CKY Sneak Peek / True Story

This to me is exciting news…

Roadrunner Records and CKY (Camp Kill Yourself) are bringing their fans an early sneak peek of their new album, Carver City, with a FREE mp3 download of “Hellions On Parade” starting on 4/15. The digital single goes up for sale on 4/21 but you can  hear it first at ckyalliance.com and roadrunnrerrecords.com!  Just visit the page and supply your email address and you will get the download in return…

I’ve have been a longtime fan of CKY and I have Bam Margera‘s CKY skate videos to thank for that.  Back in 2000 a kid I worked with at Borders found out I liked skateboarding and made me a VHS tape that had Landspeed : CKY & CKY2K on it.  I remember taking that tape home and watching it twice.  Once for the shock factor and hilarity and the second time to find out more about some of the music that was chosen for the soundtrack.

One band in particular on the videos was CKY.  For those of you who may not know, CKY is a band that Bam Margera’s older brother Jess drums for.  The band caught my ear in a good way and before I knew it I was doing everything I could to find their CD.

It’s been 4 years since the band last released new material so needless to say I am really looking forward to their new material.

While I am on the subject I might as well tell you all a little story about stupid ol’ me…

I think it was October 2002, in fact I am pretty sure it was then.  CKY came to Cleveland and I was overexcited to finally see them live.  They played Peabody‘s in Cleveland with Atreyu and other bands on a week night and I made sure I bought 2 tickets seeing how I missed them the previous time they played at Blossom Music Center opening for some band that does not come to mind.  For all I know they played Cleveland even before then but I missed it…  The point being, I finally got to see this band that I quickly became a huge fan of.

It turned out that CKY brought along their friends Ryan Dunn and Rake Yohn from Jackass fame and being the generous guy I was I bought them drinks.  A lot of drinks.  I also drank a lot and I mean A LOT.  Drinking with people on shows I adore is fun.  Forgetting how much I actually drank before I left was not fun; more on that in a second.

I befriended former CKY touring bassist Vernon Zaborowski that night who kindly introduced me to the band before their show (more on him at the very end of this blog).  We chatted and drank and drank some more.  I felt like I was a rock star that night…woo.

Let me stop here.  I am pretty sure the following clip is an exact portrayal of how I was…

I’ve learned that when you drink a lot you do not act how you think you do…  For all I know I could have been annoying the hell out of the band.  I know drunk people annoy me these days and I don’t even drink anymore!  Point being, I am pretty sure I was making an ass of myself that night.

Throughout the night I hung around the bar with Ryan Dunn, Rake Yohn, and the lead singer of Atreyu even, who by the way was really nice as well.  I don’t even think I left the bar stool while CKY played.  I was too busy talking and sharing drinks with Ryan Dunn and Rake Yohn.  I watched the band from afar and kept to my debauchery.

I do remember CKY owning the night.  They sounded amazing live and had more energy on stage than I had seen in any band for years.  The fans, or CKY Alliance, were full forced as well surrounding the stage and singing along with fists in the air.  It was indeed a rock show that night.

After the impressive show my friend and I were invited upstairs to hang with CKY some more.  One of the members, I think it was Chad Ginsburg, later asked me if I was ok to drive home when we were saying goodbye.  I thought I was, my friend who went with me thought I was too…

I should have listened to Chad Ginsburg because apparently I was not.

That night I got my first, only, and last DUI.  I honestly thought I was ok to drive or else I never would have gotten behind the wheel.  I was not too far from home when I was pulled over.  When I got out of the car I suddenly felt real drunk.  Being the honest guy I am, I admitted drinking and when I felt myself stumbling I just gave up and was arrested.

I regret my poor decision in life and paid my fines, did my time, and moved on with life being a little smarter with how I do things.

A couple years later CKY returned to Peabody’s and the band remembered me.  Chad Ginsburg asked me if I ever made it home that night.  When I told him no he, rightfully so, laughed and took me back to tell the rest of the band.  We had a good laugh at my expense.

True story.  I am an idiot, got hammered with CKY, and got a DUI as a result.  Let this be a lesson to you kids.  If you want to get hammered with a band, go ahead, but make sure you have a sober friend who will drive your drunk ass home.  It is a lot cheaper.

Speaking of cheap.  How about free videos?

I was wondering what ever happened to Vern and found out he is currently in a band called Eastern Conference Champions.  Check them out on their MySpace page.

Strung Out – Prototypes and Painkillers – CD Review

Californian punkers Strung Out have recently released a b-side and rarities CD full of material that spans their 18-year career as a hardworking, independent punk rock band. The CD, titled Prototypes and Painkillers, is full of songs that are unreleased, not found on studio albums, or were previously out of print, making for a nice find for any Strung Out fan. This is actually the band’s second compilation; the first was titled The Skinny Years… Before We Got Fat.

Released by Fat Wreck Chords, the new CD, according to drummer Jordan Burns, is “for the fans.” The cardboard foldout includes short descriptions of each song, and the band shares when they recorded each song and what album, if any, it was left off of. The band also mentions that “over the last 18 years or so” they “recorded over 120 songs, many of which never saw a proper release.” I guess it is safe to say this is now the proper release that these amazing songs belong on; now true fans of Strung Out need not search endlessly on the internet for these gems.

The songs are in no chronological order. “Don’t Look Back” starts off the CD. The song was a limited edition 2001 recording that was included in the first 10,000 copies of An American Paradox, the band’s fourth release. The song is sick, in a good way, with trademark Strung Out technical guitar work.

The original recording of “Novacain” sounds to me better than the version found on the Fat Wreck Chords comp Live Fat, Die Young. Catchy as hell, it is a good track many fans may not have heard before. The song was actually supposed to be on the band’s 2000 EP The Element of Sonic Defiance but was instead contributed to Fat Wreck Chords, as they had asked for an exclusive track for their compilation.

The cover of the Descendants’ “I’m Not A Loser” is a great rendition. I had had no doubts that Strung Out could not hammer this classic punk song out. Previously only available on iTunes, “Novella” was a track that I feel should not have been left off the band’s recent release Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. The song is a little heavier and a whole lot catchier than some other tracks on the CD. The band mentions in the notes that it was a tough call keeping the track off the CD.

“This is definitely the most popular song we’ve never had on an album” they say in the notes for “Lost Motel.” The studio version may never had made it onto An American Paradox but it was released on the members only Fat Club 7”. Having only the live version on the Live In a Dive CD, I can see why so many fans request it at the band’s shows. Without a doubt this track is one of my favorites on the entire CD.

Speaking of favorites, the cover of “Bark At The Moon”, an Ozzy Osbourne classic, blew me away. Strung Out adds their own style and nails the song that appeared on the Punk Goes Metal compilation. I always tell people how I have heard a lot of bad covers, but this in no way will ever fall into that category. If there is one track on this CD you need to listen to first, here it is.

You can tell how long ago “Sinner Or Coward” was recorded from the moment you start listening to it. A bit of trivia about this song is that Rob Ramos played all the original instruments, including drums. Jim Cherry, one-time bassist for Strung Out, also contributed a guitar solo.

Another track that was recorded for a Fat Wreck Chords compilation, “Your Worst Mistake,” appeared on Uncontrollable Fatulance. Full of great guitar licks and solos, this is a killer track, with Jason Cruz singing his heart out. The bonus track “More Than Words,” originally on Blackhawks Over Los Angeles, sounds a lot more punk-poppy than the other tracks. It caught my ear in a good way and has endless singalong possibilities.

Strung Out says in their notes on “Wrong Side Of The Tracks” that Josh Freese (The Vandals, NIN, A Perfect Circle) charged the band a 12-pack of beer to fill in for an injured Jordan Burns on drums. The song was recorded for a Fearless Records 7” and the band had no time to waste, hence they had asked Freese for help. The drumming on this track is a lot more technical throughout, and the notes mention that Freese was actually stumped while trying to learning the opening drum beat. Just by listening to it I can understand why.

The acoustic version of “Velvet Alley” that was re-recorded for Punk Goes Acoustic is another track I really got into. I have heard this version as well as the original found on An American Paradox, and while both versions are amazing, the acoustic take stands out more.

Closing the disc is a demo from 1992, a few of which are included. The first song entirely written by guitarist Jake Kiley, “Forever Is Today” is a track full of young punk rock ambition and sounds. This track was, according to the band, never re-recorded or released until now. As a Strung Out fan, I found it very satisfying to hear this track and see how far this band has come along.

The band, having wanted to create this rarities CD for quite some time, is actually in the process of recording its eighth studio album, following their 2007 release Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. Full of material I had forgotten about or simply not had the opportunity to hear until now, I have no complaints about this CD and think it is the perfect collection. Prototypes and Painkillers should tide over any fan, old or new, until the next studio album. It is filled with exceptional covers, alternative takes on prior hit tracks, and of course the material that never made it to a CD until now.

-Check out Strung Out on their MySpace page

-DOWNLOAD THIS! – Strung Out “Wrong Side of the Tracks”

-Strung Out is on tour.  Click HERE for tour dates and more information!

-Here is a fun little overdub of my favorite track off the entire CD:

My Complaints About The Rock Hall Induction Ceremony On FUSE

Thanks to my DVR I finally have found some time to sit down and see what the people at home got to view last week on FUSE during the Rock Hall Induction Ceremony.  In case you forgot or had no idea I was one of the lucky in attendance last week and wrote a little blog about it.  You can read that HERE if you feel so inclined to do so.

I realize the FUSE broadcasting was supposed to be live but the ceremony started 1 hour prior to the showing so obviously there would be some editing to make it appropriate for TV.  Still I had a couple complaints…mostly over overlapping.

Little Anthony and the Imperials should have had both songs they performed live shown on FUSE and not edited with their acceptance speeches intertwined.  Honestly their performance was one of the best of that evening…

Same thing with Bobby Womack…  I guess this is how they do the ceremonies.  I admit this is the first time I ever sat through a Rock Hall Induction Ceremony on TV so I am not sure how previous ones were.

I am glad they showed Eminem’s entire speech.

Jeff Beck’s middle finger of course was blurred.

I got a better look at Tal Wikenfeld owning the bass during the Jeff Beck / Jimmy Page performance.  She is without a doubt…amazing.

I did get a kick out of the backstage footage of Jeff Beck and Tal Wikenfeld playing her bass at the same time.  I guess that was a bonus of seeing this ceremony from the comfort of your home…

Wow, the DJ Fontana / Bill Black sideman induction got butchered.

Wanda Jackson’s induction was nicely mixed with Rosanne Cash’s speech and video footage.  Did I just give a compliment?  Yes, I did.  I also was not aware how short Wanda Jackson was when I saw her last week…  Tiny woman.  Tiny woman also did not have her performance shown on national TV…  There’s my complaint.

Metallica.  It was clear that FUSE was/is pro-Metallica seeing how they broadcast as much Metallica during the week leading up the the induction so it was no surprise more of their footage shown from the induction than other inductees.  Flea’s speech was great to hear again, even if it was edited…  By the way, Jason Newsted’s wife/girlfriend is HOT…haha.

Dumb move having Metallica’s acceptance speeches overlapping their live performance of “Master Of Puppets” though I am glad the some parts of each member’s speeches were included.  They did NOT show Cliff Burton’s father speak and that to me should have been shown.

I’ll say it again too…  How cool would it be for Jason Newsted to join Metallica again???

One of the all-star finales (performance of “Jail House Rock”) was not even shown!  What gives?  They really should have shown that.  Wanda Jackson, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Rosanne Cash, DJ Fontana, Bobby Womack, and others really put on a fun little number.

I was nice to see a re-cap of sorts thanks to the FUSE broadcast of the Rock Hall Induction Ceremony.  I do feel that the people at home were really robbed of some memorable moments during the evening granted they did not have to pay anything more than a cable bill to see it, but still…

Again it was awesome to be a part and still can not believe I was a part of it.

By the way, have you seen what Matt at Addicted To Vinyl had to say about the event?  It is an exceptional read and I will be eternally jealous of him…

Manchester Orchestra Video Chapters

I have seen the band name Manchester Orchestra popping up all over the place as of late and really had not checked them out until recently.  For some reason I thought they were more of a rock jam project but was corrected by a friend and learned that in fact they are an indie rock band.

With a new album coming out on 04/21/09 titled Mean Everything To Nothing the band is promoting their CD with a full-album collection of videos that have been popping up on the internet. Have you seen them yet?  Well you are in luck as I have included the first three on this blog.  Word is the band will have videos for all of the songs on the album.  I think it is a great idea.

Additional info about the videos from a recent email I received from SonyMusic.com:

The full-album series concept was conceived by the Emmy Award winning directing team of Clay Lipsky and Jason Bognacki of Destroy Rock Music Inc., whom also directed “I Can Barely Breathe” from the band’s debut I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child.

Lipsky notes that the vision behind the videos are to “create a cinematic collage of decaying film and lost memories intertwined with a loose narrative about a young woman on a surreal journey to find what she is missing.” The videos to follow will continue to discover the many layers hiding within the new record.

Chapter One featured on AbsolutePunk:
Manchester Orchestra – “The Only One”

Chapter Two featured on Spin.com:
Manchester Orchestra  -“Shake It Out”

Chapter Three featured on MySpace:
Manchester Orchestra – “I’ve Got Friends”

Good Friday?

Yea I guess it is a good day.  Minus my dog Zeus and his terrible gas today has been just one of those days where I sit back and think of what to do…  I have been having a rough week with personal stuff going on so I have been not doing much lately and think today should be a productive day.

I could get a tattoo.
In fact it’s been over a month since I last got some work done so this may be a winner.  Persistence Tattoo is where I go.  Ronnie and crew rule.  I really want to finish up my sleeve.  I also want a Dick Goddard tattoo…and I am dead serious.  The guy is a Cleveland icon.  Not sure if it will be portrait or not.

I could go to Half Price Books.
It’s only been 5 years if not more since I last stepped foot in one of those stores.  I know, I suck but there is not one very close to me.

I could go to a park with the dogs and take a hike.
It’s been raining non-stop today and is a wee chilly so I am pretty sure I am going to skip that idea.

I could listen to music all day.
Well so far I have been listening to a ton of music today.  I checked out the new Doves album which is amazing, listened to some rarities from Strung Out‘s latest release, rocked out to Iron Maiden, and now for whatever reason have decided to listen to Metallica‘s Live S#it Binge & Purge.  Scratch that, I got sick of it and hit the random button…

I could hit up the local mall.
The local mall scares me.  In fact this city I live in right now scares me.  The water must be contaminated.  I have lived here for over 5 years now and only am friendly with my neighbors on both sides of my house.  I do want a new hat though…  I am torn.  Every year for the last few years I get a Cleveland Indians hat even though I am not a huge fan like I used to be in the mid-nineties.  I found one I kind of like for unknown reasons…it’s bright orange and Chief Wahoo is lime green.  Yeah, I know, no team colors there.

I could make lunch.
Food is always good.

I could play video games.
I can not even tell you the last time I picked up a controller and played some games.  Maybe today is a good day for that.  My brother did challenge me to Guitar Hero: Metallica on Easter Sunday, I mean Zombie Jesus Day.  As I still have yet to play that game I still have older ones and can work on my awesome finger tapping skills.

I could organize my vinyl.
I could do that but I would rather not today.  That requires a thought process and I am staying away from that right now.

I could…stop blogging about what I could do and get off the internet and do something…
Yeah that is a good idea.  I’ll be back later folks with some stuff to keep you entertained on this good Friday.


UPDATE: (For all of you who were biting your nails wondering what I was going to do…)

So after listening to some more music I opted to make a nice lunch for the lady and I.  After watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations I decided to call my tattoo guy at Persistence Tattoo and set up an appointment for later in the evening.

Since the weather never cleared up we ventured to Half Price Books to see if we could find anything cool.  I searched through the records and found an English Beat Wha’ppen LP and also grabbed a copy of Swingers as a certain someone in my household had never seen it.  I love that movie.

Before we headed for some tattoo fun, we stopped at Roly Poly in Mayfield Heights.  If you like your sandwiches fresh and healthy check this place out.  Annie had mentioned it to me in the past and said they make wraps and sandwiches.  We split a Nut & Honey wrap that was amazing.  It was a wrap with cream cheese, raisins, sunflower seeds, cashews, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, carrots, avocados, sprouts, and honey mustard dressing.  Needless to say it was delicious.

Running late we arrived to Persistence Tattoo in Eastlake where I got a beheaded St. Valentine on my right arm.  I’ll take a picture once it heals up if any of you are interested.  I think it looks sick and had a great time while getting it.  When I say great time I am not referring to the actual tattoo as I hate getting tattooed.  The fun was had in the conversations between all of us in the shop.  Crude, rude, and hilarious.

Headed home we decided we needed a dessert before watching Swingers so we made a pit stop at Handels Ice Cream and grabbed some deliciousness.

So it was a good Friday after all.  It really was the day I needed to end the week in a positive way.