tom runs onstage alone moments later, acoustic guitar in hand. He plays something I've never heard before; an acoustic version of "Joy," one of Against Me's most heartfelt songs. I nearly cry, so over whelmed with the emotion shared by the songs title, arm in arm with Kevin and Richard singing along. Then the rest of the guys run onstage; "This one's for you" Tom says, before kicking into the folk punk anthem to end all anthems, "Reinventing Axl Rose." You can feel the ground shaking as everyone is renewed with energy. Some random chick besides grabs me and kisses me. Kevin leaps the barrier separating us from them, joining the band onstage and pounding his heart with his fist, screaming every lyric along. I hold my hand out, started leaning over the barrier; I want to join him! To bad security slaps my hand away and shoves me back.
"Are the punks still singing the same song?"
Set List;
1. Amputations
2. New Wave
3. High Pressure
4. Pints of Guinness Make You Strong
5. Cliche Guevara
6. White Crosses
7. Don't Lose Touch
8. Borne on the FM Waves of the Heart
9. Up The Cuts
10. White People For Peace
11. Suffocation
12. I Was A Teenage Anarchist
13. T.S.R. (This Shit Rules)
14. Rapid Decompression
15. Spanish Moss
16. Miami
17. Stop!
18. Thrash Unreal
19. Sink, Florida, Sink
Encore:
20. Joy
21. Reinventing Axl Rose
22. Walking Is Still Honest
23. Baby, I'm An Anarchist!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Defiance, Ohio - "Midwestern Minutes"

It feels so weird posting on something other then my laptop! But my dearest computer has been deep-sixed by way of cat puke frying its innards (RIP!) so until I scrounge up the dough for a new one, I'll update every now and then from my work computer! As you've obviously figured out, posts will be more irregular for the time being but rest assured my friends, I will update at least once a week until further notice!
So here's a brand new album from the reliably heartfelt, brilliant poets known as Defiance, Ohio. In case your an unlucky soul who has yet to hear these folks, Defiance Ohio plays an amazing brand of folk infused with punk energy, emotionally driven lyrics of passion/politics, and brilliantly understated lyrics. Yea, grand statements are made here and there, but the thing that sets this band aside from most is the utter truth and honesty you hear in there scratchy, imperfect voices. The music ranges from melodic to rhythmic, fast and slow, fist pumping anthems to introspective and moving ballads. This is the band that will change your mind about everything!
I got my first taste of this album via "The Pink Couch Sessions" on If You Make It.Com. The band performed "Hair Pool," a song which touches my soul each time I hear it. I highly recommend looking up the performance on Youtube, after listening to this remarkable record. Hope ya'll dig it!
1) Floodwaters
2) The White Shore
3) A Lot to Do
4) Cigarettes
5) Hairpool
6) Dissimilarity Index
7) The Reason
8) Her Majesty’s Midwestern Islands
9) Diamonds Theme Song
10) You Are Loved
11) Everyone Else on the Other Side
Defiance Ohio is one of those true musical outfits whose sole interest is expressing music from the heart and hoping you like it, rather then making money. As such, the band has uploaded every single one of there records online for free download. "Midwestern Minutes" is linked at the bottom of this post, but be sure to go to the bands website here and check out all of there other albums. They're all absolutely amazing, though I HIGHLY recommend "The Great Depression." Still, cheap as you may be, consider donating a few bucks there way... these guys deserve it, truly. Stay Free!
DL Link here!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Dust it off!
I'm so sorry for taking so long to post anything!
My laptop with all my music on it got recently fried =[ and life is hectic. Sounds lame, I know.
But thats all gonna change! Expect plenty more uploads and pointless ranting with the upcoming fall season!
Stay free
- N
My laptop with all my music on it got recently fried =[ and life is hectic. Sounds lame, I know.
But thats all gonna change! Expect plenty more uploads and pointless ranting with the upcoming fall season!
Stay free
- N
Friday, August 20, 2010
Bastard Noise/Endless Blockade - "The Red List" Split
I'm posting this super late when I should be asleep for work, so no big write up. Two amazing power violence inspired punk bands with highly technical and experimental overtones, this is a loud and surreal listen! Enjoy!
Bastard Noise
1. Fallen Species
2. Movement Two
3. USA Today
4. Mutant World Of Shame/Underworld
5. Manphibian
The Endless Blockade
6. Deuteronomy
7. Advanced Directive (Noah Crecshevsky Remix)
8. Model 49 Rebreather (The Rita Remix)
DL Link here!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Beastie Boys - "Some Old Bullshit"

It's always amazing to see how far a band has come, and changed as musicians! This compilation is a perfect example of that, showing a dramatic shift in styles that nonetheless influenced the band.
Beastie Boys have made so many waves as a frat party rap crew thats its easy to forget about the hardcore punk band they once were. No joke, Beastie Boys used to open for Bad Brains, Dead Kennedys, and Reagan Youth! Back before Adrock was added, Mike D did shouts and MCA did bass for this New York punk ensemble. They loved hardcore so much, they named there band "Beastie Boys" intentionally so that there abbreviation would match Bad Brains. Neat!
Here's the cool thing; they were actually a REALLY solid punk band! Mixing really catchy and FAST riffs with a nice lo fi recording style and a sing style that JUST about mimics the rap they would later pioneer, the Beastie Boys had chops and that musicians ear I so admire. The punk attitude of doing what they want and not giving a shit survived right into there rap careers, emphasized by the very decision they made to shift music styles! I love both Beastie Boys era's, but this is a really cool and nostalgic listen. It hearkens to mind Minor Threat and Bad Brains, both bands I love. It's music to pogo around to, so throw it on and thrash your room up a bit! Enjoy!
(PS, "Egg Raid On Mojo" is still played regularly live by the Beasties, along with a cover of the goddamn Circle Jerks. If you don't hear punks influence on rap and vice versa after listening to this, you must be dead!)
1. "Egg Raid On Mojo"
2. "Beastie Boys"
3. "Transit Cop"
4. "Jimi"
5. "Holy Snappers"
6. "Riot Fight"
7. "Ode To..."
8. "Michelle's Farm"
9. "Egg Raid On Mojo"
10. "Transit Cop"
11. "Cooky Puss"
12. "Bonus Batter"
13. "Beastie Revolution"
14. "Cooky Puss" (Censored Version)
DL Link here!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
sorry folks! (ANOTHER upcoming show!)
Sorry post's have been few and far between lately! Life is catching up to me and I've been superbly busy with work and local shows. Keep checking back!
Speaking of shows, there's an all ages show this tuesday at Tubby Dog on 17th ave here in Calgary!
Autistic Youth, No Problem, The Throwaways and Spastic Panthers!
I've seen the Throwaways and the Panthers now and there both really amazing and energetic punk bands. I've never heard No Problem or Autistic Youth, but No Problem has members of the Wednesday Night Heroes and High Jinks! Autistic Youth sounds rad to, based on the myspace
Its gonna be a seriously fun time guys. Bring 8 bucks to support the touring bands, the money goes directly to the bands so my cheap ass feels at ease handing my hard earned cash over.
Hope to see ya'll there, stay free!
Speaking of shows, there's an all ages show this tuesday at Tubby Dog on 17th ave here in Calgary!
Autistic Youth, No Problem, The Throwaways and Spastic Panthers!
I've seen the Throwaways and the Panthers now and there both really amazing and energetic punk bands. I've never heard No Problem or Autistic Youth, but No Problem has members of the Wednesday Night Heroes and High Jinks! Autistic Youth sounds rad to, based on the myspace
Its gonna be a seriously fun time guys. Bring 8 bucks to support the touring bands, the money goes directly to the bands so my cheap ass feels at ease handing my hard earned cash over.
Hope to see ya'll there, stay free!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Free Show!
what could you like more then a free show?!
The Pine Tarts (really good 70's style psych/garage/punk) and some other good bands are playing Olympic Plaza on Saturday at 7! Its free, so get yer cheap ass down there!
Check em out here!
Hope to see ya'll there =]
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Cursed - "I"

Its been awhile since I gave Cursed a spin! However, I was at a party tonight where there third album was thrown on the record player and I got inspired to post my favorite album by this amazing, intense band.
Featuring members of various Canadian DIY punk bands, Cursed played a really unique blend of abrasive hardcore punk with the addition of chord bends, metal riffing, and the ability to actually slow down the tempo of there songs. One thing I've always noticed as a musician is that the music I find to be heaviest and most memorable is neither completely fast nor droningly slow; it ably mixes the two, drawing out chord progressions and imbuing them with emotion before bashing you over the head with intense blasts of noise. Almost like a rollercoaster, taking you up and bringing you crashing down. The value of melody can never be forgotten either! Sure, a punk band can go ahead and hit me with a 30 second blast of aggression and noise... but if I can't hum along to it, hard as it may be, its not going to stick around in my head. What I love so much about Cursed is the fact that they value all these elements without compromising one bit of aggression or emotion in there music. Cursed is a weapon, attacking your ears and leaving no room for quarter, but its every bit as musically relevant as it is hard and fast. These guys are real musicians with an ear for the melody of there music, even when it seems like nothing more then a crunching wall of noise. Blending in almost metal-core style break downs, sound clips, ambient vibes, enough blast beats to shake a mountain, and INTENSELY personal lyrics...
Big word-y analysis aside, Cursed fucking RULES!
Aggresive, abrasive, emotional, varied, unique... what more could you want?! Put this on and thrash hard, my friends!
01. Polygraph
02. God And Country
03. Promised Land
04. Bloody Mary
05. How Great THings Happen When You Give
06. 1974
07. Negative Two Point Five
08. Guilt Parade
09. Another Day
10. Opposable Thumbs
11. Pariah
DL Link here!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Bomb The Music Industry! - "Scrambles"
DIY. Making your own chances. Building your own steps and relying no body and no institution to hold your hand, this is the lifestyle that appeals to me the most! Bomb The Music Industry is a perfect example of this, both in there ethics and there sound. Combining emotional and relevant lyrics (varying from rants about monetary systems to day to day problems and troubles) with fast paced ska punk riffs, synth breaks, gang shouts, piano melodies, and an unfailingly honest sound; these guys are true artists. Its a dazzlingly deep sound! The energy and carefree spirit of punk merges perfectly with the studio experimentation, all hinging on the whims of the song writers. Never before have I heard techniques such as backwards looping, lightning fast time signatures, and digital editing used to such an amazing extent. Think of any random instrument and I guerentee its been used by BTMI! at some point, from saxophone to theremin to tub drums.
Alot of thought goes into the song writing here, and the changes in emotion is represented in the crazy varied music. Ever have a burst of creativity where for a night or two you create dozens of works of art? Stories, drawings, music, etc? Imagine that concentrated into entire albums, and your getting close to just what exactly drives BTMI! These guys are unfailingly creative and diverse, mixing an unimaginable amount of influences with the natural creativity that spurns true artists. All of these different elements come togather perfectly and like Dr. Pepper in Froot Loops, it simply should not work; and yet, defiantly, it fucking does, amazingly!
Something deserves to be said of the bands DIY ethics as well, and how it merges with them musically. First of all, the band has no set line up; its self defined as a "music collective," featuring dozens of different song writers and musicians who come and go as they please. I fully believe this is why the sound of BTMI! is so varied, as hundreds of tastes and interests come and go. Its brilliant, truly! When performing live, they encourage fans who have learned the songs and brought instruments to join them onstage and this is often how new musicians and song writers are recruited to the collective. Lets see the Rolling Stones do that! This isn't even mentioning the fact that they refuse to play any gig that isn't all ages and below ten dollars. Just how much more honest can you get?
And then there's the way they live there lives and encourage the DIY ethic amongst the fans. Want a BTMI! shirt? Print a stencil off of there web site and follow the step by step instructions on making it yourself! Want a cd? Download it for free off of there website! These guys live on the road and live for there music. I know I've said alot but truly, these humble folks play the most amazing and real music out there. I hope you love it as much as I do!
1. Cold Chillin' Cold Chillin
2. Stuff That I Like
3. It Shits!!!
4. Fresh Attitude, Young Body
5. Wednesday Night Drinkball
6. 25!!!
7. $2,400,000
8. Gang of Four Meets the Stooges (but Boring)
9. 9/11 Fever!!!
10. (Shut) Up the Punx!!!
11. Can I Pay My Rent in Fun?
12. Saddr Weirdr
13. Sort of Like Being Pumped
BTMI! distributes its music through an amazing donation based distro, called Quote Unquote records. Go there and pay what you want for this CD and whatever other album you'd like, even if its nothing! Just remember; make your own chances, dont float life away!
Quote Unquote
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Billie Holiday - "Storyville Cub"
Sometimes, it's really hard to believe that a soul like Billie Holiday left our midst so long ago. It was quite a few decades ago she died and yet to listen to this live record is to hear a voice so vibrant, so warm, so passionate. Outshining the mediocre recording quality is Billie's voice, an intrument all its own, giving it straight to you. Suddenly, heartbreak becomes comfort. Emotion is eroticized. Where else does one find a singer who is so willing to wear there heart on their sleeve? There was no sugar coating with Billie Holiday, though her wonderfully poetic words certainly helped.
Yes, there is some excellent jazz work in the backround, and yes, Billie's backing band deserves a ton of credit. But the fact is that you can't focus on anything but Holiday's voice. This world is lucky to have been graced by a singer with the raw emotion and honesty of Billie Holiday, for I know her music touched my soul. I hope it reach's yours as well!
1. Intro
2. I Cover The Waterfront
3. Too Marvelous For Words
4. I Love You, Porgy
5. Them There Eyes
6. Willow Weep For Me
7. Intro 2
8. I Only Have Eyes For You
9. You Go To My Head
10. He's Funny That Way
11. Billie's Blues
12. Miss Brown To You
13. Lover, Come Back To Me
14. Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do
15. You're Driving Me Crazy
DL Link Here!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Dishwashing Through Other Eyes
I want you to listen to this with your eyes closed, without a single thought on the brain. I want you to let this literal environment of noise and music surround you, as it did me. When I first heard this, I had the good fortune of hearing it through a full surround sound speaker system so if you have have that luxury, I highly recomend it. It truly surrounds you. Let emotion or thought come and go, like a river through your being. Just embrace whatever this piece of work brings to you.
Created by two very important people in my life, this music touches my soul because it captures alot of human contradiction in its 5 minute duration. It's quiet yet loud, soft yet thunderous, focused yet unfocused, passive yet aggresive. But most of all, it doesn't force any sort of ideas or emotions onto the listener, its not that sort of easy listen... it inspires and brings them out from within.
It's honest, it leaves an impression and it provokes thought. This is the most true music can hope to do.
It's the work of some truly talented and amazing people. Enjoy!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tunng - "And Then We Saw The Land"
Dontcha love it when a band can simultainiously make you think, and put your mind at ease?
Paradoxical, I know. But so is combining electronica with folk, yet Tunng does just that. With style.
This charming blend of simple chords and wrap-around textures is exactly the kinda thing that goes down well with tea, or a bike ride. Anything that soothes the soul, because these guys do that in spades! I really hope you like it!
01. Hustle
02. It Breaks
03. Don't Look Down Or Back
04. The Roadside
05. October
06. Sashimi
07. With Whiskey
08. By Dusk They Were In The City
09. These Winds
10. Santiago
11. Weekend Away
DL Link here!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Martyrdod - "Sekt"

Every now and then, I hear an album old or new that reminds me why I love crust punk music. "Sekt" is one of them, coming from the always reliable Sweden to burn a sound of hatred and disgust right into my eardrums. Walls of sound, ominous and fast riffs, d-beats, blastbeats, and lyrics so powerfully delivered, it doesnt matter what language there in... Martyrdod is REALLY good, in case I'm to subtle for you! The neat thing about this album is that despite its raw production and vibe, there is seriously potent song writting and musicianship on this album. The riffs all sound iconic but never recycled, bringing a fresh take on a genre prone to generica. And while none of it is to revolutionary, its all delivered with such intensity that its impossible not to like. Add an obvious black metal influence and the occasional split second solo that riffs on (gasp!) heavy metal, and you have an album so deceptively varied that it recquires multiple listens. Throw this on and smash some states!
1. Livets Strängar Dödsackord
2. NÃ¥d
3. Gloria Runt Iris
4. 6 Grader Till Helvetet
5. Sekt
6. Vanmakt
7. En Demon
8. Kärleksmässan
9. Död Åt Vek Punk
10. Cassiopeia
11. Stormfödd
12. Gast
DL Link here!
G.A.T.E.S - "Total Death"

In between creating crazy comics and encouraging freaky sex fetishes, Japan churns out some seriously solid punk music, music so aggresive it hits you like a bulldozer! From the lo fi hatred of Disclose to the menace and swagger of Gism, its a whole world that oughta be recquired listening for anyone getting into punk music! G.A.T.E.S throws a biker hat into the fray with a rocking sound that brings to mind Discharge, Tank, and Motorhead, all d-beats and solos just long enough to crack open another beer! I cant emphasize the Motorhead influence enough here, and in no way do I mean that as an insult. In fact, the "Overkill" cover on this album could easily be mistaken for the legendary band and pounding bass metal punk assault will make you wanna throw back a shot of whiskey and jump on the nearest bike! I hope you dig it!
1. G.A.T.E.S.
2. Sacrifice
3. Demon Crusade
4. Night Howl
5. Filth
6. Long Live the Evil
7. Overkill (Motörhead Cover)
DL Link here!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Peachcake - "What Year Will You have The World?"
This kinda stuff always puts a smile on my face, and I swear it'll slap a big ole grin on yours to! Upbeat electronic dream pop with a breezy yet enveloping sound, Peachcake plays quirky little tunes that leave a handprint on your soul, be it small or large. Drum machines may have no soul, but Peachcake sure tries, and the unique synth riffs decorate everything like candycanes on a christmas tree! Not only that, there lyrics are super catchy, blending snarky puns on famous catchphrases and songs with genuine feelings and soul.
Its sweet without being sugary, airy without floating to much. You gotta chill out and slip away from all the noise of this world every now and then. Put this on at the end of a bad week and you will look back and laugh, I know I have! (track 2 is my fave) =]
1. Welcome to the Party to Save the World!
2. Are Your People Ready to Shrink Continents?!
3. Did I Just do That, or was it Jim Carrey?
4. How to Get to the Moon and Back on a Half a Tank of Gas (As Told by the Great Racecar Driver From Outer-Space)
5. Flight of the Space Owl: The Contentions of the Great Space Panda...
6. Souls Have No Drum Machine
7. Make Movement, Not War!
8. Stop Acting Like You Know More About the Internet Cafe Than Me
9. Kyle's Words of Wisdom (Section 2 Part 39)
10. Need Room? We Have Space! (December 22nd)
11. Nervous Breakdance!
12. Jeremiah, Stop Taking Bukowski So Seriously...
13. Keep the World Safe, Tony Soprano
14. Welcome to the Post-Apocalypto Mall
15. The Song of the Century!
DL Link here!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
upcoming show; ILL INTENT
ILL INTENT (SEATTLE) http://www.myspace.com/illintent206
FRUSTRATION (DUBLIN) http://www.myspace.com/frustrationhc
OLD PROBLEMS (SASKATOON) http://www.myspace.com/oldproblems
...THE ILLUSTRATED (CALGARY) http://www.myspace.com/theillustratedca
RUNAWAYS (CALGARY) http://www.myspace.com/runawayshc
New Black Centre
$10, Doors at 6 pm
No Drugs or alcohol
be there! be violent! stay free!
Cress - "Propaganda And Lies"

Not to be confused with a certain OTHER similiarly named anarcho band, Cress is straight up anarcho with street punk influences. Nice, fast, to the point, just like this post. Hope you enjoy!
01 Earth
02 TV Screen
03 Prisons
04 Progress
05 Fears
06 Monuments
07 Beast
08 One
09 DIY
10 Sirens
11 Machines
12 Illusions
13 Safe
14 Two Veg
15 Own Eyes
16 Manslaughter
17 Christs
18 Violate
19 Mans Laughter
20 Mentality
21 Consume
DL Link here!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
aural
Music will forever be linked to certain memories and as human beings, we have no choice of this. We are naturally aural creatures and anything we see, hear or smell while experiancing events of rapid personal change are bound to stick with us. There are certain notes, certain chord progressions, certain key signatures that will forever bring chills to my spine and tears to my eyes as I get lost in the mirrors of my brain, reminiscing. They cut through my heart like a hot wire through ice, and they touch my soul like a rock being skipped across the river.
Music, in its truest form, is like a good book to me. Its form, its impact can vary; how I remember it is what counts. If it touches the soul, the mind, or the body, then music has succeeded in saving your life; for what would you have done without that one song to get you through it all?
Music, in its truest form, is like a good book to me. Its form, its impact can vary; how I remember it is what counts. If it touches the soul, the mind, or the body, then music has succeeded in saving your life; for what would you have done without that one song to get you through it all?
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Black Keys - "The Big Come Up"
The Black Keys have been getting a decent amount of media coverage lately, what with so many of there songs being used in movies. Still, this is the album that noones heard, the first spark in the smoky barrel of blues that is The Black Keys.
Made up of a singer/guitarist and a drummer, The Black Keys may seem like a White Stripes rip but dont write them off in any way! While the Stripes stick to simple riffs that drive into your skull, the Keys treat each song like a jam session, trading drum fills and guitar licks like cards in a poker game. Its loud, hard edged, sexy, soulful blues with some of the COOLEST vocals I have ever heard! If The Black Keys don't make you want to seduce someone, then I don't know what will!
1. Busted
2. Do the Rump
3. I'll Be Your Man
4. Countdown
5. Breaks, The
6. Run Me Down
7. Leavin' Trunk
8. Heavy Soul
9. She Said, She Said
10. Them Eyes
11. Yearnin'
12. Brooklyn Bound
13. 240 Years Before Your Time
DL Link here!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Movie Soundtrack - "Les Triplettes De Belleville"
This may seem like an odd listen.. and don't worry, because it totally is. In fact, this soundtrack to the french animation movie of the same name is such a surreal treat of an album that I guerentee it will get stuck in your head for days, its gypsy like rythms and smooth jazz work leaving a creepishly awesome mark in your brain.
I got my first taste of this album when I watched the animated movie in question for the first time. The movie relied so heavily on its music rather then dialogue that it was impossible not to get into it, and let me tell you, its pretty fucking rad. Smooth jazz, freaky folk, up tempo swing, gypsy madness, and an overall sour taste that is just to sweet to resist. I highly recomend giving the movie a try by the way. The fact that its in french makes no difference, due to its silent nature.
I was actually in a play recently that utilized quite a few tracks from this soundtrack. Its a bizarre and insanely catchy treat, download and feel a little wicked my friends!
1. Sous Le Pont (1:51)
2. Belleville Rendez-Vous (French version
3. Générique D'ouverture
4. Cabaret D'ouverture
5. Tour De France
6. Attila Marcel
7. Thème Bruno
8. Tout Doux Bruno
9. Belleville Rendez-Vous (Maquette)
10. Thème De La French Mafia
11. Bach A La Jazz
12. Cabaret Aspirateur
13. La Jungle De Belleville
14. Barbier " Cieco, Cieco"
15. Pa Pa Pa Palavas
16. Retour De La French Mafia
17. Filiature
18. Poursuite
19. Belleville Rendez-Vous (English version)
DL Link here!
oh me, oh you
this really sucks, everything I write sounds so cheesy to my ears! I keep putting my feelings down for you in song and they sound so cliche. Gah. Maybe there is nothing I can do. Maybe its just cliche to be happy.
Agent Orange - "Living In Darkness"
All you gotta do is listen to the chorus of "Bloodstains" to know whats up; "I lost my sense I lost control I lost my mind" Agent Orange cried, echoing the discontent that many kids of the 80's felt. It was a time of change, of stupid music scenes, judgemental folks, bright lights, and cheap wine. Agent Orange is a perfect snapshot of this chaos!
Playing a unique brand of surf/punk/skate/metal music, Agent Orange bursted onto the punk scene in 1981 with this underrated gem. Noone paid attention. The fact was Agent Orange consisted of three kids, not really caring for there clothing or who they played for, playing this strange music, covering surf classics like "Miserlou" in punk fashion and just straight up not giving a shit. It was... unique. You gotta realize this was at the dawn of the 80's, the segregation of scenes was commencing and punk fans were becoming more judgemental by the day! Gone was the old pipe dream of art school drop outs and washed out stoners all coexisting in peace; in was the brigade of identical mohawked, boot laced, studded punk kids, shoving there ideals and music tastes on anyone who didn't fit the description. Agent Orange didn't fit the description, they just happened to be amazing.
I love this album and I hope you do to! "Bloodstains" and "El Dorado" remain classics in my ear.
01. Bloodstains
02. Too Young to Die
03. Everything Turns Grey
04. Miserlou
05. The Last Goodbye
06. No such Things
07. Cry for Help
08. Bloodstains.mp3
09. Living in Darkness
10. Pipeline
11. Breakdown
12. Mr. Moto
13. America
14. Bored of You
15. El Dorado
16. Agent Orange Interview
DL Link here!
miss yea, boys
Heres a list of lost souls who I wish I could meet, if only for a fleeting moment. Musicians, true artists who I will never actually have the chance to meet.
Joe Strummer
John Mellor. Joe Strummer. Complete Control. Complete hero.
Joe Strummer was a soulful, wise, independant man who's soul shone through in the music he wrote and the ideals he expressed. He was a pub philosopher, a punk hero, a protest icon. He changed the world, one way or another. He inspired and continues to inspire so, so much in me and I wish more then anything the world hadn't lost his spark of life. It was one of the brightest sparks this world has ever seen.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley was an advocate of peace, a voice of the people, an intrument of change. His music was both rabble rousing and soothing as rainfall; his demeanor was light, carefree, and full of life. His soul touching voice and love of life left a mark on this world that noone forgets, as evidenced by the Bob Marley shirts I see every day on the bus.
Woody Guthrie
In an era of depression and change, dry winds and empty wallets, Woody Guthrie did what so few people did back in those days; he spoke, sung, and strummed his mind. Singing both tall tales and political rants, utilizing a barebones knowledge of a fretboard, Woody Guthrie killed fascists with his guitar and paved the way for people everywhere, myself included, to stand up and speak there mind.
Quorthon
Noone influnced metal like Quorthon. Noone. Channeling his rage and knowledge into anthems of despair, his music left an impression on the ear and a mark on the soul. He single handedly created two seperate genres of music, did everything himself, and paved oppurtunities for himself. In doing so, he paved the paths of hundreds of fellow musicians and artists. His death marked the loss of a true musical genious.
Joe Strummer
John Mellor. Joe Strummer. Complete Control. Complete hero.
Joe Strummer was a soulful, wise, independant man who's soul shone through in the music he wrote and the ideals he expressed. He was a pub philosopher, a punk hero, a protest icon. He changed the world, one way or another. He inspired and continues to inspire so, so much in me and I wish more then anything the world hadn't lost his spark of life. It was one of the brightest sparks this world has ever seen.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley was an advocate of peace, a voice of the people, an intrument of change. His music was both rabble rousing and soothing as rainfall; his demeanor was light, carefree, and full of life. His soul touching voice and love of life left a mark on this world that noone forgets, as evidenced by the Bob Marley shirts I see every day on the bus.
Woody Guthrie
In an era of depression and change, dry winds and empty wallets, Woody Guthrie did what so few people did back in those days; he spoke, sung, and strummed his mind. Singing both tall tales and political rants, utilizing a barebones knowledge of a fretboard, Woody Guthrie killed fascists with his guitar and paved the way for people everywhere, myself included, to stand up and speak there mind.
Quorthon
Noone influnced metal like Quorthon. Noone. Channeling his rage and knowledge into anthems of despair, his music left an impression on the ear and a mark on the soul. He single handedly created two seperate genres of music, did everything himself, and paved oppurtunities for himself. In doing so, he paved the paths of hundreds of fellow musicians and artists. His death marked the loss of a true musical genious.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Coil - "Unnatural History"

Another band my girlfriend showed me, Coil was a mind warping, horizon stretching industrial music project and honestly... they were undescribable. In my gal`s own words, "you have to listen to it with an open mind to understand its brilliance."
And its true!
Its incredibly atmospheric, dark, thought provoking, artistic, and creepy at times music. It can be a little upsetting to listen too at times, with it`s unsettling ambience and use of sounds/textures. It can sound like nothing and everything at the same time, a million ideas and sounds throbbing into your skull tempered with the sweet reprieve of silence. This is the kind of music that is a true statement, something dragged up from the dephs of someones soul, music that is "experianced" moreso then listened to, best heard with darkness and candles. I personally use it to help me sleep, morbid as that may seem!
My jumping stone into Coil was actually a track off of the live album "...And the Ambulance Died in His Arms." I heard it with my eyes closed, while travelling on a train. The feeling of the train hurtling forward, the environment of sound that consumed me... it was amazing! This, however, is a compilation of Coil`s earlier work. It`s an amazing listen. Stay free!
1."Various Hands
2."The Swelling of Leeches"
3."The Pope Held Upside Down"
4."His Body Was a Playground for the Nazi Elite"
5."Homage to Sewage"
6."Here to Here (Double Headed Secret)"
7."S Is for Sleep"
8."Dream Photography"
9."Comfortable"
10."Never"
11."Penetralia II"
12."Sicktone"
13."How to Destroy Angels"
DL Link here!
Darkthrone - "A New Dimension"
First, lets just get this out of the way; Darkthrone is hands down one of my favorite bands of all time. No question! They are true artists, constantly evolving and making consistently amazing music that spands so many genres, its dizzying. Like any other self respecting fellow, I love "A Blaze In The Northern Sky" "The Cult Is Alive," and "Transylvanian Hunger," but this old '88 demo of theres is something I had never heard of until recently. I think it just may be better, in two songs, then any of those albums combined!
Consisting of one 40 second long ambient intro and one 9 minute killer of a song, this is a short and sweet showcase of why I love this band. Guitar heroics and pointless widdling are negated! No, what you have here is raw, driving black metal with death and crust influences. Catchy riffs, d-beats, straight up fucking metal. You think Darkthrone just up and switched to crust punk with FOAD? Think again when you hear this demo! Its killer, one of my favorite recent listens, and definatly worth a place in your library!
1. "Intro - Twilight Dimension"
2. "Snowfall"
DL Link here!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Wolfpack - "A New Dawn Fades"
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Before there was Wolfbrigade, there was Wolfpack! An extremely influential band that played a mix of d-beat, crust, and death metal, Wolfpack paved the way for many bands like Tragedy and Skitsystem, combining the new level of heavy that crust punk was known for with the grinding speed and aggression of d-beat! Wolfpack changed its name to Wolfbrigade to avoid affiliation with a neo nazi group but they ALWAYS kept it heavy, and they continue to gig out today! "A New Dawn Fades" is an insanely powerful album, grabbing you by the throat from the first track and refusing to ever relent. Throw this one on when your in the mood to break shit because seriously, this will make you violent!
1. "Living Hell"
2. "Enter The Gates"
3. "Wave Of Fear"
4. "November's Delirium"
5. "Predator"
6. "Landshark"
7. "No Dreams"
8. "Get Ready To Burn"
9. "Soul On Fire"
10. "Twisted Hunger"
11. "Deep Cuts"
12. "Silencer"
13. "Outlaw Vagabond"
DL Link here!
Elliott Smith - "Either/Or"

Alot of people see Elliott Smith as another doe eyed folk artist, with his share of problems and basic knowledge of a fretboard. The fact that he killed himself just amplifies this. But I see Smith as far more then that. I see him as a man who could make no sense of his soul, a house of mirrors within his own head. Music was his way of testing the grounds and attempting to figure it all out. Nothing else made sense to him, so he just wrote was on his mind. I know I've been there, personally; you sit and suddenly your vision goes blurry, your heart ambushes you, and the only thing that can bring clarity is a heart baring hour or so with a musical instrument. I'm pretty sure everyone has been there! Ultimately, nothing could bring sense to the maze of Elliott Smith's soul and he stabbed himself. However, I like to imagine writing some of this music led him somewhere farther along his personal path. Elliott Smith may have been a lost soul, but I sincerely hope he occasionally found the right footsteps.
I could have picked any of his albums and comfortably posted it, but I chose "Either/Or" because of one song, "2:45 A.M."
1."Speed Trials"
2."Alameda"
3."Ballad of Big Nothing"
4."Between the Bars"
5."Pictures of Me"
6."No Name No. 5"
7."Rose Parade"
8."Punch and Judy"
9."Angeles"
10."Cupid's Trick"
11."2:45 AM"
12."Say Yes"
DL Link here!
truth.
"Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to pop music?"
The Jesus and Mary Chain - "Psychocandy"
Its hard to describe this album without falling to ridiculous hyper-bole, but I will try.
Few people have ever been able to tap the conscience of man like this band. Without trying to hard or to little, this album was -and still is- incredible, blunt, raw, and yet still earnestly refined. The lyrics continue to intigue me; its the kind of stuff I could comfortably read as written poetry as well as lyrics. "Too many things move fast, I can;t quite get a grip at last" they sing on my favorite track, "Taste the Floor." And it honestly leaves me speechless, how they are able to say so much while still saying so little. Soundwise, this album is a slightly surreal blend of alt and post punk, playing a fuzzed out wall of noise that is controlled by ingenious melodies well hidden underneath all the chaos. This is an amazing album, I hope you love it.
1."Just Like Honey"
2."The Living End"
3."Taste the Floor"
4."The Hardest Walk"
5."Cut Dead"
6."In a Hole"
7."Taste of Cindy"
8."Never Understand"
9."Inside Me"
10."Sowing Seeds"
11."My Little Underground"
12."You Trip Me Up"
13."Something's Wrong"
14."It's So Hard"
DL Link here!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb - Front Seat Solidarity
So you may be wondering where the image above came from! Well, a young adult in europe came under criminal investigation when his bike was seen to have a sticker labelled "this bike is a pipe bomb" on the body. Turns out this kid wasn't a terrorist in hiding, he was just a bike riding free soul with great taste in music! Thats his bike above!
As for the band This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb, they are jim dandy amazing. Rootsy folk music with punk energy and songs sung straight from the heart, they are my kind of band! The optimism of this prevails in every single track they write as they cover topics such as cops, unity, being married, being drunk, and everything that lies between in the cracks of the soul. Think a more optimistic Against Me, or Defiance Ohio! Throw these folks on and ride your bike, inhale fresh air, take a look at this wonderful life we lead!
1. "This Is What I Want"
2. "Selma"
3. "Body Count"
4. "Trains & Cops"
5. "Mouseteeth"
6. "A Hundred Dollars"
7. "Depression"
8. "The Arguement"
9. "Drunk Punk"
10. "Grampa"
11. "Board Of Tourism"
DL Link here!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Massgrave/Stormcrow Split

Fuck do I love Massgrave. Straight outta Vancouver, the incredibly tight brand of blackened stoner crust grind punk they play just gets me amped everytime I hear it! and this split DESTROYS.
The Massgrave portion of this split is an assault on the ears, and I mean that in the best possible way. Putrid and disgusted lyrics with contrasting howls and growls set to a hell shaking blend of blast beats, breakdowns, and brick walls of distortion. But what sets Massgrave aside from many crust/grind bands is not only the level of production and timing they put into there music, but one simple element that many grind bands miss out on; melody. Heavy and rotten as it may be, there's a discernible melody to every Massgrave song that you can hum along to and my friends, that is what kicks them up a notch. Whiplash inducingly fast and evil as hell, this band is amazing.
If Massgrave is the atom bomb, Stormcrow is the mushroom cloud, slowing things down but in no way letting up on your ear drums. I had never heard of Stormcrow prior to this split but I sure wish I had. Atmospherical heavy and crushing beats, this is stench core at its finest, taking you places you never wish you had gone. Like Amebix taken even heavier, Stormcrow plays encrusted music that calls to mind wastelands and loneliness. Contrasting the one or two minute blasts of noise that Massgrave has so perfected, Stormcrow prefers instead to drag you through the dirt rather then shove your face in it. "Poisoned Minds" in particular lulls to you an uncomfortable place, before kicking it up 20 notches. Stormcrow is dirty and rotten and I can't get enough of it.
Crust splits sometimes lack variety, but this is as good as it gets. Two perfectly contrasting bands, lyrics of hatred and despair, killer timing and brutal guitar work... this split is a must have. I hope you dig it!
MASSGRAVE
1. "At What Cost?"
2. "Only Your Mind Makes You free"
3. "Blind Folded Conscience"
4. "Corruption of Innocence"
5. "Suffering Until Death"
6. "Unconsciously Mundane"
7. "Get Over Yourself"
8. "Corporation Mind Control"
9. "Q: Landfill? A: Landfill!"
STORMCROW
1. "Poisoned Minds"
2. "Lost Hopes"
3. "The Science of Tyranny"
DL Link here!
The Ruts - "The Peel Sessions"

Henry Rollins once did a spoken word piece about how The Rut's affected him as a kid, about how song titles like "In a Rut" appealed to him as a dissaffected youth. I couldn't agree more, and adding on to that, The Ruts were one of the most criminally underrated punk bands of the 70's and 80's! Accused of being a carbon copy Clash, The Ruts found mainstream success to be elusive but I truly do not know why. The lyrics are so relevant, the instruments are so crisp and intricate yet sensible, energetic, and melodic! Yes, there is an obvious Clash influence here, but saying that a punk band is influenced by the Clash is like saying you were influenced by oxygen. Dig this great, great album and stare at the rude boys all night long!
(PS, Henry Rollins performed with The Ruts a few years ago, sitting in for the long deceased vocalist! Look it up on youtube, it looked like such a great show)
1. "Savage Circle"
2. "Babylon's Burning"
3. "Dope For Guns"
4. "Black Man's Pinch"
5. "Criminal Mind"
6. "Sus"
7. "Society"
8. "Your Just a..."
9. "It Was Cold"
10. "Something That I Said"
11. "Staring At The Rudeboys"
12. "Demolition Dancing"
13. "In A Rut"
14. "Secret Soldiers"
DL Link here!
Cymbals Eat Guitars - "Why There Are Mountains"
This little gem of lo-fi, shogaze, and indie is a treasure to behold. I learned of CEG through an interview with the lead singer of Titus Andronicus and the melodically driven wall of noise that they play has had me hooked since the moment I first heard it. At time's delirously happy and at others just plain weird, "Why There Are Mountains" is an album perfect for contemplation... or a good walk. It can be backround music, or it can be truly dissected and appreciated. The lyrics are gloriously trippy, the textures are softened yet hard, and the sound bounces happily between walls of noise and rushes of melody. This is such a cool album, and I hope you like it.
1. "And The Hazy Sea"
2. "Some Tree's"
3. "Indianna"
4. "Cold Spring"
5. "Share"
6. "What Dogs See"
7. "Wind Phoenix"
8. "The Living North"
9. "Like Blood Does"
DL Link here!
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Bolt Thrower - "In Battle There Is No Law"

Bolt Throwers debut and my favorite album by them,"In Battle There Is No Law" is a great, great listen. Retaining elements of death metal while still blending in some crust punk and even grindcore elements, it's a great gateway drug if your just getting into death metal.
1."In Battle There Is No Law"
2."Challenge for Power"
3."Forgotten Existence"
4."Denial of Destiny"
5."Blind to Defeat"
6."Concession of Pain"
7."Attack in the Aftermath"
8."Psychological Warfare"
9."Nuclear Annihilation"
DL Link here!
pop music rant!
I'm really not a fan of the absolute spectacle that has become pop music. No longer is it acceptable to get up on a large, televised stage and rock out in jeans and a shirt unless your Bob Dylan; some sort of visual stimuli seems to be the norm now, as our culture has shifted to absolute opposition of merely "listening" to music. Now, we need shiny things. Now, we need a huge lighting show, costumes, fake blood and guts and plastic dongs to captivate an audience. Dancers, revolving stages, fog machines, sets, makeup, giant swings, its a circus I swear!
It has come to the point where I feel like I am watching really bad theatre and to me, really bad theatre is when a connection can't be made. I see all this nonsense and I honestly feel such a disconnect from the stage, a disconnect that cannot and will not be bridged by a bucket of fake bile and piss being dumped on my head. (thank you, Gwar.)
The fact is that none of this seems to be happening to me. As a spectator, I feel like just that; a spectator, not participating in something special as an showgoer should feel. Yes this spectacle is being presented to me and yes, its flashy. Yes, I am being drenched in it. But its also the result of hollow mountains of money, inflated ego's and my friends, there is a mile of distance between my mind and that reality.
This is why I go to live theatre. No other art form is able to so viscerally hold up a mirror to the human condition, to take everything you don't want to look at and put it on a stage in front of you. An actor looks you right in the eye, and connects with you. Capture that element and I will play along with any sort of setting or theatricality. However, what happens when all the pomp and circumstance is presented without that element of connection? You get Lady Gaga swinging around on a giant fucking sling on the television like the Looney Toons Coyote, Gwar's aforementioned assault of fecal matter, U2 dropping $750 000 a show to surround the audience in some big fucking claw thing (pictured above), and the soulless carnival that is a live KISS show.
With the possible exception of bands like Tool, or Coil who use such stage elements to add to the music and artistry, it is all a purposeless sham which does nothing but drive me away from the tune being sung to me.
I go to live shows not to be thrown into some world of empty noise and dazzling lights. In fact, I would take a musty bar over an intricate light show any day. No, I see music live to be captured in the energy and emotion of the musician, and in the case of more artistic bands, to witness how they express themselves. When those live stage elements compliment the lyric, empower the music, and stimulate the mind, it is such a beautiful thing.
But why not simply trust in the music alone! If your music is truly heartfelt, all the glitz and glamour is truly unneeded. All you have to do to make an impression on losers like me is rock your damn heart out, and mean it! Get the crowd moving and grooving, play straight from the heart, and mean every single lyric you sing, while taking comfort in the fact that your lyrics can actually be focused on without a layer of makeup obscuring your face.
As I have belaboured before, its all about honesty. Just play your music, and let the audience be captured by it's brilliance alone rather then shiny packaging and blinding lights.
Artist of the Month; Fornskog
DIY in the truest sense of the word, "Fornskog" is one of the solo projects run and operated by local musician (and good friend of mine) Phil Feiss. Self recorded, self produced, and self sufficient, Phil plays every instrument and screams every single howl of this amazing and atmospheric black metal project. Its clear even after one listen that this is powerful and driven music.
The music is like a glance into a soul, intricate and complicated with overpowering themes and beliefs. At times as calming as a walk through the woods and at other times as harsh as winter cold, Fornskog is music to immerse yourself in. To lose yourself to. Grinding hatred contrasts with soothing peace, walls of noise crash upon the framework of gentle guitar, and it all comes down too the haunting howls that Phil supplies on most songs. This is seriously incredible music. It's true, honest, and dark. I don't even want to compare it with other bands, so I will simply describe it as grinding black metal with folk and traces of ambience. But really, those are just labels; Listen for yourself to figure it out!
Phil's "fuck the industry" stance lends itself to the innate truth of his music, clear in the fact that he literally does everything himself from promotion to instrumentation. Hell, he even objects to the inevitable advertising that every band does in the comments section of a myspace page. I was even lucky enough to be supplied with the entire unreleased (and only recently mastered!) new Fornskog EP to share as a free download by Phil himself, further proving that the music of Fornskog is a statement of artistry rather then a tool of profit or gimmickry. Hopefully Phil takes it upon himself to assemble a live line-up but a part of me hopes it stays this personal! It's a refreshing blast of air to see such a real musician making his own impact, without a care for what others think.
Check out the Fornkog myspace here!
Fornskog - "Reflections of the Autumnal Wane" EP
1. "Wane of Sowilo"
2. "The Great Autumn"
3. "Voices of the Old Winds (Murmurs of Gnosis Lost)"
4. "Where Darkness is Lord and Death the Beginning (Inquisition Cover)"
5. "Outtro"
DL Link here!
Friday, July 2, 2010
SLED ISLAND!
Come to Olympic Plaza today and party down! The Thermals, Fucked Up, City of Fiction, Random Task Collective all in one day!
Look out for me!
- N
Look out for me!
- N
Thursday, July 1, 2010
if you make it
If You Make It is something you really oughta know about. If you've ever seen a band performing on a pink couch online, it was likely through If You Make It!
http://vimeo.com/4874297
An amazing community of friendly and true people, cheap and free music, acoustic jam seshs on a pink couch! Based on the promotion of local bands in the Brooklyn area, this is where its at; and home to many bands I love. Please check out If You Make It. I guarantee, it will leave a big ole' smile on your face!
http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/
http://vimeo.com/4874297
An amazing community of friendly and true people, cheap and free music, acoustic jam seshs on a pink couch! Based on the promotion of local bands in the Brooklyn area, this is where its at; and home to many bands I love. Please check out If You Make It. I guarantee, it will leave a big ole' smile on your face!
http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/
Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day! I decided to upload a few of my favorite canadian records for today! Hope you dig em!
Chad Vangaalen - "Soft Airplane"

Chad makes the most thought provoking music. Based out of Calgary, he makes and distributes most of his art/music from home, and you can feel the heartfelt pressence on this CD! Spacy indie folk with the occasional synthesizer thrown in for good measure, this album is the kind of album you just wanna sit down and listen to; it works as backround music, but you'll wanna just soak in the music, close your eyes and be taken to another place.
DL Link!
Funeral Circle - "Sinister Sacrilege"

Funeral Circle destroys. Formed in Vancouver, they play a REALLY rad for of traditional heavy/doom metal, calling to mind Pentagram, The Sword and Black Sabbath. This album sounds straight outta the 80's! Heavy riffs, dissonant vocals, and an overall crushing feel. Keep it heavy!
DL Link!
Wednesday Night Heroes - "Superiority Complex"

I got no shame in calling myself a HUGE WNH fan! Having seen them three times and owning two of their cd's, I really love the street-punk-with-style music they play. Based outta Edmonton, these guys really kick ass and clearly love what they do. Listen and learn to love!
DL Link!
Stay free friends!
Chad Vangaalen - "Soft Airplane"

Chad makes the most thought provoking music. Based out of Calgary, he makes and distributes most of his art/music from home, and you can feel the heartfelt pressence on this CD! Spacy indie folk with the occasional synthesizer thrown in for good measure, this album is the kind of album you just wanna sit down and listen to; it works as backround music, but you'll wanna just soak in the music, close your eyes and be taken to another place.
DL Link!
Funeral Circle - "Sinister Sacrilege"
Funeral Circle destroys. Formed in Vancouver, they play a REALLY rad for of traditional heavy/doom metal, calling to mind Pentagram, The Sword and Black Sabbath. This album sounds straight outta the 80's! Heavy riffs, dissonant vocals, and an overall crushing feel. Keep it heavy!
DL Link!
Wednesday Night Heroes - "Superiority Complex"
I got no shame in calling myself a HUGE WNH fan! Having seen them three times and owning two of their cd's, I really love the street-punk-with-style music they play. Based outta Edmonton, these guys really kick ass and clearly love what they do. Listen and learn to love!
DL Link!
Stay free friends!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Ghost Mice - "Europe"

A really good friend of mine lamented to me that he couldn't find any Ghost Mice online! I was delighted to revisit one of my favorite bands ever.
Ghost Mice is... gah. So wonderful, amazing, simple, meaningful, witty, catchy, poetic, blunt, I gotta stop... far to many adjectives. Its a boy and a girl, a guitar and a violin, two voices neither perfect nor produced and an independant view on life. Folk punk, some may call it, but its so special that I don't like labelling it. I love Ghost Mice with all my soul.
This is a concept album with an amazing story behind it. Jumping a plane to Europe, Chris and Hannah of Ghost Mice made no plans whatsoever. No reservations, no tourist crap. They thought, "lets survive on the kindess of strangers and the beats of our hearts" Survive they did, and they wrote a song for every city, country, and spot they visited. At times filled with joy and at others utterly heartbreaking, this is a raw and emotionally powered album. This is two real souls sharing very real experiances, from wandering France broke to crashing in the house of a fan they sent CD's to. The music may seem a bit simplistic, but I don't care. Its amazing, and a true joy to hear.
01. England
02. English Channel
03. Belgium
04. Holland
05. Germany
06. Switzerland
07. Italy
08. Spain
09. France
10. Celtic Sea
11. Ireland
DL Link!
just some poetry! hope you like!

I found myself at a bus stop the other day and I was lucky enough to bear witness to this gorgeous sunset, juxtaposed against a random structure. I thought it was pretty neat and (somewhat!) caught the moment on my phone. It made me think of some lyrics/poetry, nothing to fancy, but I hope you like them!
Sometimes I have to, sometimes I don't
Sometimes the feeling is oddly remote
the sunset is passing, a forgotten pace
and yet I am wandering, wandering, wandering, wandering...
keep it honest!
To me, a musician is someone who speaks from the heart. Someone you can connect to. This doesn't necesitate guitar heroics or hidden meaning beyond comprehension or perfection of a certain style; all I look for in music is honesty. Someone who's voice can ring in my head, a band that can make a room full of previously segregated and clique'd kids lose all barriers and for the half hour set, be best friends. A band that makes you wanna move. A sound that makes you wanna think. Contemplate. Thought or action provoking, it doesn't fucking matter; as long the musician is speaking or playing or breathing straight from the heart and I believe it, I am convinced. I love it. A howling voice can be the most beautiful thing in the world, if you know without a doubt that the howling is coming from a place that exists. Bare your soul on a six string, tap away your heart on the black keys, throw your agression and frustration in my face with a wall of distortion. Tell me why I should be a vegan in a thirty second blast of noise. Tell me why your parents suck. Say nothing. Trip me out with 7 minutes of sound, texture, soul. Anything. Inspire, and you have made music.
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